Preparing for Colds and Flu

Preparing For Colds/Flu and the Seasonal Bugs Naturally

It seems the big scare each year is the dreaded three letter word……..FLU. Most folks get a flu shot, which challenges your immune system in an attempt to “prevent” the flu. Getting a shot is not a 100% guarantee you will not get the flu. Looking at it from a holistic point of view means you want to support your body’s ability to respond and to promote healing when germs come along to challenge the immune system. The key is to respond at each stage of a challenge to your immune system.

Do What You Can to Prevent the Spread of Germs

The CDC gives the following tips on spreading germs: 1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick; 2. Stay home when you are sick,; 3. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing/sneezing; 4. Wash your hands often. Research is proving that the old fashioned recipes using herbs and essential oils to kill germs, like those used by 14th century practitioners during the Black Plague, were based on good science.

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Halloween and Pets

THE PET CONNECTION
By Gina Spadafori, Pet Columnist
www.veterinarypartner.com


No Fear

Dressing up? Tricks and treats? Halloween sounds like the perfect holiday when it comes to including your pet in the fun. And it can be, with a few basic precautions.

While we humans love the change in routine that holidays often bring -- the parties, the guests and the decorations -- our furred and feathered family members too often find the disruptions disturbing and sometimes dangerous.

The two biggest problems with this ghoulish holiday are frightened pets and poisoned pets -- and veterinary emergency clinics traditionally see plenty of both. With the increase in activity, cats and dogs get nervous, and some will take off if they can. That means an increase in animals hit by cars or otherwise injured when on the run.

The animals themselves may be a cause of injury: All those costumed young visitors can trigger territorial instincts or fear responses in some dogs, who may then become a bite risk.

The best solution for nervous or improperly socialized pets is to confine them for the evening in a crate or a quiet room far from the front door or any holiday festivities.

Now, about the poisons. Candy is a problem more for dogs than for cats, because cats are generally picky about what they eat. Not so for most dogs, who'll wolf down candy -- wrappers and all -- if given the opportunity, giving many a serious case of what veterinarians call "garbage gut." Any candy can trigger a bout of intestinal upset, but chocolate can do much worse. The small dog who gets a large amount of chocolate could end up dead without prompt veterinary intervention.

Some people put costumes on their dogs, and that's safe enough and plenty fun if you use common sense. You can find ready-made costumes in most pet stores, in almost as much variety as you'll find in stores for children. Homemade costumes are another good option, and you'll find a surprising number of pet-costume events where you and your dog can show off your handiwork for fun and prizes. Make sure, though, that any costume meets the commonsense standard: It should be comfortable and nonrestrictive, and it shouldn't involve anything that could be hazardous, such as dye or paint.

Many animal-welfare groups warn that black cats are at special risk around Halloween, claiming that cultists pick up the animals for ritual torture. Such concerns have led some shelters to halt the adoption of black cats in the days before Halloween.

In truth, such cruelties are so poorly documented that they surely happen rarely, if at all. Your black cat is more likely to be killed by a car than a cultist, but the threat of either is more than reason enough to keep him inside. But that's true of all cats at all times.

While pets may not like the holidays as much as we do, any celebration can be made pet-safe with just a few basic precautions. Be sure to take them, because veterinarians would rather hand out candy to children than medicine to pets on Halloween.

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Haloween Safety

No Scaredy Cats This Halloween: Top 10 Safety Tips for Pet Parents
www.aspca.org

Attention, companion animal caretakers! The ASPCA would like to call your attention to these common-sense cautions that’ll help keep your pets safe and stress-free this time of year.

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms can be very dangerous for dogs and cats, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage could even occur if large pieces are ingested.

3. Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume can cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe or bark. Keep a look out for small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume that your pet could choke on.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not obstruct her vision in any way. Even the sweetest animals can get snappy when they can't see.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and become lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip increase the chances that he or she will be returned to you.


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Speaking Dog

Speaking dog
www.dogtime.com

It's news to most humans that the way we act with each other when we're feeling most affectionate--hugging and staring into each other's eyes, to give a couple of examples--doesn't translate well to dogs. In fact, it can be perceived as downright aggressive. Even patting a dog on the head can be taken the wrong way.

Oh sure, they put up with us. That tolerance is partly why we care for them so much. But wouldn't you rather your dog like the way you love him?

Toward that end, we've put together this highly abbreviated guide to speaking dog. Woof.

