Category Archives: au natural dog

Greatest story never told

It is that time of year again… time to think about the Earth… actually, EVERY day is earth day as long as we live on this planet.

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A few ways to consider making your pets greener this year and contributing to the health of the planet.

1. Feed your dog raw, fresh homemade food (locally grown organic) and/or pet food without pesticides, chemicals, processing (no kibble or cans)…

It was found in a study that our pets live longer when fed a natural diet and it is better for the planet.

http://www.findavet.us/2010/04/dogs-fed-processed-food-die-earlier-study-shows/

Our favorite food, Dr Harvey’s has a new dog food (and cat food) called Oracle… which includes meat… we have not tried it yet but am sure that Cici will LOVE it…

  • Just add water for a complete meal in minutes!
  • Makes homemade and raw feeding easy.
  • Freeze-Dried Raw USDA Meats
  • No Preservatives or Chemical Additives
  • Available in Grain-Free Formulas

http://www.drharveys.com/products/show/74-oracle

2.  Consider using natural therapies for your pets… acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, hydrotherapy, homeopathic remedies, music and supplements are easier on the body and planet. Even can be easier on the wallet if you consider the high cost of vet care and drugs.

A green pet first aid kit

http://celiasue.com/2011/04/20/green-pet-first-aid-kit/

3. Teach your kitty how to use the toilet and/or use corn, wheat or newspaper pellets instead of clay and clumping clay litter.  Clay and clumping clay litter can have health hazards for kittens and cats and the mining of the clay is detrimental for the earth.

http://www.citikitty.com/

4. Become informed and educated about New Energy, Free Energy and

energy propulsion that can bring us to a new era of universal peace, eradicate poverty, and more.

It is time for the truth to be known: we are not alone in the Cosmos…and
WE ARE NOT ALONE — HERE ON EARTH.

Dr. Steven Greer, founder of the worldwide Disclosure Movement and the Center for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence is working with Emmy award winning filmmaker Amardeep Kaleka and his team at Neverending Light Productions to produce one of the most significant films of our time.

This film exposes the greatest story never told:

“Once people understand that classified projects have figured out how UFO’s operate, they will realize we no longer need oil, coal and nuclear power. This is the truth that has driven the secrecy.”

On April 22, today, the film Sirius, will premiere in Los Angeles.  You can download it to watch it at home.

Sounds too good to be true? Check it out here…

http://siriusdisclosure.com/NewEnergy/?referrer=67107932mlo0n9

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Filed under Adventure, affordable housing, air, animal planet, around the world, au natural dog, cats, dog friendly, dog health, dogs, eco friendly/green, family friendly, four paws up, organic, pet food, Sirius, Uncategorized

pain is the pits

I was diagnosed with fibro in 1996… have relieved 98% of my symptoms and agree that PET THERAPY of the pit bull variety kind helps a lot… since pibbles are funny dogs… goofy… warm… cuddly and silly… much comic relief, lots of laugh, plus calming warmth and an abundance of licks… of course I am biased…

pain is the pits… this morning my lower back was hurting, cici is applying her special therapy upon it and my back feels better already…

http://www.fmnetnews.com/latest-news/pet-therapy-reduces-fibromyalgia-pain

more about how I have relieved my pain from fibro is here…

loved that Animal Planet had pit bull puppies in their Too Cute segment but miss Pit Bulls and Parolees, which will be on again January 5.  below is just a Dogs 101 segment about American Pit Bull Terriers…

http://animal.discovery.com/tv-shows/dogs-101/videos/american-pit-bull.htm

what do you think????

merry pitti

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Filed under all you need is a dog, All you need is love, animals, aromatherapy, au natural dog, Best Friends, cats, comedy, doggie healing center, dogs, Don't worry be happy, four paws up, happy holidays, holiday tips, justforlaughs, K9 approved, pit bull, puppy love, self help, silly dog, sleeping with your dog, true love

Doggie due diligence

I just did not want to take her to the vet again, spend $300 and give her toxic poisons like I did last year but sometimes it takes time to figure out and take the correct action. Dr Harvey said it’s called doing your due diligence.

I spoke to Dr.Harvey about Cici’s itch and rash again last week. while we were talking, he said I could slather oils and cream on her every hour. I did not get it in my head/gut until Saturday… delayed reaction?

and I had not been putting the healing cream on her butt rash at all, why I do not know. well, I did all day Sat. and voila, the bumpy crunchy rash is improving,  much much better…she has a red rash below her mouth that is harder to put cream on but I keep trying. And her rashes are now MUCH improved.

