2 A's For Your Dog's Health

Apple Cider Vinegar - Did you know that this old folklore remedy really works?  Many holistic minded individuals believe Apple Cider Vinegar is THE best tool in your remedy arsenal.  Not only can it enhance bowel function for your dog, it can also be used to treat those horrible chronic ear infections in your dog.  You can dilute one teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar in a half a cup of water and flush it into the ear.  This will create a mildly acidic environment which kills the yeast. 

Astragalus - This is one of the best herbals you can use for immune support.  There are a few studies out there that point to Astragalus being a great anticancer agent.  It is available fresh and dried, in tablets or liquids.  This herb can be used as a part of your dog's overall health regime.  See this article at http://www.dogcancerblog.com/astragalus-immune-booster-and-more/

Again, always consult your vet before trying any home remedies on your dog.  Every dog reacts differently.

Your Dog's Immune System

Your dog's immune system is a very complex mechanism that requires a variety of dietary nutrients to function properly.  This includes minerals, vitamins, fats, proteins, carbohydrates and water.  These components, when mixed together in the proper quality and quantity can positively influence your dogs health and performance.  Common sense shows that dogs that are well cared for and well nourished have fewer diseases, fewer trips to the vet and an overall happier state of mind.

When a dog's diet is deficient in any of the essential nutrients, their immune system more often than not, does not function properly.  Dogs are constantly exposed to bacteria, viruses and allergens in their everyday life.  To help neutralize these issues, their immune systems need to adapt very quickly.  Improper nutrition can cause your dogs immune system to become overactive, which in turn may result in devastating imbalances in their red blood cell.  Also, an under active immune system may reduce your dog's ability to fight infection.  This problem materializes as chronic ear infections, dry itchy skin, bladder infections and other generalized infections.

Although this information can vary dependent on the health and special needs of your dog, a general guideline is as follows:

Essential Nutrients:

• Approximately 40% of total kcal from a protein source
• Approximately 45% of total kcal from carbohydrates (35% cooked grains plus 10% veg or fruit)
• Approximately 15% of total kcal from a supplemental fat or oil source
• sodium chloride (again - to be monitored)
• bonemeal/eggshells and a multi-vitamin (note that I have many articles on the advantages of eggshells over bonemeal - please see http://dogzenden.blogspot.com/2010/09/benefits-of-nutritional-yeast.html

Again, please note that these are just general guidelines and are to be used as a reference only.  I strongly suggest you consult your vet as every dog is different in their needs and nutritional requirements. 

Know Your Dog as You Know Yourself

Your own powers of observation are among the most important tools you have to help keep your dog healthy and happy.  Since you alone know your dog better than anyone else, you are in the best position to notice any changes, however subtle, in their appetite, stools, behaviour, appearance and weight.  It is important to pay particular attention to behavioural changes as that can be a key sign of a medical problem, especially in an older dog.  Keep a watchful eye on your dog for any physical or emotional changes that may arise.  You are the most important person in your dog's life!

Are you a smoker?

If you're a smoker, here is a good reason to quit!  Secondhand smoke can be harmful to your dog.  It can increase your dog's risk of cancer and allergic disease.  Please be aware that smoking effects your health as well as your dog!  Stopping is good for the BOTH OF YOU!

The Wag Factor - Why your Dog's Tail and Ears are Important for Communication

Dogs convey subtle nuances with their ears and tail positions as well as posture, eye contact, raising of fur and overall facial expressions. A pug is at a definite disadvantage for communicating facial expression just as an Aussie Shepperd is at a disadvantage due to their docked tail.  These disadvantages can put these dogs at major risk for being misunderstood and possible targets of attack as their moods are considerably more difficult to interpret.  Some dogs are further disadvantaged when humans take it upon themselves to have the ears altered to a permanent upright position.  It may look good to some, but it becomes a disadvantage to your dog. When ears are cropped, creating an immobile ear, this can nullify the dog's signaling ability, causing potential problems.

The practice has been outlawed in the UK but in many other countries, owners are routinely docking purebreds.

In a book entitled Dogs Never Lie About Love, written by Canadian author, Jeffrey Mason, he says

Tails as we all know are subtle and marvelous carriers of meaning, but when I acquired my present family dog I was not prepared for the complexity of a dog's ears.  The expressiveness of Sasha's ears is something to behold.  She can say as much with her ears as we do with our mouths.

