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. 

Do dogs enjoy the pat on the head?

People often pat the top of their dog's head because it is an easy place for them to reach. Your dog may be used to you doing it but watch his body language.  Does he really enjoy it? 

When we touch a dog's head we can cover the dogs eyes or ears which they use to be aware and control his surroundings. We can touch the sensitive hairs on their muzzle which can be very distracting and sometimes disorienting to a dog. This can make make the dog very nervous, especially if the dog is a naturally nervous dog already. Depending on the force you are using, it can shake their head and blur their vision.

There are dogs that don't mind this if they are comfortable with the person doing it, but there are dogs, such as the typical shelter dog that just doesn't like it.  They may have been abused or have had a bad experience that you just aren't aware of.  Therefore, if you do not know a dog very well, it's best not to touch his face.  The safest is to touch a dog on his chest or back to not bother him. Leaning over a dog to touch him is not appropriate either because it might make the dog think you want to attack him. When a dog is not sure about a human's intentions he usually moves his head away from the person's hands.

If it's not your dog, a good rule of thumb is to "ask first".  Just because you are used to being around friendly dogs, doesn't mean that all dogs are friendly to you.  That doesn't mean they are not friendly dogs; they just don't know you.  It is always proper to ask to pet someones dog before doing so.  Let their dog smell you and get to know your scent before you approach them.

Canine Athletes - A Rare Breed

We know that all dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy but canine athletes need further conditioning to build up their stamina and improve athletic performance.  If you've ever done a long hike or taken a long bike ride after being a lump on the couch for most of the winter, you know what I mean.   The soreness you experience the next day is a good indication of the importance of conditioning.  Sled dogs may race 1,000 miles in less than ten days and peak performance herding dogs can cover as much as 100 miles a day.  This information should really make you appreciate how much work goes into conditioning a dog for this type of exercise.  The average domesticated dog would not be able to handle this regime. 

If you are interested in helping your dog become a canine athlete, please help your dog avoid the Weekend Warrior Syndrome by gradually increasing their level of activity and length of time spent doing that activity.  It will go a long way in keeping your dog happy and safe from strains or potential injury. 

Along with the physical conditioning we need to remember the mental conditioning as well.

With both humans and dogs, stress is just a natural element in competition.  It comes not only from physical exertion but also from the psychological pressures of traveling in the car, noise, hot or cold temperatures and even the presence of spectators.  Don't think that your dog is not aware or influenced by those factors because they can effect them just as much and sometimes even more than with us.

The best canine athlete is a confident dog and is well socialized with both other dogs and humans.  They are comfortable with being handled by many different people from birth and they are exposed to all different types of environments, sights and sounds.  They are used to riding in a car, going to the vet, attending training classes and play groups and dealing with crowded places like an outdoor shopping mall with confidence.

By introducing them to all these experiences, you will help them become better able to deal with the stresses of competition.

Most importantly, you should be able to recognize whether your dog has a desire to win.  Just like we can "tell" with humans, we can too with dogs.  Some dogs just have an innate desire to win or push themselves, others just aren't that excited about chasing a rabbit or jumping through a hoop.  Those dogs can still have fun in canine sporting activities, just don't push them and expect them to be at the top of the competitors list if they don't have that drive.  It's up to you to recognize and not push if they are not interested.  Your ability to recognize their lack of desire will go a long way in avoiding stressful situations.

What to do if you're dog's been SKUNKED!

It's possibly one of the worst nightmares we can face!  It just plain old SMELLS!  Don't panic and don't reach for the tomato juice either.  The first thing you will need to do is to make sure your dogs eyes are okay.

The spray from a panicky skunk can be really painful if it gets in their eyes.  Flush your dog's eyes with articifical tears which you should keep in your dog first-aid kit.  Once that's done, you can proceed to the clean up stage.

Quite honestly, tomato juice isn't really the first thing you should grab.  For it to be effective, you need to repeat and perform multiple rinses with it and that can be expensive.  If you'd like to do it naturally, here's a remedy for you.  Just remember to wear rubber gloves and keep the mixture out of you and your dog's eyes please.

1. Combine 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide, 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 tsp. of liquid dish soap in a large bucket or open container.
2. Sponge the mixture all over the dog, working it into his coat.
3. Leave it on about 5 minutes then rinse.

Please remember to keep it out of the eyes and thoroughly rinse the bucket after use.  Place in an area where animals and children can't reach.

