Yesterday’s blog about Specialty Clubs drew a lot of conversation on the different e-mails lists that I send this blog to everyday. One e-mail stood out in my mind. Someone wrote to me and said that she found this subject interesting as she contacted a specialty club in her area and she never heard from anyone. That’s very telling. Then someone called me this morning and asked me to continue this subject and perhaps talk about the lack of entries at shows. We touched upon some of the reasons that the clubs are falling that I wrote about yesterday. She agreed 100% with one writer that said that some of the fault lies with having access to the internet. We would have normally gone to a club to discuss certain things about the breed. However, with modern technology we no longer need to leave the comfort of our overstuffed furniture to get the answers to our questions about anything pertaining to our breed. You can “Google” anything and you’ll receive a gazillion answers. You can go on a German Shepherd Dog e-mail list and there’s a world of knowledgeable people willing to help you. We’ve become a lazy society. I jokingly said to my friend, “Heck why go to a dog show? We can have a virtual dog show right on our computer!”
So lets take this subject another step further as my friend requested. If the clubs fold up, so do the shows. The clubs are the ones that are responsible for putting on the shows. No club…..no show………hmmmmm, I wonder where that would leave the AKC? Would the AKC become just be a place to register dogs? They would no longer be anything called an AKC registered show.
So my friend brings up a very good point to me in our conversation about shows. She says to me, next time you go to a show take a look around you. What do you see? Who do you see at these shows? She answered her own question……she said most of the people that go to these shows are over 50 years old! She continued by saying it is very rare to see any young people. Very good observation, my friend! Where is the youth in our breed? Oh sure we have the junior handlers that love to show. But what percentage of these kids will actually be the breeders and ultimately the future of our breed? Have we seen the last of the likes of the Covy Tucker Hill or the Fran-Jo kennels? Are the days of the big show producing kennels a thing of the past? Who will the next great German Shepherd Dog book be written about? Will the author have to rely on the great dogs of the past to fill the pages of his up coming best seller? Will there be anyone left to even be interested enough to buy his book?
Serious show people still hunger for those major producing shows every week-end. Without them they can not finish their dog’s American championship. So they telephone their friends, they announce it over the e-mail lists asking for people to help make a major at these shows. Sometimes they’re successful in getting the right amount of entries by maybe one or two dogs, only to be sadly disappointed when those one or two dogs don’t show up making the show not able to hold the major points. Where does the fault lie? Again it goes back to the specialty clubs. If we want to have major pointed shows, we can’t depend on calling our friends or soliciting people on the e-mail lists for their entries. It might work for one or two shows, but ultimately it will fail. The only answer in my opinion is to strengthen relationships with your club members so another club doesn’t die a slow death.
Someone else wrote to me yesterday proudly telling me how well her club is doing. Perhaps someone from her club can tell others how they do it. Tell them how they attract new members and how they keep those that they have ensuring that they come back time and time again. Give the membership a reason to show up and I believe they will. If people are made to feel that they are important and that they count for something, I believe they will show their “pretty little faces” there each month. We can’t ask people to come out each month to an atmosphere filled with moans, groans, whines and complaints every time they walk through the door. We can’t ask people to come out only to be ignored when they get there. Give people a reason to come out and I believe that they will. Make them feel welcomed. Answer their questions. Mentor them. There is no better way to get to people than to make them feel like they are needed. It makes them feel good and when people feel good, then they’ll come back to the source that’s making them feel that way. Act like you don’t appreciate them. Act like your can’t be bothered with them because you’re better than they are because you’ve been around forever. Then watch the walls come crumbling down and say good bye to the once great club that you helped build.
The new generation needs the older generation to help show them the way and to pave out a future to ensure that our beloved German Shepherd Dog is properly presented to the general public. The only way we can do this is by educating them. There is no better teacher to the “newbie” than the seasoned experts of the breed to help lead the way. If we truly love this breed, each and every one of us owes it to the “best dog on the planet” to ensure that the next generation gets it right! It’s not fair to die with so much knowledge inside us without sharing it with the next generation. You may not get your name in the history books, but what you leave behind ensures that the German Shepherd Dog is properly taken care of and his legacy for generations lives on. The breed will love you for it!
No longer is it true……”Give them a show” and they’ll come! I believe if we don’t start making showing dogs a fun and positive experience we will eventually see (like my friend suggested) only the geriatrics of the breed showing up. Then we can all sit around and complain about our arthritis, aches and pains without the worry of those pesky “youngins” (newbies) snickering and giggling at us.
Then one day, there are no more shows. The geriatrics no longer shows up because “Everyone’s gone to the moon!”
