Chocolate is Toxic to Your Dog

  Valentine’s Day is coming, one of the biggest chocolate days of the year.   Chocolate is very dangerous to your dog. It smells sweet which means that your dog will smell it, find it and eat it. The 2 toxic ingredients of chocolate are caffeine and theobromine. These will make your dog very sick or can even be fatal.

 Here are some symptoms of chocolate poisoning:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• High body temperature
• Increased reflex responses
• Rigid muscles
• Rapid breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Seizures
• Advanced signs are cardiac failure, weakness, and coma.

How much and what kind of chocolate your dog ate will determine how dangerous it is. The 3 most dangerous types of chocolate are Milk Chocolate, Semi-Sweet Chocolate and Baking Chocolate.
You will notice signs of chocolate poisoning at:

• Milk Chocolate – 0.7 ounces per pound of body weight. Dangerous levels are 2 ounces per pound of body weight.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate – 0.3 ounces per pound of body weight. Dangerous levels are 1 ounce per pound of body weight.
• Baking Chocolate – has the highest levels of theobromine and caffeine. It is dangerous at 0.1 ounce per pound of body weight. 2 one ounce squares can kill a 20 pound dog.

If you think your dog may have eaten chocolate call your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY!!  Your vet will tell you what you can do before you bring your dog in.

Coco mulch is also dangerous. It contains the same toxic ingredients as chocolate; caffiene and theobromine. With Spring coming, people are thinking about gardens and landscaping. Please avoid this dangerous ground cover. It smells delicious to your dog.

My intention is to help you keep your dog healthy and happy for as long as possible. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me!

Wishing you health and prosperity!

Margaret

 

Canine Diabetes Can Be Prevented

Hello Everyone!!

I just read a great post from Dr. Karen Becker.  She explains what Canine Diabetes is, what causes it, how to prevent it and talks about a study in Spain that shows how Canine Diabetes can be cured.

As you know, I believe that diet and exercise are the foundation for wellness for people and animals.  Dr. Becker validates this opinion!

Here’s the link!  Canine Diabetes by Dr. Karen Becker

I really think this is important information that everyone should be aware of.

My intention is to help you keep your dog healthy and happy for as long as possible. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me!

Wishing you health and prosperity!
Margaret

Flea Prevention

Hello! It’s been a while since I last posted, but here in Florida, flea season is in full force!

I believe that prevention is better than waiting for symptoms. A healthy dog is less likely to have a parasite infestation, including fleas, than a dog who suffers physical problems or whose immune system has been compromised.

Good health starts with good nutrition. My personal preference is a raw or home cooked diet. If this is not a good option for you, use a grain-free food. Read labels, your first 2 – 3 ingredients should be meat, not by-product or poultry; chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, etc. Choose a natural food without chemical preservatives, flavors or colors.

I also strongly recommend a good vitamin/mineral mix, Missing Link is a good choice (http://www.missinglinkproducts.com/products), and a digestive enzyme, Prozyme is nice (http://www.prozymeproducts.com/). In addition to a vitamin/mineral mix and digestive enzyme, I also supplement with Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic, Vitamin C and B-Complex.

I am not a fan of chemical flea and tick products. I spend a lot of time researching, cooking whole, organic foods and cleaning with non-toxic products. To then intentionally dose my dogs with toxic chemical pesticides makes no sense to me!

Natural Flea repellents:

• Make your own flea spray. Mix ½ Cup water with 10 drops of Essential Oil, shake well. Spray everyday for maximum prevention. Some nice oils are:

– Lemon
– Eucalyptus
– Rosemary
– Lavender
– Neem
– Lemon

• Ark Naturals Neem Oil Spray, http://www.arknaturals.com/neem-protect-spray?productId=115

• Pet Protector – a disc you put on the dog’s collar. Prevents fleas, ticks and mosquitoes up to 4 years.  http://www.pestfreepets.com

I hope this helps you win the battle against fleas! My intention is to help you keep your dog healthy and happy for as long as possible. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me!

Wishing you health and prosperity!
Margaret

Does Your Dog Have An Ear Infection?

How do you know if your dog has an ear infection?  Does the ear smell, is it red, is there dirt or black gook?  These are all signs of an ear infection.

Usually floppy eared dogs are prone to ear infections.  Moisture gets trapped inside the ear, bacteria sets in and, voila!, an ear infection!

Diet and nutrition also play a role in whether or not your dog is prone to ear infections.  A healthy dog is less likely to get chronic ear infections.

As a Golden Retriever groomer I used to see a lot of gooky, infected ears.  I found this wonderful solution from an amazing woman, Helen McKinnon.  Once I started using it, I never had to deal with dirty ears again!!

Here’s the link to Helen’s site and a pdf of the Blue Power Ear Treatment.  Hope it helps!!  http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/BLUE.HTM

As always, my goal is to help you keep your dog healthy and happy for as long as possible!!  Please leave a comment or contact me with questions or ideas.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Wishing you Health and Prosperity,

Margaret

My Book is on Amazon!!

