Constipated Dogs Can be Made “Regular”

There is nothing worse than going on poop patrol with your dog and discovering that nothing wants to come out the other end! When we walk around with our dog and wait and wait and encourage  them to go, and they try desperately but can’t seem to get it to move…we start getting stressed. It’s as simple as that. Now that we all are  stressed, our dog picks up that energy from us and there is no way they will ever be able to go! We have a constipated dog!

The viscious cycle of constipation in dogs is not good for them and it is not good for us. Everyone gets stressed over it and stress is just as bad as a dog with constipation. Just like stress shrivels up our vitality with life so does dog constipation shrivel up their stools and make life more difficult to pass those little rockets and run around enjoying life.

To recognize a dog that is constipated, you will see them straining to go and the end result will be hardened and dried up little balls. The dog may only defecate once every three days and that is not a good thing. A healthy dog will defecate once or twice every day, depending on their doggie diet and lifestyle. There are many reasons…

why they can become a constipated dog. The following are a few:

• older dogs are more prone to dog constipation from lack of fluids and/or diet
• lack of exercise
• unfamiliar surroundings can cause a dog to not want to go
• ingesting lots of hair
• obesity
• excess fibre or too little fibre (need that happy balance!)
• too many bones in their diet
• being immobile and putting off defecating leads to constipation in dogs
• ingesting too much grass

There are a number of medical reasons that can cause constipation in dogs. Any dog suffering from constipation over a prolonged period needs to be checked by your vet to rule out these possibilities. The following could be the cause of dog constipation:

• a predisposing illness of some kind like an obstructed bladder or colitis
• hypothyroidism
• renal disease
• diseases of the rectum or anus
• spinal cord disease
• trauma
• drugs like iron supplements, diuretics or antihistamines

To help your constipated dog, resort to using effective and natural methods rather than the bought stimulant laxatives that force intestinal peristalsis. These laxatives can cause serious damage to your dog’s body.

 One type of remedy which is readily available is mineral oil. This should not be used because it interferes with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and can cause a deficiency.

In my e-book, “The Ultimate Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Guide for Dogs” I offer numerous ways to help with so many common everyday conditions that we face with our companions. Dog health is not just about diet and exercise but about lifestyle and rehabilitation from injury or surgery. It is a journey we want to try and not make regrettable mistakes on.

For dog constipation we can increase fruits and vegetables in their diets. Offer plenty of fresh water throughout the day. Add flax seed and bran to their food, to make their stools softer and easier to pass. Give slippery elm periodically to help promote regularity. Feed pumpkin in their food to help soften and bring regularity.The Bach Flower Remedy Crabapple is good for constipation in dogs.

Take your constipated dog for a number of short walks everyday. Feed them on a regular schedule to promote regularity with their internal bodyclocks. Above all, don’t get stressed! If you get stressed at a time like this, no matter how hard they try and squeeze it just won’t come out!

Do you have a constipated dog? How do you deal with it? Share your comments below!

Why the Dogs Paw Needs Attention

 Our dog paws need protection from the elements and from injury just like our feet need protection. Despite them having tougher skin and a fatty cushioning for protection, they endure much wear and tear and are constantly subjected to potential injuries. In addition to this, if their nails are not kept trim, their dog feet will suffer and they could wind up with additional injuries.

When we realize that our dogs paw pads are subjected to many adversities, we will look at them a little more closely. In fact, we need to examine their dog feet everyday. By examining them we are not allowing any foreign object to become deeply embedded should there be something stuck in the webbing between their toes or in the paw pads themselves.

Dog paw injuries can happen from any of the following…

• dryness causing cracking and roughening
• irritations from persistent licking, chewing or gnawing from possible allergies, stress or anxiety
• cuts or punctures from glass, nails, staples or sharp rocks
• embedded pieces of spear grass, thorns, or burrs
• burning or scalding from hot pavement or surfaces
• frostbite in winter or chemical burns from de-icers and salt, which is also dangerous for them to ingest by licking their feet afterwards
• snow or ice that clumps and lodges between their paw pads can be painful and obstruct blood flow to toes

With all of these potential threats and elements your dog’s paws are facing on a daily basis, it is very important that those paw pads are looked after. All of their body weight is placed on those 4 little dog paws and they can injure them so easily. Despite all of this, there are also other challenges they face. These can be any of the following:

• toe nails that are not trimmed regularly can curl and grow into the dog foot pad
• nails that are cut incorrectly can splinter or bleed
• nails that are too long can catch and tear off
• a dog with an injured limb or muscle contracture that suspends the limb, needs proper foot care or the dogs paws will become dried up, severely cracked and the hair growing long between the toes
• dogs in carts or wheelchairs with hind limbs that are compromised need their dog feet inspected daily for any dog paw injuries from knuckling or chaffing or abrasions
• any cuts on dog foot pads needs to be kept clean and dry, free of dirt to prevent infections

Our dogs feet can be protected with a variety of methods today. We can buy boots designed for them for all types of weather and terrain. There are ones designed for winter weather, some for swimming or hydrotherapy to prevent slipping on docks and pools, and some that deal with the scorching heat of the pavement. By introducing these gradually to our dog, they will accept them and probably thank you afterwards!

If footwear for dogs paws is not the answer, we can use paw wax (Musher’s Secret)which acts like a protective barrier on the dogs feet. Only apply this if there is no open bleeding or oozing wounds or abrasions. This product is made from several food grade waxes and is non-toxic and safe. It will not harm your floors or carpets. Rub this on the dog paw pads and in between their toes. It provides protection in winter and in summer and is applied about once a week.

Our dog’s health care is important from the tips of their toes to the end of their nose and down to the tail end! In my e-book, “The Ultimate Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Guide for Dogs” I offer numerous ways to keep our pets in top form. Looking after their feet is only one part of great overall health.

A canine health regime needs to include looking after their dog paws by not just protecting them from the elements, but by possible chiropractic adjustments to their digits as well. One of my dogs repeatedly put her toes out of alignment and just by an adustment she was happier than you could imagine.

Other foot care for dog paws includes massage and rubbing them with a foot balm to moisturize and soothe the pads. Everyone knows how great a foot massage feels, and believe me, your dog would welcome the chance if it was given. Some dogs might be finicky with having their feet touched, and that comes down to early socialization when they are very young. They are however, never too old to accept gentle foot care when introduced properly.

Make it a routine to check out your dog’s feet, they really are wonderful to feel, observe, hug and hold!

What do you do for your dogs paw pads? Share your comments below!

Don’t Freak Out – What You Need to Know about Dog Worms

Our dogs can get worms from many different places. Food sources is one of the most common and devouring other animal feces is another potential culprit. Flea infestations and mosquitoes can also bring on a bout of worms in dogs. These intestinal inhabitants are usually one of the following kinds: roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms or whip worms. Heartworms live in  the lungs and heart and ringworms are not really a worm but technically a fungus on the skin. Yuck! Kind of makes your skin crawl.

We all know our dogs lick their paws, their private parts and many other places. They are bound to get something sooner or later. We also have to remember that dogs’ saliva has healing properties and is able to withstand an onslaught of foreign substances. So even if they lick themselves and then go to lick you they are not that dangerous to contaminating our spotless and bacteria free environment that we think we live in!

Whether it’s from food or drinking water that dogs and worms mingle together, it is unavoidable. Somewhere down the road of discovery your dog will meet with the ugly worm! So since they are going meet without even introducing  themselves to each other, you need to understand the different ugly dog worms and where they will decide to launch or hibernate in your dog. You need to know…

what to do if your dog does get dog worms. First you need to be able to recognize the signs of a dog with worms! Usually the symptoms of worms in dogs will be any of the following:

• coughing fits in a dog and they could be vomiting
• puppies that have potbellies is generally a dog with worms. Adult dogs with potbellies usually means something else like possibly Cushing’s disease or some gastrointestinal issue, bloat or an adrenal problem.
• dogs that become lethargic could have a worm infestation happening. It takes most of their energy away.
• worms can be passed in the stool. Worms in dog stool looks like grains of rice that are flat and white.
• a mucous covered stool is usually pointing to whipworm infection
• if your dog has a massive appetite it could have dog worms. Also the opposite, a loss of hunger could be indicative of dog worms.
• diarrhea or scooting about the floor or yard can mean your dog has worms

Most worms in dogs except for heartworms, can be eliminated from the intestines. Heartworms require special treatment from a vet as they are deadly. Ringworm is on the skin surface and ususally is treated topically as this is a fungal infection.  The following treatments can be applied to your dog with worms, however, it is best to check with your holistic vet for the best treatment as some of the older types are extremely hard on your dog:

• Wormout
• Panacur C
• Drontal Plus
• WormX Plus
• Drontal plus
• Worm Prevention
• A Natural Alternative
• Dog Worm Treatment
• Heartworm Treatment

Some natural remedies include raw garlic, cucumber juice, oil of oregano, pumkin seed tea or dried seeds, fennel, wormwood, and cloves. Some of the herbal worming products need to be given over an extended period of time and can be potentially toxic because of this. Black Walnut and wormwood fall into this category and garlic can as well. 

