Pawsitive Wellness Center
  • Home
  • Services
  • Blog
  • Pet Energy Healing
    • Pet Healing
    • Animal Communication
    • Music >
      • Free Music download page minute music file
    • Essential Oils
    • Behavior Modification
    • Dog Training
    • Pet Transition
  • Health
    • Recipes
    • Pet Safety
    • Energy Healing Videos
    • Nutrition Videos
    • Vaccination Videos
    • Deworming
    • Spay & Neuter Information
  • Product
    • Product Store Weebly
    • Music
    • Essential Oil Products
  • Events
    • Classes & Events
  • About PWC
    • Mission Statement
    • Contact PWC
    • About Mary
    • Mary's Background
    • Testimonials
  • Product

4 DIY ESSENTIAL OIL RECIPES FOR YOUR DOG

7/7/2015

0 Comments

 
There are many products on the market that claim to be ‘natural’ but most aren’t. This is especially true for topical products like shampoos and insect sprays.  Therapeutic grade essential oils are all natural and pure.  Make sure you use good quality essential oils for many oils contain impurities that can be as harmful as some of the other products found in the commercial products.

Fortunately, there are natural sprays and spritzes you can make at home using essential oils. These products are very easy to make, and if you’re new to using oils, these recipes will be a great beginner’s springboard!

Calming mist 

What you’ll need:

300 ml distilled or purified water

5-10 drops lavender essential oil

5-10 drops Roman chamomile essential oil

Spray bottle

Instructions:

  1. Mix all the ingredients together in the bottle and shake the bottle well before spraying.
  2. Spray a light mist over the back of your dog and pet it in.  This is great for times when the animal needs help settling.  Do not spray anywhere near the head of the animal!
​​
HINT: A good time to spray would be about 10 minutes before needing the calming whether leaving home or before guests arrive.  You don’t want the spray to be associated with the event.

Doggy Skin Calming Shampoo 

What you’ll need: Make sure you are using therapeutic grade essential oils.

350 ml distilled water

1 tbsp Castile soap

2 drops lavender essential oil

2 drops lemon essential oil

2 drops peppermint essential oil

Glass Bottle to store the shampoo

Instructions:

1.   Mix all ingredients together in a jar before pouring into a bottle.

2.  Shake the bottle each time you use the shampoo.

3.  Lather well on your dog when bathing and rinse well.

Flea collar What you’ll need:

A standard dog collar

2 tbsp. Castor Oil

2 drops of flea repelling essential oils such as lemongrass, rosemary, peppermint, clove, and cedarwood

Instructions:

1.   Mix the oils together and apply them to the collar.

2.  Allow to dry before placing on your pet.

This collar will repel fleas throughout the warmer months. All you need to do is re-apply the oils once its effectiveness starts to wear off (when you cannot smell the oils as strongly anymore).

Doggy deodorant 

What you’ll need:

Spray bottle

10 drops lavender essential oil

6 drops wild orange oil

6 drops peppermint essential oil

3 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Instructions:

1.   Mix all the ingredients into the spray bottle and shake well.

2.  Cover the face and eyes of your dog and spray on their coat to get rid of their dog odor.

This blend is especially useful on rainy days when the doggy smell is a lot more noticeable. You can diffuse your home with this blend also or sprayed with this blend to freshen up the house, and it has the added properties of sanitizing your rooms thanks to the eucalyptus and lavender oils.

Looking after your pet doesn’t have to be hard. Essential oils are a great way to use a natural product to help your dog with minor ailments and problems. Not only will your dog thank you for it, you’ll also be thankful knowing you’re taking the best care for your furry friend.  Contact us for further information on other uses of essential oils for your pets.
0 Comments

KEFIR BENEFITS FOR YOUR PETS

7/1/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
This is an amazing article by Dr. Axe and this is why I recommend goat, coconut milk or coconut water kefir for our pets.  Dogs and cats don't process cow's milk so you don't want to feed cow milk kefir to your pets.

Kefir Benefits by Dr. Axe

Kefir is a unique cultured dairy product that is one of the most probiotic rich foods on the planet and has incredible medicinal benefits for healing issues like leaky gut.

Its unique name comes from the Turkish work “keif”, which means “good feeling”.

