​I have read many articles about the dangers of retractable leashes but none have talked about the neck damage to the dog.  Most were concerned with injuries caused by the leash snapping back and injuring a dog or person or the leash not retracting fast enough and the dog attacks another animal or gets into the street where danger lurks.  This is another big concern why the retractable leash shouldn't even be manufacturered.  They are not good from a training aspect either.

By Dr. Dobias
​
Today, I would like to focus on another device that is a common source of injuries - a retractable leash. Most people do not think twice about them. They appear to give a dog more freedom, especially when they have to be on a leash. But do not be mistaken, when it comes to dogs retractable leashes can cause serious damage.

​Let us move away from dogs and give you a human example.
Pretend to be a dog for a moment. You put a collar on your neck and attach a retractable leash to it. You ask a friend to hold the leash handle and instruct her to press the “brake button” when you start running. 
Jerk!!!! Bang! Your neck gets yanked on big time. Your thyroid gland suffers a trauma from the sudden jerk. If you are lucky, you will suffer no injuries, repeat this many times and a severe injury is inevitable. 
When it comes to dogs and retractable leashes, there are two main issues. 
The jerk at the end of the leash or the “leash brake” can severely damage your dogs’s neck and the thyroid gland.
Even if your dog is gentle, doesn’t run to the end of the leash and you never use the brake, the spring loaded leash always applies pressure on your dog’s neck and throat. 
I trust that it is not the intention of retractable leash manufacturers to cause damage. I believe that they never thought of this when making their design. However, I feel the responsibility to tell you that I have seen serious problems caused by retractable leashes from hypothyroidism to damage to the nerves that results in Paw Licking in Dogs.
To summarize, the best way to protect your dog’s most sensitive region, the neck, is to use a front or side clip harness and a light, shock-absorbing leash made of natural materials.
 
 
 

When I think of dill, the first thing that comes to mind is sweet dill pickles or the seasoning on a grilled salmon fillet.
What may not quickly come to mind is dill as a stomach-soother and breath freshener – and certainly not as an antibacterial.
But that’s the beauty of food, isn’t it? If you find the right one, it might just be the thing that fixes what ails your dog.
Part of the parsley family, a sprinkle or drop of the oil of this fun little herb could benefit your dog in one or more of these three ways:

Digestion
If your dog is a living vacuum cleaner – picking up any food seconds after it falls on the ground – or if the garbage can is his idea of a buffet, it’s a good idea to keep some dill on hand. It’s known as an overall digestive aid, helping with gas, nausea, cramping and appetite.

Breath Freshener
Since dill is a member of the parsley family, it’s really not that surprising that dill would also work as a breath freshener. According to Herbs for Pets by Gregory L. Tilford and Mary L. Wulff, dill’s breath freshening action comes from its antibacterial powers that work well in the mouth for foul breath caused by bacteria and even gingivitis.
 
Antioxidant
Dill contains antioxidant flavonoids, including kaempferol and vicenin. Kaempferol has been linked to health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, cardio-protective, neuro-protective and anti-diabetic; whereas vicenin helps protect cells and chromosomes from oxygen-based damage, radiation and damage caused by free radicals. Free radical damage can lead to chronic disease like cancer, joint and organ diseases. And antioxidants are the antidote to out-of-control free radicals.
Learn more about free radicals, antioxidants and how food can help, here. 
Dill also contains volatile oils like limonene that may help increase production of cancer-fighting enzymes (Herbs for Pets).
How to Feed Dill
Make dill seed tea with 1 tsp. of dill seed to 8 oz. of water and feed 2-8 oz. to your dog once it is cooled. If your dog isn’t fond of the taste, you can use unsalted broth instead of water (Herbs for Pets). As always, if you have any questions, check with your holistic vet, and use with caution in pregnant or lactating animals.
If you’re a fan of dill and keep it handy in your kitchen, consider it the next time your dog gets gassy after garbage surfing or is in need of a little bit of breath freshening.