Holistic Pets

Heartworms are caused in our pets when our pets are bitten by mosquitoes which have become infected with heartworms from biting other infected animals.  A number of animals can be host to heartworms. They include dogs, cats, wolves, coyotes, foxes, ferrets, sea lions and even humans.  When the infected mosquito bites our pets the mosquito deposits larvae into the skin of our pets. The larvae are from the parasitic roundworm known as dirofilaria immitis. The larvae migrate to the heart and within 6 months they hatch or transform into worms that look like pieces of thread. The heartworms can be found in the chambers of the heart and in the two main arteries leading to the heart (Pulmonary artery and vena cava). From there they move to other parts of the body including the lungs and liver.

SIDE EFFECTS FROM HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE MEDICATIONS

Side effects from use of heartworm preventative medications include diarrhea, convulsions, vomiting and general tiredness or weakness. Your pet’s body recognizes the chemicals in the heartworm pills as poison and uses their immune systems to try and fight off what they see as foreign bodies. Therefore, when on these medications your pets will have weakened immune systems which allow your pet to get sick easier.

USE OF GARLIC |NATURAL CURES FOR CANINE HEART WORMS

So how do we prevent heartworms and have natural cures for canine heart worms? Did you that garlic is being used to prevent the mosquito bites? The reason garlic is being used is because when our dogs eat garlic their skin then puts off a pungent odor that insects such as fleas and mosquitoes are thought to avoid. Therefore, garlic is being used as a cure in the sense that it prevents the mosquito bite from an infected mosquito which is the problem in the first place.

ALTERNATIVE PREVENTION FOR HEARTWORMS| NATURAL CURES FOR CANINE HEART WORMS

Because many veterinarians now recognize that long term use of preventative medications can cause side effects in our pets many people are turning to alternative methods to prevent heartworms. The methods will help overall but you should discuss using them with your vet.

Provide a healthy diet. Many people are now avoiding commercial pet food and feeding their pets natural vegetables, fruits, and raw meat Boost your pet’s immune system Strengthen your pet’s heart and circulatory system In areas where heartworms are prevalent think about regular de-worming Black walnut extract and garlic are also being used as preventatives Prevention is much cheaper than treatment at the vet’s office

Tired of burning up money at the vet and pet stores? Read on thru the last paragraph and find out great home remedies for many ailments and illnesses you pet may suffer from and save some money.

The people at Royal Canine Dog Food understand dogs probably more thoroughly than any other dog food manufacturer. From the growing puppy to the active adult and advancing senior our pooches benefit from the enormous amount of love and research Royal Canine puts into its extensive line of dog food.

Since Royal Canine Dog Food was founded in France in 1967, they have been researching the vast variety of dog breeds to formulate the optimal nutritional balance for each breed at each stage of its loyal, human-loving life. Here we are, so fortunate to have ready access to this wealth of information to support the nutritional well-being of our canine companions – and all we need to do is pick up the appropriate bag! Life is good!

Consider these Royal Canine doggie-diet details and learn that size does matter. The puppy stage for a small breed lasts approximately eight months opposed to a large breed that may stay a puppy for up to twenty-four months. Royal Canine adjusts their puppy formulae to take breed, growth timetable, and accompanying energy level into consideration.

Embracing this wide difference in growth and puppy stages, Royal Canine Dog Foods are developed to support healthy growth of the entire pooch: skeletal structure, organs, and mental capacity at the same time acknowledging the energy-expending requirements of the various breeds.

Small dogs require more than twice the energy-dense diet a large dog does. This may be in part because of the doorbell, jumping up and down barking experience, but the consensus is not unanimous.

The large breeds begin the aging process earlier than smaller dogs. Larger dogs are considered senior at approximately age five and the smaller not until about age eight. Royal Canine Dog Food recognized this and suggests you look into a senior diet for your pooch even before obvious signs of age are apparent. As you may imagine, a variety of nutritious, senior-supporting foods are available for your pooches’ health and longevity.

