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.
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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. If you’re tempted to reach for spot-on flea treatments, then here’s why you’ll want to be one of the 1% of people who never touch them! It can be tempting to use toxic chemical products to eliminate fleas … but it can be done using natural methods and a little persistence. A Healthy Foundation The most important factor in preventing fleas from taking over your home is your dog’s overall health and immune system. A healthy dog will naturally repel parasites and fleas will seek weaker animals who are easier targets. Always feed a natural diet and never vaccinate or use drugs or chemicals on your canine friend, either internally or externally. Also avoid chemical cleaners in your home and never use pesticides or herbicides in your yard, as these products will also impact your pet’s immune system. There are some simple remedies that will help to maximize your dog’s immune system as well. These include:
A Healthy Environment The second part of the puzzle is the environment. If the energy of your home has any disharmony in it, this too can make your dog anxious and weaken the immune system. Try to make sure everyone in your household is as content as they can be; encourage your family members to be open with each other so your dog doesn’t stress over his concern for you. I often have my clients make a mixture of the Bach flower essences walnut, crab apple, holly, wild rose and wild oat. Spray it around the house to help detoxify negative energy from the environment. The Flea Life Cycle Fleas are highly productive; a pair may produce 20,000 fleas in three months. Eggs hatch after two to 12 days into larvae that feed in the environment – generally on digested blood from adult fleas and other food matter. The food required at this stage is microscopic, and even clean carpets often offer plenty of food to the larvae. The larvae are little wiggles about three or four millimeters long; you may see some if you inspect your pet’s bedding carefully. Larvae molt twice within two to 200 days and the older larvae spin a cocoon in which they remain for one week to one year. When in this cocoon stage the young flea is invulnerable to any kind of insecticide and to low, even freezing, temperatures. Only sufficient warmth and the presence of a host can cause them to emerge. This long cocooning period explains why fleas are so difficult to eradicate. To get rid of fleas in your house, you must break this cycle. As a practical matter, this means you’ll almost certainly have to repeat your flea elimination efforts a few weeks apart to catch the fleas from the larvae that didn’t get destroyed the first time around. This is also why it is essential to address the problem of the eggs and larvae as well as the adult fleas. Eliminating Fleas It’s not enough just to rid your dog of fleas. Fleas don’t spend all their time on your dog, but will hop on when they need a meal. The eggs can be shed anywhere your dog spends time – including your own bed, if you share it! Your house and yard must also be treated to prevent reinfestation. Deflea-ing Your Dog To get rid of fleas on your dog, a soapy bath with any natural shampoo will kill them on contact. You can also place several drops of lavender and frankincense essential oils into a chemical free shampoo to prevent and kill fleas (as well as ticks). I have even used natural dish soap and find it kills them as well as anything. There are recipes on my Recipe Page.
I also recommend using a flea comb soaked in soapy water several times per day after the initial bath, until your friend is flea free. Once your dog has dried off after his bath, spray him with a mixture containing one drop each of the essential oils lemongrass, lemon, cedar and RC (a Young Living blend) per ounce of water. You can also spray him with this solution to repel pests any time he’s going into an area that is flea, tick or mosquito infested. In The Yard Use a yard hose sprayer with two ounces of dish soap and 10 drops each of neem oil and cedarwood oil to kill adult fleas in your grass and areas where your dog plays or lies. I recommend doing this once per week during the flea season. Do not spray succulent plants with this mixture because it may harm them. You can also order Wondercide, which makes cedar oil products for use on your yard, as well as your dog and home. In Your Home In my experience, steam cleaning a rug will kill all of the adult fleas immediately. When the carpets are completely dry, put a mixture of one part Borax salts to three parts table salt and rake it into all carpeted areas of the house. Leave for a week and then vacuum very thoroughly. Pay attention to cracks in the floor where eggs may have been laid. Dispose of the vacuum contents by burning or placing them in a closed plastic bag in the outdoor trash so that the eggs don’t hatch in your broom closet! Wash your dog’s bedding (and your own, if he spends time on it) and dry in a hot dryer if the fabric will stand it. It’s helpful to follow up with food grade diatomaceous earth. Sprinkle it on bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets and other surfaces in your home; work it in with a broom and leave it down for a few hours or overnight; then vacuum thoroughly. (You can also sprinkle the food grade DE on your dog’s skin to prevent or get rid of fleas. Be careful not to get DE in the eyes, nose and mouth.) To help eliminate the eggs, add one teaspoon of wintergreen essential oil to a quart of hot water in a mist sprayer. Then mist carpets, upholstered furniture, pillows and other places where flea eggs can hatch. The mist will not kill fleas but it will kill the eggs. Spray about three times a year. The odor goes away in a few days and you are safe for months without the danger of pesticides. Since oil of wintergreen is used on babies, I do not believe it can hurt cats or dogs when used like this in their environment (and not directly on the animal). Remember that carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture are the prime places for depositing flea eggs. It’s a drastic measure, but some people have success ridding their home of fleas by removing their carpets and replacing with tile or hardwood floors. Another very old, safe method of removing fleas is soapy water under a light bulb. Hang a light bulb one foot above a low container about a foot wide and two to three inches deep. Add at least an inch of soapy water to it. The fleas will jump to the light and fall in the soapy water. You will need to move it around about five feet a day or have several traps in the areas where your dog hangs out and sleeps. You can use these traps indoors, as well as outdoors in damp or shaded areas where fleas proliferate – under porches, decks, carports, at the edges of woods and especially in places where your pets lie down outdoors. Some people don't feed grains anymore. The raw diet looks more at the meat protein and vegetables for the dogs nutrition. If you want to use grains this article gives some great suggestions for quality grains to use. I would make sure they are organic for so many grains are sprayed at the seed level to eliminate pests create a faster growing crop. By AUDI DONAMOR In your quest for a healthy diet for your dog or cat, you’ve probably come up against the grain controversy more than once. Should your animal eat grains or not? Which ones should be avoided, and which are okay?
Whole versus refined The right whole grains have a lot to offer our animals. The key word here is “whole”. Whole grains are comprised of three parts. 1The bran is the multi-layered outer skin of the kernel. 2 The germ is the embryo; if it is fertilized by pollen, it will sprout into a new plant. It’s a valuable source of many B vitamins, protein, minerals and essential fatty acids. 3 The endosperm is the germ’s food supply, providing essential energy to the young plant. It is the largest portion of the kernel, and contains carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Refined grains are missing their bran and germ, leaving only the endosperm. Without the bran and germ, about 25% of the grain’s protein is lost, along with at least 17 important nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, minerals, lignans, phytosterols and other plant compounds. Aren’t carbs “bad”? Don’t be misled by the blanket statement that carbohydrates are dangerous to dogs and cats. You just need to choose quality over quantity. Complex carbohydrates sustain energy, support organ function and promote overall health by providing vitamins, minerals, fiber, healthy fats and phytochemicals. Poor hair growth and continuous shedding are one of the symptoms of carbohydrate deficiency. Carbohydrates maintain the health of the thyroid, liver, heart, brain and nerve tissues, and regulate how much starch and fat will be broken down and utilized or stored in the liver in the form of glycogen, which controls the balance of energy. Glycogen reserves regulate protein metabolism and protect cells from malfunction and injury. The heart and thyroid gland need glycogen, and some is stored in the cardiac muscle. Glossary of healthy grains • Oats are one of the world’s healthiest foods. They are nutrient dense and provide sustained energy. They contain manganese, selenium, tryptophan, phosphorus, vitamin B1, dietary fiber, magnesium and protein. Oats contain a special type of fiber called beta-glucan, which lowers cholesterol and helps reduce the risk of heart disease, and supports the immune system against bacterial infections, viruses, fungi and parasites. Betaglucans help stabilize blood sugar levels and inhibit the growth of tumors. Oats contain 20 unique polyphenols called avenanthramides, which have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and even anti-itching properties. Adding oat bran to your animal’s daily diet is an easy way to give him valuable fiber, and additional support if anal glands or hairballs are a problem. • Barley is another of the world’s healthiest foods. It is a cooling whole grain that supports the intestines, stomach, spleen, pancreas and kidneys. It supports healthy thyroid function and immunity, is an excellent source of dietary fiber, and helps lower blood cholesterol. Barley is an excellent source of selenium, which inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells. Selenium