Each type of dog worm requires a different protocol. All dog worm treatments are best followed up with a health building regime for their immune system and intestinal flora. In my e-book, ” The Ultimate Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Guide for Dogs” I talk about many ways of building up your dog’s immune system and keeping them healthy to possibly prevent them from contracting dog worms. The more compromised a dog’s system is, the more likely they will get sick.

In Chapter 2 on holistic dog care I offer many solutions to very common conditions our dogs potentially suffer from. We all don’t want our companion dogs to become ill or have to suffer if they contract a disease. The more natural ways we know about helping them the better off they will be and so will we, with less worries and less vet bills. After all, our best friends depend on us to look after them and provide them with the best care we can. In return, the love they give us far outweighs anything we can ever do for them!

Have you ever had a terrible ugly worm experience? Share your insights with any dog worms you encountered!

8 Tips You Need to Know about Diarrhea in Dogs

Diarrhea is a scary condition in our dogs that can be fatal. Usually it is brought about by some food our dogs have eaten, however, there are times when our dog has diarrhea for no apparent reason. Every dog will experience dog diarrhea at some point in their life, it is when it is persistent that it changes the picture to seriousness. Diarrhea can me mild or severe, depending on the situation. You need to see a vet if your dog with diarrhea is an ongoing event!

Ongoing events can be as drastic as carrying poop bags in every pocket of your coat for fear of an accident in public that you may not have enough damage control for, to every time you feed your dog it has an episode of a dog with diarrhea event. If my dog has diarrhea, I will not go in public. End of story. There are not enough poop bags to handle this situation and I will not subject another dog to potentially catching something my dog may have by coming in contact with the dog diarrhea.

Here are 8 tips we need to know about when dealing with dogs and diarrhea. There are many more circumstances but for generalization purposes these are crucial to know:

• What did your dog eat prior to getting the dog diarrhea and did you change their food. Changing proteins in their diet can cause dog diarrhea. Usually an incorrect diet is the main cause of why your dog has diarrhea. A diet loaded with salts, oils and human fast food products can lead to serious imbalances in the dog’s digestive system. The other potential factor to consider is did your dog get into someones garbage? Stale foods can also bring on diarrhea in dogs.
• Loose stools and dehydration are serious and can be life-threatening. If there is white mucus in their stools they have an issue with their digestive tract. Dogs with diarrhea like this will have watery stools, covered in a whitish film and that needs to be addressed by a vet.
• If there is blood in the stools and the dogs diarrhea persists for longer than a week, you need to see your holistic vet. If a dog with diarrhea is left without a veterinary check, they could end up with a life threatening disease or potentially die. Nobody wants to go down that highway!
• Chronic diarrhea in dogs could contain blood. This condition could lead to chronic inflammatory bowel disease or pancreatitis. This is not what you want for your dog. This is usually caused by food allergies, parasites such as coccidia, roundworms or bacterial infections such as giardia from stale water ponds. Some cases have been from fungi and protozoans. Generally speaking, chronic diarrhea in dogs lasts for longer than two weeks.
• Acute diarrhea in dogs is caused from bacteria, and some of these are salmonella or E coli. Loose stools and lethargy, vomiting or fever could be some of the signs with this condition. This dog diarrhea can last for up to a few weeks. Be very vigilant in your watch with this as any prolonged diarrhea in dogs is potentially fatal.
• Chronic dog diarrhea treatment consists of a proper diet. Bland diets consisting of boiled chicken, scrambled eggs, rice if tolerated, and fasting your dog for a day with only fresh water is good. No fats, oils, heavy proteins or dairy should be given.
• Acute dog diarrhea treatment consists of giving mashed, cooked pumpkin, lightly steamed vegetables, and probiotics added to their food. Lots of fresh water and applesauce can be fed. Very bland foods are the only choice on the menu.
• Remedies for dogs and diarrhea can be treated at home if it is not in a serious state. Including probiotics in their diet and herbs like slippery elm can help. Don’t go back to feeding a regular diet if improvement comes quickly because that could set them back. Stick to the altered diet until a few days of normalcy has passed.

