Dogs are happy to go out!

Lately, our girls are kind of snow bound, just like us! We had a dump of snow on November 13th, and another big storm on December 11th. The cats and dogs have been crazy since then, being very cabin feverish.

You can avoid some bad behavior by taking your dog to training, or a certified doggy day care to avoid any of the cabin fevers I have described above. And, bring your dog when you visit friends with pet friendly homes, to let them have a nice break from the mundane.

The emotional day to day of a winter can be hard on people and dogs, and a break is the best way to make some great happy memories! Be sure to take some time to bring your dog into a new place here and there!

Dogs and the Holidays!

Are you going on a holiday trip, and not spending your holiday with your best friend? Have you decided to fly home to see your family or friends? Do not feel bad about dropping your dog off at a pet spa or hotel. They will love it!

Imaging, the hotel will be busy with lots of new dog friends, and people as the place will be packed with new friends to meet. There will be lots of chances for walks, a session of grooming, and maybe you can even arrange a vet visit or an acupuncture therapy for your best friend.

Pet hotels can be exciting and fun for dogs. They just need to be at the right kind of hotel. If your dog is a happy go lucky playful dog, find an exciting dog spa that has lots of activities.

If your dog is quiet and reserved, find a serene spot that can coddle your best friend with peace and quiet.

Do the right thing, and let your dog enjoy the holidays, and you will be happy too!

Barking Dogs can Be Helped!

Your Dog Needs a Tooth Brushing!

If you have not had some time to brush your dog's teeth lately, what are you waiting for? It will save you a lot of money, as the vet will want to put her to sleep to clean her teeth. I enjoy spending time with my dogs, and always give them my best attention when it comes to their mouths.

You can do some great easy teeth cleaning, and they will love you for these suggestions:

Buy some raw bones, and sit and watch them chew them clean. The raw marrow bone should be very fresh from the butcher, and they need you to watch them, so they do not hurt themselves. I have given them bones, and they got a bit too rambunctious with them, and I had to tear them away from their prized bone, before they ate it!

It is important to be there to supervise. And, if you can find chicken wings that are frozen, one a piece will do great things for teeth and happy dogs. The raw chicken wing that is frozen is a great treat! It is safe and should be watched carefully as they are consumed.

I also brush with an electric toothbrush, and we take care of any icky residue along the gum line that way. My girls have very happy teeth!

Corn Advertising

If you are hearing a lot of news of corn being an OK ingredient, and healthy and OK for people, you may be inclined to believe this message. After all, wouldn't it be easier for all of us to eat our fill of corn and high fructose corn syrup? We have it everywhere! It is the number one ingredient in our grocery stores. Many people are employed by corn and corn based food production. Our economy partially runs on corn.

I wish I could make all of this true. I really do. But the fact is, our pancreas, our liver and our organs do not process corn or its sugars effectively, and it ends up being stored as fat. Simple facts are hard to dispute, despite all the talk.

This is the same fact for our dogs. They can not eat corn and live in a healthy manner. It just does not happen. If you are looking for a reason, blame it on how the corn sugar is not absorbed, and how their is really no nutrition in this kernel.

Dogs need minerals and vitamins from meat, vegetables and from nothing else. It is part of their makeup in the wild to hunt and kill a rabbit, a small animal and eat it raw. They will eat roots, and other berries when they find them. They would never be able to process corn, it is just not a food that they would be able to eat and find nutrition.

Even with added minerals and vitamins, this is not going to provide their skin, their organs or their bones the valuable nutrition they need. Stay as far as you can from corn, and any corn based foods. You have the power to vote with your purchases and will bring great health and life your dog.

Dogs Like Treats!

If you are feeding your dog treats, you need to ensure you are not feeding too many treats. They can get really fat! One reason is there is a constant want for a high calorie treat versus their dog food. If you find you have given your dog lots of treats on a day, be sure to reduce their dog food, to make the day more level.

Treats are now so complicated at the pet store! There are a huge variety of chewy treats, dental sticks, and green in color treats. I find all of these bones, chewy treats and "natural" treats are not all that valid for your dog. You need to ensure that they keep their nutrition, and do not get any bad chemicals and preservatives.

A dog's liver can be very easily corrupted by chemicals and preservatives. If you are adding these treats into your dog's diet, and she is getting fat, chances are the treats are the culprit.

