Prevent and Treat Dog Ticks Naturally

So what do you do to prevent and treat dog ticks naturally? First you’ve got to regularly check for ticks on your dog, especially after walking in the dense grasses, and during the peak times of infestation ( in the spring). Carefully look in the cracks and crevices, such as behind your dog’s ears. If you find a tick, you want to remove it immediately. Use tweezers, and grab the tick at the mouth parts where it is attached to your dog. Pull slowly, but firmly straight out, not twisting it, and if some of the skin comes off, that is fine. Clean the area with a disinfectant scrub ( such as chlorhexidine or black tea), and dispose of the tick being careful that you don’t touch it.

Shampooing your dog with some of the holistic anti-tick shampoos can eliminate ticks. You need to look for shampoos that contain these ingredients: Neem oil, Eucalyptus and Cedarwood oil. Ticks are extremely resistant to most products, but these essential oils appear to have some effect on preventing their life cycle.

A relatively non-toxic natural substance, has been shown to be effective in the eradication of ticks in dogs is cedarwood oil spray. I encourage you to be cautious in spraying excessive of essential oils on your small dogs. It is best to only lightly mist them; following that use a flea comb to spreading the spray. A cedarwood oil spray that I have had success with tick treatment in dogs is: Triple Sure Natural Flea and Tick Spray made by Natural Wonder Products.

Keeping your grass short, and reducing the amount of dense vegetation around your home is one of the easier, and simple ways to lower your dog’s chances of getting ticks. Ticks prefer tall grasses, and low overhanging bushes while waiting for their next host to feed on. Regularly remove fallen leaves (leaf litter), and create a natural buffer by putting down wood chips between your lawn and the wooded areas to keep ticks away. Lastly consider discourging deer and mice from coming into your yard, as the deer tick is the carrier of lyme disease; motion controlled water sprinklers can be very effective.

Then there are the use of natural topical outside, such as Diatomaceous earth- it consists of the skeletons of microscopic algae. Spread the diatomaceous earth at the edge of your lawn, acting as another natural barrier preventing tick infestation.

Ticks are a rather difficult external parasite to prevent and treat, but there are many things that you as an involved dog owner can do. There are a few very potent conventional tick medications, but concerns of side effects of these has lead many a dog owner to try some of the holistic options. These include common sense environmental ones, such as keeping the dense vegetation down, and maintaining a natural ‘tick’ barrier with wood chips. Lastly there are the specific shampoos, such as Neem oil, along with effective sprays containing cedarwood oil.

I find adding organic apple cider vinegar to my pets' water discourages fleas and ticks.

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http://www.nuvet.com/66819

Hot Spot Causes and Treatments

Acute Moist Dermatitis

I was pleased to try out a new remedy that
worked well on my own dog- and it was in my kitchen.


SIGNS

A very itchy, smelly, oozy area on the skin.
There may be more than one spot. They often
form on the face and at the base of the ears.
They are often very painful.

CAUSES

The technical name for a hot spot is acute
moist dermatitis. They are a local area of
bacterial infected hair follicles. They form
most often during the warm summer months. Any
scratch or wound can cause the skin to become
infected and develop into a hot spot. Most
hot spots are secondary to some type of skin
allergy.

SOLUTIONS

REMOVE THE HAIR. This is the most important
thing to do in order to allow hot spots to heal.
Use a pair of blunt nosed scissors to trim as
much hair as possible on and around the spot.
If you have clippers use them for trimming.
These can be very painful and some dogs will
not let you trim much hair.

CLEAN THE AREA. Use a mild, non-perfumed
antiseptic soap (Hibitane) to clean the skin.
Gently dab it on the spot, lather up and rinse
well.

A CUP OF TEA. The key to curing hot spots is
to get them to dry out. A very effective
antiseptic drying solution is tea and aspirin.
Brew up a strong cup of black tea and dissolve
an aspirin tablet in it. Soak a cloth in this
brew and apply it to the area for 5 minutes
four times daily.

Another very effective remedy:

Apple Cider Vinegar. It can be applied directly
to the Hot Spot- 4 times daily. I soaked it in
a cloth and wiped the clipped area. It has anti-
bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

As an aside, it is also high in potassium, making
it beneficial for older, sometimes potassium
deficient pets. As well, it can be consumed orally
( after all it is fermented apples)- and it
can give your pets an overall immune boost.


I use organic apple cider vinegar sweetened with organic honey in water to keep
myself healthy. It's great for dogs too. Also helps protect against fleas and biting flies.

I also recommend 

NuVet Plus available at http://www.nuvet.com/66819 

Flint River Ranch natural healthy dog and cat food  http://www.flintriverranchstore.com

Vaccines for Pets?

