With summer thunderstorms and the July 4th coming up many dogs have fears of thunderstorms and fireworks! My fireworks phobia dog loves CBD oil to help calm her during this time. You might want to check this out if you have a pet with fears or any mobility or other painful issues. My Integrative Vet recommended CBD oil to me. You might want to check it out. With the summer thunderstorms and the 4th of July coming up many dogs have fears! My fear phobia dog loves CBD oil to help calm her during this time. You might want to check this out if you have a pet with fears or any mobility or other painful issues.  I lost my other very special Golden Retriever, Shanti, that we used CBD oil with for over a year.  She had a neck and shoulder injury and she loved the CBD oil.  Every time she saw the bottle she was right there to get it and towards the end she didn’t come as easily because of mobility issues but still loved it. I know it definitely helped her with her pain and mobility issues.  I am so happy that my Integrative Vet recommended the CBD oil.  I know the CBD oil was sure helpful and she LOVED IT.  She showed me this by the way she wanted it 3 times a day or whenever I offered it. 

I am now using herb tinctures and other herbal blends with my dogs testing them out for many health concerns to balance the dogs energetics.  I am working with a Canine Herbalist, Rita Hogan, and I have been using Nettles Seed Tincture along with Milk Thistle Seed tincture for a kidney and liver detox. Nettles is also great for calming and allergies. I have noticed a difference with both of my dogs watery eyes with the Nettle Seed tincture. lt has really helped my allergies also. I hope it will have a calming effect with the CBD oil for my fear phobia fireworks and thunderstorm dog.  

     According to The American Humane Society of the United States, "so many pets are frightened and try to escape the sights and sounds that animal shelters around the nation report a dramatic increase in lost pets during holiday's and thunderstorms  
    Anxious families often find themselves searching the streets and shelters looking for a treasured family member whose fear drove him to jump a high fence or break his leash or chain.  If your pet is upset by thunder, a door slamming or other loud noises, and fireworks will be utterly terrifying.”
    This happened to me years ago with my storm phobia dog.  I had my dog confined to my bedroom where she was safe but one of the guests children didn’t listen to the instructions to stay out of the bedroom and opened the door.  Of course, off ran my dog.  She was so afraid that she climbed the back yard fence and just ran.  When a pet is fearful they don’t remember the way they went in order to find their way home.  The State Police found her the following day laying in a ditch in shock.  Luckily she was returned to me alright.  She was wearing her ID tags and back then the police didn’t take her to the dog pound.  That was a great lesson for me and I never leave my pets alone on the 4th of July or New Year’s Eve when I know there will be fireworks.  I currently have a dog with fears of loud noises and fireworks.  My pets are too important to me to leave them alone a few days a year when they can be traumatized.  I have worked very hard with energy work, and other techniques to reduce my one dogs trauma to take a chance to let anything else happen.
Here are some recommendations for keeping your pets safe during the fireworks.

• You can start now by diffusing some calming essential oils like Lavender, Roman Chamomile, grounding blend, geranium but don’t wait until New Years Eve to start to use the oils or any other calming tools. 
• You can use calming herbs (chamomile, holy basil, nettles and Ashwagandha)
• CBD oil is also good to use with your pets for calming.  I have used it and it does calm the pet.  My Fear Phobia dog is an extreme case and the CBD oil does calm her some along with the other recommendations listed here but she is still somewhat uncomfortable.  All of the recommendations over the years have been helpful so she isn't as stressed as she was in the past.
• A tired pet is more relaxed and will handle the stress better so exercise your pet long and early in the day before any party and fireworks begin
• If you have guests make sure the pets are secured inside away from the commotion so they can’t bolt or run if frightened—remember pets are all fur and could get burned easily by fireworks.
• Leave pets at home in quiet, sheltered, escape-proof area
• Bring outdoor pets inside. ​Do not take your pet to fireworks or leave them in a car while you watch the fireworks.  If they get traumatized the car is the worst place for the pet to be. 
• If you go make sure the dog is safe at home in their favorite place or crate with a favorite toy or other comforting things.
• Play PWC Tuning Fork Relaxing Music to calm the dog or turn the TV on to help muffle booming noises
• Make sure pets have ID tags on them or have a chip in them in case of escape
• Keep unused fireworks out of reach as they may contain potentially toxic substances and clean up any residue after the fireworks

