Tag Archives: fleas

April 9, 2013 · 4:07 pm

Spring Allergies

 

Nation’s Largest Pet Insurer Reveals Most Common Causes of Veterinary Visits

Just like their human counterparts, when pets are afflicted with even seemingly minor ailments such as an ear infection, stomach ache or cough, it can prompt a visit to the doctor. While the majority of these conditions are rarely life threatening, they can become chronic and expensive to treat. Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI) policyholders spent more than $58 million in 2012 treating the 10 most common medical conditions affecting their pets. VPI, the nation’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, recently sorted its database of more than 485,000 insured pets to determine the top 10 dog and cat medical conditions in 2012.  Ear infections traditionally topped the list for dogs, but for the first time in the last five years, skin allergies now lead the way. Below are the results:

Screen shot 2013-04-08 at 5.50.26 PM

Dogs

1. Skin Allergies
2. Ear Infection
3. Skin Infection
4. Non-cancerous Skin Growth
5. Upset Stomach/Vomiting
6. Arthritis
7. Intestinal Upset/Diarrhea
8. Bladder Infection
9. Periodontitis/Dental Disease
10. Bruise or Contusion

Cats

1. Bladder Infection
2. Periodontitis/Dental Disease
3. Overactive Thyroid
4. Chronic Kidney Disease
5. Upset Stomach/Vomiting
6. Diabetes
7. Intestinal Upset/Diarrhea
8. Skin Allergies
9. Lymphosarcoma (Cancer of Lymph Node)
10. Upper Respiratory Infection

“Although a few of the top 10 dog and cat conditions can be associated with an animal’s natural aging process, many of the conditions listed above can occur in any pet,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. “Regardless of the age or breed of the dog or cat, pet owners should familiarize themselves with their pets’ daily routine in order to identify abnormal behaviors that might indicate an injury or illness.”

In 2012, VPI received more than 68,000 canine claims for skin allergies, the most common cause for taking a dog to see a veterinarian. The average claim fee was $96 per office visit. For cats, a bladder infection was the most common reason to take your kitty to the veterinarian. VPI received more than 4,000 medical claims for this ailment – with an average claim amount of $251 per office visit.

The most expensive canine condition on the list (arthritis) cost an average of $258 per visit, while, for cats, the most expensive condition (lymphosarcoma) cost an average of $415 per visit. In addition to familiarizing themselves with their pets’ routine and behavior, pet owners should schedule their pets’ semiannual veterinary examinations on a regular basis to help prevent and identify certain conditions before they become serious or costly.

Pet owners can find more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

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If your dog is suffering from the itchies from Spring allergies, you might consider that with Spring Flowers also comes Spring / Summer Pollens…

As well as, Achoo for Us Humans and Itchy / Paw Chewing, Gunky Ears for our DOGs

Many Pet Parents with Itchy DOGs are not aware that their Canine Friend Suffers from the Same Enviro Allergy TroubleMakers as You Do !

85% of our Allergy DOGs have Enviro Allergies.

Cici and I have found out the best remedy for doggie allergies is Doggy Goo and it tastes good, too, so it is easy to give to the dog. She thinks it is a wonderful treat.  We have tried baths, change of diets and slathering her with creams and spraying her with other stuff, too… but Doggy Goo works from the inside out…

More info:

http://www.doggygoo.com/

Do you / Your Dog Live in the TOP Allergy Cities in the USA ?

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has once again compiled a list of the most challenging places to live for people with allergies.

Despite the persisting cooler temps, the AAFA predicts a longer, strong spring allergy season, partially due to more extreme weather conditions.