-------------------------------
 Vaccine Adverse Events
------------------------------

They make the statement that:

'Vaccine AEs (Adverse Events) are underreported in veterinary medicine.'

Meaning there are far more side effects than what is 'published' as they are NOT reported.

Here is some of what they have to say about side effects


Vaccines are biologic products and, as such, provoke a series of
complex immune reactions that may culminate in rapid-onset side
effects lasting from a few hours to a few days. Rarely do these selflimiting side effects escalate into serious AEs (SAEs).

For this reason, veterinarians are encouraged to inform clientele that their pet, regardless of breed or size, may manifest transient side effects for up to 2, and possibly 3, days after administration of any vaccine or any combination of vaccines.

Side effects commonly observed include:

reduced or loss of appetite (lasting for one or two feedings),
pain at the injection site, lethargy (lack of activity), reluctance to walk and/or run, and mild fever.

Treatment is usually not indicated; however, some veterinarians have reported administering short-term symptomatic treatment (e.g., a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug [NSAIDs]).

It is recommended that clientele be advised to contact the practice in the event any physical and/or behavioral manifestations progressively worsen or continue beyond 2–3 days. Clientele should be advised to contact the practice at any time if signs of systemic illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, facial swelling, collapse, or difficulty breathing, develop.

------------------------
Serious Side Effects
------------------------

Injection-site reactions: lumps (abscess, granuloma, seroma),
pain, swelling, hair loss associated with ischemic vasculitis

Transient postvaccinal nonspecific illness: lethargy, anorexia,
fever, regional lymphadenomegaly, soreness, abortion, encephalitis,polyneuritis, arthritis, seizures, behavioral changes, hairloss or color change at the injection site, respiratory disease

Allergic (hypersensitivity) and immune-mediated reactions:

–Type 1 (acute anaphylaxis): angioedema (especially the head),
anaphylaxis (shock), and death

–Type 2 (cytolytic): immune-mediated hemolytic anemia,
immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (suspected only; causality
has not been confirmed)

–Type 3 (immune-complex): cutaneous ischemic vasculopathy
associated with rabies vaccine, corneal edema (‘blue-eye’) associated with CAV-1 vaccine, immune-mediated disease

Tumorigenesis: vaccine-associated sarcoma or other tumors

Multisystemic infectious/inflammatory disorder of young
Weimaraner dogs: may be genetically linked to both a poorly
characterized immunodeficiency and to autoimmune disorders
(e.g., hypothyroidism and hypertrophic osteodystrophy [HOD]
that are detected shortly after vaccination

Vaccine-induced immunosuppression: associated with first or
second dose of combination MLV vaccines containing CDVand
CAV-1 or CAV-2 with or without other vaccines (e.g., CPV-2,
CPI). Immunosuppression begins 3 days after vaccination and
persists for 7–10 days. The suppression may be associated with
increased susceptibility to other diseases.

Reactions caused by the incorrect or inappropriate administration
of vaccine: fatalities have been reported after subcutaneous
administration of an avirulent-live Bb bacterin (intended
for IN administration); inadvertent or intentional administration
of vaccine by the intravenous route

Reactions associated with residual virulence attenuated vaccine:
postvaccinal sneezing associated with IN administration of
attenuated vaccine (e.g., Bb 1 parainfluenza virus)

Vaccine-induced interference with diagnostic tests: falsepositive
polymerase chaine reaction (PCR) test results for parvovirus
antigen in feces in dogs recently receiving a MLV parvovirus
vaccine. Not an adverse reaction.

Reversion of vaccine virus to a virulent pathogen: generally
considered rare to nonexistent among currently licensed canine
vaccines when vaccines are used in the species for which they
were licensed. This can become a significant problem when
vaccine is used in the wild and/or exotic animals.

  P.S. So just HOW common are vaccine reactions?

Good question, but as the side effects are under-reported, we just don't know. No question FAR more common than what the reps of Big Pharma would tell you.

Which means you've got to really weigh the pros and cons of the vaccine.

ONLY give what is necessary.

Give it as infrequent as possible.

If you have a small dog or cat, I would ask your veterinarian about vaccine volume. WHY is it that a 160lb Great Dane would get the SAME volume of vaccine as a 3lb Chihuahua?

Makes no sense to me.

But in the AAHA Guidelines they advise to give the SAME volume, regardless of weight.

More reasons for YOU to be especially cautious.

Ultimately the point of vaccines are to PREVENT disease.

There are MANY ways to do this.

Such as the use of neutraceuticals to boost and support your dog's immune system.

My supplement contains specific immune supportive ingredients.


http://www.thedogsupplementstore.info
http://www.thecatsupplementstore.info
http://www.nuvet.com/66819
http://www.FlintRiverRanchStore.com

Drug Reactions for Pets

-----------------------------------
Drug Reactions
----------------------------------

They happen, and the FDA has placed a big warning label
on one commonly prescribed for cats, called Metacam.

