Dogs

Coconut Oil for Dogs (and Their People)

Coconut oil, even coconut oil for dogs, has been wrongly accused by most health care professionals who tell us to stay away from coconut oil and place in the artery clogging, saturated fat category next to animal fat.

How misleading that information has been. We’ve had such an obsession with fat that we’ve gone low fat, no fat, non fat for long enough to find out, it’s screwing up our ability to run well lubricated healthy lives! It’s true for our dogs as well.

The technical reasons why there is a big difference between animal and coconut saturated fat are fat that comes from animals is a long chain triglyceride, and coconut oil is a medium chain triglyceride or MCT. Coconut oil does not turn to trans fatty acids when heated or eaten raw by the way.

The real amazing thing about medium chain fatty acids are the healing properties it exhibits in improving metabolism, thyroid function, promotes weight loss and boosts energy.

Coconut Oil For Dogs

So why do these coconut oil facts apply to dogs too?

Well, like people our dogs diet and exercise habits have suffered over the past few decades. The diet being a huge issue. Think about it, when was the last time your dog ate something real? How many days in a row has your dog eaten a processed to death, coated in preservatives for flavor and shelf life meal?

Hmmm, and we wonder why our dogs are also overweight, getting diabetes, and acquiring thyroid problems?

Bottom line, improve your dog’s health with coconut oil.

7 Reasons to Feed Your Dog Coconut Oil

  1. Coconut oil prevents and treats yeast infections, including candida. The number one reason dogs are itching scratching and licking: candida.
  2. Coconut oil improves overall skin health, and clears up skin conditions. Dogs get flea allergies, contact dermatitis, hot spots, and generally a need to itch from internal candida.
  3. Applied topically to the skin, coconut oil promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, bites, and stings.
  4. Coconut oil helps prevent diabetes by regulating and balancing insulin.
  5. Coconut oil promotes normal thyroid function.
  6. Coconut oil prevents infection.
  7. Coconut oil promotes weight reduction and increase energy, which promotes mobility in dogs with arthritis and other joint issues.

Feed your dog coconut oil every day. Start small. 1/2 teaspoon a day will do it. Start small dogs on 1/4 teaspoon per day.  Small dogs can work up to 1-2 teaspoons a day while larger dogs can go 3-4 teaspoons a day depending on the degree of health your dog started with and what you are treating.  Remember, something is better than nothing so a little dab a day is best if that is all you can do.

Looking for coconut oil ideas to add to your dogs diet?

Pumpkin Dog Food + Treats Recipes offers recipes which all include coconut oil. The added bonus in health benefits of pumpkin for a dog in each recipe too.

By the way, if this is resonating with you and your dog – you find yourself lacking support and tired of listening to the vet and or doctors suggest benadryl, antibiotics, or really bad dog food they get a kick back from selling/promoting – I just want you to know that I support you.

Subscribe to A Better Life Because of Your Dog and I’ll help however I can. If its healthy and it’s vibrant and brings joy I’d like more of that for you and for me and for our dogs.

Jt Clough practices health, happiness, natural remedies and training for dogs and their people.  Her uncanny way of communication with both dogs and people is healing and her training is effective physically and emotionally. She is has written the 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and Pumpkin Dog Food + Treats Recipes and is co-author of Treading for Dogs DVD

 

 

*Disclaimer:  I am not a medical professional – I just study, practice, read, live, breath natural remedies!  I’m not one to follow the normal which doesn’t seem to be working for most these days.  What you’ll read here is based on my research and experience and is not intended to diagnose or prescribe. Have fun, read as much as you can, do your own research and make smart choices for yourself!
Your Content

Gidget the Wonderdog

Our dogs. We love them. So very much. We tend to realize how much we love them even more when the realization “the end” is coming.

This week I received an note from my very good friend, my coach who helped me through multiple Ironmans, including getting to the World Championship in Kona, Hawaii (where I now live), and a business relationship at Multipsorts.com which rocks it out as far as the people and what they bring to the world of sport, Paula Newby Fraser.  The point is we have a lot of connections but the connection that people rarely get to share is this one.