Here are the TOP 10 ALLERGY Cities in the USA

1  Jackson, MS
2  Knoxville, TN
3  Chattanooga, TN
4  McAllen, TX
5  Louisville, KY
6  Wichita, KS
7  Dayton, OH
8  Memphis, TN
9  Oklahoma City, OK
10 Baton Rouge, LA
To find Your City, visit the below Link…

http://allergycapitals.com/downloads/AAFA_Dymista_Spring_Allergy_Capitals.pdf

For more info about Doggy Goo (CICI LOVES licking this peanut buttery best tasting dog medicine that seems like a treat), http://www.healthygoo.com/

About these ads

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November 12, 2012 · 5:00 pm

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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March 2, 2012 · 5:31 pm

wanted: stinky dogs with fleas

You know those commercials for products that are supposed to smell good and eliminate bad odors? Personally, those products make me ill and do not smell fresh nor beachy but they usually have dirty and smelly looking dogs in the background as well as other stinky food and stuff. If someone had me sit down on a filthy couch, or brought me into a raunchy kitchen, I’d scream. But the point is that we associate stinky unkempt dogs with having fleas, which they usually do. And they more than likely have bad breath.

But what about your well cared for, even pampered pet? Do they smell and/or have fleas?

If you love your dog’s kisses but can do without the bad breath, read on.

Imagine your dog brushing her own teeth…hmmmmm…

I have to say when I first opened the bag and sniffed I thought these pet treats smelled funny and I wondered if Cici would like them. SHE LOVED THEM… scarfed them up in seconds… she chewed and chewed and chewed … good deal… much easier than trying to brush her teeth. Although she lets me into her mouth, what a mess so these treats make our life much easier.

Now your pets can care for their own teeth!

Ark Naturals BREATH-LESS Brushless Toothpaste is a multiple award winning chewable dental solution for pets.

BREATH-LESS Brushless Toothpaste is a highly digestible dental chew with clinically proven, all natural ingredients.

  • On the outside: breath-freshening ingredients include chlorophyll, cinnamon, vanilla and clove. Ridges provide effective teeth scrubbing and support healthy gums.
  • On the inside:  Ark’s patented toothpaste center provides three bacteriostats to inhibit the growth of plaque-forming bacteria, as well as to assist with bad breath, and tartar and plaque build-up.
  • Recipient of multiple awards as chosen by national pet magazines and their readers!

Use with BREATH-LESS Plaque Zapper for maximum benefits.

For all dogs and cats 12 weeks and older.  Also available in mini size.

Flick those fleas, toss those ticks…

Contrary to popular belief, fleas don’t take the winter months off. In fact, these pesky critters often find refuge and warmth inside throughout the colder months (paw-ticularly since this winter has been generally mild nationwide). Though fleas and ticks are a way of life for dogs, methods to prevent and control them are a pet owner’s choice.

You know that I prefer natural eco friendly ways. I am in good company.

Nancy Scanlan, DVM, Executive Director of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and past president of the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association, said she has long been aware of the problems associated with the chemical and pesticide-based flea and tick products. “I prefer natural botanicals over pesticides for treating fleas and ticks and there are a number of good natural products that work without harsh side effects,” said Dr. Scanlan.

Here are five ways under $20 to safely keep fleas and ticks away from your dogs.

Food grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE):  Sprinkle this safe alternative on the dog before heading outdoors, on walks, or into woodsy areas. These fossilized remains of microscopic shells act as shards of glass to winged critters. Use a salt shaker from a local retailer and sprinkle gently into dog’s coat. Bonus: Word has it that this is a good bedbug deterrent, so travel with it, too. (Note: Be sure to get the food grade.)

“Tick Key:  Using natural forward leverage to remove the entire tick, this is the kind of product that pays for itself the first time you use it. (It is nicely priced for toting on a key ring, too.)

Brewer’s Yeast: Helping to strengthen Rover’s immune system and containing sulfur compounds, fleas are less likely to host on a dog that has brewer’s yeast in his diet. Rich in amino acids and other vitamins, it also has a rich nutritional value.  Given as a tablet or mixed into food, dogs may also experience an improvement in skin and coat.

Citrus or Peppermint:  Use a gentle shampoo with a citrus base such as orange or lemon acts as a good flea deterrent. Peppermint oil, too, when safely diluted with water acts as a great in-home spray for areas where insects might enter (doors, windows).