works alongside vitamin E to be cardio-protective and lessen the symptoms of arthritis. Tryptophan, copper, manganese and phosphorus also contribute to barley’s excellent nutritional profile. Cooked barley can be added to your animal’s regular meals. • Rice nurtures the centre of the body, including the spleen and the pancreas, and soothes the stomach (in Traditional Chinese Medicine). It is a pH neutral grain and helps remove toxins from the liver. Whole brown rice is a rich source of manganese, selenium and magnesium. Manganese is a crucial component of the antioxidant enzyme called superoxide dismutase (SOD), which provides protection against damage from free radicals. Whole brown rice is about as wholesome as you can get. Whole grain brown rice milk is a novel way of providing your animal with all the goodness of whole grains. The rice used in these products is not milled or polished, so it retains all the vitamins and minerals, contains no added sugar or fat, and is also cholesterol, gluten and dairy free. • Amaranth, quinoa, teff and buckwheat, while considered “pseudo grains”, are usually included alongside the true cereal grains because their nutritional profile, preparation and uses are so similar. Teff is an African cereal grass that contains more calcium than whole oats and more iron than whole barley. Quinoa is actually an amino acid-packed protein seed. It is considered a complete protein, because it contains all nine essential amino acids, including lysine, vital to tissue growth and repair. Quinoa also contains vitamin B6, niacin, thiamin, potassium, riboflavin, zinc, copper, manganese, magnesium, folic acid and vitamin E. It is a perfect substitute for regular whole grains and is gluten free. Whole grains contain more natural fats than refined grains, so store them in a cool, dry dark place, or in the refrigerator. by Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM WHY IS NAIL TRIMMING IMPORTANT FOR YOUR DOG’S HEALTHY AND LONG LIFE? Have you ever wondered how the length of your dog’s nails are related to his or her health? If you are like most people, this question might not have crossed your mind until now. Most dog lovers do not think about their dog’s nails until they need to be trimmed or if they wear out. Things get more interesting when one acknowledges that every digit on the forelegs is the starting point of an energy line (a meridian) that is connected to internal organs and parts of the body. These areas are the start and the end points of the mysterious circuitry of meridians described so well in Chinese traditional medicine. The energy channels could be compared to the most sophisticated computer. In fact, if you think about the body, it is an energy system put together from the same energy particles as everything else in the universe. The only difference is that your dog’s energy particles carry a different program than yours, despite being made of the same building blocks; subatomic energy particles. Reminding ourselves that the body is an energetic system and that toe tips are the starting points of energy meridians in the body makes the following connection easier to understand: When nails are too long the foot gets out of alignment, which leads to disruption in the energy flow and a lesser degree of health. In nature, dogs would wear their nails down by roaming and walking the whole day on a variety of surfaces. However, this does not happen as easily for a large majority of modern-day dogs. I often see dogs with long nails and their people still do not know how to trim their dogs’ nails properly. I hope that the following seven steps will help you tackle this relatively simple, but often challenging part of canine health care. Here are your 7 steps to awesome nail care for dogs: 1. See if your dog’s nails wear down enough on their own. If you mainly walk your dogs in rocky terrain or on the sidewalk, they may or may not wear down on their own. Nails that are too long have a U shape when you make the first small cut (1-2 mm). 2. You dog’s nails should be relatively short and the points should not be narrow, long and pointy. 3. Use a rotating file (Dremel tool) instead of nail clippers if you can because you can file nails gradually and reduce the chances of clipping into the quick. If you use a Dremel, make sure that the RPM’s are not too high as the nail may heat up. Use a Dremel tip of medium coarseness to prevent excessive vibrations for your dog's comfort. 4. If you use nail clippers, make sure that the top and bottom blades are in the U shape to reduce the unpleasant pressure on the quick. 5. Start by clipping one to two millimetres at the most. If your dog’s nails are black and the nails are long, you will see an upside down U with a darker margin and a lighter center. Stop clipping when you see the darker (denser) center of the quick. 6. Reward your dog with treats during the procedure. I suggest that you do not let go when your dog tries to wiggle. Instead, hold him or her and follow the direction that your dog chooses to move in. Continue holding the foot and gently sway to the desired position. Letting your dog wiggle out repeatedly will create a bad habit that is hard to shake off.
