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Northwest Animal Healing
Jun 17, 2010
Apr 20, 2010
Pets in the Garden
To your pets, your garden is filled with all sorts of temptations. Keep them safe in the great outdoors.
Whether your cat is prowling through the flowers or your dog is rolling blissfully in fresh-cut grass, your pets enjoy your backyard as much as you do. Sniffing, nibbling and digging are all ways they explore their surroundings, so make sure you’ve created an outdoor environment with plants that are nontoxic and safe if ingested by your pets.
Protect your garden and your pets
Start by choosing plants that won’t be easily damaged by the wear and tear caused by playful pups.
Groundcovers like creeping thyme and sweet woodruff work well because they are attractive and durable.
Ornamental grasses such as pampas grass are also hardy plants that won’t pose any threats to your pets and can be used to section off areas of your garden that you’d like to keep as no-pet zones.
Bamboo is a safe, tough and fast-growing option for this as well. (Visit your local nursery to find out which type of bamboo will grow best in your soil and climate conditions.)
You can safely add color to your garden with nontoxic marigolds, snapdragons, hollyhocks, bachelor buttons and rex begonias. Or give your garden a wonderful fragrance with honeysuckle fuchsia—another safe option.
Give them a space of their own
If your dog loves to dig, train him to do it in his own sandbox. You can encourage him to dig there rather than in your rose garden by burying some of his favorite toys. Your cat will appreciate a quiet corner planted with catnip, cat oat grass and/or cat wheat grass. Just keep the soil moist to prevent her from using the garden as a litter box.
Uproot any toxic plants
While cats tend to be very particular in what they’ll nibble, dogs are far less discriminating. So either take all toxic plants out of your garden or place them in an area that your pets can’t get to.
Daffodils, lilies of the valley, yews, laurels, laburnum, azaleas, foxglove, philodendrons and rhubarb are common plants that pose a danger to your pets. (Most varieties of lily in particular are especially poisonous to cats.)
In some cases, it’s the bulb that is toxic when ingested, not the flower or the leaves—something to remember if your dog likes to scratch around in the dirt. And while asparagus ferns are nontoxic, their berries can cause stomach upset. (See sidebar.)
A rose by any other name
Keep in mind that several plants can share a common name. For example, there are many species named wandering Jew, but the only one that’s confirmed to be nontoxic is the Zebrina pendula. There are also several different plants called African daisies, of which a safe choice is the genus Dimorphotheca.
Pest control and other precautions
Note: All pesticides (including insecticides) sold in the United States are reviewed and registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and, when used in accordance with label directions and precautions, should not present an unreasonable hazard to your pets' health. However, wait at least 24 hours after using fertilizer or pesticides before allowing your pets back in the yard. These substances (along with garden tools and implements) should be stored out of the reach of pets.
* You could also use all natural products to control pest, but make sure what you use is still safe for your pet to use.
Following these tips will help you and your pet enjoy a beautiful and safe backyard all summer long!
Whether your cat is prowling through the flowers or your dog is rolling blissfully in fresh-cut grass, your pets enjoy your backyard as much as you do. Sniffing, nibbling and digging are all ways they explore their surroundings, so make sure you’ve created an outdoor environment with plants that are nontoxic and safe if ingested by your pets.
Protect your garden and your pets
Start by choosing plants that won’t be easily damaged by the wear and tear caused by playful pups.
Groundcovers like creeping thyme and sweet woodruff work well because they are attractive and durable.
Ornamental grasses such as pampas grass are also hardy plants that won’t pose any threats to your pets and can be used to section off areas of your garden that you’d like to keep as no-pet zones.
Bamboo is a safe, tough and fast-growing option for this as well. (Visit your local nursery to find out which type of bamboo will grow best in your soil and climate conditions.)
You can safely add color to your garden with nontoxic marigolds, snapdragons, hollyhocks, bachelor buttons and rex begonias. Or give your garden a wonderful fragrance with honeysuckle fuchsia—another safe option.