    There are presumably two components to the fear: what the dog sees and what the dog hears. What the dog sees is easier to tend to. Just don't take the dog to any fireworks celebrations. This will eliminate seeing huge starbursts appearing in the sky, It's difficult to actually desensitize your dog to the sight of fireworks because you can’t simulate this experience.  The big fear is the noise and pressure the dog feels when the sounds of the fireworks explode.  This is also the problem with thunderstorms.  It is more the barometric pressure and vibrations that the dog senses that triggers the fear. I  have had a few dogs with major fears of thunderstorms and fireworks.  I would have been more successful than the weather man with one dog who could predict a storm hours before it arrived.  She could feel the energy changes in the earth and atmosphere.
    Behavior Modification can work with fearful dogs.  It isn’t an instant fix but I have had success over time with different techniques that have calmed the dog from panting and shaking to a more mild situation .  I currently have a dog that has fears of storms and especially fireworks.   She had a large firework drop down at her as she walked out our door and that was very traumatic for her.  Some animals are more predisposed to these fears than others. Sometimes you can use a recording with sounds of something exploding and gradually play it louder and louder while engaging the dog in some play or training activity that she enjoys over a period of days to weeks. Playing the sounds didn’t work for my dog because there wasn’t any vibrations or pressure associated with the recording. The problem is that listening to a recorded sound doesn't have the vibrations created by the actual fireworks.  If your dog is food motivated you can couple a favorite food or treat with the increasingly louder sounds, so the dog becomes conditioned to understand that the loud noises come with tasty snacks.   Storm phobia is harder to help a dog get over — much harder — and why is not clear. But if you want to desensitize your dog to storms, be sure to introduce the dog to the sounds of storms in the same gradual, structured way that you would reintroduce her to anything else she's afraid of. That's how you will instill confidence in the face of adversity.  Again the barometric pressure change created by the storm and the earth vibrations will not be felt by playing the recorded sounds of fireworks or thunderstorms.
    If you have a basement you can take your dog to the basement during a storm to help muffle the noise, Unfortunately many of us don’t have a basement, therefore, try to get to the quietest place in your house or the place your pet is most comfortable being at.  Draw any blinds or curtains while playing white noise or calming music in the background to help drown out the sights and sounds of the storm. Don't sympathize or agonize over what your dog is going through, because that only reinforces the fear.  Instead, distract your dog by playing fetch or engaging in some other game or routine that she enjoys.  If you stress about their fear they will feel your stress and that doesn’t help the situation.  As the dog begins to focus on the fun, and relaxes some maybe during the second, third, or fourth storm, gradually increase exposure. Open the blinds a bit.
    Sometimes a thunder jacket (available online or at most pet stores) or a home made wrap can work. Research suggests that for some dogs, storm phobia is not about the noise but about the buildup of static electricity on the dog that causes shocks similar to feeling the pressure. (You'll often find a dog in the bathroom pressed behind a pipe during a storm; pipes conduct electricity away.)
    I have had good success with using therapeutic grade essential oils, healing energy work, sound therapy relaxation music, herbs and CBD oil. This is all part of my Pawsitive Wellness Center’s Business.  All techniques can be done in the comfort of your pets home or from a distance  You can diffuse the oils or play the relaxation music daily to relax the animal.  This will need to be done ahead of New Year's Eve so the dog learns to relax under normal conditions and especially so they don’t associate the essential oils or music with the fireworks or thunderstorms.  
     I am offering a special on the Tuning Fork Music now through the summer months and it is an easy download from my website.  This has been very effective for calming my animals as well as my clients.

What Is Copaiba Oil?
The Copaiba is a large towering tree that grows in tropical rainforests of South America. For hundreds of years, traditional healers in northern Brazil have used copaiba trees for their health benefits. Copaiba oil is steam distilled from the resin of the tree. 

What Is Copaiba Oil Used For?
Copaiba oil supports the health of the cardiovascular, nervous, digestive, immune, and respiratory systems.*

​Copaiba Essential Oil along with Turmeric Essential Oil can be great for assistance with inflammation which is a big cause of arthritis and other mobility issues for our dogs.  Contact me for more information on using Copaiba with your pets.

doTERRA Copaiba oil is sourced in Brazil from four species of Copaiba. By harnessing the benefits of the most potent copaiba species, a maximum potency essential oil is obtained. With a pleasant, spicy, and woody aroma, Copaiba oil can help calm emotions and soothe anxious feelings. It is a wonderful oil to turn to at the end of a stressful day.  My dogs love Copaiba and I am sure feel the calming benefits.

Can Copaiba Oil Be Taken Internally?
Copaiba oil also has a plethora of benefits when taken internally. The main constituent of Copaiba oil is Beta-caryophyllene, which is also present in Black Pepper essential oil and helps soothe anxious feelings.* In addition to its emotional benefits, Beta-caryophyllene promotes healthy nervous, cardiovascular, and immune system function.* The oil also contains powerful antioxidants that boost immune health.* Copaiba oil is a well-loved oil because it relieves discomfort and promotes overall health, supporting people to feel and live their best. 
​
Diffusing or inhaling Copaiba oil is deeply relaxing and soothing. Add a few drops to a diffuser for emotional support. For increased cellular support, take internally alone or with Frankincense.* For digestive support at mealtimes, take with Peppermint.*
 
 * These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
CBD Oil vs. Copaiba Oil
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/everything-you-need-to-know-about-cbd

Would you like to have a Laundry Softener that isn't full of chemicals?
​Check out this video on how to make a safe chemical free softener.  You clothes will also smell great and citrusy.

