Natural Care for Animals of All Kinds

One of the things that excited us about growing our own food was the fact that we were going to have food from our own garden and meat from our pigs and chickens without the added hormones and chemicals. While it is true that we didn't have to add chemicals, there were a lot of chemicals we didn't think about that come into play on a regular day. For example, the horses have flies that bother them, the donkey constantly has a scratch from something, the garden has bugs that have to be attended to, and then there is the de-worming of all the animals. So in the hopes of trying to have a chemical free home and toxic free family, we started looking into other options for our little farm.

 Natural Care for Animals of All Kinds

When we first started the farm 7 years, we started with chickens. We actually hatched our first chicken in an incubator in our kitchen (it was a 1st grade science project). It was so neat watching the baby hatch and then raising more chicks one by one. One thing that I did not know about the chickens was that they are so fragile. One time we bought a couple of very unusual chickens from a sale. We were so excited about the them. We got them home, set up their pen, gave it food and water, and went to bed. The next morning we came out to feed all the animals and low and behold the chicken was dead! I couldn't believe it.

I started researching to see what would have happened. I came to learn that chicks tend to get stressed out very easily. Over the years we have had some chickens get an upper respiratory issue and then die. We have bought all kinds of medicines to help the chicks to get past the sicknesses but nothing helped. so we decided to look into natural care for the animals. What we discovered was that essential oils were getting great results for people and animals. So about 2 1/2 years ago, my family started using essential oils for our support.

We started with our family and the cats and dogs. The oils worked great on the fleas and ticks as well as for helping an unset pet calm down and relax. Next, I found that chickens could truly benefit from several essential oils as well. We used lavender to help them relax and Thyme to help those respiratory issues.

The pros for use essential oils outweigh the cons to me. I have used a variety of them on all of our animals including the horses and donkey. I knew I would not go back to store-bought cleaners, pet care products, or bug spray when my best friend called and told me a very scary story about her little dog. She had gone to the store and bought a collar for her dog and soon after putting it on her she began to act really funny. She could not walk and could not get up and down on the chair. In a couple of hours the dog was paralyzed.

When she went to the vet, he told her this was one of the side effects of the chemicals in the collar. I have totally loved our toxic free home and farm. We now, very quickly and easily make our own bug spray, spray for flies, and spray for the scratches on the animals. I have actually saved money because all the products I use on the animals are safe for my family as well. I can make one bottle of bug spray and put it on the kids before they go out to keep flies and gnats away and then take that same bottle to the garden and spray the plants and get rid of all the aphids and beetles. I love my oils and I don't see life without them.

Now the oils I use are strictly Young Living essential oils because they are the most concentrated of all the oils and they do not have any added chemicals and they are not made from synthetic materials. I use a variety of YL products on my family and animals, so if you would like to know what specific oils I use on my animals you can go to my website at http://www.marisessential.com and look at my blog post on animals. If you have any other questions, you can go to the contact me page and send my an email. You can also order from the site, but please contact me if you would like to know how to save 24% on every order you place.

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Keep Your Pets Ready for Disaster

When you are assembling disaster preparedness kits for your family be sure to include one for each of your pets. Keep the pets first-aid kit in your home and be sure to grab it in case of disaster or also when traveling with your pet. Here are some basic items to include in your pets' emergency preparedness kit:

 Keep Your Pets Ready for Disaster

• Have a folder with your pets' vaccination records and any important medical records, also include a picture of your dog (in case pet gets lost).
• Phone numbers for your veterinarian and also the nearest emergency veterinary clinic. Also include the number for a poison control center such as the ASPCA.
• A Pet first-aid book
• Keep these items in a waterproof container or gallon zip lock bag.

Other more pet specific items would include a nylon dog leash or pet carrier to control your animal as it may be frightened. A muzzle or strips of cloth to prevent biting, if your pet is injured they may bite in fear. Also include Basic first-aid supplies:

· Absorbent gauze pads
· Adhesive tape
· Antiseptic wipes or spray
· Cotton balls or swabs
· Gauze rolls for packing or covering injuries.
· Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting, only if instructed by Vet or Poison Control)
· Ice Packs
· Disposable gloves
· Rectal thermometer /Petroleum Jelly
· Scissors (blunt ended)
· Sterile non-stick gauze pads for bandages
· Sterile Saline Solution
· Tweezers
· Benadryl for allergic reactions
· Needle-nosed pliers / tweezers
· Penlight or flashlight
· Ear-cleaning solution
· Styptic powder or pencil (for minor bleeding)
· Hard card to scrape away insect stingers
· Triple Antibiotic ointment
· Emergency blanket for warmth

Along with these items it's important to be sure your dog always wears current identification either on its' collar or preferably a microchip. That way if you and your pet separated you will have a better chance of being reunited with your pet.