The unconditional love we receive so willingly from our four-legged friends is without parallel. We owe it to them and ourselves to promote a healthy diet and lifestyle and as luck would have it,Royal Canine Dog Food has made this easy beyond measure. Bon appetite, Fido! Do dogs have all the luck? No, Royal Canine makes cat food too.

Dogs use their teeth every day to chew and enjoy their food, but unlike humans, they can’t brush their teeth after every meal or visit their dentist twice a year! Dog dental health relies on the responsible dog owner to take certain steps to ensure that a dog’s teeth remain intact and healthy throughout their lifespan.

Regular tooth brushing is an essential part of dog dental health. The formation of placque on a dog’s teeth, a combination of old food particles, saliva and bacteria, can easily accumulate. Although placque is soft at first and easily removable with a tooth brush, if not attended to on a regular basis, it can turn hard and brown on the dog’s teeth, sometimes causing gum infections and eventual tooth loss thanks to bacterial infection.

Get your dog into the habit of having his or her teeth brushed. Pick a time when both you and your dog feel relaxed and not hurried. Start by stroking your dog’s muzzle with your finger, then adding a little toothpaste, letting the dog sniff that, and gently brushing the teeth with your toothpaste-lined finger. Once your dog is familiar with that motion, you can graduate to using a soft toothbrush, which should be lined with a little bit of toothpaste. Move the brush in gradual circular motions to remove all accumulated placque. You may only be able to do one section of teeth at a time before your dog gets fussy, but be patient and come back to the brushing routine as often as necessary until you have brushed the placque away from every tooth. Praise and reward your dog for being a good patient during each toothbrushing exercise.

Be sure that your dog has a diet that includes dry food that is good for his dental health, requiring quite a bit of chewing, which keeps the gums and teeth healthy. Provide your dog with such chew foods as rawhide treats, pig ears, dog biscuits and chew bones that willl increase dog dental health by giving your pet hours of tooth and gum exercise time, helping to naturally keep placque from building up on their teeth and gumlines. Owners should learn how to clean their dog’s teeth safely.

There are a number of dog dental health products on the marketplace, including dry food formulas designed for dental health, as well as additives that can be placed in their waterbowl to help promote good dental hygiene.

If your dog exhibits any warning signs such as persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, broken teeth or drooling, make a veterinary appointment as soon as possible. Poor dental hygiene in a dog can lead to bacterial infections in other organs such as the heart, so it’s important that your dog receive proper medical attention if tooth problems or decay can’t be solved with brushings, diet or chew toys.

Dog dental health sometimes requires professional teeth cleaning while under anesthesia. This may involve the application of antibiotics for a few days prior to the procedure.

The ultimate responsibility for dog dental health is in the hands of every dog owner, who owes it to their pet pal to take the necessary steps to keeping both teeth and gums healthy and vital.

Arthritis and bone disease are very common in dogs and usually take one of several types. These include hip dysplasia, dislocation of the kneecap, arthritis of the elbow, swelling and pain in the leg bones, and degeneration of the shoulder joint.

Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip sockets that allow excessive movement in the joint. This condition causes chronic inflammation and calcium deposits. Dislocation of the kneecap is a malformation of the leg bones which causes the kneecap to continually pull out of its place and slip back and forth, creating a low-grade inflammation. Arthritis of the elbow is a hereditary condition caused by improper bone formation. Swelling and pain in the leg bones is caused by insufficient production of vitamin C, which results in poor nutrition and heredity. Degeneration of the shoulder joint is the breakdown of cartilage in the shoulder causing inflammation and pain when moving.

These conditions are mostly hereditary and could be prevented if the female dog were fed properly throughout her pregnancy. The period of growth inside the uterus is most vital in terms of the formation of structure and essential tissues. Proper nutrition is a must during this stage. Try not to give your dog commercial foods and only feed natural and wholesome meals and snacks.

Giving your dog vitamin C on a regular basis also decreases or prevents some of these conditions from developing. Supply your dog with 250 to 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C per day, depending on the age and size of your dog. For example, a small Chihuahua puppy should get a dose of 250 milligrams per day and a large Doberman would get a dose of 500 milligrams per day.