7. In the event that you go too far and your dog bleeds, do not panic. Have a gauze pad ready to apply pressure. If the nail continues bleeding, bandage the foot for four to 12 hours and have Healing Solution handy to ensure problem free holding. That is all! I can guarantee you that your dog will be much happier to walk on nails that are shorter and do not distort and affect your dog’s gait and energy flow. Health and longevity of your best friend starts with long nails! Thank you for sharing this post and making a difference in the lives of other dogs! © Dr. Peter Dobias This information was written for people but it applies to dogs as well. I have used MSM for my older dogs for years. I was first introduced to MSM for inflammation in the mid 1990's. What if I told you there was a so-called “miracle supplement” that could lower inflammation, fight the effects of stress and pain, raise immunity, and increase energy levels? Would you be interested? Then you need to know about the MSM supplement. MSM is used to help treat literally dozens of illnesses, painful symptoms and diseases — and, yes, it’s been called a “miracle supplement” for all it does. (1, 2) So what is an MSM supplement exactly, and do you need to take one? Let’s find out. This information comes from an article from Dr. Josh Axe. What is MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)? It’s an organic sulfur -containing compound that’s used to help improve immune function, lower inflammation and help restore healthy bodily tissue. The reason so many benefits are attributed to the MSM supplement is because MSM provides biologically active sulfur, which is the fourth most plentiful mineral in the body and needed for many different critical bodily functions every single day. Commonly used topically on the skin and also taken by mouth, MSM is especially popular as part of an arthritis diet and supplementation plan to treat arthritis or osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease since it helps form connective tissue and repair joints, tendons and ligaments. Of course, that is just one of many MSM supplement benefits. It also does the following: 1. Help treats Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain A well-researched benefit of MSM is that it helps decrease joint inflammation, improves flexibility and restores collagen production. Research shows that many patients with arthritis, joint pain, stiffness, knee/back problems and a limited range of motion experience a reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life when taking an MSM supplement. MSM supplements are beneficial for helping the body form new joint and muscle tissue while lowering inflammatory responses that contribute to swelling and stiffness. An MSM supplement is a natural and effective anti-inflammatory because of how sulfur impacts the immune system and facilitates normal cellular activity. Sulfur needs to be present for our cells to release many byproducts and excess fluids that can accumulate and cause swelling/tenderness. A clinical trial testing the effects of MSM on joint pain in 118 patients with osteoarthritis found that compared to a placebo, MSM supplements taken over 12 weeks resulted in more improvements in pain, swelling and joint mobility. MSM supplements were given in 500-milligram doses three times daily along with glucosamine (also taken in 500-milligram doses three times daily). Together they both seem to safely reduce inflammation and pain intensity without causing side effects for the majority of people. (3) That makes MSM — especially when combined with glucosamine — excellent for arthritis. 2. Help improves Digestive Problems Like Leaky Gut Syndrome MSM can help rebuild the lining of the digestive tract and lower inflammation/allergic reactions to certain foods. It’s also useful for healing leaky gut syndrome since it can help stop particles from leaching out the gut through small junction openings, where they can enter the bloodstream and ignite an inflammatory response. This is due in part to the sulfur in an MSM supplement, which is important for digestion. (4) Additionally, MSM supplements seem to help hemorrhoids. Applying a gel containing MSM along with tea tree oil can reduce pain and swelling caused by hemorrhoids (swollen blood vessels of the rectum that make it hard to go to the bathroom without pain or bleeding). (5) 3. Help repairs Skin and Treats Skin Problems Including Rosacea, Allergies, Wounds Some research shows that applying topical cream containing MSM and silymarin helps lower inflammation contributing to skin discoloration, allergies or slow wound healing. MSM can help improve skin’s tone, reducing redness, easing sensitivity and treating other symptoms associated with rosacea. (6) While it hasn’t been proven in many studies, people also use MSM to hold on to a youthful appearance, since it seems to help prevent wrinkles, scar formation, dark spots and sun damage. How’s this possible? MSM is necessary for collagen production, and collagen is what helps keep skin from become saggy, wrinkled, cracked and dry. Using an MSM supplement helps us hold on to precious collagen and keratin because sulfur is required for the production of these “youthful” compounds. We lose collagen and healthy tissue as we get older, which is exactly why our skin tone and elasticity suffer. You can get even more results using MSM on your skin when you combine it with other antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A, which all help build new, healthy skin cells. 4. Helps Lowers Muscle Pain and Muscle Spasms