Also, in addition to ear reductions, some purebred owners also practice tail cutting, something which is also now illegal in the UK.  Some unfortunate dogs such as the Doberman are often deprived of both full ears and a tail.  According to Bruce Fogle, a British veterinarian and author, he states "Docked boxer dogs in particular have a higher incidence of back pain than those with tails.  A tail is built to wag at a healthy speed.  The fast metronome motion of a stump places excessive strain on the lower back, causing inflammation and eventual arthritic changes in the back bones."

We need to consider what is best for the dog as opposed to what we THINK looks best for our dog.  Keeping the ears and tail natural will help enable your dog to have better communication skills, resulting in a healthy, more well balanced, happy dog.

The Truth about Rawhide

At the top of the list of no good "treats" to give your dog is certain rawhides! Dogs can choke and/or sustain intestinal blockage & the material itself is not safe either! Many of the less expensive rawhide comes from Asia where uncontrolled chemical usage has caused massive pollution. Studies have shown that some ...of the residues found in rawhides are arsenic, mercury, formaldehyde and chromium salts. Read your labels. If rawhide is sold in bulk at a bulk store...you have NO IDEA what you're feeding your dog!

Does your dog suffer from dry skin. This natural remedy can help!

It’s that time of year again! Have you noticed your dog itching just a little more than usual lately? Dry skin season is upon us as well as our doggies. Did you know that itchy, dry skin can affect your dogs’ personality and general overall state of mind. Prolonged itchy skin can cause so much discomfort in your dog that they may become irritated, frustrated and downright upset. Their aggravation can manifest in many ways which may be incorrectly interpreted by us and lead to incorrect conclusions.

So, if your dog has the “itchies”, and you’ve already determined that it’s not due to other health issue such as poor circulation, poor diet or other environmental toxins, there’s a good natural remedy that you can try.

The basics of this great mix are Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Cofrey and Calendula. These four “wonders” work together to create a great remedy for your dog.

ALOE VERA

This should be used as the base of your cream. This wonder contains many nutrients which help with numerous skin conditions and allergies. It can reduce redness and swelling. Aloe Vera contains acemannan. Acemannan acts as an immune booster and helps with many skin conditions. Aloe Vera also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. I recommend something like Aloe Gelly which can be found at http://www.my-aloe-vera.com/aloe-vera-gelly.html

VITAMIN E

This is an antioxidant and has been deemed useful by holistic practitioners in improving immune function. It has been used as an important ingredient in helping to care for rashes and skin irritations.

COMFREY

This is a plant native to Europe. It is most often used for skin irritations and contains the active ingredient allantoin which can speed cellular healing.

CALENDULA (aka POT MARIGOLD)

This herb has often been used as an anti-inflammatory and an antibacterial. The oils in the flowers work to aid in cell healing and can decrease bacteria and fungi in wounds. This has often been recommended for dogs with ringworm.

The MIX

1 cup of aloe vera gel (Aloe Gelly)
2 whole gel caps of Vitamin E oil

2 tsp powered Comfrey
2 tsp powdered Calendula

In a bowl, add 1 cup of aloe vera lotion. I would suggest Aloe Gelly.

Slice open the gel caps of Vitamin E oil and add it to the aloe vera gel. Mix in 2 tsp of the powered Comfrey and add the 2 tsp of powered Calendula. Mix well and apply directly to the dogs skin as needed, depending on the severity of the itching.

Please keep in mind that Comfrey and Calendula should NOT be used on pregnant dogs as it may sometimes induce abortions.

Also, and most importantly, keep in mind that if your dog has any known health conditions or skin disorders, it is highly recommended that you consult your veterinarian BEFORE using this cream.

References:
The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats by Shawn Messonnier, D.V.M.
Jacqueline Lerche, Recipe for Dog Rash Cream

Good News for Animals - There's a New Registry in Town to STOP animal abuse!

Congratulations to Suffolk County, New York where a new law was passed to help stop the abuse of animals.  There's a new registry in town!  Now, animal abusers in this county will have to supply their names, addresses and a photograph of themselves if they have been convicted of animal abuse.  This is the first animal abuse defender database in the U.S.

The Suffolk County Legislature unanimously passed the bill which establishes an online animal abuser registry that is very similar to those housing information for sex offenders.  Any convicted abuser, ages 18 and older will be listed within 5 days from their release from jail or after conviction.  Any convicted abusers who do not register and pay the annual fee could be subject to up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.  The information for these abusers will remain in the system for a period of 5 years.

