Goodies Market

How To Improve Your Pet's Aggressive Behavior

Some animals have difficulty interacting with other pets, children or strangers. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including upbringing, socialization problems or past experiences. These pets may display a tendency to bite, growl, scratch or even attack, causing a great deal of worry for their owners, who are often at a loss to explain or understand their pet's behavior. Since aggressive behavior can have many causes, it is a good idea to consult your vet, as there may be underlying health problems, especially if the animal is normally calm but has become aggressive. Regardless of the reason for your pet's aggressive behavior, there are many herbs that have been traditionally used to maintain nervous system harmony and support soothed behavior.

Our pets usually make good companions and become valued and much-loved members of the family. However, it is important to socialize and train them from the beginning and also to provide a consistent and secure environment in which they understand what acceptable behavior is and what is not.

The personality and breed of your pet also needs to be taken into account in order to understand behavior and habits in context and to work with your pet’s strengths in order to encourage good behavior. For instance, some breeds of pets such as border collies, are naturally more highly strung than others. Border collies are typically bred as working dogs so if instead they are kept as pets their owners need to be aware that they need lots of exercise and attention.

Other factors that can need to be taken into consideration include boredom, lack of stimulation, an inadequate diet (especially one with too much protein), allergies, stress, lack of attention and/or lack of exercise.

Recent changes to the environment such as introducing a new pet or a new person to the home, moving or even a new, particularly high-pitched doorbell can also be a factor. Pets may feel insecure and fearful and "act out". This all helps to illustrate the importance of learning to understand your pet and the context of the environment, as well as dynamics in the family which all contribute to forming your pet’s behavior.

The following tips can help your pet:

Regular exercise is essential. High energy pets need a natural outlet for their energy and exhaustion can have a dramatically calming effect on a active animal!

Ensure your pet is eating a balanced, high quality diet with plenty of raw and unprocessed food (preferably organic). Behavioral issues can often be related to food intolerances and an inadequate diet. A diet that is too high in protein can also be a factor. If in doubt, please consult your vet.

Avoid exposure to toxins and chemicals as much as possible including pesticides, herbicides, commercial flea collars, flea powder, insecticides and second-hand cigarette smoke. Also make sure that food and water bowls are made of glass, stainless steel or porcelain. Cook food in stainless-steel pans, not aluminum or copper pans.

Ensure that your home is a secure environment where your pet feels safe.

As a last resort, neutering or spaying may also have a calming effect on your pet.

There is a great deal of evidence to suggest that the use of carefully chosen herbal ingredients can help to support good behavior in dogs and cats to help prevent common problem behavior, as well as promote a positive response to training efforts.

Protecting Your Pet's Eyes and Vision

Your pet's eyes are crucial to his well being and ability to lead a fully functional life.  Healthy eyes and vision are important to keep your pet safe, help him to find food and shelter and find his way around his environment.  Regular exercise, a healthy diet and lots of fresh water will help to support your pet's immune system and also maintain eye health. 

 

Keep your pet's eyes and surrounding areas clean and free of debris and provide shady areas to prevent harsh sun from damaging the eyes.  If you notice your pet is squinting or there is watery discharge flowing from the eye, they may be suffering from a scratched cornea.  This may have resulted from a scratch due to a cat fight or a branch or some other sharp object and can lead to a cornea ulcer.  If it is deep enough, it may require surgery.  Be sure to bring your pet to the vet if you suspect any scratches to the eye.  The scratch may not be visible to you, but your vet can perform a fluorescein test, which will reveal the areas where the cornea has been damaged. 

 

Remember to keep a careful eye on your dogs when introducing a new kitten into the house.  Many dogs (and older cats) have to be treated for corneal scratches after a terrified kitten tried to protect itself from a big, wet curious doggy nose!  Once your pet's injured eye has been treated, be sure to treat it with a blend of natural ingredients in an herbal tincture to help support general eye and visual health. 

 

Keep Your Pet's Teeth and Gums Healthy

Maintaining your pet’s dental health is a very important part of caring for your pet. Calculus is the brown build-up of plaque found extending downwards on the tooth from the gum line. Calculus is a haven for bacteria which can have serious consequences for your pet’s general health. These bacteria can not only cause abscesses and tooth loss but can have further effects - even resulting in organ damage as the bacteria are carried from the mouth through the bloodstream.

Dogs and cats make much fuller use of their teeth than humans do - using them in ways we usually use our hands. It stands to reason, therefore, that maintaining canine and feline dental health is essential to their well-being (and of course pets can’t wear dentures!).

