Category: Health & Wellness

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Fireworks Safety

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

It’s that time of year again, the Fourth of July, and that means fireworks. Fireworks can be quite scary for dogs, and believe it or not, the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve are the two days when pets go missing the most. This is largely due to them being frightened by fireworks and running away. Some dogs are not bothered by the sounds, but if your pooch is, here are some suggestions that can help.

Play it safe, never take your dogs to fireworks displays or leave them outside alone during fireworks. Keep them indoors and if possible, stay home with them. Keep all your windows, curtains, and blinds closed. There have been stories of frightened dogs that have attempted to jump through windows, even on higher floors.

To help your dog relax, turn on a radio that’s tuned to a classical music station, the TV, window air conditioning unit, fan, or dehumidifier to help drown out the sound of the fireworks. Distract your dog by playing games and be generous with treats for ignoring explosions (in addition to being a reward, food has a beneficial effect on their brain chemistry). A “Thundershirt” sold at most local pet supply stores, provides gentle, consistent pressure that can help your dog feel more secure and relaxed during fireworks displays and thunderstorms.

Supplements such as Melatonin and Rescue Remedy can work wonders to calm dogs, as does the use of the lavender essential oil. There are also many other natural calming supplements for dogs, including herbs, and homeopathic remedies, available at your local pet supply store – please consult your own Veterinarian before starting something new. 

One VERY important thing is to make sure that your pets are ALWAYS wearing collars or harnesses with an up-to-date ID tag and a microchip is also highly recommended; make sure it’s registered. 

It is up to us to keep our furry companions calm and comfortable. Follow the above suggestions to make your dog feel safe and secure this 4th of July, and share these tips with your family and friends!

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Bone Broth

Bone broth isn’t a meal. It’s a super-food to be used as a supplement for our dogs. Why would you want to make bone broth for your dog? Well, it’s a pot full of delicious and nutritious!

Bone broth is both a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are beneficial to your dog’s bones and joints. If you have a dog with a sensitive stomach, bone broth is great for soothing the discomfort.

Is your dog sick? Bone broth will spark his/her appetite while making sure that they are getting some nutrients in their system while recovering. Worried about the chemicals from vaccinations, flea and tick products, and medications?  Bone broth also acts as a liver detox for dogs.

Make a kibble diet healthier and easier to digest by soaking it first in bone broth. Your dog will love the added flavor and his body will benefit from the increased nutrition. Bone broth can even make it easier to transition to a new food. But best of all, bone broth is super easy to make!

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar to bring out the minerals in the bones
  • Bones of your choice (such as turkey legs, marrow bones, and chicken/duck feet)
  • Water, just enough to cover the bones in the slow cooker
  • 2 heaping tablespoons of golden paste or turmeric powder

OPTIONAL: kale, parsley, oregano, or other healthy greens for dogs

Instructions:

  • Add bones, raw apple cider vinegar, and water to your slow cooker
  • Let your slow cooker cook the broth for 20-24 hours
  • During last hour or 2 of cooking add your greens
  • 10 minutes before the bone broth is finished, add turmeric paste or turmeric powder
  • Allow to cool well, then fish out the bones; be sure to search for any small pieces
  • Strain out the greens and solids well
  • You can store the broth in containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days
  • Once refrigerated overnight the broth with gel and you will be able to skim the fat off the top before using
  • Transfer any unused bone broth to freezer-safe containers and store in the freezer until needed
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Halloween Safety

Trick-or Treat! Halloween is here, and though you might get a kick out of the adorable witches and ghosts who come to your door, your dog may not be as thrilled. Halloween can be a fun time for children and families, but what about your dog?

Halloween is usually pretty loud and chaotic, much different from any other “normal” day of the year. Be aware that all those fun Halloween activities we enjoy might be stressful for your dog. Unusual activities like constant doorbell ringing and costumed visitors can all pose threats, causing your dog anxiety whether they are usually prone to it or not. Dogs are creatures of habit, and when their normal routine is interrupted they can feel uncomfortable and even agitated – Halloween is no exception. Keep your pets safe this year by following these easy tips.


1 – TRICK-OR-TREAT CANDY IS NOT FOR DOGS

ALL forms of chocolate can be dangerous, even lethal, for dogs. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. There are also many candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol which is also poisonous to dogs; even small amounts of xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and subsequent loss of coordination and seizures.

2 – DON’T LEAVE YOUR DOG OUT IN THE YARD

Vicious pranksters have been known to tease, injure, steal, and even kill pets on Halloween night. Inexcusable, yes! But preventable nonetheless.

3 – KEEP YOUR PUP CONFINED, BUSY AND AWAY FROM THE DOOR

Your door will be constantly opening and closing, and your doorbell with ringing constantly.  Strangers will also be on your doorstep dressed in unusual costumes, this can be scary for our furry friends, which can result in escape attempts or unexpected aggression. Putting your dog in a secure crate or room away from the front door will reduce stress and prevent issues. Give them a toy, chew, bone or activity to keep them busy during this time.

For nervous animals, the screams of kids and the endless chiming of doorbells can become overwhelming. You can use calming products like those you might use during a thunderstorm or fireworks to bring your dog some relaxation and relief during Halloween as well.

4 – KEEP HALLOWEEN PLANTS SUCH AS PUMPKINS AND CORN OUT OF REACH

Although pumpkin is a wonderful super-food for your pup, the potentially moldy Halloween pumpkins or corn display that has been sitting out can cause big problems. Gastrointestinal upset is a possibility whenever pets eat something they aren’t used to, and intestinal blockage can occur if large pieces are swallowed. So, keep the pumpkins and corn away from your pups.

5 – KEEP YOUR DOG AWAY FROM LIT PUMPKINS

If you are using candles to light your jack-o-lanterns or other Halloween decorations, be sure to place them well out of reach. Should your dog get too close, they run the risk of burning themselves or causing a fire.

6 – KEEP ELECTRIC AND BATTERY-POWERED DECORATIONS OUT OF REACH

As with any holiday decorations, electric and battery-powered decorations are certainly safer than candles, but they still can present a risk. Dogs who chew on electrical cords can receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock or burn. Batteries can cause chemical burns when chewed open or gastrointestinal blockage if swallowed. Glass or plastic if chewed and swallowed can cause lacerations anywhere on the body and within the gastrointestinal tract.

7 – DON’T DRESS YOUR PET UP UNLESS YOU ARE CERTAIN THEY’LL LOVE IT

Not all dogs are comfortable wearing costumes. If you do decide to dress up your pup, make sure the costume does not restrict movement, hearing, eyesight, or the ability to breathe. Always supervise your dog while they are wearing a costume so that if something goes wrong, it can be addressed immediately.

Additionally, don’t wait until Halloween night to put your pet in a costume for the first time. Any time you introduce your pup to something new, it’s best to go slow. Get your costume early, and put them on for short periods of time and make it a positive experience by offering lots of praise and treats.

8 – PLEASE! MAKE SURE YOUR DOG IS WEARING AN ID

If your dog could escape and become lost, having the proper identification will increase the chances that he or she will be returned. Collars and tags are ideal if a Good Samaritan finds your pup, but microchips offer a permanent identification should the collar or tag fall off. Please be sure the information is up-to-date.

Halloween can be a little intimidating for a dog who doesn’t understand all the hoopla. When it comes to your furry friend, be mindful of where you put the chocolate, exercise him early to drain his energy, and reward him with dog-safe treats when he is non-reactive to trick-or-treaters. Above all else, Halloween should be fun for the whole family including your furry friends. Keep these tips in mind during your festivities to ensure everyone stays safe and have a wonderful time.

Happy Halloween!