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.

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.

Let's talk about cats!

With cats... ultimately, you will hear many things from many people about cats and oils. Here's my take: Cats lack an enzyme called glucuronyl transferase. This is important for the Cytochrome p450 liver metabolism pathway. This makes cats very susceptible to ALL kinds of toxicity, including plant, NSAIDS (like aspirin, ibuprofen and Tylenol), chocolate and caffeine (methylxanthines), lead, zinc, and many, many types of pesticides.

So which oils do you stay away from? Most certified pure essential oils are so pure that you can use them topically on cats sporadically in a highly diluted form (as if for infants). It's not a good idea to use them topically or internally on your cat every single day (with the exception of helichrysum, lavender and Frankincense).

The oils to stay away from and use something different if you can are the oils that are high in phenols and eugenols as far as direct application (topical or internal) to your cat (the oils high in phenols are basil, birch, cinnamon, clove, fennel, melaleuca, oregano, peppermint, thyme, and wintergreen.)

As far as diffusion - I diffuse everything! I just make sure not to diffuse anything in my kitty's room (where her food and litterbox are) and make sure she's not "locked" in the room with the diffuser - she will go away if it's one she doesn't like or need.

The main thing is, don't give oils to cats topically or internally every day (with some exceptions), dilute them, only use certified pure essential  oils, and when in doubt, feel free to ask!

I have used herbs but I have found that the essential oils are more powerful and therefore you need to use much less . . . usually a few drops just costing pennies per drop. I have had better results using essential oils when I can substitute them for herbs.  Most of the conditions below also can be treated with essential oils.  Actually Boswellia tree is where Frankincense oil comes from.  There are different qualities but if you use therapeutic grade essential oils they are 50 to 70% more powerful than herbs and most can be taken internally if that is the best way to use the oil.  My recommendations will be italicized in the article.

Original Article written by Julia Szabo 
Herbs offer cures for many common canine ailments. I've been using them for years, with the blessing of my homeopathic vet, and my dogs have all lived long and remarkably healthy lives.

Just because they're natural doesn't mean they're not powerful. Herbs are nothing to sneeze at. What may look like a mere weed or homely root can, in fact, be a very potent medicine.

Here's a list of the top ten herbs no dog lover's cupboard should be without. It's a pharmacopeia for dogs - call it a bark-acopeia!

But before you try them, ask your vet about dosages, and if any of these are contraindicated for your pet's existing medications.

Neem

What: Azadirachta indica, an extract of the Neem tree, is nature's non-toxic insecticide, plus it heals burns and soothes dry, irritated skin.

Why: Applied topically and absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, Neem makes your dog naturally repellent to mosquitoes and fleas. Parasite preventatives work by filling your dog's blood with poison; in order to be eliminated, the pest has to take a bite out of your best friend. With Neem, Spot won't even get bitten!

Suggested Use: During the warm months (high mosquito season), bathe once weekly in TheraNeem Pet Shampoo, to which you add several drops of Neem oil; both are available at Whole Foods stores. For extra protection from within, administer Neem Plus supplements orally once daily, hidden in food.

Yarrow

What: Achillea millefolium - a.k.a. stanchweed, soldier's woundwort, and sanguinary - helps stop bleeding.

Why: If your dog sustains a cut or laceration, you can administer first aid by flushing the wound with povidone iodine, then treating it with yarrow.

Suggested Use: Wound Balm for Animals contains yarrow (along with echinacea and goldenseal); it speeds healing and is a first-rate addition to Fido's first-aid kit.

Helichrysum oil is excellent to help control bleeding as well and great for bruising and cleansing wounds along with other essential oils. I had many chances to use Helichrysum oil and it worked exceptionally well. I follow a holistic veterinarian who feels that Helichrysum is very effective for use with our animals. I have used many herbs before using the essential oils and I have had better results with the essential oils.  They are 50-70% more powerful, therefore more effective.

 Arnica

What: Arnica montana, a.k.a. Leopard's Bane, has long been prized for its astonishing bruise-healing property.

Why: Has Spot sustained a bruise or muscle injury? Arnica does double duty, easing the pain and promoting healing.

Suggested Use: Arnica pellets. Administer 3 pellets 3 times daily, in the inside pocket of your dog's lower lip. It's OK if he spits it out; healing begins when the pellets make contact with the gum.

Valerian

What: This effective - if highly malodorous - herb (Valeriana officinalis L.) is nature's time-trusted sedative and sleep-inducer.

