I don't know how the weather is where you live, but here in Indiana we are certainly not getting a repeat of last year's mild winter. In fact, I think we're making up for it! I'm not fond of the cold and snow, and neither are my dogs! I have small dogs, they're mostly older, and the snow is just not something they care to explore and play in. Being indoors more during the season and having the house all closed up is unfortunately a part of the reality of this time of year for the majority of us who live in these types of climates. Because of this, it makes it ever so much more important that especially the indoor climate is safe for our furry companions.
I have blogged before about using all natural cleaning products. Now it's really important, because all those smells you use have nowhere to go....they're stuck inside, and not only are people breathing it in, but our doggies too! Those harsh chemicals are simply not good for your lungs, and definitely a hazard to your health. They over-power the senses, and to my olfactory nerves they're very offensive! I just finished up mopping the floors a bit ago, and it smells wonderful in here! I love to use essential oils in my mop water, along with the Watkins organic multi-purpose cleaner. (Check out their website at www.jrwatkins.com) Keeping it rather seasonal, I used Peppermint Oil this time...yum....very uplifting!
Because of snow piling up, it makes it a challenge if not an impossibility to go for walks...so the exercise suffers as well. Be sure to play with your dogs daily....sit down on the floor...on your bed or a piece of furniture so you're more at their level, especially those small doggies. This at least helps to give them a little extra movement instead of just sitting and laying around all day.
Of course, I can hardly publish a blog without saying something about nutrition! You can make soups and stews for your dogs, and even meatloaf! It's always nice this time of year to have warm food in the belly! One thing you can do that is particularly yummy is get a carton of organic, low-sodium chicken or beef broth....warm it up in a pan on the stove (I'm not an advocate of the microwave), and pour over your dog's meat or kibble....they'll love it, I guarantee! Also, dogs can have caffeine-free hot tea, herbals such as chamomile and peppermint...try it and see if your dog likes it.
I'm counting down the days until Spring (83 by my count)....so hopefully the whole winter won't be harsh...as Indiana typically isn't that way. I know some of you however, are in regions that really get walloped, and your winters seem to last forever! On the bright side....the daylight hours are starting to get longer, even though in this area, the next two months are typically very gray. Find plenty of productive things to focus on and enjoy spending time indoors (and outdoors if you and your fur family enjoy that), keeping warm and safe!
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Best Calcium Source - Egg Shells
Calcium is just as important for dogs as it is for people. This vital mineral is noted for strengthening bones and teeth, so these are not any less important in the canine body. Dogs fed a commercial kibble and nothing else, are most likely deficient in calcium. A home cooked diet can go a long way in helping to provide the needed amounts. How much would that be? For adult canine maintenance, 119 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight. By adding organic plain yogurt, organic whole milk, organic Kefir, organic cheese and cottage cheese you will boost the daily natural intake of calcium. I am always for obtaining nutrients first from food sources then adding supplementation as necessary.
The egg itself does not contain much calcium, what is there is found in the yolk. However, the shell is composed largely of calcium carbonate (about 94%) and contains about 2 grams of calcium. This form of calcium is balanced, and the best natural source; it's easier to digest and absorb. Obviously, if you're going to use the shell for your dog's calcium source by making egg shell powder calcium supplement (see my blog from May 6, 2012 for the 'recipe'), organic egg shells are the best.
One medium size shell will make about 1 teaspoon powder which is equal to 750-800 milligrams (mgs) of elemental (the amount absorbable) calcium. On top of this, your furry companion will also benefit from additional minerals found in the shell such as; magnesium, boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, sulphur, silicon, zinc and others....27 in all!
If your dog, especially one that is older is suffering from joint problems or bone issues, this is the best calcium supplement you can use in my opinion. Also consider adding vitamin D3 to assist as well. Discuss these issues with your veterinarian....your dog's body needs to be a well-oiled machine (just like the human body) to be at best functioning capacity. It can be easy to over-supplement, as it can with people, however, a highly important mineral such as calcium which also has functions with the blood and muscles should not be overlooked.
Your dog's health is an important part of maintaining a quality life. You are the responsible party to make this happen. It takes time and extra effort to do these special things, but in the long run, it can save on vet bills and down the road make for much happier golden years for you well-deserving companion.
The egg itself does not contain much calcium, what is there is found in the yolk. However, the shell is composed largely of calcium carbonate (about 94%) and contains about 2 grams of calcium. This form of calcium is balanced, and the best natural source; it's easier to digest and absorb. Obviously, if you're going to use the shell for your dog's calcium source by making egg shell powder calcium supplement (see my blog from May 6, 2012 for the 'recipe'), organic egg shells are the best.
One medium size shell will make about 1 teaspoon powder which is equal to 750-800 milligrams (mgs) of elemental (the amount absorbable) calcium. On top of this, your furry companion will also benefit from additional minerals found in the shell such as; magnesium, boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, sulphur, silicon, zinc and others....27 in all!