If your area is being evacuated always take your pet with you, if it's dangerous for you it just as dangerous for your pet. Never leave a pet behind in a cage or tied up, if possible you should evacuate before it is mandatory so you have extra time to get your pets to a safe place.

Also be ready for emergencies that could occur when you aren't at home to assist your pet directly. Place a sign or stickers near all outside doors that states that you have pets in your home. Be sure to include the number of pets you have, the type of pets and a number you or your veterinarian can be reached. It is also helpful to ask a trustworthy friend or neighbor to check on your pets in case of emergency.

The last thing you need to remember is to have at least one week's supply of bottled water, food and medication for each of your pets. You can also include your pets bed and toys.

At http://www.GoToLuxuryDogBeds.com we hope you never have to face a natural disaster or emergency yet we hope with the help of these disaster kits and plans. You and your pets will get to safety uninjured and eased stress for both you and your pets.

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How to Spot Bad Pet Advice

On a recent trip to our local pet superstore, I heard an employee give a dog owner really terrible advice. It wasn't obviously terrible, like, "Yes, you should absolutely buy that dayglow cocktail dress." Or, "Sunblock is for sissies, you don't need it!"

 How to Spot Bad Pet Advice

No, this advice was potentially deadly. And I wish I could say it was the first time I've heard people (not just pet store employees) spout off advice that isn't just unfounded, but downright dangerous.

This weekend's edition of bad advice was a woman looking to buy her aggressive chewer a toy that he couldn't destroy. The employee said to her he wasn't sure there would be anything strong enough for her dog if he's chewing through firehose (?)! "I'd just give him a baseball, yanno?"

No no no no no. I spoke with a manager about the bad advice and she was able to get to the woman before she left to tell her to please not give a baseball to her dog. I'll explain why baseballs are bad in a sec.

 

Bad Toy Advice

Plainly said, if it wasn't designed to be a chew toy it isn't a chew toy. Even well-known toy companies want you to be aware that damage to their toys, even toys made for chewing, can be dangerous if pieces break off and are swallowed. My two favorite chew toy companies for Gremlin are Kong and Nylabone and they readily tell owners to be aware of that danger.

Even things sold in some pet stores can be bad to give your dog, like the very popular deer antlers. They are very hard and can do serious damage to your dog's teeth that can lead to infections. The rule of thumb to keep in mind is if you can't make a dent with your thumbnail (I told you it was a rule of thumb) then it's too hard. Kong and Nylabone have excellent safe and healthy options

To bring this back to the pet store, baseballs are made of string, tightly wrapped and covered in leather. The adhesive that binds the cover to the ball of string is only surface level, meaning once you get past that thin layer you can unwind the ball all the way to the pill.

There's no reason that a dog, especially an aggressive chewer, couldn't get through the adhesive and end up chewing on a ball of loose string. The problem with playing with string is that it can lead to one of the worst foreign body obstructions seen in veterinary medicine.

Linear foreign bodies create a dangerous problem for dogs and cats because they can become lodged along the GI tract. String can anchor itself around tongues or get balled up and stuck at the bottom of the stomach. In both situations, the rest of the string will continue being pulled along the animal's digestive tract, eventually getting pulled so tightly that it will cut into your pet.

The only way to fix these (lower) obstructions is for your veterinarian to perform an exploratory surgery. Your vet will need extensive ultrasound and x-ray studies to get an idea of where the obstruction is before they do the surgery. Once in surgery, your vet will have to make a rather large incision so they can access the majority of your pet's GI tract.

This surgery is a bear because of the risk of sepsis when working with the lower portions of the digestive tract. The recovery takes days in ICU and then weeks at home. Prevention is definitely the best medicine here!

Bad Nutrition Advice

There's a lot of talk about better nutrition and how it can affect our longevity. We all want our pets to be with us for as long as possible, so their nutrition has become increasingly more important too.

Avoid advice that says to make your own food out of a limited number of ingredients. First, you should always be sure of the safety of the ingredients themselves and then be sure that your dog or cat is getting all the nutrition they need to thrive. Just like our diets, dogs and cats need a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and proteins that can be difficult to get from a small variety of food.

