Bottled Water for Pets

Water for Pets

You would not think of water as medicine but holistic vets do. They believe it is one of the best “drugs” for protecting your pet’s health. Water does much more than just quench thirst. It regulates body temperature, aids in digestion,and lubricates tissue. Water constantly transports oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body and carries away the waste.

Water is an essential part of many treatment plans. Pets with constipation are often encourages to drink more because water lubricates the digestive tract and helps stools move more smoothly. Water can also flush away bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, and a high-water diet is often recommended for pets with urinary stones.

So, most animal experts will agree that pets should be given the same quality water as humans: bottled and/or filtered. Municipal and well water can contain many things harmful to pets and people. One of these things is the parasite Giardia, a single-celled organism that ends up living in the mucous lining of the intestines. This parasite can cause diarrhea in animals as well as humans. If a puppy or kitten is suffering malnutrition, the effects of Giardia can be worse.

Your pet will probably like bottled water better than tap and therefore will drink more water which is beneficial to their health. Many pets dislike the taste and smell of chlorine and other substances in tap water. Bottled spring water is cheap and readily available.

If you want to encourage your pet to drink more water, add some flavoring. You can add clam juice or some of the water that is left from boiling meat or chicken.

You can also help them get more water in their diet by moistening their dry food with a little water or give them moist or canned foods, which contain a lot more water than dry kibble.

Dogs are very sensitive to odors, and plastic water bowls may develop “off” smells that discourage your pet from drinking. Switch to glass or ceramic.

Make sure your pet stays properly hydrated and know the signs of dehydration. See our post Dog Dehydration and Feline Dehydration

Overweight Pets – Does Dog Food Taste Too Good

Did Your Vet Say You Have An Overweight Pet

If you can’t feel your dogs ribs then your dog is probably an overweight pet. Some pets have an inherited tendency to gain weight but in most cases pets gain weight for the same reason their owners do – too much food and not enough exercise.

One of the reasons your pet may be overeating is because of additives in their food. Many commercial pet foods have been enhanced with artificial flavors to make them more appetizing to your pet. Your pet may continue eating even though he/she is full because the food just tastes so good.

Also dogs and cats are genetically programed to hunt but they don’t have do that anymore. Their bodies like ours are designed to work – run, jump and move to find their food. Current lifestyles for pets though don’t involve a great deal of physical activity.

Vets say the best way to help pets lose weight is to reduce the amount of calories they take in and encourage them to exercise more. Some veterinarians have recommended that overweight pets be given the so called “diet” dog foods but they are not beneficial for all pets. Some off these “diet” dog foods are low in certain fatty acids and so they have a tendency to cause dry, flaky skin and a dull coat.

One vet commented that “some of the fattest” animals she has seen are on low-calorie diets.” Low-cal diets may cause your pet to become intolerant to fat which may cause pancreatic problems if they are switched back to a regular diet. Natural pets foods are better than the commercial brands but holistic vets suggest homemade diets or at least adding vegetables to your dogs diet.

Want to get more idea about how to help your dog lose weight? See our post ==>

Overweight Pets – How To Avoid This

Annual Dog Vaccines

Core Vaccines for Dogs

When it comes to core vaccines for dogs most pet owners automatically take their dogs and cats in for their annual dog vaccines. That is what we always did with our pets when I was growing up and many vets still follow this protocol.

The latest research has been showing that many annual dog vaccine are not needed on an annual basis. While vaccines are important, vets often overdo it and pet owners are wasting millions of dollars every year and endangering their pets.

Ron Schultz, PhD. chair of the department of pathobiological sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, has studied canine vaccines for more than 30 years. Much of Schultz’s research has concentrated on how long a dog is protected from a disease once he has been vaccinated.

Schulz’ research demonstrates that immunity for the core vaccines for dogs (canine distemper, canine parvovirus, and canine adenovirus type 2)lasts at least seven years. Yet many clinics still promote annual booster vaccinations even though most guidelines for canine vaccinations recommend boosters of adult pets every three years, and rabies as required by law, typically, also every 3 years. Annual dog vaccines may be unnecessary and harmful.

If you are interested in a safe alternative to annual dog vaccines read our post

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Nosodes – Homeopathic Dog Vaccines

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Dogs That Drool

Why Dogs Drool

Dogs that drool can be really messy and ruin car upholstery and furniture. Why dogs drool is very simple and it is a natural function. All dogs drool some and some breeds, especially those with heavy lips, drool a lot because skin around their mouths traps saliva and overflows and even cats drool a little.

Drooling isn’t a medical problems but vets tell us that when drooling changes it is usually because of a problem. Dogs and cats drool more when they are nauseous or when something is lodged in their gums or between their teeth. Liver disease, tonsillitis or other infections can also cause increased drooling.

