6 Things That Will Improve Your Dog’s Health — # 4, 5, & 6 Won’t Cost You ANYTHING

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We want our pets healthy and we’d love to give them the best that’s out there, but some of that stuff is waaaaaaay too expensive. Not to mention, some of the latest ideas on health seem a bit out there. The good news is that you don’t need to be buying organic dog food or raw bones from a Co-op to meet your pooch’s health needs. In fact, you probably have everything in your kitchen or the backyard…

 

  • Eggs

This easy and affordable option makes canine health simple and tasty. Eggs are a compact source of protein that dogs need for muscle and tissue, and they’re easily cooked and added to kibble. The shells are also high in calcium which dogs can easily eat when given hardboiled eggs with shells intact. Omega-3 eggs are especially beneficial to dogs because they pack omega fatty acids that reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health. You can get omegas in the yolks of standard conventional eggs, but the fatty acid content won’t come close to the eggs of hens with diets rich in Omega-3’s.  

  • Cinnamon

 

If your dog is dealing with diabetes or facing pains from old age, then this spice is a dog food must. Cinnamon is popular for its circulatory benefits which explains its use in reducing pain and inflammation like arthritis and headaches. Add in cinnamon’s antimicrobial properties and have an agent that can fight off colds while cutting down on congestion. It’s also able to lend a hand with balancing blood sugar levels and reducing blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels. Try adding ½ teaspoon to food at mealtime and see how this spice can help your furry love.

  • Coconut Oil

 

Pinterest must have a thousand different uses for coconut oil, so it’s a given that it would be brought up here. There’s a legit reason though. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is a natural antimicrobial that puts up a fight against bacteria, fungus, and yeast. It even has the potential to wipe out parasites like giardia. In addition, it may be able to aid digestion, reduce joint pain, and manage body weight. It shouldn’t be a problem to get your dog to eat coconut oil as most pups are itching to lick up the healthy fat, but it’s wise to introduce coconut oil in small amounts. As their body adjusts, this can gradually increase until they’re at 1 teaspoon for every 10lbs of bodyweight.

  • Plantain

 

It’s known as a weed to many, but the plantain plant is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and a digestive aid. My friend from Russia grew up using this plant for first-aid by chewing up the leaves and applying it as a poultice on wounds because of it’s blood-clotting and infection-resisting abilities (due in part to the compound allantoin). Having power against bacteria coupled with the ability to reduce inflammation, it’s very effective at relieving GI issues like diarrhea, bacterial infection, and bowel problems. It’s also has the potential to cut back kennel cough.   

  • Dandelion

 

It’s been said that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. In this case, the treasure of dandelion extends to dogs just as much as humans. It may seem hard to believe given the bad wrap it gets from immaculate yard keepers, but the trash can is the last place for this ancient medicinal herb. It’s packed with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for both humans and canines. And aside from being healthy, it’s can help with indigestion and gas. It’s even used to improve health by boosting liver and kidney function.

  • Massage

 

Yes, the thought of massaging your dog may sound outrageous, but it’s more than some overpriced trend among Hollywood’s most rich and famous. The modern practice dates back to the 70’s, where it began as equine massage for race horses. The idea of massaging an animal was highly controversial back then, but as the years passed it came to be practiced on various animals with great results. Now it’s being studied by scientists, and you can learn about the topic in universities. Whether you want to be a licensed animal therapist or you want to bond with your pooch — a few basic massage techniques will offer improved circulation, reduced muscle tension, and relaxation.

 

Now get busy with some lovely and loving pampering!

 

ash_stevens
Ash Stevens is a mother, writer, and a wannabe shaman. She loves health, gardening, simplicity, culture, chocolate, and sarcasm. If she isn’t writing or pondering up multicultural cheats to happiness on her blog, then she’s surely playing badminton with the kids. Find her on Twitter or Facebook and make a new friend!