Organic Healing Cream

Organic Shea Butter, Organic Aloe Vera Extract, Polysorbate (From Vegetable Source), Organic Calendula Extract, Organic Goldenseal Extract, Organic Chamomile Extract, Organic Comfrey Extract, Propolis Extract, Stillingia Extract, Organic Thyme Extract, Tea Tree Oil, Organic Rosemary Extract

http://www.drharveys.com/products/show/24-organic-healing-cream

Helpful info about itchies from a vet

Labrador Retrievers, for example, are overly represented when it comes to food allergy. Wheaton Terriers, Bull Terriers (all pits), Jack Russell Terriers are a few breeds that are documented to suffer from inhalant allergy.  Brachycephalic breeds (dogs with pushed in faces like Bulldogs ) often suffer from infections and itches in areas that other dogs don’t have, e.g. skin folds. Cocker Spaniels and others suffer from primary seborrhea (scaling and itching for no other reason other than they’re Cocker Spaniels)

http://dawgbusiness.blogspot.com/2012/11/itching-for-diagnosis.html

while looking for an all natural herbal flea collar, I saw some on Amazon with oils I already have and one blend, Purification essential oil blend which is excellent for getting rid of fleas and soothing for bug bites, cuts and scratches.

Purification contains:
Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) which is antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal and soothing to tissues.  Citronella is registered with the EPA as an effective insect repellent.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) has strong antifungal properties when applied topically.  Lemongrass  is registered with the EPA as an effective insect repellent.  Lemongrass is also anti-parasitic and can aid in a natural de-worming of your pets.
Lavandin (Lavandula x hybrida) a strong antiseptic also registered with the EPA as an effective insect repellent.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis CT) is a top anti-infectious, anti-microbial and antiseptic. Rosemary  is registered with the EPA as a Biopesticide- Repellent.
Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia) is antiseptic, anti-infectious, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-parasitic, immune-stimulating and a neurotonic.  Entire books have been written on this popular tea-tree oil.
Myrtle (Myrtus communis) is antibacterial and may support immune function in fighting infectious diseases, especially air-borne and respiratory.

Dilute several drops of Purification essential oil blend in a spray bottle and spray to repel insects. Shake well, and mist over entire animal (be very careful and avoid your beloved pets eyes).

Some great essential oils for repelling insects are:

Basil, Citronella, Cedarwood, Clove, Lavender,  Lemongrass, Melaleuca Alternifolia, Patchouli, Peppermint, Purification, Rosemary,  Eucalyptus, and Thyme

Flea rubs

Rub on your pets.

To 1/2 cup of olive oil add 1/2 teaspoon of one of a combination of the lavender , rosemary, or eucalyptus essential oil.

Apply aloe vera, vitamin E, black or green tea. A drop of lavender and/or chamomile essential oil will soothe the bites.

Basic flea control shampoo for pets with fleas.
12 ounces water
1 tablespoons of castile soap
2 drops of peppermint essential oil
2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
2 drops of lavender essential oil
2 drops of rosemary essential oil

Combine ingredients in a jar. Shake well. Dampen your pet. add enough shampoo to make a lather and work. Rinse off well.

Herbal Flea control powder

1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon each of ground dried eucalyptus, rosemary, and lavender

Flea powder

2-4 cups of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon orange oil

Don’t use this on cats. other options is to add lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, or rosemary essential oil.

All Natural Bug Spray Recipe

10 drops citronella essential oil oil

5 drops lavender essential oil

5 drops lemongrass essential oil

5 drops eucalyptus globulus essential oil

1 oz. of witch hazel extract

Put essential oils in an empty spray bottle. Add your favorite carrier oil. Shake well and spray on as needed.

Shake well, and mist over entire animal (be very careful and avoid your beloved pets eyes).

Apply Purification oil and Peppermint oil diluted with V-6 Vegetable Mixing Oil to a cotton swab and rub just inside the ear to eliminate ear mites in cats and dogs.

Purification smells good, clean, fresh not like those cover-up synthetic fragrances that mask odors. This oil purifies, deodorizes and sanitizes the air and gets rid of pet odors, cigarette smoke, mildew and mold and it also feels uplifting. I put some on my pillow, am spraying her bedding and mine and keeping bugs at bay.

Many brands you see in the health food store are NOT pure oils. Many have additives like alcohol and other preservatives. Young Living oils are the pure essential oil and contain no additives of any kind.

If you’d like to give your dog a gift of Purification, Peppermint, Lavendar or other oils, email or call me.

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My itchy dog

Cici’s got the itchies again. am trying the raw Apple Cider Vinegar and Wild Salmon oil cures…  she did not like being sprayed with the ACV but I will find a way maybe sponge it on her. Started giving her the Doggy Goo again, bathed her with Dr. Harvey’s herbal shampoo and took away any kibble. The itchies started with her tearing apart this chair she has been sleeping on. The fabric mess seemed to bother her so I put a sleeping bag over the torn chair. Still itching away and getting worse every day. Drastic measures. Here we go again.

