Quinoa (keen-wah) is Good For your Dog!

Quinoa (keen-wah) for your dog!  Yes!  It is not a grain; its actually a seed related to the spinach family. When cooked, it is light, fluffy, a bit crunchy and has a pleasant subtle flavor. It cooks and tastes like a grain, thereby making it a great replacement for grains that are difficult to digest or feed.  It is used in many hypoallergenic foods for dogs.

Some of the great things found in Quinoa are:

1. Protein - It contains the 9 essential amino acids that help to build muscle
2. Magnesium - Which helps relax muscles and lower blood pressure
3. Fiber - Aids with proper elimination
4. Manganese and Copper  - A great team of antioxidants and cancer fighters

 By far, Quinoa is higher in potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and copper than wheat and barley.

Quinoa is close to being one of the most complete foods in nature since it contains amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.

How Massage Helped Mabel

Mabel came to me last year. She is a gentle soul of a dog and is 5 years old. She is a rescued Rhodesian Ridgeback from the Caribbean. Her guardian, Dena, has worked very hard with her behavioural issues and Mabel is finally opening up and accepting affection and praise. Prior to her rescue she was abused, nearly starved and suffered from heat exhaustion and severe skin irritations.


On one of their winter romps in the dog park, Mabel somehow managed to injure her rear cruciate ligament and started to limp. Dena took her to the vet and surgery was recommended. The vet also prescribed aspirin and Rimydal. Well, Dena is a human holistics nut and balked at the idea of giving these types of medications to her dog. Unfortunately, seeing Mabel in pain made her cave in and she soon began giving her the meds. Mabel didn't fair well with the meds and began having reactions such as diarrhea and even vomiting blood. After a trip to a holistic vet, Mabel was put on a natural diet and packaged food was a thing of the past. Although the changes improved her coat and continuous ear infection, it didn't do much for her cruciate symptoms. The vet also recommended acupuncture and massage.

At the Acupuncturist, Mabel was so scared and was so afraid of the needles. She would literally hover in the corner. However, after the first few visits she saw improvement. If any of you have tried acupuncture on your dog, you will know it takes time and patience. Unlike us humans, they can't explain exactly which needles help and which ones don't. Also, there needs to be a development of trust between Acupuncturist and the dog. They did get through it and after a few appointments, Mabel seemed to be doing better.

In between the acupuncture treatments, I took over. I used massage to ease her pain and to promote good blood circulation. Although my concentration was mostly on her back leg, I massaged the entire dog to create balance. For Mabel, I alternated between a semi-deep tissue massage one week and relaxation massages the other. During my relaxation massages I always ended with a bit of lavender oil rubbed on my hands to create calm. Mabel, although hesitant at first, has come to love the massages and trots over to me and plops down at my feet. This is a large improvement from my first visit when she wouldn't even leave Dena's side. For Mabel, I always incorporate harp music and ask that Dena give her some Bach Flower Rescue Remedy at least 1/2 hour prior to our visits. Since I come to her home, she feels comfortable in her environment and thus less intimidated.

After about the fourth session, Dena noticed that Mabel was walking much better and sleeping better. Her walking was improving and her stress level had lessened. By about session 8, we noticed a real improvement. Dena believes that the acupuncture and massage have given life back to Mabel. I believe that it's true.

It is important to note that this therapy program was all under the guidance of her holistic veterinarian.

I still treat Mabel on an as needed basis. Every once and a while she gets a tweak when playing at the park or jumping up on the couch, and I'm right there to help her.

A Beautiful Summer Walk Can be Dangerous!

As dog guardians, we need to be careful when walking our pets during those really hot summer days.  Try to take them out during the early morning hours or even late evenings when it's noticeably cooler.  Please be sure to take water some with you for your dogs and for yourself.  Staying hydrated is very important for you and your dog, especially if you'll be walking long distances.  When you get back from your walk, please give them some fresh water in their stainless steel bowls.    I often carry a spray bottle on especially hot days and spritz my dog sporadically on my walk.  It helps to cool her down and keep her refreshed.

Be very careful to avoid heat strokes or other conditions that can be avoided with the above simple steps. 
 
Dogs love the outside and love summertime just as much as we do, but safety should be our number one priority.  Your dog will love you for it!!!