Don't pat his head. It bugs him.
This is a threatening gesture to many dogs. Although most family pets have gotten used to it, they don't find a heavy-handed pat-pat-pat very enjoyable. Try it on yourself and you'll see why. A deep scratch behind the ears or on the chest is much more satisfying.

Don't stare into a dog's eyes--you're asking for trouble.
Remember your parents telling you to look people in the eye when you spoke to them? What's good manners in human company is often considered a challenge among canines. This is why experts don't recommend staring contests with an unknown dog.

Defuse tension by looking away.
Just as staring at a dog can fuel aggression, looking away can help defuse a tense situation. It's also a good way to tell a persistent dog to buzz off. An alpha dog who's being pestered for attention by an underling will signal her disinterest by looking to the side, nose in the air like a snob. Remember that when your dog drops the ball in your lap for the 5,000th time while you're on the phone.

Never hug a strange dog.
To us, hugs mean, "I like you." To dogs, a front paw (or arm) over the shoulder means, "I'm higher status than you are." Next time you see someone hugging a dog, watch the dog's face--she's probably tolerating, but not enjoying it. For that reason, never hug an unknown dog; your reward may be a growl, or even a bite.

Approach a dog from the side rather then head on.
Emily Pug's Guide to Canine Etiquette considers walking straight up to a dog in very poor taste. Dogs move in an arc when walking toward other canines. While most socialized dogs are used to the more direct human approach, you can make a very submissive dog more comfortable by angling towards her.

Get on his level. It's friendlier.
You're probably thinking, "Cute little doggy, I'm gonna give you a pat," as you lean over a pooch. But in the dog world, standing over someone is a way of showing your higher status. Tower over an aggressive dog, and you may get a growl warning you to back off--if you're lucky. Stand over a submissive dog, and she may cower, roll over, or even pee to appease you. If you want to say hello to a timid pooch, turn sideways, squat, and let her approach you. Read the entire article.

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Spirulina

Spirulina is a blue-green algae rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals as well as other nutrients. It has been used as a food supplement for more than 20 years. Spirulina contains two-and-a-half times more vitamin B12 than liver. It is perhaps the best botanical source of protein available. Its several carotenoids provide antioxidant protection against free radical damage. It is a source of essential amino acids, as well as chelated minerals, natural plant sugars, trace minerals and enzymes. Spirulina is easily assimilated by the body. It is also rich in chlorophyll.

Mary Wulff-Tilford states in her book, All you ever wanted to know about Herbs for Pets: “A complete and digestible source of vitamin B complex, beta-carotene, protein, and a wide variety of minerals. Spirulina serves as an excellent nutritional supplement for dogs, cats, and other animals.”

CJ Puotinen states in her book, The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care: “Consider using any algae product in courses, such as five days on and two days off.”

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Product Recall - Hartz Mountain

The Hartz Mountain Corporation Voluntarily Recalls One Specific Lot of Nationwide Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips Because of Possible Health Risk

SECAUCUS, NJ, October 17, 2008 -- The Hartz Mountain Corporation is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Hartz Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips due to concerns that one or more bags within the lot are potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall.

Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs, and, if there is cross-contamination caused by handling of the rawhide chips, in people as well, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems.

Healthy people potentially infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals of humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The product involved is 4,850 – 2 pound plastic bags of Hartz Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips, lot code JC23282, UPC number 3270096463 which were distributed to a national retail customer. While the normal testing that Hartz conducts through an independent outside laboratory did not detect the presence of Salmonella in any Hartz rawhide products, sample testing conducted by another laboratory did indicate the presence of the bacteria in a single bag of the Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips. Hartz is aggressively investigating the difference in test results and the potential source of the problem.

Although Hartz has not received any reports of animals or humans becoming ill as a result of coming into contact with this product, Hartz is taking immediate steps to remove the product from all retail stores and distribution centers.

Dog owners who purchased this product should check the lot code on their bag. If lot code JC23282 imprinted thereon, they should immediately discontinue use of the product and discard it in a proper manner.

Consumers can contact Hartz at 1-800-275-1414 with any questions they may have and to obtain reimbursement for purchased product.

Read the entire article.

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Deaf Dog Education Action Fund

The mission of the Deaf Dog Education Action Fund is to provide education and funding for the purpose of improving and/or saving the lives of deaf dogs. We are a non-profit organization founded to speak on behalf of and assist in the betterment of life for deaf dogs everywhere.


