This is a guest post written by Bobbi from All Dogs Big and Small. Bobbi believes dogs should receive the best possible care and her store has nothing but all natural and healthy items.
There are those who question, are we humanizing dogs too much?
Expensive outfits, designer collars, organic treats and feed, human grade, vegan grooming products…
Of course, for the most part, I have shared my life with Dobermans, German Shepherds and other large breed dogs. Cute, frilly or matching designer outfits are not really my accessories of choice, but an occasional collar charm, a decorative bandanna, or some holiday bling are not out of the question. If a dog is decked out in pinks and frills and is enjoying some oohs, aahs and extra attention because of it …why not?
When it comes to health care, I do have a strong opinion, because I feel dogs deserve the best health benefits and treatments that pet owners and science can provide them. Every day their presence in our lives is scientifically proven to provide us with numerous life enhancing and medical benefits. Why would we not want to provide them with the same?
As science begins to recognize not only the long-known and accepted emotional advantage of pet interaction, but also the documented evidence of how the companionship of our pets lowers our blood pressure, which in turn helps to prevent heart disease. The health and wellness factor of pets is leading to even more proven in-depth benefits to human health care.
According to an article by the editor of Your Dog, American Association of Pet Product Manufactures, ultimately pet interaction can lower health care costs. Since stress has now been identified as one of the leading causes behind many diseases and scientific research has proven that pets reduce stress levels.
Service dogs can sense oncoming and possible life threatening medical conditions can alert their human in time to prevent a potentially more costly health crisis. Other studies our showing that autistic children are benefiting from close interaction with specially trained dogs.
So when I hear someone ask,” are we going too far by integrating human-grade organic treats, natural chemical free skin care products or holistic health care alternatives into our dog’s lifestyle?” I have to reply, with the many ways in which they enrich our lives, are we going far enough?
All Dogs Big and Small
Bravo!!! I agree 100%. Many people think I go too far or spend too much on my dogs. They eat good, get two exams every year and get health treats. Expensive? Yes! Worth it? Yes!!!!