Herbal remedies marketed to pets might actually be dangerous to your dog or cat. Obviously, we prefer to give our animals natural herbs when possible. Our companion animals’ bodies work different from ours, and some products that work for people are toxic to pets. But with hundreds of “natural” or “herbal” options, how do you know which ones are truly safe?

The first place to start is with your veterinarian. There are even holistic vets who can help evaluate your pet’s condition and determine the best natural course of action. When you’re out shopping, read labels thoroughly and consult with the sales staff at holistic stores. But buyer, beware: Some of the commonly marketed products are ineffective and even dangerous.

Here are some of the most commonly recommended natural treatments that are actually toxic to dogs and cats:

• Pennyroyal oil is recommended as a natural flea repellent but is highly toxic to dogs. In addition to skin problems and allergic reactions, in concentrated doses, it can kill.
• Comfrey is suggested for bone health and conditions like hip dysplasia and arthritis. However, it can damage your pet’s liver and has been banned from use in Canada.
• Tea tree oil, touted as the skin-problem solution for cats, is highly toxic to cats, dogs, and other small animals.
• Garlic works as a natural insect repellent. However, in large doses, it’s toxic to both dogs and cats, causing anemia or even death. The jury is out on whether or not garlic can be used safely, but with the toxic potential, why risk it?

Image: Smoobs

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“Dogs weren’t bred to lie on the sofa all day and then walk in perfect step with their human for 30 minutes a day,” said trainer Eric Goebelbecker, CPDT-KA, owner of Dog Spelled Forward. “They get bored just like we do and need to exercise their brains.”

Providing the right stimulation can be a critical step in eliminating problem behaviors. As Goebelbecker points out, bored behavior is often mislabeled as separation anxiety. A dog who is bored will spend his day searching for activities, like disemboweling your television remote or barking incessantly. Providing adequate mental stimulation is easier – and more fun – thank you might think.

When you’re hanging around the house, play with your dog. Consider a game like tug or fetch. Hide in your house, and let your dog find you. You can repeat that exercise with treats and toys, too.

When you leave for the day, give your dog food puzzles he can solve on his own. To up the ante, Goebelbecker suggests hiding the toys. This gives your dog two separate activities – first, finding the toy, and second, solving the food puzzle.

Nina Ottosson makes a range of eco-friendly and pet-safe toys that will definitely keep your dog busy. Warning: These toys, which come in a variety of skill levels, will probably require your participation at first. (Check out her YouTube video demonstrations!) Another great option, though less eco-conscious, is the Kong. You can stuff a Kong to keep your dog occupied. “Kongs are great. You can put treats in them or even actual meals,” said Goebelbecker. “If your dog gets good at un-stuffing them, freeze them.”

Keeping your dog’s mind active will help eliminate problem behaviors like destructive chewing or excessive barking. According to Goebelbecker, “Mental stimulation can result in more relaxed and satisfied dog.”

Your dog will be happier and healthier for it, too!

Image: OakleyOriginals on Flickr, licensed for commercial use under Creative Commons.

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In companion animals, severe wounds often result in severe consequences: amputation, infection, sometimes even death. As unbelievable as it sounds, an unexpected savior has emerged.

Medical-grade maggots.

In 2004, the FDA classified sterilized maggots as a medical device – in other words, you can purchase a prescription for fly larvae. Recently maggots have been used to clean human wounds, but veterinary medicine only recently has begun exploring the usage of these little wrigglers.

According to Monarch Labs, a supplier of medicinal maggots, these worm-like insects work wonders on hard-to-heal wounds. The maggots clean infected and dead tissue in a process called “debridement.” They also kill the bacteria while stimulating new tissue growth. Maggots eat dead flesh but avoid live flesh and were used medically in the Middle Ages – but since they weren’t sterilized back then, the results were mixed.

The process involves a veterinarian applying the medicinal maggots to your pet’s wound along with a special dressing that prevents the maggots from squirming away.

According to Monarch, “World-wide, approximately 50,000 treatments were applied to wounds in 2008.” That statistic applies to people, though – veterinarians seem hesitant to adopt the treatment. It might seem creepy at first, but it might also be a safer alternative to antibiotics that have incredibly harsh side effects.

If your dog or cat had a severe wound, would you consider medicinal maggots as a treatment?

Image: aslakr

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Vitamins and supplements are rising in popularity among health-conscious dog owners, due in large part to concerns about the quality of pet food. Of course, manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon and producing an array of products – from the healthy and practical to the completely absurd. For instance, if you are so inclined, you can now purchase bottled vitamin water for your pampered pooch.

