Anti-Aging Clocks and Your Pet
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Proven anti-aging strategies that you can implement into your pet’s daily regimen now and throughout all life stages.
Why did Bluey (Kelpie from Australia) live to be almost (30) years old, while most other dogs face senescence and rapid decline much earlier? Is it in the genes? Did Bluey have exceptional telomeres (the end part of the chromosome that is a predictor of who develops debilitating disease and at what age)? Or, did this remarkable canine have a litany of protective factors (diet, life-style, stress management, luck) that precluded him from falling prey to the ravages of time. It’s hard to say since so very few dogs even remotely get to this age. But one thing is now known, aging clocks and the how long your pet lives can be influenced – even manipulated – to a great extent. Instead of listing a lot of superfluous facts and figures, I have decided to list some of the anti-aging strategies that I employ on a daily basis with my client’s pets. Hopefully you will see the benefits that your pet can derive with some of these ideas that I have used over the course of the last (25) years:
Minimizing the effects of Microbials (Viruses, Bacteria, Protozoans and Fungi
What do all microbials have in common? If you answered that they all can cause inflammatory conditions on the cellular level, you are correct. All diseases (cancer, heart disease, auto-immune disorders, etc.) have their origin in the inflammatory process at the cellular level. What can you do to minimize – even reverse – the effects of microscopic microbials? As it turns out – plenty.
Here’s what I do:
Herbs – I use a whole array of herbs in my dog’s diet including: cilantro, basil, sage, parsley, tarragon, rosemary, chives, etc. Herbs can help kill – or at least keep at bay – microbials of all sorts. They can be served raw, pulsed and mixed in with their regular food or juiced. They do work – just not as fast as conventional medicine (antibiotics) and sans the side effects.
Turmeric - This orange colored spice has been used for thousands of years to help stave off illness in people and can also be highly beneficial for your pet. I take a small amount (a teaspoon or slightly less) and sprinkle the powder on top of my dog’s food. The root can also be used. Just break apart a small piece, chop it up and serve to your pet. A word of caution: turmeric can stain your kitchen utensils and food processors. Mix it in as the last ingredient used. Circumin is the bio- active ingredient in turmeric and has received lots of attention by researchers as being anti-microbial in nature. Turmeric is a natural steroid and can be applied topically to your pet’s skin without fear of skin irritation.
Did you know: Most pharmaceuticals (chemo – as an example) are comprised of many plant constituents (Betulinic Acid, Camptothecin – as examples).
Good Oral Health
Here’s what I do:
(1) Bones – If you want to slow down the aging clock within your pet, good oral health is a must. I’ve found that raw, meaty bones can really help mitigate the ill effects of bacteria that collect along the gum line and can enter the bloodstream and can be a precursor to heart disease.
(2) Teeth Brushing – If you can’t use raw meaty bones – for whatever reason – good, old teeth brushing with a soft bristle brush is your next best option. I use a herbal brand that uses fresh mint as one of its ingredients. I start slowly moving the brush with gentle upward and downward strokes going from the front of my dog’s mouth to the back. If your dog’s gums start to bleed, stop immediately. Resume again – very gently – at a later time.
(3) Water-Pik – This can be very challenging to say the least. The cascading effect of a steady stream of water applied to your dog’s teeth and gums can be a wonderful oral cleaner. Most dogs hate it. They are very afraid of having a pressurized stream of water being squirted into their mouth. Go slow and stop immediately if your pet becomes overly stressed. Try again at a later date.
Please keep in mind:
Despite what the big pet food manufacturers may tell you; plastic toys, kibble, Greenies, etc. are not effective oral cleaners. The truth of the matter is that they only minimally remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surface. The underlying culprit of most oral problems is the fermenting bacteria that lie below the gum line. Store bought applicants do not effectively address this. You will do better by implementing either raw bones, teeth brushing , water pik cleaning – or a combination of all three – into their daily oral regimen.