Click here for training tips.
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Citrus Bioflavonoids

VITAMIN C, CITRUS BIOFLAVONOIDS are on sale this week!
$1 OFF - $10.95
Order 4 Get 5 - $47.80
ON SALE - 10/19 - 10/25
Expires Saturday, October 25th, at 6 PM EST

Bioflavonoids are nutritional compounds found together in nature that help protect the body from free radical damage and are reported to have numerous health benefits. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are formed when the body burns oxygen.

Sometimes referred to as "Vitamin P" they are the natural pigments in fruits and vegetables. Researchers report over 800 different bioflavonoids. Most of these are the yellow pigments found in citrus fruit and other fruits/vegetables.

Some researchers believe that bioflavonoids help maintain capillaries. Capillaries are the microscopic blood vessels that allow oxygen, hormones, nutrients, and antibodies to pass from the body's bloodstream to individual cells.

When capillary walls become fragile, they allow blood to drain into the cells. The result of this is easy bruising, brain and retinal hemorrhages, bleeding gums and other abnormalities.

Researchers have discovered that some of the functions that vitamin C is credited with are actually from the bioflavonoids. Since they work closely together, numerous reports have stated that vitamin C and many bioflavonoids need each other to produce the effects that they have on the immune system.

Click here for more information.

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Vinegar Uses

From: www.care2.com

Vinegar is one of those kitchen cupboard wonders–it can do as much for a salad dressing as it can for a pet’s coat or neutralizing odors. Here are a few clever ways to put vinegar to work for your pets.

Shine Enhancer
Mix one cup of whte vinegar to one quart of water and rub or spray it on the coat of your dog.

Skin Soother
Mix 1/2 cup raw apple cider vinegar to 1 1/2 cups water and use as a rinse after your dog’s bath to help soothe skin affected by chronic skin infections or irritations.

Ear Helper
Vinegar hampers unfriendly bacteria and other microorganisms that are a common cause of ear infections in dogs and cats–keep infections at bay by wiping ears out weekly with a cotton ball saturated with equal parts water and apple cider vinegar.

Skunk Spray Fixer
Tomato juice is the odor remover of choice for pets sprayed by skunks, but vinegar works as well to neutralize the stink. Soak the coat with a mixture of half water and half vinegar, then rinse with plain water. Repeat if necessary.

Cat Deterrent
You’ll need to do a patch test before spraying vinegar on fabric, but the smell of vinegar is a great deterrent for cats. Spray white vinegar anywhere you don’t want your cat to scratch, sleep, or sit.

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Solid Gold Pet Food Recall

Tiny Tots Dog Treat Voluntary Product Withdrawl
October 13, 2008

Due to some instances of mold growth in a single batch of Tiny Tots, we have decided to voluntarily withdraw the entire production run from the market. We would like to assure our customers that there have been no reported serious health effects on dogs that have consumed Tiny Tots from this batch.

If you have a bag of Tiny Tots with a Best Before date of April 2009, please return it to your retail store for a full refund. No other batches of Tiny Tots or any of our other jerky treats are affected.

Solid Gold is committed to producing the healthiest food, treats, and supplements for your pet. As always, if you have any questions or concerns please contact us at 800-364-4863 or online at dane@solidgoldhealth.com.

www.solidgoldhealth.com/news


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National Feral Cat Day

National Feral Cat Day
October 16 and All Year Round

National Feral Cat Day (NFCD), October 16, is the annual kick-off of Alley Cat Allies’ national education campaign. Many advocates and supporters take this opportunity to distribute educational products or host local events—workshops, fundraisers, and special spay and neuter clinic days—for stray and feral cats. Click here for a list of ideas for activities and events.

You can help spread the message about feral cats, why they need a different kind of care, and how communities can band together to stop the killing of cats in their local animal control pounds and shelters—on National Feral Cat Day and all year round.

Learn More about Feral Cats!

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Poop Patrol!

Monitor Your Pet's Litter Box or Back Yard Deposits for Clues to Their Health
by Susan Thixton

(NaturalNews) As much ‘fun’ as it is to clean the litter box or pick up the ‘land mines’ in the back yard, the clean up provides you with an opportunity to monitor your pet’s health. The trick is to first learn what normal elimination behavior is, and then any changes in normal are an early alert to a possible problem.

I used to own a kennel in Louisville, KY that kept upwards of 40 animals every day. Let me tell you, when you are cleaning up after 40 or so dogs every day, you find some interesting things in what you pick up. The most amazing thing I found was a regular size, completely in tact Popsicle stick. Ouch! And I always found brightly colored remains from dogs that had snacked on crayons.