Prevention is vital in order to prevent the development of these conditions. However, if any of the condition already exists, there are several things that you can do to decrease your dog’s pain and discomfort. The first step to proper treatment is to feed your dog with natural diet as much as possible. Include vitamin C per day, using between 500 to 2,000 milligrams depending on the size of the dog. Divide the daily amount and give it to your dog twice per day. Other vitamins and supplements that are important are combinations of vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E. Also include raw grated vegetables in your dog’s diet, particularly celery, carrots, and beets.

In addition to providing your dog with good nutrition, you can also use natural treatments such as homeopathic and herbal remedies. These include glucosamine sulfate, Chondroitin and MSM. Consult with a vet specializing in natural health care to determine which one best fits your dog’s situation.

A dog carrier is your best choice when it comes to traveling long distances with your little friend. It is basically a padded bag with sufficient space to accommodate your pet comfortably. They are of varied sizes, shapes and styles. The market is flocked with different types of dog carriers like dog strollers, dog crates, designer dog carriers and the newly fashionable dog backpack. Which one you choose depends largely upon the size and the breed of the dog you have; and the lifestyle you wish to include your dog in.

With lots of choices for a dog carrier there are some factors that should be noted before buying one. You should make sure that the carrier you purchase has:

1. A safety snaps to clip onto your dog’s collar to prevent your dog from jumping out.

2. Adequate ventilation at both ends of the carrier at least, preferably also at the top of the dog carrier.

3. A comfortable and easy clean interior.

4. Storage pockets for treats and other necessities is a nice extra feature Available at affordable prices, these dog cages and dog carriers are suitable for all type of dog breeds, irrespective of their size and color of their coat. Whether you own a small pug or a medium sized Labrador, a dog carrier will help you have your pet close to your side at all time with minimum inconvenience. The best part is that dog carriers are now available with wheels that make it easier than ever to pull along! A soft sided, ergonomically designed dog cage with padded dog shoulder straps is ideal. However, one of the most important things to look out for when purchasing dog carriers is size. A small dog carrier is best for dogs that weight around 8 pounds; while a medium dog carrier can carry 15 pounds of canine weight; larger dog carriers are capable of withstanding 30 pounds of dog weight.

When you have a dog that weighs 15 pounds or more it will difficult to carry that dog in an over the shoulder carrier. You might opt for a suitcase style carrier in this case. If your dog weighs over 9 pounds, you might as well forget about a fashion carrier. You will need a practical carrier. The dog world of fashion does cater to the smaller teacup breeds. These are dogs anywhere from 2 to 7 pounds in weight. If your dog fits this category you will have a wider array of choices and fashion styles. Whatever you do, don’t buy a carrier that is too large for your dog. You want a carrier that your dog can snuggle and stretch in comfortably. Place a soft blanket or piece of soft fleece material and your dog’s favorite toy in the carrier. Your budget will determine what type and how many carriers you can buy.

This hard-to-treat disease is highly contagious and the main source of infection is by inhalation during close dog to dog contact. The first signs are: fever, coughing, diarrhea, and vomiting followed by unusual tiredness and lack of appetite. Usually dogs under one year of age suffer from this disease. Survivors often develop nervous system breakdown later in life.

CANINE TRACHEOBRONCHITIS (Canine/Kennel Cough). Caused by various airborne bacteria and viruses, this infectious bronchitis is a contagious upper respiratory disease which occurs when dogs are in close contact. Signs are a distressing dry cough, tiredness and loss of appetite and moderately raised temperature. This disease may lead to pneumonia.

RABIES. An incurable, viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of almost all mammals including humans. This disease can be transmitted through bites, while the saliva is in contact with the skin. Once you have this disease, there is no cure and would already lead to death. Vaccine during the twelfth week is a great ounce of prevention.