Refined Sugar:
Refined sugars and high glycemic carbohydrates are not good for your pet. Both can cause dramatic spikes in your pet’s blood sugar level opening the door for insulin related problems, heart disease, excessive weight gain and even onset of doggie dementia. Because of their empty caloric content (most are devoid of essential vitamins and minerals) they are not recognized as being immune-supporting in any way. Furthermore, current research can now draw direct parallels between refined sugar intake and cancer cell proliferation. And if that’s not enough, refined sugars and carbs can cause dental problems – especially if you are not pro-active with your pet’s daily oral care.
Massage Therapy & Reflexology
Here’s what I do:
Massage therapy and Reflexology are the new paradigm in advanced pet care. A gentle massage can be done by you in the serene comfort of your home. Best to do a massage later in the day when your pet has had a chance to expend a lot of energy and is more receptive to the idea of winding down. Make sure the room is quiet and away from the distractions of domestic life (kids, loud music, bright lights, etc.). I will put on some soft, soothing music at a low volume and lower any bright lights. Next, I make sure my pet is comfortably lying on the carpet, rug or bedding. I like to apply some essential oils either topically or using a diffuser. I like to use:
Basil, Cinnamon Bark, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Oregano, Spearmint and Tea Tree. Please note: The aforementioned are only a small microcosm of all the wonderful essential oils that you can use to calm your pet down and prepare for a massage. You may like others; that’s fine. Research and read to find out which ones work best for your pet.
I like to dilute the potency of my oils. They are very strong plant constituents and can (potentially) cause reactions. To counteract that, I dilute them with good carrier oil like: coconut oil, olive, jojoba oil, sesame oil, flaxseed oil. Once I have diluted the oil I will rub the mixture in the palm of my hands and rub them together and apply gently to either my pet’s paws, nape of the neck or along the back hind quarters. Remember: You are only using a few drops of oil mixed with a carrier oil.
Once my pet is calm, I can now start to gently massage her. I will start with simultaneous upward and downward strokes using both hands (left upward and right downward or vice versa) on my pet’s head. Your touch should be gentle and tender. Next I move onto the back area and massage from front to back and side to side. If your pet is breathing deeply (dogs are natural diaphragmatic breathers – not chest breathers like humans) and their eyes start to close, you know that you are doing it right. I will progress to the hind quarters next. Same thing here. Gently massage up and down the back legs and their posterior area on top of the tail. Terminate the massage when you have completed a therapeutic massage all over their body. Generally, I can complete a healing massage within (10) minutes or less.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a relatively new modality that involves gentle stimulation on energy pathway points (receptor points on paws, legs) that promotes an aura of deep relaxation. These pathways holistically connect all major organs (liver, heart, kidneys, and pancreas) and help to help to invigorate their optimal functioning capacity. Reflexology can be learned by anyone who is willing to put in some time and effort in learning it. Pets who are prone to stress and anxiety can benefit greatly from a reflexology session. Do I use it on my pet? Yes, I do. It has been a steep learning curve and very challenging since my dog hates it but my persistence has paid off in huge dividends.
Hair, Tissue and Mineral Analysis
One of the main reasons that domesticated pets are living much longer can be directly attributable to the advancement of holistically realized modalities like HTMA. Simply stated, HTMA can pinpoint exact nutritional deficiencies with a simple lab test that involves microscopically examining locks of your pet’s hair. You will need to send in a lock of your pet’s hair to a competent laboratory (more about that below). Since hair is considered to be a soft tissue, traces of all essential minerals are stored on the hair shaft. HTMA can also identify the presence of toxic metals, overall metabolic health and enzymatic action. If the results show that your pet has tested positively for a high level of toxic metals (copper, lead, aluminum, and mercury), adding things like chlorella and cilantro can help expel them from your pet’s body. Cilantro (a herb) acts as a mobilizer and helps loosen the heavy metals from your pet’s tissues. Unfortunately, cilantro only moves the toxins from one spot to another but cannot completely expel them from the body. Chlorella (a micro alga) works synergistically with cilantro by actually chemically binding to the loosened toxins and eliminating them out of the body.
