Travelling With Your Dog

Pooches of Leisure: Travelling with Your Dog With an estimated 78 million owned dogs, America is most definitely a nation of devoted animal lovers. From chic Chihuahuas to robust Rottweilers, many consider their canine companions as fully fledged members of the family. As such, more and more dogs are joining us on vacation than ever before, with owners determined to make sure they don’t miss out on any quality family time. Taking your dog away with you can be great fun and really enhance your vacation. Whether you’re jetting off for some sun soaked tranquility, or roughing it in the wilderness for a camping adventure, there are many things to take into consideration and plan for. Like every member of your family you want your dog to have a positive, safe, and stress free vacation experience. Bon Voyage! Getting to your destination is perhaps the biggest hurdle when it comes to taking your dog on vacation with you. If you’re travelling by plane you’ll need to put your dog in a crate. Whilst this might not seem like the most pleasant of things to put your dog through, there are ways to make it easier: Let your dog get into the crate on their own accord. Don’t just push them in and lock the door. It’ll feel less intimidating to them if they’ve gotten in voluntarily, and the crate isn’t seen as a negative thing. Ensuring your dog has been well exercised prior to the flight will allow them to use the next few hours resting, as opposed to feeling frustrated and confined. Ensure they’ve had a chance to go to the toilet as near to departure time as possible. When leaving your dog display positive body language and speak to them in an upbeat way. Speaking in melancholic tones and showing you’re upset at leaving them will only make them worry. If possible leave your dog for a while in the holding area and then return to them once again before the flight – this will reinforce to them that you’ll return again. Place your dogs favorite toy in their crate with them. As with children, objects can be hugely comforting to dogs. Is my dog ok to travel by plane? This is a common concern for dog owners, particularly if they’re considering flying with an older pet. Airplane travel can be particularly stressful on older dogs, so it’s always worth seeking advice from your veterinarian before you make any concrete plans. Even if your vet declares your dog safe to fly however, owner discretion is still advised. If you have a dog that is naturally very nervous, then ask yourself – is it really worth putting them through so much potential stress? You know your dog better than anyone. Some people recommend medicating dogs prior to air travel, but this isn’t always the safest thing to do. In a healthy dog with a good disposition, you as an owner have all the tools needed to ensure your dog is comfortable enough to fly. If you do decide to medicate your dog however, make sure you’ve sought professional advice from a veterinarian first. When flying it’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of travelling with a pet. For example if you’re flying internationally with your dog, you need to ensure that you have a health certificate no older than 10 days. Receiving countries sometimes request one even more recent, so these are all thing you might need to take into consideration prior to booking your vacation. Travelling by car If flying is out of the question for you, then are plenty of vacation…

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Causes and Treatments of Heartworm in Dogs

Heartworm is becoming a significant problem in some areas, and consequently there are many pet owners wanting to find out more about the causes and treatments of heartworm in dogs. Causes of Heartworm in Dogs: The causes of heartworm in dogs are a combination of climate, the presence of mosquitoes which carry the heartworm microfilariae, and one (or more) of those mosquitoes biting your dog. Many locations never have to worry about heartworm at all.  If you live in a consistently cold climate, this is more than likely the case.  But for many of us, heartworm is an ever present threat – those of us who live in warmer climates.  Heartworm is now pretty much a worldwide problem. It is not limited to areas in North America. It is just as prevalent in South America, parts of Canada, parts of Europe, parts of Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. How Does the Mosquito Become the Carrier? The nature of heartworm disease is that the more prevalent it is, the still more prevalent it becomes.  This is because the mosquito ingests the heartworm microfilariae from biting a dog already infected with heartworm. This is no doubt one of the reasons why the veterinary profession invariably recommends heartworm prevention even in areas where heartworm is relatively rare. The  sceptics among us may think that vets in areas where heartworm is uncommon recommend heartworm prevention so as to line their pockets with more of your money, but it cannot be said that this is the sole motivation. Once the mosquito has ingested the heartworm microfilariae, and an incubation  period has ensued, heartworm larvae will emerge, and the mosquito will then infect other dogs that it bites. Incubation of the microfilariae does require a sustained period of relatively high temperatures, so not every mosquito that ingests the microfilariae will be capable of infecting dogs. Immature adult heartworms then develop from the larvae deposited under your dog’s skin, which then enter the bloodstream and migrate to your dog’s heart, where the adults mature and grow at an alarming rate. Within seven months from the date of the infection by the mosquito, the heartworms mate and reproduce microfiliariae – which in turn will need a mosquito to perpetuate the life cycle. Your infected dog, however, is likely to die from congestive heart failure if the heartworms are left untreated. Treatments for Heartworm in Dogs: Treatments of heartworm in dogs fall broadly into two categories – chemical treatments and natural remedies. The most common treatments prescribed by vets seem to be Melarsomine (usually marketed under the brand name Immiticide) or Ivermectin (most commonly marketed under the brand name Heartgard). Both are chemicals. The former is said to kill the heartworms quickly and most effectively.  It is an expensive option.  The latter is said to kill the larval stages of the heartworm, but not adult heartworms. These may eventually die but this process can take up to 2 years. More and more pet owners are looking to herbal heartworm treatment options. There are a variety of herbs that can be used to treat heartworms, and many pet owners who have used these will tell you that they worked to eradicate the heartworms without the need to subject their dogs to harmful chemicals. Either way, you should keep in contact with your vet about your dog’s heartworm.  It is a very serious condition which can be fatal. If you choose a natural heartworm treatment method, you may encounter some resistance from you vet. But the important thing is to keep the lines of communication with your vet open, and that you consider all your options.  A…