For centuries, it has been used in European and Asian folk medicine due to the wide variety of conditions it has been known to cure. When made correctly, it is one of my favorite drinks and, after reading this article, I hope that you consider including it into your regular natural health regimen.


Kefir Nutrition Facts

Kefir is a fermented milk product (cow, goat or sheep milk) that tastes like a drinkable yogurt.

Kefir contains high levels of vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K2, biotin, folate, enzymes and probiotics.  Because kefir does not have a standardized nutrition content, the content values can vary based on the cows, cultures, and region where it is produced. Yet even with the range in values, kefir has superior nutrition.

Because of kefir’s unique set of nutrients it has been show to benefit the body in 7 main ways:

  • Boost Immunity
  • Heal Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Build Bone Density
  • Fight Allergies
  • Improve Lactose Digestion
  • Kill Candida
  • Support Detoxification
And these are just a few of the benefits of consuming kefir daily.
​
Picture

KEFIR PROBIOTICS ARE POWERFUL

Since the beginning of time, every culture has pickled and fermented foods primarily to preserve them. Unknowingly, they were magnificently creating superfoods jam-packed with healthy microorganisms (also known as “probiotics”) and regularly enjoyed healthy, long lives because of them.

In his Theory of Longevity, Nobel Laureate Elie Metchnikoff pioneered research suggesting that fermented milk has significant health benefits back in the early 20th century.

Since then, research has proven time and time again that the age-old practice of fermentation is good medicine because of the “healthy bacteria” that are contained within these foods.

A list of the more common probiotics that we regularly see in fermented foods include:

  • Bifidobacteria species
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus
  • Lactobacillus caucasus
  • Lactobacillus bulgaricus
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus
  • Acetobacter species
  • Leuconostoc
Kefir is one of the highest probiotic foods you can eat with several important probiotic strains. And homemade kefir far outranks any store-bought variety:
​
Picture
At this point you may be wondering: why would we want to eat foods with bacteria in them? Don’t people take antibiotics to kill the bacteria so that they can feel better?

Living in the American “antibacterial” culture, where hand sanitizer is only an arm’s length away, it may seem like suicide for people to knowingly eat foods or drink beverages filled with microorganisms. However, nothing could be further from the truth! The key to understanding this is to learn a little bit about your gut.
​

KEFIR GRAINS GOOD FOR YOUR MICROBIOME

Picture
Did you know that over 75% of your immune system is housed in your digestive system?  Essentially, trillions upon trillions of “good” bacteria and fungus kill the “bad” microorganisms, which keeps you alive and well.

So what happens when you take antibiotics or regularly use antibacterial lotions and soaps?

You literally kill the good bacteria and the bad ones take over. This, in turn, disturbs the symbiosis (balance) of your microbiome which will lead to digestive issues and immune reactions.

Studies have linked everything from autism to most chronic diseases to leaky gut syndrome and improper digestion. Bottom line is that if you can’t absorb the nutrients in your food because you don’t have the proper bacteria balance in your gut, your body will never run on all cylinders because it lacks the fuel.
​

KEFIR HEALTH BENEFITS PROVEN BY MEDICAL STUDIES

First described by tribes in Russia, “kefir grains” are actually not grains at all, but are a delicate balance of yeast and bacteria.

Able to ferment milk in around 24 hours, kefir grains can transform raw milk into a Superfood probiotic drink (kefir), a naturally-carbonated, refreshing beverage that has several key medicinal benefits.

Rich in Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, kefir also provides significant amounts of lactic acid bacteria and beneficial yeast. In fact, the cocktail of beneficial microbiota within kefir makes it one of the most powerful probiotic foods on the planet!


1. Fights Cancer – Consumption of fermented foods has been shown to kill several different types of cancerous tumors in animal studies. The Journal of Dairy Science, for example, published a study that evaluated the immune cells in mice and discovered that regular kefir consumption helps stop breast cancer growth.


2. Supports Detoxification – “Mutagens” are various agents that can literally alter your DNA and can be found everywhere in our environment.

Aflatoxins, for example, are food-born toxins created by mold and can be found in many ground nuts (which is why peanut butter causes allergies and immune reactions), crude vegetable oils (like canola, soybean, and cottonseed), and grains (wheat, soy, and corn).

