The potential benefits of being a dog owner are possibly endless. Every study on health benefits of owning a dog usually tends to point toward improved heart health. In fact, it is apparent that just having a dog by your side as a pet can potentially help lower heart rate as well as blood pressure. A particular Chinese study found that individuals who own dogs get better sleep and get sick less often. Again, with dogs at your disposal, you are more likely to take part in an exercise, and this can also have a positive impact on your overall health. Many dog owners are usually involved in a daily…

Source: Published originally in Good Dog Magazine, September 16, 2017 by Heather Wallace. This week I’m taking my dog to our local holistic veterinarian. We are so lucky to have a few in our area! While I do respect traditional medicine when it comes to my dog’s wellbeing, I prefer a more integrative approach. After all, I’m a canine sports massage therapist and see the benefits of non-invasive therapeutic techniques on a daily basis. My 5-year old mixed breed Gonzo has been injured twice this summer due to rough play with his brother. Our “typical” veterinarian is concerned that he is showing early signs of arthritis, and wants to have scans…

What do you do to raise money for families fighting pet cancer? Why, strut your mutt of course!     I am on the board of The Brodie Fund, a non-profit organization that funds grants to help families pay for pet cancer treatments. Based in Monmouth County, New Jersey we hold numerous fundraising events throughout the year. I wanted to have a dog show in the worst way.   When local restauranteur, Kelly Ryan of The Boondocks Fishery offered her restaurant it was kismet. She lives in Key West part of the year, which proudly sponsors an annual “Key Westminster” dog show. Her restaurant was perfect. On the water in…

How do we keep our canine friends safe from injury at the dog park? 

Just like us, every animal has different triggers for stress and anxiety. They are compassionate, loving, loyal and deeply attached to their human families. It makes perfect sense that a sudden change of environment with new people and animals to surround them is stressful for most of our four-legged comrades. From your perspective, all that’s happening is a few days of well-deserved vacation, or an unplanned trip abroad. Many pooches will get into full-blown separation anxiety mode when you walk out to the store just to get some milk and get back in ten minutes. How can you prevent an entire vacation from becoming a stressful agony for your furry…

There are a number of natural therapies to provide pain relief and improve mobility for your dog.  As our pets age, arthritis and stiffness can become a serious health concern.  Most dogs will begin to show signs of arthritis by the time they are 6 or 7 years old. This is something I am working to prevent as long as possible with my large breed dogs.    Medication can have serious side effects. So how do we provide relief naturally but still see results? In recent years we have seen a resurgence of eastern traditions integrated with western medicine. Truly holistic approaches to animal wellness.  Sports Massage Acupuncture Cold Laser…

There is a supplement that keeps popping up in my feed, chats, and conversations. Read on to learn about the superfood taking the pet world by storm- green shell mussels. One of the best joint supplements for your pet.   This all-natural supplement has become increasingly popular for animals with arthritis and joint pain. As an equine massage therapist and canine massage therapist I am always interested in natural ways to reduce inflammation in my clients. What Are Green-Lipped Mussels? The green-lipped or green shell mussel is one of the largest species of mussels. They are found off the shores of New Zealand. The native Maoris have been used these mussels…