Is your dog or cat suffering from the following:

• Allergies
• Hotspots
• Ear Infections
• Ear Mites
• Worms or Parasites
• Fleas or Ticks
• Itching, scratching, biting at skin or constantly licking skin or paws
  
• Or other illnesses

There are natural holistic remedies and treatments that can get to the root cause of your pet’s illness, whether it is allergies, ticks, fleas, etc. and not just treat the symptoms (like medications do).

By using natural herbal and homeopathic remedies and treatments you don’t have to worry about nasty side effects.  Natural treatments support the overall health of your pet and help them achieve optimal wellness.

For more information on all non-toxic, safe, natural holistic herbal and homeopathic remedies and treatments for dog or cats with allergies and herbal and homeopathic remedies and treatments to cleanse, detox and build your dog or cat’s system naturally, please visit the following:

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All natural holistic herbal and homeopathic remedies and treatments for dogs and cats!

Get free information and tips on natural holistic dog and cat health care

Received information on natural remedies, treatments and tips on using an all natural approach to dog and cat care.

by Stacey Y.

The article by the Daily Mail Reporter,  ‘Living with humans has taught dogs morals, say scientists,’ talks about something every pet owner knows that has a connection to their dog – dog’s are intelligent, have a conscience and can communicate with us.  Scientist seemed to be surprised by this, I’m not.

In studies done by Dr. Peter Pongracz of Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest; he and his colleagues have produced evidence that dog barks contain information that people can understand.  Yeah doc, we already figured this out…

Quoted from the article:

They found even people who have never owned a dog can recognise the emotional ‘meaning’ of barks produced in various situations, such as when playing, left alone and confronted by a stranger.

I have 3 dogs and I quickly became familiar with the language of ‘dog speak.’  I can hear the difference in their barks and innately know what each means.  For instance, I know when my best friend is standing outside my house because Bow, my male Lhasa Apso, barks excitedly to alert me to her presence.  I also know when someone unfamiliar to him enters my gate by his distinctive ‘warning’ bark.  Just as children have squabbles, I can tell when Bow wants something and my youngest dog, Basha doesn’t want to share with him, by yet another distinctive bark.

Guinness demonstrates dog genius

In a fascinating program called ‘Dog Genius,’ aired on the National Geographic Channel; Border Collie Guinness undergoes a computerized touch screen study.  In this study he is able to choose between correct and incorrect images; when he touches his nose to the screen of the correct image, he gets a treat.  Conversely, if makes the incorrect choice, the screen turns red and he receives no treat.  More amazingly, as the test progresses in difficulty, Guinness demonstrates that he can make choices through the process of elimination.

The program also showed the case of Sue and her dog Mabel.  It seems that Mabel knows when Sue is on her way home.  Minutes before Sue’s arrival, Mabel sits at the door waiting for Sue.  The scientists attribute this to several factors, including the superior hearing of dogs.  They learn and memorize the unique cadence of our footsteps and take other clues from the environment that they then associate with our arrival.

I have experienced this first hand with my female Schnauzer, Buttons.  She seems to always know when I am returning home - way before I get into the house.  Bow and Buttons might be communicating with each other - his favorite spot is the front room window and maybe from his reaction, Buttons knows that ‘mommy’ has been spotted.  Or maybe she hears my distinct waking pattern or the jingle of my keys — it could be all of this.  I just know that when I get within a certain distant from the house, Buttons starts the ‘mommy is home’ wail; I hear her before she sees me.  I swear that dog can smell me coming home a mile away (and maybe she does!)

For me, it really doesn’t matter what can or can’t be proved or measured scientifically.  I know how my dogs feel and what they are communicating.

Yes, maybe I am just one of those crazy dog people; I actually talk to my dogs.  My communication with them is beyond the simple commands of ‘sit’ and ‘stay.’  For instance, when we go in the backyard, if I forget to put the doggy gate in front of the backyard door and Bow hears someone enter the house, he pushes open the door to get inside.  Once inside, he can’t open the door to get back out to the yard.  I hear his distinctive (‘I’m stuck in the hallway, let me out’) bark and will tell Buttons to go open the door for Bow.  She trots over to the backyard door and pushes it open with her paw so that Bow can rejoin us outside.

