The Forever Dog: Parallels Between Canine and Human Health

Hi everybody, Dr. Rick here. Today, I want to dive deeper into the themes of an incredible book I’ve been focusing on called The Forever Dog. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves their dog and wants to ensure their furry friend lives a long, healthy life. This book draws some really strong parallels between canine and human health, something I’ve experienced firsthand with my own dog, Kayla.
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Kayla, our rescue dog, taught me a lot about unconditional love and empathy. When we first met her, she was fearful and anxious, cowering if I moved too quickly near her. It broke my heart to see her so distressed. My wife suggested we start giving Kayla Network Care, which I had to learn from the creator of Network Care

and my teacher, Donny Epstein as well as other practitioners since dogs' spines are very different from ours. With a safe and stable environment, Network Care, and regular exercise, Kayla underwent an incredible transformation. She became strong, confident, friendly, and outgoing, all while maintaining her fierce spirit. 
This transformation wasn’t just about physical health; mental health played a significant role. There are key factors to consider in keeping your dog healthy, many of which mirror our own needs:

1. Diet: What are you feeding your dog?
2. Exposure to Toxins: How toxic is their environment?
3. Exercise: Are they getting enough physical activity?
4. Socialization: Are they interacting with other dogs and people?
5. Mental Health: Are their emotional and mental needs being met?

 
Focusing on mental health is crucial. Just as in humans, dogs can suffer from stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. For humans, there's been a 400% increase in antidepressant prescriptions since 1990, with rising suicide rates, especially among young people, widespread insomnia, and a general decrease in physical activity. Dogs, reflecting their human companions, experience similar issues. In a 2016 study, 83 percent of veterinary general practitioners reported prescribing dogs anti-anxiety medication (1).  Dogs mirror our emotions; if you’re stressed, your dog likely is too. Dogs dissipate stress through walks, playtime, hikes, and simply being a dog. Imagine a dog confined to an apartment, only going out for brief walks to do their business. They aren’t going to be able to process and release all of the stress in their natural way. 

​To maintain your dog’s mental health, it’s essential to take care of your own nervous system as well. Network care can be incredibly beneficial for both you and your dog. Managing and dissipating stress helps you become more adaptable and flexible, and your dog will sense and respond to your well-being. Dogs are pack animals and look to you as the pack leader. If you’re anxious or stressed, it can unravel their sense of security.

One primary thing you can do for both yourself and your dog is to get outside. Exercise, playtime, and socialization are vital. Beyond physical exercise, dogs need mental stimulation too. Games like fetch or hiding treats around the house for them to find engage their brain and senses, providing much-needed mental exercise. Kayla loves playing these games, and it’s clear they contribute to her happiness and well-being.

​These are just a few tips on how you and your furry friend can stay healthy and happy together. Remember, taking care of your pet starts with taking care of yourself. Thank you for reading, and I hope you and your dog thrive together!

Rsource:
1. https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/dog-anti-anxiety-meds-treatment/675715
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