If a nutritional deficiency is found (like a low level of magnesium) you can make simple dietary changes (like adding almond milk – as an example) to your pet’s diet which usually resolves the problem. You don’t need to contact your vet to interpret the results; this is autonomous pet care all the way. You can do this.
How do I get started?
You will need to take some hair from the nape of your dog’s neck (about 1” to 1.5” ) and insert it in a plastic sleeve of some kind or whatever the laboratory recommends. You will then mail it to the desired laboratory via USPS, UPS, Fed Ex, etc. Typically results can take up to (3) weeks or more. Costs may vary but I have found most reputable labs charge somewhere between $ 125.00 to $ 150. 00 for the analysis. If a price sounds too high – it just might be. Shop around, read reviews and ask lots of questions. It will be worth the effort.
Can I buy a HTMA Test Kit and do it myself?
Yes, you can. On-line retailers like Amazon.com offer a complete line of HTMA Home Analysis Kits. Test results can be skewed for a whole host of reasons thus rendering the results as inaccurate when using a home test kit. Therefore, unless you are well versed in laboratory protocol, I would highly recommend sending your dog’s hair sample in to a reputable lab. Personally, I feel this really minimizes the chances of error and you can get on with helping your pet.
Exercise – The great elixir
Much has been written on the subject of exercise and pets. Seems like everyone from conventional practitioners to scientists to the little old lady who walks her Poodle on Main St. in Anytown, USA have weighed in on the importance of exercise. How much is enough? Can exercise really turn back the aging clock? Or, is it just hyperbole and you don’t need to exercise your pet at all. While it is true that there is no clinically documented, peer-reviewed study that suggests that rigorous exercise will help your pet live longer, there is mounting evidence that a regular, common-sense approach to physically engaging your pet in a daily work-out regimen can go a long way in helping slow down the aging process to a large degree.
Why is it important?
Whether it’s walking, running, doing agility or rigorous herding, exercise makes the heart (a muscle) pump blood faster – thus strengthening it and making it more efficient. Moreover, a dog in motion can keep his joints, bones and muscles from age ravaging atrophy, that’s right, weight-bearing joints (the knees) that are regularly used seem to age better and ward off arthritic conditions as opposed to a dog that lives a sedentary life-style. The muscle tone of an active dog is exceedingly better than a confirmed couch potato, as evidenced by the lower incidence of sprains, broken bones and exercise related injuries.
Another advantage of exercising your dog is that it can act as a natural anti-depressant. That’s right – dogs can experience the pangs of melancholy. They feel stress just like we (humans) do. A fit dog is a happy, well-adjusted dog, which translates into less vet visits and ebullient health for your furry companion.
How much is enough? Can I exercise my dog too much?
I like to exercise my dog on a daily basis. Unless, there is some reason that you can’t do it on a regular basis, it’s prudent to design a daily program that fits your schedule and is advantageous to your pet. I will walk my dog (approx. 1 mile) in the morning and – depending on my work schedule – again in the evening for about a ½ mile. My dog is 16.5 years old and has aged well due to the high level fitness program that I have adopted for her. Shelby (my dog) is a female Border Collie and absolutely thrives on exercise. She used to play Frisbee (until she was 14) but now is very content with her (2) walks each day.
Can you exercise your dog too much? Of course, you can. If you dog is overweight (puts pressure on joints) or doesn’t move around a lot, a sudden infusion of exercise can cause inflammation, sprains, muscle tears and a whole host of other physical phenomena that can turn you – and your pet – off to the idea of doing this on a regular basis. Start slow. Gentle stretching on the front and hind quarters before starting is always a good idea. Try walking at a slow pace for a short distance. If that goes well, increase the distance a little bit each time until you have achieved a viable fitness regimen that both you and your pet enjoy.