Another example is when Buttons brings her toys outside to the yard.  When I am ready to go back inside, after playing with the other dogs, Buttons often forgets her toy and has left it lying about somewhere in the yard.  I tell her to go get her toy and bring it back inside.  She then searches around the yard, finds the item and brings it back inside.  My motto is, ‘you brought it out and you bring it back in.’

Is this intelligence or is it merely training?  Actually to me it doesn’t matter.  I got tired of picking up doggy toys that got left behind in the yard, now it’s her job.  Maybe I take my dogs’ intelligence for granted; I know they’re smart.  But if they really want to impress me, they can start by balancing my checkbook.

Pets a ‘Wasteful Economic Category?’

By Stacey Y.

I just read the article written by Rutgers Sociologist, Lionel Tiger, “Doting On Animals In Hard Times - Why pet owners don’t feed their beloved creatures generic brands.”

Okay, let me take a deep breath and calm down…

Quoted from his article:

‘Now, when markets drip tears and For Rent signs appear over products in shops that were once For Sale, people still spend almost as much resources, time and energy as ever on a completely wasteful economic category: pets.”

Lord Jesus, Help Me!

I admit, I am not an Economist or an expert by any means.  I am a humble pet owner of 3 rescued dogs.  I also understand that there are clearly people who are not pet people or even people, people.  Things have to add up, make sense and I guess that is why we have Economists (yet our economy is screwed up even with the expert advice of these Economists).   I am probably irrational in their very logical view - I did not obtain my pets for protection (so they do not have a job), nor do I not look at them as property.

I wanted a dog; a companion and friend.  Now don’t get me wrong, I have friends and companions, but there is truly something special, even spiritual about a connection to a pet that no Economist can measure.  Thank God, I have that special, spiritual connection - for it enriches my life every day in ways that money can’t buy.

A little while ago, I posted a poll at Squidoo.com/dogfoodhut, that asks the question; ‘In the light of today’s economy, would you ever give up your pet(s)?‘  So far the answer has been NO; I guess there are other irrational individuals out there too.

I am living with extremely limited finances and there are days when ‘mama’ eats a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but I make sure that my dogs get the very best in nutrition.  I have learned the hard way, that cheap (generic or  bargain) foods are a quick formula for a sick pet.  Now, when weighing the cost of Vet bills against the cost of buying high quality pet foods that help maintain the optimum health of my pets — um, I rather pay the price to know they will be healthy.

Many pet owners realize this and have thanked me for the info provided in my blog at dogfoodhut.com, ‘Top Ways to Pick the Best Pet Food Brand.’

When I got my first dog, Buttons, I was a new pet owner.  I trotted down to Petland and consulted with the salesperson and got the very best food they had to offer.  Soon after, Buttons developed hot spots all over.  She itched and scratched and looked miserable.  I took her to Vet after Vet, whose treatments included cortisone shots, ointments and medications.  I spent a lot of money on treatments that weren’t guaranteed and expensive medications.  Buttons’ condition didn’t improve one bit.  At one point, she was suffering so much, that I even briefly considered putting her down if only to relieve her suffering.  I was at my wits end!

I just knew there had to be another answer and thankfully I researched and found that her condition was treatable, even curable.  I pumped that dog full of herbal preparations, cleansed her system and changed her diet; which included eliminating chicken (her major allergen).

Now why would I waste my time and energy on a completely wasteful economic category such as pets…because I LOVE my pets.  They are not a possession, like a flat screen t.v. or microwave.  They are not disposable, like a newspaper.  They are not replaceable, like a plant that dies and you go out and get a new one.  Each of my furry babies is special, each has there own unique personality and each one gives me a window into things immeasurable like; unconditional love, affection, presence and forgiveness.

No, thankfully I am not a rational human being.  I am a being, that interacts and cares for other beings and realizes that money, value or worth is not how life is gauged.  Maybe if we all adopted this purely irrational ideal, things would be a lot better for all.

by Stacey Y.

There are so many stories of pet owners forced into foreclosure, leaving their pets behind.  In addition, as people face greater financial struggles, many pet owners have to make the hard decision about giving up their pets.

