Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Pet Owners

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, please let us all keep are pet's safety in mind. A few common sense and not common sense rules will go a long way.

Watch the table! Your table can be beautifully decorating and also 'eye-candy' to your best buddy. Keep food covered and away from table edges. An easier solution might also be to keep the animal out of the dining room and/or kitchen during dinner time.

Discourage your family members and guests from indulging your pet with inappropriate snacks. Food high in sodium (especially peanuts and chips) and other fatty foods like poultry skin, beef or pork fat can cause an inflammation of pancreas. Pancreatitis is potentially life-threatening condition.

Secure your trash at all times! Keep your trash cans far away from your animals, or better yet, take it out right after your done with it. This will insure that your animals don’t jump inside the canister or knock it over to get to those juicy Turkey bones! Even a vegetarian house wants to keep an eye out, onions and chocolate can do just as much damage!

DO NOT give your pets animal bones! According to 'doghobbyist', “cooked turkey, duck, geese and other bird bones are dangerous to your pet. They are hollow and break and splinter easily. Also, because they are so easily breakable, dogs usually won’t chew them thoroughly. The results are sharp pieces that can choke the dog or block, tear the intestines.”

Consider giving your pets their own space during the time when family, friends and others are at your home during Thanksgiving. Sometimes even the calmest of animals can become highly stressed due to the added noise that we all have during the holidays. Consider taking them for a Long walk prior to company coming over.

Leave your pets at home when attending holiday parades and festivities. Though floats, large balloons and crowds can be a blast for your family, they can send your dog into an anxious or even aggressive state. Leave your dog at home and let them enjoy the festivities on TV while relaxing on their favorite blanket.

As always, make sure your pets are wearing their collars with tags. If someone forgets to shut the door, you want to make sure your pets are easily identifiable.

Have a Wonderful and Safe Holiday!

Thanksgiving is a time for thanks and generousity, unfortunately there are Thousands of pets put to sleep by reluctant pet owners, who are faced with financial challenges that prohibit them from rendering emergency and necessary medical care for their animals. We are doing our part.

Please go to www.wholesalepetdirectory.weebly.com to pick up your list of over 150 wholesale pet product manufacturers and companies, it will save you hundreds of dollars and also it will help this Great cause!

More Thrifty Tips for Petowners

We all know how expensive vet bills are and we have all paid them. But one thing you may want to think about when looking for or changing your vet is to find an older vet. One reason is because an older vet doesn’t have to pay any longer for his college education (with any luck), whereas he/she has been out of school for years and will sometimes offer less expensive rates. Some of the best vets I have ever met have more of an ‘old school’ thought process and don’t encourage the bigger and better ad ons. Another thought, if you happen to live near a vet school, inquire about discounts, most times it can save on vaccinations and routine issues and although the students aren’t as experienced, they are always supervised.

When it comes to dog food, shop around, sometimes the most expensive food does not mean it is the best. There is no doubt that there are superior brands, however again, shop around. Also, contact your manufacturer directly, or go to their website, don’t hesitate to ask for a coupon. If you tell them that you may go with ‘brand X’ because you feel it is the same quality but offered at a less expensive price, chances are they will give you that coupon and keep them coming.

Not to offend any groomers out there, but you can also do your own grooming between the times you take you pets in for their usual appoints. Perhaps do some good daily brushing or nail trimming, that way perhaps you can cut down your time and price when you go for your regular visits. Ask for a frequent visitor’s reward card of some kind, most groomers will give you the 6th or 10th or whatever grooming free. Never hurts to ask.

Join freecycle, for those of you who don’t know, the concept behind freecycling is finding new use for used items rather than throwing them out and utilizing land fills and everything is Free. Sometimes you can find crates or kennels or other pet supplies that people need to leave behind due to moves or for whatever reason. www.freecycle.org Also on craigs list you can look under the free section, they also will list pet items for free such as crates that their puppy has outgrown. www.craigslist.org

And please, for those of you looking for your new best friend, don’t overlook the shelters in your area. If you are looking for a particular breed, you could also look at the specific breed rescue. For a small donation, your new buddy will be spayed/neutered, up to date on shots, thus saving you money for puppy or kitten vet bills ~ but most importantly ~ he/she will be your forever friend!