INFECTIOUS CANINE HEPATITIS. This is caused by Canine Adenovirus Type I. Liver is the attacked organ and can be rapidly fatal. Transmission is through secretions like saliva, infected urine or feces. Early symptoms are general discomfort and lack of appetite, high temperature, pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. This can cause also liver failure, clouding of cornea known as “blue eye” and breathing problems.

Other vaccinations that need booster recommendations from your veterinarian are as follows: LEPTOSPIROSIS, a bacterial disease which attacks the kidneys and the liver; vaccines are due on the twelfth to fifteenth week of your dog; CANINE CORONAVIRUS, which attacks the intestinal system; and, Lyme Disease, transmitted by ticks to both dogs and humans which results in chronic arthritis and, sometimes, death.

It is important to consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination and schedule for your dog. Recommendations on what vaccines to give may vary on the age, breed and health condition of the dog, susceptibility and risk, type of vaccine and the geographical setting.

Issues on vaccines having side effects are lurking but the benefits outweigh tremendously the danger of having it. Effectivity may not be guaranteed 100% but with the combination of proper nutrition and eating habits, a good and sanitized environment, vaccination is a great way to protect your dog and other of your pets as well.  Dogs is a major status symbol in American pet-keeping. Every year, over 12 billion dollars have been spent on dog food and veterinary care alone. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association’s 2003-2004 Pet Owners’ Survey, more than half of dog owners purchase toys for their dogs.

Playing with toys is not the monopoly of little kids but also pets of different kind. Dogs have their own sets of toys to enjoy during their playing time.

Dogs benefit from these toys, health and training wise. There are dog toys that can strengthen their teeth or build their intelligence especially if they also attend a series of training classes with the experts. Like man, dogs are very sociable. Interaction with their companion or a sibling dog is very important in avoiding behavioral problems in the future.

When buying toys, you may want to match them with your dog’s needs, demands and even personality. Is your dog the type that enjoys chasing and retrieving games, or chewing, sitting and sprawling? You may want to try experimenting first to find out which toys make your dogs the happiest.

Before going on a toy hunt, take a look at this list of toys that may help you identify the right kind of toy for your dog. CHEW TOYS. These are perfect for the dog that likes to chew a lot. Instead of your dog chewing your furniture, why not buy these TOUGH little babies for them. These types of dog toy are usually made of nylon or latex rubber. The “King Kong Toys” are among the popular brands of chew toys. You can experiment by stuffing these toys with peanut butter or cheese spread, freeze them and give them to your dog for hours of licking and chewing fun.

One of the kindest and most caring things a person can do for a homeless dog is to adopt them. Life has thrown them a curve ball and you can be there to straighten it out. Before you take that step you need to make sure you are ready with the preparation and commitment necessary so the dog does not have to relive this nightmare.

There are many different rescue organizations in every state. Many times each organization is focused on one breed although this is not always true. Most are well run and provide a valuable service to the misplaced canine as well as community in general. In terms of picking an organization, it is important that you pick one you can trust as there are some scam artists out there that will try to take advantage of the situation.

Sometimes there are even unscrupulous breeders that may portray themselves as rescue groups because they can not legitimately comply with the law as a breeder. When you find a legitimate rescue group it is usually built around the dedication and dream of an individual that wanted to make a difference and gathered others to make it a reality.

Talk to the leader of the group and get a feel for the person. Make sure it is not a scam to gather donations or for other benefit. Look at the conditions where the dogs are housed and get referrals if possible. Maybe even talk to local vets or dog clubs; sometimes they can have some very enlightening information.

A legitimate rescue organization will have standards for adoption and will screen the person or family interested in adopting. Do not take offense to this as you should expect to have some probing questions ask of you. Their desire is to make sure you and your life fit the dog you want to adopt. Even before the dog is put up for adoption most will have the dog examined for any health issues. Be leery of any group that tries to place a dog without following these and more standard practices.

You should be prepared to ask questions of the rescue group. You need to know where the dog came from and is it possible that the previous owner is still looking for their companion. Was the dog lost or was he surrendered? Has the dog been checked for tattoos or microchips? What about health history as far as they know. Is the dog spayed or neutered? Will they allow you to have your vet examine the dog? Maybe most important of all, do they have a list of satisfied placements and can you contact them?