Ark Naturals Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker!: This is labeled as GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) ingredients by the EPA and FDA. Easy to apply, it leaves a mild, fresh smell. Spray on a light application, massage into your pet’s coat, and it starts to work immediately to repel and kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.

This botanical formula was developed as an natural, botanical alternative to chemical pesticides in controlling fleas and ticks on your pet.  It is easy to apply and leaves a mild, fresh smell. You simply spray on a light application, massage into pet’s coat, and it starts to work immediately to repel and kill fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.

Cautionary Statement:

Herbal flea and tick products like Ark’s Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker! tend to be safer than pharmaceutical flea/tick products.  That being said, all products that are formulated to rid pets of fleas and ticks pose a % of risk.

The ingredients in Flea Flicker!  Tick Kicker!  are labeled as GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) ingredients by the EPA and FDA. Generally means generally.  It doesn’t mean it’s a 100% safe solution for every dog and cat.  It means the incidence of problems with the ingredients in Ark’s product fall into a low range.

Typically herbal products used correctly pose less of a risk with dogs than cats. Remember to follow the instructions on the bottle, do not saturate the pet, and do not spray on face.

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June 17, 2011 · 12:47 pm

all natural flea patrol

apparently, the most commonly used flea repellants are actually pesticides. what a great idea NOT… pesticides POISON our plants so now let’s POISON our pets… where do they get these ideas??? oh yeah, the companies that produce this are out for MAKING MONEY and do not care about the health and safety of the consumer and their pets. It is as simple as that.

comfortis, the flea preventative, that the holistic vet gave to cici is organic, how nice, an organic pesticide… meanwhile, i did some research and found out that some dogs have taken this product and had seizures or died. talking about the RISKS far outweighing the benefits, aka OVERKILL… not a risk am willing to take… so I gave the six month supply back to the vet and have found a REAL holistic vet in the area, who I will be interviewing and/or she will be guest blogging soon… sheesh…

anyhow, while I was at the pet store getting CIcI some food, the ladies there also gave me some suggestions… for fleas

there is some kind of zapper, uses electromagnetic force to not kill the fleas but keep them out of the pet’s field, sounds kind of strange to me, it is called Shoo tag

The key to shoo!TAG™ is the three dimensional electromagnetic frequency embedded in the magnetic strip. shoo!TAG combines with the body’s electrical field to produce an expanding barrier effect, keeping targeted pests away.

offers protection for your dogs against Flea, Ticks, Fleas and Mosquitoes.

NO Chemicals, is Odor-Free, Waterproof and is safe for pets, people and the planet.

shoo!TAG™’s magnetic strip is encoded with beneficial frequencies and resonances and an electromagnetic charge bearing a polarized energy signature, which when introduced into the bio-energetic field of the wearer produces results.

shoo!TAG™ is calibrated to specific animals and specific insects to repel targeted pests. This is possible because various insects and pests react to frequencies. These frequencies are introduced into the bio-energetic field of the wearer. These specific frequencies and resonances have proven to disturb targeted pests and create a barrier.

they told me that it works… but I don’t know if I am wanting dazed and confused fleas to fall off cici and onto me and then I’d have to wear one of these tags too

http://shootags.com/

costs $20-30 and lasts 4 months or more

the vet has a flea powder, and a flea bath

Dr. Harvey’s has an organic herbal protection shampoo, and spray, no chemicals, and a concentrated dip (so for far less than I spent at the vet, I could have gotten good food for Cici plus all of these products, dang, but hindsight is 20/20 did not think of this until today). This is what Dr. Harvey says about allergies, too.

