Holistic for Dogs!

Archive for the ‘holistic dog care’ Category

In many ways it is ironic that the majority of people feed their dogs commercial dog food and believe it is the healthiest option when as a society processed human foods are seen as akin to slow suicide.   I’ve heard frequently “Oh I don’t feed my dog human food.  That’s so bad!”  and I think to myself that most kibble is like eating ramen noodles every night for one’s whole life.  It has everything you need right?  Protein sauce base, a little bit of green onion for veggies and of course the starchy noodles!  Except, of course, there’s nothing fresh in them!  It’s all baked and processed to who knows what extent.

It isn’t a stretch to assume that most people would prefer to eat fresh foods and so would the family dog.

However, as many people don’t have the knowledge or desire to cook for their dogs it is important to be able to do a dog food comparison when deciding between brands.

First off, if the first ingredient on the bag reads “corn” or any variation of that including maize or anything throw it all out.  The corn that is contained in commercial animal foods is feed corn which is not the same as the sweet corn that comes in green giant cans.  It’s the same stuff that they make high fructose corn syrup out of.  It is inedible unless processed.  Corn simply isn’t a natural food for dogs.  Obviously they don’t have thumbs so it isn’t a food they have access to.  And just as with humans, corn isn’t easily digested by dogs.  (You know what I mean!)  It is a convenient filler that provides cheap bulk.

Remember to do all of your research!

When comparing dog foods, the next place to look is whether or not the first ingredient is meat. If the first ingredient is chicken, beef, fish, or bison then it’s reasonable to say that you are looking at a fairly good brand.  If it says “fish meal” or “chicken meal” or a anything like that, it is most likely byproduct.   At least 2 out of the first five ingredients should be an identifiable meat product in quality commercial dog food.

Personally, I prefer to only buy completely grain free dog foods when supplementing my dog’s home cooked meals.  Most grain free foods are advertised as such.  I choose this route because I believe that dogs are not supposed to eat all that much grain and because it may cause allergy flair-ups in my dogs.  Grains are a common allergy culprit.  Many grain free brands offer a type of potato in lieu of rice or wheat.

I do choose to supplement my dog’s diet with some soft food.  The variety of foods in a can are more than I can easily manage in a regular meal.  I would end up cooking enough food for ten dogs if I added all of the ingredients present in some of the higher end foods.  If there are no reasons not to supplement with high quality commercial food then I recommend doing it.  It is a huge commitment to cook every night for the animals and some nights owners might be too tired to cook for whatever reasons.  Kibble is also more calorie dense than home cooked food and if the dog is having trouble keeping on weight then offering some kibble could shore up the diet.

Keep in mind that there are hundreds of millions of dollars being poured in the research and development of these dog foods.  Quality foods represent a lot of careful thought and decision.  But in the end, they are all businesses and are looking after their bottom line.  Expect to pay more for quality dog food when comparing.  Because if you weren’t willing to pay for quality, then know that the company wasn’t either.  Always remember that you must do your research.

Technorati Tags: commercial dog food, dog food comparison

Anyone who has had a pet subject to a flea attack can imagine just how horrible it can be.  Anyone who lets their dog in and out of the house knows how horrible it can be.  Fleas and pets are not synonymous.  Having a pet does not have to mean a constant battle with fleas and the accompanying itchy bites that fleas inflict.

Here is a little bit about the flea.  There are several different species of fleas that can infest our homes.  Dog fleas, cat fleas?  Who cares they all are out for blood!  But common to all fleas is their life cycle.  They begin life like many other insects as eggs that morph into larva, then pupa, then finally into adult fleas.  That unfortunately means that the visible fleas are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a flea infestation.

Unlike in ages past where fleas were known to pass around plague, they are not as likely to be deadly disease vectors but they still can give dogs tape worms or anemia.  Dogs get tapeworms from ingesting fleas that are harboring the tapeworm eggs.  And as for anemia, with enough of them the little vampires can literally suck a small animal dry.

During an infestation, removing the adult fleas is only a bandaid on the issue but it is still important to remove the adult fleas from pets.  Adult fleas can lay multitudes of eggs that will cause a population explosion in a few days.  But more pressing is removing the adults because that’s the stage that’s biting everyone including us humans.  Even one flea can result in a dog scratching itself raw all over.  Begin by washing all pets with a flea killing soap.    But know that this is only a quick fix to reduce the discomfort.

How to conquer the acute flea menace

When removing fleas from a home, keep in mind that removal should be performed as simultaneously as possible.  The fleas will keep coming back if they are only neutralized on the dogs or in the carpet.  They will continue to appear after hatching or to be tracked in from the yard.

1. Vacuum all carpets.

Vacuum every nook and cranny including corners, stairs, under furniture, anywhere the animals frequent.  A hepa filter vacuum is particularly efficient at vacuuming up not only eggs but larva and pupa.

2. Do the Laundry

It is important to wash all bedding, whether one’s own or the dogs.  A dryer is a sure way to destroy larva.  Wash all laundry that could hold fleas.  Wash all plush dog toys.