If you are set on making your own pet food, more power to you! Just be sure to consult your veterinarian about what sort of supplements you'll need to ensure proper nutrition.
Bad Health Advice

There's a lot that can go wrong with your dog or cat that can end up being very expensive to address. They can get hurt, get sick, or even just need a dental cleaning. Don't take a redneck engineering approach to your animal's health. If it feels wrong or like a shortcut, take your pet to the vet and get it worked out professionally. The longer you wait the worse the problem can get.

What's the worst pet advice you've ever received? Did you take it and then realize, or was it obviously wrong? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!

Be sure to head over to http://www.UnderstandingIsLoving.com for more!

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Are You Against Fleas?

Do you know about the risks fleas pose to your pets? I know some of the risks, but guarantee I don't know them all. However, I still want to share with you what I do know. Hopefully, it will help you to become a better educated pet owner. Not to mention, that with the much warmer weather there is an even greater risk of flea exposure to your four legged furry companions.

Do you know about the risks fleas pose to your pets?

Do you know that fleas and ticks are very different and that they both have their own set of risks that can affect your pet differently? However, I'm just going to talk about fleas today and I'll talk about ticks another day. 

Just A Few Risks Fleas Pose To Your Pet

Fleas are related to ants and beetles and feed on blood which then leads to an irritation and/or skin allergies. Many believe that their pets scratching has nothing to do with fleas because their pet isn't infested with them. However, that's not true. Your pet could have very easily gotten bit by one flea, which in turn caused him or her to get a Flea Allergy Dermatitis commonly known as FAD.

FAD is actually an allergy to flea saliva and is a very common condition in dogs. The saliva from a flea can cause an irritation that's way out of proportion to the actual number of fleas on your pup. Which can make them miserable, itchy, and very uncomfortable for many weeks, even after the fleas are gone. Fleas can transmit tapeworms, which can cause Bartonellosis commonly known as the "Cat Scratch Disease" and can cause a severe case of anemia, especially in younger animals.

No matter what fleas can or can not cause they are a total pain in the butt, and if you live in an area where they can thrive (such as Florida like myself) it can be a constant battle to keep them under control. A flea can flourish in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity percent range that is between 75 and 80 percent. In some locations flea season is all year round. However, in other locations the types of fleas that are a bothersome to pets and people may not be considered such a big problem.

Another known fact is that fleas are usually attracted to an unhealthy pet. They are drawn to the weakest animals that they're able to find first. One of your best defenses against a flea infestation is to feed your pet an appropriate, well balanced, species-appropriate, fresh food diet. By doing this you'll help keep his or her immune system functioning properly. In addition to feeding your pet a proper diet you should remove any environmental factors that can affect your pet's immune system.

5 Environmental Factors That Negatively Impact Your Pet's Immune System.

1. Poor Quality Drinking Water: Always make sure to provide your pet fresh chlorine and fluoride free water.


2. Getting Too Many Vaccines: Yes, there is such a thing as too many vaccines! Do you know that VACCINATING UNNECESSARY WILL NOT BUILD NOR HELP YOUR PETS IMMUNE SYSTEM? IN FACT IT WILL DESTROY IT! The next time you take your pet in for a check up, demand that your vet does a titer test to check your pets vaccine protection levels before giving your pet anymore vaccines.


3. Toxic Household Chemical Load: Get rid of all non-organic pet beds sprayed with flame retardants (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers also known as PBDEs) as well as toxic household cleaners. Both can end up inside your pet and disrupt his or her endocrine system.


4. Yard Chemicals: Get rid of all herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides inside and outside of your home as all of these affect your pets immunologic health.


5. Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs): Provide your pet a safe area that's free from toxic levels of Electromagnetic Fields as well as electrical devices in your home.

Tanya Green
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Wood Flooring for Pet Owners

Wood flooring and pets are not mutually exclusive.

Pets, particularly dogs, are notorious for scratching up wood flooring. They can slip on wood flooring too, especially when they get older.

 Wood Flooring for Pet Owners

However, most scratches and slips can (and should) be prevented with frequent nail clippings. Homeowners who really love their fur babies, but will love their new wood floors almost as much, will find that certain woods and stains are more pet-friendly than others.

First, consider tile floors over wood if you're open to that. Tile is durable, strong and scratch-proof. The best wood flooring for pet owners is the most durable with more rustic finishes or lighter stains (naturally, scratching a dark floor to reveal the lighter color below is going to be more noticeable).

