Natural Dog Remedies

How To Prepare Your New Dog For Hazardous Weather

Enjoy a guest post by Paige Johnson on preparing your dog for hazardous weather.

When you are a first-time dog owner, odds are you haven’t had the time to consider everything your pup is going to need. Extreme weather is alarming for people, let alone a dog. As your new dog’s guardian, it is your job to keep him safe and calm. Many dogs become nervous around unfamiliar weather and may end up endangering themselves. There are a few ways you can prepare your dog for hazardous weather.

Know the Breed

Each breed of dog has different levels of resiliency to heat, dampness, and cold. Even if your dog is a mixed breed, you should make yourself aware of your dog’s tolerances. If you have a small dog, particularly a Chihuahua, your dog may be susceptible to all weather and will require protection from heat, cold, and dampness.

You also should learn your dog’s specific preferences. Some dogs are indifferent to thunder, while others panic as soon as they hear the first rumble. You need to prepare to handle both your dog’s mental wellbeing and physical wellbeing during a thunderstorm.

Buy Supplies in Advance

It can be difficult to predict what your dog will need during times of severe weather. However, you should do your best to be well prepared. Some recommended precautions include rain jackets, waterproof boots, paw protectors, first aid kits, winter coats or vests, and a Thundershirt if your dog is fearful of severe conditions.

When the weather heats up, you must consider your dog’s paw pads when taking him onto concrete, macadam, or stone. If you can’t handle walking barefoot on the sidewalk or street, it’s too hot for your dog. This is when pad protectors come into play. Some dogs also are prone to sunburn. On the other hand, when the weather turns cold, your dog will need boots and a garment to keep his core warm. For smaller dogs, you may need to invest in a full snow suit to protect their delicate body temperatures.

Keep Up With Training

A poorly trained dog is far more likely to bolt when alarming weather occurs. This puts him in danger and you at risk of never finding your beloved pet again. Make sure your dog obeys your commands regardless of circumstances and can be recalled if he is running away from you. You might want to consider professional dog training courses if you aren’t having success.

Have a Plan

For emergency situations such as flooding or tornadoes, you should have a plan in place that includes your pet’s needs. Including your pet in emergency response practices can be a part of his training. If he knows what to expect in the event of an emergency, he is more likely to remain calm. For example, in case your neighborhood is hit by a big storm, you should teach your dog a command that means he should hunker down in safe shelter and wait for you to tell him it’s safe to leave. Of course, you’ll also need to teach him the safest place to go under these circumstances.

Preparing your family for any extreme weather is stressful enough. Bringing a new dog into the mix can make things even more difficult, as you may not know how best to cope with your dog’s needs. The primary focus is keeping him mentally and physically safe from the weather with supplies and training.

Consult with a dog trainer and visit a quality pet store so that you can rest assured that your pet will be safe no matter what Mother Nature sends your way.

Paige Johnson is a self-described fitness “nerd.” She possesses a love for strength training. In addition to weight-lifting, she is a yoga enthusiast, avid cyclist, and loves exploring hiking trails with her dogs. She enjoy writing about health and fitness for LearnFit.org

image via Pixabay by Hans

Dog Health Hacking with Coconut Oil and 2 Other Natural Remedies

Coconut Oil for Dogs and Other Natural Remedy Health Hacks

Are you tired of expensive toxic medications for your dog?

Does your dogs’ itching, scratching and licking bug you? Not to mention the discomfort you can see going on with one of your very best friends in the world, does it sometimes frustrate you because the vet is expensive and the problem keeps coming back?

And can we just talk about the parasite thing? We know it goes on. It’s common in the tropics of Maui, but no matter where you live with your dog, it’s an issue.

Ever see your dog eat something they really shouldn’t… like dog poop, cat poop, some gross gnarly dead fish parts off the beach? OMG right?

How about those hot spots your dog keeps getting? Its frustrating and once it starts its perfect growing environment in the tropics to make it more difficult than cooler, drier climates to heal up.

Have You Signed Up For the Expensive Toxic Ways To Handle These Dog Health Issues?