In my e-book, ” The Ultimate Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Guide for Dogs,” I talk about various holistic treatments when dealing with dogs diarrhea and stomach upsets.

There are countless ways of helping your dog with stomach upset or intestinal upset and a dog with diarrhea can be a result of these conditions. One of my girls had such bad stomach issues she had enough gas to light up a US city! Try sleeping beside that and not removing her from your bedroom! When the other dog leaves the room you know there is a serious issue happening!

Whatever the case, I learned many things about diet and gastrointestional problems and how to deal with them. I explain many of these learnings in Chapter 2 of my e-book. Tried and tested remedies, what works and what doesn’t! Kind of the been there and done that theory.

If your dog has diarrhea, make sure you keep a close watch on any mucus or blood in the stool. Is it really runny or oozy? We can get very descriptive here…firm, hard rockets, mushy, volumous, pencil thin, black and tarry, coated in film, or tinged in blood. This is all very important when you go on your poop patrol every night and day. What comes out the other end is a reflection of what is happening inside your companion dog.

As they say, what goes up must come down, and so too, what goes in must come out in some shape or form!

Share your diarrhea dog stories and enlighten us on your experience with this condition!

How to Recognize Dog Pain and How You can Help

It is worrisome to us if our beloved dog is in pain. Sometimes we may not be sure if they are and the nagging question can haunt us. There are many conditions to consider when determining if our dog is in pain, and how well you know your pet is one of them. Every dogs reaction to pain is going to be different and their personality has much to do with it.

There are many conditions that can cause pain in dogs and our precious pets can hide it extremely well at times. This is where reading body language becomes important. The more aware we are of how our dogs behave and why they do some of the antics they do, the easier it will be for us to determine if our dog is in pain. The following are some examples of how dogs in pain can respond:

• are they guarding any area on their body
• do they have difficulty sitting or laying or moving from one position to the other
• do you see pain in their eyes
• if your dog is limping they may be in pain
• if their movement is stiff you may have a dog in pain
• if they are restless and cannot get comfortable

When a dog injures themselves or is in pain it is instinctual to hide it for the sake of survival. With this in mind we need to recognize even the subtlest of actions that could be pointing to dogs in pain. Even if there is no gait abnormalities or serious condition to warrant any dog pain, pay attention to the following:

• vocalizations such as whining, crying (yes, dogs do cry), or more obvious screaming, or wheezing
• a dog in pain will also bark or growl unusually
• a total lack of any vocalization is also possible with dog pain

While these are some examples there are many more. Looking beyond the most obvious is truly knowing your pet. The connection we have with them will make it easier to spot these subtle signs of dog pain. In addition to the vocalizing we need to understand if there is any indication of these as well:

• is your dog agitated or finicky
• dogs in pain can become aggressive when they are normally even tempered
• pain in dogs can show up in their appetite, as decreased hunger or no appetite at all (could point to pain in the mouth)
• they may not accept any grooming (potential surface nerve pain or joint pain)
• a dog in pain who was once very active may now be listless
• dog pain can result in inappropriate urination or defecation

Arthritis in dogs can definitely have you understanding the pain in dogs when faced with this condition. Any surgical treatment will cause pain in your dog and this needs to be dealt with to help them rehabilitate properly. Pain will slow down the healing process and even cause other health issues. From hot and cold therapies to acupuncture, and homeopathic medicines, there are a variety of ways to help.

 There are all sorts of treatments that can help your dog recover from surgery and the associated dog pain from the procedure. There are many different modalities that can help when faced with a dog in pain, whether the pain comes from arthritis in dogs, cancer in dogs or some other condition; we cannot let our friends suffer needlessly! In my e-book, “The Ultimate Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Guide for Dogs,” I offer many different solutions for helping our dogs.

Dogs that have to rehabilitate from an injury or from surgery need to be helped in the most effective way possible. This involves not only dealing with the surgery or injury but managing the pain in dogs. Nobody wants to see their companion suffer and in my e-book I explain the many different things we can do to help them regain a fully functioning quality lifestyle again in a pain free fashion.

