Enhancing the Lives of Our Pets

Dogs and cats age from six to 10 years for each human calendar year. We call this an accelerated life plan. For example, dogs and cats reach puberty by 4 to 7 months old and are considered geriatric over 7 years of age. Their lives move quickly, and for pet lovers, never long enough.

We can take certain steps to help pets live the longest, healthiest lives possible. A biannual physical exam and annual routine bloodwork, much like our own, is very important. Early detection as the best prevention holds true for pets, as well as humans.

Routine health care for pets also includes good nutrition, dietary and therapeutic supplements, adequate exercise, and medical-grade essential oils. Additionally, dental care and parasite control help to extend a pet’s life. Vaccinations prevent both sporadic and epidemic diseases. Using natural alternatives can reduce the use of medications wherever possible.

It’s common for an ailment or arthritic condition to be mistaken for aging—that an elderly pet is just slowing down, but this is often not the case. When a health problem is discovered and addressed, pets frequently demonstrate how well they feel. Veterinarians hear positive feedback from pet owners with pets that are rejuvenated after initiating a medical-grade essential oil treatment, performing dental cleanings, improving diet, reducing home chemicals, or instituting supplements and other therapies.

When a veterinarian hears, “He is running and jumping like a gazelle again. She’s like a puppy again, or My old cat is playing for the first time in years,” they feel fulfilled and happy for the families of their furry patients. With multimodal therapies and attentive veterinary care, owners can minimize a pet’s suffering and ensure that they live a long and happy life. Just like a good integrative physician, the goal an integrative veterinarian is to continually improve and extend the quality their patients’ lives.

Dr. Frezzo is a member of the doTERRA International Veterinary Advisory Board and the co-author of SpOil Your Pet: A Practical Guide to Using Essential Oils in Dogs and Cats.