Veterinarian Explains: 7 Conventional Habits that are Keeping Your Pet Sick

7 Conventional Habits That May Be Keeping Your Dog or Cat Sick

Hi, I’m Dr. Andrew Jones. Today, I want to talk about seven common habits that could be affecting the health of your dog or cat. Many pet owners don’t realize that these seemingly normal practices might be causing more harm than good. Let’s dive in.

1. Feeding Your Pet Commercial Processed Food

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating: the food you’re feeding your dog or cat is crucial to their overall health. Commercial processed pet food doesn’t provide all the nutrients your pet needs to thrive. Think of it like us shopping in a grocery store—if you only stick to the middle aisles, where the canned and long-shelf-life foods are, you’re not getting a well-rounded diet. The same applies to our pets.

To keep your dog or cat healthy, you should aim to feed them less kibble and more real, fresh food. For example, last night we had ribs for dinner, and the leftover animal protein was what Tula, my dog, had for her meal—real food! I understand that making all your pet’s food at home or switching entirely to raw may not be financially feasible for everyone. However, there are simple ways to improve your pet’s diet without breaking the bank.

• Feed high-quality kibble and rotate brands every 3-4 months.
• Supplement their diet with real food like eggs, ground flax, or leftovers. Eggs are rich in vitamins A, D, and E, a great source of protein and calcium. Ground flax is affordable and a great source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and cancer-preventing lignans.

Cats, being obligate carnivores, need to be off high-carb kibble and on species-appropriate food.

2. Genetics and Breeding

There are so many amazing dog breeds out there, but the truth is that breeding practices often prioritize looks over health. Take Bulldogs, for example. Without veterinarians performing cesarean sections, many Bulldogs wouldn’t be around today. The demand for breeds like French Bulldogs has led to health issues being passed down through generations.

What can you do? Do your research. Know the genetic predispositions linked to your dog’s breed and work with responsible breeders to minimize the risk of inherited diseases.

3. Vaccines

Vaccines are important for preventing serious diseases, but I advocate for a reduced vaccination schedule, especially for cats. If your cat is strictly indoors, they may not need vaccines at all. Over-vaccination can overstimulate the immune system, potentially leading to allergies and other issues. I recommend vaccinating less often and only when necessary.

4. Insecticides

The insecticides we give to our pets to protect them from fleas and ticks can have long-term consequences. Would you stay on insecticides your entire life and not expect some side effects? Your pet’s organs have to work overtime to metabolize these chemicals.

Instead of relying on chemical treatments, consider alternatives:

• Use a flea comb daily to check for fleas and ticks.
• Try holistic options, which, while slower and less immediately effective, can help you avoid long-term chemical exposure.

5. Quick Fixes for Health Issues

It’s natural to want to stop your dog’s itching or allergies right away, but the quick fixes like steroids and Apoquel can have significant side effects. These medications can suppress the immune system, and in some cases, even lead to cancer.

Instead, try a slower approach with natural remedies. For instance, quercetin is a natural antihistamine with anti-inflammatory properties. While it may take longer to work, it’s a safer option in the long run.

6. Too Many Diagnostic Tests

When your pet is seriously ill, diagnostic tests are essential. However, I have concerns about preventive diagnostics that often lead to unnecessary investigations. A minor abnormality on an X-ray or blood test could send you on a wild goose chase.

Remember the veterinary adage: common things occur commonly. If your dog is limping, it’s more likely they’ve strained a ligament than developed a rare autoimmune disease. Use diagnostics wisely and focus on the most likely cause first.

7. Not Questioning Your Veterinarian Enough

It’s important to be your pet’s advocate. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and expect thorough examinations from your vet. Here’s what you should do:

1. Make sure your pet gets a full physical exam.
2. Ask for a complete history, and inquire about the most likely diagnosis.
3. If a diagnostic test is suggested, ask whether it’s really necessary and what the next steps should be.

Ultimately, the decisions about your pet’s health are yours to make. Be engaged and empowered to learn about natural remedies and holistic care options. If your dog has recurring ear infections and you’ve seen black waxy debris, you might already know that over-the-counter options like Canesten could be a legitimate solution.

Thank you for tuning in to this edition of Veterinary Secrets. These are just seven of the conventional habits that might be keeping your pet sick. Be proactive, ask questions, and take charge of your pet’s health with natural remedies.

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