If anyone has any other thoughts on saving pet owners money, please feel free to post them! Please no spammers, with a self-promoting agenda.

Tips for a Safe Pet Halloween

I read this on a rescue site and thought it should be repeated.....

Halloween can be a frightening time for family dogs. Each Halloween, veterinarians nationwide see pet injuries that could have been avoided. Here are some ways we can protect pets:

* Walk your dog before trick-or-treaters start their visits. Keep a firm grip on the leash; many dogs are frightened by people in costumes.

* Find a secure place in your home to keep your dogs, especially if you're giving out candy to trick-or-treaters. Many dogs get loose when the door opens, and the presence of little (and big) costumed people often scares animals, increasing the chance dogs will run away or get hit by cars.

* Make sure your dog is wearing an up-to-date I.D. tag.

* Place a dog gate in front of your front door to block access in case someone accidentally lets your pet out of the place where he's confined. Many dogs will run after trick-or-treaters.

* If your dog has any aggressive tendencies, fear of loud noises, or a habit of excessive barking, place him in a quiet room as far away from your front door as possible at least a half-hour before trick-or-treaters arrive.

* Consider crating your pet, which can make him feel more secure and reduce chances of accidental escapes. Provide chew toys, a favorite blanket, a piece of clothing with your scent on it, or whatever comforts the animal. Play soft music or a recording of soothing sounds.

* If you want to have your dog near the door to greet visitors, keep him on leash. Pets can become very stressed by holiday activities and unwelcome interruptions in routine. A nervous dog might feel threatened and growl, lunge or bite.

* Keep dogs indoors. It's a bad idea to leave dogs out in the yard; in addition to the parade of holiday celebrants frightening and agitating them, there have been reports of taunting, poisonings and pet thefts. Plus they're likely to bark and howl at the constant flow of treat or treaters.

* As for cats, as the ASPCA and other organizations advise, keep cats indoors at all times.

* Do not leave dogs in cars.

* Keep dogs out of the candy bowl. Dispose of candy wrappers before your pets get to them, since the wrappers can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Make sure the dogs can't get into the trash. Note: Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause nerve damage and even death in dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more concentrated it is -- and the smaller the lethal dose.

* Explain to everyone in your home (including kids) how dangerous treats are to pets. Take young childrenUs candy supply and put it somewhere out of reach of pets. Caution children about leaving candy wrappers on the floor.

* Make sure pets can't reach candles, jack-o-lanterns, decorations or ornaments.

* Halloween costumes can annoy animals and pose safety and health hazards...so think twice before dressing up the dog. Make sure the dog can breathe, see and hear, and that the costume is flame retardant. Remove any small or dangling accessories that could be chewed and swallowed. Avoid rubber bands, which can cut off the animal's circulation or, if accidentally left on, can burrow and cut into the animal's skin.

* If the animal is very high-strung, consult your vet about tranquilizing for the night.

* When walking dogs during or after Halloween, watch carefully for what they might pick up and choke on. Bits of candy and wrappers abound on sidewalks and streets after holidays.

* If you notice these symptoms of chocolate poisoning, go to your vet or an emergency vet right away because your pet's life may be in danger:

Excessive drooling
Excessive urination
Pupil dilation
Rapid heartbeat
Vomiting and diarrhea
Hyperactivity
Muscle tremors and seizures
Coma

written by: paw-rescue.org

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Pet insurance ~ Is it necessary ~

There are obvious reasons for pet insurance and there are obviously pros and cons to it.

Is pet insurance becoming more popular, it appears so, whereas according to reports, approximately 5% of pet households now carry one form or another, which is up from less than 1% in past years. Pet insurance can be expensive. So look closely at different policies before you buy and try and figure out what care your pet will likely need.

As we all know, vet bills are outrageously expensive these days, and they appear to continue to rise. Know Your Vet. Although most vets are reputable, watch closely for add ons which are not needed. When I brought Maxwell into be neutered and micro chipped at my ‘vet at the time’, all appeared to be fine until the checkout. This particular vet informed me that there was a ‘problem’; he told me that Maxwell had a overbite, but he could correct it with braces for a minor expense of over $3,000 +. I looked at this man as though he had four heads and needless to say, Maxwell did not get braces.

