Health Tips
Health Tips
Supporting Your Senior Dog: Tips for Navigating This Stage with ELEMENT VET
Aging is not an end, but a transformation. The dog changes, evolves, becomes different—often calmer, closer, even more present. At ELEMENT VET, we are convinced that every dog deserves to experience this stage in comfort, dignity, and serenity. Accompanying a senior dog means accepting this change, adapting to it, and continuing to offer the most essential things: attention, respect, and love.
Read more
Dog longevity: how to help your companion live longer and healthier?
We all wish our dogs could live longer. Their presence transforms our lives, their loyalty accompanies us every day, and yet their life expectancy remains limited. The good news is that veterinary science today shows that many factors can influence canine longevity. Prevention, physical activity, mental health, nutrition, and natural body support: throughout its life, a dog can be accompanied to age better and more slowly. This is on condition of adopting a global approach, which is not limited to treating diseases but aims above all to anticipate them. Understanding dog longevityAccording to veterinary data, the average life expectancy of a dog is between 10 and 15 years. Small dogs generally live longer than large breeds, whose rapid growth often leads to earlier aging. But genetics doesn't explain everything. For several years, researchers have been keenly interested in environmental factors that influence canine longevity. Their conclusion is clear: lifestyle plays a decisive role in the duration and quality of a dog's life.An active dog, well-fed, mentally stimulated, and regularly monitored by a veterinarian has a much greater chance of aging in good health. Conversely, overweight, inactivity, chronic stress, or certain nutritional deficiencies can accelerate the aging of the body.In other words, a dog's longevity is not just determined at birth: it is built day after day. Prevention: a new approach to animal healthFor a long time, veterinary medicine primarily focused on treating diseases once they appeared. But this vision is progressively evolving towards a more global approach: preventive medicine.The principle is simple: support the body's natural functions to limit the appearance of age- or wear-related disorders.This approach naturally includes diet, physical activity, and veterinary follow-up, but also the use of natural solutions capable of accompanying the dog at different stages of its life.This is the logic behind the animal phytotherapy offered by ELEMENT VET. The treatments developed by the brand are not only aimed at addressing a specific problem but at supporting the overall balance of the organism, to help the dog stay in shape longer. Growing up well: the importance of the early years A dog's longevity begins with its growth. The first years of life are crucial for the development of the skeleton, joints, and musculature.In puppies, the body actively builds the tissues that will allow the dog to remain mobile and active throughout its life. Appropriate support at this time can have lasting effects.The Ovo Articulation supplement (OVO Articulation), offered by ELEMENT VET, is based on a particularly interesting natural ingredient: eggshell membrane. This membrane naturally contains collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid, essential molecules for proper joint function.By supporting joint growth from a young age, this type of supplement helps to strengthen the structures that will support the dog throughout its life, particularly in active or large breeds. The essential role of physical activityIf we had to choose just one determining factor for a dog's longevity, it would probably be the maintenance of muscle mass.In veterinary medicine, muscle mass is considered a major indicator of health. A dog that maintains strong muscles better protects its joints, maintains an active metabolism, and is more resistant to the effects of aging.Contrary to some misconceptions, it is not necessary to have an "athletic" dog to achieve these benefits. What matters most is the regularity of physical activity.Daily walks, exploratory games, search activities, or even training sessions stimulate both body and mind. These moments of activity help to strengthen muscles, maintain joint mobility, and preserve a good metabolic balance.In senior dogs, exercise remains equally important. It simply needs to be adapted: shorter but regular walks help maintain mobility and slow down age-related muscle loss. Emotional well-being: an often underestimated factorA dog's health is not limited to its physical condition. Behavioral veterinarians are increasingly emphasizing the importance of emotional and social well-being.Dogs are deeply social animals. Their balance largely depends on the quality of the bond they share with their human family.Sharing moments of play, walks, or