I tend to make physical health through nutrition a top priority. Without proper nutrition, how can an animal survive in the first place anyway?

But at the same time, I try to remember that "everything works together" (yes, it's the concept of a holistic approach) to reach health in a true sense. Nutrition, after all, is one of many steps toward optimum health in pets as well as humans. Exercise, rest, food, play time, good air and water, no chemicals, sanitary and peaceful living conditions -- all of these things are important together for our pets, I'm sure.

In regards to "emotional health", I found a paragraph in the book Dr. Jensen's Guide to Better Bowel Care by Dr. Bernard Jensen (this book is for humans, not for pets, but it's a very educational book if your approach to health is natural and preventive...) that assures how emotions can affect peristalsis (bowel movements) in pets as well as humans. Let me quote the paragraph for you.

"Fear and anxiety can have profound effects, for the tensed colon may respond with diarrhea or constipation as the nerve impulses carry the message of fright to the bowel. The bowel remains affected until the apprehension or fear subsides. One study that included X-rays of dogs and cats clearly showed the effects and associations of certain emotions on the nervous system and the colon. The dogs, placed in unfamiliar surroundings, ceased to have peristalsis in the colon for several hours. When the cats' tails were pinched, peristalsis ceased until the cats were once again contented. On the other hand, battlefront surgeons are familiar with the loss of bladder and bowel control experienced by soldiers exposed to the stress and terror of battle conditions. Peristalsis can be triggered as well as halted by emotionally impacting events."

Are your pets happy and content? Giving lots of love and attention to your pets may be another step towards their good health!