Now back to insurance. There are different policies: Safety plans, Wellness plans, Comprehensive plans and so on. So what is what? Well in a nutshell, safety plans are the least expensive, and only covers issues such as broken bones, etc. Wellness plans include routine care, such as physicals and vaccinations. Some experts say that the premiums, deductibles, and copays for these plans usually cost a bit more than paying out-of-pocket. Of course, if your pet gets injured, such a plan may save you money. Comprehensive plans are on the pricier side, some policies cover a broad range of treatments, from cancer medications to acupuncture.

Before deciding on if insurance is right for you, take into consideration all aspects such as your pet’s age ~ some policies won’t cover pets when they reach a certain age and if they do, it could be considerably more expensive. Consider your dogs breed, whereas some breeds are more prone to medical issues than others but if your policy covers those issues, you could save a lot of money in the long run. Consider the overall health of your pet, are they overweight, do they get plenty of exercise, and have they been healthy most of their life. Also to be considered ~ how much can you afford to keep your pet alive. Sometimes with insurance, it is a safety net and you won’t have to think about things like that.

Finally if you decide on insurance, make sure you shop around, ask plenty of questions, check with the Dept of Insurance and read the fine print.

I Rescued a Human Today ~

I Rescued a Human Today

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel, I blocked her view from the little accident I had in the back of the cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card, I hoped she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and the side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon, my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to be always by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more out there who haven't walked the corridors. So man more to be saved. At least I could save this one.

I rescued a human today.

Written by Janine Allen CPDT, Rescue Me Dog's professional dog trainer.

Save Money on Toys, Dog Crates and other pet items ~

Save Money on Toys, Dog Crates and other pet items ~

To do this, begin by purchasing pet items from the supplier or distributor. As everyone knows, pet ownership can be Expensive and even more Expensive when you purchase your items from a pet supply store.
You can save money however by simply buying from the manufacturer or distributor ~ meaning the companies that make the items, the companies that supply the pet store or your vet, which in turn marks the price up and resells it to their customers ~ You.

By cutting out the middleman, pet owners can see savings of fifty percent or more on pet supply purchases - a great money saving opportunity.

All you need to do is cut out the middleman, it’s that simple, by doing that, you can save 50% or more ~ Is that a huge saving or what. Quite a few wholesalers and manufacturers will sell directly to the public, not to mention in this economy more “guarded” wholesalers are doing just that. Shipping can be an issue for larger items, such as crates and beds but some will even include free shipping or pass out promos. Not to mention, the more you buy, the more you can save. So get a list together and plan ahead because if you buy direct you will save a lot of money.

Good Luck ~ Save Money!

Also, you can get a list of over 150 pet product wholesalers and manufacturers of different pet items by visiting: http://wholesalepetdirectory.weebly.com

The Natural Home ~ Part 2

To get rid of doggy smells and pet odors, spray bedding regularly with a solution of 3 drops eucalyptus oil and 2 drops rosemary to 2 oz of purified water. This makes a quick, instant spray. As there is no alcohol to preserve the oils, make up small amounts at a time and shake the bottle vigorously before using.

Natural Alternatives for Insect Repellants
The following essential oils have been found to have moderate to high effectiveness in keeping various insects away from you.
~To repel mosquitoes: Basil, Cedarwood, Citronella, Geranium, Juniper, Rosemary To repel house flies: Citronella, Geranium, Juniper
~To repel ants: All Mints To repel fleas: Cajeput, Lemon, Pine
~Citrus oils can be used as natural cleaning agents around the house. Simply add a few drops of Orange, Lemon, Bergamot or Mandarin oil to water, moisten a clean cloth with the mixture and wipe down children's rooms and school bags.

Keep Lemon on hand to kill germs.Keep a spray bottle handy for quick cleanups in children's playroom. Add to dishwashing liquid or any mild hand soap. Use in a spray for disinfecting the air. You'll find plenty of other uses I'm sure. It has high antibacterial properties. It's antiseptic properties will last for 20 days. Lemon has the ability to stimulate white corpuscles that defend the body against infection. Combine with Angelica to stimulate the body's immune system. It is a powerful bactericide and great for kitchen clean ups.

How much easier can it get! Lightly scent your home by placing a cotton ball containing a few drops of essential oil in an open window.