From the book: "FRIENDS TO THE END: THE TRUE VALUE OF FRIENDSHIP".....Friends and life. Life and friends. The two are so tightly interwoven it's impossible to imagine one being remotely worthwhile without the other. As Bradley Trevor Greive points out, "there are very few truly solitary creatures on this planet. And most of them have serious personal hygiene issues." What makes friends so special? What does our choice of friends say about us? What sparks the best friendships and keeps them burning? In Friends To The End: The True Value of Friendship, BTG uses hit trademark witty narrative illustrated with irresistible animal photos to explore the daily magic we experience through our friends. Best described as a cross between his famously successful Dear Mom and The Blue Day Book, Friends to the End examines themes such as why we can't live without friends, how great friendships grow from humble beginnings, how to identify different types of friendship, what to do when good friends turn bad, and why it's all so worthwhile. "When I think back to all the really great or the horrendously bad times in my life," says BTG, "I can't help but think about how my friends made the former all the more enjoyable and the latter at least survivable. I want this book to help people appreciate friendship for all it is and all it can be." Friends to the End promises to have the same cultural impact achieved by his previous books. His modern classics The Blue Day Book and Dear Mom have been New York Times best-sellers and made the author a household name in more than 35 countries. BTG's seven previous volumes have sold more than eight million copies worldwide.
My rating: The importance of dog clubs: (4), The importance of mentoring: (4), The importance of friendships: (4)
Showing posts with label natural dog products. Show all posts
Showing posts with label natural dog products. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
ATOPIC DERMATITIS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS
Is your dog scratching, biting and licking himself excessively? Then he might have Atopic Dermatitis or Inhalant Dermatitis. This is when your dog has an allergic reaction to something that he’s inhaled such as dust, dust mites or pollen. He becomes extremely itchy.
What are some of the symptoms of a dog that has Atopic Dermatitis? You may see your dog licking, scratching or biting his skin around the face, feet armpits and ears. You may notice red, scaly, raised areas on his skin. He may shake his head a lot. You may see staining of his skin from his saliva where he’s been licking himself. His skin may thicken and he may have increased skin pigmentation.
If you are looking to treat your dog naturally this is what is recommended: First identify the source of the allergen (pollen, mold, dust, etc.). Then reduce your dog’s exposure to it. Next bathe him weekly with an anti-itch moisturizing shampoo. Make sure you provide him with omega fatty acids to help reduce the inflammation. Support the immune system by feeding him a high protein, low carb, moderate fat diet.
Many dog owners will use a steroid or antihistamine to help with their animal’s skin allergies. However a more natural approach may be to support his immune system by reducing the occurrence of flare-ups and allergic responses. Having a strong immune system helps clear out allergy response cells like histamines. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the amount and effects of histamines that are released during an allergic response. They help to reduce inflammation and improve your pet's coat quality by creating a protective barrier in the skin to block out irritants and infections.
Along with the Atopic Dermatitis, your dog may also have food allergies. Many times commercial dog foods are to blame for a range of health problems so feeding your dog a high quality food or raw diet is essential to his well being.
Why are Fatty acids essential for a healthy skin and coat for your dog? Omega 3 essential fatty acids play a vital role in your dog’s overall health and are very beneficial for his skin and coat. Omega 3’s help create a protective barrier in the skin to block our irritants and infections and it also reduces inflammation. A deficiency in certain types of fatty acids can result in a dull coat and dry itchy skin. This makes the skin susceptible to irritations and allergic episodes.
Extensive research indicates that omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation—which many experts consider to be the root cause of most chronic diseases. However, it is very important for your dog to maintain a balance between omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in its diet since omega 3s help reduce inflammation, while an over-abundance of most omega-6s tend to promote inflammation. Consequently, an inappropriate balance of these essential fatty acids contributes to health problems, while a proper balance helps maintain and improve your pet's health.
Supplementing your dog’s diet with Omega 3 fatty acids can prove very beneficial in inflammatory disorders because it regulates your dog’s eicosanoid production which means your dog may find relief from itching and the pain associated with it.
Dogs need essential fatty acids just like us humans do. Neither one of us can live without them! They are critical to every cell in the body and regulate nearly every bodily function. They help build muscle mass and strong bones and teeth. They nourish the skin, hair, mucous membranes, nerves, thyroid, adrenals and much more. They also keep the gastrointestinal tract lubricated and aid in smooth, efficient digestion and elimination. They control the way cholesterol works in the body and play a key role in the functioning of the brain in regulating inflammation and healing and immune, digestive, reproductive and cardiovascular functions.
What is an Omega-3 fatty acid? They include: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA can be found in cold-water fish such a salmon, mackerel, halibut and herring as well as fish oil supplements. ALA can be found in dark leafy greens and in soybeans, walnuts, flaxseeds and flaxseed oils as well as canola oil.
In scientific studies the Omega 3 fatty acids have demonstrated that they: support healthy brain development, exert positive effects on inflammatory problems which may include stiff and aching joints, lower risk of heart disease and cancer, support healthy blood lipid levels and blood viscosity, and provide high levels of vitamin A and D which is necessary for the development of strong bones, teeth and healthy skin and mucous membranes as well as healthy nigh vision.
Studies have shown the positive effects that Omega 3’s have on heart health. It has been shown to stabilize irregular heart beat, reduce blood pressure, reduce clotting of blood platelets which means lower risk of stroke and reduce abnormal heart rhythms. These fatty acids may also help heal tissue lining the heart has suffered by the damage caused by heartworms and help animals with congestive heart failure live longer.