The Suffolk County SPCA Director Roy Gross stated "This is a simple solution to help prevent animals and people from being victimized....We're making history here."

Although this database will only house information about Suffolk County, New York offenders, we have to believe that this is a step in the right direction and hope that more states and Canada will follow suit.

According to the Animal Law Coalition website at http://www.animallawcoallition.com/ : animal abuse is defined in Suffolk County as:

"Animal abuse is defined as "animal fighting, as defined in the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law (hereinafter "A.M.L.") §351; overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance, as defined in A.M.L. § 353; aggravated cruelty to animals, as defined in A.M.L. §353-a; abandonment of animals, as defined in A.M.L. § 355; failure to provide proper food and drink to impounded animal, as defined in A.M.L. § 356; interference with or injury to certain domestic animals, as defined in A.M.L. §361; harming a service animal in the first degree, as defined in New York State Penal Code §242.15."


As responsible pet owners and lovers of animals, we know that this is a giant step in the right direction.  Hopefully, with the help of public outcry, this will become a mandatory thing in all states and across Canada.

Great job Suffolk County!

Beware of Greenies...Still!!!!

Beware of Greenies! Yes, STILL!!!! It has been found that Greenies can be slippery and if swallowed can cause death. It is apparently due to the extreme compression and hardness that can prevent them from being chewed, properly absorbed and digested. Yikes! Instead, try a stuffable kong with peanut bu tter, banana or cheese. You can also try carrots!

Benefits of Eucalyptus Radiata

Eucalyptus Radiata is the gentlest of Eucalyptus oils out there. This oil has antivirial, expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects. It's great for dogs with congestion and for use in a flea repellent mixture. Warning! May counteract with homeopathic protocols...so ask first if using homeopathic remedies on your dog.

The Benefits of Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional Yeast is made from the same type of yeast as brewer's yeast, but the difference is that brewer's yeast holds some of the bitter beer flavour. Nutritional yeast is very popular with vegetarians. It's produced by culturing and fermenting the yeast grown on cane and beet molasses, it is fortified with vitamin B during the growing process, then it is harvested, washed, pasteurized, cooled and dried. It is available in the form of flakes, or powder and contains no active or live enzymes, so we don't have to worry about the intestinal problems related to yeast. Nutritional yeast and Candida go hand in hand, adequate consumption will prevent the occurrence of candidias. It is a rich source of amino acids and minerals. High levels of B-complex vitamins found in nutritional yeast.

Parmesan cheese or wheat germ can be used as a similar substitute but doesn't really match nutritional yeast.

Also, you should note that Brewers Yeast can be harmful to dogs in large doses. At least that's what I've been reading and may be a leading cause of chronic ear infections.

The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Dr. Pitcairn and Susan Hubble recommend you add this to each meal. Recommended dosage is 1 tsp to each meal.

Healthy Powder

2 cups nutritional yeast
1 cup lecithin granules
¼ cup kelp powder
¼ cup bonemeal
1,000 mg vitamin C (ground)
Mix together and keep refrigerated.

As there is a controversy about the uses of bonemeal and toxic lead amounts in this product, a good alternative and the alternative I use is ground egg shells.  Egg shells are approximately 95% calcium without the major effects of phosphorous as found in bonemeal.
 
As always, please seek professional guidance or do your homework before changing your pet's diet.  Their lives depend on you!

The Multiple Uses of Lavender for Dogs

Lavender plants are not only beautiful to look at, they also provide wonderful therapeutic properties that are good for humans as well as animals.  The plant itself is not necessarily used for therapeutic uses, however the oil is often used to help alleviate stress and anxiety in pets and is very popular with aromatherapists for massage and relaxation.

The lavender oil can be used to calm nervous and anxious dogs.  Keep in mind that cats may develop liver toxicity if they come into direct contact with the oil.  Care should be used when lavender oil is used around cats and should never be applied directly to their skin/coat.

Lavender can also lift spirits of depressed animals. You can apply a couple of drops of lavender oil on a cotton ball and add it to transport cages and crates to ease stress in anxiety while traveling.  You can also add a few drops to a vaporizer to help clear respiratory congestion.

