Pets Care

If the cause of bad breath is gingivitis:

* Clove 1 drop
* Lavender 1 drop
* Myrrh 1 drop

Diluted in 1 teaspoon vegetable oil.

If the cause is from a stomach problem:

Rub a drop of neat Peppermint in a line from beneath the ears and into the shoulders.

This recipe is from “The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy.” By Valerie Ann Worwood

Ferrets are excellent pets to have, and quite popular. In fact, in the United States, ferrets are the third most commonly preferred house pet, after dogs and cats. Ferrets are even suitable for people who cannot have a dog or cat because of allergies to pet dander since ferrets don’t produce any dander. Ferrets are essentially the hypo-allergenic pet.

But before you rush out and adopt a ferret, there are many things that you must consider. First, if you have young children in the home, a ferret probably is not the pet to get. It isn’t that a ferret would be a danger to the child – the problem is that the young child might be a danger to the ferret.

Ferrets are not cheap pets to own. Like other animals, they require food, water, and toys, but a ferret will also require a large cage, because you will want to cage it for its own safety when you are not home, and possibly even while you are sleeping. Because ferrets have so much energy, a small cage won’t do. You need a multi-level cage, which costs anywhere from $150 to $200 or more.

Ferrets require the services of a veterinarian. They will need a general check-up twice a year, as well as vaccinations once each year. Ferrets are also prone to certain illnesses – and injuries – and may also require emergency services. The vet bills can really start piling up, and you need to be aware of this, and prepared for it, before you get a pet ferret.

Ferrets require lots of time and attention. They are not suitable for people who are rarely home, or people who don’t have the time to play with them. They are extremely energetic creatures, and very sociable. Without interaction from you, they will not be happy pets.

Ferrets are often like toddlers – and they get into everything. You must ferret proof your home so that the ferret is safe. They investigate everything, and try to carry things to their hidey-holes in their mouths. Like a child, they may swallow small objects, and household cleaners and other chemicals are dangerous to them.

Before you get a ferret, you will need to make your home as ferret-safe as possible. Make sure cabinets where dangerous chemicals and such are not accessible. Ferrets are very smart, and can open cabinets and drawers if they are not secured.

If you do not have small children, you can afford the veterinarian bills, and you have enough time and love to give a pet, a ferret makes an ideal pet. They are furry and loveable. They will love you unconditionally. A ferret is neither like a cat nor like a dog. They do however, fall somewhere between the two when it comes to love and loyalty.

A ferret will never be as obedient as a dog – and never as aloof as a cat. They do their own thing, and are happy to include you when you ask – and will ask for you to include them as well in the things that you do.

This month’s newsletter is chock full of great info!!

Read all of these here: http://www.naturalhealtharchive.com/

In This Issue:

* The Top 3 ::Herbs:: for ::Cholesterol:: Management
* ::Yoga:: for Mind and Body Improvements
* ::Herbal Medicine:: for Children
* Using ::Essential Oils:: with Children
* Is Taking Prescription Medication for ::Anxiety:: the Best Option?
* Natural Treatment for ::Anxiety::
* ::Stress:: Management Tip – Progressive Relaxation
* Natural Beauty Recipe & Beauty Tips Collection
* Herbal Preparation Methods
* Overview of ::Carrier Oils::
* ::Herbs:: for Your Dog
* Introducing a Kitten to Your Older Cat
* The Many Uses of ::Eucalyptus:: Oil
* Special Bath Recipes
* Herbal Tea Collection
* Natural Care of ::Burns:: and Scalds
* Free Colds & Flu Ebook
* Free Pet Health Ebook

Read all of these here: http://www.naturalhealtharchive.com/

Don’t forget – you can subscribe to this monthly newsletter here:

If you are new to owning a cat, you may be surprised to find that health problems are a common thing. No matter what breed of cat you own, health problems are to be expected. Some may be hereditary, while others can easily be prevented.

Worms

No matter what breed of cat it may be, worms are a very common and recurring problem. Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are among the most common that infect cats. Cats who have problems gaining weight, problems with fleas, or if you find white specks in his stool, you should have your vet test him for worms. Although they can be treated with medicine, worms can prove to be fatal if they are left untreated.