Being rich in lactic acid bacteria, kefir can literally bind (kill) aflatoxins and other funguses, which helps preserve healthy genetic expression.


3. Boosts Immunity – Next time you get sick, think twice about taking an antibiotic and drink kefir instead. A study out of University College Cork in Ireland compared Lactobacillus probiotic preparations, and compared them to conventional antibiotics in three animal models that are similar to humans. They discovered that, “In all three animal diseases we observed a positive effect in that the animals were significantly protected against infection.”

In fact, the researchers discovered that probiotics worked as well as or even better than antibiotic therapy in not only eliminating the infectious agent, but in resolving symptoms!


4. Builds Bone Density – A 2014 study published in the journal of Osteoporosis International found that consuming kefir benefits bone density and can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.  The researchers found kefir works by increasing the absorption of bone building minerals of calcium and magnesium.

The probiotics in kefir improve nutrient absorption and the dairy itself contains all of the most important nutrients for improving bone density including phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin K2.


5. Heals IBS and IBD – Because of the high doses of probiotics including the strains of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium kefir is also an effective natural treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. A study published in a Canadian medical journal found that probiotic rich foods, including yogurt and kefir, can help heal IBS and reduce bowel inflammation.


6. Allergies and Asthma – In a recent study published in the Journal of Immunology, kefir was found to have both positive effects on allergies and asthma. In the study, kefir significantly suppressed inflammatory markers of interleukin-4, T-helper cells and IgE immunoglobulins. The researchers stated that kefir has strong anti-inflammatory properties that could prove useful in the prevention of asthma.


7. Improves Lactose Intolerance  – It may sound crazy, but yes fermented milk products like kefir can help people with milk-related lactose intolerance. To grip your brain around this, you have to keep in mind that fermentation changes the chemical make-up of foods and, as in the case of fermented milk, kefir is relatively low in lactose.

Additionally, if you struggle with lactose problems, you may want to try adding kefir to your diet in small amounts because a study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association showed that, “Kefir improves lactose digestion and tolerance in adults with lactose malabsorption.” As a disclaimer: although I have found most people do very well with goat’s milk kefir a small percent of people may still have issues with dairy.

If you have had lactose intolerance, my advice is to try it first by placing a small drop of the kefir on the inside of you arm or wrist and let it dry. Then wait 24 hours and see if you have any inflammation. If you do, then steer clear of it. But if not, then try adding just a drop or two to a beverage or some food and see if you have any reaction. You can then increase the amount until you are certain that you are not reacting to it.

As with any food or diet, make sure to listen to your body.

NOTE: If you have had an allergic reaction with any dairy, then I would seek advice from your doctor or natural health practitioner on how to test your allergies without ingesting the kefir.
​
Picture
Types of Kefir

You’ll be happy to know that even if you cannot tolerate having any dairy, there are types of kefir that are still rich in probiotics and have plenty of healthy kefir benefits, but that are completely lactose and dairy free. There are essentially two main types of kefir, and they differ in multiple ways.

The two types of kefir are: milk kefir (made from cow, sheep, or goat milk but also from coconut milk) and water kefir (made from sugary water or coconut water, both of which do not contain any dairy).

While the base liquid used in different types of kefirs vary, the process for making kefir is still the same and the health benefits are thought to be present in both types. All kefir is made using kefir “grains”, which are a yeast/bacterial fermentation starter. All types of kefirs are similar to kombucha (another healthy probiotic-rich drink favorite) in that they must have sugar either naturally present, or else added, in order to allow the healthy bacteria to grow and for the fermentation process to take place. However the end result is that both kombucha and kefir are very low in sugar, because the live active yeast essentially “eats” the large majority of the added sugar during fermentation.

Here is more information about how the different types of kefirs are made and how their tastes and uses differ:


Milk Kefir (made with goat, cow, or sheep’s milk)
Types of Kefir

You’ll be happy to know that even if you cannot tolerate having any dairy, there are types of kefir that are still rich in probiotics and have plenty of healthy kefir benefits, but that are completely lactose and dairy free. There are essentially two main types of kefir, and they differ in multiple ways.