I have finally put my book on Amazon!!  I hope you have the chance to check it out!!  Let me know what you think!  It’s a quick read with general information that I believe is essential for anyone who has, or brings, a dog into their families and homes.

Here’s the link  http://www.amazon.com/Basic-Dog-Care-ebook/dp/B0083K1GDE/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_t_1

As always, my intention is to help you keep your dog healthy and happy for as long as possible.  Please let me know if there is any information or topic you think would help yourself and others.

Wishing you health and prosperity,

Margaret Sottilo

Fleas!!

Tis the season!  FLEAS!!  Will you have a dog with fleas?  Unfortunately, we had a very mild winter, which is usually followed by a bad flea season.  Having a dog with fleas does not mean that she is dirty or not well groomed.  All it takes is one or two fleas coming into the house and an infestation can happen very quickly.

So how can we prevent fleas?  I believe that part of flea prevention starts with a healthy dog, which starts with diet.  My personal preference is a raw or home cooked diet.  If that is not practical for you, use a good quality, grain-free all natural food.  Read the labels, make sure there are no chemical preservatives or coloring.  Apple cider vinegar, vitamin C, B-complex and garlic are all wonderful to help prevent fleas from the inside out.

There are some wonderful essential oils you can use as a spritz before you take your dog out.  Any type of citrus, lemon or orange, can be mixed with water and lightly sprayed on your dog (and yourself) to help repel fleas.  There is a wonderful product made by Ark Naturals, Neem Protect Spray.  It is very safe for puppies and kittens.  I’ve used it for my dogs and myself with wonderful results and no sticky/oily feeling.  Here’s the site:   http://www.arknaturals.com/p/115/neem-protect-spray

To help keep the house free of fleas, vacuum often and change the bag after each vacuuming.  Let your dog lie on a white towel and wash it at least once per week.  If you do have a house full of fleas, I would try food grade diatomaceous earth.  Liberally sprinkle through the house and yard.  It works by physically lacerating the the flea’s body.  Food grade is fine enough to be safe for you and your pets.

You may be forced to resort to chemical sprays.  I hate this option, the whole family, especially your dog, ends up exposed to these dangerous chemicals.

Which is also the reason I’m not a fan of chemical topical or oral flea prevention.  It doesn’t make sense to me to take such care trying to prevent illness by exposing my family to toxins as little as possible and then dose my dog with pesticides!

There is soooo much to write on this topic!!  Start with this and I’ll start working on something with a lot more information.

As always, my goal is to help you keep your dog healthy and happy for as long as possible!!  Please leave a comment or contact me with questions or ideas.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Wishing you health and prosperity!!

Margaret

House Training

I was asked to write a post on house-training.  Sorry it took so long for those who could use a few tips! 🙂

This is what we want!

First, I don’t like the phrase “House Break,” we’re not breaking anything, we’re training our dogs to do their business in a place WE find appropriate.

Using a crate will make house-training much easier for you and your dog. Dogs by nature do not like to be in a soiled space. You should have a schedule so the dog knows that he will have the opportunity to relieve himself.

Here is a sample schedule:

• 7am – Puppy wakes up – Out

• 7:15am – Breakfast

• 7:30am – Out

• 10am – Puppy wakes up – Out

• Noon- Puppy wakes up – Out – Lunch

• 12:15pm – Out

• 2:30pm – Puppy wakes up – Out

• 5pm – Puppy wakes up – Out – Dinner

• 5:15pm – Out

• 7pm – Out – Water bowl gets taken away.

• 10pm – Out – Bed

 As you can see, whenever puppy wakes from a nap, he must go out IMMEDIATELY!! If you don’t get him out, there WILL be an accident!

While house-training, your dog should be in the crate unless your are watching him. If you are cooking, reading or doing anything that requires you to look away from your puppy, she should be crated. It only takes seconds for an accident to happen or for puppy to get herself into some sort of trouble! 🙂 If you find your pup in the act, scoop him up and carry him outside!  Remember to praise effusively while he is relieving himself.  It’s alright for your neighbors to think you went crazy, the important thing is a happy, house trained pup! 

I look forward to any comments or ideas!  My intention is to bring information that will help you have the best relationship with your dog. 

Thank you!!  Wishing you health and prosperity,

Margaret

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

Many people don’t realize the importance of keeping their dog’s teeth clean.  Good oral hygiene will help prevent bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease.   Preventing infection in the teeth and gums can also help prevent infection in other parts of the body such as the kidneys, liver and heart.

Brushing your dog’s teeth can be very easy, you can buy a finger toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs!  It is just as important to brush your dog’s teeth as it is  to brush your own.  Work it into your daily routine, perhaps brush your dog’s teeth right before or after you brush your own!