Benefits of Massage for a Stressed Dog

Prolonged periods of stress can negatively affect many systems of the human body, so to can it effect that of your dog.

Stress in dogs can aggravate, or even cause, such problems as gastrointestinal disorders and decreased immune function. You may notice an increase in whining, pacing, hair loss or even lethargy.  Stress effects your dog both mentally and physically.  It can even make your dog anti-social.
Dog massage therapy is one of the best antidotes for stress. We know this is true on an intuitive level but I know some of you find it hard to process even to this day.  Massage for dogs is not a SPAW DAY.  Massage works to soothe aches and pains and diminish anxiety and other stressors.  Imagine this type of therapy given to your dog by a certified expert and the benefits are increased.

Think about the rituals of massage which includes dimmed lights, soothing music, the pleasant fragrance of a mild oil or candle - even without massage, these can help your dog relax! Why do we think dogs are so different.  If we benefit from these things so can your dog.

Massage boosts your dog's immune system, which can become compromised from extended periods of stress. Tension can build up in their muscles, causing a decrease in circulation and nutrient delivery to tissues.

Manipulation of the soft tissue decreases muscular tension, increases removal of metabolic waste and promotes nutrient delivery to healing tissue. Knots in their muscles can inhibit their ability to perform everyday activities like going for a walk with you or playing in the dog park. When other parts of their body try to compensate for the ache of a tight muscle, they also start to become tight and uncomfortable. After a while, an injury that began in neck area can gravitate to their leg and even to their hind quarters.  The chain reaction can take many forms and none are pleasant.

In short, therapeutic massage can help to significanlty reduce stress. This, in turn, will increase energy, improve your dog's health and boost his immune system function. Add some good holistic nutrition, exercise and music therapy and you will see a different dog.... a happy dog.

Clematis isn't just a pretty flower! It's Flower Power for dogs!

If you have a dog who just seems to live in their own little world, in a state of dreaminess, so to speak and doesn't really listen.  They seem to be able to focus, has training issues, frequent accidents or will avoid confrontation at any cost, you may consider using the Bach Flower Essence Clematis.  This deals with an inability to focus and may also aid in recovery after surgery or birth.  Clematis is sometimes used in conjunctoin with Chestnut Bud.

Remember Bach Flower Essences do not interfere with traditional medicines and treats the mental rather than the physical.

Run Doggy Run!

A happy and healthy dog needs to be satisfied both mentally and physically. Running can work to the physical aspect and challenging commands can stimulate your dog mentally. Most importantly you need to know that a dog really needs to run free. A long walk with your dog, say lasting about one and a half hours is of... much less value to your dog than ten minutes of running free. Not allowing your dog to run free can lead to frustration, stress and anxiety.

So give your dog some room to roam and keep them happy and healthy.

Absued Women and Their Pets - OVMA Safe Pet Program

For many victims of domestic violence, their relationship to their pets is the strongest positive connection with another living being.  In such abusive relationships, the pets are often targeted by the abusive partner as a form of control and power.  They may even be jealous of the connection between the pet and their intended victim. 

According to the OVMA "Many women at risk of abuse are reluctant to leave their abusive partners and seek help at a women’s shelter if it means leaving their beloved pet behind with the abuser. Making that final decision to leave an abusive partner is a vital one; through OVMA’s SafePet Program, not only can women make this decision, they can make it more quickly and with ease."

Check out the link to find out more information on how women can find help through the OVMA Safe Pet Program.  If someone you know is in need, please pass this on.

The Program is also looking for volunteers to foster animals in need.  Check out the website to lend a hand.
http://www.ovma.org/pet_owners/safepet.html

Traveling with your Dog this summer?

Will you be vacationing with your dog this summer?  Will your dog be boarded at a place that is unfamiliar to him/her?  If so, then you may want to consider a mix of Bach Flower Essences.


This special blend can also assist when you are moving to a new home or even for a newly adopted dog.  It's a natural stress relief tincture.

This is a mix of 4 essences as follows:

1. Aspen for the fear of unknown things,
2. Walnut for help with accepting changes,
3. Mimulus for fear of known things, and
4. Rescue Remedy for shock and stress.

Most of these essences can be located at any good health food store.  I recommend using a glycerin base.  If you live in the Toronto area, I'd be more than happy to mix it for you.  This is a staple in my home!

Irish Eyes are Smiling on Irish Wolfhounds!