Good news if you’re someone who’s regularly active but suffers from muscle pain: Research suggests that MSM can act like a natural analgesic, helping prevent and treat muscle aches and pains, throbbing and swelling while improving range of motion and mobility. (7) It’s been shown to help muscle recovery after exercise, injuries and even surgeries — and it seems to be especially beneficial when used in conjunction with other anti-inflammatories. How does MSM stop muscle pain? It comes back to the role of sulfur in the body, which is largely stored inside tissues that make up our muscles and joints. MSM helps repair the rigid fibrous tissue cells in our muscles that become broken down during exercise, therefore helping prevent them from swelling for prolong periods of time. MSM also restores the flexibility and permeability of cell walls within muscles, which means nutrients can pass through the tissues more easily, facilitating repair work faster and removing lactic acid, which causes that “burning feeling” following exercise. The result is less time needed for recovery, plus reduced pressure, soreness and cramps. 5. Helps Restores Hair Growth Struggling with thinning hair or balding as you get older? Good news: MSM has been shown to help boost both collagen and keratin levels, two nutrients we absolutely need for forming new hair strands (and also rebuilding strong nails and skin cells). Collagen and keratin are often found in hair products and treatments because they’re what gives hair strength, durability and that “healthy” look — and they can help reverse hair loss. (8) 6. Helps the Body Adapt to Stress Ever hear of “adaptogen herbs” or supplements that help control how the body deals with stress? MSM works similarly, since it boosts our ability to heal and bounce back from exercise, stressful events, injuries and even surgeries. Taking MSM before exercising, such as running, seems to reduce muscle damage and other markers of stress. It can also reduce fatigue felt after stressful events and support an upbeat mood, energy levels and normal digestion. (9, 10) MSM Supplement Uses? Some of the most common uses for MSM include treating: (11)
How MSM Supplements Work MSM supplements supply the body with extra sulfur for creating methionine, which helps in important bodily processes like making other chemicals, forming connective tissue, synthesizing/metabolizing foods and absorbing nutrients to be used for energy. MSM is a natural byproduct of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and its medicinal properties seem to be similar to DMSO. DMSO is converted in the body to MSM, and then MSM remains in the body for longer than DMSO, allowing it to have more of a long-term impact. The diets of our ancestors likely provided a high amount of sulfur — since sulfur is found in animal parts, vegetables and many fruits — but today many people lack these foods in their diets and therefore might be low in sulfur. We all have sulfur present in our bodies at all times, but our sulfur levels can drop as we get older, when we’re stressed and if we normally eat a low-nutrient diet. While many different “whole foods” supply sulfur — foods like cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, etc.), eggs and sea vegetables — the catch is that some of their natural sulfur can become destroyed when the foods aren’t very fresh, they’re processed or are cooked at high temperatures. One of the differences between sulfur as we usually think of it (DMSO) and MSM is that MSM is odorless and tasteless (which is why you’re spared the strong smell that can be produced when eggs or veggies are cooked). In humans (and animals too), MSM is naturally found in the adrenal cortex, which is a part of our hormonal system that helps regulate our response to stressors. It’s also stored in our cerebral spinal fluid and is used to maintain the structure of normal connective tissues. One of the most notable attributes of MSM supplements is that they help accelerate healing and “detox” the body by improving how chemicals enter and leave our cells. MSM essentially makes cells more permeable, releasing certain built-up minerals that can cause problems (like calcium, for example), heavy metals, waste and toxins, while also helping usher in nutrients and water. This helps keep us hydrated and lowers inflammation, which is the root of most diseases. MSM also stabilizes cell membranes, improves the body’s antioxidant abilities, slows or stops leakage from injured cells, and scavenges hydroxyl free radicals. (13) Using MSM supplements is tied to better immune function, accelerated healing and reduced pain because it helps counteract certain byproducts (like lactic acid) that contribute to the feeling of soreness, stiffness and inflexibility. This is one reason why some athletes and very active people choose to use an MSM supplement to improve recovery time, performance, and the process of rebuilding new healthy muscle and joint issue. (14) Also importantly, MSM’s sulfur plays an important role in the production of glutathione, considered to be a “master antioxidant” and an important agent for detoxification. This is another reason MSM is considered to be a “performance enhancer” — because it can raise someone’s energy levels and fight fatigue, since it helps with proper digestion and nutrient absorption, reducing the amount of energy the body needs to use on breaking down nutrients and redirecting these to other efforts. MSM Dosage, Plus Where to Buy MSM Powder or Supplements How much MSM do you need or should you use? The FDA doesn’t recognize a recommended dietary allowance for an MSM supplement or for sulfur (which it contains), because there’s no proven symptoms of sulfur deficiency described in medical literature as of now. Therefore the dosage you’ll want to take depends on what you’re using MSM for and your current state of health. Usually, 500 milligrams of MSM for a 50# animal is the starting dose recommended. You can either buy an MSM supplement in powder form, cream form or capsule/tablet form. It’s available in powder form most often. You can increase the intake as your body gets used to it and you assure you don’t experience any digestive side effects. (15) If you choose to use MSM powder (which is believe to be the most absorbable kind), try simply adding it to water (usually about 16 ounces for one serving). You’ll get the best results when you use MSM along with vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids. Make sure you buy MSM from a reputable seller, and always check for the correct chemical compound name “MSM (methylsulfonylmethane).” Keep in mind that many MSM supplements contain synthetic byproducts and fillers, so you want to look for an organic brand that sells “100% naturally derived MSM.” By Dr. Becker
Just like two-legged members of the family, sometimes pets have little accidents around the house, yard, or neighborhood. When a dog or cat acquires a minor injury, many pet owners don’t realize there may be a quick fix as close as the kitchen or bathroom cabinet. 8 Quick Tips for Treating Minor Pet Injuries and Illnesses
Dog owners are becoming more interested in using herbs to support their dog’s immune system to treat illness. This is very important if you would like to keep your pet healthier.