Dogs and Emotions

The note was about something we share deep feelings for. Gidget. Gidget the Wonderdog.

I rescued Gidget back in 2001 from a shelter while I was at a dog training academy in Arizona. She came home to San Diego with me and I got to spend time with her as I brought her out of living in a fearful state.

When I got her she would duck and have worry cloud her big brown eyes as she looked up at me.  At that point she thought she was in trouble for every little thing she did, she was living like many who just don’t know how to get out of the way of fear; always trying to do the right thing but not sure of what it is that is good enough, afraid of making a wrong move without even meaning to.  Lack of confidence.

Her Life as Gidget the Wonderdog Had Begun

She ended up having the greatest life then and now.

I had great fun with Gidget.  Taught her tons of things to do, took her so many places.  She loves fetching.  She got to the point she would fetch anything I asked her to.  She was so proud of herself.  She played with other dogs, and had her place on the couch.  Gidget even slept right next to me in bed.  I feel emotion when I think of Gidget because she has a deep spot in my heart.

 Dog Whisperering

But being the dog whisperer type I am, the realization came that with 4 dogs in my pack and my work, a large home to take care of on my own, none of them were getting all the attention they deserved in the long run. Or I wanted to give them. The attention I would tell others that they need to be able to give to their dogs as companions…..

The realization at the time came around when my good friends Huddle and Paula were ready to have a dog, which had been a want for years, but difficult to commit to with triathlon and travel and running a rockin business.  Gidget was a perfect candidate. It was time for them to have a dog and Gidget would get to be the center of attention.

So off she went.  It was as sad day for me.  But it was one of those days that in the moment I knew I had done the right thing and as it turns out, Gidget truly became the Wonderdog and is having the greatest life ever.

 Living the Good Life One Moment at a Time

Gidget’s life:  Exercise galore, gets to go everywhere, no leash required.  The full attention of two who play with her, feed her good food, engage her, and touch so many other lives with her.  Gidget accompanies them to run on the track, to just ride around in the car, be the cool one in all the dogs who have come and gone and played on the greenbelt by her house.

She dives bushes to get her favorite toy.  It’s like a new best fun thing to do every time. She makes one smile every single time with her full on enthusiasm. Her full on joy of life.

She runs trails, goes cross country skiing, walks, plays, goes to dinners, beaches, friends houses.  Gidget’s such a Wonderdog she gets to go into public places and races and establishments most dogs aren’t allowed.  She behaves herself yet entertains and people from all walks of life are drawn to her.  If there is such a thing as a therapy dog whisperer, it’s Gidget.

She does it all, but mostly she gets to be with her people all the time, and yes indeed those people give her the star attention a dog like Gidget should get.

Walk Away From Deep Down Inside Fear

She was the dog who was afraid of everything, locked in a small kennel with #8 on it.  She had the dream happen.  She was adopted, fully taken in and loved and cared for in a way she grew to be proud of and give all that joy back to the world around her.  She became the dog laced with confidence and the wag of her nubby short tail, the bat of her eyelashes and the smile she gets while looking up in pure adoration for life is all of her gratitude for what life has turned out to be.

The news in the note; Gidget has a mass in her chest and is going into surgery.  Again, she’s being given the best care ever.  She’s the Wonderdog. If it’s time for her to make it she will. She’s strong, she’s fit and she’s in her most golden of years.  I’m thinking of you Gidget.  I love you Gidget. You’ll always be with me Gidget but it makes me sad, it makes my heart hurt to think “the end” of you here with us might be on it’s way.

Gidget is a big part of my ReVIBE.  If you’d like more from me on dogs subscribe to ReVIBE | Dogs

Join my discussions on G+

Pumpkin Dog Food + Treats Recipe Book – Coconut oil healing properties for dogs

Inbox me if you’d like to talk.

Paw to Earth Connection

Have you ever watched a dog run wide open? Grace and agility come to mind. A running dog is a beautiful sight.

