Environment

Many times, two very important and crucial factors for good health are overlooked -- the physical and the emotional environment.

The physical environment includes surroundings such as home, bedding and protection against the elements, exercise, and of course, the air our animal companions breathe. Our animal companions are surrounded by pollutants and toxins. Even household cleaners and air fresheners can be detrimental to our animals' physical health. Animals can inhale these substances, and they can ingest them when they lick surfaces or when they are grooming themselves or each other. Our animal friends are also exposed to pesticides when they are outside going for a walk or playing in their own backyards. How about all the car exhaust our animal friends are breathing in? Most dogs and cats are at the exact level of car exhaust pipes when they are out on joyful walks. They breathe in toxins with every step they take.

Another very important issue I would like to mention is second-hand smoke. Think about all the proven damage that second-hand smoke can cause in humans, and then just imagine what it can do to our animal companions. The effects can be even more devastating for them. Most animals are at home all day with little or no chance to get outside for a breath of fresh air. This is not even to mention the residue that sits on our animal friends' coats just waiting to be digested during grooming, particularly by cats. We have to be careful to keep our homes well and safely-ventilated and free of harmful chemicals and toxins so that our animal companions are surrounded by fresh, clean air at all times.

The emotional environment consists of the feelings within us, and those that surround us. Mental stresses such as fear, anger, emotional abuse, despair, guilt, aggression and many others can pollute the emotional environment. Everyone's surroundings should be filled with love, joy, caring, understanding and consideration.