What would you do?

Please take a moment to participant in a poll regarding pets and the economy

Would you give up your pets

How do you feel about this topic? Please let us know!

Ever wonder if you are feeding your dog the best dog food?  Or how nutritious the dog food brand is that your are feeding your pet?  Take this test to see how your dog food brand ranks.

Start with a grade of 100

1. For every listing of “by-product”, subtract 10 points
2. For every non-specific animal source (”meat” or “poultry”, meat, meal or fat) reference, subtract 10 points
3. If the food contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, subtract 10 points
4. For every grain “mill run” or non-specific grain source, subtract 5 points
5. If the same grain ingredient is used 2 or more times in the first five ingredients (i.e. “ground brown rice”, “brewer’s rice”, “rice flour” are all the same grain), subtract 5 points
6. If the protein sources are not meat meal and there are less than 2 meats in the top 3 ingredients, subtract 3 points
7. If it contains any artificial colorants, subtract 3 points
8. If it contains ground corn or whole grain corn, subtract 3 points
9. If corn is listed in the top 5 ingredients, subtract 2 more points
10. If the food contains any animal fat other than fish oil, subtract 2 points
11. If lamb is the only animal protein source (unless your dog is allergic to other protein sources), subtract 2 points
12. If it contains soy or soybeans, subtract 2 points
13. If it contains wheat (unless you know that your dog isn’t allergic to wheat), subtract 2 points
14. If it contains beef (unless you know that your dog isn’t allergic to beef), subtract 1 point
15. If it contains salt, subtract 1 point

Extra Credit:

1. If any of the meat sources are organic, add 5 points
2. If the food is endorsed by any major breed group or nutritionist, add 5 points
3. If the food is baked not extruded, add 5 points
4. If the food contains probiotics, add 3 points
5. If the food contains fruit, add 3 points
6. If the food contains vegetables (NOT corn or other grains), add 3 points
7. If the animal sources are hormone-free and antibiotic-free, add 2 points
8. If the food contains barley, add 2 points
9. If the food contains flax seed oil (not just the seeds), add 2 points
10. If the food contains oats or oatmeal, add 1 point
11. If the food contains sunflower oil, add 1 point
12. For every different specific animal protein source (other than the first one; count “chicken” and “chicken meal” as only one protein source, but “chicken” and “” as 2 different sources), add 1 point
13. If it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, add 1 point
14. If the vegetables have been tested for pesticides and are pesticide-free, add 1 point

Here is the scoring chart

94-100+ = A

86-93 = B

78-85 = C

70-77 = D

69 = F

If you dog food brand ranked C or less or looking to combat dog allergies, a rotational diet or special nutritional needs, we recommend the following dog food brands, by Orijen, Nature’s Variety Instinct.

How did you dog food rank?  Let us know how your dog food ranked by leaving a comment.

Fido’s poo has a new home.

Dog Waste Compost Lid

I have 3 doggies and there are times when I feel like I am up-to-my-neck in doggie poo poo. At the rear of my backyard, I have a little plastic garbage container lined with a plastic bag and a handy, dandy pooper scooper that helps keep my yard clear of the daily doggy presents.

There are a couple of products on the web that compost dog feces. I have never tried any of these products but the idea is eco-friendly.

Free Way to Make Your Own Pet Waste Disposal Compost Unit

Here is a way to make your own pet waste compost bin, but this is not for the squeamish:

1. Use and old garbage can (my guess is metal is better but use what you have) and drill a dozen or so holes in the sides.   The size of the can will depend on how many dogs or cats you have.
2. Cut out and remove the bottom
3. Find an out-of-the-way area to dig a hole deep enough in the ground for the garbage can. Don’t dig near tree roots or they might grow into your container.
4. Put some rocks or gravel in the hole for drainage. Position the can a little higher than soil level so that you can put a lid on it (believe me you will need it!)
5. Test the drainage by adding water to your container to see if your contents will drain well. You don’t want to fill it up, only to discover that it is not draining properly and you have a bucket full of poo soup.
6. Decorate your lid and label it so everyone knows what it’s for.
7. When adding poop into the container sprinkle in septic starter (get from hardware stores) and add some water.
8. Wait about 48 hours for the septic tank starter to start breaking down the wastes.
9. Add a bucket of water once a week and a packet of septic starter once or twice a month. What you will be left with will be a liquid which most of which will wash into the soil (that is why it is important to test drainage before filling it up with dog waste). What remains is a humus which should only need to be collected once every two or three years.

