Health News
Backyard pesticides, fertilizers, bacteria, and viruses
Carpet backing, which contains formaldehyde, tuolene, benzene, xylene, styrene (Pregnant women are warned to avoid new carpets; but your pet buries his nose in it everyday)
Pet foods, many cont hormones, pesticides, meat by-products, preservatives, grain and corn (which are major sources of allergies in pets)
Household Chemicals (cleaners, bug killers)
Pet treats loaded with sugar and fillers promote diabetes and liver problems in pets
Mouth toxins – 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have periodontal disease by age three, dumping toxins into their bloodstream;
Seasonal problems (allergies, dry skin)
The plethora of pet diet and exercise books offer excellent tips on keeping Fluffy and Fido sleek and healthy. Here are some of the best:
If you have trouble resisting your dog’s begging, switch to healthy treats that are low in calories and high in nutritional value: apple slices, broccoli and carrots.”Real Food for Dogs” by Arden Moore
Accustom your pet to eating only at mealtimes. Ending free-feeding will help an overweight pet slim down more naturally and prevent your pet from getting bored with its food.”The Whole Pet Diet” by Andi Brown
Even 30 seconds of playing will rev up your cat’s metabolism. Shoot for short but frequent exercise breaks a couple of times a day until they become a habit. ”My Fat Cat” by Martha Garvey
Walks don’t have to be outdoors. You can exercise with your dog in small doses, even when you’re inside. The next time you get a phone call, pick up your cordless phone and signal your dog to follow you as you walk from room to room.”My Fat Dog” by Martha Garvey
Flea Control
The best way to prevent an outbreak of fleas is to be vigilant early in the season. If you are travelling, going to events or the park with your dog, or even if you work in a pet related industry, you can expose your pet to fleas.
Working in the pet industry, I carry a flea spray for my vehicle. If I suspect I may have been exposed to an infested area, I spray my truck as well as my socks, shoes and pantlegs before going home. My dogs eat natural home baked biscuits (my own recipe) which contain a small amount of garlic. Brewers yeast (watch for diahrea) and black-walnut hulls in the diet can be used to ward off fleas. A healthy immune system in your dog is the best defense.
NATURAL FLEA POWDER for heavy infestations.
1-1/2 pounds diatomaceous earth (less than 3% crystalline silica)
1-1/2 pounds natural borax
1 cup salt
Buy the ingredients in a garden store, not a pool store. It is important to note that diatomaceous earth with a higher percent of crystalline silica is dangerous to you and your dog.
Pour some of the mix into the vaccuum bag. Wash all bedding, curtains and dog beds. Sprinkle mixture into cracks and crevices in areas your dog doesn’t go. You can sprinkle this mixture into carpets and furniture if you are vacating the house for a day or two. Vaccuum up before bringing your pets back in.
Too much work? Have the local exterminator come out and use a sodium polyborate powder.
Dog Food Choices
How much research do you put into choosing a good quality kibble for your dog? Have you learned how to read the ingredient labels, figured out what those 12+ letter words mean and feel confident about the brand of choice? Well, here is another concern. How ethical is the company that you are supporting?
Like, did you know that corp giant P & G now owns the Natura line of dog foods? If you have been feeding your dog Natura, Evo, Innova, California Natural, Healthwise or Karma Organics, you want to check out www.dogfoodscoop.com/natura-dog-food.html.
If you feed Iams or Eukanuba, you too should read the information on the link provided. And if you can stomach it, watch the video clip, then send the link to every pet lover you know.
Like it isn’t hard enough to choose a good kibble for your dog!
Pet Accessories
eXtreme Dog Fence doesn’t just sell electric dog fence products. They have a wide variety of pet fence wire, pet doors, and pet accessories.