Many of us agree that we should do everything within our power to make sure that our companion animals enjoy the best possible life. But did you know that simply by playing a role in your life, your furry kids could actually help you to be not only happier but healthier?

Of course you did. It’s all part of the privilege and fun of being a pet parent. What you may not know is that there’s plenty of science to back it up. As a holistic veterinarian, I’ve read so many reports regarding the health benefits associated with having companion animals, which has been accumulated over the last two decades, including numerous research studies in the U.S. and across the globe. More...

Thanks to The Dr. Jane’s HealthyPetNet Foundation, an English Bulldog will enjoy shelter and quality medical care until he can be adopted into a loving, forever family.

Our charitable non-profit’s latest financial award has been given to the Southern California Bulldog Rescue which is dedicated to saving the lives of abandoned Bulldogs. Providing safe haven to these noble creatures, this rescue actively works to place Bulldogs in new homes and covers the medical expenses for more than 200 Bulldogs annually. Entirely funded through donations and operated by an all-volunteer network of dedicated Bulldog lovers, SCBR makes sure that every Bulldog that comes their way is cared for responsibly.

Officially in the non-sporting group, Bulldogs were once bred to be very aggressive to bait bulls and fight other dogs. Thankfully, this breed has been transformed through many decades of refinement and nurturing, and now most Bulldogs are friendly and eager to please. More...

I’ve spent a lifetime working to educate our customers and the public to become aware of one simple notion – that nutrition is the foundation of life.

In my years formulating products at HealthyPetNet, I’ve done my utmost to create foods, supplements and treats that help to establish and maintain this groundwork for vitality and better health.

As a holistic veterinarian, my nutritional philosophy differs from those of some competing pet food manufacturers. To understand my mindset, and why I feel so strongly that Life’s Abundance foods help to fulfill what I view as our greatest responsibility as pet parents, I’d like to share some basic information for context.

Our companion animals depend on us to provide for their every need; so, in a sense, making sure that they get the nutrition they need to not only live but to thrive is perhaps our greatest responsibility as pet parents. The food you choose to feed your beloved pet needs to supply much-needed proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and other crucial nutrients. These vital ingredients will help them grow when they are young and to maintain health through their hopefully long adult years. More...

For many of us, the pressures of modern life can be quite taxing, leaving us little one-on-one time with our companion animals. And yet, experts believe that positive changes in your pets’ temperament can be brought about just by your spending quality time with them. With that in mind, it’s easy to see that by enriching the relationship you share with your cat or dog, your quality of your life will improve, too. The first step in your efforts to enhance these interactions is to assess your current level of personal contact. Perhaps the best way to achieve this is by making a list of the typical weekly interactions you engage in with your companion animal. Once you create the list, grade yourself by asking whether or not you could, or should, be doing more. If you’re unsure what you might do to enjoy quality time together, don’t worry - here are some tips for making the most of your time together and the best of your dog or cat's time alone. Consider incorporating any or all of these in your daily life …
	Set aside a few minutes in the morning to groom your cat or dog. While brushing or combing, talk to them about your plans for the day. If your pets don’t enjoy grooming, spend a few minutes just petting and praising them. Whatever your daily morning interaction, try to do it at same time and in the same place. Your companion will find comfort in the regimen – and so will you. Leave something that smells like you, like a pillow case or a recently-worn shirt, on or near your pet’s favorite spot. Your four-footer will find your scent reassuring during your time away from home. If you have an answering machine, call home when you’re away and talk to your pet. Hearing your voice can improve the relationship and be reassuring to them during your absence.
When you return home after a long period away, greet your companions as if you’ve only been away for a few minutes and then do whatever chores are most pressing. Afterwards, do something that he or she will enjoy, like (if you have a dog) a game of catch, hide-and-seek, or take a long walk. No matter what you do together, be sure to tell him or her how much fun you are having. If you have cats, we recommend playing with a ball or using a fishing pole with dangling feathers – you know your cat loves the chase! It’s important to dedicate this time to your pet alone, so consider leaving your cell phone in another room if you’re indoors, or indoors if you’re outside. Take it from me – your undivided attention makes a big difference. Incorporate teeth cleaning, ear cleaning and/or nail trimming into your new routine. Too often, these health necessities are viewed grudgingly as chores. Commit to making this time as fun as possible. It helps to think of these activities like time at a spa. Massage is a wonderful way to connect with your companion animals. Check out one of the many pet massage books currently on the market to help you develop a technique that’s easy on you and feels good to them. There is evidence to suggest that massage can improve your pet’s health, and it may even relax you, too. Whatever you choose to do to improve your relationship, even if it’s just one of these suggestions, will help you and your dog or cat to lead more fulfilling lifetimes. Thank you for all that you do to make a better world for your companion animals, Dr. Jane Bicks HealthyPetNet Product Formulator If you found this interesting, check out these related stories: Home Design With Pets In Mind 5 Essential Nutrients For Skin And Coat Health

Even though the ongoing housing crisis shows small signs of recovery, another crisis is growing to epidemic proportions. Countless dogs and cats have been, and are continuing to be abandoned by families driven out of their homes due to foreclosures. These devastating situations result in dire circumstances for pets, who are either left trapped inside a foreclosed home with little or no food and no one to provide medical attention, or are turned out onto the streets to fend for themselves.

Fortunately, when a group of real estate professionals in Scotsdale, Arizona, were faced with these heartbreaking situations, time-after time, they decided to do something about it. More...

For years, holistic practitioners have worked to educate consumers about how even the slightest changes in environment, stress and diet can cause significant changes in health. As a holistic vet myself, I believe that nothing should be overlooked when it comes to ensuring the wellness of our beloved buddies.

Since we know that food is the foundation for a healthy life, most people select the best food to provide the many essential nutritional components our dogs can’t do without. But to make sure they receive the nutrition required to help boost healthy functioning, additional nourishment from healthy dog treats can be just what the doctor ordered.

To that end, dog treats should be selected based upon their nutritional merits rather than on cost, flavor or glitzy packaging.

Your pet’s treats should add the healthy components that are known to support hardy immune systems, strong muscles and optimal health. The nutrients required for superior support of these systems can be found in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, as well as in foods like cranberries, apples, tomatoes, rice bran, whole grains and many others. Unsurprisingly, these wholesome foods appear in the ingredient panels of some of the premium treats I’ve been fortunate enough to formulate for Life's Abundance.

If your dog could decide which treats they’d want, I feel confident that they would choose all of those offered by Life's Abundance, including Antioxidant Health Bars (Oatmeal & Apple Recipe), Gourmet Dental Treats (Honey Peanut Butter Recipe), Wholesome Hearts Low-Fat Treats and Tasty Rewards Nutritional Training Treats.

I feel very strongly that every treat you give your pet should have a health benefit so that at the end of the day, your pet truly is a reflection of his or her food, dog treats and love.

Thank you for all that you do to make the world a better place for companion animals,

Dr. Jane Bicks

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