The way I see it is that if I have a dog in pain I am going to do everything in my power to alleviate or get rid of that pain as quickly as possible. I can’t stand to see a dog suffering needlessly. It causes me pain too and that is not good. There are countless ways that are inexpensive and simple and don’t create side effects like prescription drugs do. Realistically, everyone who has a dog needs to know what to give dogs for pain. If you’re asking the question, “is my dog in pain,” more than likely it probably is.

Deal with your dogs pain effectively and quickly. If you need to obtain a diagnosis, visit your holistic vet as soon as possible. Learn all you can about how you can help your dog. After all, they are worth it arn’t they?!

How does your dog mask or show their pain? Share your comments and insights below.

Discover the Reasons for Dog Panting

All of our dogs pant to some degree and it is perfectly normal for them. It is when dog panting is excessive and there is no real reason for it that we need to be concerned. It is not normal for our dog to be breathing heavily and appearing uncomfortable. This huffing and puffing with the tongue hanging out could mean an underlying condition that needs to be looked at.

The only sweat glands dogs have are on their feet so it is normal to pant as that is how they cool themselves off after a workout or if it is really hot outdoors. The brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, Boston terriers and bulldogs will always be more of a panting dog due to their short nasal passages and windpipes making them work harder for heat reduction. 

Dog panting is normal after a play session, exposure to a stressful situation, anxiety or in dealing with pain. There are other reasons they could be panting from and these need your prompt attention. Any of the following…

• Heat Stroke – will cause panting in dogs to an excessive degree. If a dog is in a hot car or running around for a long time in hot weather, their body temperature can rise to over 104 degrees Fahrenheit and that is dangerous. This can lead to brain damage and death. Heat stroke can also be recognized by excessive drooling, deep red gums and tongue, weakness, and vomiting. You need to cool your dog off quickly.

• Obesity – can bring about a panting dog. If they are overweight and cannot move freely without stress and strain, this will cause panting in dogs. Their weight needs to be controlled through proper nutrition and exercise or they could face a life threatening illness or condition. It is very uncomfortable for an obese dog to move around.

• Congestive Heart Failure – can cause excessive panting in dogs. This is a serious condition and needs veterinary attention if the dog is displaying any symptoms of heart failure. Exercise intolerance, fatigue, bluish gums, and coughing can all be signs of this. Have your dog checked if you see any of these signs.

• Dog Poisoning – can also cause a panting dog that is distressed. If they are drooling, vomiting, lethargic, have a high fever, or are having convulsions, chances are they ingested a substance and are poisoned. It is very important you call a veterinarian or poison control center immediately to save the life of your dog.

• Hypothyroidism – can also cause excessive dog panting and needs to be monitored further. Other signs of this to watch for include lethargy, depression, hair or skin problems, cold intolerance, eye conditions, and cardiac abnormalities. All dog breeds are susceptible to this disease so seek the advice of a vet if you suspect your  dog is suffering from this condition.

• Anemia – is another reason excessive dog panting needs to be checked out. This can be caused from flea or worm infestations, injuries, and trauma. Autoimmune disease and ulcers or cancer can be the by-product of anemia. It is important that this is looked into and ruled out.

• Fevers – in dogs can have your dog panting. Normal body temperature for dogs ranges between 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 to 39.2 Celsius. From a holistic standpoint, a fever is the body’s natural way of fighting off the bugs by raising the temperature. A fever is a symptom not a disease. Conventional treatments usually suppress the fever and do not deal with the underlying condition. To help speed the healing process for your dog, vitamin C can be given and homeopathic remedies such as aconitum napellus, belladonna or sulphur, but it is best to check with your homeopathic vet first. Each remedy has its purpose and the fever needs to be treated correctly.

• In my e-book “The Ultimate Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Guide for Dogs” I list numerous methods on how you can help your dog with holistic remedies. In Chapter 2 I talk about some of the most common conditions and how we can help our pets without all the costly vet bills that come with it. We can help the excessive dog panting if we just know what the cause of it is. If the dog panting is from our companion being in pain, there are natural and effective ways we can help, but  first we need to know where the pain is originating from and if it needs medical attention. If it is a chronic pain issue, arthritis, soft tissue injury or post surgical pain, there are methods and supplements to help alleviate that.

