Quality foods and natural remedies for dogs are valued for the same reasons many individuals prefer them over highly-processed foods and artificial treatments. A lot of the same herbs, dietary supplements and organic, all-natural foods designed for people are made for dogs too. In fact, as people become more discriminating about what goes into their stomachs, they’re becoming equally as careful about what their pets consume.
Natural options include odor controls, flea and tick repellents and grooming items including shampoos, dental sprays, eye drops and skin gels. Generally speaking, animals in the wild appear to have an instinct for what is ok to eat, but as your pet, they have no option besides relying on their owners to let them have the healthy foods, products and lifestyle they deserve.
A healthier lifestyle starts with quality food. Unfortunately, the labeling on a lot of dog food is purposefully misleading. For example, the word “natural”, when utilized in a product name, might be meaningless. While the American Association of Feed Control Officials specifies a natural ingredient as a thing derived only from a plant, animal or mineral which is either unprocessed or physically manufactured without using any synthetic aid or chemical additive, it doesn’t stop some corporations from misusing the term. Don’t trust the advertisements or titles that say “human-grade” or “USDA Inspected”, because both versions mean very little. Carefully read the ingredients, and use your common sense when selecting dog food. As a rule, avoid products with any of the following ingredients:
* Artificial colors
* Artificial flavors
* Preservative chemicals
* Added sugar or salt
* Meat by-products
Suspicious acronyms like BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytolulene) in addition to lead, propylene glycol and sodium pentobarbital are poisonous chemicals that should not be fed to your four legged friend.
As with those produced for those of us on two legs, holistic, natural remedies for dogs often include herbs. Herbal tinctures are fantastic for treating chronic ailments, calming nerves, boosting immunity and advancing general wellbeing. As with all living creatures, one can find safe and unsafe herbs for dogs. Unless you are very familiar with the consequences of herbs both as an external treatment for cuts and wounds, and to be taken internally, it is advisable to not feed them to your dog. Some are toxic, or could be toxic if given in excess.
Herbal treatments almost always have a collective effect in a period of weeks or months so shouldn’t be used either for emergencies or immediate results. They are best as complements to a nutritious diet, active lifestyle and traditional medicine, if necessary.
Herbs can be used to treat depression, allergies, anxiety and other circumstances. Beneficial herbs include calendula, coltsfoot, milk thistle, aloe, parsley and others. Garlic should only be utilized sparingly, while comfrey, wormwood, pennyroyal and undiluted tea tree oil, among others should never be given to dogs. Consult a animal medical practitioner or canine naturopath before giving herbal remedies. Certain herbs must not be given to dogs with heart disorders, high blood pressure, anemia or who are currently pregnant. Never give herbs to a dog without being clear on its suitability.
Vitamins and supplements are an essential part of healthy living for dogs, especially as they age. They can compensate for nutritional deficiencies, detoxify, build up immunity and help to strengthen weakened bones. Enzymes, fatty acids, glucosamine, kelp, apple cider vinegar and coconut oil are as beneficial for dogs as for their owners. As with dog food, avoid supplements with sugar, corn syrup or any other unnecessary and potentially harmful ingredient.
Other natural remedies for common canine problems include massage, acupuncture and aromatherapy. These most often have a positive effect for stiff, aging or anxious dogs. Natural dog foods and other items are available because pets deserve a fit life. Antibiotics, drugs or surgery are essential at times. However, a nourishing diet, preventative intake of vitamins and nutritional supplements and judicious use of herbal remedies and other restorative methods can work wonders. For people who value the advantages of all-natural foods, body products and treatment for themselves, extending those benefits to their dogs is the responsible, loving thing to do.
Filed under Dogs by on May 2nd, 2011. 1 Comment. 
Simply because you have a dog doesn’t mean you have to stay home all the time. If you prepare and take a little care, it is simple and fun to travel with your dog.