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I thought I'd pay tribute to all our Irish doggie descendants and give them some well deserved internet time! 

If you've ever been to an Irish Festival or event, you may have seen some of the most beautiful dogs around.  Dogs like the Irish Wolfhound! 

Here is a listing of the Native Irish Dogs as registered with the Irish Kennel Club:

• Glen of Imaal Terrier
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Kerry Beagle
• Irish Red Setter
• Irish Terrier
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Irish Wolfhound
• Irish Red and White Setter
• Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

Did you know that the national dog of Ireland is the Irish Wolfhound.  They are said to be descended from the "Cu", whose history dates back to the pre-Christian era. Known to be ferocious in battle, they were used to pull men off horseback and at times to hunt wolves.

The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest dog in the world and stands about 32 inches at the shoulder.  They are nicknamed  "the Gentle Giants". They have a coarse wiry coat that can be a variety of colors such as white, wheaten, and red through to black, with or without brindling. An unusual feature of the breed is the bushy eyebrows and beard!

By six months of age, an Irish Wolfhound can weigh up to 90 lbs., and does not reach maturity until about two years old. Despite his great size he has a most gentle temperament.

If you'd like to know more about Irish Wolfhounds, check out http://www.iwcc.ca/

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Is Your Dog Dehydrated?

Your dog is made up of about 75 percent water.  If your dog was out in the wild, eating prey such as a bird or a mouse or even a rabbit, they would be feeding on other animals whose bodies are also about 75 percent water.  Well, since the average house dog doesn't feed in the wild and is often restricted to kibble, it might surprise you to know that those dogs are only getting about 10 percent moisture into their systems.  Dry foods couldn't be any more Un-natural! 

In order for your dog to compensate for the lack of water it isn't getting from it's kibble diet, your dog would have to drink an exceeding amount of water just to flush out the toxins, hydrate their organs and aid in their normal elimination.

Considering a more holistic diet for your dog is something to think about. 

I will be posting a separate section on holistic cooked foods for your dog including tips and delicious recipes. 

Eggscellent Decision!

Eggs can be a very valuable addition to a home cooded diet for dogs because they offer complete proteins. But you need to remember that just as the quality of meat and produce can vary depending on the source, so too can the quality of the eggs you buy.

If you are considering adding eggs to your dog\s diet, consider where you get them.  Find a source of fresh eggs and buy those rather than the store bought ones from your grocer.  They will not only be fresher tasting, but they will be from free-range chickens and thus cleaner.  Commercially raised chickens are caged chickens, piled on atop the other so that the urine and feces drain down on the birds below them.

Also, please remember not to limit your dog to just chicken eggs.  You can also experiment with quail, duck, goose and turkey eggs.

Do YOU speak dog?

Almost every dog trainer and dog training book advises us that we should pick simple commands and be consistent, but we all know each and every one of us, trainers included, have violated that rule.  We're human, of course!  Humans are taught from the beginning to "use your words", to use the adjectives that make us human, to use words creatively to get our points accross.  Words, words, words!  Not only do we LOVE adjectives but we also love to use our synonyms.  We love to word swap!  Well, we need to understand that a dog just doesn't understand the use of synonym swapping or correct adjectives or verbal nuances.  Dogs just speak dog.

It really is a wonder that our dogs understand us at all.  Dogs actually live and cohabitate with us as if they were living in a foreign land. 

Think about it.  When you visit a region where you don't speak the language, what do you do to get your point accross?  You use hand gestures to signify what you mean.  You use your facial expresssions and other forms of non verbal communication.  Well, guess what.  You just figured out the key to dog interaction.

Dogs respond to our gestures, our facial expressions and the intonations in our voice.   So when you think your dog isn't listening, he may just not be understanding what you are trying to tell him.

Raising your voice if they don't understand you will just cause them to tune you out.  You might as well not be saying anything.

So remember, simple repetition but most of all PATIENCE.

Watch out! Plants your dog should avoid...

There are many plants that are benefical to dogs.  Although there are many safe, non-toxic plants, there are some plants that you should keep away from your dog.  These plants are poisonous to dogs and if eaten, can be fatal.  Many of these plants are so common and seemingly innocuous that you would never suspect they are dangerous. You can check with your county health department for a list of poisonous plants that grow in your area but they most probably are also available online. 