Many are aware of the value of using echinacea for something like a cold, slippery elm for an upset stomach and calendula to soothe scratches or skin irritations. However, few dog owners use herbs for nutritional value. Herbs can pack a big nutritional punch and can be used to supplement your dog’s diet. Essential oils can also be helpful and they are a concentrated form of the herb or plant. Have a dog with allergies or arthritis? Try some vitamin C in the form of chickweed or comfrey.. Or is he iron deficient and now anemic? Grab some kelp. Is he having circulation problems? Give him some vitamin E from slippery elm. The great thing about deriving vitamins from herbs is that the body is better able to digest and use vitamins and minerals that come from plant sources as opposed to those that come from synthetic and processed sources. Plus, they are inexpensive and easy to use. They typically come in tablets, capsules or liquid tinctures. It’s preferable to administer them away from food if you can swing it. But if your dog isn’t game, you can mix it in with his food. According to The Veterinarians’ Guide to Natural Remedies for Dogs by Martin Zucker, a very general rule of thumb is: Give a 1/4 capsule/tablet (if one is the human dose) to small dogs. Give half a capsule/tablet to medium and large dogs. Give 4 to 8 drops of an herbal tincture twice a day (much less than the human dose). However, if you are unfamiliar with the herb or uncomfortable with dosing yourself, consult a holistic vet. Here is a list of some herbs you might want to try: VITAMINS Vitamin A Alfalfa, Black Cohosh, Cayenne, Eyebright, Red Clover, Saw Palmetto Berries, Yarrow, Yellow Dock Vitamin B Complex Blue Cohosh, Cascara Sagrada, Fenugreek, Hawthorne, Licorice, Papaya Vitamin C Bee Pollen, Chickweed, Comfrey, Echinacea, Garlic, Goldenseal, Juniper Berries, Peppermint, Rose Hips Vitamin D Alfalfa, Dandelion, Red Raspberry, Rose Hips, Sarsaparilla Vitamin E Burdock, Comfrey, Dong Quai, Kelp, Skullcap, Slippery Elm, Yarrow Vitamin K Alfalfa, Gota Kola, Yarrow MINERALS Calcium Aloe, Cayenne, Chamomile, Fennel, Marshmallow, Sage, White Oak Bark Cobalt Dandelion, Horesetail, Juniper Berries, Lobelia, Parsley, Red Clover, White Oak Bark Iodine Bladderwrack, Kelp Iron Bladderwrack, Kelp, Burdock, Chickweed, Ginseng, Hops, Mullein, Nettles, Parsley, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sarsaparilla, Skullcap, Yellow Dock Magnesium Alfalfa, Catnip, Ginger, Gota Kola, Red Clover, Rosemary, Valerian, Wood Betony Potassium Aloe, Blue Cohosh, Cayenne, Cascara Sagrada, Chaparral, Dandelion, Fennel, Goldenseal, Parsley, Rose Hips, Slippery Elm, Valerian, Yarrow Zinc Burdock, Chamomile, Dandelion, Eyebright, Hawthorne, Licorice, Marshmallow, Sarsaparilla TRACE MINERALS Alfalfa, Black Cohosh, Burdock, Cascara Sagrada, Chaparral, Dandelion, Hawthorne, Horsetail, Kelp, Lobelia, Parsley, Red Clover, Rose Hips, Sage, Sarsaparilla, Valerian, Yellow Dock Sitting/lying down/exposing underside: appeasing/deferent dog lowers body posture, exposing vulnerable parts Turning head away, averting eyes: appeasing/deferent dog avoids eye contact, exposes neck Avoidance Dog turns away; shuts down; evades handler’s touch and treats. Brow Ridges Furrows or muscle ridges in the dog’s forehead and around the eyes. Difficulty Learning Dogs are unable to learn well or easily when under significant stress. Digestive Disturbances Vomiting and diarrhea can be a sign of illness – or of stress; the digestive system reacts strongly to stress. Carsickness is often a stress reaction. Displacement Behaviors These are behaviors performed in an effort to resolve an internal stress conflict for the dog. They may be observed in a dog who is stressed and in isolation – for example a dog left alone in an exam room in a veterinary hospital – differentiating them from behaviors related to relationship. Blinking: Eyes blink at a faster-than normal rate Nose-Licking: Dog’s tongue flicks out once or multiple times Chattering teeth Scratching Shaking off (as if wet, but dog is dry) Yawning Drooling May be an indication of stress – or response to the presence of food, an indication of a mouth injury, or digestive distress. Excessive Grooming Dog may lick or chew paws, legs, flank, tail, and genital areas, even to the point of self-mutilation. Hyperactivity Frantic behavior, pacing, sometimes misinterpreted as ignoring, “fooling around,” or “blowing off” owner. Immune System Disorders Long-term stress weakens the immune system. Immune related problems can improve when overall levels of stress are reduced. Lack of Attention/Focus The brain has difficulty processing information when stressed. Leaning/Clinging The stressed dog seeks contact with human as reassurance. Lowered Body Posture “Slinking,” acting “guilty,” or “sneaky” (all misinterpretations of dog body language) can be indicators of stress. Mouthing Willingness to use mouth on human skin – can be puppy exploration or adult poor manners, but can also be an expression of stress, ranging from gentle nibbling (flea biting) to hard taking of treats, to painfully hard mouthing, snapping, or biting. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders These include compulsive imaginary fly-snapping behavior, light- and shadow-chasing, tail-chasing, pica (eating nonfood objects), flank-sucking, self-mutilation, and more. While OCDs probably have a strong genetic component, the behavior itself is usually triggered by stress. Panting Rapid shallow or heavy breathing is normal if the dog is warm or has been exercising, otherwise can be stress-related. Stress may be external (environment) or internal (pain, other medical issues). Stretching
To relax stress-related tension in muscles. May also occur as a non-stress behavior after sleeping or staying in one place for extended period. Stiff Movement Tension can cause a noticeable stiffness in leg, body, and tail movements. Sweaty Paws Damp footprints can be seen on floors, exam tables, rubber mats. Dogs Carnivores? Here is more proof that dogs do need a high protein diet and not carbohydrates. It took me a while to be convinced about feeding a raw diet but I have been totally on board with it for a while now and my dogs overall health is great. I was cooking their food before and I did use some organic grains that have a higher carbohydrate content. If your pet needs to lose some weight a raw meat and vegetable diet will sure help for the carbohydrate foods can cause the animal to gain weight since the dog doesn’t have the enzyme to digest carbohydrates.
Written By Dr. Karen Becker Recently I ran across an interesting white paper I wanted to share with everyone here at Mercola Healthy Pets. It was produced by Champion Pet Foods of Canada, makers of Orijen and Acana brands of dog and cat food. White papers such as this one, for those of you who may not be familiar, are typically informational marketing pieces and shouldn't be confused with scientific research studies. Wikipedia defines a white paper as "an authoritative report or guide helping readers understand an issue, solve a problem, or make a decision."1 The report is titled The Biologically Appropriate Food Concept and the Dietary Needs of Dogs and Cats, and while it is essentially an info-marketing piece, it contains a great deal of factual information I think pet owners will find useful. For example, the authors point out that despite thousands of years of domestication and our inclination to "humanize" them, dogs continue to share 99 percent of their DNA with wolves. And in fact, the Smithsonian reclassified the domesticated dog from its previous separate species of "Canis familiaris" to "Canis lupus familiaris" to more closely associate canine companions with their wolf cousins. The paper's authors also do a good job of reiterating and reinforcing the fact that dogs and cats are carnivores best served by a diet that matches their anatomies. How Nature Designs Carnivores The anatomical and physiological differences between herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores can be summarized as follows: Carnivores (Meat Eaters) (wolves, dogs, cats) Sharp, elongated teeth designed for tearing and killing prey, not grinding plants, plus jaws that move vertically and open widely, providing a smooth cutting motion, and the ability to swallow large chunks of meat. Killing prey, not grinding plants, plus jaws that move vertically and open widely, providing a smooth cutting motion, and the ability to swallow large chunks of meat. Short, simple and acidic digestive tracts that quickly and easily digest protein and fat from animal sources, plus kill bacteria found in decaying meat. No amylase in saliva. Herbivores (Plant Eaters) (cows, sheep) Square and flat molars that provide an ideal surface to crush and grind plants (but not meats), plus a lower jaw with a distinct sideways motion that facilitates the grinding needed to chew plants. Long digestive tracts up to 10 times their body length to break down plant foods. Saliva contains the carbohydrate-digesting enzyme amylase needed to digest starch. Herbivores methodically chew their food to ensure the thorough mixing with amylase. Omnivores (Both Meat and Plant Eaters) (pigs, bears, humans) Flat molars and sharp teeth developed for both grinding and tearing, plus the ability of the jaw to move sideways to grind food. Medium length digestive tracts that provide the flexibility to digest both vegetation and animal proteins. Saliva contains the carbohydrate-digesting enzyme amylase needed to digest starch. This table illustrates the key anatomical features that separate carnivorous dogs and cats from omnivores and herbivores, resulting in a natural adaptation for an almost exclusively meat based diet. 