Be sure to look for healthy treat options. And, try a day without treats. Do your dog a great favor and keep them healthy and happy!

Dogs Hate Windy Days

If you had a night like we had last night, you had some restless dogs at your house! The wind was kicking up, our neighbors lost a tree, and there are power outages all over the city. Luckily, we had no damage, but for some dead tree branches crashing down, and some garbage cans being pushed over.

Your dog has very keen hearing. They hear other dogs warning of the issues they are facing. If you are in a neighborhood, your dog is in a large pack of dogs, all of which either live life inside or outside depending on the status of their owners. They all listen to the sounds of dogs.

If your dog seems distant when you look at her, well, she is. She is listening for the howl of not just the wind, but of the other dogs in her pack. Even though your dog may not be physically apart of this pack, they share information, and it is a bark or howl when things seem like they warrant one.

If you live in a condo, chances are you live with little barking dogs. They are all talking to each other! If they get time to visit with each other, even in an indirect way through a walk, they will be less barky, as they have the information they need, and have already expressed it with their scent glands through their urine marks. It is important for your dog to pick up her mail on her walk, and to leave some behind.

So, if the wind picks up, this can be a real block for sounds and noise distribution in the pack. Realizing the effect can be a really great way to better understand your dog, and what she needs each day. Let her stew when a storm comes through, but do not comfort her, as you are only reinforcing the fact that when she acts scared or upset, you like that act.

Only give positive emotion and comfort when she is calm, and you will let your dog know, this is the correct behavior for her. I find that during the storm, if I let my dogs pant and run around, they eventually calm down, and then, and only then, do we cuddle together. Sometimes it takes awhile. But, the results are well worth it!

Dogs love a Walk

This time of year, it is cooler, there are more breezy days, and you have some very happy dogs. There is something about the fall, and it makes the dogs ready for a walk. You need to get out there and enjoy it! Take them for a walk, being every mindful of the ticks that have spent all summer growing and getting bigger. Let yourself and your dog develop a new pace of life, making sure that you find time in the morning and in the evening for a brisk walk.

We spend so much time working and getting our lives in order, taking care of everyone, make sure you take time for yourself too. Your dog is the perfect companion, and will really enjoy a walk, short or long, just to catch some fresh air. The rainy days, the cooler nights, the sunny and breezy fall days are perfect for dogs as they will not get too overheated, and the walk is usually a great stress relief.

Dogs need time to return to nature, as our homes are so unnatural for them. They are used to roaming and experiencing the world through smell, and our homes are places of rest, but there is no new smells to experience, no sounds or sights to thrill the canine mind. If you are not walking your dog, you are missing out so much.

Take time to relax, and find the simple joy in a romp around the neighborhood with your best friend!

Here is My Favorite Dog Book!

I can not say enough good things about this book. Do not hesitate to pick it up. It truly was a lifesaver for my Scarlett, who suffered from so many skin issues for 2 years. Once we began this program, and enlightened ourselves with why she was so itchy, we started to see real results. If you love your dog, you must read this book!

Save yourself a ton of money on vet visits, and bring joy back to your dog's life!

Some Great Ideas from Amazon!

Dogs and Cooler Weather

You might notice there are some happy bounces around your house, as the days get shorter and cooler.  Dogs love cool weather!  They are not too happy about warm, hot days, and are much better at the cool days that lie ahead.  Take advantage of the days, and go out for a fun walk with your best friend.


Not only is this going to be a great stress relief for your dog, but for you.  Today we are so consumed with our daily struggles and worries, it is important to get some muscles moving, and push some worries aside.  You will be happier, work better, and your dog will too.  It is important for both of you!

If you are having fun with this message, take it a step further, and plan a small trip to a state park or a county park near you.  The cooler days bring a consistent time of later sunrises and earlier sunsets, that can make the leaves and fall colors most beautiful.

Enjoy the beauty that nature can bring to you and your best friend.  You are moving through life together, and cherish the time you have with your dog.  They look to you for all of their happiness, and are very happy to have you part of their days on this magnificent world.

Is Parsley good for dogs?

Parsley is a great way to get your vitamin A, and B vitamins, and it works great for your dog as well.  Grow your own, to be sure that you are getting the freshest, and most nutritous benefit.  It is one of the power herbs, and will go a long way to keeping your best friend healthy and happy.

