Upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea are common concerns for dog owners. Learn how to safely care for your dog's tummy and determine if a trip to the vet is necessary.
5 DIY Recycled Jean Dog Coat Free Sewing Patterns & Tutorials
Dog body language can be confusing. But if you know the signs and signals to look for, it can make it easier to communicate with and understand your canine.
5 DIY Recycled Jean Dog Coat Free Sewing Patterns & Tutorials
Discover the different causes of skin irritation with dogs and natural remedies for dog skin allergies. Visit the Canna-Pet site today to learn more!
5 DIY Recycled Jean Dog Coat Free Sewing Patterns & Tutorials
There are many ways to use coconut oil for pets to improve health and soften their coats. Most animal love coconut oil so it's easy to add it to their diet.
Discover the different causes of skin irritation with dogs and natural remedies for dog skin allergies. Visit the Canna-Pet site today to learn more!
Looking to begin a career in veterinary medicine as an assistant? We're here to help you in achieving this goal with our newest 6 page study guide, which provides the most comprehensive information on properly treating pets in a medical setting. Discussions of various veterinary terms and procedures, as well as useful guidelines and rules, are included within each page; additional information is broken down into full-color images, charts, and graphs for easy reference.
Hey friends! Today I thought I'd share what I use on our black labs to keep them smelling fresh, and make their coats super shiny and soft. Funny thing is I get a lot of questions and comments about Bentley in particular in regard to how I get his coat so shiny. Short answer...I bathe him.
Itchy dog? You're not alone. Allergies and skin disease are the most common reason dogs see the vet. But regular bathing and these natural solutions might help keep your dog out of the clinic.
Does your dog have itchy, gunky, smelly or even painful ears that don't seem to get better? You're not alone. Dog ear infections are one of the main reasons people take their dogs to the vet. But there are safe and effective natural remedies for dog ear infection treatment. Here's how to manage dog ear infections. What Are The Symptoms Of Ear infection In Dogs? Ear infections can be painful or itchy, so here are some common signs you'll know something is wrong with your dog's ears. Head tilting towards the side with the infectionHead shakingScratching or pawing at earsRubbing earsHot earsSmelly earsWaxy dischargeCrusty, scabby or red, irritated skin inside the ear flap In severe cases your dog may experience ... Hearing lossLoss of balanceWalking in circlesDry eye, nystagmus (quick side to side eye movements)Drooping of eyelids or mouth, droolingDropping food, difficulty eating or drinking If you see any of these serious symptoms, you need to see your vet. But you can manage less severe ear infections at home. To get to the point, here's what to do if your dog has an ear infection now. But you'll want to read the rest of the post later so you understand more about types and causes of ear infections and how to prevent them in the first place. How To Tell What Type Of Ear Infection Your Dog Has Before you think about dog ear infection treatment, you need to know about the different types of ear infections. They can be in 3 different parts of your dogs' ear. Otitis externaInflammation or infection of the external part of your dog's ear (the parts you can see). Otitis mediaThis is inflammation or infection of the middle ear parts. In about a sixth of dogs with otitis external, the infection can spread into otitis media. This is a problem in more than half of dogs who have chronic otitis externa. It can also mean a foreign object (like a foxtail) has penetrated the ear drum. Otitis internaThis is inflammation or infection of the inner ear. Unresolved otitis media can spread to become otitis interna. It can lead to loss of balance and deafness. Home Remedies For Dog Ear Infection You can manage dog ear infection treatment at home with safe and effective remedies. In fact, it's best to avoid veterinary treatments for ear infections. Here's why ... The common dog ear infection treatment options from your vet include antibiotics, steroids, and topical medication. These medicines may help clear up your dog's ears at first … but the problem often returns later. That's because drugs only treat the symptoms you can see. They don't address the underlying condition that's causing the symptoms. And they can have negative side effects. Antibiotics can disrupt the bacterial balance in your dog's gut, which can lead to more health issues due to bacteria or yeast that grow out of control. Steroids work by suppressing the immune system and can cause harmful side effects. So avoid them as a dog ear infection treatment if you can. Discharge