Although studies are still being performed, some have shown that they may reduce cancer risk by reducing and stopping the growth of tumors as well as the reduction of skin damage from radiation treatment. Omega 3’s are also beneficial in helping stop cancer cachexia (weight loss).
Omega-3s increase prostaglandins that reduce inflammation in the kidneys and improve blood flow to them. Since omega-3s also support healthy blood lipids, and dogs with kidney disease often have elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, this is a double benefit.
Preliminary research suggests that omega-3 fatty acid supplements may decrease inflammation and improve lung function in pets with asthma.
There are many natural and holistic products on the market that can provide your dog with the Omega 3’s that are vital to his health.
My rating: Omega 3's: (4)
Review of "GRIZZLY SALMON OIL ALL-NATURAL DOG FOOD SUPPLEMENT" (there are 89 customer reviews on this outstanding product)....Derived from wild Alaskan Salmon, this nutrient-rich 100-percent pure salmon oil provides essential building blocks dogs need for a healthy heart and strong immune system. In addition, it helps relieve dry itchy skin, reduces shedding, makes fur soft and velvety, and helps keep the heart, eyes, and joints healthy. The all-natural supplement contains over 15 beneficial Omega 3, Omega 6, and Arachidonic fatty acids, plus a fresh fish flavor. To use, simply pump the salmon oil onto the dog's food directly from the convenient 32-ounce pump-bottle dispenser. A handy weight chart on the label displays the correct amounts to use.
What are some of the symptoms of a dog that has Atopic Dermatitis? You may see your dog licking, scratching or biting his skin around the face, feet armpits and ears. You may notice red, scaly, raised areas on his skin. He may shake his head a lot. You may see staining of his skin from his saliva where he’s been licking himself. His skin may thicken and he may have increased skin pigmentation.
If you are looking to treat your dog naturally this is what is recommended: First identify the source of the allergen (pollen, mold, dust, etc.). Then reduce your dog’s exposure to it. Next bathe him weekly with an anti-itch moisturizing shampoo. Make sure you provide him with omega fatty acids to help reduce the inflammation. Support the immune system by feeding him a high protein, low carb, moderate fat diet.
Many dog owners will use a steroid or antihistamine to help with their animal’s skin allergies. However a more natural approach may be to support his immune system by reducing the occurrence of flare-ups and allergic responses. Having a strong immune system helps clear out allergy response cells like histamines. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the amount and effects of histamines that are released during an allergic response. They help to reduce inflammation and improve your pet's coat quality by creating a protective barrier in the skin to block out irritants and infections.
Along with the Atopic Dermatitis, your dog may also have food allergies. Many times commercial dog foods are to blame for a range of health problems so feeding your dog a high quality food or raw diet is essential to his well being.
Why are Fatty acids essential for a healthy skin and coat for your dog? Omega 3 essential fatty acids play a vital role in your dog’s overall health and are very beneficial for his skin and coat. Omega 3’s help create a protective barrier in the skin to block our irritants and infections and it also reduces inflammation. A deficiency in certain types of fatty acids can result in a dull coat and dry itchy skin. This makes the skin susceptible to irritations and allergic episodes.
Extensive research indicates that omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation—which many experts consider to be the root cause of most chronic diseases. However, it is very important for your dog to maintain a balance between omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in its diet since omega 3s help reduce inflammation, while an over-abundance of most omega-6s tend to promote inflammation. Consequently, an inappropriate balance of these essential fatty acids contributes to health problems, while a proper balance helps maintain and improve your pet's health.
Supplementing your dog’s diet with Omega 3 fatty acids can prove very beneficial in inflammatory disorders because it regulates your dog’s eicosanoid production which means your dog may find relief from itching and the pain associated with it.
Dogs need essential fatty acids just like us humans do. Neither one of us can live without them! They are critical to every cell in the body and regulate nearly every bodily function. They help build muscle mass and strong bones and teeth. They nourish the skin, hair, mucous membranes, nerves, thyroid, adrenals and much more. They also keep the gastrointestinal tract lubricated and aid in smooth, efficient digestion and elimination. They control the way cholesterol works in the body and play a key role in the functioning of the brain in regulating inflammation and healing and immune, digestive, reproductive and cardiovascular functions.
What is an Omega-3 fatty acid? They include: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA can be found in cold-water fish such a salmon, mackerel, halibut and herring as well as fish oil supplements. ALA can be found in dark leafy greens and in soybeans, walnuts, flaxseeds and flaxseed oils as well as canola oil.
In scientific studies the Omega 3 fatty acids have demonstrated that they: support healthy brain development, exert positive effects on inflammatory problems which may include stiff and aching joints, lower risk of heart disease and cancer, support healthy blood lipid levels and blood viscosity, and provide high levels of vitamin A and D which is necessary for the development of strong bones, teeth and healthy skin and mucous membranes as well as healthy nigh vision.