Hairball

Hairballs are the most common health problem for cats. All cats groom themselves on a daily basis, normally swallowing the loose hair that comes from their coats. On occasion, this loose hair will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cat’s stool. When your cat starts to cough and hack, he is normally coughing up a hairball. Although it can be rather disgusting in the end, most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems.

In rare cases, a hairball can pass through to a cat’s intestine, creating a blockage. Blockages are very serious problems, and can be life threatening if they aren’t treated. If your cat becomes constipated, isn’t eating properly, or has a very dull coat, he could have a blockage. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take him to the vet immediately. You can prevent hairballs and blockages by brushing your cat 2 – 3 times a week to remove loose hair. You can also feed him food that is designed to control hairballs as well.

Urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infection is also a common health problem with cats. Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that haven’t been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well. When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box, this problem is normally the cause. Another symptom is when the cat’s urine starts to smell really strong. If you suspect that your cat has a urinary tract infection, you should take him to the vet. Your vet can treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this problem in the future.

Feline leukemia

In the past, feline leukemia was the biggest cause of death in cats. These days however, there are vaccines available that can treat the disease. To treat the disease, your cat will need to be given the shot before he or she is exposed. Even though death doesn’t happen immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally don’t have a long life span. If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is highly contagious.

To protect your cat, you should always make sure that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups. If you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life. Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can.

You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems. If your cat is an outdoor cat, regular visits to the vet will keep him healthy. As long as you take your cat to the vet and keep him healthy – he will be your companion for years to come.

An infected bladder can cause a strong urge to urinate and is a primary cause of canine and feline urinary incontinence. A long standing bladder infection can damage the bladder rendering it unable to stretch when there is a need to hold urine.

In general cases of urinary incontinence the dog is unaware of dribbling or the passing of urine. However, when incontinence is cause due to a bladder infection the dog is aware of the urination but is unable to control the urge, which compels him to urinate at places where he is not meant to.

Bladder infection is more common in female dogs and affects the lower urinary tract. Though the urinary tract is otherwise sterile, the urethral opening, through which urine is passed out, is the entry point for the bacteria.

These bacteria cause urinary tract infection in dogs. Bladder infection can occur at any age and UTI in puppies is also a common occurrence.

Dogs with an infected bladder tend to empty the bladder partially each time that they urinate. This occurs due to a difficulty in emptying the entire urinary bladder in one go and makes the urine extremely smelly. The urine may sometimes contain blood due to severe infections caused by calculi, cancer, or a tumor.

The diagnosis of urinary tract infections is not complicated at all. A simple laboratory examination of the urine and blood often determines its prevalence. The vet may suggest a urine culture to identify the pathogen that is causing the infection to be able to prescribe the most effective antibiotic.

Since dribbling and urination in undesignated places can cause a fair amount of frustration among owners, the first attempt to cure such a condition is a complete diagnoses followed up with treatment. Treatment modalities for bacterial bladder infection are different from what is required if the problem is due to some other condition and therefore consulting an expert is the best option.

Most of the lower urinary tract infections are simple to treat and dogs usually respond well to antibiotics. Bladder infection that does not respond to antibiotics necessitates further investigation. And your pet may need to undergo an X-Ray of the bladder to confirm whether there is any formation of crystals, calculi or any indication of a tumor in the bladder.

References:

http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-books/dog-bladder-infection.asp

http://www.ygrr.org/doginfo/health-bladder.html

http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/ClientED/incont.aspx

Practically the same drugs and antibiotics that are used for treating UTI in humans are used for treating urinary tract infections in cats. Amoxicillin is semi synthetic oral penicillin that is used for treating bacterial infections and is one of the primary antibiotics indicated for treating feline urinary tract infection.

As is widely known, antibiotics should be used only when they cannot be avoided as they are liable to become ineffective over time and with overuse. It is necessary that proper information be gathered about the drug before it is used to treat urinary infection in cats.

For veterinarian use, amoxicillin is available in the 100mg dose as amoxicillin trihydrate. It works by inhibiting the biosynthesis of large structural molecules in the cell walls of bacteria. It is indicated in the treatment of cystitis, urethritis and genitourinary tract infections along with infections of the upper and lower respiratory tracts.

