When it comes to our pets, we tend to think of them as members of the family and like any family member we want to do everything we can to keep them happy and healthy and that has led to a number of trends in the area of dog wellness. Here at Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, CO, we believe in staying on top of those trends so that you can have all the latest information you need.
What are the top trends in dog wellness?
In recent years we’ve seen an upswing in the use of eco-friendly products, from biodegradable waste bags to pet beds, toys and accessories made from recycled materials. In the area of mental well being, several manufacturers have designed puzzle toys and other enrichment items to help keep dogs engaged and prevent destructive behavior.
Some of the most popular trends are in the field of health and nutrition. Among those is the growing use of CBD, or cannabidiol, products. Though CBD is derived from the cannabis plant it doesn’t include THC, the ingredient in marijuana that causes a high and can actually be toxic to dogs. Still, the reported benefits, including treatment of pain, inflammation, anxiety and nausea, have seen a dramatic increase in its popularity in recent years. While you can find CBD products for dogs here in the Peyton, CO area, we always recommend that you only get them from a reputable source to ensure their safety.
The use of probiotics is another quickly growing trend in dog wellness and one that has a lot of potential benefits. As with humans, dogs have a natural blend of bacteria in their system which helps it to function properly. When this bacteria becomes unbalanced it can result in a number of ailments. For years, humans have been using probiotics, both in food and supplements, to help maintain the proper balance of bacteria and improve overall health. Vets have begun to recommend the use of probiotics in dogs, both in the short term to battle bouts of acute diarrhea, and in the longer term to help ease anxiety.
Of course, as with the use of any foods or supplements, it’s important to consult your vet before adding probiotics or CBD products to your dog’s regular routine to ensure you’re using a reliable product in the proper dosage.
Some trends, such as the use of medicinal mushrooms and plant-based diets, are considered more questionable by veterinarians and other professionals. While medicinal mushrooms may have benefits in some contexts, in general mushrooms are not healthy for dogs and some types are even toxic to dogs. As for following a plant-based diet, it is certainly possible to do so but you would need to replace the protein usually derived from meat with a substantial plant protein in order to keep your dog’s diet nutritionally balanced. Again, it is important to consult your vet before making any dietary changes.
While there are plenty of exciting dog wellness trends emerging today, we here at Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, CO continue to encourage you to approach them with caution and take the proper steps as a responsible pet owner. With the right information and proper guidance from your vet, you can ensure a long and healthy life for your furry best friend.
