Keys to Happier, Healthier Pets

Pet owners frequently ask me how and why their pets get ill, especially when they are given a happy home, lots of good food and attention, and have what owners consider "a stress-free life".
My answer to that question includes the following 3 factors that can lead to early or chronic health problems:
1. Genetics
2. Nutrition
3. Stress
Regardless of the pedigree, breeding and cost of a pet, optimal health is limited by genetics. This means that if 2 dogs who have won every dog show ever entered are mated, they can still produce individual offspring that cannot win a single show. Likewise, 2 dogs that do not have hip dysplasia can produce puppies with problem. The genes our pets (and humans) inherit can lead to early health problems regardless of good nutrition and other healthy habits. Unfortunately, owners cannot change genetics, but they can investigate the genetic diseases of certain breeds and question breeders about whether or not their breeding animals have been screened as carriers of serious health problems. Many new genetic tests exist to detect inherited diseases. Your veterinarian can help you find out what diseases should be screened in breeding animals, as well as the diseases that can affect a new puppy or kitten.
Though we cannot control which genes are inherited, we can control the foods our pets eat. Relative to nutrition, pet food is processed food. Processing food decreases its nutritional quality, regardless of the vitamins that are added back into it. We are all eating less nutrient-rich food than we were 50 years ago. It has more chemicals, contaminants, processing, genetic engineering and fewer natural minerals and vitamins. The same is true of the meat, fish, eggs and milk we consume. Even vegetables are less nutritionally complete due to growth in over-worked soils, longer storage times and less time in the soil.
Decreased nutritional value of food is a primary cause of illness in pets. I suggest pet owners study the natural diets for their pets and feed at least some of those foods. For dogs (omnivores), this means bone, meat, organ meat, healthy intestinal bacteria and vegetables. For cats and ferrets (carnivores), this means meats from rodents, birds and rabbits. Processed cereal grains lead to lots of early illnesses and obesity in our pets, just like they do in humans. Fortunately, we can make simple changes which can increase health. Feed real food (meat and veggies) to your pets at least once a week and give them some raw bones. Check with your vet to see which foods are safest to start.
The 3rd contributor to disease is stress. Almost every person who hears this tells me that his pet cannot possibly be stressed, because all the pets' needs are met; everything from food, water, grooming needs and walks are provided several times daily.
Well, guess what?
Providing all the things you think a pet needs doesn't mean he is stress-free (like humans, pets aren't made stress-free by giving them everything). Humans don't always understand all the social and emotional needs of their pets, because those needs vary between individual animals and breeds. Dogs are a very social species, with a group hierarchy. Some breeds, like herding and guard dogs, are more independent and need more mental stimulation than we humans provide. All breeds evolved hunting for their food. In taking the activity away from dogs and cats, we often create an environment devoid of stimulation and exercise.
Thanks to the internet, TV programs, animal behaviorists, and veterinarians, pet owners have lots of resources for understanding the social, mental and emotional needs of their pets. We can create ways for pets to find fulfilling, stimulating activities which prevent boredom and obesity, while interacting in positive ways. It starts with studying species behavior, then breed characteristics and finally gaining knowledge of your individual pet. Be sure to ask your vet for advice on nutrition, reducing stress through creative exercise and feeding, and managing genetic health problems as part of your pet's semi-annual wellness exams.