The cleanup provides you with all sorts of information. As my dog kennel experience proves, you can learn what your pet is having for their in-between-meal snacks. Busy lifestyles often prevent dog and cat owners from knowing exactly what their pet might snack on. Finding popsicle sticks, crayons, or anything else in the ‘deposit’ gives you information of what needs to be removed from their access around the house. And learning what you need to keep them away from could save you an expensive vet bill and possibly their life. A popsicle stick or swallowed ribbon can easily puncture the intestinal wall or become entangled and cause a dangerous obstruction. An obstruction not caught early can kill your pet. Monitor what is normally ‘deposited’ in the yard or litter box each day; any variation of the normal activity can be an early warning sign of a problem. The point is to know what is normal elimination for your pet.

If the above didn’t give you enough encouragement to monitor what comes out of the back end of your pet, let me give you a little more. In this scary time of pet food recalls, tainted ingredients from China, sick/diseased slaughter animals processed into pet food, and so on -- regular litter box and back yard clean up could alert you to bad dog food or cat food. The body -- pet body and human body -- is a wonderful thing. Something bad goes in, often times the body knows to quickly get rid of the ‘stuff’ by any means possible. Loose stools could be a minor tummy ache or it could prove to be an early warning sign of a problem.

Get over the yucky attitude to cleaning up after your dog or cat. There’s a great deal of information to be learned ‘there’. It could prove to be a life saver!

Wishing you and your pet the best,

Susan Thixton
www.naturalnews.com

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Vitamin D

How Important Is Vitamin D and How Should You Get It?
by Jo Hartley

(NaturalNews) There is new evidence that recommends that daily Vitamin D intake should be ten times higher than the current U.S. RDA. When Vitamin D levels were studied in 1997 it was concluded that low levels were normal. There was speculation that this had an anti-cancer effect.

Numerous studies since that time have shown that low levels are actually deficiencies that may lead to cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease, hypertension, MS, and Crohn's.

Individual factors that influence how much Vitamin D you need include: 1) whether you spend time outdoors in the midday sun, 2) how far north you live, 3) the color of your skin, 4) your age, 5) your diet, and 6) your weight.

Your body is capable of producing Vitamin D the natural way through your skin. To do this you need sun exposure on bare skin without sun block, at or near the middle of the day.

Usually 10 or 15 minutes in midday summer sun is enough. This leads to the production of approximately 10,000 IU of Vitamin D.

Paradoxically, skin cancer may actually be prevented by the very thing that so many are afraid causes it. Sunshine! Vitamin D is one of the known protections of skin cells against precancerous changes. Sunlight is the main source of Vitamin D for most people. UV-B rays from the sun on the skin change cholesterol into Vitamin D and this is a strong anticancer preventer. UV-B is at the highest levels during midday hours during summer months. This is the very time we have been advised to avoid sunlight! UV-B is also blocked by sunscreen.

The best way to get adequate and safe UV-B exposure is to wear a hat to protect your face from the sun while allowing other body parts to be exposed to moderate amounts of midday sunlight. Stop before there is any indication of redness. Read the entire article.

Read more about Vitamin D3.

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Indiana Puppy Mill Rescue

www.hsus.org

More than 60 animals saved from a Fairbanks, Ind., puppy mill are now on their way to better lives thanks to the diligent efforts of local authorities and local and national humane organizations Oct. 8. The animals included 52 dogs, 10 horses, four cats, and one goat.

"The puppy mill industry affects many hundreds of thousands dogs every year in this country, but today we have been able to free 52 dogs from this horrendous cycle of abuse," said Anne Sterling, The Humane Society of the United States' Indiana state director. "It is extremely gratifying to know that we have given these animals the opportunity to experience the joys of life outside the confines of their squalid cages."

Rescue Mission

The HSUS was there from the beginning acting as the lead animal welfare organization for this rescue mission. The HSUS was called in to assist Indiana State Police with the rescue and care of these animals. They were joined by members of the Humane Society of Missouri, Indiana Animal Care and Control, dedicated local volunteers and veterinarians as well as the USDA Office of the Inspector General. Read the entire article.

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Dog Vaccines

Schultz: Dog vaccines may not be necessary

Once a year, Ronald Schultz checks the antibody levels in his dogs' blood. Why? He says for proof that most annual vaccines are unnecessary.

