What's your dog trying to tell you?

We just got back from our first road trip to LA from TX with our dogs.  Thank goodness I packed the Bach Rescue Remedy for Pets that I mentioned in my last post.   Four drops on Teddie’s nose (our 80# Beagle-yes-he was stray and that’s what vet told us he was as a puppy) helped him cope with the long car ride through the desert of NM and AZ. 

Teddie's first road trip

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Since I work mostly from home now, I have the privilege of spending a lot of time with our dogs.  I always wondered what they did when I was gone all day at the studio or clinic.  They are definitely creatures of habit.  It’s so interesting to me that their daily routines are naturally full of healthy habits. 

I don’t even need an alarm to take breaks anymore.  Tyson, our Boston Terrier/Beagle mix, loves to bring me his tennis ball for a quick game of toss whenever I’m working too long on the computer.  He just wants me to take a short time out which always helps me be more productive.

Here are 12 healthy lessons I think they would share with us if they could talk:

1. First, you must have a comfy bed to rest in.  When you first wake up from sleep, make sure you stretch.
2. Routines are great- eat regularly, take a few daily walks, go to bed and wake up at the same time as best you can.
3. Stay hydrated.  Eat then poop (what goes in should come out pretty quick if your plumbing isn’t backed up).
4. Every day, find time to get outside and enjoy nature.  Get your daily dose of Vitamin D with a little sun bath. 
5. Move around during the day- why nap in the same place all day long?  You actually need a few comfy places to rest around your house (update to lesson #1).
6. Make sure you are getting enough exercise and sleep to keep anxiety and stress under control.
7. Practice mindfulness.  Stay present.  Don’t worry about the future or the past.  This moment is all you are promised.
8. Give and get daily affection.  A cuddle, a hug, or even a quick belly rub will do.
9. Celebrate your loved ones- be excited EVERY TIME they come through the door whether they went on a short errand, to work for a few hours, a vacation or a deployment overseas.
   
10. Love unconditionally- always!
    
11. Avoid negative energy as best you can- steer clear of it but if you need to bark at it go ahead.  Do what you can to get away from it as fast as possible.
12. Your home should be a safe haven- a place to recharge and rejuvenate.  Does yours make you feel that way?  Only surround yourself with things you love.

Tyson with his favorite toys (& comfy bed)

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It’s amazing that dogs really live and do these things every day without fail.  What great role models for us!

What’s one health lesson your furry friend is trying to teach you?  Please share with us in the comments below.

Here’s to living a dog’s life- rest, play, love, repeat!
Mollie