Bad breath is usually the first indication that your pet’s teeth and gums need attention. Bacteria in the mouth and the development of calculus produce foul-smelling breath in pets. Regular inspection of the teeth is also a good idea to establish your pet’s level of dental health.

Normal teeth in pets are shiny white all the way to the line of the gum. Any deposits or build up of a dark yellow or brown substance on the teeth, especially near the gum line, indicates a problem with calculus. Chewing on hard food generally cleanses the teeth of calculus, especially the tips of the teeth. However, be aware that the gum line is slightly indented and can harbor the calculus-causing bacteria for months on end without being affected by your pet’s eating. The gums should appear a healthy pink color and there should be a clear delineation between gums and teeth.

The best thing you can do for your dog or cat’s dental health is to embark on a prevention programand look out for your pet’s teeth and gums before it’s too late.

Keep Your Pet Safe During the Holidays

The holidays can be a wonderful, happy time for people to gather with friends and family. They can also be stressful for you and your pet too. A houseful of guests can be a welcome sight to you, but your pet most likely will feel threatened by the extra noise and disruption to ‘his space.’ Dogs and cats alike may display nervousness and confusion, which leads them to act out in a variety of ways. Really, can you blame them? They may need your comfort more than ever, but you already have your hands full. There are a few things you can do to make them more comfortable and safer during holiday parties.

Find a safe place for your pet to retreat, preferably away from the front door. If you decide to use a spare bedroom, be sure to bring in his bed, food, water and plenty of challenging toys. This way you are assured he will not get out the front door each time a guest arrives. It’s a good idea to put on music or the TV at a low level so he has a constant, comforting noise to drown out the party noise.

If your dog is fine with a room full of people and he doesn’t seem stressed, you might decide he can join the party. Just remember, no matter how sociable and well-behaved he may be, a party means food and he will be tempted. Food is everywhere, not just on countertops and tables, but also on end tables, benches and wherever your guests may leave it. Rich foods and bones are especially harmful to dogs and cats, but they would love the opportunity to feast on them. Unless you can be sure your pet will not have access to anything, it’s probably a good idea to set him up in a safe area as we discussed earlier. The last thing you want is to have a medical emergency because your dog ate chicken bones. Other foods that can make your pets severely ill are chocolate, raisins, grapes, alcohol and coffee, to name a few. Uncooked yeast dough can cause abdominal pain and bloating, so make sure Fido can’t reach the biscuit dough. Macadamia nuts can also cause muscle weakness, abdominal pain and tremors in dogs, so keep them up high and away from your pet.

One last suggestion--even non-food items can be tempting but hazardous to both cats and dogs. Decorations such as mistletoe, holly berries and poinsettia plants can be poisonous. Never let your pets drink water from the Christmas tree stand. If your dog, or cat, is inclined to chew on the Christmas tree, be warned that pine needles can result in internal puncture wounds.

Most of the time our pets will not be exposed to these dangers and even if they are, not very many of them will indulge. You are the best judge of what your pet may or may not be tempted to do. But, if you keep an eye on them and use the precautions mentioned here, everyone in your family, including your pets, can have a happy, healthy holiday season.

Winter Safety Tips For Your Pet

We have all seen dogs wearing fashionable coats and sweaters in the cold weather, but are they necessary or just a fashion statement? Generally speaking, if the weather is cold enough for you to put a coat on, think of your pet’s warmth too. Common sense tells us short-haired dogs are more sensitive to the cold, so be prepared for weather changes by keeping a doggie coat on hand. Larger, furry dogs can handle colder temperatures and usually do not need coats or sweaters when outdoors. Just keep in mind that taking them for a regular walk is one thing, but never leave them outdoors and unsupervised for long periods of time in cold weather. Again, common sense is essential. Even with your coat on, would you want to be outside longer than necessary in freezing weather? Just remember, if you don’t have a doggie door, your pet depends on you to let him in.

Your dog may enjoy playing in the snow--who doesn’t? Always dry them off when they come inside. They may shake most of it off, but better to dry them with a clean towel than to let a damp dog ’air dry.’ A quick blow dry and brushing will keep them warm and happy. This is the perfect opportunity to remove dead hair and dander.

Don’t forget to keep their paws and pads healthy and protected. Walking over ice and snow can really irritate pads and cause them to bleed. Road salt can also cause irritation. It’s a good idea to rinse your pet’s pads with lukewarm water if you think they have picked up road salt. Not every pet will tolerate booties, but if yours will, use them. It’s a good idea to regularly check the pads for brittleness and irritation all year, not just in cold weather. There are safe, lubricating productsyou can use to keep your pet’s feet healthy. Look for natural ointmentsmade specifically for your pet’s pads.

With a little preparation both you and your pet can enjoy the cold weather while staying safe and healthy.