While bottled vitamin water is pretty crazy, there are good supplements on the market that can be used as either preventive care or to manage specific health conditions. Martha Smith is the general manager of i Love Dogs, a company that produces a line of natural vitamins and supplements for dogs. “Vitamins and supplements are a great way to support dogs as they deal with existing issues like hip and joint issues, allergies, nutrient deficiency, and even cancer,” says Martha. “They can also be powerful preventive agents for dogs who are prone to certain illnesses or conditions.” For example, Martha has her German Shepherd Dog (GSD) on glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joints and cartilage, because GSD’s are promote to hip and joint problems.

However, supplements might not be appropriate for all dogs or all conditions. Martha suggests that owners of dogs with unstable health or serious allergies should consult a vet or a holistic canine healthy practitioner.

The positive result of increased interest in pet supplements is that manufacturers are releasing products designed to meet our and our dogs’ needs. For instance, i Love Dogs uses plant- and animal-based ingredients, but they also have a vegan option.

If you’re considering adding a vitamin or supplement to your dog’s diet, here are some things to consider:

• Before starting your dog on anything, schedule a visit with your vet, especially if your dog has a chronic condition you’re trying to manage.
• “With vitamins in particular, pet parents need to pay careful attention to the dosing instructions for their dog’s weight. Some of the minerals and other ingredients in vitamin supplements can be harmful when over-dosed,” says Martha.
• Read labels and ingredient lists as carefully as you would if you were considering the supplement for yourself because, according to Martha, “vitamins and supplements vary widely in terms of formulation, ingredients, country of origin, and recommended dosage.”

Image: gopal1035

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Yesterday, we looked at how to prepare for home a shelter dog. But dogs aren’t for everyone! So what if you’re adopting a cat or kitten from the animal shelter? Bringing home a new kitty can be really exciting. But cats can take time to settle into their new surroundings. Here are 10 tips to help you help your cat adjust:

1. Before you bring your new kitty home, call the shelter to find out what type of food she was eating. Gather any information about medications, allergies, or even preferences so that you can have the best food for your cat on-hand.
2. Make an eco-friendly scratch post to welcome her home.
3. Purchase a few cat toys and catnip-stuffed items. Don’t go overboard until you know what types of toys she prefers to play with.
4. If you have other pets or small children, make sure you provide a safety zone for your new cat. Consider setting up a baby gate that she can fit under – but dogs and kids can’t – with access to a separate room.
5. Figure out where you want your cat’s litter box to go, and get it set up and ready for her to use. Stock up on your favorite litter so you’re prepared for upset stomachs that can accompany a big transition.
6. Schedule a comprehensive checkup with your veterinarian for soon after you bring your new cat home.
7. When you first bring her home, introduce your cat to her new surroundings slowly. Help her explore your house room by room.
8. If possible, adopt your cat on a Friday so that you have the whole weekend to help her acclimate without having to worry about work.
9. Start building up your bond. Spend time playing with her. She may not want to be patted much at first, but if she requests affection, give in! Let each member of the family offer her a treat so she starts building up a positive association with everyone.
10. Be patient. Your new cat probably won’t want to curl up on your lap to watch TV or sleep next to you at night – yet. Give her time to adjust to her new surroundings, routine, and family.

Image: bobster855

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Adopting a shelter dog can be a hugely rewarding experience. But it also takes a lot of preparation and patience. Though you may want to start spoiling and snuggling your new pup right away, he may take a little time to adjust. Get yourself and your home organized to welcome your new family member with these steps:

1. Ask the shelter what food your new dog has been eating. While you may want to switch him to a different diet, start him out on his familiar kibble until he’s comfortable in his new home, then slowly transition to the new food.
2. If you plan to crate train, purchase the crate in advance so it’s assembled and filled with soft bedding, ready for his arrival. Make his first encounter with his new crate a pleasant one by filling a stuffable toy with peanut butter and luring him into the crate with it.
3. Don’t buy too many toys at first. Start with a few different types of toys – plush, squeakers, balls, etc., – and wait to see what becomes his favorite.
4. Arrange a dog bed or pile of blankets somewhere near to but not in the middle of where your family hangs out. Your dog may need a quiet retreat if he gets overwhelmed.
5. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a comprehensive exam and to stock up on any medications or supplies that you might need.
6. If possible, bring your new pup home on a Friday so that you have a full weekend to spend time together. Use that time to help him adjust to his new surroundings, to work on potty training or crate training, and to play together.
7. When you first arrive home, lead your new pup around the house on a leash. Allow him to sniff and explore. If he seems relaxed, drop the leash and allow him to explore on his own. Before you unclip the leash, take him out to go to the bathroom (while showering him with praise and treats, of course).
8. If your dog has an accident in the house, don’t scold or “correct” him. It’s bound to happen. Just make a note of when and where, and be more diligent about taking him out. It’s your responsibility to help him succeed.
9. Sign up for a training class (after your vet gives the okay). Even if you’re a great trainer and even if he already knows a handful of commands, it’s a great way to establish a trusting bond with your new dog.
10. Most importantly, practice patience! Your pup may take a while to adjust to his new house, new routines, and new family. He may not want to snuggle or get belly rubs at first. Be patient. Before you know it, you’ll have a happy, healthy, well-adjusted new best friend!

Image: henrycountyhumanesociety

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Garbageman? Try Garbagedog! An environmentally-responsible dog owner in the UK trained his dog, Lucky, to collect trash in their local parks. If he locates glass, though, instead of trying to pick up potentially dangerous shards, Lucky barks twice to alert his owner. Not only does Lucky pick up the garbage he finds, he also tosses it in the nearest trash can.

Lucky’s owner William Keating said in an online interview, “I don’t understand why people throw litter away because if a dog can put it into a bin then so can they.”

Click here for a gallery of photos showing Lucky on the job in a local park.

Try it with your dog! Teach your dog “take it” or “pick up” with his favorite toy.

• Offer him the toy while you say “take it.”
• When he mouths the toy, immediately praise him (or click if your dog is clicker-trained) and give him a treat. Repeat for a few minutes.
• After a handful of successful repetitions, place the toy on the floor in front of your dog. Point at the toy and repeat the “take it” command. If he picks it up, immediately praise (or click) and give him a treat.
• When he’s successfully picking up his favorite toy, try increasing the distance between your dog and his toy – or, maintain a short distance, but replace the toy with a less desirable object.
• Practice a little bit each day, slowly increasing the distance and the variety of objects. However, during each session only increase the difficulty by one notch – for example, move his favorite toy a foot away from your dog, or switch the toy for a less-interesting one, but keep it right in front of him.
• Training tip: Only train for three to five minutes at a time and no more than three times per day. Otherwise your dog may get bored or frustrated.

Once he’s mastered “take it,” incorporate the “drop it” command by exchanging the toy for a treat. Just like teaching “take it,” increase the distance incrementally, and slowly work toward your dog dropping the object into a trash can. And remember: Just because he’ll put his favorite toy in a can at home, doesn’t mean he’ll go straight to the park and perform the same behaviors. Work up to that slowly with a lot of patience.

Image: Muffet

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Guess which states still allow the brutal devocalization of pets? Nearly all of them.

Devocalization, commonly called debarking in dogs, is a surgical procedure that involves removing tissue from an animal’s vocal cords, thus reducing the animal’s ability to vocalize. The surgery not only steals the animal’s ability to communicate, but it also poses numerous health risks, including the possibility that scar tissue will block the animal’s throat, and can cause significant pain.

The United Kingdom and Denmark outlawed the procedure, but almost every state in the United States allows it. In California, state legislation makes it illegal for landlords to require devocalization (and declawing) as part of their tenant agreement – though the state doesn’t outlaw the procedure. And while New Jersey has a vocalization ban, the state allows numerous exceptions, so the law is unenforceable as is. Perhaps most bizarre of them all, in Ohio, debarking is legal in dogs – except dogs that are deemed vicious.

But earlier this year, Massachusetts passed a state law banning devocalization procedures from being performed on cats and dogs. Massachusetts’ law is the only effective statewide ban of the procedure.

Opponents to the legislation claim that it will increase the number of pets turned into shelters; however, the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy found that excessive vocalization is not one of the top 10 reasons pets are relinquished to shelters.

Unbelievably, other opponents fear that banning devocalization will open up the possibility that other surgeries like ear cropping and tail docking also will be banned. Like devocalization, ear cropping and tail docking surgeries are considered mutilation and are banned in several European countries.