One chopped teaspoon for medium sized dogs will bring you forward in providing great nutrition with vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, magnesium and iron for your dog.  It is a known preventative for cancer, and has been used for centuries for cleaning teeth.  There is a natural immunity boost from parsley, and you as well, should eat it raw every day.

It is not just a garnish, it really can help you with fighting infections and boosting your well-being.

Dog Hotels: When to Board your Best Friend

It is hot, and its summer!  Family and friends are inviting you to a lake spot, up to a cabin or hotel fun spot, and there is a note on the invitation: no pets allowed.   This is a hard choice!  I have always hated this type of request, and most likely, I would send my regrets.  My dogs are my family, and when I spend quality vacation time, I don't want to be away from them.  But sometimes, it is really necessary to accept these invitations, as you and your dog do need to have good and different experiences, and a vacation away may be the best thing for you both!

A great way to take off, and let your dogs have their own kind of fun, is the pet resort.  They are way different from the kennels of yesteryear, and much more affordable than you may think.  You will need to call a few weeks in advance, to confirm spot availability, and to find out requirements.  These may include:

• Full vaccination series from your vet, that is rabies, DHLPP, and Bordetella.  Sometimes, they will have other requirements, like a flea dip before you board, but that is not common.
• Full dog information regarding temperament, your contact details, and medications
• Specific vet information in case there is an emergency
• A brief in-house visit to meet your dog, and so that you can see the facility.

Most pet resorts have a series of inside dog runs, small cubicle like kennel areas with youth sized beds, different outside areas for large and small dogs, and a small grooming area for specialized grooming requests.  They are temperature controlled, and this is a great option as many kennels are outside, and very uncomfortable for house pets.  You can even find some exclusive resorts that have full adult beds, flatscreen TVs and special lighting.  You will usually have an option of using the webcam, so you can visit your pets on the internet, and see how they are doing in their new rooms.

This is a great way for your dog to enjoy some other dogs, have a great break from the normal every day things they are used to, and give them a more rounded attitude about new experiences.  Many resorts do doggie day care, so you should try the resort out, and let them have a break before you let them visit.

Cooked Bones: A real health concern for Dogs

It is a real concern whether your best friend, who is begging at your side, can have that cooked steak bone, that you are carefully cutting around.  STOP!  The issue of this bone is that it is cooked, unless you are a vampire eating a completely raw steak!  The raw bone has so many advantages, that you may consider cooking your meals differently as well.

The cooked bone will be a source of fragility.  It will be easily splintered, and can be a death sentence to your dog.  Consider this, if your dog is given a cooked bone, she may try to chew it, and break it apart, eating the splinters.  Then, that splinter, will move into your dog's digestive path, and there is a very good chance it will get stuck, or you will have a real problem of a dog intestinal obstruction.  This is a real problem, and most dogs require immediate veterinarian attention.

Some symptoms of an intestinal obstruction are lack of appetite, drooling, vomiting, and irregular bowel movements.  The dog's poop can be very runny, bloody, and frequent.  It is a dangerous situation, and if not attended to, the dog runs the risk of dying.

This means you are really going to have to avoid feeding cooked vs. raw marrow bones to your dog.  A cooked bone is a risk-there are many times where a cooked bone is fed to a dog, and they are OK.  But would you ever want to run the risk of losing your best friend?

Be sure to see my post on raw bones.  It is the way to go for your best friend!

Are Grapes Good for Dogs?

The most loving thing you can do for your dogs, is to feed them. They love it! They wait for you to reach for that treat bag, dinner bowl, and will beg if you let them. They are just like us in this manner-food is the spice of life for our best friends.
Keeping this in mind, it made me think twice before I handed off that grape I was holding, to my dog, even though she was really looking at me with that-”there’s the grape, there’s my mouth, what is stopping you look”. You know the one, the old eye communication that they are so good at!
I stopped and thought about it, as it really has become an important thing for us to review her eating habits very carefully. You see, what had happened around 2006, was a rash around her backside, that would not go away. This led me on a rampage of vet visits, and many expensive remedies to solve this itchy rash. Nothing worked, until I stopped, took a breath, and found the solution. Healthy, natural food-consistently and thoughtfully.
We stopped the corn by-product food, and went to a holistic and organic dog food. Not inexpensive, but neither were the many vet visits and skin rash remedies.
So, when I was holding that grape in my hand, and she was staring at me to come on give it to me-I did consider what was in the grape.
Seeds, yes, and they could be dangerous, the skin could have some form of tannin like red wine, and the juice may not be the best options for dogs. Getting up and heading to the computer yielded many blogs on grapes being dangerous for dogs. And, raisins too, the dried up counterparts of the juicy grape. The consensus from many of my dog friends was the same-they have had some renal issues when a large amount of grapes were eaten. One or two should be OK, but any more, that would not be a wise choice for our best friends.
This only brings forward the importance of keeping the right foods in front of them, and making sure we do the right things for our best friends.
So, don’t let those little brown yes fool you. They are just hoping you will do the right things for them. Try a little melon, chicken or yogurt instead.