Here are some tips to make the trip less difficult on both you and your pet:
1. Get your dog used to being in the car by taking him on brief trips. If it is possible to, begin taking your dog for short trips when it’s a puppy. Go to fun areas like the dog park, the fast food drive through (where you can feed him bits of meat from your burger), or to visit friends. You want him to feel that journeys in the car are fun. I tend to take my dog on quick journeys to the grocery store or on errands to get him comfortable with trips in the car. You don’t want your dog to assume that all car trips end up at the vet’s office.
2. If your dog tends to get carsick, don’t feed him the morning of the trip. Having your dog travel with an empty belly should help to decrease the chance of any car sickness.
3. Carry plenty of water and a water dish along. You will need to offer your dog periodic drinks of water once you stop for a rest. It could be less complicated to get your dog to drink if it is familiar drinking water from home. Water from different locations frequently smells or tastes differently, and your dog may not want to consume it.
4. Be sure to carry your dog’s food, treats, favorite bed, toys, and leash.
5. If your dog uses a crate, bring that along too. If you don’t have a large vehicle, one can buy crates which fold up. When you get to your destination, you can put your dog in his crate while you go somewhere that you can’t bring him along.
6. How should your dog travel in the car? Some dogs prefer to sit or lay on the seat, so carry a blanket to safeguard the upholstery. Other dogs may want to be kept in a crate in the car. Ensure the crate can’t slide around and scare the dog while you’re driving. You can purchase dog seat belts to keep your dog protected while seated in the car.
7. Make a stop every few hours to walk your dog, and yourself a break. Offer him some drinking water and let him relieve himself. Some dogs are frightened by noisy trucks driving by, so try to walk in a peaceful area. Be a goodcitizen and carry plastic bags along to pick up the mess. While traveling, if you are walking your dog at night, it’s a great ideaon to attach a blinking light to his or her collar so that your dog can be easily seen by passing cars.
8. If your dog is anxious about staying in a hotel or strange home at your destination, he might not eat or drink. You don’t want him to get dehydrated, so make sure to get him to drink, at least. You can mix turkey broth or gravy into the dog’s drinking water. That will normally get him to lap it right up. One can mix chicken broth or gravy into the food too.
The first trip could be the hardest, many dogs are very uncomfortable having never been in a vehicle before. I hope that the recommendations above will make your trip a successful one. With the first trip behind you, if you have taken the time to ensure it is pleasant for your dog, future travel with your dog should be a breeze.
Filed under Dogs by on May 3rd, 2011.
If you’re the owner of a brand new puppy then I must recommend that you get started training him as soon as possible because the sooner you begin training your puppy, the more likely it is that your will have of growing up into a very well behaved full sized adult dog.
The cheapest and most efficient way to train your puppy is to do it yourself and you can quite easily learn how to do just that by <a href=”http://ezinearticles.com/?SitStayFetch-Dog-Training-Guide-Review&id=2526042″>Downloading The SitStayFetch Online Dog Training Guide</a>. You can download the guidebook in just a few minutes and begin learning how to be a dog trainer right now.
This top ranked guide was written by a real professional dog trainer named Daniel Stevens and in it Stevens covers over 25 common dog behavioral problems. Basically no matter what type of problem behaviors your puppy may have (or might develop), they are definitely covered in SitStayFetch.
SitStayFetch isn’t totally free but it is inexpensive, you can buy it for about $40 and since it comes with a total satisfaction guarantee there’s no risk in buying it. There is a two month full cash back refund period so if you’re not happy with it you can easily get all of your investment put back in your account.
While SitStayFetch itself isn’t cost free, there is a free 6 day dog training course that you can receive just by filling out your name and email address. The course will be sent to your email inbox over the next week.
Of course another option is pro puppy kindergarten classes such as these <a href=”http://stevedebono.com/trainerblog/5-puppy-kindergarten-class-puppy-social/539/”>Puppy Kindergarten Classes in Austin, TX</a>. Just check to see if there are any quality trainers near you. It is likely that there are some excellent ones near you if you live near a city.
And in case you’re interested, there’s this fantastic <a href=”http://www.musicbyday.com/ok-go-music-video-for-white-knuckles/869/”>music video by OK Go</a> which features some very cool dogs that I think anyone who likes dogs should check out.
Filed under Dogs by on May 4th, 2011.