Studies have shown the positive effects that Omega 3’s have on heart health. It has been shown to stabilize irregular heart beat, reduce blood pressure, reduce clotting of blood platelets which means lower risk of stroke and reduce abnormal heart rhythms. These fatty acids may also help heal tissue lining the heart has suffered by the damage caused by heartworms and help animals with congestive heart failure live longer.
Although studies are still being performed, some have shown that they may reduce cancer risk by reducing and stopping the growth of tumors as well as the reduction of skin damage from radiation treatment. Omega 3’s are also beneficial in helping stop cancer cachexia (weight loss).
Omega-3s increase prostaglandins that reduce inflammation in the kidneys and improve blood flow to them. Since omega-3s also support healthy blood lipids, and dogs with kidney disease often have elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, this is a double benefit.
Preliminary research suggests that omega-3 fatty acid supplements may decrease inflammation and improve lung function in pets with asthma.
There are many natural and holistic products on the market that can provide your dog with the Omega 3’s that are vital to his health.
My rating: Omega 3's: (4)
Review of "GRIZZLY SALMON OIL ALL-NATURAL DOG FOOD SUPPLEMENT" (there are 89 customer reviews on this outstanding product)....Derived from wild Alaskan Salmon, this nutrient-rich 100-percent pure salmon oil provides essential building blocks dogs need for a healthy heart and strong immune system. In addition, it helps relieve dry itchy skin, reduces shedding, makes fur soft and velvety, and helps keep the heart, eyes, and joints healthy. The all-natural supplement contains over 15 beneficial Omega 3, Omega 6, and Arachidonic fatty acids, plus a fresh fish flavor. To use, simply pump the salmon oil onto the dog's food directly from the convenient 32-ounce pump-bottle dispenser. A handy weight chart on the label displays the correct amounts to use.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
DON'T BUG ME!
I just love the springtime……the warm temperatures caressing my face, the fresh air playing with my hair, the mild breezes with their fragrant scents stimulating my nostrils, music coming from cars with windows rolled open, dog shows with excited exhibitors, family gatherings, lifted spirits and oh yes, all those awful BUGS crawling on my skin and biting me and my dogs! Can I tell you how much I hate bugs? I can hear some of you saying, “But those bugs have a purpose here on earth.” Well I say, “Take your “purpose” someplace else because you sure are UGLY! Go do your thing on the plants and trees and stay the heck away from me and my dogs!” But alas, those bugs don’t any attention to me because sooner or later they find themselves coming back to me and my “fur kids!” For being so tiny, they are certainly stubborn and persistent critters. Looks like it’s me against them in a never ending battle of their love for me and my dogs and my hatred for them! So if I have to share the planet with them, they need to keep their sorry little butts off of me and my dogs and stay outside and not trespass into my house.
It seems like the insects of the world are living longer life’s than ever before. They seem to endure weather changes so much more now than I’ve ever seen. I had a “resident” spider that lived in between the window and screen all through the winter and up until this spring. How this little creature lived through the cold brutal temperatures of the winter, I do not know. I really don’t care either as long as it remained outside.
I’m going to list some products made for controlling the bug population on and in our dogs as well as ourselves and our property. For the last couple of days I’ve been talking on several of the lists that I belong to about a product called Diatomaceous Earth. Someone brought up the subject on an All-Breed list that I belong to and I took it to my German Shepherd lists to get their feedback about this product. I have yet to use it, but now that I’ve gathered all the information that I want about it, I will place an order and start my dogs on it as well. If I get brave, I might even take it myself as it can be used by humans as well as dogs. VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTE…….MAKE SURE THE PRODUCT IS HUMAN FOOD GRADE!! DON’T USE IT ON OR IN YOUR DOGS IF IT ISN’T! It seems this product helps take care of fleas and ticks when used on the dog’s skin and coat. Be careful not to breathe in the powder when you use it. Some people recommend using gloves when using it on the dogs. Also make sure the dogs don’t breathe in a lot of the dust as well. Use it gently. When using the product to add to your dog’s food, this is also supposed to help with internal worms. It can be used in and around the house. Everyone that I got feedback from about Diatomaceous Earth LOVED it! Product description: GreenSense Diatomaceous Earth - This fossilized skeletons of tiny aquatic organisms. When untreated, the razor sharp edges of this mined product scratch the exoskeletons of hard bodied insects, making them susceptible to fatal attack from natural organisms in the soil.
On this same All-Breed list that I belong to, I read that a few people swear by a product called “Flea Treats” which I had never heard of before. This is what the description says about this product……….Flea Treats keep fleas (and ticks!) off your pets. They're free of hormones and insecticides. They're reasonably priced. They're guaranteed. They're safe, healthy treats, too! You might be wondering how we do that. Read on.... FLEA TREATS are a B vitamin complex, specially formulated for dogs and cats. They're flavored with real liver--your pet will love them.
