Dog Digestive System Archives - 1st Pet Naturals Blog

January 22, 2014

Dog and Cat Ear Infection: Home Remedies

Filed under: Cat Breed,Cat Stress,Dog Digestive System,Dog Weight Loss — Tags: Cat Ear Infections, Dog Ear Infections, Ear Infections, Home remedies — Dr. Loridawn Gordon @ 8:25 pm

Dog ear infections and cat ear infections are quite common, and often time reoccur. If your pet suffers from recurring ear infections, you may want to consider a new approach to how the ear infections are treated – a natural approach with home remedies.

Natural treatments for ear infections go a long way. Instead of treating the symptoms of a problem, like prescription medications do, a natural treatment and home remedy will get to the root of the problem, preventing the recurrence of such infections. A natural approach will take longer, but in the long run it is more beneficial.

Dog and Cat Ear Infection Home Remedies

1. Mixing olive oil, tea tree oil, and vitamin E will mildly disinfect the ears.

2. A solution of vinegar and water can be used as a mild disinfectant.

3. Mix Almond Oil and Vitamin E. This can be used every other day for internal ear improvement.

4. Diluted oregano oil. Oregano oil is an antibacterial and antifungal. But it must be diluted because of how strong it is.

5. Apply apple cider vinegar to a piece of paper towel or cloth. Rub this inside of your furry friend’s ear. Apple cider vinegar is also an antibacterial and antiviral.

Final Thoughts

Of course, before using any natural remedy, ensure that your pet does not have any allergies and always consult with your naturopathic veterinarian. See a difference from any of these home remedies? Be sure to leave a comment below.

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September 7, 2012

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? To Throw Up?

Filed under: Dog Digestive System — Tags: dog behavior — 1st Pet Naturals @ 9:05 am

There’s really no definitive answer to that question. In fact, this seemingly odd behavior of dogs is the subject of many debates.

Do All Dogs Eat Grass?

Some reports say that gender, breed, and diet don’t really determine the probability of dogs eating grass. The age of a dog, however, influences this behavior. Some say that younger dogs have higher tendencies to eat grass and plants frequently.

Do Dogs Throw Up After Eating Grass?

First of all, not all dogs throw up after eating grass. In fact, only 22% were reported to vomit afterwards.

According to some dog owners and reports, dogs may eat grass to throw up because of an upset stomach. Some might disagree because they believe dogs are not smart enough to know that throwing up could provide relief.

Another reason could be boredom. Most dogs, depending on the breed, require constant physical activities to keep their energy levels low and manageable. If this is the case, it would be a great idea to regularly walk your dog, exercise him or her, and just generally get out more with your dog.

Fiber deficiency is also a possible reason. Dog constipation is a growing problem among dog owners. Eating grass could be one way for your dog to solve this problem.

Constipation among dogs is really not a cause of alarm. However, if you have an older dog, it is best to bring him or her to a veterinarian to check for underlying metabolic illnesses.

How Does Grass Affect My Dog’s Health?

There are really no recognized serious effects of eating grass on a dog’s health. Grass is really not a toxic material. But, problems may come up if your lawn is treated with fertilizer and other toxic substances.

Garden products are actually the top 9 reasons for pet poisoning in 2009. That is according to ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic plants are the top 4 on the list.

Should I Worry?

If you are talking about the behavior, it’s totally normal. Most dogs go through this phase. Most dogs are in good health—or appear to be in good health—before eating

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December 30, 2011

Foods That Dogs Shouldn’t Eat

Filed under: Dog Digestive System,Dr. Loridawn's Lessons — Tags: poisonous to pets — Dr. Loridawn Gordon @ 12:30 am

Most people know that some food is dangerous and toxic for dogs. For example, dogs and chocolate don’t mix. It can lead to chocolate poisoning. But, there are many other foods that can also cause your dog harm. Here’s a quick-reference list of dangerous dog foods.

Avocado

Avocado contains a lot of persin. Persin may be harmless to humans, but it can be toxic for dogs as a dog allergy.

Alcohol

Alcohol poisoning can happen quite easily in your dog, even if your dog is only given a small amount. Further, the smaller the dog, the greater the effect of alcohol on the dog.