The wrong answer to any of these questions should throw up red flags and you should consider seriously your decision. Do not let that cute face and your impatience lead you into a long term problem. These warnings and cautions are not to in any way insinuate that rescue organizations are not usually legitimately run and that the operators are not skilled and well meaning. What you want to do is protect yourself from the ones that are not.

Once you are satisfied you are making the right decision and if that decision is to bring the dog home, do some research as to what your particular dog may need in light of his age, breed and any health issues present. Prepare the home and the family. Make sure he has proper food supply, dishes, toys, bedding and a plan for exercise.

There is a lot to consider whenever you adopt a dog but with proper planning and care, the decision can lead to a happy and fulfilling relationship that is mutually beneficial for everyone. A dog can be a welcome addition to any home that is knowledgeable and ready for the responsibility.

Dogs, just like humans have their off days; they can mope around, spend more time sleeping than they usually do, go off their food or avoid human contact all together. Usually, they revert to being their usual selves, with their blue mood going just as quickly as it appeared, however, if their low moods persists, it is something to be aware of and take seriously.

Dogs experience a deep and varied emotional life, and we as dog owners often witness the expanse of these emotions throughout our dogs lives. Because dogs share a similar neurological make up to humans, they to are capable of experiencing a series of complicated emotions, such as depression.

The symptoms of canine depression are similar to the symptoms experienced by humans. Typically the dog will show some of the following common symptoms:

Lethargy

Loss of appetite

Weight loss, due to refusing to take food

Loss of interests in play activity

Withdrawal from people

Clinging to owner

Restlessness

Again, as with humans, dogs can experience depressive symptoms for a whole host of reasons, however, depression is usually a reaction to a stressful event, or a imbalance in the dogs neuro chemical make up, usually referred to as clinical depression.

In the case of an imbalance in the dogs neuro chemistry, medication can be prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms of depression in the dog, by restoring the chemical balance.

Reactive depression can be due to a number of reasons that could include any of the following:

The loss of a human friend or the dogs owner

The loss of a canine friend

Illness

Trauma

Bad treatment

Weather changes

Environmental changes, for example, change of house or location

Loss of attention due to a new addition to the family, such as a baby

Separation from it’s owner for long periods during the day

Boredom due to being left alone

Lack of exercise and mental stimulation

Depression is a challenge to diagnose, especially to the untrained, therefore, if you have a dog who is exhibiting the symptoms outlined above, it would be sensible to take your dog to the vet, in order that a correct diagnosis of your dogs condition can then be made, as a physical illness or condition could be the root cause of the symptoms, and not depression.

If the diagnosis confirms your dog has depression, then there are a number of ways it can be treated, depending on it’s origin. If your pets depression is due to a chemical imbalance, then your vet may recommend a course of medication, such as Prozac.

If your dog is experiencing depression due to a stressful event, then a programme of rehabilitation will help him overcome his strong feelings, and a return to his normal state of being. Begin by identifying the root cause of your dogs depression, then work from this point. If your dog is depressed due to the loss of a canine friend, you may want to consider getting a new friend for him. If you have a dog who has eperienced bad treatment from a previous owner, and has developed depression as a result, then it’s time for you to help your dog renew his faith in human kind.

Spend time with your dog playing his favourite games, or alternatively, take regular walks to your local park, or some other of your dogs favourite out door places. Giving your dog a chance to stimulate his senses, especially his favourite sense-his sense of smell, will give him respite from his depressive feelings.

Try not to leave your pet alone during the early stages of his recovery. If you have a friend or neighbour who is willing to spend time with your dog, for a while during the day, then take advantage of the kind offer, alternatively you could contact a pet sitting service.