During my dog massage sessions, I always use a lavender oil to soothe anxious and stressed dogs.  A lavender scented candle will work as well.

This versatile oil can also be used as a tick preventative, but should not be used for cats in this form.  Adding this oil in a diluted form to a homemade flea and tick remedy can work wonders.

Numerous studies have also shown that lavender oil relieves pain when used for rheumatism, arthritis, and muscular aches and pains, especially those associated with sport pain.  Again, the oil should be used in a diluted form for dogs.

Lavender oil should NOT be ingested due to the potential toxicity on the liver and kidneys.  Undiluted lavender oil should not be used directly on the skin of animals as it may cause skin irritations in its pure form.

Remember, care should be used in all things unknown and consulting with a professional is always best before mixing your own remedies if you are not familiar with them.

Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6 - Health Alert for you and your Pets!!!!

The Center for Science in the Public Interest has recently stated that many artificial food dyes should be banned due to their possible cancer risks.  They state that "these synthetic chemicals do absolutely nothing to improve the nutritional quality or safety of foods, but trigger behaviour problems...".  Not only does this effect you through the things you ingest on a daily basis like cereal, ice cream, cookies and candy but also the foods your dog eats.  Many of the average commercial dog foods contain the possible cancer causing dyes such as Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6.  A number of the manufacturers worldwide use almost seven million kilograms of artificial colours in foods each year.

Please remember that your dog deserves the very best.  Please be conscious of what you AND your dog are ingesting.  Your health depends on it.

Rub a Dub Dub, My Doggy in the Tub...Make Your Own Shampoo!

With summer in full force, the need for a doggy bath is increased. Dogs, like us, tend to lead a more active lifestyle during the summer months. In order to keep them smelling clean and fresh, we tend to bathe them more in summer. Keep in mind that their skin is sensitive and the store made flea baths and other dog shampoos are just sometimes way to harsh on their skin. So, here are some tips on how to make your own shampoos.


For a very gentle aloe shampoo:

Mix about 2 ¼ cups of water with about 3 teaspoons of a good quality Castile liquid soap. You can then add 2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel and about 1 tablespoon of glycerine. Mix well and store in an air tight container until ready to use. Mix well before using.

If your dog has dry skin, you can try the following:

First you should boil about 4 cups of water with just 1 cup of oatmeal. After the oatmeal is cooked you can strain it to remove the oatmeal from the water and place into a bowl. Then add 2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 4-5 drops of any one of the following: Emu Oil, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree Oil or Carrot Oil. Mix well and store in an air tight container until ready to use. Mix well before using.

If your dog is suffering from fleas, you can also consider adding a few drops of citronella oil, tea tree oil or bergamot oil. For a nice smell you can try lavender oil or sandalwood oil

Passionflower as an Alternative for Medication in Dogs

The name passionflower was given to the flower by the Spanish explorers who thought the flower looked like a crown of thorns.

Passionflower is sometimes used as an herbal alternative to sedatives and analgesics in dogs.  It has also been used for dogs that have mild hyperactive tendencies such as mild anxiety and stress, epileptic seizures and mild pain and discomfort.  
 
Although there are not many known side effects, experts state that since it is used as a sedative, that it should not be used if other medications affecting the nervous system are being used.  Also, because passionflower may stimulate the uterus, it should not be used by pregnant animals.
 
Again, a warning, PLEASE do not dispense these remedies on your own without first consulting a holistic veterinarian or another qualified professional.  As always, safety first.

Fireworks and Dogs - 5 Ways to Ease Your Dog's Fears

Fireworks are a part of both the Canadian and American celebrations.  Many dogs are sensitive to fireworks and have negative reactions to the inconsistent noise.  They have no idea that it is a celebration, they just hear these strange noises which are unfamiliar to them and can become agitated and sometimes quite fearful.

Here are 5 ways to help your dog through the stress of the holiday firework season.