“…Fleas, flies, ticks and bacteria, external parasites, ring worm, fungus, staphylococcus, streptococcus, pneumococcus, mange, etc., are unlikely to inhabit a dog whose system is alkaline inside and out. Should you ever experience any of these with your dog, bathe with a nice gentle herbal shampoo — one that you would use on your own hair — rinse thoroughly, and then sponge on ACV diluted with equal amounts of warm water. Allow your dog to drip dry. It is not necessary to use harsh chemicals for minor flea infestations. All fleas drown in soapy water and the ACV rinse makes the skin too acidic for a re-infestation. If you are worried about picking up fleas when you take your dog away from home, keep some ACV in a spray bottle, and spray your dog before you leave home, and when you get back. Take some with you and keep it in the car, just in case you need it any time. Obviously for major infestations, more drastic measures are necessary. ACV normalizes the pH levels of the skin, makes your dog unpalatable to even the nastiest of bacteria and you have a dog that smells like a salad, a small price to pay!”

http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/acvfordogs.html

raw Apple Cider Vinegar has worked wonders for me internally, when I have had indigestion and other tummy upsets.

  • Use apple cider vinegar as a pet bath to treat fleas and skin irritation. Wash your pet first with a mild shampoo and then wash again with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. Rinse off when finished with cool water and repeat this bath as needed to fleas and skin allergies.

  • Mix equal parts apple cider and vinegar with fresh water and put in a plastic spray bottle. Spray your furry friend daily to treat fleas, heal hot spots, stop itching, and increase the health and luster of your pet’s coat.

Read more: How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Pets | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2066146_use-apple-cider-vinegar-pets.html#ixzz2Bxb8GW83

Apple cider vinegar can be sponged onto a dog’s coat after bathing to remove soap residues and improve hair condition. Vinegar’s acidity and live enzymes are said to kill bacteria that cause flaking skin conditions. Soak the coat to the skin and let it air-dry. This same treatment is said to repel fleas and ticks.

Apple cider vinegar cools the skin when applied to burns, wounds, or hot spots. It can be massaged into sore or sprained muscles and is the foundation of many herbal liniments that relieve pain and inflammation.

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/2_6/features/5220-1.html

Benefits

  1. Apple cider vinegar has excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties that give the immune system a good boost, arming your dog with the strength to ward off pests like fleas and ticks and also diseases like parvo virus in dogs and parvo in puppies.
  2. Apple cider vinegar is also the king of skin and hair remedies.  It is effective at fighting itching and scratching from allergies or bites.  When applied directly to a hot spot on your dog’s skin, ACV will calm the redness and swelling all while providing your dog with some much needed relief.  ACV can be poured directly on your dog’s fur after a bath and then rinsed, which will cure dandruff, rejuvenate hair and help balance the PH levels in the body.

http://www.organic-pet-digest.com/benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar.html

I also am giving her the apple cider vinegar internally, one tablespoon in her food every day and I am taking it too.

I am also giving her Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for the itchy problem. It is a premium source of OMEGA-3 Fatty Acids and also goes in her food. These nutrients are linked to healthy heart and brain function, supple and shiny skin and coat, normal functioning immune system, and healthy joints.  This is the brand, Alaskan Bear Treats Wild-Alaskan Salmon Oil for Dogs. There is also Grizzly Oil.  You can get the cider vinegar and both oils at Amazon.

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Filed under allergies, animals, au natural dog, bugs, dog health, dogs, food, healthy dog food, itchy red ears, keep pets safe, natural health remedies, pet care, self help, Uncategorized

Bacon, bones and liver, oh my

Cici’s treat fest… the good people at Entirely Pets shared some treats with us for Cici and I to review. What a wonderful grab bag filled with fun surprises.

Entirely Pets offers a whole range of pet products and supplies. And they even offer nifty info such as the Top Ten Places to Travel with your Pets (San Francisco, NY, Boston, Portland, Orlando, Anchorage, yes Alaska, San Diego, Las Vegas, New Orleans and Oahu, yes, Hawaii).

what dog does not love bacon???  these treats hit the right spot for Cici… she ate them with gusto.  Best of all, they are wheat free…

Simply Wild is a line of all-natural holistic dog biscuits that uses real whole foods like farm fresh vegetables, nutrient-rich fruits, human grade meats, wild game and omega-rich wild trout, Simply Wild maintains a strict philosophy that less is more, simple is better. No wheat, no corn, no soy and never anything artificial.

Ingredients:
Potato, Pork, Lecithin, Arrowroot, Blueberries, Maple Syrup, Natural Smoke, rosemary

http://www.entirelypets.com/simplywildbacon.html

Simply Wild Maple Glazed Bacon Dog Treats (1.1 lb)

I was not sure how or if Cici would like these dental bones. But she LOVED them. Crunchy and delicious. She scarfed them up and relished every bit of them.

BONIES is a unique, healthy treat that uses all-natural ingredients that leaves your dog’s breath smelling fresh. BONIES has zero saturated or trans-fat. BONIES is uniquely formulated to be hard enough to scrape and polish gums while providing exercise for jaw muscles and massaging gums. BONIES uses a 100% natural chicken flavor concentrate made from antibiotic-free US chicken livers. BONIES Dental Formula contain natural peppermint and parsley to help freshen breath and uses brown rice as its first ingredient. Unlike other edible chew bones, BONIES contains no animal by-products like gelatin or animal glycerin.

http://www.entirelypets.com/bonies.html

 

BONIES Natural Dental Bones Multi-Pack REGULAR (5 Bones / 11.15 oz)

 

Cici liked the liver treats but the smell, to me, was not totally wonderful.