Give them a space of their own
If your dog loves to dig, train him to do it in his own sandbox. You can encourage him to dig there rather than in your rose garden by burying some of his favorite toys. Your cat will appreciate a quiet corner planted with catnip, cat oat grass and/or cat wheat grass. Just keep the soil moist to prevent her from using the garden as a litter box.
Uproot any toxic plants
While cats tend to be very particular in what they’ll nibble, dogs are far less discriminating. So either take all toxic plants out of your garden or place them in an area that your pets can’t get to.
Daffodils, lilies of the valley, yews, laurels, laburnum, azaleas, foxglove, philodendrons and rhubarb are common plants that pose a danger to your pets. (Most varieties of lily in particular are especially poisonous to cats.)
In some cases, it’s the bulb that is toxic when ingested, not the flower or the leaves—something to remember if your dog likes to scratch around in the dirt. And while asparagus ferns are nontoxic, their berries can cause stomach upset. (See sidebar.)
A rose by any other name
Keep in mind that several plants can share a common name. For example, there are many species named wandering Jew, but the only one that’s confirmed to be nontoxic is the Zebrina pendula. There are also several different plants called African daisies, of which a safe choice is the genus Dimorphotheca.
Pest control and other precautions
Note: All pesticides (including insecticides) sold in the United States are reviewed and registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and, when used in accordance with label directions and precautions, should not present an unreasonable hazard to your pets' health. However, wait at least 24 hours after using fertilizer or pesticides before allowing your pets back in the yard. These substances (along with garden tools and implements) should be stored out of the reach of pets.
* You could also use all natural products to control pest, but make sure what you use is still safe for your pet to use.
Following these tips will help you and your pet enjoy a beautiful and safe backyard all summer long!
Apr 5, 2010
How to Setup a First Aid Kit
Ready-made first-aid kits are available at pet stores or through catalogs. You can also put one together yourself, using items from around the house. Put the kit where it can be easily found and include your veterinarian's business card, along with the phone number for and directions to the nearest emergency clinic. Check the kit every once in a while to make sure you aren't running low on any supplies and everything is still usable.
The following items make up a basic first-aid kit:
*
Activated charcoal (available at drugstores) for absorbing poisons
*
Adhesive tape to secure bandages
*
Antibacterial ointment or powder for cleaning wounds
*
Antidiarrheal agent such as Kaopectate (Ask your vet what amount is appropriate for controlling your dog's diarrhea.)
*
Blunt-tipped scissors to trim away hair from wounds and cut bandaging material
*
Cotton balls and cotton swabs
*
Gauze pads and rolls to make bandages
*
Hydrogen peroxide (3 percent) to clean wounds
*
Laxative or antacid such as milk of magnesia
*
Lubricating jelly or petroleum jelly to lubricate a thermometer
*
Needleless syringe for giving liquid medications
*
Plaster splint for broken limbs
*
Plastic eyedropper to administer liquid medications or eyedrops
*
Rectal thermometer
*
Rubbing alcohol
*
Syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting
*
Tweezers
Other helpful items for your kit might be needle-nose pliers to remove porcupine quills or other items stuck in the mouth or throat, sanitary napkins to help stop heavy blood flow, and towels.
The following items make up a basic first-aid kit:
*
Activated charcoal (available at drugstores) for absorbing poisons
*
Adhesive tape to secure bandages
*
Antibacterial ointment or powder for cleaning wounds
*
Antidiarrheal agent such as Kaopectate (Ask your vet what amount is appropriate for controlling your dog's diarrhea.)
*
Blunt-tipped scissors to trim away hair from wounds and cut bandaging material
*
Cotton balls and cotton swabs
*
Gauze pads and rolls to make bandages
*
Hydrogen peroxide (3 percent) to clean wounds
*
Laxative or antacid such as milk of magnesia
*
Lubricating jelly or petroleum jelly to lubricate a thermometer
*
Needleless syringe for giving liquid medications
*
Plaster splint for broken limbs
*
Plastic eyedropper to administer liquid medications or eyedrops
*
Rectal thermometer
*
Rubbing alcohol
*
Syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting
*
Tweezers
Other helpful items for your kit might be needle-nose pliers to remove porcupine quills or other items stuck in the mouth or throat, sanitary napkins to help stop heavy blood flow, and towels.