The hypersensitivity reaction to the injection of penicillin is well known and amoxicillin infections can also result in similar reactions. Such hypersensitivity can even be fatal at times. Since there are no skin or patch tests that can be done before taking the medicine orally or otherwise, extreme care is required when it is being administered for the first time.

Even though patients with a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens are more vulnerable, the reaction can happen to anyone. An allergic reaction may present itself in the shape of salivation, shivering, vomiting and itchy skin eruptions. In the event of an allergic reaction, the antibiotic should be discontinued immediately and a new appropriate therapy should be adopted. Serious allergic reactions require immediate treatment with epinephrine to stimulate the autonomic nerve reaction.

On the positive side, amoxicillin remains stable in the presence of gastric acids and can be safely given with feed. The drug diffuses quickly into the body tissues and fluids even on oral digestion.

The dosage of amoxicillin depends on the weight of the cat. The recommended dosage is quarter of a tablet (25mg) for a cat weighing less than 2.25 kg and half a tablet (50 mg) for those weighing between 2.25 to 4.5 kg. A full tablet is prescribed for heavier cats. After daily administration for 5 to 7 days, the drug should be continued for another couple of days till the symptoms of the urinary tract infection subside completely.

For instances of severe urinary tract infection in dogs and cats, a higher concentration of the drug is required. In such cases, the dosage is invariably doubled. However, care needs to be taken to avoid an overdose.

Even though there are no absolute side effects that have been observed in unborn kittens, the benefits of the drug need to be weighed against the possible threat to the fetus when administering the antibiotic to a pregnant cat.

Tips for promoting food safety in pets

While pet owners often take extra precautions in the kitchen when preparing food for their own meals, it is likely that the same hygienic habits are overlooked when handling their dog or cat’s food.

Although the pet food scare of last year may have altered consumer pet food buying habits, it is likely that the knowledge of how to properly feed a pet its daily nutrition requirements is still inadequate — which can impact their overall health and well-being.

Many people think of their pets as “garbage disposals”, as many dogs and cats have the tendency to eat any leftover scraps or nibble on grass, plants, or other inappropriate snacks… therefore giving the false perspective that their stomachs are infallible to afflictions.

However, dogs and cats are just as susceptible to food borne illness as humans. Therefore, it is important to strongly consider and enforce the same measures of safety when buying, preparing, and storing their food and treats to help prevent bacterial infections.

For pets, many health problems can be harbored internally and symptoms may be disguised for quite some time, sometimes only surfacing once the problem has metastasized and too late.

Therefore, the importance of giving pets the same attention in the kitchen during mealtimes cannot be stressed enough. Food borne illnesses like Salmonella are just as prevalent in pet foods and treats, and contamination can even be spread to human foods — creating the possibility of a chain of ill health in the household!

While the FDA has increased its efforts to minimize the incidence of infection, there are still precautions to take. Remember, prevention is best, and maintaining pet health now can save time and money in the future!

1. When buying food, make sure that containers are in good condition, free of signs of package damage such as dents or tears
2. Thoroughly wash hands with hot, soapy water before and after handling
3. Wash pet food bowls, dishes, and scooping utensils with hot, soapy water after each use
4. Properly dispose of old food in a covered trash receptacle
5. Refrigerate at 40 degrees or throw away any leftover wet pet food
6. Store dry product in an airtight container in a cool, dry place under 80 degrees
7. Keep pets away from all food storage, preparation, and garbage areas

Also consider the pet’s diet. While some owners believe the “raw food diet” is the healthiest, the FDA actually advises against raw meat, poultry, or seafood for pets due to the increased chance of illness associated with raw foods. If choosing to feed this diet, consult with a vet first and follow the following tips to help ensure safety:

1. Raw meat and poultry products should be kept frozen until ready to use

2. Avoid thawing foods on the counter; do so in refrigerator or microwave

3. Separate raw foods from other foods, and be sure to thoroughly wash surfaces, utensils (including cutting boards, preparation and feeding bowls), hands, and any other items that touch or contact raw meat, poultry or seafood with hot soapy water immediately

4. Properly store and refrigerate leftovers immediately or discard safely

Unfortunately, even with the best attempts to provide good care, pets often encounter some disturbances… however; most common problems can be managed with at-home care. In addition, just increasing awareness of these preparation habits alone can go a long way in helping maintain pet health.