The connection to the earth through their paw pads may just be the thing that brings so much joy and yet allows a grounded calm state when the run for dogs is done.

Connection to the Earth

Humans are just catching on to the fact that they have lost connection with the earth. Research reveals that re-connecting with the electrons and natural frequencies on the surface of the earth can:

  • Restore Normal
  • Improve Energy
  • Enhance Recovery
  • Improve Sleep
  • Relieve Muscle Tension
  • Reduce Stress
  • Biological Rhythms

A recent study found that the bacteria Mycobacterium accae, commonly found in soil, increased serotonin levels in the brains of mice. A lack of serotonin is thought to cause depression in humans. Researchers became interested in the bacteria after cancer patients being treated with it began unexpectedly reporting lifted moods and better quality of life. *Thats Fit

We’ve lost connection with the earth because we always wear shoes. Years of confining our feet to shoes have also affected the ability to balance, to use our toes, and in a growing number of cases caused injury from the constant flattened state of the shoes holding our feet in positions that not only are not part of our natural gait, but leave muscles unused and unable to help maintain fluid movement and strength.

Get your Feet Connected to the Earth

Barefoot running may seem a bit extreme, but getting your feet connected to the earth for even small amounts of time can change an attitude from stagnant and stuck to alive and flexible.

If you are in the habit of taking your dog out to run, or to a park or beach (or need to get in one) for exercise make a point to take your shoes off and connect with the earth while you are out. Even if you don’t have a dog, it will work for you too! You may find it gives you so much new found connection, energy and focus you’ll be barefoot running as your new favorite habit.

If you’d like to start barefoot running start slow. 3 days a week. Walk and run. Start with 10 minutes and do it for a week or even two weeks before you add time. Barefoot running with your dog more than doubles your connection with the earth since they’ve got those 4 legs!

At the very least, take some time for yourself, clear your mind and put your bare feet on the ground for even a minute to start some time this week.  It will never be a habit if your don’t start somewhere.

If you need help, encouragement, and a plan, I am here.

Mahalo for reading.  If you liked it please subscribe to Big Island Dog and follow me on Twitter, & G+ and please leave a few of your thoughts in the comments.

Jt Clough lives on the Big Island, Hawaii, and practices health, happiness and natural remedies, while working as a Habits Coach for people looking to live healthier and happier lives.  She is a dog whisperer for our best friends; and studies natural dog remedies, nutrition and communication.  Her latest e-book is 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs.

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Homemade Dog Food Diet Supplements

The dog food industry is one that dog owners are understanding as part of the reason more cancer, scratching, itching, licking skin problems and obesity are happening in their beloved dogs. It has more people turning to alternative homemade dog food diets to keep their dogs healthy happy and living longer lives.

The True Horrors of Pet Food Revealed will most likely send you over the edge to find a diet that you can feel good about feeding your dog. Besides the fact that the ingredients aren’t what you thought they were, there is the fact that an all kibble diet is also an all processed diet.

All Processed Food is A Problem

Eating or feeding all processed food leads to all sorts of problems in humans and as it turns out, it is affecting our dogs’ health as well. Thus, the reason many have turned to making their own dog food. Before you go off and start making your own dog’s food though, make sure to know a few things that need to be added to all dog’s diet to keep it balanced and your dog in the best health.

The right vitamins and minerals are essential to your dog’s health. In fact you dog could develop health problems with the lack of these essential vitamins and minerals.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals for Homemade Dog Food Diets

Dogs need calcium, oil and fat and vitamins A, B, C & E

Calcium

Dogs and most certainly growing puppies need calcium in their diet. Calcium is not only found in bones and teeth, but it is also circulating in the blood.

Calcium in the blood is essential for several important functions. Blood clotting, hormones, nerve function and muscle contraction, which includes the heart cover the major needs for calcium absorption in a dogs body.

