It's In The Bag Blog - Gayle Martz

Listening and Learning About Longevity

I have become quite fascinated with researching what pet owners can do to expand the longevity of their dogs. I look back at the relationship I had with my first dog, SHERPA, whom I vividly remember holding at nine-weeks-old and from that day on, she never left my side. SHERPA was a remarkable companion and business partner, even garnering the title as SHERPA Brand Ambassador, but most importantly she was my best friend and gave me the truest unconditional love when I needed it most. Would I have wanted more time with SHERPA? Absolutely! Would I have wanted more time with my other dogs, and wish for KoKo, my current dog, to be with me as long as possible? Absolutely! I think every dog owner would agree with this and is why I was not surprised when I read a report by Bloomberg Intelligence that the pet industry is predicted to go from $320 billion today to almost $500 billion by 2030. The report says: “This growth is driven by an increase in spending on pet-related healthcare — including veterinary care, diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals — that has created longer pet lifespans that require more expensive elderly care.” A pet owner who is providing healthcare for their dog is getting the blessing of them living longer, and that to me is far worth the extra expense that comes with it. Thngere is no price for unconditional love

In my previous articles, I tend to give advice, but I want to try to do something different this time around. I want to try to better understand my SilverDisobedience audience, specifically, those who are dog owners. Here are some questions I would love for you to answer:

-Do you want to find and learn healthy habits to expand the lifespan of your dog?

-Would you be willing to spend more money to increase the healthy longevity of your dog?

-What are YOU doing personally in hopes of getting more years with your four-legged companion?

I am truly curious as to what everyone else thinks. I shared with you last month some healthy habits for your dogs in hopes of increasing longevity and now I want to hear from you! I will leave you with a quote I recently read and love: “Too big are their hearts, too short are their lives.”

Gayle Martz is the SilverDisobedience Pet Ambassador who will be sharing her insight on a variety of pet-related topics. Gayle is the founder of The SHERPA Pet Trading Company, where she single-handedly designed, manufactured and marketed the iconic SHERPA Bag you see everywhere! This carrier, which millions have bought for their dogs, cats and other animal companions, continues to be THE top-selling, prize-winning, globally-popularly soft-sided pet carrier. Further, it is because of Gayle’s advocacy and entrepreneurship that pet travel on airlines is now possible and common. Gayle’s the author of “IT’S IN THE BAG”, which is part memoir and part business book.

Habits for Healthy Aging for Dogs

Photo by Halfpoint; licensed iStock Getty

What is one thing that we all wish for our dogs? Many pet owners will respond that they want their dogs to live longer. I too, have that same wish. I have written on how to cope with the loss of a pet because it truly is heartbreaking but it is part of being a pet parent. Knowing you will reunite with your dog again at the Rainbow Bridge brings some consolation. But you know what would bring some joy? Proactively doing things to help increase your dog’s lifespan. I am constantly reading news articles and studies about how you and I can form habits to live a longer life, but what about our dogs? Forming healthy habits for your dog is a new focus of mine, and I am excited to share with you how to accomplish that.

Habit #1: Food

I read a fascinating article featuring Dr. Marty Goldstein, one of America’s top veterinarians, who says, “Unfortunately, most commercial dog foods are full of artificial preservatives, additives, heavy grains, and low-quality proteins. Even foods that claim to be ‘healthy’, ‘organic’, or ‘natural’.” He recommends removing these three items for your dog’s diet: preservatives, fillers, and meat by-products. What should be in their diet? Dr. Marty says some ingredients to include in a healthy dog diet are organ meats, omega-3 fatty acids, and prebiotics like pea flour, flaxseed, carrots, and ginger. My dog, KoKo, eats very well with food prescribed from her breeder. Do your homework before you give your dog just any food! Remember the saying “You are what you eat!” This applies to your dog, as well!

Habit #2: Exercise

Every dog is different and so should be the lengths of their walks! My 3-lb. KoKo shouldn’t be going the same distance as an adult Golden Retriever, but yes, they both should have owners who know the benefits of exercise! This is a good guide on determining how often to walk your dog. I can’t stress enough the importance of being aware of the temperature this time of year. It is hot. So, if the surface of the ground is too hot for you to walk barefoot, it is too hot for your dog. Keep this in mind, as well as making sure your dog takes water breaks while getting their exercise!

Habit #3: Veterinary Visits

Find a veterinarian you trust. This might mean you have to go to a few different offices before you find “the one”, but it is worth it because you want someone whom you truly love and trust as they will help you make the most important decisions for your dog. If you travel abroad, you must take your dog to a veterinarian to get the proper documents to allow you to bring them on the plane, so KoKo goes to the vet exactly when we must before our trips! I have a veterinarian in California where I reside, as well as in Paris and NYC, where I often travel. I recommend to everyone if you are traveling, do your research months before going and connect with a veterinarian so you have someone to advise you for all the requirements to travel. If you have been reading my blogs, you know I am a believer in being prepared! Be well prepared in advance for your veterinarian needs.

I will continue to look at building healthy habits for dogs and share them with you as my focus on expanding the longevity of dogs continues. My wish for KoKo is for her to live longer and I am determined to find a way!

from an article on SilverDisobedience.Rocks