http://www.drharveys.com/pages/dog_allergies

Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Olive Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Aloe Vera, Vegetable Glycerine, Organic Chamomile Extract, Organic Stinging Nettles Extract, Organic Sage Extract, Organic Calendula Extract, Organic Hops Extract, St. John’s Wort Extract, Horsetail Extract, Polysorbate 20 (Vegetable Source), Catnip Oil, Erigeron Oil, Neem Oil, Citronella Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Geranium Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Organic Rosemary Extract

http://www.drharveys.com/products/show/53-herbal-protection-shampoo

http://www.drharveys.com/products/show/55-herbal-defense-concentrate

http://www.drharveys.com/products/show/54-herbal-defense-spray

and then there is this flea powder, nontoxic no chemicals and a flea busting shampoo

http://fleabusters.com/Products/Rx_Plus/index.html

http://fleabusters.com/Products/Rx_Shampoo/flea_shampoo.html

Until recently, the only treatments available to treat fleas contained dangerous insecticides. Even though these products are still available, they can be unsafe for some pets and small children. Fleabusters® Flea Shampoo

is a safe and healthy way to kill the fleas on your dog or cat.

It is also imperative to treat your home, otherwise pets will quickly become infested again. Wash your pet’s bedding in hot water, and let it soak in soapy water for at least fifteen minutes. Thoroughly vacuum or steam clean any furniture, rugs and flooring, and dispose of the vacuum bag in an outside trash receptacle (and the water from the steam cleaner away from your home). When vacuuming, pay special attention to base boards, ventilators, under furniture and anywhere else fur and lint accumulate. Before vacuuming, treat your carpets and upholstery with environmentally safe Fleabusters® Rx for Fleas Plus® which, when used properly, will rid fleas for a year. If you still see fleas 48 hours after using the product, vacuum more frequently.

active ingredients are derived from coconut oil, jojoba and hemp

shampoo is $15 and powder is $40

there are also some essential oils, since cici is so sensitive and allergic, she is not able to deal with them… lemongrass is one of the oils that was suggested at the pet store… purification blend has some oils within the compound which can be too strong for cici and may be for your dog too.

Cedar is a natural flea repellent but not sure about putting it on cici. Making a homemade flea collar by sprinkling a bandana with various essential oils and tying it around her neck for a natural flea repellent collar. Have to reapply the oils to the bandana once a week.

Spraying her with a mixture of water and lemon might work for you. Right now, I have water mixed with raw apple cider vinegar to spray her with. She just gets a warning before I spray her. Cici is a real sissy when it comes to anything like this. She gets scared and starts shaking if I actually spray her, so this is not a great option for her to actually get the water mixture onto her.

Planting Tansy, a fern-like plant, around the perimeter of your outdoor pets environment will also help repel fleas. Do not plant Tansy where your pet can eat the plant, because it does have low levels of toxins.

another method is liquid dish detergents can be very effective in killing off fleas, but we specifically recommend Dawn’s dish detergent for washing pets, as that is what many animal rescue organizations use. Bathing your pet, or even your own hair, with Dawn’s dish detergent can be a safe and effective method for killing off fleas. This approach is most commonly used for dogs, but if you think you can handle washing your cat, just be sure to wash off the soap well afterwards. Do not wash your pet more than once a week or else it may be over drying! It was suggested that first you wash with Dawn and then another shampoo that puts the oils back in the fur. Makes sense to me and am going to do this.

Am also giving Cici a splash of raw apple cider vinegar in her water once a day. The vinegar is also supposed to repel fleas. One teaspoon of cider vinegar to 2 cups of fresh water is recommended.

And not sure about garlic. There are mixed reviews about garlic for pets/dogs.

how about you? do you have an all natural flea / bug repellant that you like to use?

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June 14, 2011 · 2:45 pm

holistic vet for my dog

it was a real fiasco trying to figure out what was wrong with Cici, all the itching and scratching but, after washing Cici in shampoo to wash away the bugs, it made her worse, gave her more bumps and splotches, more itchies, fever, she was a mess, scratching until bleeding, on her face, and I felt terrible. Asked for help to get her to the vet and got advice unlimited instead.

But I was able to get her to this holistic vet late last week and found out that she had a temperature, bugs inside and outside, the vet seemed very thorough and spent time with me unlike the other vet we went to a month ago. And Cici got a shot, some pills, some for me to give her too. She also saw kitty cats and went nutty. And was excited to see all the doggies at the vet plus all the people.

thanks once again to Carie B. for hooking me up with Ashley who drove me to and from, was terrific with Cici, and really helpful in every step of the way.

