Gain Pet, Lose WeightByLaura Vissaritis13 July 2017Did you know that obesity is one of the biggest killers of Australians with up to 40% of adults suffering the relentless battle of the bulge. But it’s not just us who are affected. With people attracted to bad eating habits, it’s not uncommon for us to pass our vices onto our children and even dogs! According to animal behaviourist expert, Laura V, "An estimated 30% of dogs are overweight, leaving them at risk of the same sort of chronic diseases as humans. Dogs are more ‘rotund’ than ever before, becoming not just a health issue but a welfare concern as well." In her latest article for HIF, Laura provides her 8 step approach to losing weight and says that in 8 weeks, you’ll be thanking her, but more importantly you'll be thanking your dog.Category:Pet HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
How to Tell if Your Dog is Stressed or AnxiousByLaura Vissaritis30 June 2017Did you know that on average, people spend 2 and ½ hours stressing each and every day? According to Animal Behaviourist expert, Laura V, "Life can be tough and at least half of us are reporting to have or have had an experience of overwhelming stress and anxiety. It seems that with this knowledge, humans are the ones who are struck with the highest cases of poor mental health amongst all sentient animals, but then I got to know another species who to this day, I believe suffers far more than we do. These animals are our dogs. Not only are dogs faced with daily stressors such as finding warmth, food, water and companionship, this stress is usually completely uncontrollable as it's the owner who decides on the dog’s daily fate; whether they will eat, explore, be comfortable and engaged in life, and often there is nothing that dog can do about it. Now that’s what I call stress!" In this article, Laura shares her top tips to help you get to know what your dog’s really thinking.Category:Pet HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment
Want to be your best? Here are five ways your dog will help you to be the best you can beByLaura Vissaritis20 June 2017If you could describe your ideal-self, how would it sound? Would you be fitter? Healthier? Wealthier? According to our resident Animal Behaviourist & Psychotherapist, Laura V, "Being your best comes from within. It comes from a sense of self-worth, a positive attitude and an outlook on life that is filled with compassion and resilience. When I think of those around me who are always willing to be their best, despite life’s inevitable drawbacks, I think of my dogs. Dogs have extraordinary resilience and motivation. They are always looking for opportunities to make the most of their lives and seem to bring along a positive outlook wherever they go." So, this got us to thinking about how our dogs can show us the way to self-improvement, simply just by being themselves. Amongst all the life-lessons our dogs can teach us, Laura V has come up with 5 simple ways your dog can lead you on a path towards being your absolute best.Category:Pet HealthRead MoreWrite a Comment