3. Insecticide.

Buy a flea spray or powder that can be placed around the property.  Follow the directions on the bottle and include outside areas like the dog house, perimeter of the house, any gravelly areas or any areas where the dogs frequent.  Depending on the circumstances a flea bomb may be an ideal way to remove fleas inside of the home if it is simply unbearable.

4.  Visit a local vet to see what types of flea control they have available for pets.

There are many products that can be given to pets that control fleas.  Topical products are applied between the shoulder blades and help to kill fleas on the animal.  Other products can be given orally that do not kill adult fleas but make them sterile effectively destroying the flea cycle.  I use a combination product that stops fleas from reproducing while also providing protection against heart worms.

5.  Work in tandem with other neighborhood pet owners to conquer fleas.

If there are animals that roam about the neighborhood they can be flea reservoirs.   Outdoor cats with fleas can easily continue to kindly drop them off in the yard.  One delinquent pet owner can provide a flea reserve that allows for fleas to maintain a foot hold in the neighborhood.  All animals allowed on the property should be flea free.

Once the immediate flea infestation has passed keep in mind that there may be remaining pupa or eggs that have continued to develop.  Remain vigilant and continue to vacuum daily and search for fleas on the animals.  If infestation reoccurs then repeat the steps above.  Using a small amount of garlic in the dog’s food may also help reduce fleas (see the article on garlic).

Even outdoor pets should not by necessity be flea bitten.  My outdoor cat has no fleas which I still find amazing.  I strongly recommend using a product provided by a vet that leaves fleas sterile because even if the dogs bring a few fleas home they will not be able to leave behind viable eggs for a second generation.

Technorati Tags: fleas, pest control

A new puppy almost always begins a relationship with its owners by peeing on the floor.  Occasionally, they leave even more considerate gifts for us.   It isn’t really puppy’s fault that that spot happened to be convenient for peeing!  But either way, new family members need to be housebroken or retrained.

When getting a previously house-broken dog, it is wise to expect a few mistakes in their first few days as they’ve just been uprooted from their former lives.  Try not to let the new dog wander over anything that it would be a tragedy to pee on.  This goes for puppies too.  Expect a few mistakes as they don’t have the best control over their bladders yet.  Doggy needs to learn where exactly is appropriate for its private business.

The best way to remove poop from inside and coax it outside is to have a regular schedule that includes walking.  Feeding dogs at the same time every day sets them up for a regular pooping schedule then a walk will help move it all out before you leave for work.   The physical activity seems to warm everything up.   Walk morning and night.

Certain new foods may create upset stomachs when feeding home cooked foods.  Keep a stable diet for dogs during housebreaking, limiting the amount of new foods.  When a new diet is being introduced make sure to allow for ample opportunity to go potty while you are home!  If fed in the morning, may it not come as a surprise that puppy couldn’t wait!

Even worse than poop, pee travels along floorboards and grout lines.  It stinks and can be hard to clean.  When home do not allow dogs that are not house broken out of sight and take them to the designated grass every hour at first.  Most dogs will not pee right at your feet and if it does, it can be interrupted and taken to the right place.  Be conscious of bathroom body language like sniffing, crying, or circling or the beginnings of a squat.  If there are mistakes, clean them up and remove all smells that may encourage a repeat offense.  Once puppy knows the house is not for peeing, she will know to hold it.

The most important part of housebreaking is schedule and consistency.  Dogs need to know that you are coming back and that they should wait for you to come home.    They need to know someone really is coming home and the house is in no way a bathroom!    If the dog will be home alone for an extended period of time, it may need a doggy toilet (puppy pads etc) but walking and taking the dog out regularly minimizes the amount of poop and pee that goes into that area.  I promise this will make your life easier!  And if not there’s always crating.

Technorati Tags: housebreaking, new puppy, set schedules

A dog’s coat is a dip stick for its health.  A dull, shedding, flaky coat can be a symptom of poor nutrition or caused by an undiagnosed disease.  Allergies can also cause itching skin and bald spots.  Visually assessing the coat is a valuable tool in measuring the holistic health of the dog.

The first factor to consider in a dog with a poor coat is its diet.  Every dog is different and a food that is a perfect fit for one dog may not supply everything that another dog needs exactly.  While feeding a dog the commercial dog food equivalent of Mcdonalds keeps them full and provides the major macronutrients a dog needs, it may not supply all of the additional vitamins and minerals a dog needs to thrive.  It also may not provide the proper balance of nutrients a dog needs.  Upgrading the food of the dog may help to improve the coat of the dog and also its holistic health.

A supplement that frequently works wonders on a dog with dry skin and coat is fish oil.  Fish oil supplements from the local health food store work well.  It usually comes in gel capsules that can easily be emptied over the dog’s food.  The additional fatty acids help to lubricate the dog’s coat for improved luster.  Sardines packed in water are also an excellent source of fish oil to add to a meal.

There are also herbal supplements that can improve the coat from within.  Oregon grape is one herb that is often used to improve skin or there are different herbal supplements that can be purchased.

