Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Shop at Shopping for Dogs!
April 23rd, 2010
Greetings fellow holistic owners!
I just wanted to point out that we now have a little amazon store. If you kindly look up in the top bar you will notice shopping for dogs! Unfortunately, due to this and that technical doodad we are having trouble placing our store directly in the frame. If you “click here” the store will open in another window where you can browse.
I don’t know about you guys, but I have only recently discovered amazon and it has changed my life. Not only do I love bulk purchasing, but many online products are significantly cheaper than their in-store counter parts. And not to mention I don’t have to make a trip to three different stores to get what I need.
In the store, we’ve given a good deal of thought as to what products we want to support as well as finding the best deals. Shipping to Hawaii is monstrous, so I’ve tried to include as many items with minimal to no shipping costs to benefit everyone. I’ve also chosen products that I personally have bought or will buy.
So take a look! Hopefully there is something you like!
How to get rid of Fleas
March 29th, 2010
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.
Holistic alternatives to puppy pads
February 19th, 2010
Small dogs are notoriously difficult to housebreak compared to larger dogs. Puppies and small dogs have smaller bladders than big dogs and can’t hold it as long. While some dogs go only 3 times a day, I can’t imagine that it is good for the dogs’ urinary track/kidney health or the carpet. I strongly recommend teaching dogs to use the toilet out doors rather than on puppy pads unless there are compelling reasons not to. The grass would be the best solution but if not grass, some type of doggy toilet would then be needed if an owner works a full day and can’t take the dog out to the bathroom.
I will admit that I used puppy pads for my dogs as puppies and also still use them when I know I will be gone all day. Puppy pads are basically baby diapers. They hold poop and pee and are not biodegradable just like diapers. Not good for the environment at all! Even if there were biodegradable puppy pads, they wouldn’t degrade in the landfill where they would end up. Just like diapers, there is a large market for various products that provide convenient toilet options, while also being good for the environment.
Washable puppy pads
Similar to cloth diapers, dogs with toilet needs could be taught to use washable, cloth, puppy pads. These are also called or considered whelping pads. Usually they consist of a top cloth, an absorbent layer and a leakproof plastic layer. Washable pads are less expensive than a box of puppy pads and can easily be washed instead of thrown away. I’m sure many people will wonder if these are any more eco-friendly than disposable (just like the cloth v. disposable diaper debate) but this is a viable option for those with landfill guilt.
I bet my dog would want to sleep on it though.
If you are interested in washable puppy pads check out our store here!
Commercial dog toilets
I bought a Ugodog for my dogs a while ago but to be honest, I could never convince my dogs to use it. The Ugodog is a plastic tray covered by grating that allows for clean dog feet and collection of urine in the tray below. I wish I had known about this product when my dogs were small as retraining now is more time consuming than I care for. I would recommend this product to anyone who has a new puppy as it contains nasties and can be used with or without paper in the tray. It is also large enough that a larger dog/puppy could use it if needed.
There are also numerous dog toilets sold online and on tv that have artificial grass.
The only downside to these products in my opinion is that in terms of cleaning, they are no more pleasant that picking up used puppy pads. Some of them have trays that need to be emptied (possible spillage?) or have actual puppy pads/newspaper in them! In some of the deeper boxes, maybe cat litter (non-clumping/not clay) could be more convenient to remove dog messes.
Litter box train your dog
For some reason Emmala always wants to EAT litter not poop in it so I don’t feel like this is a viable option for my pups. Eating clumping litter is a real danger to a dog so don’t use it if you are going to litter box train your dog. Of all of the above options this is my favorite.
There are several biodegradable litters that could be used for a dog. Feline pine is made of.. pine. Clumping litters could cause obstructions so I wouldn’t recommend them. There are also actual litters designed for dogs available for purchase along with specially designed dog trays.
My ultimate goal was always to litter train my dogs and buy a cat genie!!!! But alas..
Always observe the dog carefully if using litter as it may be considered tasty not appealing for pooping.
Actual toilets
The human toilet may be an option for the novelty dog trainer. Just like cats a few special dogs have managed to learn to go in the human toilet. I don’t know if they flush too but it’s a start!
For those who are the most handy, or dedicated to dog toilet. You could actually make and install a urinal type dog toilet or buy a “pet potty”. As I can’t brandish my drill and hammer with any skill, I don’t have a dog toilet. :( It would be really cool though!
Dog coat as a measure of Holistic Health
January 14th, 2010
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.
Tranquilize your dog on New Years
December 26th, 2009
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!