Apr 2, 2010
How to get rid of fleas naturally
Fleas are a pest to you and your pet. It is battle that most of us have to face each spring and summer. Up until last year I used medications that I brought at my vet’s office. Last year my dog got a server rash from the medication so we stop using them and looked for alterative for the poisons that we were using. It is important to us to find a great flea preventive since one of my dogs is allergic to fleas and that allergy has caused several other injuries. So here is what I have found to work for us and for others.
Preventative Steps.
1. Keep your pet healthy and strong and they will not be affected by fleas. Make sure that you feed a diet of whole, natural ingredients free from hormones and pesticides. Try a frozen, Raw, or premium food, we have a list of several companies on our site click here.
2. Use Flea repealing supplements, which are also good for their health.
Add Salmon or Flaxseed oils to their diets. This keeps the fleas away and promotes healthy hair and skin.
3. Add a clove of Fresh Grated Garlic to your Dog's Food. (Do Not Give Garlic to CATS). Instead of Garlic you can also use Brewer's Yeast, which is also a good source of Vitamin B1.
4. Grooming you pet removes dead hair, mats and tangles that are a good place for fleas. Invest in a fleas comb as these combs will grab adult fleas. Pay attention to the following areas: Under the legs, around the head and tail and on their belly. These areas are where fleas like to congregate.
5. Bathing you dog regularly will keep fleas off your pets. Use a shampoo with all natural ingredients as these will not dry out your pet's skin as much. Try finding one with Aloe and Oatmeal if possible (unless your pet has an allergy to either). Keep the lather on for at least 10 to 15 minutes to drown any living fleas. Then rinse them thoroughly.
6. Use essentials oils on dog only. You can find a shampoo that contains them or you purchase them to be used. Some great ones are lavender, rosemary, tea tree, mint, need and citrus. Essentials are toxic to cats so do not use them on CATS
Control Methods
1. Try an all natural topical for your pet that contains essentials oils (ONLY ON DOGS). Tea Tree Oil will prevent fleas but it will also kill existing fleas. Be careful when using essentials oils since they are strong and it is best to dilute them with water before use.
2. Do not use Essentials on cats, but you can use aromatic hydrosols instead.
3. Herbal flea powders and collars provide a good alternative but use a natural product
Inside the House
1. Vacuum all your carpet and upholstery, including any dark corners, along baseboards and crevices where they may hide. Get rid of the bad when done. If you have a canister vacuums (like I do, then put it in a plastic bag and get rid of the bag).
2. Laundry everything that can be put in the wash with hot water to kill the fleas
3. Wash all the pets bedding's; put either cedar chips or lavender around or in their bedding to keep fleas from coming back.
4. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your to kill the fleas and disrupt their reproducing cycle.
Outside the House
1. Clear your yard of piles of leaves, brush and all other debris.
2. Buy beneficial nematodes that kill fleas by infesting their larvae. Look for Steinernema (SC or SF) are the best
If you keep up prevention and treat early your pet will have a great spring and summer. Some of the things that we do are:
1. In the dog house outside we keep cedar chips in and around their house.
2. We bath the dogs ever week.
3. We use cedar and tea tree oil to get rid of and prevent fleas.
4. We spread diatomaceous earth throughout the yard all year round
5. Last but not least we keep all the piles of leaves, pine straw and any other debris cleared out of yard.
I hope that all of these tips are useful for you and your pet.
Preventative Steps.
1. Keep your pet healthy and strong and they will not be affected by fleas. Make sure that you feed a diet of whole, natural ingredients free from hormones and pesticides. Try a frozen, Raw, or premium food, we have a list of several companies on our site click here.
2. Use Flea repealing supplements, which are also good for their health.
Add Salmon or Flaxseed oils to their diets. This keeps the fleas away and promotes healthy hair and skin.
3. Add a clove of Fresh Grated Garlic to your Dog's Food. (Do Not Give Garlic to CATS). Instead of Garlic you can also use Brewer's Yeast, which is also a good source of Vitamin B1.
