OPTIMUM® Dog News #4
Inside this issue:
Your dog can help keep the doctor away
Companions for life
The unconditional love we receive from dogs can help to alleviate loneliness, particularly among the elderly. Dogs offer reliable companionship which can promote calmness in times of stress and reduce the negative effects linked to isolation, a common cause of depression.
Recovery and support
While support from friends and family is a critical factor in people recovering from illness such as heart disease, studies have found that dogs can also have a positive effect on our recovery rate. Research has shown that heart attack patient survival rates are five times better in those who own a dog than those who don't.*
* Source: Christine R. McLaughlin, Discovery Health
Stress relievers
Studies conducted in the U.K. and U.S. found that pet ownership corresponds to overall improved health and fewer medical visits. An Australian study of 6,000 households found that dog owners required less medication for blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleeping difficulties and heart problems.* A study of New York stockbrokers also found that those who owned dogs had lower blood pressures and heart rates compared with non-dog owners, despite both groups being subject to similar high-stress environments*.
*Source: www.bestfriendspetcare.com
Let's get physical!
Dog trainers recommend that while you exercise your dog, you also include some activities to give their minds a challenge too. Encouraging your dog to 'fetch', 'sit' and 'stay' for example provides your dog with structure, discipline and mental stimulation.
Don't forget that dogs also enjoy fresh stimulation. Mixing up the walking routes or playing environments can create a whole new world of sights and smells for them to take in.
There's no time like the present, so if it's nice outside, why not grab the lead and get active!
Find more dog advice here
The best a dog can get
The glossy appearance of the coat shows a correct balance of essential fatty acids. By stroking the coat, you should be able to feel that the coat is soft, smooth and pliable. Signs of an unhealthy coat are greasiness, dryness and the presence of scales or dandruff.
In association with Waltham, the world's leading authority in petcare and nutritional research, the OPTIMUM dry range is developed with a blend of zinc and linoleic acid (a naturally occurring oil). These specific nutrients are vital for protecting the skin from imbalances, and they help ensure that your dog's coat is in the best condition possible – so you know you're giving them the best a dog can get.
Learn more about the health benefits of the OPTIMUM range
OPTIMUM Dog News Spotlight
 | Ester Triana Martin |
 | Kiko |
 | Labrador Retriever |
 | Rouse Hill, NSW |
Q: What we think of OPTIMUMTM:
A: Is a great initiative for responsible pet owners to follow. Particularly those who geniunely care about the health and well-being of their pets, like we do about our adorable Labrador - Kiko :)
Q: Our favourite place to go walking is:
A: The local Dog-Leash Free Reserve, as Kiko is free to walk and run with us and other sociable dogs.
Q: Our favourite place to relax is:
A: Is lying against the backyard fence, in a shady spot on the soft green lawn.
Q: We'd describe our lifestyle as:
A: Active; adventurous; fun and interesting.
Q: Kiko's favourite place to sleep is
A: Kiko's favourite sleeping place is outside the kitchen door mat, curled up like a snow-ball.
Q: Fondest memory of Kiko:
A: Our fondest memory of Kiko was seeing him drag a huge lamb bone, around the backyard and assessing how to eat it.
Q: I would describe Kiko's personality as:
A: Kiko's personality is friendly; intelligent; loyal; protective and sociable.
Q: Tell us how Kiko entertains you:
A: Kiko entertains us, with his Soccer-ball abilities; bird chasing stunts and rabbit like runs around the back-yard.
Q: What we've learnt from the OPTIMUM© Pet Health DriveTM:
A: As a pet owner, we must be totally responsible for the health and well-being of our pets.
Q: Any other comments?
A: We thoroughly enjoy receiving your newsletter and our Labrador - Kiko, loves the OPTIMUM range of products we buy him to eat. To the staff at OPTIMUM, keep up the great work !!
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