A Dog Is Not A Plant. Or, Maybe It Is.

You have heard of people who talk to their plants. In fact you may be one of them. Perhaps there is some wisdom in the idea that talking to your plants creates an energy that is conducive to health, even that of a plant. To be sure, we all know how a persons negative energy can change the entire atmosphere of a party or a meeting room.

This is true of pets and canines in particular. Very seldom is a dog that is well integrated into a family a "problem dog". Even less frequently is a dog a "problem dog" when the environment it lives in is filled with peace, calm behavior, gentleness and organization. Negative energy in the home will produce similar results in a family pet as it does in children and even, parents.

I have been to many homes where the problem that was facing the family pet was not actually the pet but rather, the environment and the family itself.

It is critical that a dog is socialized with people, animals and different environments, but a home that is calm, orderly and at peace is the absolute starting point for modifying unwanted behavior in a canine companion.

Stand back and look at the relationships and the dynamics of those relationships in your family and consider the things that you may, as a family, change or modify for the sake of your dog. You will be pleased and rewarded with new and improved behavior.

Woof. Woof. Be Happy, Content and Young!

My dog, Barney, worked professionally with a few dozen aggressive and/or poorly socialized canines as my "assistant" in my dog business in Nashville. His unmatched calm and confident energy did wonders at communicating things like "chill", "mellow out" and "relax dude", to animals that were predictably aggressive.

Aggressive dogs are sometimes described by their owners as "protective", however, that is a poor choice of words. Protective dogs that are truly protective, know how to identify a real threat. Most dogs that are "protective" are simply fearful (fear aggressive), worried about their own dominance (dominant aggressive), or unsure about their control over something that they see as "theirs" (territory aggressive).

Dogs that are happy and confident will typically stand sideways to an aggressive dog when confronted, look out of the corner of their eyes and adopt a particular tail/mouth/ear posture. This communicates that they are friendly and not interested in harming the other dog or trying to be the boss.

Yesterday a pair of German Shepherds entered the soccer field with their owner, one of which was on a leash and whose mouth was partially restrained from opening wide enough to bite. I encouraged the owner to do a  few things and soon the two dogs (his and mine) were both free, smelling and snooping. Barney simply told the other dog "Hey, I'm sure you're cool, but to be quite honest I don't need any power or possessions. You can have whatever you want, I am happy just hanging out and enjoying life. Don't take it personally, I am totally open to a new friendship but right now, you are basically irrelevant to me."

To be driven by want and desire is self-destructive. Self-esteem is really a mixture of confidence and humility. This is what we should work towards and, be aware of daily, in a world of struggle, stress and the need for things and status.

The man at the field said "that is remarkable. He has such a great disposition. What a cool dog."

Barney's greatest desire in the course of a day is to spend quality time outside in natural places, run, lay in the sun, snoop around (question things), and enjoy whole and healthy foods.

Who would have guessed my dog could have been such an excellent teacher. I only hope I can be an equally good student.

Here's to young, healthy and happy! "Woof, Woof!"

Playing Tug With Your Dog

Playing tug is not necessarily taboo as many professionals might advise you. However it is really a game that should be avoided unless it is actually needed. So, when is playing tug with your dog a good idea?

If the dog is shy and not aggressive, tug may be one of many things that you can do to build confidence and self-esteem. Allowing your shy dog chances to win the game may be a helpful element in a behavior therapy program. More important is teaching your dog numerous commands and even tricks. Exercise and socialization are absolutely crucial aspects of an effective program.

Tug is also a fun occasional game for you and your calm, well-behaved canine companion. It offers a chance to do something different and diversifies the experiences roster of you and your friend. This is bond-building. Of course, there are many other things in addition to tug that may be great play games including, fetch, hide and seek, easy wrestling etc.

You are probably your dog's best friend just as he or she is yours, and doing many things together will build a huge bond that results in obedience, cooperation, communication and trust.

On the other hand, playing tug of war with your dog that is already "protective" or fear aggressive, will likely result in more unwanted behavior. If you are not sure, tug may be a game to put off until many other games, commands and training have been accomplished.

Tapeworms, Whipworms, Roundworms and Hookworms

Roundworms are often found in puppies and too often assumed to be prevalent in puppies. The roundworm can lay dormant and undetected in the mother until a pregnancy brings them to life and they transfer to the womb and hence, the offspring. However, again, a healthy mother who is well fed, exercised and cared for will probably not have a problem and neither will the newborns. A drug happy world tells us that we can treat just in case. Remember, medications are drugs and drugs are generally poisons. Applying medication to a problem that "might" exist is unessessary and costly. A healthy mother will also provide the immune health along with a healthy diet to her offspring. If roundworms are found later on, they can be successfully treated by your vet. Chances are that they will not be a problem.

Whipworms, tapeworms and hookworms behave differently. Some attach themselves to the intestine and the dog will then expel an egg sac that looks like maggots or grains of rice. Others cause anemia by sucking the blood from the host. The problem is that medications are not always the solution because the problem is hard to eradicate. Therefore, the best line of defense is building a healthy body and immune system through diet, exercise, care and alternative treatments. Most veterinarians are well acquainted with holistic measures.

