It’s hard to believe that we are nearing the end of 2017! It was quite the year in weather, with our record-breaking cold, snowy winter and our long, hot, dry summer. Wildfires near and far and hurricanes that pounded our country have topped the news for months now. With all of the devastation, I find myself turning down the news and paying most of my attention to all of the good that happens around me in my daily life.

I find the close of each year to be rejuvenating to my soul. Reflecting on the ups and downs, the accomplishments and change, is invigorating. I welcome what’s coming next, knowing that I’m in control of most, but not all, of what’s to come in the next 12 months.

Due to the nature of my work, owning two small pet supply stores, finding good everyday is easy. In fact, at least one customer each day remarks on how fun my job seems to be. And, they are right! Helping people and their pets is beyond rewarding. Knowing that happy, healthy animals makes us happy and healthy too, I have made it my daily work and life’s mission to do all that I can to promote health and wellness in as many pet’s lives as possible.

The beginning of the new year marks an opportunity to invite positive habits into our lives and the lives of our pets. It gives us an opportunity to self-reflect and set goals for the new year. For many of us, our goals revolve around improving our health. So, why not extend that on to your pets as well?

Here are a few ways that you can improve your pet’s health and wellness in 2018:

Overall body detox: Twice a year, we all should be helping our body rid itself of toxins that can build. There are many ways we can do this ourselves, but what about our pets? By doing a detox, it helps clear your pet’s filtering organs, liver and kidneys, and help move out unwanted toxins out through the skin. Everyone should be doing this, but particularly those on medications, medicinal flea control or who show signs of itchy skin. Internal Gold Detox Kit by Amber Technology and Detox Blend by Animal Essentials are two products available that are easy to use and affordable.
Add some immune system boosters to your pet’s diet. There are many natural ways you can help your cat or dog’s system to stay strong and defend against toxins in the environments. We love Cod Liver Oil by Nordic Naturals. Cod liver oil is very high in Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a strong antioxidant and we are most susceptible to being too low in this vitamin in the winter months. Other immune boosters include Green Juju, a blend of organic vegetables combined with ginger, lemon juice and bison bone broth. Bone broths in general are an excellent source of enzymes and probiotics, all which help the digestive system stay strong. Caru, Plato, The Honest Kitchen and Answers Pet Food are excellent sources of bone broths that are formulated for dogs and cats.
Add more walking to the daily or weekly routine. Not only is is great for you, dog’s love all of the stimulation that they receive from being outside. Diversify the walks, finding new places to explore. This allows your dog to experience new sights and smells outside of the neighborhood which you live, thus helping physically and emotionally.
For cat owners, look for interactive toys for you both, such as laser pointers or wand toys. Playing with your cat increases your bond and helps them burn some extra calories while helping their cardiovascular system.
Remove foods with fillers and replace with foods that only contain animal proteins. Does your pet’s food contain corn, wheat, sorghum, soy or the like? Look for a food that lists the type of protein, such as beef, lamb, chicken, turkey or fish. Stay away from foods that are vague and list “animal meal”. These are not natural or healthy and add to weight gain and more.
Add more moisture to your pet’s diet. If you are feeding a dry food, add water to the kibble. Or better yet, add some high-quality canned or raw food. This will help with dry, itchy skin, weight loss, kidney and liver function and more!