'Modern dogs of all breeds are not only capable of eating the food of their wild ancestors, but actually require it for maximum health.' The white paper discusses the dietary needs of dogs and cats, starting with the difference between types of protein and the fact that protein quality varies enormously depending on its source. Animal proteins are considered complete proteins for dogs and cats, while plant proteins are considered incomplete proteins. This is because animal proteins contain all the amino acids pets require, in the quantities needed for growth, maintenance, and overall health. Plant proteins, on the other hand (for example, corn gluten, soybean meal and plant protein isolates), do not contain all the amino acids in the right proportions a dog or cat needs, including arginine, taurine, methionine, lysine and tryptophan. Animal source fats are also essential in the diets of dogs and cats, as they provide essential fatty acids (omega-3, for example) and a concentrated source of energy. However, while both fats and carbohydrates provide energy, dietary fats are essential for dogs and cats whereas carbs are not. Carbs provide energy more rapidly than fats, but in dogs, carbohydrate loading generates an excessive amount of lactic acid in the muscles that can lead to hypoglycemia. As for omega-3 fatty acids, there are three kinds: ALA, which comes from plants (soy, canola oil and flax, for example), and DHA and EPA, which come from fish. Dogs and cats require DHA and EPA, but not ALA. Dogs and Cats Have No Nutritional Requirement for Carbohydrates According to PetfoodIndustry.com, AAFCO's 2010 Pet Food Nutrient Profilesand the National Research Council's 2006 Committee on Animal Nutrition conclude that dogs and cats do not require carbohydrates in their diets. And it's common knowledge that the natural diets of canines and felines contain almost no carbohydrates, with the primary source being predigested grains, fruits and veggies found in the stomachs of prey animals. The white paper authors state that, "Today's high carbohydrate pet foods lead to blood sugar fluctuations, insulin resistance, and are widely considered as a leading cause of obesity, diabetes and a host of other health problems in cats and dogs." Conventional dry dog foods are heavy on carbs, with most exceeding 40 to 50 percent in total carbohydrate content. This means that around half of typical dry dog food is composed of non-essential simple sugars – a fact that pet owners often aren't aware of because pet food manufacturers aren't required to list carbohydrate content on product labels. Carb intake above the daily needs of dogs (which is essentially zero) triggers internal enzyme factors to store the excess as body fat. The livers of adult dogs are able to easily synthesize glucose from protein and fats, so there is no need to supply carbohydrates in the diet. Despite Scientific Evidence That Dogs and Cats Are Carnivores, Dry Pet Food Manufacturers Persist in Adding Inappropriate Grains and Carbohydrates to Their Products The authors of the white paper concluded that the basic physiology of the dog and cat has changed very little over thousands of years of domestication, and though they differ in appearance from their wild cousins, their internal anatomy remains unchanged. Dogs are carnivores, not omnivores, and while they are very adaptable, just because they can survive on an omnivorous diet doesn't mean it's the best diet for them. The authors state, "With short digestive tracts and gastrointestinal systems, dogs and cats are adapted to metabolize animal flesh and fat, not grains and carbohydrates. Today's modern dogs (of any breed) are not only capable of eating the food of their wild ancestors, but actually require it for maximum health." These findings are well established within the scientific community. But it seems manufacturers of dry pet food are intent on feeding dogs and cats as if their digestive systems are similar to a human's, with a heavy emphasis on inappropriate grains and carbohydrates. While some like to claim that dogs and cats have "evolved" to eat kibble, this argument doesn't make sense in light of the fact that their digestive systems have not changed. And were such physiological changes to occur, they would require much longer than the time that dogs have been living with humans. I'm very much in agreement with the information contained in the Orijen white paper and am encouraged to see a commercial pet food manufacturer produce a comprehensive report containing factual information useful to pet owners. You can download the full report here. |
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April 2024
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