Schultz, professor and chair of pathobiological sciences at School of Veterinary Medicine, has been studying the effectiveness of canine vaccines since the 1970s; he's learned that immunity can last as long as a dog's lifetime, which suggests that our "best friends" are being over-vaccinated.

Based on his findings, a community of canine vaccine experts has developed new veterinary recommendations that could eliminate a dog's need for annual shots. The guidelines appear in the March/April issue of Trends, the journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Read the entire article.

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Senile Cats

On the outside, our felines often look younger than their physical years. But cats, sadly, are not immune to cognitive dysfunction. Some do indeed become senile in their senior years. I always assumed my 20 year old cat was senile–lots of deep meooowing and copious amounts of time spent staring at the wall–but I never really knew for sure, until I read about cats and senility in The Cat Behavior Answer Book (Storey Publishing, 2007). Here, author Arden Moore addresses the issue of aging cats.

If you notice excessive yowling and confusion, you should have your senior cat examined regularly by your vet to rule out any possible underlying medical condition. Hyperthyroidism, liver disease, kidney disease, and urinary tract infection are examples of diseases that may cause hypervocalization or confusion. Some cats who become deaf also start yowling frequently.

Some cats start to exhibit certain telltale signs of cognitive dysfunction around age 12, Many animal behaviorists use the acronym DISH to refer to the symptoms and signs commonly associated with feline senility.

D IS FOR DISORIENTATION
Cats who are disoriented often walk aimlessly, stare at walls, get “stuck” in corners, seem to be lost in their own home, or lose their balance and fall.

I IS FOR INTERACTIONS
Cats with impaired mental function often display changes in their interactions with people. They’re less likely to greet people when they come home or to seek out a lap.

S IS FOR SLEEP
Cats who once slept through the night may prowl restlessly, vocalizing as they roam.

H IS FOR HOUSETRAINING
Proper bathroom habits often go by the wayside, not for medical reasons or displeasure with the state of the litter box, but because the cat just forgets to use it.

To ease nighttime howling, try to break his daytime sleep cycle by frequently but gently waking him during the day. Try to make him more tired at night. Some golden oldies will snooze through the night if you treat them to a heated or cozy pad; look for one that plugs in at a very low temperature and has a washable cover. If these steps do not work, you may ask your vet for help.

Try to stick to routine as much as possible. Add some extra litter boxes in different rooms and on each level of your house. This will help cut down on any missed litter box opportunities. Avoid litter boxes with covers, as alder cats find it harder to get into them. Lower sides are also best too as the hind legs sometimes become stiff.

Most important, shower your cat with love. Spend plenty of time cuddling him and speaking to him in reassuring tones. Enjoy the time you have left with him.
Read the entire article.

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Pennsylvania Puppy Mills

PA HB 2525—Changes to the Dog Law
Sponsor(s): Rep. James Casorio and more than 90 cosponsors.

Update, 10/10/08: Governor Rendell signed HB 2525 into law the night of Thursday, October 9. There is expected to be a bill-signing ceremony sometime next week. The rules regarding euthanasia went into effect immediately—meaning that it is no longer legal for people to shoot their own dogs in Pennsylvania.

Congratulations, Pennsylvania—you did it! At approximately 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 8, the Pennsylvania State Senate passed HB 2525, the puppy mill reform bill, in a landslide vote of 49 to 1. Because there were amendments, the bill had to return to the House of Representatives for concurrence, but the House acted swiftly, passing the final version by a vote of 183 to 7 at around 7:00 P.M. Rep. Art Hershey, an outspoken foe of HB 2525, excused himself from voting at the last minute.

Although we are not pleased with some of the amendments that were added to the final bill, HB 2525 will still require commercial breeders to double the cage space required for dogs. It also prohibits wire flooring and the stacking of cages, mandates exercise for all dogs, requires that ALL dogs receive veterinary care every six months, and requires that animals be humanely euthanized by licensed veterinarians. This legislation will have an enormously positive impact on the lives of tens of thousands of dogs in Pennsylvania’s puppy mills.
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Pets-Household Pollutants

Study Finds Pets Suffer From Household Pollutants
by Susan Thixton

(NaturalNews) A recent study performed by Environmental Working Group (EWG) proves our pets are exposed to chemicals and toxins in far greater amounts than people. In a ground breaking study, EWG found dogs and cats to be contaminated with 48 different chemicals –- 43 of which were at higher levels typically found in people.