Liver Bits Training Treats for Dogs by Green Pet Organics are freeze dried training treats that are 100% natural Sourced and Manufactured in the USA. Made with 100% pure beef liver. The process of freeze drying preserves the aroma, full flavor and nutrients of raw beef liver giving a consistent great taste every time. Liver Bits are rich in protein and preservative free. Give as a reward or sprinkled on food for extra flavor. Refrigeration not required.

http://www.entirelypets.com/grnpetliverbits4oz.html

 

Cici has had Kongs in the past, but NONE that she liked as much as this one… Maybe because it is larger than the others. Or perhaps it is the shape. She loves playing with it and getting treats out of it.

This KONG grooves gently massages the gums, cleans teeth and helps to reduce plaque while she is playing with it.

 

http://www.entirelypets.com/exlardenkon.html

 

 

EXTRA LARGE Dental KONG

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Got Dog Allergies?

Does your dog have allergies?  There is nothing worse for a pet parent, owner, guardian, to see their pet suffer, itch, scratch and be downright miserable. When they are miserable, so are we. And too often, it takes a lot of time, energy and money to figure out what is going on, what is wrong and what we can do about it.  I spent time at two different vets, changed Cici’s food and diet numerous times, and still, she itched and licked her paws. It was driving me just plain nutty until I found out about the GOOey Peanut Butter solution (see below)…

Signs your dog has allergies:

  • Biting hind quarters
  • Scratching or pawing at her ears
  • Shaking her head from side to side
  • Yeasty smell from ears
  • Uncontrollable itching and licking
  • Brown, rough spots on her knees
  • Hot Spots
  • Watery eyes
  • Runny nose or dry, crusty nose
  • Hair loss (shearing of hair on any part of the body)
  • Scabby or scaly patches on skin
  • Behavioral changes
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive shedding

Causes of dog allergies:

  • Inhalant / seasonal… pollen during any season of the year (similar to hay fever in humans)
  • Food sensitivites… beef, chicken, dairy, corn/grain etc
  • Environmental… dust mites, mold, grass, wool, feathers, ticks, mosquitoes, the list is endless and Zoe has most of them
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Yeast or bacterial infections
For canine allergy sufferers, about 85 percent of the time the culprit is mold, dust mites, pollen and other environmental factors – not food as so many people suspect.

Solution:  Doggy Goo

Dr. Kristin Holm DVM Veterinary Dermatologist has created Doggy GOO, an amazing product that dogs and their owners LOVE. Dogs LOVE to lick it off the spoon (it’s peanut butter, YUM). Cici thinks it’s a tasty treat. We heartily recommend this product because of the ease of delivery to the dog and fun watching said dog LICK IT lickity split… LOL…

Meanwhile, Doggy GOO builds Immune System Tolerance to Environmental Allergens, as well as supports balances the functionality and immune response health in Cici.

Whether you wish to Pre-emptively build Immune Tolerance to Enviro Allergens in your Puppy or young Dog, Or if you have a Dog that is Allergy Stressed, Doggy GOO offers You and your Pet a Sublingual GOO-Licious, 100% Natural, Allergy CARE Option that has been Clinically shown to bring immune system balance and health back to your Dog.

A recent Veterinary Dermatologist Clinical Study / Abstract indicates that Sublingual Delivery i.e. Doggy GOO is Equal to Allergy “Ouch” Shots for immunotherapy neutralization of Dust Mite Allergy.

Doggy GOO sublingually builds Immune System Tolerance to 3 Grass, 3 Tree, 4 Weed Pollens, 2 Mites and 3 Molds.

The “GOO” in Doggy GOO™ is the best Organic Peanut Butter on today’s “Human” market.

A word about Peanut Butter…

When you Think American, you think Mom, Apple Pie, Hot Dogs, Baseball, Football, NASCAR and of course PB & J ! Found in 75% of American homes, Peanut Butter is as American as it gets. What child or adult, in the gut wrenching ravages of hunger has not grabbed a jar of their favorite peanut butter, their sweet tooth craving jelly, jam or preserve, maybe a little butter and a loaf of bread and hunkered down to make the most favorite tasty snack on the planet… PB & J ! To call Peanut Butter a Food is a vast injustice to this humble appetite quenching, protein filled powerhouse. For many, Peanut Butter transcends the definition of a Food. It moves beyond a Snack, almost approaching a cult or state of nirvana. Satisfying a craving that can only be filled by the combination of peanut butter with preserves, onions, mustard, mayonnaise, hard boiled eggs, banana, chocolate, oatmeal, ricotta, on an hamburger, in a smoothie.. you name it ! From its humble roots since first being developed in 1890, when a St. Louis physician suggested processing and packaging ground peanut paste into a nutritious protein substitute.  To now, when Top Chefs all over the world have embraced this GOOey substance for it’s taste, versatility and creative possibilities in some of today’s most innovative dishes!

And

DOGs LOVE Peanut Butter!