A product that I use for myself to keep the little “buggers” away is Avon Skin So Soft. I mentioned this product already recently, but am doing so again for this article. Anytime I take the dogs for a walk or when I’m cleaning up the dog runs, I make sure I spray myself with this product. I love it! I’ve even sprayed it on the dogs as well. From the description: Repels mosquitoes that may transmit West Nile Virus for 8 hours. Provides effective protection against gnats, no-seeums, sand flies and biting midges. DEET-free, dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic. 2-in-1 protection.
Some people swear by brewers yeast and garlic. Others don’t believe it does anything at all. Years ago I used to use this when I fed my dogs and looking back I must say I never had a flea problem. From the products description: Four Paws Brewers Yeast with Garlic tablets contains an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and natural proteins to promote healthy coats and control shedding. This formula also contains garlic which is known to be a natural, superb deterrent for fleas.
Another product to help protect you and your dogs against bugs is a bug zapper for the yard. I used to have one hanging from a big old tree not too far away from my dog runs. The bugs are attracted to the light. They fly in to it and “ZAP” they fly no more! Here is the product description: High Intensity Black Light Bug Killer – Bk15d 15 Watt Electric Bug Killer - Flowtron's advanced electronic insect control system can eliminate thousands of flying insect pests while providing an environmentally-friendly way of eliminating these pests from your outdoor living areas. Built into the Flowtron insect abatement system is a high-intensity ultraviolet light which can lure these light-sensitive insects through an outer protective enclosure to an electrostatically-charged killing grid, where they are quickly and safely eliminated without the use of any toxic chemicals. Dead insects simply fall to the ground and become clean feed for birds and animals. You will also find that the Flowtron's exclusive lantern styling enhances any backyard setting and also doubles as a security light. These practical and environmentally friendly bug zappers are maintenance free and provide an economical way to rid your yard of those troublesome insect pests.
I have really tried to stay away from the poisons that I have used in the past like the spot on flea and tick preventatives that are so popular with most dog owners. They’re expensive and I’m paying all of this money to the companies to poison my dogs??? There are alternatives out there and I’m on a quest to find as many of them as I can while protecting my dogs from all the bugs that have a right to be on this planet too………..only not on me and my dogs please!
My ratings: natural non-poisonous flea & ticks products: (4), poisonous flea & tick products: (1)
It seems like the insects of the world are living longer life’s than ever before. They seem to endure weather changes so much more now than I’ve ever seen. I had a “resident” spider that lived in between the window and screen all through the winter and up until this spring. How this little creature lived through the cold brutal temperatures of the winter, I do not know. I really don’t care either as long as it remained outside.
I’m going to list some products made for controlling the bug population on and in our dogs as well as ourselves and our property. For the last couple of days I’ve been talking on several of the lists that I belong to about a product called Diatomaceous Earth. Someone brought up the subject on an All-Breed list that I belong to and I took it to my German Shepherd lists to get their feedback about this product. I have yet to use it, but now that I’ve gathered all the information that I want about it, I will place an order and start my dogs on it as well. If I get brave, I might even take it myself as it can be used by humans as well as dogs. VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTE…….MAKE SURE THE PRODUCT IS HUMAN FOOD GRADE!! DON’T USE IT ON OR IN YOUR DOGS IF IT ISN’T! It seems this product helps take care of fleas and ticks when used on the dog’s skin and coat. Be careful not to breathe in the powder when you use it. Some people recommend using gloves when using it on the dogs. Also make sure the dogs don’t breathe in a lot of the dust as well. Use it gently. When using the product to add to your dog’s food, this is also supposed to help with internal worms. It can be used in and around the house. Everyone that I got feedback from about Diatomaceous Earth LOVED it! Product description: GreenSense Diatomaceous Earth - This fossilized skeletons of tiny aquatic organisms. When untreated, the razor sharp edges of this mined product scratch the exoskeletons of hard bodied insects, making them susceptible to fatal attack from natural organisms in the soil.
On this same All-Breed list that I belong to, I read that a few people swear by a product called “Flea Treats” which I had never heard of before. This is what the description says about this product……….Flea Treats keep fleas (and ticks!) off your pets. They're free of hormones and insecticides. They're reasonably priced. They're guaranteed. They're safe, healthy treats, too! You might be wondering how we do that. Read on.... FLEA TREATS are a B vitamin complex, specially formulated for dogs and cats. They're flavored with real liver--your pet will love them.
A product that I use for myself to keep the little “buggers” away is Avon Skin So Soft. I mentioned this product already recently, but am doing so again for this article. Anytime I take the dogs for a walk or when I’m cleaning up the dog runs, I make sure I spray myself with this product. I love it! I’ve even sprayed it on the dogs as well. From the description: Repels mosquitoes that may transmit West Nile Virus for 8 hours. Provides effective protection against gnats, no-seeums, sand flies and biting midges. DEET-free, dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic. 2-in-1 protection.
Some people swear by brewers yeast and garlic. Others don’t believe it does anything at all. Years ago I used to use this when I fed my dogs and looking back I must say I never had a flea problem. From the products description: Four Paws Brewers Yeast with Garlic tablets contains an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and natural proteins to promote healthy coats and control shedding. This formula also contains garlic which is known to be a natural, superb deterrent for fleas.