and inflammation in the ears is a sign the body's trying to remove toxins absorbed through food, medications and her environment. That's a good thing! Your dog's body is working to heal itself by getting rid of harmful substances. When you close off that exit route by using suppressive treatments, it can drive the disease deeper. It'll come back somewhere else. And that means your dog will get sicker … often with a more serious disease. So, finding the cause of your dog's ear problems is the key to ridding her of them once and for all. Fortunately, there are ways you can do this at home. How To Treat A Dog Ear Infection Without Vet Help First, a word about topical dog ear infection treatment. As you'll see later, over-cleaning your dog's ears can lead to ear infections. So it's best not to put anything in your dog's ears ... even if she has an ear infection. If that happens, you know it's a sign of deeper issues so getting to the root of the problem is key. But sometimes ear infections are just too uncomfortable for your dog and you need get her comfortable while you work on the root cause. Topical ReliefThese are some soothing remedies you can use to provide relief. They'll soothe the itching and discomfort. Then there are other steps to follow if you want to control your dog's ear infections long-term. Green TeaBoil 8 oz of water and add two green tea bags. Let the tea steep for a few minutes and cool to lukewarm temperature. Sponge or syringe some of the solution into the ear canal. Calendula TinctureCalendula can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It also has antimicrobial properties to help prevent infection. To use calendula, buy herbal calendula in tincture form.Add 5 to 10 drops of calendula tincture to 1 cup of lukewarm filtered water. Then use a dropper or sponge to place some into the ears. Grapefruit Seed ExtractGrapefruit seed extract (GSE) is a powerful natural antioxidant. It's also antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. To use it topically, mix 10 drops of GSE with ½ oz of pure aloe vera juice. Use it to clean the ears. To use it internally, add 3 to 5 drops of GSE to your dog's food. Oil Of OreganoOil of oregano is a natural antibiotic. To use if for your dog's ear infections, add one drop to ½ oz of warm pure aloe vera juice. Clean the visible parts of the ear with a cotton ball soaked in the mixture. Apple Cider VinegarApple cider vinegar can help reduce the itch and discomfort of an ear infection. Mix 1 part vinegar and 1 part filtered or spring water. Clean the visible parts of the ear with a cotton ball soaked in the mixture. Make sure you get the liquid into the ear canal by holding your dog's ear still. You can pour or squirt the liquid (at least one dropper full each time) into the ear canal. Then massage gently below the ear. Mullein DropsHerbalist and holistic veterinarian Randy Kidd DVM PhD recommends a mullein mix that works for most ear infections. You can make your own or buy one at health food stores. HerbPharm offers a good mullein-garlic oil of dog ear infection treatment. To make your own mullein drops, loosely fill a glass jar with mullein leaves and flowers and cover with olive oil. For increased antibiotic effectiveness, you can add a clove or two of garlic per pint of oil. Let the mixture sit for 2 to 3 weeks. Strain and apply several drops of the warmed oil into the ear canal daily Homeopathic Remedies For Dog Ear Infections You can use homeopathic remedies to treat a dog ear infection. Choose the remedy below that best matches your dog's symptoms. Use a 30C potency. Belladonna – Use Belladonna when the ears are very hot and inflamed. Your dog may be impatient and irritable. Pulsatilla – This remedy is helpful for acute flare-ups. Often with sensitivity and redness, along with a yellowish discharge. Pulsatilla animals like to sit near open windows, hate getting their paws wet and won't go out in the rain. They also tend to have a very sweet (and often needy) disposition. Hepar Sulphuris – Hepar sulph is useful for irritable animals who don't like to have their inflamed ears touched. If your dog has chronic, recurring ear issues, it's best to get help from a professional homeopath. They'll do a complete analysis of your dog, then prescribe the appropriate remedy for all her symptoms. This approach will help get to the underlying cause of your dog's ear problems. You can find a homeopathic vet at theavh.org. Most will do phone consults so they don't have to be local. Now that you know how to handle an acute ear infection in your dog, it's a good idea to keep reading, so you can prevent your dog from getting ear infections in future. What Causes Ear Infections In Dogs? These are some of the most common types of ear issues for dogs. Yeast OvergrowthYeast exists naturally in healthy ears, but can get out of balance causing a yeast infection. If your dog's ears