simply calm presence helps reinforce their sense of security. This emotional stability reduces chronic stress, a factor that can have real consequences on health.A dog that feels secure in its environment, benefits from positive interactions, and is mentally stimulated generally develops better resilience to changes and difficulties. Life transitions: supporting sensitive moments A dog's life is punctuated by many changes: moving, the arrival of a child, adopting another animal, changes in family routine. These events can generate stress and disrupt the animal's emotional balance.During these transition periods, certain adaptogenic plants can help support the body and promote a return to balance.The Anti-Stress cures (Natural Anti-Stress cure for anxious dogs) offered by ELEMENT VET are precisely designed to support these moments of change by helping the dog better manage unusual situations. Supporting the body with phytotherapyPhytotherapy is part of a global approach to animal health. Plants contain numerous active compounds capable of supporting certain bodily functions.For example, Coat & Paw Pad treatments (Coat and Paw Pads) can be used during shedding periods or when the skin and coat are fragile. The coat is often considered a true mirror of the dog's general health.Digestion is also a fundamental pillar of health. The intestinal microbiota plays a major role in immunity and nutrient assimilation. After surgical intervention, medication treatment, or a period of fatigue, a Digestion treatment (Digestion) can help the body regain its balance.The omega-3s present in Krill treatments (Omega 3 – Krill Oil for dogs: joint support, skin and vitality) are also recognized for their anti-inflammatory effects and their role in joint, skin, and cognitive health. Aging gracefully: accompanying the senior dog With age, certain tissues naturally wear out, particularly the joints. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions in older dogs.Maintaining mobility then becomes a central issue for preserving quality of life. Supplements like Reinforced Joint (Reinforced Joint support for dog arthritis) can help support cartilage and improve joint comfort.But the most important thing often remains daily attention: adapting physical activity, providing comfortable bedding, maintaining regular interactions, and continuing to mentally stimulate the dog.Aging does not mean ceasing to live fully. Many senior dogs maintain good vitality when accompanied with care. Love, an invisible factor of longevityScience can explain many things about longevity. It can measure the impact of diet, exercise, or prevention.But it cannot always quantify what is nonetheless immensely important: the quality of the bond between a dog and its human.Dogs live in the present moment. For them, shared walks, games, glances, and calm moments have immense value. These moments create a sense of security and trust that contributes to their overall well-being.And perhaps that is the essential thing. Because if your dog is your best friend for a part of your life, you are theirs for all of theirs. Helping them stay healthy, offering them a long and balanced life, is ultimately a simple and profound way to return all the love they give us, every day.
Can we start the treatments for a puppy?
Growth is such an important period for your companion's development: structural, psychomotor, emotional, and affective. Your animal must be educated and familiarized with the world around them.
Our natural range has been formulated for the athletic dog.
ELEMENT VET has formulated a natural range (food supplements and care products) to anticipate, maintain and treat the health needs of our sporting dogs.
Why does mushing still captivate us today?
Aux origines d’une épopée blanche Bien plus qu’un sport, le mushing est une aventure humaine et animale qui traverse les siècles. Le mot "mushing" viendrait du terme français "marche !", utilisé par les trappeurs francophones d’Amérique du Nord pour encourager leurs attelages. Avec le temps, le mot s’est transformé, mais l’esprit est resté : avancer ensemble. À l’origine, les chiens de traîneau étaient indispensables à la survie dans les régions arctiques. Les peuples autochtones d’Amérique du Nord, notamment les Inuits, utilisaient les attelages pour chasser, transporter des vivres et relier des villages isolés. Dans des conditions extrêmes, où le thermomètre pouvait plonger bien en dessous de -30°C, le chien n’était pas un confort : il était une nécessité vitale. L’un des épisodes les plus marquants de cette histoire reste la course au sérum de 1925 vers Nome. Une épidémie de diphtérie menaçait la ville. Par des températures polaires et au cœur de blizzards violents, des équipes de mushers se relayèrent sur plus de 1000 kilomètres pour transporter l’antitoxine salvatrice. Cette épopée héroïque inspira plus tard la célèbre Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, devenue