1. Desensitize your dog!  The number one way to avoid stress and anxiety in any situation is to desensitize them to the issue at hand.  f7 sound has created a CD which actually simulates the unpredictable sounds of fireworks  You can play this for your dog prior to the big event to get them used to the noises that will be occurring. The link to their website is http://www.f7sound.com/fireworks.htm  Cd's are only $12.00.
2. Another great way to ease their fears is to use the method of distraction.  Just like with children, if you want to get their mind off scary nightmare,you distract them with something like a song, a game or something else which will get their mind off what they are scared of. You can try playing with your dog while the \CD is playing .  They will eventually get so wrapped up in their enjoyment that the noise won't even effect them.
3. If the CD just isn't quite enough to help your dog cope, you can help them by creating a safe and comfortable haven for him to go during the loud noises.  If you have a functioning basement you can create an area of safety.  Set up a quiet, low light area with food, water and a bed.  You can also place in some of his favourite toys and even a bed.  Get him used to this room prior to fireworks time so that he is comfortable when the big day comes.  One important thing is to make sure that your dog can come and go freely through this area and never lock him in this room alone.  The trust will be lost and all your work will be for nothing.
   Sometimes your dog actually finds his hidey hole for you.  You just need to play along and go with it.  Even though you don't see the sense in some of their preferred spots, they do!  You're not a dog so just allow it to happen and let them have a say in where they will feel safe as long it is free from contaminants and will keep them safe from harm.
4. Try a DAP.  A dog appeasing pheromone releases calming pheromones into the air.  You can plug it into the room where the dog is staying and it is very similar to an air freshener.  Check out this website for more information  http://www.drugs.com/vet/d-a-p-dog-appeasing-pheromone-can.html . The DAP is also good for separation anxiety and other behavioral issues.
5. Bach Flower Rescue Remedy.  This works on a vibrational level and seeks to provide calm in your dog.  A few drops in your dogs water bowl can help to alleviate their stress.  Check out my blog post on Bach Flower at http://dogzenden.blogspot.com/2010/04/comprehensive-guide-to-bach-flower.html for more information on these amazing remedies. 

Finally, in all cases, please remember to do what you can to make your dog relaxed and less stressed during these times.  The fireworks may be festive for you but fearful for your dog.

My Dog Has Itchy Skin, What Can I Do for Him?

If your dog is suffering from itchy skin and you know it's not a flea issue, here are some great home remedies that are sure to help and save you some time, money and trips to the vet.

1.  Epsom salts: You can give your dog a cool bath to provide the most efficient and effective relief from itchy skin.  WARNING: Please be sure that your dog does not drink this water. 

2.  Oatmeal: Yep, believe it or not...it's oatmeal.  You can add this to your dog's bath to help with itchy skin.  It is good for dogs with allergies as it is very soothing to the skin.

3.  Baking soda: You can mix this up with a bit of cold water and just spot wash the area where the dog is itching.  It will help to relieve the severity and let them get through their day with some relief.

4  Fish oil: This can be added to your dog's diet to help beef up your dogs imunity to allergens. 

5.  Emu oil: Although sometimes hard to find, this can also be dribbled on your dog's food.  Keep in mind that this is for severe bouts of itching. 

6.  Apple cider vinegar: This remedy also works but be careful that the skin has not been broken.  Although a bit on the smelly side, it does work but not one of my favorite mixes.  This can be applied directly to the skin.

7.  Asprin: You can mix a couple of asprin tables in rubbing alcohol, then prepare some chamomile tea with spring water.  Combine the two mixes together and apply them directly on the infected area with a cotton ball.  This works quite well and is proven effective.

8.  Essential oils: There are a number of oils that you can use for your dog to ease the itch.  Some are lavender, tea tree oil (highly toxic to cats but not dogs), white thyme, and almond oil to name a few.

Finally, you may wish to consider removing the fur from the affected area.  In very hot weather conditions it's just a good idea.  It will keep them from developing any type of fungus or attracting parasites that can cause harm to your dog.

How much is too much? - Dogs and Chocolate

Chocolate contains the chemical Theobromine which is toxic to your dogs nervous and cardiovascular systems. Unfortunately it can’t be metabolized fast enough in a dog and can cause toxic levels to form. It’s important to note that senior dogs are much more susceptible to chocolate poisining.

If your dog accidentally eats your chocolate, here is a loose guideline you can follow to judge toxicity:

Milk chocolate - 1 -2 ounces per pound of dog body weight. Example: a 20 pound dog would have to ingest a little less than 1 pound of chocolate to show negative reactions to their nervous system.

Semi-sweet chocolate - 1/3 ounce to 1 full ounce per body weight. Example: a 20 pound dog would have to ingest about 6 ounces to show negative reactions to the nervous system.

Bakers chocolate – 0.1 ounce to 0.3 ounces per body weight. Example: a 20 pound dog would have to ingest about 2 ounces to show negative reactions to the nervous system.