First, I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t have your dog on some sort of flea treatment. In fact for those who live in Maui, your dog should be on Trifexis. Yeah, bold statement I know, considering the fact that I’m not a vet and no, this is not a natural remedy. But…

I work with lots of dogs. And I hear the problems people have with their dogs from behavior to health. The one thing your dog WILL get if you live in Hawaii and do not give a prescription medication to prevent is heart worm. So go with Trifexis on that front.

Apart from that, there are other issues like fleas. Which are major pain in the butt because if your dog lives in the house and gets fleas, you have em too. Big bummer.

Fleas cause things like tape worm and a host of other parasites, not only that, the bites itch like crazy.

And ticks. Gross. Ticks just make one feel like there is something crawling all over their body when you deal with one. They also can cause all kinds of irreversible disease.

So, traditionally dog owners have been conditioned to go to the vet to get expensive medications to treat these things, which is not only costly but can be quite toxic.

3 Natural Remedies for Dogs for Fleas, Ticks, Parasites, Licking and Scratching

Coconut Oil For Dogs

Coconut oil is also anti inflammatory. Huge in dogs as they begin to age are in eating mostly processed foods.

Hot spots on your dog? Coconut oil is a remedy due to the Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) which are beneficial in healing skin issues.

Pumpkin Seeds For Dogs

Make sure to serve them raw. Cooking or baking raw pumpkin seeds destroys the incredible nutritional value. Crushing them slightly up in a nutri-bullet or blender can aid in the absorption process.

For those who feed whole food, calcium is the nutrient that is difficult to get into a dog’s diet. Good news, raw pumpkin seeds are high in calcium. Iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc are all essential minerals for the immune system and are contained in pumpkin seeds.

Diatomaceous Earth For Dogs

Food grade Diatomaceous Earth can be used both internally and externally on dogs.

Used internally Diatomaceous Earth it should be fed for a least 30 days just a teaspoon at a time added to your dog’s normal food works. It can eliminate hookworms, pinworms, whipworms and roundworms, as well as a host of other parasites.

How does it work?

Microscopically sharp edges of the food grade substance contact the insect or parasite and pierce the coating, which causes dehydration and death. Larvae is affected in the same way which is why it is a great natural product to use for flea infestations.

Want More Things Like Dog Health Hacking with Coconut Oil?
Get 17 Things Dog Owners Should Know

Does your dog have a reoccurring health issue? Please share it below and I’ll be sure to get some good information to you about it.

Live on Maui and need a safe place for your dog to stay or even a bit of training when you’re away from home?

PS: Like this post? Share it!

The Biggest Lie in the Dog Food Industry

Pop Quiz:

Do you know what US Dog Foods contain some really bad sh*t, like could be detrimental to your dog’s health kinda sh*t?

I bet you think if it’s made in the US it’s got to be okay right?

After that big huge chicken jerky treat deal that actually killed a bunch of dogs, and yes, they still have that crap on some store shelves for purchase, and they still haven’t solved the riddle of what the hell was in them.

Oh yeah, some say its antibiotics. Yikes. That scary. But really we still don’t know.

Anyway, the media has done a super good job of convincing us that it’s only dog food and treats produced in China that’s got toxic wrapped around it. But that’s not the truth.

**The truth is there is plenty of dog food in the US that’s got some really bad sh*t in it.**

A recent study found two popular US made dog foods contain aflatoxin B1 and melamine.

There are plenty of others that shouldn’t be fed to ax murders sitting in prison even, but I don’t have space to go into all of them in this article. If you want to keep up on the latest, get my free Pumpkin Frosty Paws Recipe and you’ll be updated in the future on the latest dog food recalls and healthy real food your can feed your dog.

There are some great wholesome ingredients you should be adding to your dog’s food to keep them healthier longer, I’ll go into those later, but here is why aflatoxin and melamine are so bad for your dog.

What Is Aflatoxin B1 Anyway?

Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring contaminant produced by mold. Aflatoxin B1 is a known human carcinogen and is known to cause liver cancer in animals. Even low levels of aflatoxin B1 over time put dogs at serious health risk.

Do You Know What’s in Melamine?