Dr. Kristin says, “We chose 100% Natural Peanut Butter for a number of critical reasons. To begin, DOGs just Luv Peanut Butter, which ensures high “Patient / Dog Compliance” for Doggy GOO’s allergy focus. And because Doggy GOO is regarded as a Tasty Treat by your Dog, Pet Parent compliance is also virtually guaranteed to keep both the Pet and Pet Parent’s GOO Allergy Fight going!”

Dr. Kristin further explains, “But there is more to GOO than meets the Dog’s Taste Buds. You see, Peanut Butter was not only chosen for its Tasty Treat appeal, but for its Lick / Lick / Lick GOOey-ness. You see, Doggy GOO employs what is called a Sublingual Delivery methodology in its fight against Canine Allergies. Whereby the Pet Parent is told to spread a small amount of Doggy GOO onto a clean bowl or plate and the Dog has to repeatedly Lick / Lick / Lick up their GOO. While this is a GOO-Licious Tasty Treat for the Dog, with every GOO Lick, small amounts of Enviro Allergy ingredients are brought into the Dogs mouth, where the mouth is slathered with GOO Juice. It is via this GOO Juice presence to the thin mucosal skin of the Dog’s mouth that the Allergy ingredients are Sublingually absorbed into the bloodstream. Which following absorption, the Allergy Ingredient Bio-Availability to the BloodStream begins to leverage the adaptive power of the immune system to build tolerance to these offending allergy sources and begins to work its Allergy Magic.

in other words, Doggy GOO is Dog GOO-ilicious…

www.HealthyGOO.com

www.DoggyGOO.com

Soon, the good folks at Doggy Goo will be introducing another product to address GI immune issues, GUT issues, pre and pro-biotic…

Got questions?

http://www.doggygoo.com/FAQ.aspx

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Filed under allergies, au natural dog, dog health, dogs, four paws up, itchy red ears, Made in USA, natural health remedies, pet care, product review, Uncategorized

Cleaning the dog

bathing your dog does not have to be a fiasco anymore.

two lovely products, a foam and a powder, make bathing a breeze, waterless, no muss, no fuss… both smell really good with great ingredients, too. And when you are traveling with your dog, you may want to bathe her in between her regular bath time. All you’ve got to do is bring the Fresh Dog foam or powder with you.

Cici does not like dog washing bath time. She shakes and acts like water is enemy number one. But with these products, you don’t need water. One is a foam and the other a powder. So all I have to do is give her a massage with the foam or sprinkle some powder on her and it’s no big deal. And the end result is she smells fresh.  Of course, afterwards, she is going to roll in the grass at the park to get rid of the nice clean scent. But it’s good to be able to have options for keeping her clean. Give her a regular bath with water once in awhile and in between, use the foam or powder and voila. Clean dog!

Lavender Rosemary Scent
• For All Hair/Fur Types
• Infused with Essential Oils
• Perfect pH Balance

Directions: Shake powder onto your stinky pooch. Then, massage vigorously into fur with hands, cloth or brush. No water needed. Wipe away excess. Give your dog a hug.

http://freshdog.com/products/dry-shampoo-powder/

A GREAT WAY TO CLEAN YOUR DOG BETWEEN TRADITIONAL BATHS.

• Fresh Grapefruit Scent
• No water needed!
• No sticky residue
• For all hair/fur types
• Repels dirt, dries quickly
• Doesn’t strip topical flea treatments

Directions: Dispense foam into palm of hand. Massage onto stinky dog until coat feels damp throughout. Towel dry. Give that fresh dog a treat.

http://freshdog.com/products/waterless-bath-foam/

I love that the company’s products were born out of a need for washing their dog Hammy while taking care of an infant.

http://freshdog.com/our-story/

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Filed under au natural dog, bathing your dog, belly rubs, dogs, K9 approved, K9 travel, keep pets safe, pet care, pet travel, product review, travel with dog, Uncategorized

green and white and nutty

Cici and i are exploring new foods and supplements in order to get well…

I’ve known about the Garden of Life products for a few years now but never tried them. But I finally took the plunge with the new Raw Probiotics for Women and Raw Super Green Food…

I don’t eat anywhere near enough raw fruits and veggies in my diet so that is changing and the Super Green Food helps.

Have also been taking Tibetan Herbs and Burdock and Chlorella in terms of supplements.

All are helpful in different ways, including detox and internal cleansing.

