Supplements pt.3

Benefiber/Pumpkin/Metamucil

Ok, ok, ok, get your laughs out now. I know it may seem a little ridiculous to put your pet on Metamucil or Benefiber but it really can work wonders. There are a few reasons to use these supplements in your pets diet.

1. Chronic anal gland issues

2. Loose stools

3. Irregularity

4. Overall digestive health

For any owner who has a pet with chronic anal gland issues these supplements can work magic. Anal glands are located on either side of the rectum and fill with fluid typically used by wild dogs to mark their territory. As stool passes the glands a few drops should release from the sac, however many domestic animals no longer need to do this and loose the instinct to do so.

Pumpkin and other fiber additives bulk up stools so they push against these glands to release the pent up fluid.

Without bulking up stools, animals (yes, even cats) will find their anal glands swollen and over full with fluid. This can be painful, and occasionally can go un-noticed, even by the most observant owner.

Added fiber helps increase digestive health, animals need a good dose of fiber much like their human counterparts.

Dosing is a touch and go process, for dogs under 30lbs start by adding 1 teaspoon to their food once daily. For dogs over 30lbs start adding 1 tablespoon to food once daily. Over time increase until you find a level that works well for you and your pet.

Supplements pt.2

Glucosamine and Chondroitin : C

Glucosamine and Chondroitin, I really can’t say enough about this one supplement. It really works wonders for old age problems.

However, this double whammy wonder can also be used as a preventative! There are many ways to go about using it as such.

A: Use it for puppies. I highly suggest starting any large breed puppy on it immediately. Large breed animals develop just as fast as small breeds but grow much larger much faster than their pint-size counterparts. And when your bones and joints are growing that fast your ligaments could use a little more support than what the body is offering.

B: Use it for highly active animals (Greyhounds, Whippets, Labradors and pretty much any terrier) to support healthy joints. These and many other breeds were born to wear and tear all day long. However, sometimes energy levels can exceeded the abuse that the body can take.

C: Use it for dogs that are known for terrible joints (German Shepherds, Great Danes, Mastiffs, etc). Knowing these dogs are born to have problems, do them a favor and help their joints stay at 100% for as long as possible.

Glucosamine/Chondroitin has no known long term use medical side effects. It truly is wonderful to use for any domestic pets (yes, even cats).

Supplements pt.2

Glucosamine and Chondroitin : B

Glucosamine and Chondtoitin and I’ve said is amazing for joints. I had a boxer who tore his cruciate ligament slipping on ice about 5 years ago when he was 2. The surgery to fix the one knee was going to cost about $5,000 and being an active large breed dog the vet told me he would tear the other knee within 6 months of surgery. BUMMER! So then I was faced with a dog that needs $10,000 of surgery that may or may not work 100% and hold forever. I talked to the vet about non-surgical treatments we could pursue and he pointed to glucosamine&chondroitin along with fish oil twice daily. Toby (my dog) continued to live out the rest of his days happy and healthy. The supplements really did wonders for his knees.

Supplements pt.2

Glucosamine and Chondroitin : A

First, what is glucosamine? Glucosamine is a combination of an amino acid and sugar. Glucosamine is found in cartilage and connective tissues.

Now, what is chondroitin? Chondroitin is much like glucosamine in that it is a naturally occurring enzyme that decreases the activity of enzymes that break down cartilage in a joint.

You can find these supplements most commonly together, if you prefer to use one or the other they can be found separately.

Glusocamine and Chondroitin are excellent supplements to use if you have a pet that is experiencing arthritis or any other joint/spine related issues.

60 mg per 10 pounds is the proper twice-daily dosage for your pet.

125 mg per 10 pounds is the proper once-daily dosage for your pet.

Supplements pt.1

Fish Oil

Many animals, seasonally and with age develop dry and flaky coats. Fish Oil is an amazing little supplement you can add to your pets diet morning and evening.

This little pill does more than just give your pet a pedigree sleek coat but also helps to keep eyes healthy and moist. Fish oil is also a great joint supplement. It aids in keeping the cartilage in the hips and knees nice and supple and acts as an anti-inflammatory.

On average you can start your pet on 1500 mg of Fish or Cod Liver oil twice daily.

Yeast Infections Pt. 3

what caused this problem?

Ear yeast infections can be caused by a number of problems.

1. Weather Changes

This refers mostly to seasonal changes. Ears tend to flare up when our allergies do, spring/summer. Pollen and other factors play into ear infections. Also, dry to wet seasons push ears into a frenzy.

2. Water

Water is the #1 culprit of ear infections in pets. Most commonly the water is introduced from baths. There is nothing wrong with bathing your pet, its healthy and normal. It may also be due to your dog being a swimmer.

To keep water out of the ears:

· Put cotton into the canal to absorb moisture. If you have no cotton, use a tampon (applicator removed).

· Don’t wash your pet’s head. Don’t get water anywhere near the ears. If you want to wash the face, use a baby wipe or damp washcloth.

3. Diet

Many animals experience allergic reactions in the ears from a diet change. Main food, new treats and table scraps count as a diet change when it comes to ears.

4. Thyroid

Normally we think of thyroid imbalances as meaning your have a hippo for a Chihuahua or a skeleton of a lab. Ie, a fat or skinny dog. Thyroid also causes ear infections, skin infections and organ function issues.

Yeast Infections Pt 2

treating bread in the ears.

Once your pets ear infection has been diagnosed as yeast you can start treating. Of course, ask your veterinarian if they feel holistic treatment would work for your pet. Remember, yeast infections, especially ones that have gone on a long time, are PAINFUL! It can be explained as a burning itch.

Holistic ear treatment is a course of white or apple cider vinegar and water.

1. Make a mixture of 50% vinegar and 50% water.

2. taking roll cotton (found at most stores) and rip long thin strips.

3. soak strips in mixture and stuff into ear canals. (remember your pets ear canals are MUCH longer than yours.)

4. While grasping the entire ear, rub vigorously.

5. Remove and repeat with new cotton until your strip comes out mostly clean.

6. Finish with one last dry strip to remove most excess liquid (which is what caused it in the first place)

Repeat once daily for 7 days. If not improved, see your vet again and seek other treatment.