4th of July Fun: Not for Dogs!

Happy 4th of July!  You might have a temptation to bring your dog along on the fourth of July celebrations, but think twice.  Dogs are very fearful of the fireworks, and the many rounds of home displays that are set off on this day. My husband's brother lost his dog of 5 years on this day, when they left her in the kennel in the back of the yard, and went to firework displays.  She climbed the kennel, over 6 feet tall, and was never seen from again.

To keep your best friend safe, be sure to follow these guidelines:

• Keep your dog inside:  It is important to find a sound proof area, so that your dog can be secure.  Kennel them only if the kennel is totally enclosed, and in a sound proof area.  Outside kennels are stressful on this day, and the days surrounding the fourth, as the firework displays can be very frightening for dogs. An inner bedroom is a better option.
• Don't bring your dog to the firework display: They will appreciate a much quieter environment, as they have very sensitive hearing.
• Do not leave your dog in the car:  On this day, and any other, leaving your dog in the car is not a safe option.  Cars can get over 120 degrees quickly on a sunny day.  Keep them cool and comfortable at home.
• Veterinarian Visit may be in Order:  If your dog is anxious about fireworks, you might want to visit your vet for good options like a scent room ionizer, which releases calming scents into the air that your dog will appreciate!
• A red white and blue bandana:  Keep these on your dog only if you are in the presence of your pet, as they can get tangled on your dog in the event of a panic attack.  You can use the bandana as an ear cover if they are anxious, along with cotton balls in the ear, but many dogs won't allow such a getup!
• Make sure your dog is microchipped, and has a collar with ID tag on it.  Keep your best friend on a short leash, even in the house, if you have an overly anxious dog.
• Watch star wars at home:  Or do what we do, stay home with your dog, let them wear their 4th of July bandana, and enjoy the firework displays from the window.  If they know you are close, firework safety will be less on their minds, as they are only trying to protect you, from those loud explosions.  We have taken a suggestion from friends, and watched Star Wars, during the loudest period of time on the 4th.  Couldn't have been more fun!

Stay safe, and keep your best friends inside on this very fun, but loud day!  Happy 4th of July!

Mites! Mange! Ick! Mange treatment, and mange symptoms

You might have fallen in love with a pound puppy, your itchy hairless dog has just been diagnosed with mange, or you were at at dog park near a dog with very little fur-and you find out that unlucky poor soul has mange! All these situations require an iron will, as for me, and many, it can be really hard to wrap your head around this problem.  Do not despair!  I have a very furry keeshond, who had severe allergies, and then it resulted in demodectic mange.  It is hard to get rid of, but you can do it.  Patience, and time will bring your best friend to the solution.

First, you need to visit the vet if your pet or dog It is a really contagious disease, depending on what kind it is for your dog.  Demodectic mange, is the showing signs of hair loss, itchiness to the point of blood, and general malaise.  The cause of mange is microscopic mites that bury themselves in the skin, some are easier to get rid of, others are quite resilient.

There are two types:

1. Demodectic Mange:  this one is where the immune system has run amuck, and there are more mites than the body can fight off.  The immune system goes into hyper drive, and these poor dogs become bald and itchy. This is not a contagious mite, and can be controlled quickly.
2. Sarcoptic Mange:  A very contagious situation, this burrowing mite, will be a tricky treatment.  Your vet will require you to have some baths over the next couple of weeks to combat the mites.  You will need to evaluate any dogs that are near this infected dog, and a bath of a parasitical lime or hydro peroxide mix.

Your vet can diagnose the type of mange, and the treatment.  Do not let this situation fester, as it can result in many more months of treatments the longer you wait.