Okay, sounds good but in the heat of the summer – I wonder what this wonderful pile of poo will smell like?

At the City Farmer you can read about other pet owner’s experiences with composting pet waste. Search for the topic under, dog waste composter.

The CDC has information on the diseases that dogs and cats carry:

http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/animals/dogs.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/animals/cats.htm

Pet Waste Disposal Tips

Here are some tips on waste disposal and composting:

• NEVER compost pure animal waste in your garden, lawn or in your food waste compost bin. Even the high temperatures that compost bins can reach may not be enough to kill off pathogens and parasites contained in animal waste.
• Do not flush kitty litter – it can clog pipes. Flush only feces.
• Even if you use a more eco-friendly biodegradable pet litter that contains corn, pine, or newspaper, the pet waste still poses a threat to health. While the litter may break down over time, the pet feces will linger and pose a health threat from pathogens and parasites.
• If you don’t want to compost pet waste - use biodegradable pet waste bags.
• Teach your kitty how to use the toilet – yes it can be done. But what happens if Mr. Kitty is using the john and you have to go?

So to compost or not to compost, that is the question. Tell us your thoughts about the subject.

I love my dogs but hate the hair on my Couch!

Okay, I know I could simply get them to stay off the couch, but they are running things and it ain’t gonna happen. Other than completely shaving every hair off their furry little bodies or making them walk around in full body doggie attire (just kidding!), I am looking for pet friendly ways to pet hair removal.

Easy ways to remove pet hair

So here are some free tips on using things already around the house to help get the fur out:

• Use masking or duck tape – you have to wrap your hand in it and it will fill up fast, so you will use A LOT but it still works
• Sticky tape style lint brush – similar to using making tape or duck tape. Either way you are going to use a lot.
• Velour Lint brush – I like this option when cleaning the hair off my bed
• Rubber glove – get a bowl with water and a towel handy. Dip glove in water and dry off with towel, then start moving hand over upholstered furniture. As glove picks up hair, dip in water again to remove hair and dry off glove and get moving. I haven’t tried this one yet but I heard it works
• Vacuum with an upholstery attachment – kinda obvious still works
• Use fabric slip covers on your furniture - they look great and can be vacuumed off and when dirty tossed into the laundry.

Share your ideas and comments here!

Remember, that pet food brand bags usually contain paper layers and plastic layers that help keep food fresh and dry. You must separate the layers if you are going to recycle the bag, as they contain both plastic and paper products.

• Use to put garbage in – stinky garbage okay as the plastic layer will help to keep smell contained
• Use to collect weeds and leaves – becomes a free leaf bag when cleaning up your garden
• Shipping bags – turn inside out and use to ship items, like clothes, books, etc
• Shopping bags – clean thoroughly; cut strips from top of bag for handles. Fold strips in half and either hot glue or sew each strip lengthwise. Hot glue or sew strips to bag top. Voila!

Share your comments and ideas here!

]]> http://dogfoodhut.com/blog/reuse-pet-food-brand-bags/feed/ http://dogfoodhut.com/blog/reuse-pet-food-brand-bags/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DogFoodHut/~3/upx85DkRmcI/ http://dogfoodhut.com/blog/free-food-banks-pets-national/#comments Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:51:03 +0000 Stacey Y. http://dogfoodhut.com/blog/?p=129 Free Food Bank Locations For Pets

Are you struggling with the cost to feed your pet?  Are you considering giving up your cat or dog because you can’t afford to feed them? There are Free Pet Food Banks where you can go and get food for your beloved pet.  As many shelters are at maximum capacity, pet food banks are being provided in an effort to help pets stay in their homes.

Free Pet Food Bank

Below is a link to the FDA website listing the cat foods that have been recalled.

FDA Cat Food Recall List