The two types of kefir are: milk kefir (made from cow, sheep, or goat milk but also from coconut milk) and water kefir (made from sugary water or coconut water, both of which do not contain any dairy).

While the base liquid used in different types of kefirs vary, the process for making kefir is still the same and the health benefits are thought to be present in both types. All kefir is made using kefir “grains”, which are a yeast/bacterial fermentation starter. All types of kefirs are similar to kombucha (another healthy probiotic-rich drink favorite) in that they must have sugar either naturally present, or else added, in order to allow the healthy bacteria to grow and for the fermentation process to take place. However the end result is that both kombucha and kefir are very low in sugar, because the live active yeast essentially “eats” the large majority of the added sugar during fermentation.

Here is more information about how the different types of kefirs are made and how their tastes and uses differ:


Milk Kefir (made with goat, cow, or sheep’s milk)

Coconut Kefir

Coconut kefir can be made either using coconut milk or coconut water. Coconut milk comes directly from coconuts and is made by blending coconut “meat” (the white, thick part of the inside of a coconut) with water, and then straining the pulp out so only a milky liquid is left.

Coconut water is the clear liquid that is held inside coconuts naturally, which would come out if you were to crack open the coconut.

Both types of coconut kefirs do not contain any dairy. Coconut water and coconut milk are said to be the perfect base for creating fermented kefir because they naturally have carbohydrates present, including sugars, which are needed to be consumed by the yeast during the fermentation process to create healthy bacteria.

Coconut kefir is made in the same way as milk kefir, using a traditional starter culture that contains live active yeast and bacteria.

Coconut kefir becomes more tart and also carbonated once fermented, and tends to be sweeter and less strongly flavored than milk kefir is.

Both types of coconut kefir still taste like natural coconut and also keep all of the nutritional benefits of unfermented plain coconut milk and water (potassium, and electrolytes, for example).


Water Kefir

Water kefir tends to have a more subtle taste and a lighter texture than milk kefir does. Water Kefir is normally made using sugar water or fruit juice.

Water kefir is made in a similar way as milk and coconut kefirs. Just like milk kefir, plain water kefir can be flavored at home using your own healthy additions, and makes a great healthy alternative to drinking things like soda or processed fruit juice.

You will want to use water kefir differently than you would use milk kefir: try adding water kefir to smoothies, healthy desserts, oatmeal, salad dressing, or just drink it plain. Since it has a less creamy texture and is less tart, it is not the best substitute for dairy products in recipes.

If you’d like to drink water kefir on its own, make sure you buy a kind that is low in sugar and then consider adding your own fruit or herbs to give it more flavor. Try having water kefir with fresh squeezed lemon and lime juice, mint, or cucumber to flavor your water kefir naturally, or make a healthy soda alternative by combining water kefir with club soda or seltzer for a virtually sugar-free carbonated drink.

No matter the type of kefir you choose to consume, look for a high-quality brand that is preferably organic. Choose kefirs that are low in sugar and added flavors, and then try flavoring it yourself at home where you have control over the amount of sugar being used. All types of kefir should be refrigerated and it’s best to keep them in glass bottles, so that plastic or any BPA that might be present, cannot leach into the kefir.

Do you drink kefir or yogurt?  What kefir benefits have you experienced from it?

Resources:

  • Guzel-Seydim ZB, et al. Review: functional properties of kefir. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2011 Mar; 51(3):261-8.
  • St-Onge MP, et al. Kefir consumption does not alter plasma lipid levels or cholesterol fractional synthesis rates relative to milk in hyperlipidemic men: a randomized controlled trial BMC Complement Altern Med. 2002;2:1. Epub 2002 Jan 22.
  • de Moreno de Leblanc A, et al. Study of immune cells involved in the antitumor effect of kefir in a murine breast cancer model. J Dairy Sci 2007; 90(4):1920-8.
  • Guzel-Seydim ZB, Kok-Tas T, Greene AK, Seydim AC. Review: functional properties of kefir. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2011; 51(3):261-8.
  • Chen HL, et. al. kefir improves bone mass and micro architecture in an ovarectomized rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Osteoporosis International 2014; PMID 25278298.
  • Hertzler SR, Clancy SM. Kefir improves lactose digestion and tolerance in adults with lactose maldigestion. J Am Diet Assoc 2003; 103(5):582-7.
  • Lopitz-Otsoa F, et al. Kefir: a symbiotic yeasts-bacteria community with alleged healthy capabilities. Rev Iberoam Micol 2006; 23(2):67-74.
  • Liu JR, et al. Hypocholesterolaemic effects of milk-kefir and soyamilk-kefir in cholesterol-fed hamsters. Br J Nutr 2006; 95(5):939-46.
  • Vinderola CG, et al. Immunomodulating capacity of kefir. J Dairy Rez 2005; 72(2):195-202.
  • Lopitz-Otsoa F, et al. Kefir: A symbiotic yeasts-bacteria community with alleged healthy capabilities. Rev Iberoam Micol 2006; 23:67-74.
  • Society for General Microbiology. “How Probiotics Can Prevent Disease.” ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090401200433.htm (accessed April 12, 2014).

0 Comments

    Blog Creator

    Mary DeRoche
    My love for animals is why I created Pawsitive Wellness Center.  My mission is to help keep our beloved pets healthy, and stress free so I am continually researching new information to do just that.  I post information on what I discover along with who wrote it to keep you informed. The PWC blog is here to inform you on how to keep your pets balanced, happy & healthy.
      
    © 2017 Pawsitive Wellness Center.

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    December 2022
    October 2022
    June 2022
    March 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    July 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013

    Categories​

    All
    Allergies
    Behavioral Issues
    Cancer
    Cats
    Dogs
    Energy Healing
    Essential Oils
    First Aid
    Fleas
    Heartworm
    Human Health
    Nutrition
    Parasites
    Pet Age
    Pet Fear & Anxiety
    Pet Food & Nutrition
    Pet Health
    Pet Safety
    Poisons
    Skin Issues
    Spay & Neuter
    Ticks
    Training
    Vaccinations
    Yeast Infection

DISCLAIMER: I, Mary DeRoche, am not a veterinarian and do not practice medicine.  I do not diagnose, cure, heal, treat disease or otherwise prescribe medication.  I assist people in working with their animals in correcting energetic imbalances in their pet’s bio-field that assists the body to release its innate healing ability.  When the energy of the body is balanced and moving correctly, the body’s innate natural energy heals itself.  All healing is self-healing.  Animals are affected by their environment so I also include the pet owners in my work.  Animals do pick up energy from their owners.   I only recommend the use of therapeutic grade essential oils for your pets because therapeutic grade  essential oils have been tested to guarantee that they are free of synthetics, additives, toxins and any other impurities, which can result in side effects and/or inconsistent results. Essential oils and supplements are recommendations to help boost the pet’s immune system.
I recommend that clients continue to see their pet’s regular veterinarian and follow their advice and my work is a complement to regular allopathic medicine.  My spiritual energy work is not a substitute for conventional medical diagnosis or treatment for any medical or psychological condition.  For such issues, you should seek the proper licensed veterinarian.  I am a Healing Touch for Animals Practitioner and a Subtle Energy Practitioner and my work is spiritually and energetically based and I believe all healing is spiritual in nature. I do not make any promises, warranties or guarantees about results of my work, or of the energy sessions.  The energy sessions help many animals but like any energy work  it might not work for everyone.  The use of essential oils, herbs and supplements is to assist the pet with balancing chakra centers for proper energy flow or chi.

© 2013~2023 Pawsitive Wellness Center  All Rights Reserved.
​
  • Home
  • Services
  • Blog
  • Pet Energy Healing
    • Pet Healing
    • Animal Communication
    • Music >
      • Free Music download page minute music file
    • Essential Oils
    • Behavior Modification
    • Dog Training
    • Pet Transition
  • Health
    • Recipes
    • Pet Safety
    • Energy Healing Videos
    • Nutrition Videos
    • Vaccination Videos
    • Deworming
    • Spay & Neuter Information
  • Product
    • Product Store Weebly
    • Music
    • Essential Oil Products
  • Events
    • Classes & Events
  • About PWC
    • Mission Statement
    • Contact PWC
    • About Mary
    • Mary's Background
    • Testimonials
  • Product