Socialization
The importance of socialization cannot be overstated. Dogs that regularly engage in some kind of social engagement with other canines or their human counterparts seem to exhibit a lower incidence of aggression, are less phobic and enjoy overall better mental health than pets that are isolated from the outside world. Just the simple act of letting your dog hang out with another canine can go a long way in promoting the dissolution of many aging clocks. It’s absolutely fascinating how pets can actually work out differences among themselves when placed in close quarters with others. If you have a pet that exhibits overt aggression towards others and can’t seem to get along with potential friends, you may want to consider some form of training. It might be worth the time and money, because a socially engaged pet is a healthy pet.
Dietary Considerations
Some things you have no control over, namely genetics, pandemic outbreaks and the natural ebb and flow of world events. Conversely, dietary considerations are one of the areas of pet care where you have complete autonomous control. A good diet can do everything from counteract deleterious genes from expressing themselves to helping your pet reverse and ultimately manage cancer. The power is in your hands.
I cannot over-emphasize the importance of feeding your pet an organically-based, Non GMO diet each and every day. In my opinion, this is the single most important aspect of advanced pet care – and you are in control.
What I feed my dog
My dog gets (3) small meals every day. I like to start the day off with a “clock slowing” dose of anti-oxidant rich foods that may include the following for breakfast: sardines, sweet potato or butter nut squash, shitake mushrooms, carrot top greens and flaxseed powder. I pulse everything in a food processor for (30) seconds and serve. Lunch consists of the following most days: Turkey or beef (lightly cooked), cilantro, parsley, rutabaga, hummus and some olive or coconut oil spread on top. For dinner (the menu changes throughout the week) I serve the following: Salmon, bone broth, tempeh, asparagus or green beans, a sliced carrot, chlorella and sometimes – some almond milk. My dog’s diet is comprised of approx. 70% - home cooked and 30% - raw. I would feed 100% raw but she won’t always eat it that way.
Once again, I change things around all the time and include among other things: red kidney beans, some high quality yogurt, sprouts, nut butters, seeds powdered, Mango Ice Cream, micro-greens and some fruit.
There is no better way to slow down aging clocks than by a biologically appropriate diet. Whatever, you choose to feed your pet, make sure it is certifiably organic, non GMO, raw or lightly cooked and teeming with lots of greens. You can’t do any better.
Why did Bluey (Kelpie from Australia) live to be almost (30) years old, while most other dogs face senescence and rapid decline much earlier? Is it in the genes? Did Bluey have exceptional telomeres (the end part of the chromosome that is a predictor of who develops debilitating disease and at what age)? Or, did this remarkable canine have a litany of protective factors (diet, life-style, stress management, luck) that precluded him from falling prey to the ravages of time. It’s hard to say since so very few dogs even remotely get to this age. But one thing is now known, aging clocks and the how long your pet lives can be influenced – even manipulated – to a great extent. Instead of listing a lot of superfluous facts and figures, I have decided to list some of the anti-aging strategies that I employ on a daily basis with my client’s pets. Hopefully you will see the benefits that your pet can derive with some of these ideas that I have used over the course of the last (25) years:
Minimizing the effects of Microbials (Viruses, Bacteria, Protozoans and Fungi
What do all microbials have in common? If you answered that they all can cause inflammatory conditions on the cellular level, you are correct. All diseases (cancer, heart disease, auto-immune disorders, etc.) have their origin in the inflammatory process at the cellular level. What can you do to minimize – even reverse – the effects of microscopic microbials? As it turns out – plenty.
Here’s what I do:
Herbs – I use a whole array of herbs in my dog’s diet including: cilantro, basil, sage, parsley, tarragon, rosemary, chives, etc. Herbs can help kill – or at least keep at bay – microbials of all sorts. They can be served raw, pulsed and mixed in with their regular food or juiced. They do work – just not as fast as conventional medicine (antibiotics) and sans the side effects.
Turmeric - This orange colored spice has been used for thousands of years to help stave off illness in people and can also be highly beneficial for your pet. I take a small amount (a teaspoon or slightly less) and sprinkle the powder on top of my dog’s food. The root can also be used. Just break apart a small piece, chop it up and serve to your pet. A word of caution: turmeric can stain your kitchen utensils and food processors. Mix it in as the last ingredient used. Circumin is the bio- active ingredient in turmeric and has received lots of attention by researchers as being anti-microbial in nature. Turmeric is a natural steroid and can be applied topically to your pet’s skin without fear of skin irritation.