Ylang Ylang Chocolates Essential oils can be infused into chocolates or any other sweets by placing the loose chocolates in a box then adding a piece of absorbent paper to which you have placed a drop of Ylang Ylang. Cover and let sit until absorbed, a few days should do it.Try other oils like Orange or Mandarin for a different twist.

Cinnamon Ginger Stars
These fragrant stars are a great addition to potpourri. They can also be used as ornaments or glued to craft projects.
Mix together in a plastic bag:
1/2 cup powdered cinnamon
1 tablespoon powdered ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
In a small bowl, mix together: 3/8 cup smooth applesauce 1 tablespoon white craft glue Add the applesauce mixture to the bag. Close the bag and squeeze to mix until the mixture forms a ball. Take out and knead on a cinnamon sprinkled surface. Roll out the dough to a 1/4" thickness and cut into shapes with small cookie cutters. For ornaments, use a straw to make a hole before drying. Let the stars dry slowly, turning the frequently.

Scented Stationary, Business Cards, Note Pads Put a few drops of your favorite essential oils on blotter paper or cotton balls. Place items and oils in a tightly closed box. Let sit for about 1 week.

Ice Candles Melt one pound of paraffin in a double boiler. Cut a milk carton to height desired, center a taper candle inside, then fill with crushed ice. Add six drops Spearmint essential oil and a sprinkling of glitter to the cooling paraffin.....pour the paraffin into the carton. Let cool, then pour off the water and tear away the carton to reveal a candle that glistens like ice

How to Make Scented Rocks
from http://www.make-stuff.com
Place rocks in a bowl or dish to scent a room. A nice alternative to potpourri!
1/2 cup plain flour
1/2 cup salt
1/4 teaspoon essential oil (your favorite scent)
2/3 cups boiling water Food coloring, if desired
In bowl, mix dry ingredients well. Add essential oil, and boiling water to dry ingredients. (Scent will be strong, but will fade slightly when dry.)
For colored stones, blend in food coloring, one drop at a time until desired shade is reached. Blend ingredients, and form balls into different shape and sizes to look like stones. Allow stones to dry.

And it is All that easy !!

Enjoy!!!

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The Natural Home ~ Part 1

The Natural Home ~ Part 1
Home Remedies -Using Essential Oils in the Home

Sage Mint Toothpaste Recipe

• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint essential oil
• 1/4 teaspoon spearmint essential oil
• 1/4 cup arrowroot
• 1/4 cup powdered orrisroot
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon ground sage

Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl. Add water until paste is desired thickness and consistency. Store at room temperature in a tightly covered jar. Variation: Substitute 1/2 teaspoon each of cinnamon essential oil and cloves essential oil for peppermint and spearmint essential oils, if desired. Recipe by: Make Stuff

Orange Glass Shiner

Use Orange Glass Shiner to polish any glass or mirror to a lovely finish and shine Enjoy the pleasant aroma too -- which makes it seem like you're not cleaning at all. (Well almost!) Yield: 8 ounces Shelf Life: Indefinite Ingredients:

• 
  4 ounces water
• 4 ounces apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon borax
• 1 tablespoon orange essential oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon essential oil

Blending Procedure: Combine all ingredients in a heavy duty plastic spray bottle and shake well before each use. Spray on glass or mirror and wipe immediately with a clean cloth. Watch the shiny surface emerge. Note that stubborn stains like old toothpaste glop and chewing gum come off with ease, plus the aroma is pleasant and uplifting. It's best to use gloves with this cleaner and remember to shake before using the evenly incorporate the essential oils. As with all household cleaners, keep this one out of the reach of children. Enjoy!

Homemade Surface & Glass Cleaner

• 
  1 cup white vinegar 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
• 10 drops lemon eo
• 10 drops rosemary eo
• 5 drops peppermint eo

Mx all ingredients together in a spray bottle, shake well, and spritz! From: April 2006 issue of Alternative Medicine -- The Art & Science of Healthy Living, page 95

Essential Oils and Pet Care
New information is emerging on pets and aromatherapy massage. One must heed more caution with animals than when using essential oils than with humans. For one thing animals skin absorbs oils at a different rate than human skin. Essential Oils that have been found helpful when working with animals to confront everything from flea control to depression includes: Lavender, Tea Tree, Chamomile, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Juniper, Geranium, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Sweet Orange and Eucalyptus.
The Essential Oil to AVOID ON PET IS: PENNYROYAL. This is too strong in undiluted form.