If you are not totally happy with giving your pet medications prescribed by the vet, such as Prozac, then you may want to try more natural remedies. You may want to try using some or all of the following, to help restore your pets emotional balance, naturally:

Bach flower remedies

Flower essence’s have proven to be of benefit to humans experiencing all manner of negative emotions. Flower essences are also as safe and beneficial in helping depressive symptoms in dogs.

Herbal remedies

St. Johns Wort is one herbal remedy proven to help depression in humans, that is also safe and effective treating depressive symptoms in dogs.

Aromatherapy

The use of essential oils is another safe and totally natural way to help your pet. Oils can be dispersed around the room with the use of a burner or diffuser. Your dog can then be left to inhale the oils calming and restorative properties.

Alternatively, you can use massage along with your essential oils. Touch alone will have the effect of promoting your dogs natural ‘feel good’ chemicals. However, when massage is combined with essential oils, the healing process will accelerate.

• Breath freshening treat
• Natural breath freshening treat provides an all natural way to freshen your dog’s breath
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals

Product Description
Since 1926 Martin’s feed mills has been dedicated to improving the quality of animal health through the enduring principles of nutrition. Pet foods that are quality. Nutritional integrity, pet focused. We are about people, tradition, and emotions. About pets through all walks of life. We are about basics, values, and simplicity.

Bench And Field Holistic Natural Canine Freshmint Breath Freshening Treats, 16-Ounce Jars

We love our pets — but sometimes we don’t love the problems that come with them.  When your dog’s urine leak control fails and you find yourself trapped in a constant round of mopping and deodorizing it is hard to feel entirely happy.

What damages canine urine leak control?  Two of the most common reasons for leakage are USMI (urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence), which occurs in up to 20% of female dogs, and urinary tract infections (UTI). 

In the first instance your dog’s smooth muscles, which control the closing of the sphincter of the urethra like pinching off a hose, lose tone and fail to respond to the normal stimulus that automatically allows canine urine leak control. 

The most common treatments for USMI are hormone therapy (veterinary grade estrogen), phenylpropanolamine — a drug that mimics the natural stimulus that relaxes the bladder while tightening the sphincter — and surgical correction.

UTIs occur when a bacterial infection interferes with your dog’s urethra and bladder, causing irritation, inflammation, and sometimes even blockage.  UTIs also reducing your dog‘s urine leak control.  Of the two causes of leakage a UTI is the more likely to present an immediate threat to your dog’s health.

What are the signs of UTI?

The first sign of UTI is often the loss of canine urine leak control, leading to wetness…wet beds, wet puddles, wet drips through the house, and a wet hind end.  Your dog, who worked hard to learn control, loses control without even being aware of the seepage.

Other symptoms include those common to human bladder infections: a raised temperature, apathy and sluggishness, a tender bladder.  Urine may smell bad in ways that make you think of sickness more than of usual dog smells.  As you clean up the mess caused by your dog’s loss of canine urine leak control you may notice blood in the urine, or a muddy murkiness. 

When you take your dog for a walk, she may appear to have no ability to urinate…the tenderness and swelling may combine to leave your dog straining but producing little or nothing.

How are UTIs treated?

UTIs are usually treated with antibiotics.  However the primary bacteria involved in most UTIs is e. coli, as it is in most human bladder and urinary infections.  As humans often supplement antibiotic treatments with natural substances and homeopathic remedies, likewise some veterinarians approve of supplementing and supporting treatment with alternative medicine.

When possible it is better to prevent UTIs with natural techniques.  Appropriate diet is required, as is a steady supply of fresh, clean water.  There are also natural supplements that are thought to promote bladder health in dogs.  Look for Sabal Serrulata and Galium aperine among other ingredients for supporting and encouraging bladder health the natural way, without the reduced immune response that goes with long term repeated antibiotic use.

Before you begin any therapy on your own, however, it is imperative that you first bring your dog to the veterinarian for precise diagnosis.   The course of action for USMI and UTI are quite different, and if your dog is producing uroliths (bladder stones) then there are still further complications. 

Once your vet has established the cause of the loss of canine urinary leak control the two of you can discuss the plan of action, and the appropriate holistic support and supplement.