Archive for the ‘Dog Safety’ Category
Natural Remedies to Help Your Dog Stay Healthy
In recent years, growing numbers of dog owners have become interested in using natural remedies to keep their pets healthy. The following are some of the most popular all-natural treatments for common health problems your dog may face.
Apple Cider Vinegar
When you’re done grooming your dog, apply a few drops of apple cider vinegar to his ears to help prevent ear infections. In between grooming, apply a 50/50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water to the area.
Coconut Oil
Add about one teaspoon of coconut oil per 10lbs of body weight into your dog’s food each day to encourage a shiny coat while helping to clear up rashes and other skin conditions.
Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is well known as a great way to reduce stress and promote a more restful sleep in humans, but it can also help an anxious pet feel calmer. If your dog is anxious due to environmental triggers like thunderstorms or fireworks, mix one drop of lavender essential oil with one drop of a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil. Gently comb this mixture through your dog’s fur.
Oatmeal
If your dog is bothered by dry skin irritation, mix equal parts water and oatmeal to form a thick paste and apply it directly to dry spots. Wait 10 minutes before rinsing off. The saponins in oatmeal act as a gentle detergent that removes irritants from the skin while boosting moisture levels.
Oregano
Arthritis is fairly common among older pets. Ask your vet about using food grade oregano oil to keep your dog comfortable. This oil, which is found in the natural health section of stores, is administered orally by adding two to three drops added to your dog’s food three times per day. Alternatively, fresh oregano leaves can be added to your dog’s food.
Vitamin C
When your pooch is sick or stressed, his natural levels of Vitamin C decrease. Adding vitamin C supplements to your pet’s diet can boost his immune system by enhancing white blood cell function and activity. However, you should not give your dog supplements intended for human usage. Ask your vet to recommend a product that is safe for your pet.
Tasty Treats for Healthy Pooches
Never underestimate the importance of a healthy diet as a natural way to keep your pet feeling his very best. Max & Ruffy’s treats will appeal to your dog’s taste buds while offering nutritional benefits that promote his health and wellbeing. For example, our Powerhouse: Sweet Potato & Alfalfa treat contains many vitamins and minerals, is an excellent source of amino acids, and is a vital source of chlorophyll. With all these qualities alfalfa can aid in your dogs’ digestion, help to relieve pain and stiffness from arthritis, boost his or her immune system and act as a natural deodorizer to quell those lovely doggy smells!
How to Keep Your Dog’s Paws Healthy in the Winter
During the cold winter months, your dog’s paw pads deserve a little extra TLC. Exposure to the elements and the chemicals used for snow and ice removal put this sensitive area of your pet’s body at risk of frostbite, cracking, drying, and chemical burns.
Good grooming is the easiest way to keep your dog’s paws healthy during the winter months. Poorly groomed dogs are susceptible to ice balls forming on their paw pads, which can be very painful. You want to make sure the hair between the paw pads is short enough that it is even with the paws. It’s important to avoid having hair come into contact with the ground, as this can cause ice balls to form between the paw pads. Your dog’s nails should also be neatly trimmed to prevent the paw from splaying out as he walks.
Before you take your dog outside during the winter months, apply a thin layer of a commercial paw protectant such as Musher’s Secret, Bag Balm or Vaseline to the paws. This will help prevent them from drying out while soothing any irritation.
As a precautionary measure, try to keep your pooch away from roads and sidewalks that have been treated with salt and de-icers. The ingredients in these products are often toxic to dogs and can burn your dog’s paws. Many pet-friendly versions can be purchased for your home.
If your pet must be outside in an unfamiliar area, wash his paws with warm water as soon as you get back home. This will help prevent him from ingesting any harmful substances that may be on his paws. Once his paws are clean, apply another coat of the protective balm you’ve selected.
Not all dogs like them, but boots can be a good way to keep your dog’s paws safe during the winter months. Dog boots, which are available at many pet stores, are like thick socks with Velcro straps to keep them in place. Some have the added benefit of rubber soles to provide extra traction on slippery surfaces. They should fit snugly, but not be so tight that they limit movement or restrict blood flow.