The point here is that reactions happen fairly often- and you as
a concerned and involved pet owner need to be aware of them.

On the FDA site there is some specific info:

-----------------------------------------------------------------
What Veterinarians Should Tell Clients About Pain Control and Their Pets
-----------------------------------------------------------------

by Michele Sharkey, DVM, Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation;
Margarita Brown, DVM, Office of Surveillance and Compliance; and
Linda Wilmot, DVM, Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation
FDA Veterinarian Newsletter 2006 Volume XXI, No I

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are commonly
prescribed and extremely effective pain control drugs for pets.
Like most drugs, they do cause side effects, some serious.
Veterinarians are in the best position to inform their clients
about these side effects, so the clients can take better care
of their pets. And, pet owners expect veterinarians to explain
all potential risks of medications.

In the United States, NSAIDs commonly used in dogs include
ETOGESIC (etodolac), RIMADYL (carprofen), METACAM (meloxicam),
ZUBRIN (tepoxalin), DERAMAXX (deracoxib), PREVICOX (firocoxib),
and NOVOX (generic carprofen). These drugs have been approved
by the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Veterinary
Medicine (CVM) for use in dogs. (You can get more information
about these drugs by going to CVM’s website, www.fda.gov/cvm .
Once there, go to the “Green Book” navigational button, where
you can look up the drugs by their brand names or active ingredient.)

Most adverse reactions are mild, but some result in permanent
impairment or even death. If the client can recognize a possible
reaction and stop the medication while seeking veterinary attention for the dog, 

the client may make the difference between a good outcome and a disaster.

The most common side effects from NSAIDs include vomiting, loss
of appetite, depression/lethargy, and diarrhea. Some side effects
can be serious, especially if the drug is not used according to
labeled directions, resulting in the need for medical care.
Serious adverse reactions include gastric ulcers, kidney and
liver problems. Death may result in some instances.

An informed dog owner is the best defense against serious side
effects from NSAIDs. The veterinarian is the most qualified
source for information regarding NSAID use and a dog’s care.
Owners should not hesitate to ask questions and inquire about
possible side effects or signs to watch for when treating a
dog. A Client Information Sheet, which a veterinarian should
give the pet owner whenever an NSAID is prescribed, serves as
a reminder of this information for use at home.

Heal Your Pet At Home!

Best Wishes,

Dr Andrew Jones, DVM


P.S. Ask questions and be diligent.

Is this the LOWEST effective dose?

What are the side effects I need to watch for?

Are there alternate options?

Here are a few for you to consider:

Acupressure, Massage, Reiki, Aromatherapy, Tellington T-Touch, Chiropractic and Herbal pain control remedies.

All part of my Healing Therapy Special in that YOU can be using these at home on your pet.

Wrapping Wounds on Dogs and Cats

Hello and Good morning fellow animal advocates- it's a snowy March 1 here in Nelson BC Canada..

Apparently winter is here for a while longer...

----------------------------------
First Aid
----------------------------------

Emergencies- whether they are a wound, or as serious as choking, happen- and usually when we least expect it.

If you are prepared- great.

If not I advise that you get a copy of my book on Dog and Cat First Aid

This is a small section from my book...

---------------------
Bandaging
---------------------

In some instances, wounds and injuries need to be bandaged. However, as a rule, most are better off NOT bandaged. The problem arises when your pet decides to excessively lick the injury, causing further irritation. Using an Elizabethan Collar or covering the area up with a bandage can prevent this.

Materials

White Tape: This can be used as a first layer to prevent slipping, and as a final layer of bandaging. The tape can be purchased at any pharmacy.

Sterile Non-Stick Pads: Telfa Pads are ideal. IF this is an emergency bandage, then use a small piece of cloth, but apply K-Y jelly first so the cloth doesn't stick.

Cotton padding: For injuries that need support, such as ligament injuries or fractures, I apply cotton padding as well. You can purchase large cotton rolls at any pharmacy. An emergency padding can easily be a small towel that is wrapped around the leg.

Gauze: Roll gauze is the clingy material that stretches and has holes in it. It can be purchased at any pharmacy. In an emergency, you can use Panty Hose.

Tape: The last layer on a bandage is the adhesive that secures the pad and gauze in place. I usually use a product called Vet-Wrap; it stretches and sticks to the gauze. In an emergency, you can use Duct Tape, Saran Wrap, anything that will stick and hold the bandage material in place.

The key to applying a bandage is to make the bandage tight enough that it won't slip, but NOT too tight so that it cuts off circulation. If the bandage is TOO tight, you will see the digits swell (the area below the bandage). I always try and leave a few toes exposed so I can check this. If the bandage is too tight, then the toes swell and spread apart.

