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.

Is your dog Employed?

Bottom line is, if you don't give your dog a job to do, they will become self-employed.  This means they will come up with their own "jobs" to do around the house.  They can become your self appointed host or hostess; jumping on and licking everyone who comes through the door.  They can become great gardeners and replant all your flowers and vegetables in the yard.  They can even become an interior decorator and rearrange the stuffing in your couch.  When you don't give your dog a job to do, you create an improper balance of the mental, physical and emotional stimulants your dog needs.  In short, they become bored!  Boredom then leads to other mental and physical symptoms such as stress and anxiety.

Employment is so important because not only will you provide stimulation but also promote and develop a sense of purpose and pride.  Having a dog "work" for a living eliminates boredom and engages them in life.

Jobs can include retrieving toys, doing tricks and playing games.  My dog's job is to find and bring me my keys when it's time to "go for a ride" and bring me my cell phone when it rings.

Give your dog a job to do and work to create the balance they so deserve.