How Distressing!

Fortunately for pet owners, the look of distressed natural floors is gorgeous and here to stay. By far the most pet-friendly option, any scratches and nicks (from pets or otherwise) will blend right in.

Choose hard wood like oak that's naturally scratch-resistant in a lighter stain with a touch of distress, and you'll easily camouflage scratches. Oak comes in a variety of grain patterns and natural colors, and it's wildly abundant in North America, making it a high-quality yet affordable option.

Maple, hickory, poplar and some types of cherry are also harder woods that make for gorgeous flooring.

Another consideration is genuine hardwood vs. engineered. Engineered hardwood is made up of thinner layers of wood glued together. It's more affordable, but it can't stand up to as much re-sanding as full hardwood.

Keep in mind that restoring engineered hardwood isn't always an option if it suffers severe damage, but full hardwood can often be re-sanded, salvaged and repaired with more ease.

Wet 'n' Wild: Keep Wood Flooring Safe

Scratches are just one problem hardwood floor owners face. Pets can have a tendency to tinkle, even when potty trained, and that can cause serious problems for floors. It's important to wipe up any messes immediately, otherwise you risk warped and stained floors.

If possible, keep pets out of wood-floored rooms when you're not home. It's much easier to clean carpet than floors, and sectioning off "pet rooms" for when owners are away, or kenneling, can help save your floors.

Your floors will get scratched at some point, whether you have pets or not, and the first time it happens can be heartbreaking. However, some great products are available to effectively hide scratches, like Parker & Bailey Wood Scratch repair pens or Glow Scratch Aide. Most pet-related scratches are shallow and don't really damage the wood, so a simple cover-up is all that's needed.

All floors should be selected based on preference and lifestyle, including consideration for your pets. You can still get the wood flooring of your dreams, even if you have a menagerie at home.

Jen Stott is a writer and blogger, and works as the Content Director at Be Locally SEO in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Fortunately for pet owners, the look of distressed natural floors is gorgeous and here to stay.

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Animal Languages Training

Animals to communicate with humans use animal language. The animal language is a modified version of early human language itself only that animals lack complexity and are less expressive. Great ape language is a means to communicate among apes such as bonobos, orangutans, chimpanzees, and gorillas. Humans communicate with these animals using sign language, lexigrams, yerkish and physical tokens. Jacques Vauclair, Francine Patterson and David Premack are well-known researchers in great ape language.

 Animal Languages Training

Humans have used sign language since a very long time. One of the important sign language used by humans is American Sign Language. Animals also use signs to express their feelings and for communication sake. Vocabulary words have been taken from American Sign Language to communicate with the apes. Lexigrams are symbols, which represent something. The symbols are laid down on a flat board called the lexigram board. The lexigram board has three panels with three hundred and eighty four keys. These boards are especially used to communicate with chimpanzees and bonobos. 

Yerkish also involves a keyboard with punch keys, which have the lexigram symbols. It is actually an artificial language. Computer keyboards are also used to aid animals as most of them can be easily trained for keyboard operation.

Plastic tokens are also used for communication with apes. The apes select a specific token when they want to communicate something. The animal is given training to select the right token. Tokens have symbols or pictures. Not all the apes learn this method of communication properly. During the training, the animal is made to learn by rewarding them upon an achievement.

Although animals lack vocal cords and speech organs like humans, some animals have vocals of their own. Wild apes are known to talk to each other to make the other aware of a possible danger. Animal language does not have discreteness like human languages. In human languages, discrete units are combined together to make a new word with a meaning. So signs or sounds, in animal language, cannot be combined to form another sign or sound, which means something. But researchers have proved it that the animal language does meet certain requirements. But the validity is still disputed upon by many and that is the reason why animal language hasn't been given the status of a true language.

People have questioned the practice of great ape language. The researchers try to understand whether the usage of this language aid the animals to solve the problem better. Also, whether the teaching experiences with a primate can be of use when human children are taught. This is because, there is without doubt a difference in the ability of the animal and a human, while they may be similar at some level. Some say that the apes do not actually understand the language, but instead do a clever trick to get a reward. Also some researches say that the signed gesture do not make a grammatically right sentence. The arbitrariness is sometimes missing, that is, there is no clear relationship between the signs or sounds.

Many animals have behaviors, which is similar what we speak. They can understand the language, they can also use it to reflect their thoughts and communicate with a human. Other than primates, animals such as sea lions and dolphins also use sign language and vocals to communicate with human.

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