Another product to help protect you and your dogs against bugs is a bug zapper for the yard. I used to have one hanging from a big old tree not too far away from my dog runs. The bugs are attracted to the light. They fly in to it and “ZAP” they fly no more! Here is the product description: High Intensity Black Light Bug Killer – Bk15d 15 Watt Electric Bug Killer - Flowtron's advanced electronic insect control system can eliminate thousands of flying insect pests while providing an environmentally-friendly way of eliminating these pests from your outdoor living areas. Built into the Flowtron insect abatement system is a high-intensity ultraviolet light which can lure these light-sensitive insects through an outer protective enclosure to an electrostatically-charged killing grid, where they are quickly and safely eliminated without the use of any toxic chemicals. Dead insects simply fall to the ground and become clean feed for birds and animals. You will also find that the Flowtron's exclusive lantern styling enhances any backyard setting and also doubles as a security light. These practical and environmentally friendly bug zappers are maintenance free and provide an economical way to rid your yard of those troublesome insect pests.
I have really tried to stay away from the poisons that I have used in the past like the spot on flea and tick preventatives that are so popular with most dog owners. They’re expensive and I’m paying all of this money to the companies to poison my dogs??? There are alternatives out there and I’m on a quest to find as many of them as I can while protecting my dogs from all the bugs that have a right to be on this planet too………..only not on me and my dogs please!
My ratings: natural non-poisonous flea & ticks products: (4), poisonous flea & tick products: (1)
Thursday, February 4, 2010
MIGHT AS WELL FACE IT, YOU'RE ADDICTED TO DOGS!
SIGNS THAT YOU’RE ADDICTED TO DOGS:
Prefer the company of dogs to people.
Dogs share your bed so there’s no room for your “significant other.”
Vacations are planned around the German Shepherd Dog National Specialty show.
Dog crates are used as end tables in your house.
You take out a second mortgage just so you can hire a professional dog handler.
Your dog has more grooming supplies to make his coat look shiny than you have hair care products for yourself.
Your dog eats holistic food while you eat preservative loaded frozen dinners.
Instead of driving around in that shiny new red sports car like your neighbor drives, you drive a van with your kennel name plastered on the doors.
Your friend’s kids are no longer allowed in your house because they told their parents that every other word out of your mouth is “bitch.”
You can’t use the bathroom without a few 85 lb. dogs squeezing their bodies through the door.
You feed the dogs BEFORE you feed your family.
Your walls are covered with your dog’s pictures instead of some fine art painting for people to admire.
Your garage is filled with grooming tables, crates, and bags of dog food while your car stays outside in the snow.
Your freezer is filled to the brim with chicken legs, livers, hearts and backs for the dog’s to be fed their “raw diet” instead of roasts you could be serving your family.
Your coffee table is cluttered with dog magazines instead of “Better Homes and Gardens.”
You own more sweat pants than dress pants.
Your “in box” on your computer is overflowing with e-mails from your doggie lists so you missed the e-mail from your Aunt Gertrude inviting you to Sunday dinner.
You remember the name of the President of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, but you forgot the name of the President of the United States.
12 Step Program to help with your addiction to dogs:
1) We admitted we were powerless over our dog addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable because of our need to live and breathe dogs 24 hours a day.
2) Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity so we could learn to be with our non-doggie friends again without bringing up the subject of dogs.
3) Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood God and not question why he made the dog a companion to man and why we desired their company more than the human species.
4) Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves and made a conscious decision to give our spouse’s at least half as much attention as our dogs.
5) Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs and made a vow to “suck it up” and TRY to treat some people HALF as well as our dogs if this is really what we had to do.
6) Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character but then gave it a second thought and changed out minds.
7) Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings and we would TRY to spend as much money on the kids as we do on the dogs.
8) Made a list of all persons we had harmed because we were bored to tears about them talking about their kids and their families, and became willing to make amends to them by promising NOT TO INVITE them over to our house anymore.
9) Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would mean I would have to hang out with them or go to their stuffy parties.
10) Continued to take personal inventory and when THEY voiced their opinions that a “dog is just a dog” vowed to curse under my breathe instead of out loud.
11) Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood God, praying for the patience to deal with non-doggie people who made comments that our house smelled funny and to hold back the impulse to knock them out!
12) Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other “dog addicted people” but decided to leave them along because we liked them just the way that they are because they were just like us.
We’ve come to realize that no matter how often we TRY to practice this 12 step program that we are hopelessly and delightfully addicted to dogs. We acknowledge and accept that it is out of our power to change our addiction to dogs. So therefore, we learned to embrace and love ourselves just the way we are!
My rating: it’s good to laugh at ourselves once in awhile: (4)
Prefer the company of dogs to people.
Dogs share your bed so there’s no room for your “significant other.”
Vacations are planned around the German Shepherd Dog National Specialty show.
Dog crates are used as end tables in your house.
You take out a second mortgage just so you can hire a professional dog handler.
Your dog has more grooming supplies to make his coat look shiny than you have hair care products for yourself.