Holy crap. This is disgusting. And they add this to dog food. Really? Melamine is a nitrogen based compound that is often combined with formaldehyde and used in industrial plastics. It is used in utensils and formica to name a few items.

And so how does melamine end up in your dog’s food?

Simple answer: it is used in wheat flour because it is nitrogen based and make the product appear to have more protein. So there ya go. Nice huh?

Ummmm, I’d probably STOP feeding my dog either one of those two if you are right now. Just sayin!

Learn 5 Ingredients That You Should Be Feeding Your Dog For Optimal Health

Feeding your dog an organically cooked or raw meal twice a day is a lot to ask, we don’t even do that for ourselves. However, you can add these things in as often as possible to keep your dog alive longer and increase health benefits all along the way.

Coconut oil. Huge. The benefits of coconut oil are crazy. For dogs in is anti bacterial, anti parasitic, it reduces yeast which is the cause of itching, scratching and licking for the most part, and it reduces inflammation.

Feed your dog coconut oil! For sure.

Pumpkin. Pumpkin has some awesome benefits different than coconut oil. Pumpkin has been used to help with an upset stomach or diarrhea. Pumpkin contains vitamin A which helps in the process of regeneration, slowing the aging process.

Pumpkin seeds. Huge benefit to dogs. Pumpkin seeds can eliminate parasites, even tape worm! It’s best fed ground up in a food processor or nutri-bullet. Feed your dog pumpkin seeds often.

Colloidal Silver. A wide spectrum natural anti biotic. It is affective against 650 bacterial and viral organisms. It can be used internally and externally. Always have colloidal silver around for cuts, and it to the diet immediately if you notice your dog looking a little low.

Apple Cider Vinegar. Another ingredient that can be given internally or externally. Use it cut 50% with distilled water for ear infections. It improves digestion and acts as a natural anti biotic.

Here’s What You Should Do To Feel Better About Your Dog’s Health

As mentioned above, all or nothing is not what I’m talking about here.

As with any good habit, add one good thing this week.

Make it super easy.

You’ll find yourself doing it waaaaaay more for your dog, and interestingly enough for yourself!

Want an easy recipe to increase your dog’s health and happiness today?
Free Easy Super Food Recipe For Your Dog

Dog New Years Resolutions 2014

11 New Years Resolutions for a Healthier and Happier Dog

2014 is here and with all the intentions of resolutions are still fresh in our minds, let’s include our the dog family member in them as well. After all, they do say those who start an exercise program with their dog get results waaaay more than those who don’t. So, time to start a nutrition food lifestyle resolution process with your dog as well!

11 New Years Resolutions for a Healthier and Happier Dog

Feed your dog coconut oil: No matter the age it’s good for inflammation, skin issues, anti bacterial, and anti parasitic. Huge for all dogs. Drop a dollop of coconut oil in every meal. Vitality guaranteed!
Keep carbohydrates low in your dog’s diet: Just because a dog food or treat is “grain free” does not mean it is low carb.
Avoid sugar in all of its forms in your dog’s food and treats. This includes sugar, evaporated cane juice, high fructose corn syrup, maple syrup, and even honey.
Refrain from any food or treat products with chemical preservatives including: propylene glycol, all forms of glycerine including “vegetable glycerin,” BHA, BHT, propyl gallate, ethoxyquin, titanium dioxide, and all artificial colors
Make meat protein from clean sources the building block of your dog food choices.
When shopping for your dog food be wise, don’t fall into the trap of looking for the cheapest dog food or choosing the most expensive food you can buy! The cheapest is sure to have some pretty bad ingredients as filler, and the most expensive may be good but have too many grains or simply over priced for what’s in it.
Hydrate dry dog food, no matter what the quality, for optimum digestion and stomach health. Add water and allow the kibble to absorb moisture or add canned food.
You’ve started reading ingredient labels on food for yourself; learn to read dog food labels. If something doesn’t make sense or you don’t know what a certain ingredient is, don’t hesitate to call or write the manufacturer.
There is not a perfect food for every dog! Like people, different dogs tolerate different diets. I always recommend whole food whenever possible. If your dog’s coat is dull, or greasy, if you dog is itching a lot, or develops hot spots the first place to look is at the food you are feeding.
Titer Test before automatically administering vaccines: Reconsider “routine vaccines” as part of annual vet exams; instead, ask your veterinarian to do blood work and send it out for titer testing by a reputable lab.
Older Dogs Nails and traction: Again, like humans, aging in dogs brings mobility issues. Consistent activity from a young age helps. Nail trimming. HUGE for all dogs but older dogs don’t move as quickly or as much as younger dogs. Keep nails trimmed for mobility and for comfort. The click, click of dog nails may sound cute, but it feels like running downhill in shoes that are 2 sizes too small all the time. Awful. Regularly trim your dog’s nails.*this is all true for all dog ages, older dogs tend to not wear their nails down naturally the way younger dogs have a tendency to do