Am relieved and thankful.  The vet also suggested that I feed Cici a limited grain free diet. She said that no diet, nor topical stuff would solve the issues that she was dealing with. That there are multiple factors going on… diet, rabies shot, seasonal allergies and bugs.

Then on Sunday, she thew up right after I gave her the pills which prompted me to stop the pills until I could talk to the vet. Spoke to the vet hospital and they asked if she was still throwing up. Nope, just that once. I resumed the pills last night with caution. I also read about the anti-flea/bug pill they gave her that lasts once a month. They gave me a six month supply. It’s called Confortis.  After doing research about the potential side effects, seizures and death, am not going to give them to her again.

went to the HOLISTIC Vet because I wanted homeopathic or other non-toxic medicine not drugs with scary side effects. Oh well, she said that she was going to give her a thorough approach to knock the bugs out of her, an antibiotic and an anti-allergy pill. I do not think that she has to have drugs to do that. Garlic has antibiotic naturally, and working on the allergy.

As far as the bugs go, there are a number of essential oils. I just should NOT NOT NOT against MY OWN advice washed her in a people shampoo with peppermint and tea tree oil… duh…

Purification® essential oil blend:  Useful for external parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.

I found a lot of helpful info on the Young Living Essential Oils blog.

Washing and cleaning wounds:
•    Purification blend is more effective than iodine or hydrogen peroxide.

Allergies to:
•    Environmental-Weed killer, food with chemicals (Effaxaquin very BAD)
•    Apply lavender on the skin if itchy and on the pads of the feet.
•    Cleanse liver with Sulfurzyme, NingXia Red and Power Meal in food.

Calming:
•    Dogs or cats; essential oils can be applied to tips of ears, also on top of head, naval, along with to the bottoms of their feet, petting and diffusing of essential oils.
•    Good oils for calming are:
•    Lavender, Peace and Calming,  RutaVaLa & or Valor.

Calm dog during bath:
•    Put a drop or two of Peace and Calming in the palm of your hands and brush onto the towel, which will be used for drying your pet. Let the pet smell your hands before starting the bath. If needed also add the blend of RutaVala and give your pet a good loving pet right before bathing.

Fear of thunderstorms or 4th of July noise:
•    Use a small amount of Release. followed by Lavender. First rub the oil between hands and let your pet smell it. Gently run hands over the ears, back and legs and with what is left over, rub on pads of feet.

Fleas on family dog allergic reaction causing hot spots:
•    Mix 2 tablespoons carrier oil with 4 to 8 drops of Helichrysum in a spray bottle. Spray the hot spot area twice a day.

May help to get rid of fleas:
•    Use any of the following essential oils and add to the rinse cycle when washing bedding:
•    Peppermint
•    Lemon-Put on collar
•    Purification
•    Eucalyptus
•    Add 2 to 5 drops of any of the above oils to an 8-ounce spray bottle filled with purified water and mist all over their body once a day.
•    Increase to 10 drops in the water after 2 weeks and use as an insect spray.

For more info including how to order, go to essential oils for pets

for summer sunburn, pests, heat, stress relief, for you and your pets, try the essential 7, https://www.facebook.com/note.php?saved&&note_id=209333125769307

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May 30, 2011 · 1:41 pm

itchy dogs don’t have fleas

Apparently it is very common for dogs to have/develop the itchies. Fleas were ruled out by the vet. So I have been doing research about what to do about my itchy dog. Cici suddenly appears to have allergies and has become itchier than normal, chewing and licking on her paws.  Of course, nothing stops her from rolling around in the grass, eating grass.

 

Here’s a photo don’t know if you can see the discoloration on her paw but this is NOT normal for her.  She was sleepy and not being very cooperative about taking the photo so may have to take another one later.

She was eating raw food patties and Paul Newman’s kibble. And we ran out and I got Dogswell kibble. Could that be the culprit?

We are experimenting with her food including giving her Mulligan Stew, canned turkey and chicken. She LOVES the food and so far, she is still itchy, it is only a couple of days on this food though.