FLEA and TICK CONTROL:
Dried herbs and essential oils can be very effective in shielding your animal from fleas and ticks. I have seen a full blown tick drop off of a dog onto the floor with just a single drop of undiluted tea tree oil, when applied directly to tick. Also cleaning pet bedding with pure essential oils help repel varmints.

PET POWDER
2 drops Juniper Oil
2 drops Lavender Oil
1/2 cup arrowroot OR cornstarch OR clay OR baking soda OR any equal parts of these Directions: Combine the arrowroot and essential oils. Crushing the clumps of oils between your fingers to evenly distribute them. Be sure to wash your hands after handling the pure essential oils to avoid any contact with eyes or delicate mucous membranes. Sprinkle on pet as a preventive powder.

HERBAL BUG REPELLENT PILLOW

You can make a bug repellent pillow for a cat or dog by adding equals amounts of Lavender flowers, Cedarwood chips and Pennyroyal herb (NOT THE OIL), to the stuffing of a pillow or small homemade pet mattress. If you are substituting essential oils for the dried herbs, us ONLY 5 drops TOTAL to pillow or mattress and again AVOID PENNYROYAL OIL. I know that Penny royal oil is used in many animals recipes but I feel that it is too strong to be used directly on an animal. Also AVOID using Citrus Oils. While they are an ingredient in many flea repellents, they are used highly diluted. I once witnessed a small kitten go into convulsions after an unsuspecting owner applied orange oil to its fur. I would not use pure essential oils on young kittens and dogs. I tend to use homeopathy with my cats and seldom have the need to use essential oils on them.

PETS BATH WATER: Pure essential oils may be added in small amounts to a pet's bath water. About 8 drops of essential oils to 2 gallons of water. These oils work well: Lavender, Juniper, Eucalyptus, Cedarwood, Peppermint or Tea Tree. **CAUTION: ALWAYS CONSULT A VETERINARIAN BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO TREAT A PET'S POTENTIALLY SERIOUS CONDITION ON YOUR OWN*** Source: The Essential Oils Book by Colleen Dodt 1996


Mold Buster

2 teaspoons Tea Tree essential oil
2 Cups WaterAdd to a spray bottle, shake before using. Apply to mold and mildew, do not rinse off. Nothing works as well for mold and mildew as Tea Tree. Lemon Mint Window Wash
For the shiniest windows ever! Ingredients: Juice from one fresh Lemon 2 Cups water or Club Soda 1/2 teaspoon Peppermint essential oil 1 teaspooon Cornstarch Mix all ingredients and pour into a plastic spray bottle. Shake before using. Try using sheets of black and white newspaper, it shines without steaking.An old home remedy.

Cleaning out drawers and closets...rearranging them to match the new season, and storing winter clothes is a spring ritual at most homes. First, I empty the drawers, vacuum out any debris, wipe them with a damp cloth, then spritz them with the following Drawer Spray; two ounces isopropy alcohol one half teaspoon sandalwood e.o.(essential oil) one teaspoon tangerine e.o. one half teaspoon Peru balsam e.o. One eighth spruce e.o. one eighth lavender e.o.(or more if you prefer) two ounces distilled water.Pour the isopropyl alcohol into a glass spray bottle and add the oils. Add the water and shake to mix. Before using, first test the spray on a small section of a drawer before using as alcohol can dissolve a shellac finish. If the finish is unharmed, spray the empty drawer and allow it to dry before replacing the clothes.

Home Remedies ~ The Dreaded Diarrhea

OK, OK, We all hate this one ~ when your best buddy has diarrhea, but yes, indeed it does happen. And go figure, usually at the worse time, such as when you are going out the door to work, having company over, or the worse case scenario when you are expecting a ‘date’ to come over to your otherwise spotless house. YIKES!!

Dogs can sometimes suffer from loose bowels or diarrhea. There can be a host of different reasons that can cause diarrhea in a dog, just as with humans. When you notice that your dog is having problems with loose bowels, it is important to know how to treat the condition with effective home remedies.

Although there a number of reasons that your pal has diarrhea, when you notice they are having problems it is important to know how to treat the condition with effective home remedies.

