Posts
Find an article on my website about managing fleas and ticks alternatively.
http://www.shewhisperer.com/resources_flea_and_tick.php
This site always has plenty of great information on ways to keep our pets healthy.
www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com
Saturday, March 20, 2010
EPA, finally making stricter rules on flea and tick products
Please, before you use any flea and tick products do your homework. Many of these products are the cause of the rise in cancer we now see in our dogs, and cats. They critically impair the immune systems of most, leaving our pets compromised. The EPA is now recognizing the negative effects from skin irritations, to seizures and even death. There are many articles on this, w/in this last week. Just google EPA, flea and tick products and tell everyone you know. If you have any stories that you feel will help bring people on board to NOT use these products, please let me know. We need to help our furry friends, so your support is helpful.
When is a good time to trim your dog for summer?
I'm getting so many queries about the right time to trim your dog. Many folks who live an active lifestyle on trails, in pools, ponds and any kind of travel find it much easier to give their dog a puppy cut. Giving your dog a summer doo helps with brushing out the burrs, preventing mats if they swim a lot, and keeping those muddy paws out of your tent.
I'm not just talking about your typical grooming breeds like Tibetan Terriers, Yorkies, Wheatens, etc, but also Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, little Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and many more. Trimming your dog at the wrong time could expose your dog to very harsh sunburns, or to the lingering cold spring nights.
A great time to trim is usually in mid-April to early May. This is a good time because it's before the ever increasing temps which cause sunburn on their newly exposed hairless back. This will also allow the hair to grow back in time for fall/winter.
Enjoy the warmer weather without compromising her health.
Let me know if you have other concerns or tips you'd like to share or hear more about.
Happy tails
I'm not just talking about your typical grooming breeds like Tibetan Terriers, Yorkies, Wheatens, etc, but also Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, little Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and many more. Trimming your dog at the wrong time could expose your dog to very harsh sunburns, or to the lingering cold spring nights.
A great time to trim is usually in mid-April to early May. This is a good time because it's before the ever increasing temps which cause sunburn on their newly exposed hairless back. This will also allow the hair to grow back in time for fall/winter.
Enjoy the warmer weather without compromising her health.
Let me know if you have other concerns or tips you'd like to share or hear more about.
Happy tails
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Hard Times Advice from a Veterinarian
Getting More Bark For Your Buck
Today the human-animal bond is stronger than ever. Seemingly, the more tumultuous the world around us, the tighter we cling to our beloved pets. They soothe us with their predictability and unconditional love, and they consistently give in excess of what they receive. Imagine then, the heartache one feels when it’s necessary to cut back on a pet’s health care because of financial hardship. Last week I worked with Joan and her ten-year-old Labrador, Rudy who still acts like a puppy. They are devoted to one another, and Joan has always done everything possible to care for her best buddy’s health. Rudy had been vomiting and not finishing his meals (keep in mind, most Labs would quit breathing before they quit eating). When I mentioned blood tests and X-rays, Joan began sobbing and expressed profound guilt and worry because she was unable to afford these diagnostics. Like so many others in this diseased economy Joan recently lost her job, depleted her financial reserves, and was in the midst of foreclosure. I gave Joan a big hug, told her how much I appreciated her candor, and reassured her that a diet change and medication to soothe Rudy’s stomach might be the solution. She will call me with an update next week.
If you are feeling a financial pinch (who isn’t these days), here are some things you can do to economize while still caring for your pet’s health.
-When talking with your vet, lay your financial cards on the table. Yes, this is difficult (talking “fleas” is one thing- having a candid conversation about your bank account is whole ‘nother ball game), but know that such discussion can open doors to options that make better financial sense. Rarely is there only one way to diagnose or treat a disease. You are entitled to an explanation of the risks and benefits of every single option, regardless of your financial status.
-Request a written cost estimate before services are provided. In no way does this reflect how much you love your pet; you are simply being fiscally responsible.
-Learn about all of your payment options.
-Consider investing in pet health insurance, especially if you are inclined to take the “do-everything-possible” approach.
-Don’t neglect the preventive care that could save you money in the long run. Administering heartworm preventive is less expensive for you (and safer for your dog) than treating heartworm infection.
What should one do if forced to contemplate euthanasia for a pet solely because of financial constraints? Before succumbing to such a drastic decision, I strongly encourage thoroughly investigating every other conceivable option. Consider coming up with a creative payment plan such as bartering services or goods, researching dog, cat, or breed-specific rescue associations, borrowing money from friends or relatives (borrowing from a bank might be a silly suggestion these days), applying for a donation from a pet health assistance organization, or finding a new, financially capable guardian for your pet. Such exploration of options might just save a life and will do wonders for everyone’s peace of mind.
by Nancy Kay, DVM California
Today the human-animal bond is stronger than ever. Seemingly, the more tumultuous the world around us, the tighter we cling to our beloved pets. They soothe us with their predictability and unconditional love, and they consistently give in excess of what they receive. Imagine then, the heartache one feels when it’s necessary to cut back on a pet’s health care because of financial hardship. Last week I worked with Joan and her ten-year-old Labrador, Rudy who still acts like a puppy. They are devoted to one another, and Joan has always done everything possible to care for her best buddy’s health. Rudy had been vomiting and not finishing his meals (keep in mind, most Labs would quit breathing before they quit eating). When I mentioned blood tests and X-rays, Joan began sobbing and expressed profound guilt and worry because she was unable to afford these diagnostics. Like so many others in this diseased economy Joan recently lost her job, depleted her financial reserves, and was in the midst of foreclosure. I gave Joan a big hug, told her how much I appreciated her candor, and reassured her that a diet change and medication to soothe Rudy’s stomach might be the solution. She will call me with an update next week.