4. Grooming you pet removes dead hair, mats and tangles that are a good place for fleas. Invest in a fleas comb as these combs will grab adult fleas. Pay attention to the following areas: Under the legs, around the head and tail and on their belly. These areas are where fleas like to congregate.
5. Bathing you dog regularly will keep fleas off your pets. Use a shampoo with all natural ingredients as these will not dry out your pet's skin as much. Try finding one with Aloe and Oatmeal if possible (unless your pet has an allergy to either). Keep the lather on for at least 10 to 15 minutes to drown any living fleas. Then rinse them thoroughly.
6. Use essentials oils on dog only. You can find a shampoo that contains them or you purchase them to be used. Some great ones are lavender, rosemary, tea tree, mint, need and citrus. Essentials are toxic to cats so do not use them on CATS
Control Methods
1. Try an all natural topical for your pet that contains essentials oils (ONLY ON DOGS). Tea Tree Oil will prevent fleas but it will also kill existing fleas. Be careful when using essentials oils since they are strong and it is best to dilute them with water before use.
2. Do not use Essentials on cats, but you can use aromatic hydrosols instead.
3. Herbal flea powders and collars provide a good alternative but use a natural product
Inside the House
1. Vacuum all your carpet and upholstery, including any dark corners, along baseboards and crevices where they may hide. Get rid of the bad when done. If you have a canister vacuums (like I do, then put it in a plastic bag and get rid of the bag).
2. Laundry everything that can be put in the wash with hot water to kill the fleas
3. Wash all the pets bedding's; put either cedar chips or lavender around or in their bedding to keep fleas from coming back.
4. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your to kill the fleas and disrupt their reproducing cycle.
Outside the House
1. Clear your yard of piles of leaves, brush and all other debris.
2. Buy beneficial nematodes that kill fleas by infesting their larvae. Look for Steinernema (SC or SF) are the best
If you keep up prevention and treat early your pet will have a great spring and summer. Some of the things that we do are:
1. In the dog house outside we keep cedar chips in and around their house.
2. We bath the dogs ever week.
3. We use cedar and tea tree oil to get rid of and prevent fleas.
4. We spread diatomaceous earth throughout the yard all year round
5. Last but not least we keep all the piles of leaves, pine straw and any other debris cleared out of yard.
I hope that all of these tips are useful for you and your pet.
Mar 31, 2010
How to Pick a Pet Sitter
With Summer appoarching and More people taking a vacation I thought about reprinting our How to pick pet sitter.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Does the pet sitter have commercial liability insurance?
2. What training does the pet sitter have?
3. Â Does the pet sitter ask questions such, what does the pet like, dislike, what medication does each animal have, routines, allegories, etc?
4.
Do they do a home visit before beginning work, so they can get know your animals?(this one I find important, because you want to know if you pet will like them, if not then you need to find someone else. For example, I don’t want my dog with a male sitter, since he is afraid of males and will attack, so make sure that you know that you dogs will have a comfortable relationship with them. )
5. Does the pet sitter have a contract that spells out what they will and will not do?
6. Will they spend time with your animal or just come and feed and water then leave?
7. Does the pet sitter make sure that you are home at the end of the trip? ( this is important because if something happens you want someone to still come and feed your animals)
8. Do they provide any references, that you can either call or email?
Questions you should ask your Pet Sitter
1. What services are included in the fee?
2. (some pet sitters will include an extra fee to give med's, come out more then once or twice a day, multiple pets, etc)
3. Â What type of pets do they take care?
4. Some pet sitters only take care of dogs and cats, but others will feed fish, reptiles, birds, etc. You want to make sure that your pet sitter will take care of all your animals
5. How much time will the pet sitter spend with your animals?
6. Some pet sitters will spend a certain amount of time, exercising your dog, cat, etc while others will just come to make sure that they are ok and feed and water them only.
7. How do they handle emergency situations?
8. Will they take your animal to the vet, will they deal with police or fire department if necessary. You need to find all that out.
What you should do for your Pet Sitter before you leave
* Assemble everything the sitter will need to care for your pet, including house keys, food and water dishes, any medications your pet may need, and enough food and treats to last for the duration of your trip.
