My City Wellness Spring 2021

Wellness My

HOWCANWE BE THE BEST OWNERS ÇA 9ÝÇAӳ9ĩŽ¸AKĄČ ŚŽě‰ ÝĩĄ ǎà ¸ :ÝÃĀ ǎÝÇČӞ ŽÇřKČě ě‰K ěŽÃKӝ It is obvious that no relationship can flourish without an investment of time and attention. We adopt a kitten or puppy for the kids, but we must brace ourselves for a great deal of our own time spent with our new family mem ber. Nurturing, training, social izing and bonding take time. KŤKĄ:ŽČKӝ A big part of time spent with a dog or cat is making sure they get enough exercise in the form of leash-walking, play and obedience training. ěĄ ŽÇŽÇ{ӝ Nothing bonds an owner and pet like obedience work. Support can be found for obedience training through local training clubs and inde pendent trainers. Also, your veterinarian will be able to recommend reliable books and online resources. Obedience training enriches the bond you have with your pet by provid ing the rules, boundaries and limitations that bring security and confidence for both you and your pet.

Ą‰ťě‰Ãӗ ĄÝĩěŽÇK ÇA ĀĄKAŽ:ě 9Ž¸Žěťӝ Pets will bond best and benefit most when the owner they are bond ing with provides a stable, pre dictable environment. A rhythm to the day means meals are at a set time, exercise and rest times are predictable. Companionship is consistent, but alone time is also allowed and encouraged. Veterinarians see dogs and cats with anxiety disorders every day of practice. Many of these cases are a result of an unhealthy human-animal bond. Healthy bonding starts very early in life and is cemented through the first three years of life. Without this foundational bonding and the security it brings, behavior disorders such as poor potty training, separation anxiety, and even aggression can result.

In the best case scenario, the love, joy and serenity that a pet brings to a household is underpinned by a deep, rich bond between pet and owner. This emotional connection has enormous mind and body benefits for both parties. Pets provide so much emotion and affection, as we do the same for them, it is easy to see how this relationship adds to the wellbeing of all involved. x

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Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Joe attended Uni versity of California – Irvine and University of California – Davis prior to entering UC Davis’ School of

Veterinary Medicine. After graduating from Veterinary School in 1982, Dr. Joe moved to Owosso, MI with his wife, Su san (also an animal practitioner), where he worked in a mixed animal practice for seven years. In 1990, Dr. Joe and Dr. Sue opened Briarwood Veterinary Hospital in Grand Blanc.

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