Natural remedies to keep you and your pet healthy

This article is sponsored by Purina.

Try these five natural remedies to keep you and your pet in tip-top shape for many happy years together.

Massage
Massage is well-recognised for its health benefits in humans, such as improving blood flow and inducing relaxation. Stroking pets has been shown to cause the release of neurotransmitters that promote feelings of wellbeing, including oxytocin, endorphins and serotonin.

And you don't have to be a massage practitioner to provide this for your animal friend. It is possible to stimulate endorphin release just by spending time stroking your furry companion. Just like humans, animals benefit from comforts like this, and owners enjoy it too.

Music

Another simple remedy that can be used at home is music therapy. From upbeat rock to calming classical, music can have a profound effect on people's moods and behaviour.

Research suggests that music can also be used to manage behaviour in dogs. Studies show that classical music may have a soothing effect, helping to reduce anxiety and decrease barking. The effects were most profound when the music was slow with a simple arrangement. So, pop on some calming tunes to sit back and relax with your pooch every now and then—allowing you both to have some downtime.

Physiotherapy

According to the Australian Physiotherapy Association, physiotherapists are highly qualified health professionals who work with their patients to help them get and stay well.

Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques to assess, diagnose, treat and prevent a range of health conditions and movement disorders. Animal physiotherapists have undertaken extra training so they can assess and treat your pet. They can help to repair damage from injury, reduce stiffness and pain, and increase mobility, to improve your pet's quality of life.

Exercise

Essential for a healthy body and mind, exercise has many proven benefits—including weight management, improved sleep, help with mood disorders, and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Better yet, exercising is great for your pet's physical and mental wellbeing. What could be better than spending time with your fur-baby, and staying active and healthy together?

Guidelines are available for exercising safely with your dog or puppy, including fun ideas for incorporating a routine into your daily lifestyle. Take extra care in hot weather; with older dogs that may have joint problems; and with short-snouted breeds that can have difficulty breathing during exercise. Consult your vet for individual advice about your pet's exercise needs.

Nutrition

Fuelling your body with high quality nutrition is essential for vital good health, and the same goes for your pet. A diet consisting of natural, wholesome foods helps to nourish the body and the mind.

Purina Beyond® is a new pet food brand for dogs that features 9 key ingredients—ones we know you'll recognise and trust. Forget the back-of-pack ingredient list with multitudes of unpronounceable names. Real, high-quality meat is always the number one ingredient in Purina Beyond ®, and it contains everything your dog needs, nothing they don't. The added vitamins, minerals and amino acids help to ensure your dog gets all the essential nutrients they need for good health.

With a simple and natural approach to life, you and your beloved pet can expect to enjoy the best of health and happiness together.

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