* Describe your pet’s personality to the sitter, and spend some time introducing the sitter to your pet. You should also acquaint the sitter with your pet’s health issues, habits, hiding places and favorite toys.
* Leave your sitter with written, detailed pet care instructions, including phone number for your veterinarian and your travel itinerary with contact numbers where you can be reached in an emergency.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Does the pet sitter have commercial liability insurance?
2. What training does the pet sitter have?
3. Â Does the pet sitter ask questions such, what does the pet like, dislike, what medication does each animal have, routines, allegories, etc?
4.
Do they do a home visit before beginning work, so they can get know your animals?(this one I find important, because you want to know if you pet will like them, if not then you need to find someone else. For example, I don’t want my dog with a male sitter, since he is afraid of males and will attack, so make sure that you know that you dogs will have a comfortable relationship with them. )
5. Does the pet sitter have a contract that spells out what they will and will not do?
6. Will they spend time with your animal or just come and feed and water then leave?
7. Does the pet sitter make sure that you are home at the end of the trip? ( this is important because if something happens you want someone to still come and feed your animals)
8. Do they provide any references, that you can either call or email?
Questions you should ask your Pet Sitter
1. What services are included in the fee?
2. (some pet sitters will include an extra fee to give med's, come out more then once or twice a day, multiple pets, etc)
3. Â What type of pets do they take care?
4. Some pet sitters only take care of dogs and cats, but others will feed fish, reptiles, birds, etc. You want to make sure that your pet sitter will take care of all your animals
5. How much time will the pet sitter spend with your animals?
6. Some pet sitters will spend a certain amount of time, exercising your dog, cat, etc while others will just come to make sure that they are ok and feed and water them only.
7. How do they handle emergency situations?
8. Will they take your animal to the vet, will they deal with police or fire department if necessary. You need to find all that out.
What you should do for your Pet Sitter before you leave
* Assemble everything the sitter will need to care for your pet, including house keys, food and water dishes, any medications your pet may need, and enough food and treats to last for the duration of your trip.
* Describe your pet’s personality to the sitter, and spend some time introducing the sitter to your pet. You should also acquaint the sitter with your pet’s health issues, habits, hiding places and favorite toys.
* Leave your sitter with written, detailed pet care instructions, including phone number for your veterinarian and your travel itinerary with contact numbers where you can be reached in an emergency.
Mar 22, 2010
Pumpkin Recipes
Ingredients for Pumpkin Dog Cookies
•1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
•2 tablespoons dry milk
•1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
•2 tablespoons vegetable oil
•1/2 cup pumpkin
•1/2 cup water, + 2 tablespoons water
•1 cup white flour
•1/2 cup corn meal
•1/3 cup oats
•1 teaspoon cinnamon
•1/4 teaspoon ginger
Directions
•Place all the ingredients in your breadmaker in the order recommended by the manufacturer.
•Use the Dough cycle.
•When the dough is ready, remove it from the breadmaker and divide it into thirds.
•Roll each dough ball with a rolling pin until it is ¼” thick.
•Using the size cookie cutter that is best for your breed and size dog, cut out the cookies.
•Place the cookies on a greased cookie sheet.
•Bake the cookies at 275-300 degrees F for about an hour or until lightly browned.
•Turn off the oven and let the cookies finish drying in the oven overnight.
Pumpkin Cookies for Dogs
Ingredients
•1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
•2 tablespoons dry milk
•1 cup white flour
•1/3 cup corn meal
•1/2 cup oats
•1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
•1 teaspoon cinnamon
•1 teaspoon ginger
•2 tablespoons vegetable oil
•1/2 cup canned pumpkin
•1/2 cup water + 1 tablespoon water
Directions
•Place all the ingredients in your bread machine and set the machine for the dough cycle.
•When the dough is finished, remove it and roll it into sheets that are 1/4" thick.
•Using cookie cutters, cut the dough into shapes and place it on a lightly greased cookie sheet or an ungreased pastry mat.
•Let the cookies rise for about an hour.
•Bake the dog cookies for an hour at 275-300 degrees F.
