Creating healthy habits is the key to happiness. Think about it, a habit is something you do repetitive and consistently. Pick something you want to change in your life and create a healthy habit to incorporate to reach that goal. Start small so you set yourself up to succeed. I personally incorporate healthy habits into my everyday routine, especially in the way of supplements and the food I eat. For example, I drink lots of water every day, in one of those water bottles, I add ¼ teaspoon of high dose vitamin C isolate (powdered form). The older we get the more vitamin C we need. By making this a habit everyday, I’m on top of my game. The list goes on. The last few articles the Beach Dog published were in relation to a healthy transition into spring, for example, non-toxic pesticides and bug sprays for your dog. Then we did one on Home Remedies for Your Dog . Then I started thinking, why not implement a healthy habit for your dog every day, not just springtime or when they develop an issue. In this day and age humans and dogs are surrounded by elements that make it increasingly harder to obtain and maintain optimal health. The best way to combat this is by creating a healthy habit for your dog continually. By creating healthy habits your implementing therapy’s that become part of your daily routine. In other words, it doesn’t feel like a project or a chore. Here’s how it works…

They say anytime you repeat a behavior 18 days in a row it becomes a habit. Within these 18 days, you adjust the habit to fit and flow more freely. Here’s an example. I just adopted a Pomeranian. She had very dry skin when I got her. I know through experience the best cure for dry skin, human or dog, is olive oil. Use it both internally and externally. My new created habit was to give her ¼ teaspoon of olive oil with her kibble every day. Her kibble is on the kitchen counter with a pre-measured scoop and the olive oil stands right with it. I use the cap to measure and every day my new little pooch gets a therapeutic dose that’s perfect for her. It’s been two weeks and not only her skin but her fur look amazing. I’m choosing to keep this a daily supplement because olive oil has more to offer than just a fix for her dry skin issues. For more reasons why all dogs should consume olive oil see the bulleted list below. Should you decide to use olive oil as a daily supplement for your dog make sure you find the perfect dose. Keep in mind the size and weight of your dog. Start with a small amount and observe for two weeks. The most common adverse effect with olive oil is loose stools. If your dog develops loose stools stop using until stools go back to normal, then try a smaller dose every other day. Observe for another two weeks. If stools are normal but you don’t see the results you were hoping for pulse your dose up a tad.  Implementing olive oil is an amazingly healthy habit for your dog. This article 4 Fabulous Benefits Of Olive Oil For Dogs has some good benefits pointed out and a few highlights covered before you start using olive oil for your dog.

Benefits of Olive Oil as a New Healthy Habit for Your Dog

• Omega-3 fatty acids help to moisturize your dog’s skin
• Polyphenols and carotenoids improve immune system health
• Oleocanthal, a type of polyphenol in olive oil is linked with brain function. Which can be imperative to combat cognitive decline in older dogs.
• Antioxidants to fight back against free radicals

So, there’s the first healthy habit for your dog. Easy right? Remember, it’s important to implement these habits slowly for two reasons. First, you don’t want to overlap new therapies in case your dog has an adverse reaction. Then you won’t know what therapy to pulse or stop altogether. Secondly, if you create all these new healthy habits fast and furious, you might set yourself up for failure. Go slow, 18 days or until you get it right. Once it becomes second nature move onto the next. Speaking of the next, let’s take on a project slightly more complicated than a few drops of olive oils as a daily supplement. Let’s make homemade treats a healthy habit for your dog. There are so many reasons why this is a great idea…

Why homemade treats can be an essential healthy habit for your dog.

• It’s cheap!
• Incorporate leftovers
• It’s fresh and no preservatives, additives, or colors
• You can add any home remedy to a simple base

Let’s tackle this new healthy habit for your dog. It may sound complicated, and you might feel overwhelmed but relax and let me walk you through it. Start with a base treat dough. For example:

Oat Base Treat

2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats,
 Grind to flour consistency

1 large egg
1/4 cup of water, plus 1 tablespoon

3 tablespoons olive oil

There are many dog treat base doughs on the internet so if your dog does not respond well to an ingredient in this dough look for another dough base that works for you. This article is power packed with receipts, 25 Simple Dog Treat Recipes: Made With 5 Ingredients or Less, you can make a base by eliminating the extra added ingredients and just using the basics. Here’s the important takeaway to ensure your success with this new healthy habit for your dog. Make the base in bulk and store it in the freezer for easy access anytime you need to update, enhance, or change your dog’s healthy treats for combating new issues. Let’s look at what I did last week. I made this dough base x’s 4. I put away three equal portions and made Emi, my new Pomeranian biscuits to combat stinky breath. I used the base receipt and added chopped parsley and fresh mint. As I stated earlier, she had dry skin so the oatmeal and olive oil base was stapled to help combat her flaky skin, and once I started her organic diet I noticed a not so enjoyable kiss here and there…so I simply googled health, organic ways to cure stinky dog breath.

Dog Biscuits for Stinky Breath

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats,
1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
1 large egg
1/4 cup of water, plus 1 tablespoon

3 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325° F
Mix oats (pulse to flour consistency) diced parsley and mint, egg, water, and oil. Flatten dough to about 1/8″ thick and cut approximately 40 small dog cookies or 20 larger dog cookies. Bake 35-40 minutes.

TIP: I like to overcook my biscuits because the harder they are the better they work as a natural toothbrush and help to break up the tartar build up.

So in order to ensure you succeed with making homemade treats as a new healthy habit for your dog, make the dough in bulk so you have plenty on hand for the next healing regimen or just to simply add leftovers for a happy healthy snack.

Creating a new healthy habit for your dog regularly will not only enhance his or her quality of life it will ensure a longer happier one as well…and remember, go slow. Don’t overwhelm yourself. It’s simple if you commit to small steps. If you have any questions or would like to share your healthy habits for your dog, please follow us on facebook.