Max & Ruffy’s Can Help You Protect Your Pet
A high quality diet can help you keep your pooch happy and healthy all year long. When you’re searching for safe and nutritious dog treats, Max & Ruffy’s is an excellent choice. All of our treats are certified USDA organic and made with no artificial or genetically modified ingredients. Several varieties, including W.P. (Pizza), 327 B.C. (Banana & Coconut), and Tree of Life (Coconut, Molasses, & Flax) are also grain free.
How to Help a Dog Who Is Afraid of Storms
Storms can be quite frightening for many dogs, but there are a few things you can do to help your pet overcome his storm phobia.
Any dog can develop a storm phobia, although herding breeds such as Border Collies seem to be the most affected. If your dog has separation anxiety or is afraid of other loud noises like fireworks and gunshots, storm phobia may also be a problem.
There’s no clear explanation for what triggers storm phobia, but many vets suspect that dogs dislike the combination of thunder, lightning, wind, and barometric pressure changes. There are also low-frequency rumbles before a storm that can irritate a dog’s sensitive hearing.
One easy thing you can do to make storms less stressful for your dog is to provide a safe place for him to go when the weather turns bad. This could be the bathroom, the basement, or an open crate in a windowless room. Play soothing music to help block the sound of the storms outside. Offer distractions such as a few treats and a game of fetch as needed.
Not all dogs respond well to them, but a snug fitting shirt or wrap may help calm an anxious pet. Compression garments apply gentle pressure, which has been shown to soothe anxiety for many different animals.
In severe cases, your vet may be able to prescribe an anti-anxiety medication to keep your dog’s storm phobia under control. Medications can be given on a daily basis or used whenever the forecast calls for stormy weather.
Tasty Treats for Man’s Best Friend
Max & Ruffy’s selection of natural and organic dog treats are as close to homemade dog treats as you will find. With yummy flavors like 327 B.C. (Banana & Coconut), Tree of Life (Coconut, Molasses, & Flax), and 24 Carob Gold (Strawberry & Carob), you’re sure to find something your pet will love.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe During the Cold Winter Months
Winter can be a dangerous time for any dog, but puppies, senior dogs, and short haired dogs are especially vulnerable to the effects of falling temperatures. To keep your pet safe, you’ll need to take a few precautions before venturing outside.
If you take your dog outside for exercise, consider investing in a sweater or two. A cozy sweater, in addition to being a stylish fashion accessory, can help your pooch stay protected from the cold. Look for one with a high collar or turtleneck that offers coverage from the base of the tail to your dog’s belly.
After a walk, your dog may end up with salt on his paws. This can cause irritation to sensitive skin. Use a damp towel to clean your pet’s paws as soon as you come back indoors.
Antifreeze is deadly to dogs, but many pooches find the sweet taste highly appealing. Take care to keep antifreeze out of your pet’s reach and choose a brand made with propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. Propylene glycol is less toxic and has a slightly bitter taste that is less attractive to animals.
If you have an outdoor dog, he needs a shelter that is large enough to sit and lie down in comfortably, but small enough to hold in his natural body heat. Keep the shelter raised a few inches off the ground and facing away from the wind. Cover the doorway with heavy plastic or waterproof burlap and add a layer of straw or cedar shavings to the floor.
If you have any reason to suspect that your dog may be suffering from frostbite or hypothermia, contact your vet immediately. Signs of frostbite include pain when skin is touched, cold skin indoors, and skin that is pale gray or blue. Signs of hypothermia include a weak pulse, trouble breathing, reduced appetite, listlessness, and lethargy.
Treat Your Dog to Max & Ruffy’s
During the winter months, active dogs require more food to maintain their energy levels. This means it’s important to choose treats that offer added nutritional benefits. Max & Ruffy’s selection of dog treats are as close to homemade dog treats as you will find and packed with antioxidants to help your pet stay healthy all year longer.