Coffee, Tea and other Caffeine

Caffeine in large doses can be fatal. And since dogs are so much smaller than humans, ‘large doses’ happen much more easily. Caffeine poisoning symptoms include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits and bleeding.

Grapes and Raisins

Even just a small amount of grapes and raisins could result in kidney failure in your dog. Kidney disease symptoms include vomiting, lethargy and depression.

Milk and Dairy

Milk and milk-based products will result in dog diarrhea, so watch out! Don’t be tempted to give your dog a lick of your ice cream cone on a hot day!

Macadamia Nuts

These nuts can be fatal for your dog. As few as six raw or roasted nuts could result in poisoning, producing symptoms such as muscle tremors, weakness, paralysis, vomiting and a rapid heart rate.

Keep the macadamia nut cookies away from your dog, especially the ones with chocolate in them!

Candy and Gum

Watch out for diet foods with xylitol, as xylitol can result in a decrease in your dog’s blood sugar levels. Symptoms from a drop in blood sugar can include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination.

Chocolate

The actual toxic ingredient for dogs in chocolate is called theobromine. It can result in vomiting, diarrhea and excessive thirst. It can also lead to tremors, seizures and death.

Bones

While not actually poisonous, bone splinters can case internal damage or choking hazards. It’s best to only give your dog bones from pet stores.

Persimmons, Peaches, and Plums

While humans know not to eat the seeds in these fruit, dogs do not! A dog can have an obstruction if it eats a pit. Additionally, these pits contain small traces of cyanide.

Salt

Too much salt will cause excessive thirst and urination. It can eventually lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of sodium ion poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature and seizures.

Sugary Foods and Drinks

Too much sugar will result in the same maladies as it does in humans: obesity, dental problems, and the possible onset of diabetes. Diabetes in dogs works differently than in humans. Usually, dogs don’t contract type 2 diabetes, instead just having their insulin systems shut down completely.

Your Medicine

Human medicine is not suitable for dogs. In fact, reactions to drugs commonly prescribed to humans are the most common cause of poisoning in dogs.

Drugs containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be deadly for your pet!

Dr. Loridawn Gordon

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January 18, 2011

Healthy Organic Dog Food

Filed under: Dog Digestive System,Organic Pet Food — Tags: Holistic Pet Food — 1st Pet Naturals @ 11:24 pm

You would never rely on junk food for long term survival, so why should your dog? It is a known fact that many popular brands of dog food contain chemicals which can create adverse health effects. Recently, the discovery of melamine and cyanuric acid in pet food caused controversy in the United States as these foods were not on the recall list. Cyanuric acid is used to disinfect swimming pools, whereas melamine is commonly used to manufacture plastics and dishware. The combinations of these two chemicals in commercial pet foods, have led to a number of pets dying from kidney failure. Other undesirable ingredients found in pet food include artificial colors (i.e. yellow 6; also used for fertilizers), preservatives (BHT; Butylated Hydroxytoluene, BHA; Butylated Hydroxysanisole, Ethoxyquin), lead, additives (propylene glycol), artificial flavors, fillers, wheat (causes allergies in dogs), by-products and animal fat. What is disheartening is that some of these chemicals can also be found in human food as well. It is important to be aware it is in your pet’s food (and yours too) to ensure good health.

So now that you have ditched the unhealthy pet food, what next? Well there is a variety of healthy organic pet food available to maintain the health and safety of your pet. The consumption of organic food has many benefits for both pets and pet owners. Organic pet food is made with natural ingredients using little or no chemicals. This means all fertilizers and animal feed used in production were organic. Furthermore, steroids and pesticides are not used for the making of 100% natural dog food. The obvious advantage of using organic pet food is that your pet will be consuming whole vegetables rather than artificial ingredients and fillers. Common ingredients used in the best organic dog food are: fresh meat, grains, fish, and vegetables. The nutritional value is much higher in organic food since only whole ingredients are used. There are reports of dogs maintaining less severe allergies when on a diet of organic food. Moreover, dogs who consume healthier pet food are found to have higher energy levels, a stronger immune system, a better weight, and an increase in overall good health. Many grocery stores do not carry organic dog food, however local pet stores may carry organic dog food alongside regular dog food.

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