Plaque starts out as a soft discoloration on your dog’s teeth.  Within 24 – 48 hours this  plaque hardens into tartar.  You see this as the hard, brown film usually at the top of your dog’s teeth.  Tartar, or calculus, is the first sign of Gingivitis.  Gingivitis can cause the gum to recede from the teeth causing infection to set in. If left untreated Gingivitis will turn into Periodontitis, an infection at the root of the tooth.  Periodontitis is very painful for your dog!

Some indications that your dog may be suffering from Gingivitis or Periodontis are:

• Difficulty chewing
• Increased drooling
• Bleeding gums
• Red, puffy gums
• Tartar build up
• Missing teeth

In addition to brushing your dog’s teeth, there are other things you can do to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy:

• Raw celery is wonderful!  It acts as a natural tooth floss, has no calories so it’s wonderful for dogs who need to watch their weight.
• Dental Rope Toys.  These are designed to help clean the teeth without breaking apart.  Like anything else, make sure to monitor your dog so you can cut off any loose pieces before your dog has the chance to swallow them.
• Rawhide.  I only recommend natural, American made rawhide.  Some rawhide is preserved with arsenic.  You will not find natural rawhide on most store shelves.
• Raw beef marrow bones.  You can get these from your butcher.  Do not cook them!!  Cooked bones become hard and brittle and are more likely to splinter.  If you are not comfortable feeding raw bones, buy sterilized marrow bones from your local pet supply store.
• Natural, soft dental bones.  In general, I am not a fan of dental bones.  I know of too many dogs who have suffered from vomiting and diarrhea, allergies or intestinal blockages.

Here is a wonderful video by Dr. Karen Becker, DVM.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9JQbaqVI1U.  You can read my article at http://ezinearticles.com/?Keeping-Your-Dogs-Teeth-Clean&id=6902211.

Consult with your veterinarian as to which preventive routine is best for you and your dog!

As always, my goal is to help you keep your dog healthy and happy for as long as possible!!  Please leave a comment or contact me with questions or ideas.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Wishing you health and prosperity!!

Margaret

Does Your Dog Have a Stomach Ulcer?

Does your dog have a stomach ache?  A friend told me that her Golden Retriever may have stomach ulcers, inspiring this post!  How do you know if your dog may be suffering from ulcers?  If your dog vomits often or is losing weight, he may have stomach ulcers.

Some symptoms are:

• Vomiting – Occasional or chronic.  Vomit may contain digested blood that looks like coffee grounds.
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Dehydration
• Pale gums
• Black, tarry stools (from digested blood)

Some possible causes of canine ulcers are:

• corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
• Ingesting foreign or toxic objects.
• Stress
• Allergies
• Pancreatitis
• Chronic gastritis
• Viral or bacterial infection
• Liver disease or failure
• Chronic Kidney failure

To help prevent stomach ulcers feed your dog 2 – 3 small meals per day instead of one.  Try to keep stress and anxiety at a minimum.  Monitor your dog if she ate something that could cause irritation or inflammation such as a pillow or water bottle top.  If your dog needs medication that is known to cause irritation, ask your vet if it could be given with food.

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, especially over a period of time, I suggest you consult with your veterinarian.  She will make an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment.

Listen to your dog.  If you watch her, she will give you signs, sometimes very subtle, that she is uncomfortable.  If this behavior continues for more than a day or 2, or if he stops eating and drinking, call your veterinarian!!

As always, my goal is to help you keep your dog healthy and happy for as long as possible!!  Please leave a comment or contact me with questions or ideas.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Wishing you health and prosperity!!

Margaret

Is Your Dog a Healthy Weight?

These days obesity is at epidemic proportions, not just for humans, dog obesity is just as rampant!   Dog weight has become a major health issue, and a huge business!

Unless your dog has a medical problem, such as a hypo-thyroid, diet and exercise should take care of the problem.  Many people over-feed their dogs out of love.  We all want our dogs to be happy, but I believe that a healthy dog is going to be much happier than a dog that is not feeling his best.  He  probably doesn’t REALLY need that whole slice of Pizza!

Dog obesity can be controlled by feeding the proper amount of food and appropriate exercise.  Many people feed according to package directions on the commercial dog food bag.  If your dog is putting on weight, you are overfeeding!!  Cut back a little at a time.  If your dog tells you she’s STARVING, add some green beans or carrots to her food.  You can even give your dog a nice carrot to snack on!

Give your dog a hard bone to chew!  Sometimes it’s not really hunger, but the need to chew.  I like beef marrow bones. You can buy them from your butcher or sterilized in the pet supply.  Add some peanut butter or banana and freeze.  Your dog will have a healthy snack that will satisfy the urge to chew.

Exercise is also very important.  If your dog has become a couch potato, start off slowly.  You may start with a walk around the block and slowly but surely you and your dog will be running the local park trails or beaches!

For more information and ideas of how to keep your dog fit and trim, please take a look at my article, http://ezinearticles.com/?Is-Your-Dogs-Weight-What-It-Should-Be-For-A-Healthy-Dog?&id=6786991

As always, I look forward to your comments and ideas!!

Wishing you and your dog health and happiness!

Margaret