Related Products

For supporting digestive and overall health:

* Digestive Support – Herbal digestive tonic supports healthy digestion in pets
* Flatulence Preventer – Promote digestive health and reduce common gas and unpleasant smells
* Immunity and Liver Support – Herbal tonic to support healthy immune system and liver functioning
* Kidney Support – Support healthy kidney functioning
* LiverAid – Effective natural tonic for the liver and pancreas
* Natural Moves for Pets – Treat constipation and improve digestive health
* Parasite Dr. – Natural remedy to promote digestive health and integrity
* RunniPoo Relief Maintain healthy digestion and bowel functioning
* Parvo-K – Promote digestive harmony and fluid balance
* SlenderPet – Helps your pets stay within normal body weight & maintain healthy metabolism and efficient digestion
* DetoxPlus – Support the body’s natural ability to eliminate waste & toxins, and promote systemic health
* GlucoBalance – Natural pancreatic tonic keeps blood sugar & insulin levels within normal range

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention estimates that over the last decade, the number of overall bite injuries increased by 33%, and children are three times more likely to suffer an animal-inflicted injury than adults.

In addition, the attack is usually not the animal’s “fault”, but rather a dog or cat is provoked by a child’s naturally erratic, unpredictable behavior.

There are several tips that can help lessen the chance of biting:

1. Consider waiting to bring a pet into the household. Since most bites occur with very young children, it is often suggested to hold off until a child reaches approximately 4 years of age.
2. Evaluate pet and breed selection. By nature, some breeds display more aggressive tendencies. Never bring home a pet on impulse, and research behavior and suitability before adopting or buying a pet.
3. Monitor interactions between children and pets. Never leave an infant or small child alone with a pet, and be wary of potentially dangerous situations.
4. Socializing a pet immediately is very important. As soon as the pet enters the home, begin slowly by introducing him or her to encounters with your child. By gradually increasing exposure to different situations, it will learn to recognize and distinguish between “threatening” situations versus normal encounters.
5. Teach a child basic “rules” , such as to never disturb a pet that is sleeping, eating, or caring for its babies.
6. Consider professional or at-home training. Especially with dogs, learning basic commands can build lasting obedience behaviors and establish trust.
7. Practice holistic health. Maintaining optimal wellness minimizes erratic behavior. Just as in humans, how a pet feels directly correlates with its conduct.
8. Spay or neuter the pet.
9. Take the time to be a considerate, responsible pet owner. Studies show that animals left alone are a greater risk of developing behavior problems.
10. Regularly evaluate behavior. Stay alert to signs of illness, discomfort, or aggressiveness.

Monitoring pet behavior to avoid biting triggers

While a furry friend may usually make a great companion, they can sometimes act out of character with aggressive behavior—leading to nips, bites, and potentially even attacks. Often the underlying signs of aggression go unnoticed, but sometimes there are indicators… in any case, dog and cat bites are a serious problem.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 800,000 dog bite victims require medical attention in the United States annually, while countless more go unreported and/or untreated. Cat bites are not as frequently reported, but an estimated 700,000 people a year are thought to be bitten. However, almost half of all cat bites become infected… making both dog and cat bites worthy causes of concern!

Although Mother Nature may inexplicably interfere with a pet’s behavior at times, there are luckily many precautions to take that can minimize the risk of biting.

Unknowingly (or perhaps just unwisely) some owners actually encourage aggression in their dogs, or allow signs of aggressive behavior to go unchecked. Self-monitoring of a pet is one of the biggest steps toward bite prevention.

Biting Behaviors in Dogs

As biting is a part of basic aggressive dog behavior (arising from an innate attribute of dogs to dominate a pack), it is necessary to determine whether this behavior has been initiated as a result of an interaction with the dog, or whether it is just an inherent trait that must be controlled using training methods.