After reading about different raw food diets and having done juicing in the past, am also incorporating more raw foods into my diet. Along this path, have recently tried some new foods I’ve never eaten before… kelp noodles, kale chips, cacao bliss (similar to coco loco), and seaweed snacks. I finally found some raw goat’s milk, love it and Cici is slurping it up too. And got some young coconuts, drank the water and am eating the raw coconut. There is a product called coconut cream that is recommended but it is very costly. Most of the products mentioned above are expensive, too but I am sick of feeling sick and tired.

http://www.kelpnoodles.com/products_seatangle_noodles.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/coconut-oil-benefits_b_821453.html

been teasing my roommates about getting chickens (for fresh eggs) and a goat. Will soon write a post about a lady I met in the area who has free range chickens (for eggs), a dog, a cat and an organic garden. After the fiasco with the fence, and other reasons, am not really going to get chickens but I sure would like to find some fresh ones (the lady I met just has enough for her family).  Huge difference in the taste and nutrients between farm fresh free range eggs and storebought.

what I ate Monday:

watermelon

supplements

thai coconut chicken and rice

glass of goat milk

scrambled eggs and ham

coconut water

sesame seed bar

kale chips

seaweed snack

chicken soup with kelp noodles (taste like ramen)

water

what I ate Tuesday:

yogurt with blueberries

2 chicken enchiladas

kale chips

seaweed snack

chicken soup with kelp noodles

lime pop

water

glass of goat milk

3 latkes (potato pancakes)

chicken salad

Wednesday

goat milk with rice krispies-like cereal and blueberries

rice pudding

chicken soup

3 latkes (potato pancakes)

 chicken salad

Cici is loving the chicken soup and the goat’s milk.

the creamy taste of the goat’s milk is addicting.

COW’S MILK vs. GOAT’S MILK
The winner:
 Goat’s milk
When Spanish researchers compared cow’s and goat’s milk from animals raised under similar conditions, they found that both have the same amount of essential amino acids needed to repair and build muscle. But goat’s milk contains a larger percentage of omega-3 fats, as well as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and conjugated linoleic acid (or CLA). Studies suggest CLA has a number of effects, including lowering cancer risk, improving bone health, and helping reduce body fat.

HEALTHY CHOICE: Use tangy, slightly sweet goat’s milk (found at health-food stores) the same way as cow’s milk-on cereal, in smoothies, and when baking.

http://shine.yahoo.com/getup/battle-superfoods-173500495.html

collecting cookie recipes to make for Cici and I…

I might add a dollop of yogurt or apple sauce

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. In mixer, cream peanut butter and sugar. Add everything else and mix until well combined.

3. With your hands, roll the mixture into little balls (they stay together better if you keep them small)and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. You could roll them in additional sugar.

4. Bake for about 10 minutes. Cookies should still be soft when you take them out of the oven. Let them sit for a few minutes before you take them off the baking sheet.

http://www.freecoconutrecipes.com/index.cfm/2011/10/26/gluten-free-peanut-butter-coconut-cookies

Ingredients
1 (10 ounce can) Pineapple, drained and pureed
1 medium Sweet Potato, cooked and mashed
2 cups Brown Rice Flour
1/2 cup Oats

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a large bowl mix all ingredients one at a time, stirring well after each addition.
3. Scoop 1/2 tablespoon sized balls into prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Cool and Refrigerate.
Makes 4 to 5 dozen treats.

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Dogs eat grass

Ever notice that your dog eats grass?  Cici eats grass all the time.

This is because they instinctively know they need chlorophyll (which is what makes grass green). Chlorophyll is cleansing and helps correct most illnesses in you or your pet. Algae has a very high concentration of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is like having  a bath for your insides.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dogs-Eating-Grass/184558638252723

Dogs require 22 amino acids and a deficiency in any of them can cause health problems. Fortunately dogs can make 12 of these amino acids but the remaining ones (called essential amino acids) must be consumed. Algae contains all 10 of these essential amino acids: arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

Aside from feeding algae to your pet to improve overall health, algae may also help if your dog suffers from arthritis or cancer, since algae has been known to strengthen their autoimmune system and boost their healing (as it can with humans).

Like you, your pets also need water. Lots of it.  Think about this. When you were a kid, you probably had a gold fish. Right?  Remember what happened when you didn’t change the water? It got murky. Your gold fish seemed depressed, stopped swimming or worse – died. Poor thing. But once you cleaned out the bowl and replaced it with fresh water, little “Goldie”  was probably back doing laps again, maybe even back flips like Dr. Seuss’s  “One Fish, Two Fish”. Well, your body’s cells  are just like little Goldie. They need a constant supply of fresh water and if they don’t get it, they slowly but surely shut down,  just like little Goldie Without a daily supply of fresh water, the water around your cells gets dirty, murky and toxic like the water in your goldfish bowl did. Yuck. Who wants dirty goldfish water sloshing around inside them? Not us. Not Goldie. And not you either. So drink up. Drink often. And hopefully drink with our algae tabs.

But seriously, here’s why you and your pet need water. Your brain is 75% water. In fact, your muscles are 75% water too. Ever notice how you get thirsty when you exercise? Your body is over 60% water and some parts are even higher, like your blood and lungs which are 90% water. Did you know your body is constantly rebuilding itself? Yup, your bones, your organs, your skin, absolutely everything is in a constant state of re-growth 24/7. Can you imagine a skyscraper built without steel? Well, water is one of your body’s most critical building materials and it can’t build healthy bones, organs or anything else for you without water.