are yeasty-smelling with a dark brown discharge, it's often yeast overgrowth. Yeasty ears may be itchy but are usually not painful. For dog ear yeast infection treatment options, visit: How to manage dog ear yeast ear infections ... Bacterial InfectionYour dog can also get bacterial infections in her ear. You may notice a bad-smelling yellow or greenish discharge. Foreign BodiesYour dog can pick up grass seeds or foxtails, a bug, water from swimming, dirt in her ears or even Iicks, maggots, and bee or wasp stings. You may see her shaking her head ... but debris in the ears can cause irritation, bacteria or yeast overgrowth. Aural HematomaIf your dog shakes her head or scratches it too hard, she can cause an aural hematoma. It's when a pool of blood forms between the skin and the ear flap cartilage. Most vets will recommend surgery ... but don't rush into it! There are gentler treatment options. Ear MitesEar mites are a parasite infection that's a type of mange Dogs with ear mites will often shake their heads and scratch their ears. They're common in young dogs and very contagious, so you'll want to treat them fast. You can usually identify mites by the “coffee-ground” discharge they leave in the ear. The outer ear may also have reddish crustiness. But an ear infection is rarely just an ear infection. Like other skin conditions, ear infections are often a symptom of an deeper problem. Preventing Ear Infections These are some things you can change to help prevent your dog's ear infections. These are very important changes to make if your dog gets recurring or chronic ear infections. DietDiet is a huge factor, especially if your dog eats kibble, which is high in carbohydrates and synthetic ingredients. Starchy foods feed the natural yeast in your dog's body so it grows out of balance. It's always important to feed your dog a fresh, raw and organic diet if you can. SupplementsIf you give your dog supplements, choose natural food-based products without fillers or additives. The most important supplement you can give to help support your dog's overall health is pre and probiotics. Minimize Pharmaceuticals And Other ChemicalsDogs who live a more natural lifestyle are less likely to develop ear infections. Try to minimize exposure to chemicals in your dog's environment, indoors and outside. Vaccines, antibiotics and other medications, and chemical pest preventives all harm your dog's gut health and disrupt her immune system. Make sure you only give the vaccines your dog really needs to protect her. Use natural alternatives to antibiotics and other medications when you can, and use natural pest prevention to keep the bugs off your dog. You can also reduce toxins by minimizing chemicals at home and in your yard. Choose natural shampoos to bathe your dog, avoid toxic cleaning products in your home, including your own body cosmetics and other products with artificial fragrances. Immune SupportIf your dog has chronic ear infections, a food allergy or intolerance, or environmental allergies, her immune system needs support. You’ll need to get to the bottom of your dog’s allergies to resolve her ear issues. There are many ways to help manage your dog’s allergies but, like ear infections, you need to find the root cause. Gut health is the foundation of immune health. Manage Gut HealthEars are a window to your dog's digestive health. When something is wrong with your dog's ears, it means her immune system needs help. About 90% of your dog's immune system lives in her gut … so gut health leads to overall health. One problem you'll want to rule out is leaky gut. Many dogs with frequent ear infections have leaky gut. Toxins and bad bacteria in the body harm the cells that line your dog's gut. This lets unwanted food particles, bacteria and toxins into the bloodstream, which can lead to many chronic health problems. Excessive Ear CleaningHealthy ears shouldn't need cleaning. A little wax in the ears is normal so it's better to leave them alone unless your dog is uncomfortable. Over-cleaning disrupts the delicate balance of bacteria in the ear and can lead to skin irritation and inflammation. It's especially important to avoid using a medicated or veterinary cleaning solution. If you do need to clean your dog's ears, wipe them out with a little organic witch hazel on a cotton ball. Never use anything smaller than your finger inside your dog's ear (don't use a cotton swab or you'll risk damaging the ear canal). Other Chronic DiseaseA chronic medical condition like hypothyroidism or autoimmune disease can also contribute to ear infections. You'll want to work with your holistic vet to manage these problems. Are Some Dog Breeds More Susceptible To Ear Infections? Any dog can get ear infections, but they're more common in floppy eared dogs. These dogs' ears create a cozy environment for bacteria. Some dogs like Poodles get them because dense hair traps