For regular drooling, the vets writing in New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats, say tie a bandana around your dog’s neck to soak up the moisture. Dogs that drool look cute with the bandana and most dogs are not bothered by fabric tied loosely around their neck. This way dogs that drool won’t ruin the carpet or your car’s interior.

Here are some things holistic vets tell you to check out if your dog is drooling excessively:

Do a mouth check – If your dog or cat has something caught in their teeth they will drool quite a bit. They will also drool if they have gum disease. Check your dogs mouth for foreign objects first. To check for gum disease, smell their breath. If it smells really bad there may be an infection and you should see your vet.

This happened with our pet only I thought the smell was coming from her skin and I kept giving her baths. Finally I took her to the vet and he explained she had an infection in her mouth.

Try A Chinese Cure – Many cats and dog drools in car because the motion makes them nauseated. You can get a Chinese herbal remedy called Pill Curing at any health food store to help prevent nausea and its associated drooling. Give 10 pills to dogs that drool weighing under 15 pounds, and one vial of pills to pets 15 to 50 pounds. Give about 20 minutes before travel. This may also prevent your pet from vomiting in the car and making a mess which is unpleasant for everyone.

Give homeopathic cure - Ipecacuanha and Cocculus are often recommended for helping nausea. The remedy Tabacum may also help dogs that drool. Use 30C tables and give your pet three to five pellets, or two or three drops, up to two hours before travel.

Have you ever wondered what can I give my dog for an upset stomach? There are many items that are already in your kitchen that can help make your dog feel better fast. Check out our post What Can I Give My Dog for an Upset Stomach

Natural Flea Control for Dogs – Part 2

Natural Flea Control Cat

Natural flea control for dogs is actually a three part plan. The first part as described in our previous post Natural Flea Control For Dogs is just the first part – keeping the fleas off the dog or cat. The second stage of the plan is to treat the inside of your house, especially the places where your dog spends a time, such as his/her bed, rugs and sofas. Here is what Natural Dog magazine recommends:

Frequent washing - Regular laundering of your dog’s bed and cleaning area rugs at least once a week can remove fleas and ticks that have made their way from your pet to these surfaces.

Frequent vacuuming – To treat areas that can’t be laundered, such as sofas and floor cushions, wielding the vacuum at least weekly can help. Make sure you have a vacuum cleaner with a disposable bag for this job. Dispose of the bag after each vacuuming because any flea eggs inside the bag can hatch and start the flea infestation process all over again.

Treat surfaces - Applying borate-type powders on carpets and citronella sprays on baseboards can also help keep fleas out of your house.

The last part of the plan for natural flea control for dogs is keeping the fleas and ticks out of the yard. If you have a few chickens and some guinea fowl they will gobble up your flea and tick problem. Since not all of us are zoned to raise chickens your other option is to keep the grass cut. There are also certain nematodes that can help control flea populations in the yard. These microscopic worms, available from garden-supply stores, consume not only young fleas but other insects. You must apply nematodes monthly.

Keeping your dog healthy is one of the best defenses against flea infestation. Some vets say animals who eat a minimally processed, wholesome diet are less susceptible to parasites.

Natural Flea Control for Dogs

Natural Flea Control Cat

Many people are uncomfortable using conventional flea and tick control products on their pets. But they are concerned that natural treatment will not be effective. Nonchemical, natural products can be effective natural flea control for dogs. Natural Dog magazine says though it requires a three part plan on your part. You must keep fleas off the dog, out of your house and out of your yard. Our vet said much the same thing we were considering flea control measures.

Here is a handy quick guide from Natural Dog magazine to natural flea control for dogs and natural flea control cat.

Quick Guide to Natural Pest Control Products


Where to use: On the dog

Product or Action: Citronella collars, flea combs,herbal dips and sprays, herbal shampoos especially with citronella

Where to use: In the house

Product or Action: Borate powders, citronella sprays, frequent laundering, frequent vacuuming

Where to use: In the yard

Product or Action: Beneficial nematodes, free-range fowl, frequent mowing

Organic shampoos, dips,, sprays and powders are the only natural topical ways to control parasites says holistic vet Shaw Messonnier, DVM, of Plano, Texas and author of Unexpected Miracles: hope and Holistic Healing for Pets. Among the products he favors for pest control are herbal flea and tick shampoos that contain citrus oils.

A product we recommend is PetAlive BeFree Flea Shampoo BeFree Flea Shampoo is natural product containing no parabens, sodium laurel sulphate or harmful petrochemicals. The shampoo is made with citronella oil, rosemary oil, tea trea oil and niaoli oil.