•Turn off the oven, and let the dog cookies continue to dry overnight in the oven. When they are completely done, they will be hard, dry and crisp. The dog treats will be hard for you to break in your hands--and better for your dog's teeth and gums.
•You can store these dog cookies for a month or so at room temperature.
If you would like to give the dog treats as a gift, serve them at a dog party or use them as a festive treat, you can decorate them with dog treat icing and sprinkles. Your stars will be easier to decorate if you use a larger star cookie cutter to make bigger stars. You can always break them in half for a smaller dog.
•1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
•2 tablespoons dry milk
•1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
•2 tablespoons vegetable oil
•1/2 cup pumpkin
•1/2 cup water, + 2 tablespoons water
•1 cup white flour
•1/2 cup corn meal
•1/3 cup oats
•1 teaspoon cinnamon
•1/4 teaspoon ginger
Directions
•Place all the ingredients in your breadmaker in the order recommended by the manufacturer.
•Use the Dough cycle.
•When the dough is ready, remove it from the breadmaker and divide it into thirds.
•Roll each dough ball with a rolling pin until it is ¼” thick.
•Using the size cookie cutter that is best for your breed and size dog, cut out the cookies.
•Place the cookies on a greased cookie sheet.
•Bake the cookies at 275-300 degrees F for about an hour or until lightly browned.
•Turn off the oven and let the cookies finish drying in the oven overnight.
Pumpkin Cookies for Dogs
Ingredients
•1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
•2 tablespoons dry milk
•1 cup white flour
•1/3 cup corn meal
•1/2 cup oats
•1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
•1 teaspoon cinnamon
•1 teaspoon ginger
•2 tablespoons vegetable oil
•1/2 cup canned pumpkin
•1/2 cup water + 1 tablespoon water
Directions
•Place all the ingredients in your bread machine and set the machine for the dough cycle.
•When the dough is finished, remove it and roll it into sheets that are 1/4" thick.
•Using cookie cutters, cut the dough into shapes and place it on a lightly greased cookie sheet or an ungreased pastry mat.
•Let the cookies rise for about an hour.
•Bake the dog cookies for an hour at 275-300 degrees F.
•Turn off the oven, and let the dog cookies continue to dry overnight in the oven. When they are completely done, they will be hard, dry and crisp. The dog treats will be hard for you to break in your hands--and better for your dog's teeth and gums.
•You can store these dog cookies for a month or so at room temperature.
If you would like to give the dog treats as a gift, serve them at a dog party or use them as a festive treat, you can decorate them with dog treat icing and sprinkles. Your stars will be easier to decorate if you use a larger star cookie cutter to make bigger stars. You can always break them in half for a smaller dog.
Mar 19, 2010
Pumpkin's Benfit
Many know that pumpkin can be considered a health food, but it can also have benefits for our pets as well.
The health benefits of pumpkin are well-known, though most people do not think of pumpkin as a health food. Perhaps this is because most of us think of pumpkin pie, which is a high-calorie treat--but it might be one of the healthier desserts we could choose. Pumpkin is loaded with vitamins C, K and E, beta-carotene, fiber, and several other beneficial antioxidants and other phytonutrients like lutein and ziazanthin. Pumpkin seeds are high in various minerals such as manganese, magnesium, zinc, potassium, copper and iron and are high in essential fatty acids (no trans fats, either!) Pumpkin is a common ingredient in some facial and skin products that help protect against aging and dermatologic maladies. There is even research that indicates pumpkin extracts can be useful in the treatment of diabetes. For humans, it is no less than a miracle food.
But what about our pets? They don't need vitamin C and very few dogs or cats are deficient in any of the above minerals or vitamins, thanks to the diets most of them consume (which are superior to what the average human consumes as part of his or her diet.) But the fiber content is sometimes very useful in the treatment and maintenance of digestive health of our pets. Few foods are more readily consumed than pumpkin puree (not the pumpkin pie filling) by our pets; just a small portion in their daily diets (1/4 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon, depending on the pet's weight) can make the difference between a case of chronic diarrhea or constipation and a normal daily bowel movement. Many veterinarians often prescribe pumpkin as part of the treatment for either intestinal malady, as well as simply a healthful dietary supplement.