Ear essentials for Your Dog

Your dog's ears are prone to infections because of the accumulation of dirt and debris from outside and inside elements. Routine ear care is essential. In case your pet is suffering from infections like ear mites, you can treat the ears with mineral oil. Soak a cotton ball in mineral oil and gently swab your dog's ears with it. You can also try no more than two drops of the oil into the dog's ear, using an eye dropper then massage the ear gently. After the massage, clean the ears with a dry cotton ball. Remember never to go too deep as it may harm them and NEVER use a Q-Tip!

How Your Emotions Affect Your Dog

Your Emotions and Other People

Did you know that humans are really walking mood conductors? The ability to tell how someone is feeling and the ability to mimic feelings and behaviors served as great survival strategies for our ancestors. Their ability to know in a split second with no verbal cues if a lion was going to pounce is a testament to a human’s ability to “read” their environment. We still do this today but on a different level. Since we have become slaves to the spoken word, we have lost some of those skills; however, we still have an understanding of feelings and emotions.

Human emotions can be transmitted in less than a second, without words, and the transmission often goes unnoticed. Some people are more susceptible to ‘catching’ the emotions of others, and some are more powerful at influencing other people’s moods.

These “mood spreaders” can affect you negatively or positively without a word. When research subjects were put in a room together with an identified mood-spreader, they all came out with the same emotions that the mood-spreader had exhibited. The results show that the way we feel is largely determined by other people. Now here’s the key. Your mood cannot only effect humans, but has a large impact on your dog!

Your Emotions and Your Dog

You must be aware of what emotions you are spreading to your dog. If you had a bad day at work and are stressed when you come home, guess who else is going to stress out right along with you? Yep, your dog! If your boyfriend is depressed, there is a better chance that you will become depressed to and so will your dog.

To alleviate this trickle down effect, try to be the person who sparks a rippling pool of positivity. Smile at a stranger who is not expecting it. Laugh instead of scowl when someone does something you don’t like. Post a positive comment on a blog,like this one :0). Positivity breeds positivity and your dog will love you even more for it.

We are all connected, and this study has shown without a doubt that the energy you create in this world affects not only the people around you but also your animals. Choose to make your effect on the world a positive one, and you will soon find that the good energy bounces right back to you, and you won’t have to try and smile at a stranger in the checkout line, you just will. Your dog will love you even more for it!

Let's treat our dogs! Natural Remedies for Ringworm!

Considering the recent events with the OSPCA York Region, I wanted to pos this very small but informative post on ringworm and some natural effective remedies. I realize that not many traditional vets will consider these treatments, but they should be considered as they do work!


Ringworm is one of the most common and widespread ailments in pets, especially in dogs. Ringworm is NOT worms, it is a fungal infection caused by an organism called Dermatophytes that feed on dead tissue on the skins surface. It appears as a circular mark and can spread quickly.

There are a number of different strains, all of them non-fatal! They can be treated.

Three of the most common are:

1. Trichophyton mentagrophytes – contracted by dogs and cats from rodents
2. Microsproum canis – specific to cats
3. Microsporum gypseum – contracted by dogs and cats from digging in soil

The symptoms of this disease would be small round lesions without hair. It will usually have a scaly center. Lesions are usually annoying and itchy and can be very uncomfortable for animals and humans alike.

Currently there are no reliable vaccinations for this disease.

Although there are many recognized over the counter treatments and preventative measures, it is a hard road to travel and diligence and patience must be utilized.

Here are some herbal remedies you could use for treatment of ringworm in your pet.

Calendula – serves as an anti-inflammatory and can work to heal the sores fairly quickly.

Licorice – also an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. A topical treatment by making a tea out of the dried herb along with hot water.

Now here is my favourite:

Neem oil from the Neem tree is an antifungal and anti-inflammatory. I can also help to relieve the pain and I’ve used it on my dogs in the past. Best thing about it is that the bitter taste keeps the dogs from licking! All you need to do is cotton swab it on!

We need to be aware that there are natural remedies out there for our pets that do work. With a little bit of effort from us as their guardians, we can help to guarantee a better quality life in mind, body and spirit.