Between baths use a citronella collar, a natural insecticide spray, or an herbal powder. Still use a flea comb daily also.

If your pet has itching in their ears they might have ear mites. Check out our postEar Mites Dog Natural

Natural Cures For Your Pet

Common Dog Health Problems

Here is a clear and simple guide to which alternative remedies and lifestyle changes are appropriate for several common canine medical conditions (Source: Natural Dog Magazine:

ALLERGIES:

Natural Remedy - herbs, homoeopathics, fatty acid, antioxidants

Diet Change – avoid grains, processing and byproducts

Lifestyle Change - frequent bathing with an organic anti-itch shampoo; keep off grass that has been treated with chemicals

ARTHRITIS:

Natural Remedy – Chondtoitin and glucosamine supplements, acupuncture, enzymes

Diet Change – Natural diet, restricted calories if needed, fewer treats or low-fat treats

Lifestyle Change – Weight loss, controlled exercise

BAD BREATH:

Natural Remedy – Coenzyme Q-10, fatty acids, antioxidants, herbs, homeopathics

Diet Change – none

Lifestyle change – Brush teeth at home, provide dental treats

CANCER:

Natural Remedy - Fatty acids, antioxidants, herbs, homeopathics

Diet Change - Improve diet: lowered carbohydrates and increased proteins and fats, especially omega-3s

Lifestyle change – No vaccines

DIABETES:

Natural Remedy – Herbs, supplements made of extracts from glands such as thyroid medication, homeopathics

Diet Change – Increased fiber

Lifestyle change - Increased exercise, small, frequent meals

DRY SKIN, COAT:

Natural Remedy – Fatty acids, antioxidants

Diet Change - Natural diet, increased omega 3s

Lifestyle change – Frequent baths with natural or organic hydrating shampoo

EAR INFECTIONS:

Natural Remedy – Herbal ear drops, antibacterial and antifungal herbs, olive leaf extract

Diet change – Natural diet

Lifestyle change – Clean ears regularly, limit swimming

EPILEPSY:

Natural remedy - Choline, B vitamins, herbs, homeopathics

Diet Change - Natural diet; reduced-protein diets help some pets

Lifestyle change – No vaccines, eliminate seizure triggers if possible

HIP DYSPLASIA:

Natural remedy – Joint supplements, acupuncture, magnetic therapy, herbs, homeopathics

Diet Change – Natural diet, reduced calories if needed.

Lifestyle change – Weight control, controlled exercise (especially swimming)

HOT SPOTS:

Natural remedy - herbs, homeopathic, fatty acids, antioxidants

Diet Change – Natural diet

Lifestyle change - Eliminate possible causes, such as fleas or allergies

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE:

Natural remedy - Enzymes, probiotics, glutamine, herbs, homeopathics

Diet change - Natural diet

Lifestyle change - Eliminate possible causes, such as food intolerance, food allergies, infections

KIDNEY OR LIVER DISEASE:

Natural remedy – Herbs, homeopathics, fatty acids, antioxidants, probiotics

Diet change – Natural diet, reduced phosphorus and protein if needed

Lifestyle change - Fluids administered at home as needed.

SEPARATION ANXIETY:

Natural remedy – Flower essences, herbs, theanine, homeopathics

Diet change – Natural diet

Lifestyle change – No vaccines; behavior modification

URINARY TRACT INFECTION:

Natural Remedy – Herbs, homeopathics, olive leaf extract

Diet change – Natural canned food or natural moistened dry food

Lifestyle change - Feed a moist diet to encourage frequent urination

Natural Flea Control Recipes

Natural remedies for fleas

Flea control is a constant problem for all pet owners. Here are some natural flea control recipes I found:

Citronella Oil Recipe for Natural Flea Shampoo

Citronella has been found to repel insects. You can actually buy this in the essential oil form. You simply add 1 to 2 drops, depending on your pet’s size of Citronella oil to their shampoo and then shampoo.

Natural Flea Collar Recipe

Purchase a soft material collar and soak it in the following solution:

1/2 Tsp Alcohol

1 drop Cedarwood essential oil

1 drop Lavender essential oil

1 drop Citronella essential oil

1 drop Thyme essential oil

4 Garlic Capsules

Break open the garlic capsules and add the liquid to you alcohol and essential oil mixture and mix it all together. Pour the solution all over the collar until all the liquid is absorbed. Let the collar dry completely before using it. The collar is effective for about 30 days. To boost your pet’s flea immunity you may add 1 to 2 capsules of garlic to your pets food.

