This article was originally published in the January 2019 True North Wellness E-zine created by the Canadian Holistic and Wellness Business Network (CHAWBN).
Make sure to check out CHAWBN.ca to read the new blog featuring myself and other like minded members sharing their knowledge about holistic & wellness products, services and treatments available to you.
It’s a new month, in a new year, and I’m sure I’m not the only one that has a list of new resolutions to make it the best year ever! Who else has failed at those resolutions within a few months?
I’m not alone, right?
What if we tried something new? How about focusing on a joint commitment towards a health goal? Most of us would do anything for our pets - so why not improve their lifestyle and ours at the same time? Remember, you don’t need to incorporate all these ideas at once! Start small, with what resonates with you and your pets, and make it successful!
Status Check and Accountability
None of us want to go to the doctor, or the veterinarian, but if it’s been a bit since you’ve had a health check for yourself and your pet, this is a great place to start! If weight loss is a goal for both of you, learn how much. If there needs to be limits to your activity, find out. This will also give you a baseline so you can see where improvements have happened! I hope you have a great relationship with your doctor and veterinarian so that you can do that! If an appointment with your clinic of choice isn’t possible, find a local group or a social media group online to help you stay accountable and celebrate the wins. Come hang out with us at Toes and Tails Wellness - we can cheer each other on!
Move More
Almost every dog I know would love another walk, or even just a longer one. Maybe the cat would like to explore the yard a bit on a leash? We all know increasing our steps, just a bit each day, can be beneficial! A new year can mean a new walking route, a new dog park to try, or a new walking group to meet up with. You can also look into agility classes, flyball classes, and basic obedience classes to boost socialization as well! Don’t worry about that commitment to the gym pass when you have a great work out buddy living with you!
If indoors is more you and your pet’s style, do some yoga videos and tape yourself and the sabotage attempts from your pets. You don’t need to share them with anyone, but who knows… it could go viral! Throw the cat toy down the stairs, and if your feline won’t go, carry them down and back up if you need to. Weights and cardio done at the same time! Put the laser toy down, as
that doesn’t help you. Find your inner kitten or puppy and play with your pets, and get the kids on it too! Indoor fetch, hide-and-seek, searching for toys and many other games increase everyone's’ activity mentally and physically.
Weight Watch together
We love our pets, and we tend to show them by feeding them. Yes, even the trained and experienced veterinary technician writing this article is guilty of that same habit. The beseeching eyes, which we assume are asking for food, are actually asking for more quality time. Most of our pets are being fed too many calories, and are not getting enough exercise. Hmmm, that lecture sounds familiar doesn’t it? Talk to your veterinary staff about correctly assessing your pet’s weight, body score and caloric needs. Next determine the diet that will benefit your pet the best. If your pet is eating a diet that keeps their haircoat healthy, is calorically appropriate, satisfying and fits within your lifestyle, then that is the diet for you.
Try Some Tech
Do you have a step tracker? Did you know you can also purchase a step tracker for your pet? See who puts on more steps in day. Push yourself to go that little bit further to beat your goal. If a text reminder from an app will help you get out and go, do it! Use your social media to inspire you and cheer you on! Track your water intake and your pets! While our pets don’t tend to be dehydrated like we are, monitoring their water intake is a great indicator if something changes with their health. I haven’t found a water tracking device for our pet’s bowl yet, but there is some great water bowl, I mean bottle, options for us!
Essential Oils and your goals
There are so many ways essential oils can support the entire household with these goals. Not sure where to start? I’m happy to book an online session with you to discuss how we can tested and therapeutic essential oils safely with our pets and ourselves. Two examples of the oils and their uses we can explore are:
Lavender, Lavendula augustifolia, can help calm everyone’s anxiety before exploring those new walking routes or meeting up with the new walking group. Diffusing lavender at night can help everyone sleep better. You can also create a nice massaging blend for both you and your pets, decreasing stress and increasing the bond between you
Lemon, Citrus limon, can give you the motivating nudge you need to get your body moving and get your pet moving too. It’s also a great oil to use to create natural cleaners to use around the house. This decreases the toxic load on your body and your pet’s as well, leading to happier and longer lives.
I hope you’re inspired to set some goals with your fur-baby! Check out the Toes and Tails Wellness Facebook page and Instagram Page for glimpses of our goals. Thea, our Springer Spaniel is now overweight due to the lack of walks and extra food on the floor from the twins! There are changes coming to her food bowl, and I need to make some to my dishes too! Let me know if you want to be an accountability partner for Thea and myself!
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My name is Nina Munckhof, and I am Toes and Tails Wellness!
When my twins were born in 2015, I went on maternity leave from my 14 year career as a Registered Veterinary Technician. Educating clients about their pet's health and wellness needs was a highlight of my job, and I was going to miss it! In my new career as a mom, I wanted alternative options to household cleaners, leading me to discover doTERRA! The physical, mental and emotional support that these oils have provided my family is amazing. Educating about the safe use of doTERRA's Certified Pure Tested Grade essential oils is enabling me to combine my veterinary experience and love of animals with this passion for essential oils!
As a veterinary technician, I cannot diagnose health issues or prescribe medications. My goal is to educate about safe use of essential oils on our pets and work with you, and your veterinarian, to provide supportive therapies. Please private message me if needed, and I will be more than happy to assist you!
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