moisture in the ear canal. Cocker Spaniels have more secretory glands than other dogs. And ear conformation in breeds like Shar-peis is also a factor. Long-Term Approach To Ear Infections In Dogs If your dog has frequent ear infections, follow the prevention steps above and make food and lifestyle changes that'll help you get rid of the problem. You may want to work with your holistic vet to find the best approach for your dog. How can I treat my dogs ear infection at home?You can easily manage ear infections like otitis externa with natural ear infection remedies including mullein drops, green tea, apple cider vinegar and calendula. For deeper ear issues (otitis media and interna), you may need to ask your holistic vet if you're not sure which type of infection your dog has.Will dog ear infection go away on its own?Otitis externa can progress to otitis media, and in some cases, that could develop into otitis interna. So it's important to deal with ear infections promptly before they become more serious. In severe cases, your dog could develop facial paralysis, deafness, or symptoms of vestibular disease. You'll need to be patient with the healing process when you're dealing with chronic ear issues in your dog. As your dog releases toxins through her ears, remember that this is an important part of healing. The ears are one way your dog's own healing power gets rid of toxins. You don't want to suppress that process. Any drug or herb that can stop symptoms fast is likely to suppress them. This drives them deeper into the body where they can cause more serious issues later. The recommendations above will give you some natural tools to manage both acute and chronic ear infections in your dog.
5 DIY Recycled Jean Dog Coat Free Sewing Patterns & Tutorials
Discover the different causes of skin irritation with dogs and natural remedies for dog skin allergies. Visit the Canna-Pet site today to learn more!
Food Alergies In Dogs 😦💥💥💥
Upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea are common concerns for dog owners. Learn how to safely care for your dog's tummy and determine if a trip to the vet is necessary.
If you have fur friends and want to take them out hiking during this SIP. If you are so inclined there are many great resources for you to make it yourself! I have shared many dog gift sewing patterns that’s just as unique as your furry friend, the Fabric Dog Harness Free Sewing Patterns are one of the […]
Make a DIY Dog T-Shirt from a onesie!
Hi dog lover,. “The secret to making your dog’s problem behaviors disappear” is published by Bella holland.
Mange in dogs is a fairly common condition. It's not typically something to worry about it, but you do need to treat it as soon as possible. Dog mange home remedies can be effective, but it's best to seek veterinary care if you haven't dealt with this issue before. The symptoms of mange vary, as do the treatments.
Boquete Ning is a social network
The concept of animal aromatherapy is something that is relatively new. But it is slowly gaining attention from pet owners who want only the safest approach in treatment for their pets. In fact, essen
It can be very frustrating when your beloved pooch takes to peeing in your home. Although it can cause unwanted smells and damage to your house, try to remain patient with your pet and give
Discover the different causes of skin irritation with dogs and natural remedies for dog skin allergies. Visit the Canna-Pet site today to learn more!
One time somebody wrote on my Facebook wall “You talk about cats too much. They are so ugly!!!!” and then I got offended and cyber stalked them until I realized they were a dog person. And a Cardinals fan. And she plays way too much Candy Crush. And even though she said my fur baby...Read More
What is a Cherry Eye in dogs. Find out what to do if your dog develops a Cherry Eye, and how to properly care for your dog and its eye
Hot spots are a common skin ailment in dogs. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, hot spots typically appear as moist, oozing, reddened areas (of any shape) that can be quite painful and itchy (1). There are many reasons dogs can be affected by hot spots, including a flea-bite […]
Don't let your dog be in pain! Check out our guide to looking for the signs your dog is in pain and find out what you can give your dog for pain relief.
I’ve seen a few different solutions for securing your litter box in the garage, but this is the nicest yet! The new Pet Outhouse is a stylish enclosure that contains the litter box safely in the garage, allowing your cat to access...
To some dogs (especially breeds built for cold weather), there’s nothing more exciting than a romp around a snowy yard after a winter storm. But icy conditions of the yard or cold pavements can be damaging a pet’s paws. The national breed club for the Newfoundland, a large breed built for wintery work, shared a […]