Did you know: Most pharmaceuticals (chemo – as an example) are comprised of many plant constituents (Betulinic Acid, Camptothecin – as examples).
Good Oral Health
Here’s what I do:
(1) Bones – If you want to slow down the aging clock within your pet, good oral health is a must. I’ve found that raw, meaty bones can really help mitigate the ill effects of bacteria that collect along the gum line and can enter the bloodstream and can be a precursor to heart disease.
(2) Teeth Brushing – If you can’t use raw meaty bones – for whatever reason – good, old teeth brushing with a soft bristle brush is your next best option. I use a herbal brand that uses fresh mint as one of its ingredients. I start slowly moving the brush with gentle upward and downward strokes going from the front of my dog’s mouth to the back. If your dog’s gums start to bleed, stop immediately. Resume again – very gently – at a later time.
(3) Water-Pik – This can be very challenging to say the least. The cascading effect of a steady stream of water applied to your dog’s teeth and gums can be a wonderful oral cleaner. Most dogs hate it. They are very afraid of having a pressurized stream of water being squirted into their mouth. Go slow and stop immediately if your pet becomes overly stressed. Try again at a later date.
Please keep in mind:
Despite what the big pet food manufacturers may tell you; plastic toys, kibble, Greenies, etc. are not effective oral cleaners. The truth of the matter is that they only minimally remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surface. The underlying culprit of most oral problems is the fermenting bacteria that lie below the gum line. Store bought applicants do not effectively address this. You will do better by implementing either raw bones, teeth brushing , water pik cleaning – or a combination of all three – into their daily oral regimen.
Refined Sugar:
Refined sugars and high glycemic carbohydrates are not good for your pet. Both can cause dramatic spikes in your pet’s blood sugar level opening the door for insulin related problems, heart disease, excessive weight gain and even onset of doggie dementia. Because of their empty caloric content (most are devoid of essential vitamins and minerals) they are not recognized as being immune-supporting in any way. Furthermore, current research can now draw direct parallels between refined sugar intake and cancer cell proliferation. And if that’s not enough, refined sugars and carbs can cause dental problems – especially if you are not pro-active with your pet’s daily oral care.
Massage Therapy & Reflexology
Here’s what I do:
Massage therapy and Reflexology are the new paradigm in advanced pet care. A gentle massage can be done by you in the serene comfort of your home. Best to do a massage later in the day when your pet has had a chance to expend a lot of energy and is more receptive to the idea of winding down. Make sure the room is quiet and away from the distractions of domestic life (kids, loud music, bright lights, etc.). I will put on some soft, soothing music at a low volume and lower any bright lights. Next, I make sure my pet is comfortably lying on the carpet, rug or bedding. I like to apply some essential oils either topically or using a diffuser. I like to use:
Basil, Cinnamon Bark, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Oregano, Spearmint and Tea Tree. Please note: The aforementioned are only a small microcosm of all the wonderful essential oils that you can use to calm your pet down and prepare for a massage. You may like others; that’s fine. Research and read to find out which ones work best for your pet.
I like to dilute the potency of my oils. They are very strong plant constituents and can (potentially) cause reactions. To counteract that, I dilute them with good carrier oil like: coconut oil, olive, jojoba oil, sesame oil, flaxseed oil. Once I have diluted the oil I will rub the mixture in the palm of my hands and rub them together and apply gently to either my pet’s paws, nape of the neck or along the back hind quarters. Remember: You are only using a few drops of oil mixed with a carrier oil.