A panting dog is breathing heavily for a reason. It could be just expelling body heat but it also could be something more serious. We need  to pay close attention to our companions and determine if it is normal behaviour or excessive and unusual. I love to see my happy dogs panting away with their tongues hanging out and grinning ear to ear if it is a normal situation of cooling off! Panting dogs that are distressed for some reason is a whole different story.

Share your comments and insights below on what you may have noticed in your own dogs!

Learn the most common reasons your dog is limping

We all know the dreaded feeling in the pit of our stomach when our beloved pet returns to us from running around and is now a limping dog. We wonder what they did and what part of their body they did it to! How badly your dog is limping and for how long they are limping is going to determine if a trip to the vet is needed.

There are so many activities that can leave dogs limping and it doesn’t have to take a dramatic fall or accident to cause this. The simple act of running and chasing a ball and twisting to turn can cause an injury. In fact, many anterior cruciate ligaments (acl) are ruptured from this simple act alone. We can’t deprive our dogs from playing and expending their energy so a limping dog may be the end result at times.

 The following is a list of the most common reasons of why a dog is limping and helps to pinpoint the reason instead of being in the dark. The list is by no means conclusive and if my dog is limping for an extended period of time, I would definitely go to the vet and have it checked. There could be a more serious underlying condition and dogs don’t fake it! So check for the following:

• Puppy growing pains – sometimes this is “Pano” which is short for Panosteitis. This is when the growth plates of a young dog grow at different rates. It is very painful and can affect one leg or more at once. Sometimes it disappears for a time and then re-appears later and a limping dog is a sign. This is a growth disorder  and usually does not occur after 2 years of age. Keeping your dog lean will help with this condition.

• Ruptured or torn ligaments – is serious and can cause intermittent limping or complete disuse of the limb. If the dog is limping part time, the ligament may be partially torn. If the dog is limping full time or refusing to use the limb, the ligament may be totally ruptured. This is something that needs medical attention immediately. If it is only a partial tear, chances of recovery and healing are far better and there are more options available. If it is a complete ligament tear, surgical intervention  is usually necessary. Orthopedic braces are available and have been successful in helping a dog recover from this injury. Hydrotherapy is one of the most effective rehabilitative methods for this injury.

• Spinal injuries – are another injury that can bring about limping in dogs. Spinal degeneration is more common in older dogs but other back injuries can also trigger limping in dogs. Sometimes chiropractic adjustments are needed and the dog will be pain free again and in correct alignment. Spinal injuries can be very serious and need to be looked at by your vet.

• Broken bones – can happen and will cause limping in dogs. Usually if the limb has a serious fracture it will be very painful and swollen and hang limply. The dog will not use it and it should be splinted to prevent further injury and then taken to the vet. Minor hairline fractures will not be as painful and although the dog is limping, they will continue to weight bear on the limb to some extent.

• Strained muscles – will also deliver a limping dog. Muscle pulls and strains are temporary and most of the time cause no swelling of the tissues in the surrounding area. This type of injury is short lived and a warm heating pad can help with the soreness. Traumeel tabs are also excellent for speeding up the healing of any soft tissue injury and the Traumeel gel can be applied on the affected area providing there is no open wound.

• Foot injuries – is often an overlooked area and is very common in dogs. If a dog has a cut to the foot pad or has any sharp object embedded into the webbing between the toes, the end result is definitely a limping dog. Even a torn nail or overgrown nail will cause pain and limping in dogs. If you can only imagine an overgrown nail on your foot being constantly pushed into the skin every time you walk, you will realize the pain associated with it and the avoidance of using it by limping. It is very important to keep the nails trim and do foot check-ups regularly. Check for cracks, dried blood, or thorns or any foreign object that could be embedded and causing the pain.

• Arthritis in dogs – is a very common reason you will see a limping dog. Many older dogs develop arthritis in their rear limbs as well as in their forelimbs. It is also common for them to have it in their backs. The stiffness caused by the arthritis is generally worse in the morning or upon the dog arising after a rest. In my e-book “The Ultimate Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Guide for Dogs” I explain at great length how we can help arthritis in dogs. There are so many methods which I explain in Chapter 5, and how I significantly improved my dog’s life with such easy and natural ways rather than resorting to costly drugs with side effects. One of my dogs lived a fully active life with arthritis throughout her whole body. All of this would not have been possible if I didn’t do what I did to help her.