8 Car Sickness Cures for Dogs

There are many puppies and older dogs that suffer from nausea and vomiting when they travel in the car.  At the beginning the symptoms are most probably caused by the irregular motion in the car.  This can disturb the organ balance in the inner ear.  You also have to factor in the anxiety issue.  The problem gets even worse when they begin to associate a ride in the car with frightening circumstances.  A vicious cycle can be established that leads to high levels of anxiety and physical effects such as vomiting and even diarrhea.  If this is the case with your dog or a dog you know, there is help.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Play a cd that promotes calm.  I highly recommend the cd series entitled The Most Relaxing Classical... at
   http://bit.ly/cR4wCd
   They can be ordered at http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.amazon.ca/
2. Take your dog for short car rides that result with a walk in the park or a trip to the dog park.  By doing this, they will associate the ride with a reward.
3. If your dog is only mildly stressed, you can use food rewards provided that they aren't so anxious that they may vomit.

4. Avoid smoking in the car.  This can make them very nauseated as their noses are even more sensitive than ours.
5. Keep a window down for fresh air, even in winter.  Just a crack so that fresh air can circulate.
6. Never let your dog ride with his head hanging out the window.  Although they love to do this it is highly unsafe and you risk injury to their head and possible eye damage.
7. Position your dog with a dog harness such as Pet Buckle http://www.immioutdoors.com/petbuckle/  which will allow for stability and less movement which can result in motion sickness.
8. Before the ride, dispense 3-4 drops of Bach Flower Rescue Remedy.  This will help to promote calmness in your pet.  For more information about Bach Flower Remedies see http://bit.ly/9od84t

One final note, please always remember to NEVER leave your dog confined in your car on a warm or hot day.  Dog body temperatures run higher than ours and they heat up very very quickly.  Also, the temperature in a stationary car can rise dramatically in a very short period of time.

Finally, as with any of my posts, I always stress to use your best judgement and if you have any doubts, ask a professional. 

Can Dogs Suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

To answer this question simply, ABSOLUTELY YES!

According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat."

I firmly believe that all shelter dogs, not just some, experience PTSD whether mild or severe in nature. Let's think about this for a minute. A shelter dog's story can vary greatly. We've all heard the stories and a lot of us have experienced the aftermath of the abuse first hand. Shelter dogs can be sent there from a puppy mill, from an elderly guardian who can no longer care for them, as a stray someone found on the street, from an abusive situation; the scenarios are endless. In any case, the dog has become a victim. Cast away on some level to be placed in a foreign location with other highly stressed dogs and put in a cage.

Most shelters do an amazing job of working with these dogs to promote socialization skills, correct unhealthy behaviours and work diligently to get these dogs adopted, however their funds, time and abilities are limited. The psychological stress for some dogs, can just be too much.

Often times the dog will be given a physical exam by a veterinarian. At some point someone will spend some time with the dog to assess the dog's ability to be adopted. If that dog doesn't pass the test, the dog could possibly be euthanized. All I can say, is Google the stats on that one!

The poor dogs that we give up on, abandon or otherwise fail by not meeting their needs are ripe for developing PTSD.

Many of my clients seek me out because they realize that the traditional therapies may not be working or they seek other non-invasive ways of treating stress. After a bit of probing about the dog’s history, if they know any of it at all, it most often reveals emotional issues which have caused the stress and anxiety and in most cases PTSD.

By understanding temperament, known history, behaviour problems and the dynamic in the home (all of which can only be seen IN THE HOME), we can prescribe an effective treatment plan to help with the problem.

Even the dogs that suffer from severe PTSD can be helped. With a combination of therapies that is specifically prescribed for the dog, you can alleviate and sometimes remove all signs of PTSD. Doing this requires patience, love, understanding and the realization that it’s most often 1 step forward and 2 steps back for a while until you connect with what works. Even dogs have those “Aha Moments” and when they have them then it’s full steam ahead.

If you think your dog is suffering from PTSD, here are some common symptoms to watch for:

* increased stress and anxiety which manifests itself by breaking the house training barrier
* whining
* barking
* howling
* hiding for no known reason.

These dogs may also show signs of unmerited aggression such as snapping for no reason or a low guttural growl when being approached.

I firmly believe that it most cases, anti-anxiety medications can be avoided if patience, persistence and the right therapies are used. Check out my blog for more holistic therapies which are a great fit for PTSD. These include massage, music therapy, Reiki, Bach Flower Remedies and Relaxation Therapy.

If you think your dog is suffering from PTSD symptoms, there are things you can do immediately until you can seek professional help, such as:

• Create a safe and quite place for your dog so he can just be alone.
• Place a favourite toy or a piece of your clothing in his safe place to soothe his anxiety
• Play gentle classical or harp music is best for a soothing environment

Then, get your dog the help he deserves!