Pet owners try their best to protect the four legged loves of their lives. Yet thanks to lax or non-existent regulations, a new study has proven that our pets are becoming polluted with chemicals. Environmental Working Group released a unique study earlier this year finding 48 different chemicals in the blood and urine of dogs and cats.

Briefly the EWG report (www.ewg.org/reports/pets) tested 20 dogs and 37 cats. In dogs, seven chemicals tested at least five times higher than typical human levels and another seven chemicals showed levels up to five times the amounts in people. In cats, 25 chemicals averaged at least five times higher than human levels and another 18 averaged up to five times the typical level found in humans.

Read the entire article.

Read about my favorite natural cleaning product.

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Echinacea

Ultimate Echinacea™: Good Health Isn’t Contagious

During the cold weather season, reach for Ultimate Echinacea. That’s right, the top-selling herb in the U.S. is widely known for its immunestrengthening properties. A growing body of research suggests that echinacea may help prevent colds because it helps promote a healthy immune response by boosting natural killer cell activity.

Nature’s Sunshine’s Ultimate Echinacea is a liquid concentration offering the combined benefits of Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia and E. pallida. This alcohol-free tincture offers more powerful immune-boosting echinacea and is better assimilated by the body than the dried herb.

Click here to read more.

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Housetraining Rules

THE PET CONNECTION
By Gina Spadafori, Pet Columnist
www.veterinarypartner.com

House Rules

The first step in turning an adult dog into a reliable house pet is to embrace a key concept: There's no such thing as a "partially" house-trained dog. He either is or he isn't.

Why is realizing this important? Because if you have a dog who is "sometimes" reliable, you have a dog who isn't getting the picture, probably because no one took the time to teach it to him properly in the first place. To do that, you're going to have to go back to square one.

Before you do, though, make sure you're not dealing with a sick dog. If you have a pet who was perfectly house-trained and is no longer, you must determine that what you have is really a behavior problem, not a health problem. That means you need to check with your veterinarian first.

To be fair, if you've just adopted an adult dog who seems to be urinating all the time, you should have him checked out, too, before assuming he's not house-trained. If everything is fine, you can start training him.

You need to teach your dog what's right before you can correct him for what's wrong. To do this, spend a couple of weeks ensuring he has nothing but successes by never giving him the opportunity to make a mistake. Here's how:

Leash him to you in the house so you can monitor his every move during his training period. If he starts to mess, correct him with a sharp "no," take him outside, give a "go" command, and praise him for doing right.

Confine him when you cannot watch him. Dogs don't like to mess where they're sleeping, and most will quickly learn to "hold it" when resting in a crate or carrier. Make sure he has a favorite chew toy to work on while he's confined, so he's less likely to be anxious or bored.

Take him outside first thing in the morning, at lunch, as soon as you get home from work and just before you go to bed, when you put him in his crate for the night. Always remember to give your "go" command when you're out with him, and praise him when he does as you wish.

The most difficult part of house-training an adult dog is your attitude toward limiting his options in such a way as to make success possible. You may not like the idea of keeping such close tabs on your dog, but bear in mind you won't need to do it forever. Crates and leashes are training tools, not lifelong crutches.

If you've been consistent, your dog will likely have a good idea of what's expected of him at the end of the two weeks, so you can start to give him a little freedom. Don't let him have the run of the house yet. Keep his area small and let him earn the house, room by room, under your supervision, as he proves his understanding of the house rules.

Accidents will happen. If you catch him in the act, correct him with a sharp "no," take him outside and give him the chance to set things right. Give your "go" command, and praise if he does. Clean up the mess promptly and thoroughly, so he won't feel so inclined to refresh his smell there.

If you aren't catching him messing, you're not keeping close enough tabs on him. Go back to the crate and leash and start over.

Consistency and patience are necessary for house-training an adult dog. If you have both, you will likely succeed. Without them, you'll have a very difficult time getting the results you're hoping for.

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Pets On the Go

Pets on the Go™ is the definitive guide for information on pet friendly B&Bs, inns, hotels, resorts and private rentals. Look to Pets on the Go™ for critically acclaimed original content, independent reviews, and professional advice. We interpret regulations, dig into the details, and uncover the real deal on pet friendly places to stay. Entertaining and informative -- we simplify pet travel.


Explore our pages to get information on:
*air, sea, and land pet transportation
*pet recreational resources
*pet friendly restaurants, shops and tours
*the rules for domestic and international pet travel

Visit Pets On The Go Website.

Visit Bandit's Buddies Now.