• Bee stings or tick bites – are another potential reason your dog is limping. These nasty little insects can cause a flair up or infection in your dog affecting their gait. If the tick is a carrier of lyme disease your dog will experience lethargy and excessive thirst. The homeopathic remedy for this is Ledum in pellet form. This should be given as soon as the tick is found on the dog and ruled out as a carrier for lyme disease. For bee stings Apis Mellifica is given after the dog has been stung to counteract the reaction from the venom.

• Neurological disorders – can make a dog have a wobbly gait or cause limping in dogs. If any neurological disorder is suspected, it is paramount you go to the vet. Cranial nerve damage or any damage to the nervous system is serious and it needs to be diagnosed accurately and treated.

So if your dog is limping there are many reasons with these being the most common ones. Dogs don’t lie and the only time I have ever seen one of my dogs faking a limp was when I made them wear waterproof foot gear. She stood in one spot, suddenly anchored to the earth and unable to move an inch. It would have taken a crane to lift that limb up and walk in a normal fashion! Eventually she inched her way along, as though her body was taken over by some alien…perhaps that is psychological limping! 

Share your comments and insights about any limping in your dogs!

This natural treatment for a dog with allergies truly works!

There are so many ways that a dog allergy can manifest into something ugly and annoying. They can create terrible itchy skin irritations, bouts of chronic dog diarrhea, asthma and wheezing, stinky ear infections, stomach upset and vomiting, fussy appetites, weepy and goopy eyes, runny noses, enough gas that could light up a house and so many more.

So many of these dogs with allergies are led into a lifetime of drugs and medications, that only mask the dog symptoms and create even more of a nightmare for them. Countless other symptoms in dogs appear from the side effects of these prescribed drugs. That is not my idea of a program for health and longevity for our loving companions who depend on us.

So most of us would be reading label after label to ensure that none of the offending agents could possibly be hiding in their somewhere, but now a days they are making the print so small anything could be missed! Following this elimination diet is very useful but can also be time consuming to narrow it down to what is causing these dog allergies. Later if we re-introduce the food, the inflammatory response could flare up immediately.

There is a way to permanently rid the allergic response in your dog’s body.

The autonomic nervous system is a big player when it comes to the body recognizing a food as a friend or foe. It will haul in the immune system to defend the body from the unwelcome visitor, and when this happens the food or substance becomes enemy number one in your dog’s computer system! Behold, dog allergies are now here!

Working from a perspective of energetic and holistic medicine, physics is the key level to work on. Chinese medicine has recognized these energy fields 6000 years ago through acupuncture meridians. They were well aware of how changes in the energy fields can affect a persons health. Well this applies to dog health as well.

Dr. Devi Nambudripad is the founder of NAET (Nanbudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique). It goes like this:

• The energetic resonance of each allergen is in a vial and then the NAET practitioner uses applied kinesiology to determine your dog’s response to the resonance of the allergen. There are up to 500 different allergens in vials that can be checked for allergies in dogs.
• When a dog allergy is detected, the vial is placed on your dog and specific acupuncture points are lightly stimulated
• the autonomic nervous system’s perception and response ends up being re-programmed
• the perception becomes altered and the allergic reaction is eliminated

Now this is far more health conducive than a lifetime potpourri of drugs!

I have had to deal with a dog whose stomach rumbled and gurgled everytime she ate anything that remotely looked like food or wasn’t the closest substance to food. I wrestled with her dog allergies for a long time and believe much of it had to do with her system being exposed to so many unnatural chemicals, vaccinations, and pesticides on lawns.

I talk about many natural and effective methods we can use to help our dogs with so many different health issues in my e-book, “The Ultimate Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Guide for Dogs.” In Chapter 2 on holistic methods and treatments, I talk about numerous complementary choices available for us to use. I can’t tell you how much it has helped my dogs and potentially saved some of them from a life of pain and suffering.

Have you noticed any dog allergies with your best friend? How have you helped them? Share your comments below!

We all receive therapy from our dogs, but a therapy dog who has a job is priceless!

Our loving dogs are the best therapy for us at the end of a hard day. They are always happy to see us and can’t wait to lavish us in loving kisses and follow us around to the end of the earth! They don’t care what we look like, feel like, or act like, they just love us no matter what! What a wonderful presence to arrive home to.

