Archive for the ‘Natural Remedies’ Category
Healthy Oils for Your Dog’s Skin and Coat
Your pet’s skin and coat are a reflection of his overall health. A soft, shiny coat indicates that your dog is healthy, but dry skin and a lusterless coat is often a sign of an underlying medical condition.
One easy way to improve your dog’s skin and coat is to boost the level of healthy oils in their diet. This can simply be achieved by adding a healthy serving of unrefined coconut oil or olive oil to your pup’s food. A serving size of about 1 teaspoon per 10lbs of body weight is a good starting point. Coconut oil can also be applied topically to dry skin areas but adding it to your dog’s food will help their skin from the inside out.
In addition to supplementing the food, you can choose treats that are rich in coconut or coconut oil such as Max & Ruffy’s treats. Five-Star Blueberry, 24 Carob Gold: Strawberry & Carob, 327 BC: Banana & Coconut and Tree of Life: Molasses & Coconut are made with coconut oil. Tree of Life also contains flax seed to boost your pet’s intake of healthy oils. All Max & Ruffy’s treats come in two sizes, so you can choose the option that best meets your dog’s size and needs.
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!