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

Pumpkin Dog Food + Treats Recipes e-book 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 ReVIBE | Dogs 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 lives in Maui, Hawaii and 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. Her work at Maui Dog Remedies is for people looking to live healthier and happier lives through their dogs and her passion for it has helped so many to find and do that thing they’ve been talking about or wishing to happen for so long. She is a dog whisperer for our best friendsand studies natural dog remedies, nutrition and communication. Her latest publications are Pumpkin Dog Food + Treats Recipes and 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs.

How to Trim Dog Toenails (Even When They Don’t Like It)

Trimming Dog Toenails Tutorial

Trimming dog toenails usually isn’t a favorite past time of most dog people, nor do dogs usually jump up and down in delight about it either.

It turns out though, it is way more important to your dog’s health than you may have imagined. And your dog doesn’t like it more from you freaking out about it than anything!

Not only that your dog is in more pain from long nails than from the pawdicure so let’s learn how to be comfortable doing it.

Maui Dog Trainer Advice on Nail Trimming

The dog trainer in my has to say it out loud again. Dogs pick up on emotion before they pick up on anything else. It may be a habit for your dog, this whole not liking it thing, after so many sessions of hating it yourself, but that can change.

That being said, most don’t know how to trim dog nails properly, so here is a video that is very helpful in illustrating how to do it as well as how to deal with your dog if it doesn’t happen to be the favorite activity you’ve ever done together.

Maui Dog Training Retreats and Staycation Boarding – Nail Trimming

Have you ever gone for a run and noticed your toes hurt, then discovered it was because your toenails were too long? How about the times you’ve put those sexy stilettos on and never mind your feet were killing you, but your toes were actually in horrible pain from just a little bit of extra length to make that french manicure look the way it should!

Imagine that is how your dog feels ALL THE TIME, when the toenails are too long. That sucks. And it is why it makes sense that the posture of a dog is compromised because of it. It freakin hurts. To the point they can end up with pain all over their bodies.

I’ve become a nail trimming fanatic when I realized how important it is to how dogs feel every single day. Being one of my own dogs is a Weimaraner with thick nails that grow like mad, I’ve had to become and expert.

So, when dogs come into my training retreats and staycation boarding programs they get a nail trim. Buster is a perfect example of a little snark issue that could have been brought on out of body pain. I noticed early on when I ran my hand down his back and towards his hind quarters he winces a bit. He certainly doesn’t like it. I took a look at his toenails. Oh boy. Buster Brown (my nickname for him) had quite the set growing.

His nails are trimmed up now and his person will get the run down on how to maintain it for sure. And I’m still his favorite person even though he didn’t dig it at first he got over it fast.

Jt Clough of Maui Dog Remedies is a professional dog trainer, pet industry business coach, health fanatic, and author. She is a 9 time Ironman finisher, with decades of training dogs and their people to better lifestyles, from behavior modification to fitness and health through natural remedies, mental stimulation and lifestyle choices. She is an emotional healer through dogs. Described as a seeker, Jt has an uncanny ability to teach adaptation to change and to take inspired action.

Celebrating Dog Birthdays

It’s Aloha Friday and we are celebrating Emmy’s birthday! She’s my Labrador Retriever that everyone loves and I happen to be a huge fan of her as well. She’s 6 years old today. Being the dog trainer that I am, I know many dogs and know that celebrating dog birthdays is not uncommon!