Homemade Dog Food Diet Calcium Supplementation

As with many commercial dog food, certain supplements can include ingredients such as a “natural source of minerals derived entirely from imported cattle bones”, and other sources that may or may not be something you really want to feed your dog.

If you are feeding your dog a balanced homemade dog diet include making your own bonemeal out of egg shells.

Making eggshell powder is easy.

  • Get in the habit of saving your egg shells.
  • A minimum of 12 usually makes this process easier.
  • Make sure the egg shells are completely dry before you create the powder.
  • Make sure your food processor is dry.  Not only will it be difficult to make the powder but it can cause the ground eggshell to mold as well.
  • Put the eggshells in a food processor and grind to a fine powder.
  • Store in a dry sealed container.

To make a homemade diet of meat and vegetables work for your dog it is important to balance it with calcium. The above recipe was carefully calculated and tested by a veterinarian, Dr.Pitcairn, in his book, The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. If you cannot make eggshell powder because you do not have a food processor, you can purchase pharmaceutical bonemeal for calcium. Do not buy agricultural bonemeal, it includes harmful agricultural chemicals. According to Pitcairn, the correct ratio is 2 slightly rounded teaspoons of bonemeal per 1/2 lb. or 1 cup meat.

The importance of bones or bonemeal into the diet and other sources of calcium should always be discussed when feeding a homemade dog food diet. If you want to go the natural route, and feed bones instead of eggshell powder or pharmaceutical bonemeal, according to The BARF Diet, chicken necks and backs are usually the only way to purchase soft, chewable bones in order for your dog to get enough calcium. Large marrow bones are too hard for your dog to chew off what they need. *Make note that these bones need to be fed raw and NOT cooked.

In weeks to come Big Island Dog will publish more on vitamins, minerals and other essential things you should add to your dog’s diet for optimal health. Please subscribe to Big Island Dog to stay updated on healthy habits for you and for your dog too whether it be things you do or what you and your dog eat.

Jt Clough lives on the Big Island, Hawaii, and practices health, happiness and natural remedies, while working as a Habits Coach for people looking to live healthier and happier lives.  She is a dog whisperer for our best friends; and studies natural dog remedies, nutrition and communication.  Her latest e-book is 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs.

The Sand Castle

Building a Sand Castle Fulfill Your Need to Play

Hawaii brings visions of beaches, ocean, tropical flowers, fresh fruit and island music to the senses. It is one of those places that brings out the best in noticing the wonderful outdoors.

Playing more is part of losing stress, concern, anger, untoward feelings towards life in general. How better to play like a kid then to build a sand castle?

Fulfilling Feelings and Needs

This week if you live anywhere near a beach whether it is cold or warm go build a sand castle. Write a word about how it made you FEEL. Was it inspiring, engaging, calming, vibrant, engrossed or some other feeling?

What need do you get fulfilled by building a sand castle? You could feel present, stimulated, warmth, discovered, or participation. Any need that you have is a good one to acknowledge. Sometimes it takes playing to reconnect with what our personal needs are. Write a word about what you NEED and how building a sand castle fulfilled it.

How to Build a Sand Castle

If you haven’t built a sand castle in a while, or perhaps you have never build a sand castle here are some resources to give you sand castle tips, tricks and ideas. Don’t try to get too technical on your first one. The point is to enjoy the moment. You don’t need to be perfect. You need to play.

 Sand Creatures and Castles:  How To Build Them

If you don’t happen to live by some sand think of another kid thing you could do.  Go do it.  Then write a word about how you are FEELING and what you are NEEDING after you do it.

I’m doing it this week on a beach where my dogs can go.  My dog in training gets to go play too… that’s what we call training here in Hawaii.  Play!

Mahalo for reading.  If you liked it please subscribe to Big Island Dog and follow me on Pinterest, Twitter, & G+
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Jt Clough lives on the Big Island, Hawaii, and practices health, happiness and natural remedies, while working as a Habits Coach for people looking to live healthier and happier lives.  She is a dog whisperer for our best friends; and studies natural dog remedies, nutrition and communication.  Her latest e-book is 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs.