Your dog eats holistic food while you eat preservative loaded frozen dinners.
Instead of driving around in that shiny new red sports car like your neighbor drives, you drive a van with your kennel name plastered on the doors.
Your friend’s kids are no longer allowed in your house because they told their parents that every other word out of your mouth is “bitch.”
You can’t use the bathroom without a few 85 lb. dogs squeezing their bodies through the door.
You feed the dogs BEFORE you feed your family.
Your walls are covered with your dog’s pictures instead of some fine art painting for people to admire.
Your garage is filled with grooming tables, crates, and bags of dog food while your car stays outside in the snow.
Your freezer is filled to the brim with chicken legs, livers, hearts and backs for the dog’s to be fed their “raw diet” instead of roasts you could be serving your family.
Your coffee table is cluttered with dog magazines instead of “Better Homes and Gardens.”
You own more sweat pants than dress pants.
Your “in box” on your computer is overflowing with e-mails from your doggie lists so you missed the e-mail from your Aunt Gertrude inviting you to Sunday dinner.
You remember the name of the President of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, but you forgot the name of the President of the United States.
12 Step Program to help with your addiction to dogs:
1) We admitted we were powerless over our dog addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable because of our need to live and breathe dogs 24 hours a day.
2) Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity so we could learn to be with our non-doggie friends again without bringing up the subject of dogs.
3) Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood God and not question why he made the dog a companion to man and why we desired their company more than the human species.
4) Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves and made a conscious decision to give our spouse’s at least half as much attention as our dogs.
5) Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs and made a vow to “suck it up” and TRY to treat some people HALF as well as our dogs if this is really what we had to do.
6) Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character but then gave it a second thought and changed out minds.
7) Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings and we would TRY to spend as much money on the kids as we do on the dogs.
8) Made a list of all persons we had harmed because we were bored to tears about them talking about their kids and their families, and became willing to make amends to them by promising NOT TO INVITE them over to our house anymore.
9) Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would mean I would have to hang out with them or go to their stuffy parties.
10) Continued to take personal inventory and when THEY voiced their opinions that a “dog is just a dog” vowed to curse under my breathe instead of out loud.
11) Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood God, praying for the patience to deal with non-doggie people who made comments that our house smelled funny and to hold back the impulse to knock them out!
12) Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other “dog addicted people” but decided to leave them along because we liked them just the way that they are because they were just like us.
We’ve come to realize that no matter how often we TRY to practice this 12 step program that we are hopelessly and delightfully addicted to dogs. We acknowledge and accept that it is out of our power to change our addiction to dogs. So therefore, we learned to embrace and love ourselves just the way we are!
My rating: it’s good to laugh at ourselves once in awhile: (4)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
THE PROPER CARE OF THE EAR
On the average, not too many owners have lots of complaints about taking care of the German Shepherd Dogs ears, unless you’re talking about having to tape a youngster’s ears to help them stand. But that is a whole another story for another article. However, there are those certain dogs that seem to have chronic ear problems. One of my shepherds that I had years ago always had yucky, black “uglies” in her ears. My vet would give me medicine which would clean up the mess and she’d be fine for awhile, but as time went by, she’d have it again. It’s so long ago now that I forget what the actually condition was called. It was probably ear mites and they were “stinky” as well!
If a dog’s ears are not properly taken care of then infection can occur and even in extreme cases, loss of hearing. Checking the dog’s ears should be a normal part of the dog’s grooming procedure. Also if the dog shakes his head a lot or carries his head to one side, there’s a problem. Surprisingly, ear problems are one of the most common conditions in dogs. Most of the time if the dog’s outer ear canal is infected its called otitis externa. This condition affects about 20% of all dogs.
The reason that dogs get these ears problems is due to the shape of the canine’s ears. The dog’s ear is long and L – shaped. Bacteria and debris collect in the L – shape area of the ear. Add that with the warmth and moist environment in the ear and it’s easy to see why infection may occur. This is why it’s important to keep the dog’s ears dry especially after bathing him. Dogs that produce an over abundance of ear wax or hair growth in the ear canal are also at risk for ear infections. Another thing that can cause ear infections is skin allergies and hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism. I didn’t know that. I just learned something new.
If your dog is an outside animal who likes to run in the woods or go for hikes with you, pay close attention to his ears. Foreign bodies especially plant material can cause infections to start. Also check your dog’s ears for ear mites and ear tumors.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, check your dog’s ears. He may have an infection. If he scratches and rubs his head, if he tilts his head and holds it to one side, if he doesn’t want you to pet him on the head, he could be in pain, there may be a discharge or an odor, if you look in the ear you may notice a swelling or redness in the ear, or if you notice that you dog is more irritable and lies around more, he may be in pain.
If your dog has any of these signs, its best you have him examined by your vet. He will have the instruments to look into the dog’s ear canal and determine the best approach for treatment. Leaving a dog that has an ear problem untreated can not only lead to deafness, but the infection can extend to the inner ear and become life threatening.