It may not seem logical at first that something like pumpkin fiber can treat both defecations that are too runny as well as too hard and dry. But that is why fiber additives are advertised to help make us ‘regular'.
Diarrhea is usually the result of lack of water re-absorption in the colon (the last part of the intestinal tract), either because of too-rapid transit through the intestines, or because of some toxic, secretory activity in the tract itself. Fiber in the digesta can directly assist in the formation of more solid stools and also by slowing the passage of waste material through the colon,allowing more time for water re-absorption. Thus, added pumpkin in the diet can help in the treating of loose stools in our pets.
Alternatively constipation is often due to the too-slow passage of material through the colon, allowing too much water re-absorption and resulting in dry, hard, and difficult-to-pass stools. Additional fiber in the diet will keep some of the moisture from being re-absorbed by the colon. Even pets that are not constipated but just having trouble getting that last little bit of stool out, or having some perianal itching afterwards can benefit from the addition of pumpkin in their diets. Therefore, one can see that added pumpkin in the diet can help in treatment and prevention of constipation as well.
And what is so special about pumpkin? After all, couldn't the addition of Metamucil or some other form of fiber additive be just as useful and effective? Probably. Pumpkin, however, has several advantages over other fiber forms. Primarily, it tastes good. I have not known too many dogs that will not readily accept pumpkin as part of their diet, or as an intermittent treat. Most dogs love it, which makes giving them added fiber not only convenient but even enjoyable. And often cats will like pumpkin, too. Trying to get a cat to take fiber in any other form can be very frustrating. Pumpkin is loaded with other nutrients as well, though perhaps less useful for our pets than for us. Still, aren't harmful and could be beneficial.
As mentioned above, pumpkin can be given to cats as well as dogs. Not only can it help with the problems of simple diarrhea and constipation, but also can help cats deal with their unique hairball problems. Cats that vomit up hairballs frequently (more than once a month) should probably see a veterinarian; however as that is probably not normal, particularly if additional pumpkin does not help matters much.
It is interesting that cats, too, seem to benefit from the addition of pumpkin in their diets. Why this is surprising is cats are obligate carnivores, which means they are meat eaters. Vegetables are usually not an important part of a true carnivore's diet (dogs are not really true carnivores despite their being members of the carnivore family.) Yet many cats seem to relish eating vegetable material, most which is not digested. Vegetable fiber passing through even the short digestive tract of the feline can assist in correcting problems in defecation and normal stool production. And often on top of the list of a cat's favorite vegetable is canned pumpkin. Use caution in feeding excess pumpkin to a cat as they could develop excessive gas and discomfort. A little pumpkin goes a long way and a lot is not good!
Please note that the form of pumpkin recommended is pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is far too sweet and sugary for most pets. The internet is bursting with all sorts of pumpkin remedies for pets as well as humans, but be sure these recipes include the puree and not the pie filling, and do not contain pet-toxic food items like chocolate, onion or garlic.
Birds may also benefit from pumpkin in their diet!
Please remember that serious cases of diarrhea or constipation may still need veterinary attention and may not respond to simply adding pumpkin to the diets. However it is always worth a try, and pumpkin often will be prescribed by a veterinarian as part of the immediate, if not long-term treatment of a pet's medical problems
If you do not have pumpkin, substitute acorn squash, hubbard squash, butternut squash, buttercup squash, or calabaza. Sweet potatoes are also a good option as a subtitute for pumpkin.
The health benefits of pumpkin are well-known, though most people do not think of pumpkin as a health food. Perhaps this is because most of us think of pumpkin pie, which is a high-calorie treat--but it might be one of the healthier desserts we could choose. Pumpkin is loaded with vitamins C, K and E, beta-carotene, fiber, and several other beneficial antioxidants and other phytonutrients like lutein and ziazanthin. Pumpkin seeds are high in various minerals such as manganese, magnesium, zinc, potassium, copper and iron and are high in essential fatty acids (no trans fats, either!) Pumpkin is a common ingredient in some facial and skin products that help protect against aging and dermatologic maladies. There is even research that indicates pumpkin extracts can be useful in the treatment of diabetes. For humans, it is no less than a miracle food.