Not only that, but water is what moves stuff around in your body. Not having enough water is like not having enough construction workers on a work site. Water does much more than just quench your thirst. It actually helps to build and run your body efficiently. That’s why just an occasional glass of water isn’t enough. You really need those eight glasses every day. Sounds like a lot but you can add lemon, make it bubbly or whatever you like that will help you drink the water.

Let’s do the math. Each day, a typical adult loses an average of six cups of water from urine, four cups from breathing, sweating and bowel movements and two to three cups from digestion. That’s twelve cups even before you add in the dehydrating effects of caffeine, stress or exercise. Granted some of your H20 needs could come from your diet but only if you are eating a lot of fruits and vegetables. And no, French fries do not count.

If you are walking around dehydrated, you fatigue easily and nothing works as well as it should. In fact, without sufficient water, your body thinks it’s in survival mode. And when this happens, your body behaves like a squirrel who hides nuts before the winter. It holds on to and stores whatever it can get its hands on –causing swelling in feet, legs, hands, or horror of horrors – weight gain. But once you give your body what it needs, this stored water is usually released. Say hello to energy and weight loss.

Eight glasses of water a day is just a starting point. Your body treats water like a bank account. Every time you drink water, it’s like you’re making a deposit into the account. But unlike a real bank account where you are the only one authorized to make withdrawals, water withdrawals from your body can be made without your authorization or knowledge.

It’s like giving thousands of total strangers your ATM card and PIN number and allowing them to withdraw whatever they want, whenever they want. And they do. The result? You become bankrupt of water. And who are these unscrupulous strangers making these unauthorized withdrawals? Some are things you can control like your food and drink (eg caffeine and sugary foods are very dehydrating). Others are things you can’t control like breathing. Remember those twelve cups of water that you lose each day?  Without making additional water “deposits” (i.e. drinking more water)  to cover these other “unauthorized” water withdrawals your body can easily go into “overdraft” and become bankrupt i.e. dehydrated.

Still not convinced you need water? Then consider what happens when you get dehydrated. Without water in your body, you would be poisoned by your own waste products. Here’s what happens. During dehydration, the water surrounding your cells is reduced, leaving the small remaining amount to become stagnant and loaded with toxins. As dehydration continues, since your body absolutely has to have water surrounding its cells (to perform all its daily duties), it pulls out water from inside your cells. Yup, like a fugitive on the run, your body literally “steals” water wherever it can find it, from inside your cells, your blood, your organs and even from inside your colon (a big contributor to constipation). This continues until your cells finally lose all or most of their internal water, shrivel up, malfunction or become damaged. You can usually stop these early stages of dehydration just by drinking more water, but most people have no idea they are dehydrated. Too bad because there are so many health conditions that could be eased just by drinking more water.

Give your pet lots of water and some algae every day.

Your pet has nutritional needs just like you do. But, if their diet is insufficient, or if they are experiencing stress, joint pain or other health conditions you need to know how to help them. One thing you can do is supplement their diet with a protein rich source of vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids also known as algae.

Two forms of algae are Spirulina and Chlorella. They contain protein (60%) carbohydrates (19%), fats (6%) and bio-available minerals (8%). They are not extracts, concentrates or amalgams of vitamins and minerals that look good on paper such as the vitamin and mineral supplements that people get at the grocery store. In reality, the body does not absorb 90% of these vitamin supplements because they are dead and void of enzymes. Eating Spirulina or Chlorella is like eating any other whole food such as a banana, apple or broccoli…because it IS a food.

Spirulina and Chlorella are complete proteins meaning they provide the body with the eight essential amino acids, yet they go much further. They are over 60% protein, all which is in the form of amino acids (which means your body absorbs them instantly). The amino acids are also in the right ratio to one another (which means your body can use all of them).

The key difference between Chlorella (Recovery) and Spirulina (Energy) is that Chlorella has the additional benefit of being able to absorb toxins and has a higher concentration of chlorophyll whereas Spirulina will provide you with a bit more energy.

When you are introducing a new food like algae to your pet, the best time to do this is early in the morning when they wake up hungry and thirsty. To start, give them 5-6 tabs to ensure it’s something they like. Try mixing the tabs into their food or give them as treats. They’re food. Concentrated, high protein, high nutrition green food.

The amount of algae you feed your dog (or cat) depends on your pet’s weight, age and health condition. A 50-pound dog could be started with 5-6 tabs a day and within a few days can easily increase to 10-12 tabs/day or more. So, starting out with just a few tabs, gives you the confidence to know they are totally safe. In the 50 years that algae has been studied and consumed, there have  never been any reports of negative side affects, allergic reactions or interactions. Algae is food, a green food that comes from a plant, not from a prescription or pill. Its been safely eaten and studied  worldwide for over 50 years. It’s been sold in the USA for over 25 years.

Now Cici and I have been taking Naughty Bits algae tabs. I just swallow them with water and I put some in Cici’s food. She is not a big fan of anything green and neither am I. But I do know that algae is healthy for us both.  In order to ensure that Cici drinks enough water every day, I give her water with her food. Another way to get pets to drink more water is to give them water from a fountain. They enjoy moving water.