To Tug or Not To Tug, That is the Question

There are many theories about the game of tug with dogs.  Some say never to do this with your dog and others believe that it is no problem at all. 

I believe that playing tug is a great game with your dog as long as its done correctly. 

It's important that in each session of play that you ask your dog to drop the toy and other times allow him to take it from your hand.  It's important that he only take the toy with your permission.  You can say something like "ok" or "yes" before you actually release the toy.  A good rule of thumb is to ask your dog to "drop it" about 8 out of 10 times and about 2 of out of 10 times you give your dog the permission to "take it".

Playing tug can be safe play if done correctly so that no one gets hurt, including your dog!

1. Try not to jerk the toy back and forth in rough motions, fluid tugging is best.
2. You NEED to teach your dog to "drop it" before allowing tug play to happen.  It will save injury to you and your dog.
3. Everytime before you release the toy, you should say "ok".
4. Please NEVER lift your dog up off the ground when he is holding the toy in his mouth by holding onto the other side of the toy.  This can cause serious injury if they are unprepared for the lift and fall clumsily to the ground. 

Tug of war is one of the dogs most favourite games, and if done safely, can become a good stress reliever and fun for both of you.

One final note.  Please use caution when children are present.  Unless children have been trained in how to work with dogs, please don't allow them to play tug without proper instruction.

Play it safe and teach the commands before commencing tug.

Get Nosey with Your Dog

The old saying that a healthy dog has a cold nose is partly true.  It's pretty normal that a dogs nose feels cooler than the rest of his body and is generally moist.  However there are some times that a dog can have a dry nose and that's ok too.  If you find discharge coming from your dogs nose, then something may not be right.  A puss like discharge can indicate an infection.  This can be a bacterial infection or he may just have something stuck in his nasal passage.  It's not uncommon for dogs to inhale grass that can get stuck and cause an infection.

A bloody discharge from the nose could be a blunt trauma or may, in a worse case, be a sign of cancer.  Dogs that sneeze often may get nosebleeds just like us humans.

In any case, it is strongly suggested that you see your vet.  Don't clean the discharge as the vet will need to see it to determine what's wrong. 

Herbal Remedies for Dogs - With Supervision Please!

Herbal remedies can be used to correct body functions in dogs.  If you are using herbal remedies for your dog you need to be extremely cautious as dogs do not have good natural systems to detoxify a range of natural substances.  Having said this, there are a number of safe herbs you can use on your dog. 

Further, you can actually create a Herbal Home Care Kit to be used for minor accidents and illnesses.  These herbs I will give you have been used with safety on dogs and will become an essential part of your kit.  They can be found at many pharmacies and herbal stores.  Please be sure to check that they are noted as safe for dogs, preferably prepared for veterinary use.

Your toolkit can include:

Comfrey - used to help heal wounds, burns, bruises and strains.  It is a soothing and healing herb.

Lavender - used to help relieve reactions to insect bites and for burns.  It is claimed to be antiseptic and salving.

Pot Marigold (Calendula) - used to help with digestive disorders.  It is known to soothe inflamed skin.

Garlic - used to help with mild infections, upper respiratory conditions and digestive disorders. 

Echinacea - used to stimulate the immune system and may act as an antibiotic.

Herbs can be very effective if used correctly and under the right conditions.  Used incorrectly, they can cause negative results including poisoning and even death.

I strongly suggest that you consult a professional if you are interested in herbal remedies for your dog.  If not used correctly, herbal substances can be just as dangerous as wrongly prescribed modern drugs.  Do not make your own diagnoses or use any of these herbs without professional assistance.  Consult a professional for your dog's sake.

Piggy's got wheels not squeals!

Please take a moment to read about Piggy, the amazing pitbull-boxer mix that works as a therapy dog at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Salt Lake City. 

The bond between children and dogs can be so strong if cultivated with love and care.  Mutual respect is key.

http://www.puplife.com/blogs/dog-blog/1552022-pitbull-in-wheel-chair-inspires-disabled-kids?comment=1829452#comments

What's in a Neem?

Well, today I'd like to share the story of "nature\s drugstore". The Neem tree.