As we have talked about, there are symptomatic treatments, and there are real problem solutions.  Your treatment for symptoms is the baths, the cleaning of the dog's beds and home,  and a follow-up visit to continue the treatment.  The solution is as we have talked about:

• Proper Nutrition-this will assist the immune system to fight the mite.  The mites are always around us, but without proper nutrition, our dog's immune system cannot do a good job a keeping the mite at bay.
• Stress-free living-importance of this fact is that our immune system goes into an imbalance when we are anxious or stressed.  Your dog may be experiencing some of the everyday stress points, if you are too.  Are you at work a lot?  Does your dog get regular exercise with you?  If not, make an attempt to remove some stress in your life.  It is really important!  Consider a doggie day care facility-they can help you with this problem, alongside your vet.

These are not quick fixes, but you can win the battle of the mite!  

Home Cleaning and Your Dog

One great way to ensure a healthy happy pet, is to use simple, and effective natural cleaners in your home.  It is a super easy way to have less chemical exposure to you and your dog, and to provide a fresh, clean environment for you both!

Here are some great ideas for cleaning your home in the holistic fashion, using baking soda, borax, vinegar, dish soap, and water.

Mix baking soda and vinegar in your toilet bowl, half baking soda, half white vinegar, and let it fizz!  Scrub the bowl clean when it is done fizzing, and add some more vinegar to fizz again.  You can leave this in the bowl overnight, or for as long as possible to continue the process of disinfecting the bowl.

Mix a paste of baking soda, and warm water on your counters and sinks in the kitchen for a soft scrub.  The course, natural paste will clean any bacteria off your counters, and will not harm you or your pet in any way.  Great for stainless steel, and for ceramic surfaces.

Take an old spray bottle, and reuse it by placing 2 tsp of borax in the bottle, 1/4 cup of a natural dish soap, 1 cup of white vinegar, and add warm water to fill the bottle.  This is a great mixture to leave in the shower to remove soap scum, and mildew and rust stains.  Leave it in the shower, and if you would like, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil like lavender or eucalyptus.

Why would you bother to make your own cleaning mixes?  What is the big deal?  The truth is, we really don't know what all the chemicals really do to us, and simply not having the facts of effect on us, are not good reasons to stop chemical use in our lives.  For one, using the five ingredients above, is more cost effective, and will be very effective.  You will have great results with these natural cleaners!

Grains VS Protein: What is best for your Dog?

Dog food!  It is a huge industry, by all accounts, there are over 9 Billion dollars a year spent in the U.S. on dog food alone.  That doesn't even touch the treats and the cat food!  We all know as dog owners, dogs love cat food!  Just ask any cat.

The best thing to do if you are concerned about your dog's health, and a holistic approach to food and nutrition, be sure to buy the best.  The best would be the following requirements:

• No By-Products:  Until around a year ago, the dog food industry used by-products from dead cats and dogs in its filler.  If you were feeding by-products, you may have been a part of some form of cannibalization for your pet.  By-products are the ground remnants of the animal that the company hopes to represent.  It basically is the carcass of a chicken, cow or sheep.  There could be bone, teeth, feathers, intestines, or any other shocking related protein.
• No Corn:  The starch in corn is something that your dog will not process in its digestion.  Please try to avoid this inexpensive and unnecessary filler!
• Too many words you cannot understand:  If you are finding lots of colors and preservatives in your best friends food, you are not doing your dog a favor.  Red should be red for a beet, a cabbage, or a raw piece of meat, not because the manufacturer is trying create a red kibble from a by-product or a corn ingredient.
• No expiration date:  you should buy only the freshest and smallest bag that you can, as it will ensure better nutrition for your dog.
• Not made in the USA:  dog food is not closely monitored in other countries, so it makes sense to stick with made in the US.  Canada is another great country to buy from, as they have a similar good process of making sure the food is safe and secure in manufacturing.
• Not a guarantee:  that is an easy one, and you should look for all responsible companies to back up the food they are selling.

Remember, this is the only nutrition your dog sees in its life.  Feeding the best food you can afford, will save you money in the long run, as all problems start with a lack of good nutrition.

So, what is the answer?  Grains or protein?  As with any holistic medicine option, moderation is the key. The best dog food options will bring a great mix of both-protein for essential fatty acids, and grains and vegetables for energy and mineral replacements.


http://www.petfoodinstitute.org/Index.cfm?Page=USPetFoodSales

Holistic Teeth Cleaning: Do you really need to Anesthetize your Dog?