Why: For dogs who experience high anxiety during thunderstorms or on the 4th of July, Valerian will put them out for several hours of stress-free slumber. It's also great for long car trips, to help Spot snooze through the ride.

Suggested Use: Valerian comes in capsules, available at any health food store. To dose your dog, you'll need to hide the capsules in a piece of meat or cheese with peanut butter on top - anything to mask that awful smell! (Editor's Note: Again, talk to your vet about dosages.)

Therapeutic grade essential oils are very effective for calming your pets for mild and more severe conditions.  One of the reasons I started using essential oils for pets is because I have a dog that has major issues with fireworks and thunderstorms.  I have found many oils to be effective depending on the severity of the fear.  Contact Us for your individual need and recommendations. 

Olive Leaf Extract

What: The extract of crushed-up olive leaves (oleuropein) is nature's antibiotic.

Why: If your dog experiences diarrhea from, say, scarfing something rancid on the sidewalk, the antifungal property of Olive Leaf will help set his digestion right.

Suggested Use: Available at health food stores, Olive Leaf capsules smell and taste exactly like olive oil (i.e. delicious), so there's no need to hide or mask them. Just sprinkle over your dog's food like a spice!

A protective blend and digestive blend are great to help support the immune system.  They are also great for your human family members.

Milk Thistle

What: A flowering plant whose extract, Silymarin, is one of nature's most potent antioxidants for people and pets.

Why: Boosting and protecting the liver, milk thistle is a must if you want to extend the life of your dog. Everything passes through the liver, so it welcomes the support - and because eye and liver health are linked, milk thistle also prevents and reverses cloudy eyes (nuclear sclerosis) in dogs.

Suggested Use: Sold at health foods stores in capsule form, this herb tastes somewhat bitter; very finicky dogs will need to have it hidden in something tasty, but most dogs will eat it sprinkled over their food (cinnamon helps sweeten the deal).

Milk Thistle is great to detox the liver.  I have used it for years.  Milk thiste is great for humans as well as for our furry friends to build their immune system and detox the body.

Hawthorn

What: Crataegus is a berry that's used to treat cardiac insufficiency.

Why: Strengthening the heart muscle and improving circulation, hawthorn helps stave off congestive heart failure in senior dogs (and people), and tones the tickers of younger dogs who've survived heartworm disease. Young, healthy dogs don't need it yet - wait until they're older.

Suggested Use: One capsule in your dog's food (available at health food stores); most dogs don't mind the taste.

Boswellia

What: The resin of the Boswellia tree has many medicinal uses.

Why: Another senior-dog staple, Boswellia reduces inflammation and improves mobility in arthritic K9s.

Suggested Use: Available in tablet form, it's called "Boswelya Plus."

Frankincense oil comes from the Boswellia tree and it is excellent to help support the immune system of your pets especially older dogs who tend to have a weakened immune system. This can cause inflammation which is the main cause of most disease.  It is all excellent for skin issues and for many more uses.

Eyebright

What: As its name implies, the flowering plant Euphrasia officinalis has long been used to treat eye infections.

Why: If your dog comes back from the dog park or doggie daycare with goopy eyes, try eyebright first before consulting the vet; you may be able to clear up the problem yourself.

Suggested Use:  Euphrasia pellets. Administer 3 pellets 3 times daily, in the inside pocket of your dog's lower lip. As with Arnica (above), it's OK if he spits it out; healing begins when the pellets make contact with the gum.

I have used Eyebright personally for dry eye and other eye issues and have had much more relief from a blend of essential oils I use.  I no longer need to use any eye drops or medication.  I didn’t get that relief from using Eyebright.

Burdock

What: A thistle in the genus Arctium, its root has long been prized for its blood-purifying, hair-regrowing, and cancer-fighting powers.

Why: Use it regularly as a preventative, especially if you have a breed of dog that's prone to cancer (such as a Boxer).

Suggested Use: Add cooked burdock root (found in the produce section of health food stores and Asian markets) to your dog's food, or give him a piece of raw burdock to chew on, like a carrot. Or you can steep one teaspoon of burdock in a cup of hot water; let cool and pour over your dog's food.

There are essential oils that can be used for all of the herbs listed for different health conditions.  The essential oils have much longer shelf life if stored in their dark glass bottles.  They are much easier to administrator.  Many can be applied to the animal externally by dilluting the oil or diffused.  You should only used therapeutic grade essential oils.  Quality essential oils test every batch of essential oils to guarantee purity of the oils oils for our safety.  It is very important to only use therapeutic grade essential oils with your pets.  If they aren’t pure they can have additives and other environmental impurities.  Contact PWC if you would like more information on which oils to use with your pets.  Because essential oils are so concentrated they are also much less expensive.  With animals and humans using essential oils “less is more effective”.  One drop diluted with a few drops of carrier oil is usually all that the animal needs.