Now we all know the obvious, if you feel there is a real threat by diarrhea you must bring your dog to the vets. But if you feel it is due to something harmless they got into, then below are some sample bland diets that can do the trick. But first and foremost make sure your dog stays hydrated because it is very easy for an animal to become dehydrated when they have diarrhea.

You may want to try a mini fast, no food for 24 hrs. However most dogs hate this idea, especially Maxwell. You may also try giving your dog either some cottage cheese or some unflavored yogurt. These foods will help to restore the proper balance of good bacteria in your dog's intestines and hopefully get rid of the diarrhea.

Another method is a bland diet. Serve one part boiled hamburger or skinless boiled chicken, to two parts plain white rice or cottage cheese. Serve in three small meals for 1-2 days, and then gradually return to the dog’s normal diet over the course of three or four days by using part bland diet and part normal diet.

Over-the-counter medications like Pepto Bismol can also help every 6 hours. (Dosage depends on your dog's weight: 1 ml per 10 lbs.) . and also calms the inflammation and upset stomach. Two other over-the-counter medicines can be given to dogs with diarrhea: Imodium AD (1 ml per 10 lbs. every 8 hours) and Kaopectate (Dogs: 0.05-0.1 mg/pound by mouth every 8 hours. Treatment should only be needed for 1-2 days. (these are estimated dosages always check with your vet for your dog’s dosage and/or if your dog is already taking other medications.)

Finally, remember that if your dog’s diarrhea persists for a period of time beyond a couple of days then you should take him in to see his regular vet in order to determine whether there is a more serious underlying health condition.

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IF I DIDN'T HAVE DOGS

IF I DIDN’T HAVE DOGS

Ø I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety
Ø My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated.
Ø All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture and cars would be free of hair.
Ø When the doorbell rings, it wouldn’t sound like a kennel.
Ø I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, without taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable
Ø I would not have strange presents under my Christmas tree – dog bones, stuffed animals, toys, treats, nor would I have to explain to people why I wrap them.
Ø I would have money….and no guilt to go on a real vacation.
Ø I would not be on a first name basis with 4 vets, as I put their yet unborn grandkids through college.
Ø The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come, no stay, leave him/her/it ALONE.
Ø My house would not be cornered off into zones with baby gates or barriers.
Ø My house would not look like a day care center, toys everywhere.
Ø My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.
Ø I would no longer have to spell words like ball, frisbe, walk, treat, car
Ø I would not have as many leaves in the inside of my house as the outside.
Ø I’d look forward to spring and the rainy season instead of dreading MUD season.
Ø I would not have to answer the question “Why do you have so many animals?” from people who do not have the Joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone as close to an Angel as they will ever get.
Ø If I didn’t have dogs…..How empty my life would be.
Author Unknown

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Home Remedies ~ Sore Paws

Your buddies foot pads are firm and thick because they are meant to endure tough surfaces. Plain and simple, Right? Well not so quick. They are durable but a dog’s paws are still susceptible to soreness, burns, scrapes and bruising. Some of the normal wear and tear such as hiking, long walks, running on pavement or walking on the hot top can result in problems.

After being outdoors, always check your dog’s paws for cuts and scratches. If your dog has been running in (or like my Maxwell) playing in the mud, be sure to wash off with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. If they are just tired from hard play they can be soothed with a thick paste of pine tar and fuller’s earth. Just apply the mixture to the affected area to soothe and heal.

Please be more than careful about using human creams because there may be ingredients that may not be suitable for pets, however diluted salt can be used for minor issues whereas it has antiseptic properties. Aloe Vera is Awesome! It too is a soothing and natural remedy. Again, it is best to use the real deal, meaning 100% pure gel, not mixtures. Pure Aloe Vera is also known as being anti-bacterial, anti-septic, and anti-fungal.

Tea Tree Oil diluted in with water is excellent for sore paws (1 part tea tree oil to 3 parts water) has both anti-fungal and anti-septic properties, Tea Tree is an ideal natural remedy for minor dog sores and wounds.

What about broken toe nails you may ask. Well first and foremost, keep you dogs nails trimmed, I know, I know, they hate it or at least most do, but this is the best way to avoid nail breakage, also remember to file them down ~ a few treats work wonders for my Maxwell while I am doing his nails. But if your pet’s nails do happen to break and/or bleed, put some cornstarch in a small container and dip the toenail in, this stops the bleeding.