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) in Pets

With advancements in veterinary science more and more pets are living longer, healthier lives. That’s great news. However, with that longer life span, some pets are suffering from a kind of dementia called cognitive dysfunction syndrome, or CDS.

With varying life spans depending upon breed and size, dogs enter their senior years at different times. A medium-sized dog, for example, is considered geriatric at about age 10. Cats usually display signs much later, usually around age 12 to 15. Just like humans, not all pets are affected by dementia and may live out their entire lives being mentally sharp. Those that do show signs of CDS may display any or all of the following symptoms: disorientation, sleep/wake cycle changes, house soiling, altered activity levels and changes in interactions with humans and other pets. Owners often notice increased anxiety and decreased grooming capabilities.

If any of the above signs are present, pet owners should seek the advice of a veterinarian. The first thing your vet will want to do is rule out other conditions or diseases. Arthritis, for example, is painful and can cause similar symptoms to CDS. If this or another condition can be diagnosed and treated, what will follow is an improvement in the animal’s behavior. When all physical conditions are ruled out and if the signs remain, the vet may make a diagnosis of CDS.

To treat CDS, some veterinarians recommend supplements in the diet, including vitamins E, C and other antioxidants. Plenty of exercise and physical interaction along with a good selection of toys and other stimulus will also benefit your pet.

The best thing a pet owner can do is be patient, loving and understanding. During this time in your pet’s life you may have to retrain them to do things that were once automatic, but now are difficult for them. They may forget the rules of house training. They may become unfamiliar with their surroundings and appear to be confused or disoriented. Remembering all the years of companionship and faithfulness they gave you may give you the strength to help them live their senior years in a more comfortable, loving environment.

Animal Rescue Volunteers

There are those of us who are without doubt dedicated to our pets. We are more than happy to give them a happy home, provide them with the nutritious food they need, and love them unquestionably. After all, the joy and loyalty they give us in return is limitless. They are stress reducers, nonjudgmental companions, exercise partners (they are always ready for a brisk walk even if we are not), and good listeners when we need to vent. That’s only the tip of the iceberg. They bring so much into our lives that the occasional ‘accident’ or muddy paws or bark at 4 a.m. are miniscule prices to pay for their unending love and loyalty. I consider myself blessed to have my pets in my life. I feel sorry for anyone who doesn’t understand the love of a pet--I feel something is missing in their lives. But, I have run into enough people who are perfectly happy being petless and can’t understand where I am coming from. They are entitled to live the way they want (but I still can’t help feeling sorry for them!).

Yes, sharing your home with a pet can teach you to be compassionate, giving and even unselfish. But, what I want to talk about today is the type of person who takes this love and compassion one step further. The shelter volunteer. The person who rescues and rehabilitates injured and abandoned domestic animals. The person who goes that extra mile for the sole purpose of improving the life of a pet in need. This is no small task. These volunteers put themselves out there, not knowing what they will run into. When animals are injured and stressed, that volunteer may be dealing with a dangerous situation until the animal calms down. Yet the volunteer will say it is all worth it to see an animal transform into a happy, healthy pet. They will tell you the hardest part is not the hours of effort needed to rehab an animal; they hardest part is understanding when an animal cannot be rehabilitated. When the volunteer can accept when an animal cannot be helped, but can continue on to help those he can, he is my hero.

One of those heroes is Kathy Wilkes-Myers of Love Me Tender Animal Rescue in Central Tennessee. There was a recent news report of how Kathy rescued a dog who was living on the side of the highway. Because the dog was so affectionate, Kathy sensed that it came from a happy home. She wanted to figure out the mystery, so she returned to the place where she found the dog. Her dedication led to a heartwarming story of loyalty. Check out the video: A Dogs Unending Loyalty.

Every day across the country there are stories that prove just how precious the relationships are between pets and people. Some make us shake our heads in amazement, some show over and over again what we already know--the connection with our pets is magical. Let’s not forget the real heroes of these stories--the volunteers that reach out and do what they can to make happy endings.

Foods That Are Toxic to Your Pet

If you are a pet lover like me I’m sure you have faced all too frequently the dilemma of trying to keep your pet on a healthy diet. I don’t know about you, but when I am preparing a meal for my family I only have to look a few feet away to see my hungry dogs salivating, staring at my every move in the hopes I will drop something. They usually get the hint and eventually occupy themselves in some other way, but not after making me feel guilty for not having ‘shared’ with them. I realize, however, this is MY shortcoming--I shouldn’t feel guilty for having their health in mind (I still do--I want my babies to be able to eat what I eat). But, let’s be realistic--some of the foods people eat can be toxic to dogs and cats. And those foods that aren’t actually toxic to pets can cause them discomfort in the way of gastritis or diarrhea. And I think I can speak for all pet owners when I say if your pet has ever experienced gastritis or diarrhea, they do NOT suffer alone. Since dogs metabolize their food pretty quickly, it doesn’t take too much time to find out if that special treat you gave them has come back to haunt you both. I’ll bet you’ll never feed him THAT again!