There are natural treatments in the market place that you can use to clean the animals ears gently. Poking around with Q-tips is never advisable. They can rupture the ear drum or push the debris down further into the ear canal. When using a solution, apply in the ear canal. Massage the base of the ear to help loosen the wax or debris. The dog will shake his head and this is alright because it will help further loosen the buildup. Use a cotton ball to remove the excess fluid. Repeat the above until you feel that all of the debris is removed. Some veterinarians will recommend that you trim any excess hair in the dog’s ears so there is better air flow and this can help prevent an infection. They may also suggest that you treat a dog that has allergies or hypothyroidism which may be a contributing factor if your dog has chronic ear infections.
Many German Shepherd Dog breeders use a home made ear solution called The Dixie Ear Treatment. The ingredients are: 16 ounce bottle of Isopropyl Alcohol, 4 tablespoons of Boric Acid Powder and 16 drops of Gentian Violet Solution 1%. You mix this all up in a plastic bottle. You treat as described in the above directions for a natural ear solution only with the second application, you wipe with a cotton ball or tissue but you don’t massage. You leave it there for the dog to shake out the debris. Depending on how severe the ear infection is, you can treat two times a day for one to two weeks. Then the following week, you can treat one time a day for ten days. Then treat once a month as needed. This mixture seems to work well on most ear problems. Most of the ingredients can be found in your pharmacy. I’ve never used this treatment on my own dogs so I’m just reporting what I hear a lot of people use on their dogs. If you are unsure, always check with your veterinarian for his advice before using this solution or any other one.
My rating: checking your dogs ears as a necessary part of grooming: (4), natural ear solutions: (4), Dixie Ear Solution (based on what other breeders say): (4), medications: (3)
If a dog’s ears are not properly taken care of then infection can occur and even in extreme cases, loss of hearing. Checking the dog’s ears should be a normal part of the dog’s grooming procedure. Also if the dog shakes his head a lot or carries his head to one side, there’s a problem. Surprisingly, ear problems are one of the most common conditions in dogs. Most of the time if the dog’s outer ear canal is infected its called otitis externa. This condition affects about 20% of all dogs.
The reason that dogs get these ears problems is due to the shape of the canine’s ears. The dog’s ear is long and L – shaped. Bacteria and debris collect in the L – shape area of the ear. Add that with the warmth and moist environment in the ear and it’s easy to see why infection may occur. This is why it’s important to keep the dog’s ears dry especially after bathing him. Dogs that produce an over abundance of ear wax or hair growth in the ear canal are also at risk for ear infections. Another thing that can cause ear infections is skin allergies and hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism. I didn’t know that. I just learned something new.
If your dog is an outside animal who likes to run in the woods or go for hikes with you, pay close attention to his ears. Foreign bodies especially plant material can cause infections to start. Also check your dog’s ears for ear mites and ear tumors.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, check your dog’s ears. He may have an infection. If he scratches and rubs his head, if he tilts his head and holds it to one side, if he doesn’t want you to pet him on the head, he could be in pain, there may be a discharge or an odor, if you look in the ear you may notice a swelling or redness in the ear, or if you notice that you dog is more irritable and lies around more, he may be in pain.
If your dog has any of these signs, its best you have him examined by your vet. He will have the instruments to look into the dog’s ear canal and determine the best approach for treatment. Leaving a dog that has an ear problem untreated can not only lead to deafness, but the infection can extend to the inner ear and become life threatening.
There are natural treatments in the market place that you can use to clean the animals ears gently. Poking around with Q-tips is never advisable. They can rupture the ear drum or push the debris down further into the ear canal. When using a solution, apply in the ear canal. Massage the base of the ear to help loosen the wax or debris. The dog will shake his head and this is alright because it will help further loosen the buildup. Use a cotton ball to remove the excess fluid. Repeat the above until you feel that all of the debris is removed. Some veterinarians will recommend that you trim any excess hair in the dog’s ears so there is better air flow and this can help prevent an infection. They may also suggest that you treat a dog that has allergies or hypothyroidism which may be a contributing factor if your dog has chronic ear infections.
Many German Shepherd Dog breeders use a home made ear solution called The Dixie Ear Treatment. The ingredients are: 16 ounce bottle of Isopropyl Alcohol, 4 tablespoons of Boric Acid Powder and 16 drops of Gentian Violet Solution 1%. You mix this all up in a plastic bottle. You treat as described in the above directions for a natural ear solution only with the second application, you wipe with a cotton ball or tissue but you don’t massage. You leave it there for the dog to shake out the debris. Depending on how severe the ear infection is, you can treat two times a day for one to two weeks. Then the following week, you can treat one time a day for ten days. Then treat once a month as needed. This mixture seems to work well on most ear problems. Most of the ingredients can be found in your pharmacy. I’ve never used this treatment on my own dogs so I’m just reporting what I hear a lot of people use on their dogs. If you are unsure, always check with your veterinarian for his advice before using this solution or any other one.
My rating: checking your dogs ears as a necessary part of grooming: (4), natural ear solutions: (4), Dixie Ear Solution (based on what other breeders say): (4), medications: (3)
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