un symbole mondial d’endurance, de courage et de solidarité. From survival to a competitive sport With the arrival of snowmobiles and roads, sled dogs could have disappeared from the northern landscapes. Yet, it transformed. What was an essential mode of transport became a demanding sport. Today, mushing comes in different forms: sprint races, mid-distance, long-distance, but also canicross, bikejoring, or ski-joëring. The essence remains the same: an alliance between human and dog. Despite the challenges posed by climate change and the evolution of winter sports, the practice continues to attract. Why? Because it embodies something rare in our modern world: a return to basics. Mushing is captivating, enchanting, almost magnetic. It attracts because it tells a story greater than performance: that of connection. A team, a living organization What is deeply intriguing about mushing is that it is not a human "pulled" by their dogs. It is a true team effort, finely orchestrated. A team is precisely structured: • Lead dogs: positioned at the very front, they are the decision-makers on the terrain. They listen to the musher's commands (right, left, stop), but they also analyze obstacles, evaluate snow quality, and detect invisible dangers. • Swing dogs: just behind the leaders, they support changes in direction and stabilize turns. • Team dogs: in the center, they provide consistent power, endurance, and pace. • Wheel dogs: positioned near the sled, these are often the physically strongest. They bear the weight and ensure starts. Each dog has a personality, a temperament, a specific skill. Some are strategic, others are motors, and others still are reassuring for the group. The musher, for their part, is a guide. They observe, anticipate, support, brake, and encourage. They make strategic decisions, but they also trust the instinct of their dogs. They do not merely endure the movement: they build it with them. In the business world, we often talk about participatory leadership. Mushing is a concrete metaphor for this. The leader sets the direction, but knows how to listen to their team. They understand that collective performance rests on the complementarity of talents. Nala and Valérie: when instinct takes the lead Valérie, founder of Element Vet, has always lived in the Alps, near Grenoble. The mountains are not a recent choice: they are her cradle. She grew up respecting the peaks, forests, and natural cycles. This intimate relationship with her environment shaped her vision of mushing. Among her dogs, Nala held a special place. A lead dog, she was not only fast. She was clear-sighted, attentive, almost strategic. One winter day, during high-altitude training, a sudden blizzard arose. In minutes, visibility dropped. The wind erased the tracks behind the sled. The cold became biting. Valérie ordered to go straight, towards a passage she knew well. But Nala slowed down. She gently pulled on the line to the left, refusing the usual trajectory. In these moments, ego has no place. Valérie trusted. A few meters further, the snow proved unstable. A snowdrift concealed a small ravine formed by the wind. If the team had followed the initial route, the sled could have overturned. By bypassing the obstacle, Nala had undoubtedly prevented a dangerous fall for the entire team. That day, the decision did not come from the human. It came from the dog. This is why mushing remains so fascinating: it reminds us that intelligence is not an exclusively human trait. In certain extreme situations, animal instinct perceives what our sight no longer sees. A legend perpetuated by culture Mushing continues to fuel the collective imagination through books and cinema. The novel The Call of the Wild by Jack London made generations of readers by recounting the transformation of a dog confronted with the harshness of the Great North. In cinema, the film Antarctica (original title: Eight Below) deeply touched the public by highlighting the loyalty and resilience of abandoned dogs in Antarctica. These works have contributed to mythologizing the sled dog. But behind the myth, there is a reality: that of authentic cooperation. ELEMENT VET: born from the field, rooted in the Alps It was in this demanding environment that ELEMENT VET was born.Through intense competitions and training, Valérie noticed a gap. The available food supplements did not fully meet the specific needs of her dogs: muscle recovery, joint support, strengthened immunity, digestion adapted to exertion. Rather than resigning herself, she decided to create her own brand.True to her Alpine upbringing and her deep attachment to her native mountains, she made a clear choice: to produce locally. All phytotherapy and formulations are developed and manufactured near Grenoble, in the heart of her territory. This local anchoring is no coincidence. It guarantees the quality, traceability, and coherence