If you are feeling a financial pinch (who isn’t these days), here are some things you can do to economize while still caring for your pet’s health.
-When talking with your vet, lay your financial cards on the table. Yes, this is difficult (talking “fleas” is one thing- having a candid conversation about your bank account is whole ‘nother ball game), but know that such discussion can open doors to options that make better financial sense. Rarely is there only one way to diagnose or treat a disease. You are entitled to an explanation of the risks and benefits of every single option, regardless of your financial status.
-Request a written cost estimate before services are provided. In no way does this reflect how much you love your pet; you are simply being fiscally responsible.
-Learn about all of your payment options.
-Consider investing in pet health insurance, especially if you are inclined to take the “do-everything-possible” approach.
-Don’t neglect the preventive care that could save you money in the long run. Administering heartworm preventive is less expensive for you (and safer for your dog) than treating heartworm infection.
What should one do if forced to contemplate euthanasia for a pet solely because of financial constraints? Before succumbing to such a drastic decision, I strongly encourage thoroughly investigating every other conceivable option. Consider coming up with a creative payment plan such as bartering services or goods, researching dog, cat, or breed-specific rescue associations, borrowing money from friends or relatives (borrowing from a bank might be a silly suggestion these days), applying for a donation from a pet health assistance organization, or finding a new, financially capable guardian for your pet. Such exploration of options might just save a life and will do wonders for everyone’s peace of mind.
by Nancy Kay, DVM California
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
HEAT EXHAUSTION ANIMALS
It's summer and our animals are very susceptible to the heat, even more so than we are, as they will keep going/ out of excitement and or respect, thinking this is what is expected of them.
Don't leave your dog in a car w/out all the windows rolled down and in the shade. If you parked in the shade, this doesn't mean that it will be shady for the duration of time you are gone... THE SUN SHIFTS and you could come back to a boiling hot car and the animals in the care can easily become overheated. Leave a water bowl filled w/ water. Stop frequently, at rest stops while traveling to get fresh air, and to check on your critters, as air conditioners don't get to the back of cars that well. You may even pour water over them at a rest stop to keep them cool for the remainder of your trip. Fill their water bowls w/ ice from a gas station.
Don't exercise your dog when it is over 90 degrees. Don't train your dog when it is over 90 degrees.
If you suspect heat exhaustion, give water immediately and cool them off w/ a hose, wet the pads of their feet, bring them to shade and keep a cool/wet towel over them and if they don't respond, bring them to the nearest veterinarian.
When hiking, always carry extra water for you dog and stop and offer it to them frequently as you would do for yourself. The ground/dirt can also burn their feet. Best to hike in the mornings or evenings.
Stay cool!
Don't leave your dog in a car w/out all the windows rolled down and in the shade. If you parked in the shade, this doesn't mean that it will be shady for the duration of time you are gone... THE SUN SHIFTS and you could come back to a boiling hot car and the animals in the care can easily become overheated. Leave a water bowl filled w/ water. Stop frequently, at rest stops while traveling to get fresh air, and to check on your critters, as air conditioners don't get to the back of cars that well. You may even pour water over them at a rest stop to keep them cool for the remainder of your trip. Fill their water bowls w/ ice from a gas station.
Don't exercise your dog when it is over 90 degrees. Don't train your dog when it is over 90 degrees.
If you suspect heat exhaustion, give water immediately and cool them off w/ a hose, wet the pads of their feet, bring them to shade and keep a cool/wet towel over them and if they don't respond, bring them to the nearest veterinarian.
When hiking, always carry extra water for you dog and stop and offer it to them frequently as you would do for yourself. The ground/dirt can also burn their feet. Best to hike in the mornings or evenings.
Stay cool!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
HorseTV
HorseTV has merged w/ NickerNetwork to bring worldwide coverage of everything horse to us online.
Find out more at http://www.horsetv.com
happy trails,
~jill
Find out more at http://www.horsetv.com
happy trails,
~jill
Articles
Hey folks,
I am writing for the Green Living Journal, an environmental journal distributed on the east and west coast and expanding each quarter. I am writing a column called ECO-PETS. It is everything regarding our pets in the name of health, vaccinations, food, toxic toys, flea products, etc. So, check in out and pass it along. the rag is very grassroots and you will find it quite informative on topics related ot green living.
Enjoy,
http://www.greenlivingjournal.com
go to the Eco Pets column
related topics so far are:
How to Feed Our Pets Healthy Food
Toxic Toys
Booster Vaccinations.
I am writing for the Green Living Journal, an environmental journal distributed on the east and west coast and expanding each quarter. I am writing a column called ECO-PETS. It is everything regarding our pets in the name of health, vaccinations, food, toxic toys, flea products, etc. So, check in out and pass it along. the rag is very grassroots and you will find it quite informative on topics related ot green living.
Enjoy,
http://www.greenlivingjournal.com
go to the Eco Pets column
related topics so far are:
How to Feed Our Pets Healthy Food
Toxic Toys
Booster Vaccinations.
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