Once my pet is calm, I can now start to gently massage her. I will start with simultaneous upward and downward strokes using both hands (left upward and right downward or vice versa) on my pet’s head. Your touch should be gentle and tender. Next I move onto the back area and massage from front to back and side to side. If your pet is breathing deeply (dogs are natural diaphragmatic breathers – not chest breathers like humans) and their eyes start to close, you know that you are doing it right. I will progress to the hind quarters next. Same thing here. Gently massage up and down the back legs and their posterior area on top of the tail. Terminate the massage when you have completed a therapeutic massage all over their body. Generally, I can complete a healing massage within (10) minutes or less.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a relatively new modality that involves gentle stimulation on energy pathway points (receptor points on paws, legs) that promotes an aura of deep relaxation. These pathways holistically connect all major organs (liver, heart, kidneys, and pancreas) and help to help to invigorate their optimal functioning capacity. Reflexology can be learned by anyone who is willing to put in some time and effort in learning it. Pets who are prone to stress and anxiety can benefit greatly from a reflexology session. Do I use it on my pet? Yes, I do. It has been a steep learning curve and very challenging since my dog hates it but my persistence has paid off in huge dividends.
Hair, Tissue and Mineral Analysis
One of the main reasons that domesticated pets are living much longer can be directly attributable to the advancement of holistically realized modalities like HTMA. Simply stated, HTMA can pinpoint exact nutritional deficiencies with a simple lab test that involves microscopically examining locks of your pet’s hair. You will need to send in a lock of your pet’s hair to a competent laboratory (more about that below). Since hair is considered to be a soft tissue, traces of all essential minerals are stored on the hair shaft. HTMA can also identify the presence of toxic metals, overall metabolic health and enzymatic action. If the results show that your pet has tested positively for a high level of toxic metals (copper, lead, aluminum, and mercury), adding things like chlorella and cilantro can help expel them from your pet’s body. Cilantro (a herb) acts as a mobilizer and helps loosen the heavy metals from your pet’s tissues. Unfortunately, cilantro only moves the toxins from one spot to another but cannot completely expel them from the body. Chlorella (a micro alga) works synergistically with cilantro by actually chemically binding to the loosened toxins and eliminating them out of the body.
If a nutritional deficiency is found (like a low level of magnesium) you can make simple dietary changes (like adding almond milk – as an example) to your pet’s diet which usually resolves the problem. You don’t need to contact your vet to interpret the results; this is autonomous pet care all the way. You can do this.
How do I get started?
You will need to take some hair from the nape of your dog’s neck (about 1” to 1.5” ) and insert it in a plastic sleeve of some kind or whatever the laboratory recommends. You will then mail it to the desired laboratory via USPS, UPS, Fed Ex, etc. Typically results can take up to (3) weeks or more. Costs may vary but I have found most reputable labs charge somewhere between $ 125.00 to $ 150. 00 for the analysis. If a price sounds too high – it just might be. Shop around, read reviews and ask lots of questions. It will be worth the effort.
Can I buy a HTMA Test Kit and do it myself?
Yes, you can. On-line retailers like Amazon.com offer a complete line of HTMA Home Analysis Kits. Test results can be skewed for a whole host of reasons thus rendering the results as inaccurate when using a home test kit. Therefore, unless you are well versed in laboratory protocol, I would highly recommend sending your dog’s hair sample in to a reputable lab. Personally, I feel this really minimizes the chances of error and you can get on with helping your pet.
Exercise – The great elixir
Much has been written on the subject of exercise and pets. Seems like everyone from conventional practitioners to scientists to the little old lady who walks her Poodle on Main St. in Anytown, USA have weighed in on the importance of exercise. How much is enough? Can exercise really turn back the aging clock? Or, is it just hyperbole and you don’t need to exercise your pet at all. While it is true that there is no clinically documented, peer-reviewed study that suggests that rigorous exercise will help your pet live longer, there is mounting evidence that a regular, common-sense approach to physically engaging your pet in a daily work-out regimen can go a long way in helping slow down the aging process to a large degree.
Why is it important?