of the products. It reduces the environmental footprint by limiting transport. And above all, it employs local stakeholders: partners, suppliers, local laboratories. "Made in France" is not just an argument here. It is a responsibility. A way to align the company with the values of mushing: respect, trust, solidarity. As in a team, every link counts.At ELEMENT VET, the dog is never considered a performance tool. It is a partner. An athlete. A sensitive and intelligent being. Decisions are made by listening to and understanding the real needs of the animal. Why does mushing still attract us? In a world saturated with technology and instantaneity, mushing offers something else: the silence of the snow, the synchronized breath of the dogs, the crunch of the sled on the ice. It highlights simple but powerful values: Trust, between the musher and their dogs. Resilience, when snow, wind, or fatigue test the team. Cooperation, even among competitors. Humility, when facing the elements. Listening to living beings. It shows that one can aim for performance without sacrificing respect. That a leader can lead without dominating. That a team can go further when it functions as a single organism. Perhaps it is this, ultimately, that captivates us: mushing reminds us that the alliance between humans and dogs is one of the oldest in our history. An alliance that, even in the digital age and facing climate challenges, continues to inspire. A rare equality in the world of sport Mushing has a unique characteristic that is still too little known: men and women compete in the same categories, without distinction of gender. On the starting line, there is no women's or men's ranking. There is only a team, a musher, a crew. The only regulatory difference concerns the number of dogs entered depending on the category (sprint, mid-distance, long-distance). Performance depends neither on gender nor on brute physical strength alone. It relies on strategy, effort management, terrain reading, and the ability to understand and guide one's dogs. In this sport, authority is not imposed: it is built through relationship. This natural equality reflects the very essence of mushing: it is not a demonstration of domination, but a demonstration of harmony. Success belongs to whoever knows how to listen, anticipate, and cooperate. A modern lesson in an ancestral world. When competition gives way to mutual aid During a particularly harsh night race, swept by violent winds and unstable snow, Valérie Maumon found herself in a critical situation. In the darkness, her sled overturned in a barely visible ravine. It was impossible to get it out alone. The dogs, still harnessed, awaited instructions in the biting cold. In many sports, every second counts. Stopping means losing. Helping means giving up an advantage. Yet, that night, a competitor—a man entered in the same race—braked his team and came back to help her. Together, they freed the sled, secured the dogs, and restored the trajectory. But the story doesn't end there. The dogs of this musher, disturbed by the storm and agitation, became nervous. Tension mounted in the lines. Valérie, with a gentle and calm voice, approached. She spoke calmly. She breathed slowly. Gradually, the dogs calmed down, regaining their focus despite the extreme conditions. In that ravine, in the heart of the night, there were no more adversaries. There was only a community facing nature. Mushing reminds us that competition should never erase the essential: solidarity. The values that still captivate us If mushing continues to fascinate, it is perhaps because it highlights values that our era is seeking to rediscover: Equality, where women and men share the same starting line. Trust, between the musher and their dogs. Humility, when facing the elements. Resilience, when snow, wind, or fatigue put the team to the test. Cooperation, even among competitors. Respect for living beings, at the heart of every decision. In a team, no one moves forward alone.In a race, no one is totally isolated.In the storm, we stand together. Perhaps this is what, ultimately, makes mushing timeless.It doesn't just celebrate speed or performance.It celebrates connection. And as long as this bond exists—between humans, between dogs, between competitors—mushing will continue to captivate us. And you, sled dogs, do you find this as fascinating as we do?
I'm proud of my journey! And that's thanks to my dogs!
I am proud of my journey! and it's thanks to my dogs! Often in life, you have to dare to take the plunge, let go of your fears, and see your idea through. The road is long and sometimes difficult, but I couldn't go back, and I am proud to have created everything alone, respecting my values without hesitation! https://www.lessentiel.fr/grenoble/portraits/2026-02-26/lentretien-valerie-maumon-fondatrice-delement-vet-16751
What is your relationship with your pet? Dog parent, human, owner?