Food allergies and environmental allergies can cause dry skin, itching and baldness.  The most common symptom of food allergies is generalized itching.  Itching can become severe enough that the dog creates open cuts on its skin.  Obviously this causes hair loss.  The skin can also become crusty  and flake.  The prevalence of more severe allergies occurs in certain breeds, like French bull dogs.    Food allergies can be conquered through testing or pinpointing allergens.

When the diet of a dog is judged to be sufficient but the dry, flaky coat persists, this can be a sign of an underlying disease.   Endocrine disfunction like hypothyroidism or cushing’s disease can manifest as a poor coat.  Other symptoms of disease in conjunction with the coat merits testing.  A veterinarian can test for thyroid function and this can be treated with herbs in mild cases.  If the herbs prove to be ineffective, the synthetic hormone thyroxine may be prescribed.  While I am an advocate of natural remedies and healthy lifestyle choices for disease prevention, thyroid hormone may be necessary for a dog with an endocrine disorder to live a  happy, healthy life.  Often this type of disorder is caused by the body having destroyed thyroid tissue due to an autoimmune response.  The body may have a very limited margin to heal naturally in cases like this.  Symptoms often resolve quickly following hormonal therapy.

A healthy coat not only signifies a healthy dog but it also reduces the need for vacuuming!  A healthy coat will shed less than a dry, itchy coat.  Any dog would be eternally grateful for relieving that insufferable itch.

Technorati Tags: dog allergies, dog nutrition, food allergies, Herbs for dogs, shedding, thyroid disease

As a last suggestion, make sure puppy is wearing a collar and their tags.  With all of the commotion of the holidays dogs frequently go missing and their absence may not be noticed for hours.  If the dog has no tags the chances of being happily reunited with your pet goes down.  Even if puppy is indoors, dogs are smart and may find a way to escape!

Dogs and fireworks don’t mix well.  During this time of year, many dogs live in several days worth of terror and anxiety and many go missing.  These are a few tips to help to ease doggy through this noisy time and keep him safe.

I don’t know about everywhere else but Hawaii has a huge new years tradition of blowing everything up that money can legally buy and for some people what money can illegally buy.  It’s really fun to watch the next door neighbor’s 20 minute private arial display.  The noise and smoke at midnight are awesome as everyone simultaneously blows up their 10,000 chinese fire cracker strings.  This year the firework of choice seems to be a mini bomb that explodes and echos like thunder and sets of car alarms and dog barking alike.  Needless to say not every dog can handle the war scene of New years in Hawaii.

Anecdotally, I’ve heard of people traditionally getting their dogs hammered before new years to keep them happy.  Others contact their vet for tranquilizers.  Probably others use cold medicines like benadryl to make their dogs wonky.  While I’m pretty sure all of these methods work to keep doggy quiet and unable to run in circles and knock things over, I don’t think I can recommend getting your dog intoxicated!

If an owner judges that tranquilizers may be needed to help keep doggy from becoming a quivering puddle of puppy, it is important to make a call to the vet. Ask them what options you have and how to use the tranquilizers.  I have been advised to give my dogs benadryl before for allergies and found that it also makes dogs sleepy.  This may be an easy option but be sure to consult the vet to find out the appropriate dosage.  There are also other tranquilizers that a vet can prescribe to help conquer anxiety.

I’m sure not everyone in the country is going to literally burn a couple of hundred dollars but some people may be having holiday parties that doggy may not be invited to.  In either event, there is a need to create a safe and quiet environment for the holidays. If the dog already has a crate that it enjoys move the crate to a quiet room that’s out of the way.  A room that has several obstacles to escape is preferable as many dogs run away from home out of fear during new years celebration.  If doggy doesn’t already have a crate, owners can help by creating a doggy den for doggy to feel safe in.  A fast way to create a small den would be to cover up a table with a blanket or even get a big cardboard box.

On new years eve, taking doggy for a vigorous, and long walk might help wear doggy out before the fireworks start.  During the evening doggy can be allowed to hang out in the chosen room.  If you have chosen to tranquilize your dog, follow the directions and choose the appropriate time to administer those.

Turning on a radio or tv could help to block out some noise.  Close all of the curtains and windows especially if there is going to be a lot of smoke in your area.  Leave a bowl of water for puppy.  Feed puppy before leaving her in her safe room.  Try to time it so that puppy can go potty right before things start to heat up.   Puppy may not be so keen on going to the bathroom with tons of fireworks and smoke blowing up all around her.   Make sure to keep the door closed to prevent escape.  Also doggy may appreciate a nice bone to chew to keep busy.

As a last suggestion, make sure puppy is wearing a collar and their tags.  With all of the commotion of the holidays dogs frequently go missing and their absence may not be noticed for hours.  If the dog has no tags the chances of being happily reunited with your pet goes down.  Even if puppy is indoors, dogs are smart and may find a way to escape!

Technorati Tags: anxiety, fireworks, holidays, loss prevention, new years, tranquilizers