One of the hardest things to do, especially if you are on your way to holistic healing, is to anesthetize your dog.  It is hard enough if you need to decide to have surgery performed on your dog, but even harder for something as secondary as teeth cleaning.  Can't the vet do this with your pup aware and awake?  Maybe not the vet, but you sure can give it a try!

I clean all my dogs teeth, with a gauze cloth, and a dental scrap pick I picked up online.  It is a great way to bond with your dog, and to continue to be a holistic pets guru!  I know that along the way, I may need to bite the bullet, and have the vet do some cleaning, if I don't keep it up.

Here are some motivators to give you some strength to try this yourself.  Dogs are more likely to get infections, and heart disease if they don't have clean teeth.  When you look at older dogs who are healthy and well, they usually have great teeth.  Joints are less likely to have inflammation if there is less bacteria and infection in the body.  It makes perfect sense!

In order for you to become a holistic dentist, be sure to go ahead and pick a time with your dog that is a calm and easy time for you both.  Your first time, you are going to only mess with their mouth only for 5 minutes.  It really helps to have them exercised, and feed earlier, as they will be more quiet and calm at these times.

Get your dental tools ready-square gauze, washcloths, dental scraper, a small soft toothbrush, and some chicken flavored dog tooth paste.  Then, let the dog rest on the floor, and lay the dog down on its side, pulling the head of your pet into your lap.  Pet your dog, and let them know you really love them.  It makes a huge difference!

Then, pull back their lips, and do not let any resistance interfere with your calm demeanor.  You are the leader in this pack, and let them resist, but calmly insist that they stop this resistance,  with a strong hold, and a quiet but firm business like attitude.

Once you are past this struggle, your dog will let you dry a tooth.  Grab the washcloth, wiping it down, and then the gauze, and then scrap with the metal tool, from the base of the tooth, to the tip.

You will see a lot of tartar if you have not been feeding raw bones at least once a week, and are feeding inappropriate dog/people food.  Work on this side of the mouth for as long as you feel calm, and let the experience be very powerful and last only 5 minutes for the cleaning.  Note: it may take you awhile to calm your dog down the first time, but after you insist and are done with the 5 minutes, you are teaching a valuable lesson for your pack.

Now, even though you have not cleaned all teeth, do not worry.  Celebrate the 5 minutes of cleaning with a doggie tooth brush cleaning and a little doggie toothpaste.  They love it!

Repeat this process every day, at the same energy level, until you have a clean mouth.  If you find there are larger cavities in teeth, you are going to have to stop pursuing holistic medicine, and find time to schedule a cleaning.  The vet may need to extract some teeth if this is the case, and you should find some comfort in knowing you will be able to possibly never have to anesthetize your dog again for teeth cleaning!

This is a great way to save money, to find a holistic approach in medicine for your dog, and to bond with your best friend with a little doggie tender loving care!

Allergies and Food: Itchiness and your dog

If your dog is constantly scratching, itching, and cannot stop, you are not alone.  There are so many dogs in the United States that suffer from some form of an allergy.  The cause is hard to diagnose, and can be an expensive task to complete.

But with some patience, and some trial an error, you will be successful with a healthy food choice more than any skin cream or treatment.  It is important to read your dog's food, and see what is on the label.  If you don't know what the ingredient is, chances are the food could be a cause of your best friends allergy.

When our Scarlett came up with her allergy, she was over a year old.  She started with slight itchiness, mostly around her rump.  She would itch until fur would come out, and eventually, she had very little fur on her back legs, and near her tail.  It was terrible!  Every cream, bath, and holistic remedy was tried, along with repeated vet visits and constant care from her doctors.

These remedies did bring some relief, but it did not solve the real issue.  This led me to think, what is really causing the itch, and how can I prevent it from happening?

Once I was at this point, it was really frustrating for both Scarlett and us.  We needed a solution, and needed it fast.

I went to the library, and read about dog's immune systems, and solutions to assist the allergy towards a mild reaction, and most vets and experts pointed toward the food that the dog was eating.  Based on this information, we started to cook Scarlett's food, and then introduced her to frozen raw patties.  We made her a chicken stew that was her favorite, a beef casserole with sardines, and added sea kelp into her diet.  We took away all by-products, corn, fillers, or chemicals in her diet.  Slowly, and within a couple of months, she was developing less reactions to her allergies.  She was happier with her food, and had a new step in her gait.  Her fur grew back, and within a year, she was allergy free.