These incredible creatures are so gifted that they have jobs as Therapy Dogs. This is different than a Service Dog, which would be like a search and rescue dog, a cadaver dog, a police dog, a narcotics dog, and a bomb dog. All these jobs are equally important and highly skilled, they are just different.

Therapy dogs visit hospitals, schools, nursing homes, libraries, detention centers, rehab centers and all the places where the people residing there benefit from interacting with dogs as therapy. They accept petting, brushing and attention from people. Some dog therapy involves doing tricks or obedience routines for the residents. Children read books to them which helps them with confidence and reading abilities.

Dogs for therapy need to be:

• calm around loud noises, different medical equipment sounds
• relaxed around distractions and other dogs when encountered
• need to be accepting of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, oxygen tanks on wheels and other equipment
• therapy dogs need to allow strange people to pet them and enjoy interacting with people of all walks
• a therapy dog needs to listen to their handler

Therapy with dogs includes dogs of all breeds. If the temperment is great and the manners are there, and the dog is at least one year old, the dog can possibly do therapy work. Hybrids of wolves or coyotes are not permitted for liability reasons involving insurance.

Many peoples lives have been touched by therapy dogs. As important as it is to have dogs as therapy, it is equally important to make sure we provide therapy for dogs. If our dog has an injury or is dealing with an illness, we need to be there for them and provide the therapy for them that will help their situation. In my e-book, “The Ultimate Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Guide for Dogs,” I talk about countless ways that we can help our dogs with cancer, knee surgeries, arthritis and so much more. In Chapter two I talk about all the Holistic methods that are available to us today and how there are more natural and safe methods than just giving our dog a pill for a quick fix.

If our dog therapy has touched and  helped hundreds of people by providing comfort to them or reduced  levels of pain, lowered blood pressure and given laughter, or communicated love, then we owe it to them.

So whether our dogs are Registered Therapy Dogs or not, they are providing therapy to everyone they come in contact with in their lifetime. We truly need to embrace how special and gifted these four legged furry friends are in our world! I know I couldn’t imagine a life without mine!

What kind of therapy do you get from your dog? Share your comments below!

Perhaps it is something like a little square or heart shaped nugget from a bag?

We all have our feeding preferences! Some like it raw and real and some like it cooked and pleasing to the eye. Whatever the choice is, the most important factor to consider is the nutritional value your beloved dog is getting from it all. Not any one dog food diet is correct for every dog.

Which dog food is right for your dog? Well, myself I do the process of elimination if my dog has health issues. I used to feed kibble diets, then I cooked for my dogs, and finally I evolved into a pure state of RAW! Hmm, what can I say, the health benefits I have seen are so incredible compared to what I used to feed them! My dogs don’t lie and they don’t create dog health problems from stress like us humans do! If they are stressed they chew a toy, a shoe or something else that will get them in trouble. The following are very desirable in their dog food.

Raw diets consist of some raw meaty bones. These  dog foods utilize liver and kidney and heart meats. Other types of organ meats such as spleen, lung and pancreas can be added as well. These organ meats need to be fed in small enough quantities to not cause loose stools. The following are the main part of their dog food:

• muscle meats consisting of chicken, pork, beef, lamb, turkey fed in ground form or cut into chunks
• we can feed eggs either raw or cooked
• dairy products are alright as long as they are yogurt, kefir or cottage cheese(make sure the yogurt is organic and has the probiotics added at the end of the ingredient list)
• wonderous green tripe (believe me this smells just as good as it is nutritionally beneficial for your dog!)

We can feed many different vegetables fruits and grains if needed. Not all dogs will do well with grains. Fruits and vegetables are best either cooked or pureed in a blender to break down the cellular walls. If veges are fed raw in dog food, they should be grated very finely. Vegetables to feed include broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, all leafy greens, celery, bell peppers, squashes, carrots and yams. Steaming the veges helps with their digestion.

 I talk about all the different dietary means I went to when my dog had cancer, arthritis, cruciate surgeries and more. I did every possible measure available at my disposal to help my best friends. In my e-book, “The Ultimate Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Guide for Dogs” you will discover more information to help you and your dog on so many health related conditions.

Your dog is worth it isn’t it?

What is the dog food you feed your beloved dog? Is it working? Share your comments below!