In many cases, dog biting arises out of fear or when a dog finds himself in an inescapable situation. If this behavior is not corrected in its early stages, dog aggression may reach unmanageable proportions.

Young puppies are prone to biting, but this should not be ignored as playful behavior, as any biting can develop into aggression. Young puppies may also feel compelled to bite due to teething. Their mouths need stimulation, which is provided by biting. In such cases, provide chew sticks and bones for the puppy to chew on.

Properly socializing puppies is also important, allowing the dog to familiarize itself with normal interaction situations– thus lessening the chance of feeling uncomfortable or scared.

Other common causes of dog biting include sickness or physical discomfort. Healthy dogs do not normally bite humans, but the potential still exists. If a dog is prone to biting humans or neighboring animals, the best course of action is to first get him checked for any underlying disease.

Older dogs do tend to have more physical discomfort associated with normal aging, which can lead to “snappy” behavior. Consulting a veterinarian is the right way to rule out medical conditions that are causing discomfort.

Cats That Bite

Unlike dog aggression, feline aggression for the most part is a playful activity. Cats seldom indulge in aggression without provocation, but they are likely to react aggressively if provoked too much.

Unlike dogs, a fearful cat is more likely to try the escape route and hide behind a sofa than bite, but biting is still a possible result of fright. Therefore, caution should still be exercised when a cat is exposed to a new environment or there are guests present in the home.

Physical distress is another factor that can provoke a cat to bite (whether related to the normal aging process or illness), so consult a veterinarian if it is suspected that the aggression is linked to discomfort.

Cats are actually very predictable animals, and seldom do anything without a reason. Cats that bite or indulge in excessive scratching often develop the habit due to human negligence.

Playful biting and scratching are integral parts of cat behavior, so an effort must be made on the part of the owner to establish boundaries. When a cat is not taught that human hands are not toys, they are bound to bite or scratch whenever they feel like playing.

Remember, it all boils down to giving a pet the attention it needs and deserves. By doing so, it will be easier to detect anomalies in behavior—thus leading to the ability to address aggression problems before they become an issue in the household.

Related Products for behavior from PetAlive

* Aggression Formula
* Grief and Pining Formula
* Gumz-n-Teeth (Dogs in pain may bite)
* PupTeeth
* Muscle and Joint Support
* Performance Plus
* PetCalm
* Problem Pet Solution

Related Products for bites not requiring immediate medical attention:

For animals:

* Wound Dr.
* PetHeal
* Clenzor

For people:

* Pure-Clenz Solution
* RealHeal Massage Oil
* RealHeal Plus

Adapted from The Healthy Pet Manual: A Guide to the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer by Deborah Straw (Healing Arts Press, 2005). http://www.care2.com/

What are your options for flea and tick control if you do not wish to use sprays, pills, or injections? Several healthy alternatives exist.

* Apply herbal flea powder “sparingly” to your pet’s coat.
* Use herbal flea collars.
* Apply natural skin tonic as a general skin toner, parasite repellent, and mange treatment.
* Add nutritional or brewer’s yeast and garlic to the animal’s diet.
* Treat your carpets with a special antiflea mineral salt.
* Occasionally (once or twice a year) sprinkle natural, unrefined diatomaceous earth (which kills insects) along your walls, under your furniture, and in cracks where you cannot vacuum, but not directly on your animals.
* Use sprays or powders containing pyrethrins or natural pyrethrums, which are the least toxic of all insecticides used on pets.
* Another gentle weapon against fleas is a good flea comb with tightly spaced teeth. Your pet should be combed frequently during flea season, probably every day. When you find fleas, drop them into a bucket of soap suds to kill them and stop their spread.
* Try all-natural, preservative-free foods that are good remedies for or preventors of fleas: along with brewer’s yeast, try raw garlic, zinc, and barley grass concentrates. Check with your veterinarian regarding the proper dosages depending on weight.
* Natural repellents do exist. Essential oils such as citronella, tea tree, wintergreen, and eucalyptus have been shown to work.
* Vacuum all surfaces where fleas and their eggs may live, and wash blankets and sheets in hot water.