The other important part of bandage care is keeping the bandage dry. If it gets wet it will cause serious skin irritation and infection. If it gets wet, then You MUST change it. Keep the bandage covered with a plastic bag; ask your local veterinarian for an empty IV Fluid Bags- they are made of heavy-duty plastic and work great.

Leg Bandage

The most common area to bandage is the leg.

Clean the wound properly.
Apply 2 strips of white "hospital" tape to the inside and outside of the leg.
Apply the non-stick Telfa pad to the wound.
Wrap the leg with gauze, beginning at the toes, but leave the toes exposed. Overlap the gauze as you wrap up the leg. Make the gauze wrap firm to keep the Pad in place, extend up to the next joint. If your dog has a wound on his paw, I would wrap to above the wrist.
Cover the gauze with Vet Wrap or Tape. Once again make it firm, but not too firm. Keep the toes exposed to check for swelling.

Head Bandage


The head is another area that may need to be bandaged, especially in the case of an injured ear that won't stop bleeding.

This is best accomplished by folding the earflaps on top of the head, then wrapping gauze and tape around the head covering the ears.

Another option is to use pantyhose; I find it remains in place much better.

Keep the bandage in front of the eyes, and ensure that you can stick one finger underneath the bandage at the neck.

Body Bandage

In the event that you need to cover a wound on the chest or abdomen, there are a couple of ways.

T-shirt technique: Put your dog's front legs through the armholes, and cover the rest of his body with the shirt. You can then apply Tape to secure the back of the T-shirt.
Panty Hose: A second method is to cover your pet's chest or abdomen with pantyhose. Pull it over your pet's head and cover the affected area.

P.S. Pet First Aid Secrets covers CPR, to How to Stop Your Pet Bleeding.

A Complete Resource that you really should have, and be prepared to use.



Click on the image to order



Visit www.vetsecrets.info for more info
also www.happytalespets.com
and www.FlintRiverRanchStore.com

Does Your Pet Need Neutraceutical Supplements? YES

Does your pet need a neutraceutical?


I suggest YES, and here is what I advise:





Most of our pets eat ‘off the shelf’ commercial pet food that is somewhat less than ideal, or that contains toxins or ingredients from questionable sources.

Even if you are making your own pet food at home, it's still not easy to guarantee it contains everything your dog needs, or that all of the ingredients are free from hormones, pesticides or toxins. I do strongly advocate making your pet’s food at home, and as long as you offer your pet a variety of foods, your pet will do well.

So, the question is – do you need to provide nutritional supplements for your pet?

No, not for your pet to survive. For your pet to thrive, to give your pet an extra advantage over food, environmental and genetic problems, yes.

If your pet is currently suffering from allergies, arthritis, skin problems, digestive issues, heart disease, cancer, or any of the host of health problems pets have today, supplements can and have helped countless pets, something I saw in my practice on a daily basis.

-------------------------------
Probiotics
-------------------------------

The number of neutraceuticals is MANY, but in my experience there are a specific ones which are FAR more important than others.

Probiotics are one of those...

Lactobacillus (Probiotics). These are the beneficial bacteria that live in the intestines and help control yeast and harmful bacteria, as well as helping with digestion and intestinal health. These friendly bacteria are destroyed whenever antibiotics are given, and can also be flushed out of the system if your dog has diarrhea. I recommend using probiotics for 1 week following any antibiotic usage.

Azodyl is a natural probiotic product for the reduction of the toxins that increase in Kidney failure (azotemia) in dogs and cats. These probiotics metabolize and flush out uremic toxins in the bowel. They slow down uremic toxin buildup in the blood and helps prevent further kidney damage. I have been using this very successfully in both dogs and cats with Kidney failure. The Azodyl dose is 1 capsule per 10 lbs daily, to a maximum 4 caps per day.

Probiotics are increasingly being used for dogs with allergies. These beneficial bacteria play a role in normalizing the overactive immune system. You won't see an instant response, but you may see some marked decrease in allergic signs after using probiotics for 4 weeks. You can dose lactobacillus at 1/4 capsule per 10 lbs of body weight twice daily.

P.S. My Dog and Cat Supplement contains proper levels of probiotics, which are tested prior to the supplement being formulated to ensure that they are ACTIVE. 

It's not just enough to buy a probiotic

You need to know that it's in the RIGHT amount, and that it is STILL active.

You can get probiotics for your dog or cat in my supplements, and get a TRIAL bottle for 50% OFF here:  





Click on the image for more information and to order






Click on the image for more information and to order

Heal Your Pets At Home! Best Wishes,
Dr Andrew Jones