Sore footpads and broken nails usually do not require a trip to the vet clinic unless you see a wound or your dog is limping. But again, if you have any serious concerns, always consult your vet.

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Home Remedies ~ Mange

The best treatment for mange is to prevent it. Routine grooming, brushing and baths will go a long way to remove scaby and scaly skin caused by mange. But if your dog has been infested with mange mites, either thoroughly wash his bedding and toys in Borax or simply throw them out. Do not try any treatment at home until you take your dog to the vet.

With that being said, most healthy dogs actually carry around a small population of Demodex mites. The problem begins when there's a population explosion and the mites get out of control. Mites can be localized, in only one place on the body or can be spreading over the entire body. Localized demodicosis is more common, and it often clears up on its own. On the other hand, generalized demodicosis, which fortunately is pretty rare, requires the dog be dipped once or twice a week for six to eight weeks. The dog usually has to be shaved for the dip to be most effective. Again, Prevention is the Best Cure!

A good home cure is as follows:

~~16 Oz Of Peroxide (a bottle)(2 cups)

~~4 Cups Of Warm Water

~~8 Tablespoons of Borax Detergent (found at Wal-Mart)

~Combine in a bucket, shampoo your dog first and apply the above combination on the affected areas, then apply to entire body.
~Do Not Rinse.
~Do this on a weekly basis until the mange has cleared up

Home Remedies ~ Ears

Ear Remedies:

~These types of ear problems will affect both cats and dogs, but more commonly is an issue for our canine friends. Ear infections are often pretty easy to spot as in addition to noticing your pet physically scratching and rubbing its ears, the infection often is accompanied by a dark, waxy substance inside the ear and carries with it a horrible smell.

~The cause of the infection could be a number of things such as a yeast, or fungal infection, ear mites, and unfortunately those dogs with floppy ears and/or fur inside the ear canal are particularly at risk.Swimming can also cause problems with dogs that love to swim. Retrievers, like Maxwell, and other breeds that love the water can be prone to issues with infections due to the fact that water gets in the ears. You may not be able to stop them from taking that regular dip, and you probably don't want to, but you can use some preventative care to prevent those horrible ear infections.

~~Always clean your pet's ears regularly.~~Use a solution of 50% Vinegar and 50% water and insert the solution into the ear canal, gently massage it in and use cotton balls to clean out any debris. (Also, do this prior to Any over the counter ear treatment)

~~For those of you with the regular swimmers, mix a solution of 1 cup of Water, 2 cups of Vinegar and 1 tablespoon of Rubbing Alcohol. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and squirt it onto the outside of the ear canal once or twice per week and after every swim. You can also use this solution applied with a cotton ball to clean out the inner part of the ear. The alcohol in the mixture will help to dissolve wax, whereas the vinegar creates an acidic environment that will not allow yeast or bacteria to grow in.

Simple Home Remedies

~~You will find a few simple home remedies to help if a non life threatening situation should occur with your pets. To begin with, do your pets and your pocketbook a favor and practice preventive medicine for them. Deal with the little problems before they become costly large problems.

Flea problems ~ a couple of simple home based recipes can go a long way to save you money.

1. Safe flea shampoo: Dawn Dishwashing detergent breaks down the waxy exoskeleton of a flea's body. Rinse well.
2. Safe flea tonic: squeeze full lemon into 1 pint of boiling water, chop lemon and add, strain, cool, sponge onto your dog.
3. Adding garlic or brewer’s yeast to a dogs food has long been thought to help keep fleas away and from biting. ( Some people feel garlic is not good for dogs, however, many people swear by it)
4. Herbal flea collars are another natural way to go ~ eucalyptus, fennel, rosemary, rue wormwood and yellow dock all seem to act as flea repellents. To make your own herbal flea powder combine equal amounts of the herbs and mix them well. Sprinkle a small amount of the powder on your dog’s coat and massage it in thoroughly, making sure to work it all the way down to the skin. You can also use a drop or two of the essential oils of eucalyptus and rosemary on a plain canvas or fabric covered collar. ~~ As with any flea collar, watch for signs of hair loss or skin irritation around the neck and be careful your dog doesn’t chew on the collar.