The Neem tree which is native to India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and a few other countries is an amazing natural remedy.  The entire tree from the bark to the leaves is used to make remedies.  These remedies are used to cleanse the body of internal and external parasites. 


It is used in curing and preventing many diseases not only in humans but also in animals. Neem can also be used to protect plants from pests and insects and can also stimulate the growth of plants as it is considered to be a natural manure without any toxic effects.

Neem has and continues to be used for curing a large number of animal diseases. The Neem leaves are mixed with other natural ingredients to help treat eye diseasesand cough among other ailments.
I personally use a few drops of Neem oil with my dog shampoo to keep away fleas. I've also used it for hot spots and eczema.   You can also use it on your dog if they have callused elbows.  Just rub a drop or two in your hand then apply. 

"C" the differences!

As you all already know, your dogs are emotional sponges.  You all should know by now that I am a firm believer that your dog feeds off your energy, whether negative or positive.  If you're in a great mood, chances are your dog is happy and bouncing around right beside you.  If you're in a bad mood or agitated, your dog may be exhibiting some calming signals, pacing, scratching or just plain avoiding you.  Pretty much any situation that causes you stress can trigger the same response in your dog.  But did you know that stress can weaken the immune system?  Makes sense doesn't it? 

You can help calm your dog by using the Vitamin B supplements I blogged about earlier but you still need to protect his immune system.  Using Vitamin C can help.  Dogs do make some vitamin C in their bodies, but they require a greater amount during stressful times.  Since your dog's ability to produce vitamin C is slower than ours, it's up to us to help them out because they can burn it up as quickly as we do. 

There has been some controversy about the benefits of Vitamin C and if you're on the fence, I encourage you to do more reading. 

Again, not every dog is the same and you need to find what works for your dog.  An alternative to straight Vitamin C is Ester C which many pet guardians love to use as it is gentler on the dog's stomach.  I've linked an article here for your reference. http://www.yourdoghealth.com/dog_ester-c.htm

As always, ask your holistic vet about Vitamin C for your dog and proper dosage.  Be informed and aware before adding supplements to your dog's diet.

The connection between the Outer and Inner Health of your Dog.

The outer health of your dog relfects his inner health.  An oily coat, dandruff or even a greasy tail is an outward sign that your dog is trying to rid itself of toxins.  Giving your dog a bath just isn't going to get to the root of the problem. 

Did you know that the skin is the largest organ of the body?  It also serves many functions.  It guards your dog from the heat, cold, injuries and regulates their body temperature.  The skin is the first defense against infection and is important in sensory perception and gives your pet a lot of information about his surroundings. 

A little oil is normal, but too much oil which can manifest itself as an oily coat and greasy tail can be signs that your dog has a waste disposal problem which can be related to his liver or kidney.

If your dog sheds excessively or has dandruff, it could indicate disorder or imbalance in the body.  Your dog's skin needs to be well nourished to stay healthy.  They may need additional essential fatty acids.  Without them, dandruff, dry skin and itching occur.

Vitamin B supplements are a great source of good skin nutrition because it stimulates elimination and helps the body dispose of waste through the proper channels.

Again, remember than when your dog is not well, he becomes stressed and even anxious and the behavioural issues come into play.  Once you start taking care of your dog holistically (mind, body and spirit) you will begin to see the dramatic changes and the stress and anxiety becoming less of an issue.

Give your dog some Kelp Help

Kelp is considered a sea vegetable. Kelp is actually algae which makes them different from other food sources such as plants and animals. They have exotic names like Nori, Hijiki, Kombu, Wakame, Arame also known as Seaweed and Kelp.

Kelp can help your dog.  Kelp will provide iodine to the body and help the functioning of he thyroid gland, which influences overall health, metabolism, skin and coat.  It can also help with pigmentation.  It contains protein, is rich in iodine, calcium, mangesium, iron, copper, phosphorus and potassium as well as vitamins A, B, E and D.

Because kelp contains so many of the critical components for dog nutrition it promotes good health and long life in many ways including: better digestion, control and relief of skin and coat disorders, relief and prevention of allergic reactions, healing from injuries, higher resistance to infection, cell rejuvenation, detoxifying, and joint repair.


There are many reasons for using kelp as a dog supplement, some of which are maintaining a healthy thyroid gland, healthy joints, and healthy coat and skin.

So please consider adding kelp to your dog's diet and give your dog some kelp help.