She cannot eat anything with artificial coloring, or any pet food that has a mysterious list of ingredients. She enjoys raw meat, canned food with lots of salmon or sweat potatoes, pumpkin, or green beans right out of the freezer.  She is a sweat potato freak, as we buy her dehydrated sweet potatoes, and she eats those like a chewie.  She does not eat anything from china, or other countries.  She only has the best holistic organic food.

She is a happy dog, and I am happy. She really is a super fun dog, and deserves the best.  I am also happy as the money that was going into salves, vet visits, and allergy treatments,  is now still in my bank account.  The organic and holistic food has saved me a lot of frustration and money.

It makes me sad when I think of the other dogs who may be going through the same thing.  Please don't give your best friend anything but the best dog food.

The choice is empowering, as you are solving a problem, and not covering it up.

How to stop ticks and fleas on your dog

It is the time of year, where we all start suffering from the creepy crawlies, and wish we didn't have to deal with them-ticks and fleas! If you live in a warm and dry climate, or even if your summer is just beginning, you are in the middle of seeing your pet scratch and itch. It is possible to simplify solutions to stop these pests.

For fleas, the best way to get rid of fleas is to prevent them with a spot on preventer that contains fipronil. This drug contains a fast, effective way to kill adult fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae. The spot on treatment is easy to use, lasts for 30 days, and will prevent many of the tick varieties that you may encounter in your area as well.

If you are looking for a more holistic and natural way to stop fleas and ticks, you will need to remember this involves a process, and will not be 100% effective. However, you will not be using chemicals, and if this is a concern for you and your dog, it is really worth the effort. Any time a natural defense against pests is started, it will take some time and persistence, but you will find many benefits from this process.

One of which will be a cleaner home and pet. Vacuuming your home usually is a great defense against these pests. A vacuum with a wand and a crevice tool will be a great way to find all the flea eggs and adults in your home. If you have carpet this tool is especially necessary. The other idea is to buy some diatomaceous at a garden supply store, and sprinkle it in your carpets and rugs. This non-toxic flea option will work to kill adult fleas and eggs by drying out the outer layer of the flea's skeleton. It is something that you can leave in the carpet and rugs to razor through the problem until the next vacuum session.

It is important to note that 90 percent of fleas live in the environment that your dog inhabits, and only 10 percent are on your dog.

A homemade pet collar containing essential oils like peppermint, citronella, cedarwood, eucalyptus, juniper, lavendar, lemongrass, orange, rosemary , sage and tea tree oil, can be wrapped around your pet to ward off ticks and fleas. This same mixture can be mixed with a castile shampoo, to bathe your dog, and repel ticks and fleas immediately.

A good flea comb will be another way for you to bond with your dog, and at the same time, remove any eggs or adult fleas on your pet.

Combining all of these methods together, in this process, will bring a more harmonious existence for you and your pet. It is important to note, that if you find a flea or tick on your pet, do not exaggerate the problem, but continue the process, as the holistic solutions are just that, a process.

A healthy and happy dog is usually the result of such efforts. Saying as much, if your pet is eating the best nutritious choices for food, you will be sure to have less issues with pests like fleas and ticks. They are naturally repelled by a healthy skin and coat.

Are raw bones OK for dogs?

As a dog lover, you only want to give the best treat for your dogs, so what could be better than a raw bone? It is really good for them, usually, but be sure to keep some general considerations before handing them the bone.

What kind of bone is it? If it is a raw bone, that is to say an uncooked bone, it usually will be hard if it is a beef bone, and will not splinter like a chicken or pork bone. Usually a beef marrow bone is the best option, as you can choose the size of the bone depending on your dogs. I would not allow a small yorkie to handle a large bone, nor would a St. Bernard be the bone lover of a small cut of a round beef bone.

Raw bones are the best options for your dogs, not a commercial dog treat, as you will be giving them the satisfaction of chewing, and that is real exercise for them, and gives them great satisfaction. Many commercial treats are made of corn, or meat by-products, that have little or no nutritional value.

Be sure to let your dog chew on the bone for a limited amount of time, and watch them with the bone, as they can sometimes get a bit overzealous, and chip teeth, get the bone stuck on lower jaws, and choke on broken pieces of the bone.

Raw bones should be chewed on, and then thrown away after use.

The dogs will love you for your time with them as they chew, and your dog's teeth will shine!