If your dog, especially one that is older is suffering from joint problems or bone issues, this is the best calcium supplement you can use in my opinion. Also consider adding vitamin D3 to assist as well. Discuss these issues with your veterinarian....your dog's body needs to be a well-oiled machine (just like the human body) to be at best functioning capacity. It can be easy to over-supplement, as it can with people, however, a highly important mineral such as calcium which also has functions with the blood and muscles should not be overlooked.
Your dog's health is an important part of maintaining a quality life. You are the responsible party to make this happen. It takes time and extra effort to do these special things, but in the long run, it can save on vet bills and down the road make for much happier golden years for you well-deserving companion.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Puppy Love(y)
I am very fond of small, senior doggies. The only puppy I ever had is my now 17 year old Maltese, Clarisse. It's been a long time since that young of blood has been in our household. I've fostered dogs that were around 2-3 years old, and they're playful...but not like pups!
I was recently given a stray puppy that was pulled (rescued) from a shelter north of me. At 4 pounds, she was in an outdoor kennel in the gravel. This has been a little over a month ago, so the weather was pretty chilly. I agreed when I took her on, I'd keep her. I look back on that and wonder, 'what was I thinking?'....but I say that with a laugh!
Our new girl is a hoot! A breath of fresh air! Our home has mainly older doggies, and it's been a long time ago that Clarisse was a pup. It's interesting, as I recall when I got Clarisse, I had pretty much zero knowledge on canine care. And there's a lot more available today....and also, I know a whole lot more...experience is truly a good teacher!
She's had her first round of puppy shots, and will be getting spayed in the next couple of weeks, and some extra teeth removed, and her next round of puppy shots. Oh, what I didn't know then that I know now! It's great really. I am enjoying having her here. She is extremely lovable....thus, I named her Lovey. She's 8 months old. I am so happy and eager to provide her a good and healthy life.
I don't even recall what I fed Clarisse when she was little...probably that kibble that I now consider doggie junk food! Yeah, I've come a long way too! Clarisse has been a great companion and I've had very little health/medical issues over the years. I'm very blessed.
The vet I take my pets to knows how I care for and feed the dogs I have. He is anxious to see how with the good diet I feed my dogs whether her coat becomes coarse, and whether she changes color or not (she has some brown underneath the black on top). I always stress in this blog the importance of proper canine nutrition. With Lovey, I will have the opportunity to start this at a very early age. I don't know what she has had previous, but my vet said after her exam that she seems to be very healthy. I plan to keep that momentum going.
I hope if you have a puppy or puppies in your care that you follow or put in place a top notch nutrition program. Most of the dogs I take in have years of their lives behind them, and probably already have issues underlying because of poor practices....to no fault of their own. These precious creatures depend 100% on us to care for them properly, and when we don't, we are slighting them...and that's not right.
Enjoy all your dogs, regardless of their age...feed them right, get proper medical attention and give them endless love...believe me, the return will be a hundred fold, if not more!
I was recently given a stray puppy that was pulled (rescued) from a shelter north of me. At 4 pounds, she was in an outdoor kennel in the gravel. This has been a little over a month ago, so the weather was pretty chilly. I agreed when I took her on, I'd keep her. I look back on that and wonder, 'what was I thinking?'....but I say that with a laugh!
Our new girl is a hoot! A breath of fresh air! Our home has mainly older doggies, and it's been a long time ago that Clarisse was a pup. It's interesting, as I recall when I got Clarisse, I had pretty much zero knowledge on canine care. And there's a lot more available today....and also, I know a whole lot more...experience is truly a good teacher!
She's had her first round of puppy shots, and will be getting spayed in the next couple of weeks, and some extra teeth removed, and her next round of puppy shots. Oh, what I didn't know then that I know now! It's great really. I am enjoying having her here. She is extremely lovable....thus, I named her Lovey. She's 8 months old. I am so happy and eager to provide her a good and healthy life.
I don't even recall what I fed Clarisse when she was little...probably that kibble that I now consider doggie junk food! Yeah, I've come a long way too! Clarisse has been a great companion and I've had very little health/medical issues over the years. I'm very blessed.
The vet I take my pets to knows how I care for and feed the dogs I have. He is anxious to see how with the good diet I feed my dogs whether her coat becomes coarse, and whether she changes color or not (she has some brown underneath the black on top). I always stress in this blog the importance of proper canine nutrition. With Lovey, I will have the opportunity to start this at a very early age. I don't know what she has had previous, but my vet said after her exam that she seems to be very healthy. I plan to keep that momentum going.
I hope if you have a puppy or puppies in your care that you follow or put in place a top notch nutrition program. Most of the dogs I take in have years of their lives behind them, and probably already have issues underlying because of poor practices....to no fault of their own. These precious creatures depend 100% on us to care for them properly, and when we don't, we are slighting them...and that's not right.
Enjoy all your dogs, regardless of their age...feed them right, get proper medical attention and give them endless love...believe me, the return will be a hundred fold, if not more!
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