But what about our pets? They don't need vitamin C and very few dogs or cats are deficient in any of the above minerals or vitamins, thanks to the diets most of them consume (which are superior to what the average human consumes as part of his or her diet.) But the fiber content is sometimes very useful in the treatment and maintenance of digestive health of our pets. Few foods are more readily consumed than pumpkin puree (not the pumpkin pie filling) by our pets; just a small portion in their daily diets (1/4 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon, depending on the pet's weight) can make the difference between a case of chronic diarrhea or constipation and a normal daily bowel movement. Many veterinarians often prescribe pumpkin as part of the treatment for either intestinal malady, as well as simply a healthful dietary supplement.
It may not seem logical at first that something like pumpkin fiber can treat both defecations that are too runny as well as too hard and dry. But that is why fiber additives are advertised to help make us ‘regular'.
Diarrhea is usually the result of lack of water re-absorption in the colon (the last part of the intestinal tract), either because of too-rapid transit through the intestines, or because of some toxic, secretory activity in the tract itself. Fiber in the digesta can directly assist in the formation of more solid stools and also by slowing the passage of waste material through the colon,allowing more time for water re-absorption. Thus, added pumpkin in the diet can help in the treating of loose stools in our pets.
Alternatively constipation is often due to the too-slow passage of material through the colon, allowing too much water re-absorption and resulting in dry, hard, and difficult-to-pass stools. Additional fiber in the diet will keep some of the moisture from being re-absorbed by the colon. Even pets that are not constipated but just having trouble getting that last little bit of stool out, or having some perianal itching afterwards can benefit from the addition of pumpkin in their diets. Therefore, one can see that added pumpkin in the diet can help in treatment and prevention of constipation as well.
And what is so special about pumpkin? After all, couldn't the addition of Metamucil or some other form of fiber additive be just as useful and effective? Probably. Pumpkin, however, has several advantages over other fiber forms. Primarily, it tastes good. I have not known too many dogs that will not readily accept pumpkin as part of their diet, or as an intermittent treat. Most dogs love it, which makes giving them added fiber not only convenient but even enjoyable. And often cats will like pumpkin, too. Trying to get a cat to take fiber in any other form can be very frustrating. Pumpkin is loaded with other nutrients as well, though perhaps less useful for our pets than for us. Still, aren't harmful and could be beneficial.
As mentioned above, pumpkin can be given to cats as well as dogs. Not only can it help with the problems of simple diarrhea and constipation, but also can help cats deal with their unique hairball problems. Cats that vomit up hairballs frequently (more than once a month) should probably see a veterinarian; however as that is probably not normal, particularly if additional pumpkin does not help matters much.
It is interesting that cats, too, seem to benefit from the addition of pumpkin in their diets. Why this is surprising is cats are obligate carnivores, which means they are meat eaters. Vegetables are usually not an important part of a true carnivore's diet (dogs are not really true carnivores despite their being members of the carnivore family.) Yet many cats seem to relish eating vegetable material, most which is not digested. Vegetable fiber passing through even the short digestive tract of the feline can assist in correcting problems in defecation and normal stool production. And often on top of the list of a cat's favorite vegetable is canned pumpkin. Use caution in feeding excess pumpkin to a cat as they could develop excessive gas and discomfort. A little pumpkin goes a long way and a lot is not good!
Please note that the form of pumpkin recommended is pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is far too sweet and sugary for most pets. The internet is bursting with all sorts of pumpkin remedies for pets as well as humans, but be sure these recipes include the puree and not the pie filling, and do not contain pet-toxic food items like chocolate, onion or garlic.
Birds may also benefit from pumpkin in their diet!
Please remember that serious cases of diarrhea or constipation may still need veterinary attention and may not respond to simply adding pumpkin to the diets. However it is always worth a try, and pumpkin often will be prescribed by a veterinarian as part of the immediate, if not long-term treatment of a pet's medical problems
If you do not have pumpkin, substitute acorn squash, hubbard squash, butternut squash, buttercup squash, or calabaza. Sweet potatoes are also a good option as a subtitute for pumpkin.
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