Whether it’s walking, running, doing agility or rigorous herding, exercise makes the heart (a muscle) pump blood faster – thus strengthening it and making it more efficient. Moreover, a dog in motion can keep his joints, bones and muscles from age ravaging atrophy, that’s right, weight-bearing joints (the knees) that are regularly used seem to age better and ward off arthritic conditions as opposed to a dog that lives a sedentary life-style. The muscle tone of an active dog is exceedingly better than a confirmed couch potato, as evidenced by the lower incidence of sprains, broken bones and exercise related injuries.
Another advantage of exercising your dog is that it can act as a natural anti-depressant. That’s right – dogs can experience the pangs of melancholy. They feel stress just like we (humans) do. A fit dog is a happy, well-adjusted dog, which translates into less vet visits and ebullient health for your furry companion.
How much is enough? Can I exercise my dog too much?
I like to exercise my dog on a daily basis. Unless, there is some reason that you can’t do it on a regular basis, it’s prudent to design a daily program that fits your schedule and is advantageous to your pet. I will walk my dog (approx. 1 mile) in the morning and – depending on my work schedule – again in the evening for about a ½ mile. My dog is 16.5 years old and has aged well due to the high level fitness program that I have adopted for her. Shelby (my dog) is a female Border Collie and absolutely thrives on exercise. She used to play Frisbee (until she was 14) but now is very content with her (2) walks each day.
Can you exercise your dog too much? Of course, you can. If you dog is overweight (puts pressure on joints) or doesn’t move around a lot, a sudden infusion of exercise can cause inflammation, sprains, muscle tears and a whole host of other physical phenomena that can turn you – and your pet – off to the idea of doing this on a regular basis. Start slow. Gentle stretching on the front and hind quarters before starting is always a good idea. Try walking at a slow pace for a short distance. If that goes well, increase the distance a little bit each time until you have achieved a viable fitness regimen that both you and your pet enjoy.
Socialization
The importance of socialization cannot be overstated. Dogs that regularly engage in some kind of social engagement with other canines or their human counterparts seem to exhibit a lower incidence of aggression, are less phobic and enjoy overall better mental health than pets that are isolated from the outside world. Just the simple act of letting your dog hang out with another canine can go a long way in promoting the dissolution of many aging clocks. It’s absolutely fascinating how pets can actually work out differences among themselves when placed in close quarters with others. If you have a pet that exhibits overt aggression towards others and can’t seem to get along with potential friends, you may want to consider some form of training. It might be worth the time and money, because a socially engaged pet is a healthy pet.
Dietary Considerations
Some things you have no control over, namely genetics, pandemic outbreaks and the natural ebb and flow of world events. Conversely, dietary considerations are one of the areas of pet care where you have complete autonomous control. A good diet can do everything from counteract deleterious genes from expressing themselves to helping your pet reverse and ultimately manage cancer. The power is in your hands.
I cannot over-emphasize the importance of feeding your pet an organically-based, Non GMO diet each and every day. In my opinion, this is the single most important aspect of advanced pet care – and you are in control.
What I feed my dog
My dog gets (3) small meals every day. I like to start the day off with a “clock slowing” dose of anti-oxidant rich foods that may include the following for breakfast: sardines, sweet potato or butter nut squash, shitake mushrooms, carrot top greens and flaxseed powder. I pulse everything in a food processor for (30) seconds and serve. Lunch consists of the following most days: Turkey or beef (lightly cooked), cilantro, parsley, rutabaga, hummus and some olive or coconut oil spread on top. For dinner (the menu changes throughout the week) I serve the following: Salmon, bone broth, tempeh, asparagus or green beans, a sliced carrot, chlorella and sometimes – some almond milk. My dog’s diet is comprised of approx. 70% - home cooked and 30% - raw. I would feed 100% raw but she won’t always eat it that way.
Once again, I change things around all the time and include among other things: red kidney beans, some high quality yogurt, sprouts, nut butters, seeds powdered, Mango Ice Cream, micro-greens and some fruit.
There is no better way to slow down aging clocks than by a biologically appropriate diet. Whatever, you choose to feed your pet, make sure it is certifiably organic, non GMO, raw or lightly cooked and teeming with lots of greens. You can’t do any better.
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