Diatomaceous (food grade)Earth is highly effective against parasites in horses, dogs, cats and other animals. It is even more effective when the diet of the animal in question includes greens, carotene (carrots are good source) and garlic. Pumpkins seeds are a great regular part of any diet, and egg shells that have been crushed, are easy to add in small quantities to a dogs diet. Garlic strips down a barrier in the gut that parasites use to hide exposing them to the diatomaceous earth that is actually very tiny like shells that cut and kill parasites. Dioatomaceous Earth is inexpensive and safe for all animals including humans. Farm and feed stores will have it readily available.

The proactive and holistic minded pet owner will always have an advantage over those who leave their pets to fate or who run to the animal hospital for everything. A wise pet owner will reconsider unessessary vaccinations and too frequent re-vaccinating.

Tell your vet you are always interested in methods other than medicine when he or she is determining a path towards your pet's health.

Canine Parasites (Heartworm)

If you live in an area with a heavy mosquito population your vet has surely preached with passion the urgency and need for monthly heartworm preventive medications. This is understandable in light of the terrible death that awaits one who succombs to these horrible creatures that mature in the heart of the infected host after being transferred there by the bite of an already infected mosquito who in turn carries the parasite from another host it has fed upon.

It's not that easy though. Many of the problems we see in the area of drug-related deaths and the largest number of medication related problems are caused by heartworm medication.

Wolves, coyotes and other mammels in the wild are also at risk of this disease however, like dogs, most will develop a mild infestation and then an immunity to the parasite...end of story.

A dog who is fed well, loved much, excercised often and groomed, massaged and monitored is a very poor host for such parasites. Parasites are always drawn to the weak, sick, old and dying. Healthy vibant dogs are at only slight risks. Dogs who are victims of over medicating and over vaccinations are good hosts for parasites.

The place to start when it comes to the battle against any parasite is with a healthy lifestyle. Parasites are everywhere. They make their home on bees, mice, birds, rabbits, horses and people. They are in the yard, the air, water and even food and drink. Our immune systems are always working and developing the necessary defenses to make us stronger and healthier. The same is true for dogs, and an early and consistent start when it comes to health, exercise and nutrition is the best defense.

Only a well-read and experienced holistic veterinarian will understand your concern about heartworms and in many cases it may be the only alternative you have but, be informed and don't just go with the flow. Medications are drugs and drugs are poisons. Their overuse may have long term consequences that pale in comparison to short-term challenges.

Can Dogs See In Color

The retina of a dog has two layers. The outermost layer is a protective and nourishing layer to the inner nerve layer. This inner layer is what receives the light impulses. This inner layer is comprised of cones and rods. Rods are what is used to see black and white. The cones are what interpret color. Until the last few decades we used to think that dogs did not possess cones as humans do and so they could not see colors.

Today we know that dogs inner layer of the retina possess cones although about 90% fewer than humans. This is why dogs see better shades of black and white than do humans, because they have a geater percentage of rods. It is also why dogs can indeed see color but not with the clarity, distinction and diversity of the human eye. In addition dogs have a tapetum lucidum, which reflects light back through the retina giving a dog much greater capability to see at night. In fact, the tapetum lucidum is what makes a dogs eyes "glow" when you see them in low light.

The retina is sensitive and delicate. Hence, it sits in a protective socket and is only open in the front. Dogs with bulging eyes are more prone to damaging the retina. Owners hould be aware of their pets eyes and make sure they are protected. Riding in the back of trucks and sticking heads out the window are invitiations for problems.

Care for your dogs eyes and next time you wear pink with red...remember, your dog might be able to identify your fashion error! (Even though, I somewhat like pink and red together). :) :)

More Allergy and Canine Itching Problems

I hear this very often. People are almost as bothered as their pet when it begins itching, licking and scratching. Your conventional vet will probably prescribe a steroid, antihistimine or other medication. Usually conventional veterinary training will lead a doctor to suggest a certain diet change...and he/she will have it available.

Here are some pointers and tips for dealing successfully with allergies. I have not met a dog in 8 years that I cannot help withou the use of toxic medicines or silly diets.

1) Stop the use of commercial dog food.

2) Get no more vaccinations until the dog has been allergy free for 12 months. (Unless by law you need a rabies shot)

3) Feed a homemade diet without meat or at least use a high quality organic meat or fish. I prefer organic, lentils, quinoa, rye flakes, nutritional yeast, ground flaxseed, fresh spinach, carrots, potatoes, broccoli and olive or vegetable oil. My dogs like to also sanck on almonds. (Few is better than many).

4) Give your dog plain yogurt before or after every meal. if the food is room temperatrure or chilled you might also just mix the yogurt in with the food.

5) Be sure you have a daily exercise program and that you dog spends lots of time everyday with the family or a family member.

6) Wean your dog off any medications that are for allergies.

7) Give your dog weekly or even bi-weekly massages.  get more information at http://www.petmassageandacupressure.blogspot.com/

These are some excellent starting points for dealing with canine allergies and I am sure you'll notice a difference within 3-5 days in most cases. Allergies are not a disease. They simply point to a digestive, circulatory or immune dysfunction. Drugs that supress those symptom are creating future problems. I also suggest getting well read on options for controlling fleas, ticks and heartworm without use of medications.

Point to Ponder: Dogs are not necessarily healtheir today than they were 40 years ago. They may live longer, just as humans, but not with quality life. Support your healthy dogs natural functions early on and you'll have a dog that lives long and healthy without medical intrusion that is not necessary.

With all of that said, do NOT neglect visiting with your holistic veterinarian about your dogs needs.