So, please do tell, what kind of celebration do you do for your dog’s birthday?

Dog “Dancing” To Eminem “Shake That”

Happy Birthday to my EmmySue. It’s Aloha Friday and we’re shakin our booties to the music because today we’re having so much fun!

Dog Birthday Maui Style

We are going to the beach, gonna do a little swim, because Emmy LOVES the water. And she LOVES her tennis ball too, so she’ll get to carry it all the way down the beach and back. And then for dinner, time for Real Food for Dogs! Nothing but the best for this Lab!

Steak drizzled with coconut oil, cut up of in tiny pieces for better digestion since she is a Lab and would herk it down in one bite given the chance. She’ll also get an egg and dark leafy greens (yeah probably not her favorite but a little mixed up with the meat goes down nicely) and a blob of cottage cheese.

Now that’s some Super Food for Dogs! And for Emmy it’s not out of the ordinary since she gets to eat that way all the time. Its just she doesn’t always get steak. Usually it’s some other thing like ground pork, beef or chicken. We don’t go for the high grade full on steak every day, well until Emmy figures out a way to make her cuteness pay for it daily!

Want To Learn More About Real Food for Dogs?

Legislation Pushing for Over Vaccination Dog Laws

Unfounded Over Vaccination Dog Laws

I don’t know about you, but I’m really tired of legislation messing with our health. And now they are messing with our dogs’ health. It’s been a tiring month. First the GMO thing, and now listen to this video on how legislature is trying to pass a bill that will basically start the over vaccination process for our puppies and dogs out super early. Waaaay too early.

Risks of Early Vaccinations for Your Puppy or Dog

First, most rabies vaccinations have mercury in them. Bad. Really bad. As you’ll hear in the video, there are veterinarians who say they have never seen a bad reaction. I’ve got one word on that. Bull… you know the second part of that word!

There is actually big reason to believe that early vaccination will leave puppies and dogs open to neutralization so they get the bad effects but aren’t even covered for rabies after all. Read The Alarming Proposed Bill That Could Threaten Your Pet’s Life.

Big Pharmaceuticals Creating Income Through Legislation Using Our Dogs

Ugly. Sad. We are now killing our dogs early over once again pharmaceuticals making more money.

We are filling ourselves and our dogs full of chemicals that we are being force fed through the media are good for us.

In the dog world it’s not only this bill but most other vaccinations and medications too. Take heart worm for example:

We’ve been told we need to make sure and feed the heartworm pill full of chemicals monthly. Read this article Are Drug Companies Honest About Heartworm by Dr. Dobias and you’ll find it’s impossible for a heart worm to even mature in that time. So why monthly? Add it up. That’s why. It’s certainly not for the health and longevity of your beloved best friend.

What You Can Do To Keep Your Dog Healthy

First, don’t sign up for every vaccination suggested for your dog. Do some research before you start shooting your dog or puppy up with unnecessary vaccinations. Find a vet willing to do a titre or look into alternative treatment.

You have to stay informed to know, so do your research. Like our own food and medication these days, just because it’s on the shelf in the local store or health care office does not mean it is safe or good for us. And on the other side of that, there are also a lot of things that are, they are usually just not placed on a shelf that is the easiest to access.

Look up and look down and all around, there are better choices we can all start making. For our dogs and for ourselves.

I post information about dog health, natural remedies as well as training and fitness, which I have a personal passion for my own dogs and for all the dogs I’ve been honored to be a part of their lives in my work. So PLEASE join my INBOX so you don’t miss something important.

Jt Clough lives in Maui, Hawaii and practices health, happiness, natural remedies and training for dogs and their people. Her way of communication with both dogs and people is healing and her training is effective physically and emotionally. Her work at ReVIBE | Dogs + Joy + Vibrance is for people looking to live healthier and happier lives through their dogs and her passion for it has helped so many to find more peace and joy in every day life with dogs. She is a dog whisperer for our best friends, specializing in private training and dog retreats. Her latest publications are Pumpkin Dog Food + Treats Recipes and 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs.

For Maui Dog Training or Cooking for Dogs please send me an e-mail here!

1 2 Next