Pumpkin Love Recipes and Remedies

Holidays all seem to call for goodies, food, something to make us feel good. Holidays like Valentine’s Day usually call for sweets, big sugary send your body into shock treats. Treats that cannot be given to our most loyal loves, our dogs.

When it comes down to it, treats with added sugar should not be part of our human diet either if we are really going to stick to a habit of “I eat very little sugar.” *recipes for you and dog below

Pumpkin Healing and Healthy Properties

  • Pumpkins contain potassium and Vitamin A.
  • Pumpkins are high in fiber.
  • Pumpkins are low in sodium.
  • Pumpkin seeds are high in protein, iron and B vitamins
  • Pumpkins are high in beta-carotene which is an antioxidant.
  • Native Americans used pumpkin seeds for food and medicine.
  • Scientific research believe that eating a diet rich in beta-carotene may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers.
  • Research also believe pumpkin helps to delay aging.

Healing Pumpkin Properties Specific to Dogs

All of the above properties apply to our best friend the dog as well. In fact, a dog that suffers from soft stools can greatly benefit form the healing properties of pumpkins. The fiber, protein and antioxidant added to any dog food diet is beneficial.

The properties of pumpkin are beneficial for soothing dog stomach upset.

The antioxidant properties apply to our dogs and the increased risk of cancer.

Studies by herbalists have found the seeds of the pumpkin additionally function as an efficient de-worming agent for tapeworms and various intestinal parasites in dogs and humans.

Pumpkins consist of an amino acid called cucurbitin, the compound is efficient in getting rid of worms. The de-worming properties in pumpkin seeds paralyze and eradicate worms from the digestive tract in dogs and and humans.

How to Use For Dog Parasites

The most efficient parasitic treatment comes from pumpkin seeds.

Grind pumpkin seeds into a powder and sprinkle on your dog’s food.

You can make a paste by adding water. Let your dog eat it as a snack by feeding a dollop on your finger or from a spoon. Doses can range from 60 grams to up to 500 grams per dose, subject to dog size and are typically administered two times a day until parasites are gone.

Pumpkin Nutrients

1 cup of cooked pumpkin flesh contains:

  • Calories 49
  • Protein 2 grams
  • Carbohydrate 12 grams
  • Dietary Fiber 3 grams
  • Calcium 37 mg
  • Iron 1.4 mg
  • Magnesium 22 mg
  • Potassium 564 mg
  • Zinc 1 mg
  • Selenium .50 mg
  • Vitamin C 12 mg
  • Niacin 1 mg
  • Folate 21 mcg
  • Vitamin A 2650 IU
  • Vitamin E 3 mg

Baked Pumpkin Recipe – For Human

Ingredients:

  • One whole pumpkin
  • 1 cup cranberries
  • 1 cup chopped tart apples
  • ½ cup chopped pitted dates
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Cut top of pumpkin and save for lid. Scoop out the inside seeds and pumpkin flesh, leaving a ¼ inch thick shell.

Combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Fill the pumpkin and place on baking sheet. Bake uncovered 1 hour. Place the top back on pumpkin and cook another 30 minutes, until bubbling. Allow to cool 15 minutes and serve.

Pumpkin Recipe for Dogs Treats

Use the pumpkin seeds and insides from the baked pumpkin recipe to make a fresh topping for you dog’s food.

Mix seeds and other pumpkins innards in a blender until it becomes a paste.

Divide paste in half.

Keep 1/2 in bowl and refrigerate. Add 1 tablespoon to each meal until finished.

Fill an ice cube container with the remaining seed paste mixture. Freeze. Give out as treats once the fresh mixture is gone.

Enjoy and make sure to love those you care about like it was Valentine’s Day every day just like your dog acts like it is using that special unconditional love quality they are so good at!

Thanks for reading.  If you enjoyed this post please subscribe to Big Island Dog and connect with me on Pinterest Twitter and G+


Jt Clough lives on the Big Island, Hawaii, and practices health, happiness and natural remedies, while working as a Habits Coach for people looking to live healthier and happier lives.  She is a dog whisperer for our best friends; and studies natural dog remedies, nutrition and communication.  Her latest e-book is 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs.