The Naughty Bits are sold in large, re-sealable foil bags of 1,000 tabs and each bag comes with a slim travel tin you can carry in your pocket, gym bag, doggie bag or handbag. They make healthy snacks and yummy treats for your pet. Each bag/tin is $115.00 and will last  1-2 months, depending on how many you take each day. For full benefit, take 20-30 tabs/day and give your pet 6-10 tabs/day or more if they are larger. Algae is FOOD, it can’t harm  you or your pet.

Naughtybits® algae tabs are free of artificial ingredients, contain no caffeine, chemicals, sugar, GMO, preservatives, animal products or gluten. Grown organically, they are 100% green, 100% natural, 100% raw, and 100% algae. In Japan, algae has been taken daily for over 50 years. Each Naughtybits® algae tab is the size of a breath mint.

The Naughty Nutritionist Inc.® is a nutraceuticals company based in Boston, MA. The Founder and CEO of The Naughty Nutritionist, Catharine Arnston, has an MBA and is a Board Certified Health Counselor.

If you think your pet needs more energy, try the ENERGYBits® which are 100% spirulina algae. If your pet needs to correct or prevent a health condition, try the  RECOVERYBits® which are 100% chlorella algae. If you would like to help your pet with both of these, give them the VITALITYBits® which are 50% spirulina and 50% chlorella and thus provide a mix of health benefits.

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tips for traveling dogs

This Thanksgiving, 42.5 million people are expected to hit the road to visit family and friends, according to AAA.  You can visit our Pet Travel Tips page for an overview of the way that Cici and I roll. And want ideas about where to go, be sure to visit our Free Guide to Pet Friendly Cities (places we’ve visited and recommend). But here are a few more fun pet travel tips for pet owners traveling with their dogs this holiday season.

Cici and  I suggest:

If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to put towels, seat covers and/or sheets over the car seats to stop the fur from flying all over the place.  Bergan’s travel seat protectors can help.  I’ve also seen dog seats (like car seats for kids) that you can get although we’ve never tried any of them.

It’s also a good idea to bring pet food in a plastic storage bin to keep food fresh. And I always carry a pet travel bag for Cici filled with her items (toys, treats, green first aid kit including Bach Flowers Rescue Remedy, aromatherapy oils such as Lavendar and more). And if you are into hiking with your dog, there are backpacks for dogs to carry their own weight.

Now here’s a word from other dog travelers:

From Lucy Postins, CEO of The Honest Kitchen: (Cici loves Keen pet food)

Adding a small amount of dried ginger or ginger tea to a light meal before you depart can  be beneficial for pets who are prone to sickness in the car. Some dogs do better if they fast right before hitting the road.

I have three dogs…90 lb, 75 lb and a 40lb that travel three times a year

between Minneapolis and Denver with me . I do several things:

1. they all wear their seatbelts which attach to their harnesses, and to

the actual seatbelt. Without those, they’d be all over the place.

2. We listen to either classical music or Through a Dogs Ear music. Both

really settle them down and lull them to sleep.

3. We stop at dog friendly parks where there is a gated area and they can

RUN. Just walking them on the leash doesn’t cut it.

4. When it’s dark, they just go to sleep. But if I’m trying to do it in a

day I use Happy Traveler, which is an herbal mixture my vet recommended.

That also keeps them very relaxed. (it’s chamomile, hops, etc)

5. I don’t give them rawhides or too many treats. Driving makes them very

thirsty, and those make it worse.

Tips from Bart the Dumpster Dog

 www.bartthedumpsterdog.com

I suggest crating the dogs in the back of the car or tethering them or at least providing some Kong-type toys to occupy them.

www.thatmutt.com

www.runthatmutt.com

Sap:

Dog appeasing pheromones can be spritzed in the air. Also

available as a plug in outlet or as a dog collar (there is a kitty

version as well). This is the stuff the mommy dog emits to the

puppies. It can be helpful in stressful situations (one of my dogs is

storm phobic).

Carsickness:

Some swear by gingersnap cookies. Others like the Calming Cap by

Premier Products (which lowers the visual stimulus for the dog). One

owner showed me how she would just put a puppy potty pad in the crate

with the dog to make her clean up easier. If you go this route, carry a

zip style bag to seal off the pad and something like Nature’s Miracle

really cuts the smell.

BRING ME:

a favorite toy, bed and a couple of treats. I like to teach “place” on

a dishtowel. I can bring the towel, do a quick review of the command in

a new place and the dog understands that all the rules from home, apply

here too.

Abby Harrison

Sit Dog Stay

Houston TX

When traveling with a dog to visit relatives who might be a little

squeamish, win them over with wonderful treats like a Doggie Candle or a

Doggie Room Spray or some kind of all-natural aromas with a

pet-friendly twist and the wonderful thing is that when you get them from

Soap Hope, all the profits go to lift women from poverty. They make a

great housewarming gift for your travel host, especially since the gift

note says “Every dollar of profit from this gift will empower a woman to

defeat poverty.”

time for our weekly Pet Blog Hop thanks to Life with Dogs,Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume Grab the code and hop away…

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