On a more serious note, I’d like to provide you with a list of foods that I found on

www.aspca.org that have been found to be toxic to pets. They should be avoided, even in small quantities. Some of them surprised me. I’ve listed the food along with a brief description of its dangers. More details can be found on the ASPCA site.

Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, coma and even death.

Avocado can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing and fluid buildup around the heart.  Can be fatal.

Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure.

Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors and hypothermia.  Symptoms appear within 12 hours and can last up to 48 hours.

Milk can cause diarrhea and stomach upset.

Onions, garlic and chives can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage.  Cats are more susceptible, but dogs are also at risk.

Raw or undercooked meat  Just like humans, dogs are susceptible to the bacteria Salmonella and e. coli.

Raw eggs decrease the absorption of biotin, a B vitamin, and can lead to skin and coat problems.

Raw bones can splinter, causing obstructions and perforations in the throat and digestive system.

Salt, in large quantities, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death.

Xylitol, a sugar substitute, can cause vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination.  This can progress to seizures and lead to liver failure, which can occur within just a few days.

Yeast dough, unbaked, can cause a painful accumulation of  gas in the digestive system.  In severe cases, the stomach or intestines can rupture, which is fatal.　

In addition to the foods listed above, too much grease and leftovers can cause gastritis. Parasites also contribute to gastritis and can be part of your dog’s menu if he has access to the trash or outdated food.  If you are not sure if the food in your fridge is still fresh, don’t feed it to your dog.

There is so much we can do to help maintain our pets' digestive health on a daily basis.  Keeping their immune system strong and healthy also puts them in a better position to fight the bad effects of toxins should they encounter them.

Give Your Pet Healthy Skin Naturally

How many of us pet lovers have been so frustrated by changes in our pet’s skin and coat that we want to SCREAM? Allergies are quite common in animals and are often the cause of chronic itching. Unlike humans, pets’ allergy symptoms do not include sneezing and stuffiness--they manifest as skin conditions. Itchy, scaly, red patches that only get worse with constant scratching. This almost always leads to low-grade infection, hair loss and a smelly dog! Worst of all, the poor dog is suffering. Imagine a person going through that--we’d be at the doctor’s ASAP.

When I was first introduced to animal allergies first hand it was because my beloved Sugar (of the beagle breed) had come to us from the pound with a slight rash that was then diagnosed as eczema. We were given medicated shampoo and, although it didn’t improve, it also didn’t get worse. The flare-up came in early spring. When she wasn’t eating or sleeping she was SCRATCHING. Multiple visits to the vet, changes in diet and finally blood tests revealed an allergy to perennial rye grass. Perennial rye grass!!! How does a dog avoid that? She can’t. Our vet’s solution was weekly allergy shots. That worked for a while……

What I have learned over the years is that nothing beats a healthy diet and exercise for your pet (and you, too!). An allergy diagnosis may really be a reaction to all the preservatives in many of the processed pet foods on the market. Avoid the preservatives in your pet’s food and snacks. Boost their immune system with herbal supplements. It may take a little research, but before long you’ll see how effective natural products are in keeping your pet healthy. Your pet’s entire system will benefit--and their skin and coat will be healthy. I used to always feel guilty when I applied that liquid poison between my dog’s shoulder blades. At the time I believed it was the only way to keep their skin flea and tick free. You know the stuff I mean, the one with the warning “hazard to humans and domestic animals. Harmful if swallowed.” What? Why did I buy this stuff? Because my vet said to. Then I started to research healthier alternatives. I started using homeopathic and herbal solutions to my dogs’ maladies and you know what? They worked just fine. AND they weren’t harmful if swallowed. They were MEANT to be swallowed, just like Mother Nature intended. The products I use provide a systemic solution to keep my dogs healthy and happy. They work from the inside out. And, I’m happy to say, my dog’s ‘outsides’ have never looked better!

So, my suggestion to all pet lovers is to investigate the world of natural pet products and supplements. Start with eliminating preservatives in their food and snacks. If your pet has a particular problem, either medically or behaviorally, research the herbal solutions to that problem. Give it a try and I’m sure, like me, you’ll see real benefits to using a safe, healthy solution. Try one product, then build on that if you need to. I think after you see the benefits you will be a fan like me. Good luck!