Dog parents: why our dogs have become family members (and what that says about our society) In recent years, an expression has slowly become part of our daily lives: that of dog parents. Long confined to Anglo-Saxon culture, the term has become established in France almost without us realizing it. We no longer speak of "master," we speak of "dog parent." We no longer say "my animal," but "my baby," "my family member." This shift in vocabulary is not insignificant. It says something profound about how our relationship with living beings, affection, and family is evolving. Dogs are no longer just pets, much less utilitarian animals. They have become emotional companions, sometimes even an emotional pillar. In a context where life paths are transforming, where people couple up later, where parenthood is often postponed, sometimes even questioned, dogs occupy a new place. They become a constant presence, an emotional anchor, a source of stability. This phenomenon has intensified in recent years, particularly after lockdowns, a period during which many rediscovered the value of a non-human but deeply reassuring bond. Behind this evolution lies a real societal question: what does dog parenting say about our relationship to love, family, and responsibility? Is it a healthy evolution of our relationship with living beings, or a way to fill emotional gaps in a society where human connections are becoming fragile? When one adopts a dog while living alone, it often happens that the dog takes a central place in daily life. It structures the days, imposes routines, forces one to go out, to be anchored in the present. For some people, the dog becomes the first living being for whom they feel fully responsible. When a romantic relationship comes later, it is not simply about welcoming a new human into one's life, but about composing a trio. There is the couple, and there is the dog. The partner does not just meet a person, but an already existing relationship. This configuration can be a source of very beautiful co-construction dynamics, but it can also generate tensions. What place do we give to the animal in the couple's balance? To what extent is each person willing to adapt to the dog's presence in the intimacy of the home, in the organization of holidays, in daily life? In some life paths, the dog can also be seen as a step. For some, it represents a first experience of emotional responsibility before the arrival of human children. For others, it becomes a life choice in its own right, a form of assumed parenthood without the desire for a child. The question of whether a dog can "replace" a child is often asked in an overly simplistic way. A dog does not replace a child. Relationships are not comparable, nor are needs, projections, or responsibilities. But this debate sheds light on something deeper: our need for connection, care, commitment, and sustained presence. Dog parenting speaks less of substitution than of the transformation of how we attach and care. This phenomenon also questions our tendency towards anthropomorphism. By constantly projecting our human emotions onto our dogs, aren't we at risk of forgetting that they are, first and foremost, dogs, with their own needs, their own limits, their own language? Wanting to offer them a more comfortable, more respectful, more attentive life is a positive evolution. But considering them as miniature humans can sometimes distance us from their real needs. Respect for the dog also involves respecting its nature, its instincts, its rhythm, its body. Looking at what is happening elsewhere in the world allows us to gain perspective on our own practices. In the United States, the concept of pet parenting has been fully embraced for a long time. Dogs are integrated into living spaces, workplaces, holidays, and an entire industry has developed around their well-being. In Japan, in a context of high urban density and social solitude, the humanization of dogs is very marked. They sometimes become central life companions in daily lives where human relationships are rarer. In Hawaii, in certain cultural traditions, one does not define oneself as the owner of one's dog, but rather as its guardian. The animal is not possessed; it is accompanied. This vision invites us to rethink the human-animal relationship as a respectful cohabitation rather than a relationship of domination. In France, we are at a moment of transition. The word "master" is increasingly being questioned, and terms like "guardian" or "human of reference" are emerging. Language evolves because perspective changes. This evolution can be seen as progress in recognizing animal welfare, but it also invites a form of lucidity. Deeply loving one's dog should never mean forgetting that it needs to be treated as a dog, with all that implies respecting its physical, mental, and emotional needs. At ELEMENT VET, this vision is at the heart of our commitment. For us, dogs are full-fledged family members. It's hard to imagine our lives without them. Valérie Maumon, founder of ELEMENT VET, herself shares her daily life with nine Siberian Huskies. Being a "dog mom" is not a marketing slogan; it's a lived reality, with all the joy, constraints, responsibilities, and daily attention that it entails. Taking care of your dog's health is, in