I recently came across this article in Whole Dog Journal that I wanted to share that talks about what to do if our dog growls at us. Although, we don’t like when our dog growls at us it’s good to know what approach to take.

Growling is a form of communication for dogs and we should appreciate and respect that rather than punishing them for it. It’s important to recognize that if our dog is uncomfortable he has to be able to express that.

If we punish our dog for growling this often suppresses the growl and eliminates his ability to warn us that he’s about to snap.  It’s also good to keep in mind that by punishing our dog for growling can also trigger him to escalate into full-on aggression.

Some examples on how to handle the situation when your dog growls:  If there isn’t much time between your dog growling and biting be safe and stop what you’re doing.  If his growl doesn’t mean his bite is imminent stop what you’re doing but stay where you are and once your dog has calmed down into a relaxed state get up and move away to reward the relaxed state rather than the growl.

Analyzing the situation is also a good idea to determine what provoked the growl. Did you take his toy away from him? Were you restraining him?

You can learn more about natural dog care and training at: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/.

Halloween Dogs

Here’s are a few safety tips for your pets to keep in mind during Halloween night:

1. Trick-or-Treat candies are not for pets
2. Don’t leave pets out in the yard during Halloween.
3. Keep pets confined and away from the door.
4. Keep your outdoor cats indoors several days before and after Halloween.
5. Keep Halloween plants and pumpkins out of reach.
6. Don’t keep lit pumpkins around pets.
7. Keep wires and electric light cords out of reach.
8. Don’t dress your pet in a costume unless you know they’ll love it.
9. Try on pet costumes before the big night.
10. Make sure they are wearing their ID tags.

Raw Diets for Dogs

If you’ve chosen to feed your dog a raw diet,  you should know which minerals and vitamins your dog needs.  I found this guide from Dogs Naturally website that I’d like to pass on to those of you who do not subscribe to this magazine.  This guide shows you the vitamin and mineral content from both meat sources and herbal sources.  Hope this helps in feeding your dog a raw diet.  Maybe it will help you to decide if a raw diet may work for you and your dog!

Homeopathic Remedies

This site has a whole list of homeopathic treatments you can use on your dog for acute cases such as trauma, poisonings, seizures and hot spots.  Homeopathic treatments usually come in a dry pellet form that is dropped directly into the patient’s mouth or a few pellets can be dropped into your dogs water bowl.

A few useful homeopathic remedies that you should have on hand are Arsenicum album which helps gastrointestinal tract problems such as diarrhea and vomiting. Cocculus can be used for severe nausea with vertigo and motion sickness.  Hypericum is a remedy to not be without. It is used for trauma to highly enervated tissues – crushed paws, spinal injuries and broken tails.

Please click on picture to visit the link to start learning how to treat your dog with acute cases using homeopathic remedies.

Cherry Plum Flower

Do you find that your dog gets out of control during certain situations and has uncontrollable behavior? Do you have a nervous dog that goes berserk and into a total panic through fear that he endangers himself or others? Cherry Plum flower remedy can be given to your dog to restore control. It can be given directly on his tongue or put in his water bowl. It is also suggested that owners take this remedy too, as we become afraid of an animal’s behavior and may have been the cause with our own behavior.  It comes in a bottle as a liquid form that you should find at your local health food store. It is also used in combination with Aspen flower remedy that is used for unknown fear.  Rescue Remedy flower essence is also used in conjunction with Cherry Plum.  Give it a try!

To find out more information on Flower Remedies for your pets check out Bach Flower Remedies for Animals by Helen Graham and Gregory Vlamis.

Keep your dog cool in the summer!

As these hot summer days are approaching, keep in mind that our dogs are heating up too! Some ways we can try to cool our dogs off are by providing a kiddie pool for them so they can get their paws (where their sweat glands are) wet to cool them off.  You can also put a cold, wet towel on their belly since their bodies do cool from the bottom up and do not push your dogs to exercise on very hot days, which can lead to heat stroke.  Dogs that are older, overweight or may have heart or lung ailments are more likely to suffer from heat stroke than younger dogs that are in more better shape.

Always remember to provide fresh, clean water at all times. During the hotter days, they tend to drink more water to cool off so remember to check and add water more often.

Happy water play!!

I found this website that talks about how commercial pet food is nutritionally inadequate and many deficiency diseases dogs have developed are the direct result of poor feeding. There is also information on how dogs are over-vaccinated and its horrible side effects.

This is very informative information that I appreciated reading about and I think you will too! You should visit, Canine Health Concern @ http://www.canine-health-concern.org.uk/

Thanks and Happy Reading!

Rescue Remedy for cats and dogs

Does your dog or cat get stressed out easily, suffer from anxiety, trauma or behavioral or emotional problems?  If so, Bach’s Flower Essences just might be the cure for your pet! Flower essences can do wonders for both humans and animals. Since holistic healing has become increasingly popular in the last thirty years flower essences has recently been widely used.

Bach’s Flower Essences are very easy to give to your pets. You can put a few drops into their water or their food and you can also use a spray. It is extremely safe and gentle for pets and has no side effects. A popular flower essence that I use on my pets is Bach’s Rescue Remedy. It is one of the most popular flower essences used today for pets.

To learn more about the benefits of flower remedies please visit: http://www.bachflower.com/Article-Pets.htm

Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a “good little hunter” I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of “allergies.” I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow — but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released –  and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously not very bright.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating  with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. for now…..

Toilet Train Your Cat!

The novelty of this phenomenon never ceases to amaze me.  Learn how to train your cat to use a toilet.  It’s hit or miss, depending on the character of the cat, but with a little perseverance your cat can adapt.  It’s the funniest thing in the world to walk into your own bathroom only to see it’s in use!  Bye-bye litter box! If you have any questions about this process give us a call.

Link to 10 Steps