If you don’t want to mix up a natural remedy yourself consider using a natural flea shampoo with a residual effect. PetAlive BeFree Flea Shampoo helps deter fleas, flies and mosquitoes for dogs BeFree Flea Shampoo is a natural cleansing herbal shampoo for dogs using only tested, natural ingredients, supporting a residual mosquito, flea and fly deterrent effect while encouraging healthy, clear skin and coats.

In other words this product keeps on working even after you rinse it out to repel fleas. Plus it keeps your pet’s skin clear and healthy. BeFree Flea Shampoo contains absolutely no parabens, sodium laurel sulphate or harmful petrochemicals.

To get more information about PetAlive Befree Flea Shampoo click on the ad below

What Can I Give My Dog for an Upset Stomach

How to Cure an Upset Stomach

If your dog has the symptoms of an upset stomach such as:  diarrhea, vomiting, no appetite, mouth odor, burps or excessive thirst, you should not give them food for the next 12 to 24 hours. Puppies should only fast 12 hours maximum. Just like humans water may aggravate an upset stomach so just give your dog ice chips.

After the fast you may give your dog small meals of either cooked ground meat and rice or cooked chicken (skin removed) and rice. One article I read, the vet recommended chicken because it is more easily digested. Holistic vets recommend you add a tablespoon of plain yogurt.  The probiotics contained in yogurt help introduce good bacteria into your dogs digestive system.

Other recommendations for natural cures on how to cure upset stomach are mint tea (small dogs one mug/day large dogs/3 mugs per day) or Ginger Root. You can get it in capsule form at the health food store or you could also make the tea. If your dog eats grass he/she may be curing themselves because grass will help reduce nausea as well as soothe the stomach.

When your dog is able to drink water again, consider adding some Gatorade to their water to restore their electrolyte balance. Being  ill causes dogs electrolytes to get out of balance (same goes for humans).

If after a day or so your dog seems better, gradually phase them back into their regular diet. If your dog still does not seem right, take him/her to the vet. The symptoms could indicate a more serious problem than just an upset stomach.

To prevent further episodes of upset stomach you might want to consider a digestive supplement for your pet. Native Remedies offers PetAlive Digestive Support to maintain a healthy digestive system. The capsule can be opened and mixed in with your pet’s food. PetAlive Digestive Support in addition to helping your pet’s digestive system function better will soothe gastric mucus membranes,maintains health energy levels and general well-being and supports routine absorption of nutrition. If you want to find out more about PetAlive Digestive Support, click on the highlighted text or the banner above or below the post.

If you want to know how to tell if your dog is dehydrated which sometimes happens when they vomit, check our post Dog Dehydration on this site.

Get Rid of Fleas

Natural Dog Flea Control

Does your dog have fleas? Here are the most common symptoms as listed in New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats by Amy D. Shojai and the editors of Prevention for Pets

Flea Symptoms:

- Scratching or losing a lot or losing patches of fur

- Pepper like debris in his fur

- Skin is red or sore, or there is a scabby rash

- Pet has been getting tape worms

The holistic approach to flea control takes longer, but it uses less-toxic approaches. Sick pets tend to have lots more fleas than healthy pets do, holistic vets focus on improving general health as well as getting rid and preventing fleas. Here are some of the holistic vets suggestions:

Natural Solutions for dog flea control:

Repel them with bad taste - A combination of brewer’s yeast and garlic changes the flavor of your pet’s blood. Most dogs like the taste. Use one tablespoon of brewers yeast on your pet’s food each day. Dogs over 50 pounds can have as much as two teaspoons of garlic a day, and smaller dogs can have one-quarter to one-half teaspoon a day. Make sure your dog does not have yeast allergies before trying this.

Repel with bad smells – Fleas don’t like the smell of citrus, and you can keep them away by using a cleaner with a strong lemon scent or one that contains citronella. Fleas also do not like pennyroyal, peppermint or spearmint. Brew strong mint flavored tea, let it cool and use it to mop floors and baseboards.

Comb them out - According to holistic vets “the safest and most natural flea treatment is to use a flea comb to remove fleas from your pet every day”. Comb your pet over a hard floor and keep a bowl of soapy water nearby and drop in the fleas to down them.

Use a good natural flea shampoo with a residual effect. PetAlive BeFree Flea Shampoo helps deter fleas, flies and mosquitoes for dogs BeFree Flea Shampoo is a natural cleansing herbal shampoo for dogs using only tested, natural ingredients, supporting a residual mosquito, flea and fly deterrent effect while encouraging healthy, clear skin and coats.

In other words this product keeps on working even after you rinse it out to repel fleas. Plus it keeps your pet’s skin clear and healthy. BeFree Flea Shampoo contains absolutely no parabens, sodium laurel sulphate or harmful petrochemicals.

To get more information about PetAlive Befree Flea Shampoo click on the ad below

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