A friend recommended Ziwi Peak, which looks great, is from New Zealand and is rather costly.

Am also thinking of going back to feeding her a partly raw diet, with patties from Stella and Chewy’s.

She LOVES Dr. Harvey’s and Honest Kitchen, also pricey.  We have tried Thrive, YUM, and not tried the Keen Thrive is grain free, Keen is low gluten.

Have fed her chicken that I make for myself as well as turkey.  No grains work best for her.

And I even started giving her some Bach Flowers Rescue Remedy drops as well as Raw Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with water and Lavendar Essential Oil.

Could be overkill. Am not up for having her do steroids or take an allergy test so that is what we’re doing.

Here’s some articles I found helpful, too.

http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/2009/12/15/skin-deep/

http://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/evr_dg_itch_and_scratch_bite_and_lick

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April 20, 2011 · 12:21 pm

green pet first aid kit

Happy Earth Dog Day… there is another controversy brewing about Patrick… oh geez. Apparently, AHS wants to take Patrick away from GSVS and get him into a foster home to be socialized and trained. But people are concerned that he is loved by and wanted to be adopted by a GSVS staffer who knows him. It seems like another day, another drama. Why ?  Poor Patrick. Just let him be, adopted and be loved by the GSVS staffer and trained and socialized by a behavioral specialist or trainer. Sheesh… First he was unwanted and thrown away. Now he is wanted by everyone and not always for the right reasons. Stop Fighting Over Him.

Here’s more clarification about this issue:

http://www.bhrescue.com/?p=2151

A quick Patrick update from GSVS Pet Hospital: Patrick is out of surgery, in recovery. The procedures went great! Dr. Jason Pintar removed a long flat hair mass from Patrick’s stomach using a video endoscopic procedure while Patrick was under anesthesia. He lassoed the object & extracted it out of Patrick’s mouth. After that, Dr. Michael Hoelzler performed Patrick’s neutering procedure which was accomplished without any problems.  My note: The object inside Patrick was a mass of hair, perhaps a hair weave.  Our boy now weighs 36 pounds and is recovering nicely.

Happy Earth Dog Day, what are You doing today for Your Earth dog???

http://www.earthday.org/

Life can be unpredictable. Sometimes it’s in delightful ways… like finding $20 in your pocket or getting upgraded from coach to first class for a 9-hour transatlantic flight. But if your luck is more likely to elicit cries of “No, no, no, no, no!” rather than fist-pumps and high fives.

And you and your furry friend find yourself confronting one of life’s less joyous surprises, like an unexpected insect sting, tree splinter or animal bite, you can stick it to the fickle hand of fate with Pet Portables’ Pet First Aid Kit. The outside may be small, but like Mary Poppin’s purse it’s packed full of useful first aid items to prevent an otherwise easily treated injury from turning into a sirens blazing medical emergency. Containing everything from styptic powder to iodine wipes, soap towelettes to latex gloves, the Pet First Aid Kit is like a mini emergency vet’s office (lab coat sold separately), that will keep your pet happy and healthy until the scales tip towards a good surprise.

Who knows… maybe there’s a field full of mouth-watering rawhide chews just past that Guinness-World-Record setting tick hive. Improbable? Yes. Impossible? Well, we don’t want to crush Fido’s dreams, so let’s just say that with Pet Portables’ Pet First Aid Kit, you’ll be prepared.

Pet Portables’ Pet First Aid Kit contains:

  • 1 bottle styptic powder (toenail bleeding)
  • 1 pair latex gloves (personal protection)
  • 2 pvp Iodine wipes (sterilization)
  • 2 insect sting wipes (apply to bites/stings)
  • 2 2″x2″ gauze pads (apply to wounds)
  • 1 pair scissors (trim hair and cut bandage tape)
  • 2 antiseptic towelettes (clean wound/hands)
  • 3 cotton swabs (apply ointment/creams)
  • 2 green soap towelettes (clean wounds/hands)
  • 1 plastic tweezers (splinter/tick removal)
  • 1 1″ x 5yd. coflex (secure bandage)
  • 1 pet care card and CPR card
  • 1 pet kit case

This is a Barking Deal, but only less than a day left to grab it, $10 for the above kit.  FREE SHIPPING.

http://www.barkingdeals.com/deals/dogs/pet-portables

Now, I would be remiss if I did not mention that Cici and I have a more holistic approach to a Pet First Aid Kit.