Look at it this way, all it takes is just 1 ounce for a 10 pound dog!

It’s important to note that white chocolate can’t poison your dog. It would actually take about 12 ½ times your dog’s weight to have any negative effect.

Here are some signs of chocolate poisoning to watch out for:

Early symptoms:
Vomiting, diarrhea and hyperactivity, excessive panting, increased urination, increased thirst and high blood pressure.

If you know for certain that your dog has eaten a large amount of chocolate and hasn’t yet vomited you can try and give him a 50/50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and water to induce vomiting. Once you’ve done this, take your dog into the vet immediately.

Later symptoms:

Heart arrhythmia are a sign of later symptoms. As the toxins are absorbed, the heart can begin to beat too fast and irregular, causing heart arrhythmia.

Other later symptoms can include seizures and even coma.

As you already know, it’s really important to keep chocolate away from your dog. Dog’s love sweets and don’t have any clue that chocolate isn’t good for them. Also, it's always good to keep 3% hydrogen peroxide on hand. The quicker you act the better the chances of keeping your dog safe, happy and healthy. My vet has told me that if your dog is treated within about 4-5 hours, they have the highest chances of survival if they ingested a toxic amount.

Narcolepsy Effects Dogs Too

Narcolepsy affects thousands of people but you'd probably be surprised to know that it also effects dogs too. The first reports of narcolepsy in dogs were published in 1973.

Narcolepsy is an uncommon and misunderstood medical condition that causes spells of sleepiness and sometimes partial or complete boughts of paralysis. It may often times cause the dog to collapse right in the middle of running, walking or during any physical activity.  The dog will suddenly fall into a deep sleep and  just as suddenly will awaken with complete recovery. It's important to note that this is not sleepiness or even napping and it is not life-threatening or even painful. Studies have shown that most of the animals affected often show signs of twitching and rapid eye movement right before a collapse.

I've attached a YouTube video for you to view so you could get a clearer idea of what and how narcolepsy can affect a dog.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0h2nleWTwI

Unfortunately, the treatments available are very limited and always include medication such as tricyclic antidepressants, which act by blocking cellular uptake of the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. Other stimulant medications are also used to treat the excessive sleepiness. 

Since these sudden attacks are usually set off by stimulation and excitement, the benefits of holistic alternatives should be brought into this mix. Holistic alternatives can treat the dog to maintain an even level of calm so that excessive stimulation and excitement levels are not attained. 

Alternative treatments such as music therapy, meditation, Reiki, canine massage and the use of Bach Flower remedies can all be used to treat overstimulation.  These alternative methods work to promote calmness and reduce levels of stress and anxiety.

To find out more about these holistic alternatives, please check out my website at http://www.doggyzenden.com/ or this blog.

Non-Medical Pain Management Relief for Your Dog

Post surgical pain can be intense. This is magnified because a dog can't communicate their level of discomfort and therefore, pain levels can't be monitored as well as with humans.  If dogs don't get the necessary pain relief they need, they can lose their appetite and become stressed.  Both of these post surgical symptoms can  reduce the effectiveness of a surgery.

The most important thing to realize is that complete elimination of pain isn't always possible or even desirable.  The main goal is to keep your dog from intense pain which may lead to severe signs of stress and anxiety.  Pain management will allow your dog to at least continue on with some level of normalcy including eating, sleeping and simple interaction with people and other dogs.

Non-medical pain management goes beyond drugs.  Keeping your dog comfortable goes a long way towards recovery.  Here are 6 great ideas that will help speed your dog towards recovery:

1. Place their bed in a quiet area of the house to keep noise to a minimum.  Loud noises can cause discomfort which leads to stress.
2. Keep their bed in a well ventilated area away from strong smells such as purfume and cooking smells.
3. Monitor your dog's nutritional intake and general appetite.
4. Depending on the type of surgery, consider gentle post surgery massage.  Massage is a wonderful way to release toxins and can provide the personal touch they may need during this stressful time.
5. Gentle, spa type music can be very therapeutic.  Consider using music therapy before and after surgery to calm anxiousness and promote calm.
6. Bach Flower Rescue Remedy to treat the anxiety works wonders.  4-5 drops in their food will do the trick.

Surgery is painful enough, let's do our best to keep our dogs as comfortable as possible.