our opinion, the first form of true love you can offer them. Well-being is not limited to affection or moments of complicity. It involves prevention, listening to body signals, supporting aging, and paying attention to the animal's energy, digestion, joints, and overall balance. But well-being is also built in these simple moments of daily life. Taking the time to massage a tired dog after a long walk, checking its paw pads after an outing on difficult terrain, sitting on the ground to be at its height, observing its signs of fatigue or excitement – these are all gestures that tell of a more conscious relationship. These moments of presence say a lot about the place dogs occupy in our lives today. They are no longer "alongside" our daily lives; they are fully a part of them. Ultimately, dog parenting raises a simple yet essential question: what place do we want to give to living beings in our modern lives? Are we trying to fill gaps, or to build more conscious, more respectful, more engaged relationships, even when they are not human? Loving your dog as a family member can be a magnificent evolution of our relationship with living beings, provided we do not forget what they truly are. Respecting them also means accepting that they are neither a child nor a human, but a dog, with all the richness that implies. At ELEMENT VET, we believe that taking care of the health and well-being of our dogs means giving them the place they deserve in our lives: that of beloved, respected, and consciously accompanied living beings. And you, where do you stand in this debate? Do you recognize yourself in the term "dog parent"? Is your dog your "baby," or are you uncomfortable with this expression while still considering them a full member of your family? Do you still consider yourself the "master" of your dog, or rather their guardian, their human of reference, their travel companion? This phenomenon has become a real societal question, a turning point in our daily lives in recent years, and we are genuinely interested in your perspective. Come and discuss with us on our social networks, share your vision, your feelings, your agreements as well as your disagreements. Your opinion matters to us, and we are very eager to know where you stand.
We're being talked about in a veterinary specialist magazine called L'Essentiel
L'Essentiel, a veterinary magazine, features our flagship products: the repairing balm and the booties to protect our dogs' paws and pads.
Our balm is in the news!
Protecting your dog's paws and paw pads.
Let's talk Mushing... gear, dogs, training, racing!
A mushing season doesn't start with the first snowflakes. It begins at the end of summer, early September, as soon as temperatures drop for the dogs' well-being. But what equipment is needed?- a quad, to start on land while waiting for snow- a gangline with shock absorber, tail line, and neckline- stakes to tether the dogs before harnessing- a sled, an anchor, a bag on the sled Equipment for the dog:- a custom-made harness or one adapted to its morphology with reflective strips - a coat for after the session or for bivouacs- booties Equipment for the musher:- a helmet - headlamps (sled and helmet)- warm clothing- a tie-out line - a climbing harness
Oh oh, winter is definitely here!
Caring for a dog's paw pads is essential for maintaining their health and well-being, as these parts play a crucial role in protecting their paws and absorbing shocks.
Why walking is essential to prevent osteoarthritis in dogs
In dogs, especially senior dogs, regular movement plays a key role in the prevention and management of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It primarily affects older dogs, but can also appear in younger animals, particularly after trauma or in cases of genetic predisposition. Daily walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain joint health: ✅ It stimulates blood circulation, which nourishes the joint cartilage. ✅ It strengthens muscles, which support the joints and reduce wear and tear. ✅ It preserves joint flexibility, limiting morning stiffness. ✅ It prevents weight gain, a worsening factor for osteoarthritis. Even if the dog shows signs of stiffness, it is essential to maintain adapted physical activity, favoring regular but gentle walks. 💊 The role of ELEMENT.VET's ARTICULATION RENFORCÉE supplement To support dogs in this mobility approach, especially older ones, veterinarians often recommend joint supplements. This is where our natural treatment comes in: ARTICULATION RENFORCÉE. This supplement has been specially formulated to: 🧬 Support cartilage and joint health thanks to active ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin. 🔥 Reduce inflammation and joint pain, which facilitates the resumption or maintenance of physical activity. 💪 Promote comfort and flexibility, allowing the dog to walk, stand up, or run more easily. By combining regular adapted physical activity (like walking) with targeted nutritional support, we offer senior dogs a true quality of life, more comfort, and slow down the progression of osteoarthritis. This treatment can, of course, be supplemented with our krill oil omega-3 capsules.
🍂 Prepare your pet for autumn!
In autumn, cold and humidity can weaken joints and reduce your companion's vitality.