First, Roxanne Hawn suggests how to prepare an emergency pet food supply

http://blog.k9cuisine.com/dog-food-nutrition/emergency-pet-food-supply/

Here are other items you might find useful to keep on hand just in case.

Healing cream Dr. Harvey’s

Dr. Harvey’s Organic is a combination of healing herbs in a base of organic shea butter. This cream is used for minor skin irritations, hot spots, rashes, cuts, sunburn and itching. It is gentle and and completely non-toxic so that if an animal licks the cream it will not harm them.

Young Living Essential Oils Pet First Aid Kit
•    Thieves essential oil blend
•    Melrose essential oil blend
•    Di-Gize essential oil blend
•    Purification essential oil blend
•    Raven essential oil blend
•    M-Grain essential oil blend
•    R.C. essential oil blend
•    PanAway essential oil blend
•    Peace & Calming essential oil blend
•    Palo Santo essential oil blend
•    AnimalScents Shampoo
•    AnimalScents Pet Ointment


https://sites.google.com/site/celiasuemagic/essential-oils-for-pets

Insect Repellant Spray

Whether for dogs, cats or horses, YL oils can provide a natural insect repellant for both pets and owner’s. To make a spray you will need the following:

one 14 oz. spray bottle (a 4oz. size is nice for traveling and hikes)

15-20 drops of either Purification or Palo Santo (use 4-8 drops in a 4oz. bottle)(Palo Santo may be too strong smelling for cats)

Fill spray bottle 7/8 the way full with distilled water (tap or spring water is also fine). Add essential oils, shake and spray – put your hand over the eye area, you don’t want to get essential oils in the eyes! Tip: you will want to give your spray bottle a bit of a shake before using to disperse the essential oils in the water.

Bach Flower’s Pet Rescue Remedy

Pets Have Emotions too.

Rescue® Remedy can be used for an immediate calming effect in any stressful situation, or when your pet needs help overcoming a variety of emotional or behavioral problems.

Rescue Remedy Pet can be used for an immediate calming effect in any stressful situation, or when your pet needs help overcoming a variety of emotional or behavioral problems. Appropriate usage times include:

• Visits to the vet
• Fear of loud noises (fireworks, thunderstorms, etc)
• Excessive barking or hissing
• Shock, trauma or mistreatment
• Adapting to loss of companion
• Separation anxiety
• Adapting to new surroundings (home, kennel, stable, etc.)
• Obsessive cleanliness
• Constant licking or nibbling of self
Pet Chart of other Bach Flower Essences, useful for various situations.

Cici and I find Bach Flowers a Life Saver… calms pets down asap (humans, too)…

Rescue Remedy Pet Dosage:
4 drops, given several times a day.

Music CD Calm Canine, Through a Dogs Ear

Earthbath Natural Grooming Wipes Hypo-Allergenic Wipes

also their waterless shampoo, for dogs that love to get stinky

and a list of other useful items:

  • Absorbent compresses/gauze sponges, assorted sizes
  • Adhesive tape, hypoallergenic
  • Clean cloths
  • Cold pack: to reduce swelling or pain
  • Contact information for your veterinarian
  • Contact information of the nearest emergency veterinary clinic
  • Contact information for the ASPCA Poison Control Center
  • Cotton swabs
  • Digital rectal thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass): to find out if your pet is running a fever
  • E-collar: available in a variety of sizes, this opaque or clear plastic, cone-shaped protector attaches to your pet’s collar and can be found at veterinary clinics and pet stores. Prevents your pet from accessing a wound or injury
  • Emergency blanket: to wrap around injured pet, carry an injured pet and provide warmth
  • Eyedropper: to dispense liquid medication or clean superficial wounds
  • Gauze pads, sterile: for cleaning wounds
  • Gloves (disposable, non-latex): to help protect you and keep the wound sanitary
  • Glucose paste or corn syrup (for diabetic dogs or dogs with low blood sugar)
  • Hand cleansing wipes
  • Hydrogen peroxide, 3 percent: to clean a wound
  • Isopropyl rubbing alcohol wipes: to sterilize items such as scissors or tweezers
  • Nail clippers (sized for your dog’s nails)
  • Oral syringe (baby dose size)
  • Rags or rubber tubing: to use as a tourniquet
  • Roll adhesive tape (hypoallergenic)
  • Roll cohesive bandage, 3 inch width (stretches and clings to itself)
  • Roll cotton gauze rolls, 2 inch width: to wrap around wounds
  • Scissors: for cutting hair and bandages (blunt end)
  • Soft muzzle: to prevent your pet from biting you or chewing on an injury while in pain
  • Slip-style leash
  • Special medications needed by your pet
  • Sterile eye lubricant
  • Sterile gauze pads (non-adherent, assorted sizes)
  • Sterile saline eye wash
  • Sterile, water-based lubricating jelly
  • Sting relief wipes
  • Styptic powder (to stop bleeding)
  • Towel
  • Triple antibiotic ointment
  • Tweezers: for removing objects such as splinters or ticks from skin or paws
  • Eyewash
    Eyebright Solution
    Hydrogen peroxide
    Rubbing Alcohol

Supplements, vitamins, and any medication, homeopathic remedies that you regularly use.

Last but not least, eco friendly pet waste bags. For Earth Day, for every day.

I vote for the plucky lil ducky over at Life with Dogs … no bunnies have to hop hop hop during this Blog Hop, catch the code…

5 Comments

Filed under animal rescue, au natural dog, bach flower remedy, bathing your dog, dog health, dog reflexology, doggie healing center, dogs, Don't worry be happy, ear infection, eco friendly/green, holistic healing for animals, holistic vet, itchy red ears, music for dogs, natural cures for ringworm, natural health remedies, organic, pet care, pet travel, self help, Uncategorized

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October 4, 2008 · 2:31 pm

washing the dog at the car wash?

http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/5-creative-uses-bidet.html

five creative uses for a bidet

they left out washing the dog in a bidet…  if a cat can drink from the bidet, then certainly you can wash your dog in a bidet…

now you can also wash your cat, these photos are hilarious, so just had to include this… cici thinks they’re funny, too…  is this kitty cat turning on the faucet for her bath or the dog’s bath???  hmmmm….

http://lumq.com/10/washing-a-cat/

you can also wash the dog at the dog groomer, petco has a handy dandy dog washing place. and other doggie dog wash places offer do it yourself service, there was one in Florence, Oregon where you can take your car and dog and wash both of them, probably not at the same time, and at this cottage, they had a place to wash your dog off before you bring the dog inside, wash off the sandy beach, mud and grass from their paws… good idea, and they supplied towels, too…

am looking for other creative ideas, to get my dog washed, she does not like to take baths, i usually take a wash cloth to her… and rub…  perhaps she’d like a bubble bath… ahhhh, smells woof…

there is also a product I will review soon that is supposed to be like a big sponge with soap that you can wash your dog with, especially handy for when you are traveling and don’t want your dog to be dirty and you also don’t want to make a big mess in a hotel, inn, b and b, cottage or motel …

any other ideas for washing the dog???   well, it is raining outside, raining cats and dogs… should I just bring shampoo and we will have a party?

getting them to like taking a bath???   where is my dog’s rubber ducky when you need it???

here’s a few tips and video from a vet:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/30/earlyshow/contributors/debbyeturner/main1768209.shtml

and here is what martha stewart says, including nontoxic flea control…

http://www.marthastewart.com/goodthings/healthy-pet-grooming-tips

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Filed under belly rubs, dog friendly, dogs, four paws up, K9 approved, pet care

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