Below are just some of the plants toxic to dogs:

• Autumn crocus
• Azalea
• Bleading heart
• Bulbs like hyacinth, narcissus and dafodil
• Cactus
• Chile peppers\
• Dieffenbachia
• Elephant ear
• Forglove
• Iris
• Jasmine
• Larkspur
• Laurel
• Lily of the valley
• Monkshood
• Oleander
• Rhododendron
• Wisteria
• Yew

Learn why we should Thump the Thymus

In the early years of a dog's life, the thymus is an active organ supplying the immune system. Over time, it seems to become less active although some studies indicate this is due to toxins or vaccines. Stimulating the thymus gland helps animals and people respond to stress and illness. When petting your dog you can feel gently down the front of the throat until you reach a bony area (in humans, this is just below the notch in the clavicle). Tap gently. In a person or big dog, you can use a fist gently; for cats, use one finger.  (In this picture the Thymus is indicated by Number 11)

Hello Aloe! - Why Aloe is good for your dog

The jelly-like pulp inside the leaves of the aloe vera plant is very soothing to skin irritations like insect bites, minor burns, hot spots and lick granulomas.  Since Aloe has antibacterial qualities, it can be used on surgical incisions to stimulate healing.  Most dogs avoid licking the treated area because the juice from the plant carries a bitter taste.

Administering the aloe is easy.  Just clip off a piece of a leaf, squeeze out the juice and apply topically.

Aloe can be given internally as a laxative, but please keep in mind that aloe given internally can cause severe digestive upset.  Topical is best.  If you wish to use it internally on your dog, contact a herbalist before using.

The Scoop on Magnetic Pet Beds

Dr. Greene from the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine states:

"New medicinal therapies have fewer side effects than older therapies. Hydrotherapy, massage, laser light, magnets, electro-acupuncture, and electrical energy can also aid in pain relief. Often a combination of
modalities may be used."

Magnetic therapy has been used on humans for hundreds of years. It just makes sense that our pets should also benefit from it. Magnetic therapy is used to bring relief and healing to almost any illness or injury present in dogs and cats. This therapy applies a magnetic field to the body that sends weak electrical signals to cells, which influences their interaction with ions. These signals initiate biological reactions, which accelerates the healing process and promotes pain relief from arthritis or hip dysplasia.

Some of the benefits of magnetic therapy are:
- Increases blood flow
- Relieves pain
- Attracts oxygen and increases tissue oxygenation
- Reduces bone and tissue regeneration
- Reduces inflammation and swelling
- Promotes a sound and restful sleep

Magnetic therapy for pets is quite successful because dogs and cats have a faster circulatory system than humans so the magnetic fields are more easily absorbed into the body and you can even use this therapy in conjunction with other traditional treatments.
If you would like more information about pet therapy beds, please see
http://www.magnamat.com/

If you would like to read the complete article from Dr. Greene, I've attached it here: http://vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/showarticle.cfm?id=42

Holistic Hint for Dog Vaccines

Thuja is considered to be an "anti-vaccine" remedy as it can sometimes help with the after-effects of vaccination. Some homeopathic vets advocate administering a dose of Thuja 30C after a vaccination. Although, others sometimes disagree stating that reactions can be so varied and sometimes complex that Thuja may not be the remedy of choice. In all cases, please consult you vet.

Groom Groom Groom!

Groom your dog as much as possible!! Long, short or no hair, brush your dog as much as possible. Brushing allows dead skin follicles to be removed and allows the skin to breath. This helps tremendously with detoxification. The skin, also an organ, is crucial in pet health. Grooming, petting and massaging all fall under... this category and also do wonders for your relationship. Also, brush the teeth too if you can! Although, if you are feeding a fresh diet, you likely won’t need to do it all that much. But, if you must, just do it! It's a challenge, but, it is better than putting your dog under anesthesia just for a teeth cleaning.See More

Bottled or Tap?

Not many of us drink tap water anymore. We either drink Spring or filtered water. Well then, so should our dogs, right?

Some holistic practitioners recommend distilled water; others consider it to be striped of the energy found in spring water.

If your budget precludes you from serving spring water to your dog, use a filter on your tap to try and screen out as many impurities and contaminants as possible. Filters are becoming cheaper and cheaper. Check out this site for a comparison and price breakdown. http://www.waterfiltercomparisons.com/water_filter_comparison.php?d=gp&gclid=CNWl5YnChqACFUuU7QodsgqlkA

Once you change from tap, you will probably notice your dog developing a shinier and healthier coat!