Communication is vital to dogs and cats. Through barking and meowing, they transmit moods like happiness and fear. They vocalize in alarm and in defense. And when dogs and cats socialize, they use their voices to communicate with one another. While this surgery is physically debilitating, it also causes social handicaps and can even endanger a pet’s life.

This inhumane, brutal surgery is designed for the convenience of owners too lazy to provide behavioral support to their pets. Massachusetts’ law should encourage other states to enact similar legislation to protect our dogs and cats from an unnecessary convenience surgery.

Urge pet owners to consult with a veterinarian or to attend sessions with a reputable trainer to address the underlying problem causing the barking. To hear personal stories from pet owners who rescued dogs who were debarked, watch this five-minute-long video, Faces of Devocalization. Most importantly, write to your state legislators and urge them to ban devocalization procedures.

Images: goodrob13, Marcin Wichary

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Grooming our cats and dogs is a necessary evil. Necessary because our pets are great at getting dirty; evil because a typical bath wastes a lot of water, uses chemical-laden products, and it can be painful for our furry friends.

But it doesn’t have to be so bad! Follow these simple steps for pet-safe – and hopefully pet-happy – grooming experience.

To Groom a Dog

Never underestimate the power of treats! Most dogs will tolerate a bath, but even those dogs who hate it can do much better with a constant supply of his favorite snacks. (My dog Lucas, who is terrified of water, will only take a bath for a slice of American cheese.)

Determine the best location for your dog’s bath. For small dogs, the kitchen sink is the perfect spot. On a nice day, you can leash up your dog and bathe him with a hose outside. For large dogs willing to get in the bathtub, a shower attachment works wonders at controlling water flow while rinsing all his hard-to-reach places.

Start the grooming process by brushing your dog. Check for fleas or hot spots, and spend extra time removing any tangles from a long-haired dog. Use a pet-safe, eco-friendly product like Molly Mutt Clean. Never use your own bath products on your dog; they’re not formulated for a dog’s skin and can cause irritation.

Thoroughly wet your dog, avoiding his face. Work the shampoo through his coat. Some medicated shampoos need to sit for a few minutes – this is where the treats come in handy!

Rinse the shampoo. If you use a conditioner, smooth it through his coat. While the conditioner is working – or after rinsing the shampoo if you don’t use conditioner – wet a washcloth to wash your dog’s face. If necessary, use a small dab of shampoo, then re-wet the washcloth to remove the suds. Leaving product behind can cause dry, itchy skin, so rinse your dog thoroughly one last time. Towel-dry your dog, then brush his coat again.

Hint: Most dogs hate having water in their ears. To prevent a freak-out, try putting cotton balls in your dog’s ears to keep the insides dry.

To Groom a Cat

Follow all the same steps as above, just be sure to use shampoo formulated for cats. Oh, and bathe your kitty in a room with a door that closes!

Images: minicooper93402, spakattacks

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Who can resist a pug in a parka? Or a borzoi in booties? While dressing your pooch in trendy apparel can be fun and awe-inspiring, it can cost a small fortune. But dressing your dog in designer duds doesn’t have to impact your bottom line – or the environment. Just check out these Etsy retailers for some recycled styles that will fit your dog and your budget.

Recycling Zychal

Designer Taryn Zychal repurposes broken umbrellas and turns them into waterproof doggy coats. These jackets come in a range of colors, styles, and linings. But the best part? Instead of Velcro strips that can get caught in fur or stuck to leashes and collars, these jackets have a button enclosure with a separate slip for a leash to feed through. Genius!

Carbon Pawprint Designs

This shop creates a range of puppy apparel out of 100 percent organic cotton. Choose a t-shirt, tank top, or bandana in the size appropriate for your pet. They have a handful of designs to peruse – from the breast cancer ribbon to an ironic squirrel, you can find the design that suits your dog’s personality.

ModDog Canada

North-of-the-border retailer ModDog offers trendy, hippie-inspired apparel and collars handmade in their studio. They offer several recycled t-shirts – restructured from children’s apparel – that are sized for small dogs.

TreeParlor

Dedicated to medium and large breeds, TreeParlor’s apparel is designed for both your dog’s comfort and your convenience. Made from soft, stretchy 100 percent cotton recycled t-shirts, these machine-washable doggy jackets have a secret weapon – pockets! Conveniently stash your house key, cell phone, or poop bags when you’re out for a walk.

GalacticThreads

And for those of you who are up for the challenge of putting a t-shirt on your cat – or a tiny dog – GalacticThreads reconstructs old clothing into itty-bitty pet apparel.

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