Follow Me on Pinterest

Was It Supposed to Go This Way

Three days a week I go paddling in an outrigger canoe. I get to be out on the ocean in the morning, soaking up the healing energy of the earth, the water, the sun. I develop relationships with those I paddle with.

As with any group there are certain personalities one is more attracted to, and some not so much. It is those that fall into the “not so much” category that has me really thinking this last week.

A couple of months ago I changed paddle crews. There were a number of factors that went into that decision.

I have always been one to want to workout at a level that is somewhat uncomfortable for the majority. I wasn’t getting that wow factor.

I’m also one to shy away from complaining, arguing, and just plain difficult to be around people. There were a few on my old crew that held these qualities for me. And lastly which probably falls into the same category, I’m not good with crude comments, sexual innuendoes, that type of thing.

So I moved on. I am grateful to find a crew to paddle with who are not only supportive and enthusiastic about life, but they paddle hard and enjoy so much about the ocean. We’ve scene whales and dolphins together and celebrated life as it is in the moment each day.

We’ve supported one another in just a simple, “Great job today, it was so much fun, have a fabulous day,” comments. It honestly is those little things that I love about this crew.

Of course it doesn’t mean that each and every one of us doesn’t come with our own issues. The movement we do, the focus on the togetherness, one rhythm and blend, all the paddles working as one on this particular crew has drawn a common joy while out in the majestic Hawaiian waters.

Tragedy on the Ocean

I received a text from one of my current paddle members this week about an accident with another paddling club. I looked at the time the crew went out and knew without a doubt before I opened the link, it was my previous crew. It was the boat I would have been in.

A double hull flipped while caught in a wave. Waves were rolling in. Everyone went suddenly from a recreational paddle like every other morning to survival. There was a high surf warning and this canoe though it was big and stable, fell to the power of the waves.

People who have been in the ocean for years did things that they normally wouldn’t consider, like swim into the rocks instead of parallel to the shoreline and into the safety of the bay. One person on that crew did not make it that day. It is more than sobering to think about.

Was it supposed to go that way?

I’m not sure why tragedies happen. I’m not sure if things are supposed to go that way. How can someone go out for a recreation morning paddle like they do all the time and not make it back?

What I do know is it made me think about each and every day and all the people that are part of my life. I may not paddle with that crew anymore, but I was deeply affected and connected to every one of these people.

It made me realize how practicing the habit of mindfulness is so important. It made me think about how complaining and crude comments may not strike me as something I want to take part in, but those in my life who happen to fall into saying things out loud are still good people. Their mindfulness may be out of practice and they may be seeking the attention we all crave in ways they don’t even know. But they are all good people.

We are all connected.

How many times have I complained? How many times have I been less than enjoyable to be around? How many times have I said something inappropriate? Many. We are all connected.

My heart goes out to the paddle crew that lived through this tragedy and to all of those who lost someone that day. It makes me more mindful of every single day and every single person that comes into my life. It makes me realize that gratefulness is about the good that happens every single day as well as those moments that may feel uncomfortable. After all, it could be a mirror on how to deal with difficult people including ourselves.  Today I am here to see the mirror because I too am sometimes difficult to deal with. We all are, right down to our own well trained and not so trained dogs on some days.

I want to use the reflection to create the best day possible for me, my life partner, my dogs and all those people that are in my life.

Thank you for reading. If this resonated with you in any way subscribe for more on replacing bad habits with good habits.  A concept I’d like to fill everyone’s mind with!

 Jt Clough lives on the Big Island, Hawaii, and practices health, happiness and natural remedies, while working as a Habits Coach for people looking to live healthier and happier lives.  She is a dog whisperer for our best friends; and studies natural dog remedies, nutrition and communication.  Her latest e-book is How to Swim through Your Fears and Come Out a Champion.

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