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Nature’s Sunshine Heartworm Treatment

The treatment program consists of four (and usually five) Nature’s Sunshine elements, each of which plays an important part in combatting deadly Heartworm infestation: 1.  Artemisia Combination 2.  HSII Combination for Heart and Circulatory System 3.  Black Walnut 4.  CoQ10 P Many dogs with Heartworm experience a very nasty cough and/or bloating.  If your dog has either or both of these symptoms, you should add to your treatment program: 5.  Yucca In addition, it is highly recommended that you use a spray spritz of a combination of 6.  Tea Tree Oil, and 7.  Lavender Oil on your dog’s fur to keep those dreaded mosquitoes (which are the cause of Heartworm) away from your dog.  (Just 4 drops of each oil in 1 cup of water in a spray bottle). For a special price if you order the entire treatment system, click here. Artemisia CombinationArtemisia Combination (100 capsules) – Price – $17.85 This formula contains two species of artemisia: wormwood and mugwort. These herbs contribute to a friendly environment for intestinal flora. Artemisia is used in China, Europe and the U.S. for its anti-parasitic properties.  It is believed to create an unfavorable environment for parasites.  Artemisia also improves digestion and soothes the digestive tract. Added to the Artemisias are elecampane root, clove flower buds, garlic bulb root, ginger root, spearmint herb and turmeric root, providing a powerful product for intestinal support.    HS IICombination for the Heart & Circulatory SystemHS II (100 capsules) – Price – $17.85   HS II is an herbal combination designed for the circulatory system, and more particularly, the heart. It is based on three herbs: hawthorn berries, capsicum and garlic. Hawthorn berry is a “bitter” that is famous in Europe as a heart stimulant.  It assists the body in strengthening all the heart tissues and is considered by herbalists to be a specific heart tonic. Hawthorn’s nutritional effects are felt very slowly, and much of its overall benefit seems to be related to certain flavonoids it contains. These help the body open up constricted blood vessels, having a general dilating effect. This in turn leads to increased blood flow to the heart. Capsicum is an aromatic herb that promotes blood flow to the extremities. It contains valuable nutrients like vitamins A, B, and C with iron and calcium.  It is a nervine herb, which is beneficial for a healthy heart rhythm. Garlic is one of the oldest of all herbs used by man. It is an aromatic herb and is reported to have beneficial effects for both the circulatory and immune systems. It helps the body to normalize blood pressure while improving blood circulation at the same time.       Black Walnut Hulls Black Walnut (100 capsules) Price – $15.60 OR  Black Walnut Extract (2 fl. oz.)                  Price – $15.40      Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) naturally contains the trace minerals chromium and iodine. The ancient Greeks used the hulls to support the intestinal system and the skin. Herbalists classify black walnut as an astringent because it is rich in tannin, a toning substance. Black walnut’s fame in folk medicine is due to its cleansing properties. The unripe hulls of the black walnut contain vitamin C. It also has oxygenating abilities which help burn up excess toxins and fatty materials.  It aids in regulating blood sugar levels, and has been used for herpes, impetigo, athlete’s foot and ringworm. One popular use of Black Walnut has been to restore tooth enamel.  it contains natural fluoride (without the side of effects of the chemical fluoride used in water supplies), and will remove placque and restore tooth enamel if applied directly to the teeth. In terms of treating…

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Nature’s Sunshine Heartworm Prevention System

The prevention program consists of three Nature’s Sunshine elements, each of which plays an important part in preventing Heartworm: 1. Artemisia Combination 2. HSII Combination for Heart and Circulatory System 3. Black Walnut In addition, it is highly recommended that you use a spray spritz of a combination of 4. Tea Tree Oil, and 5. Lavender Oil on your dog’s fur to keep those dreaded mosquitoes (which are the cause of Heartworm) away from your dog. (Just 4 drops of each oil in 1 cup of water in a spray bottle). For a special price if you order the entire prevention system, click here. Artemisia CombinationArtemisia Combination (100 capsules) – Price – $17.85 This formula contains two species of artemisia: wormwood and mugwort. These herbs contribute to a friendly environment for intestinal flora. Artemisia is used in China, Europe and the U.S. for its anti-parasitic properties. It is believed to create an unfavorable environment for parasites. Artemisia also improves digestion and soothes the digestive tract. Added to the Artemisias are elecampane root, clove flower buds, garlic bulb root, ginger root, spearmint herb and turmeric root, providing a powerful product for intestinal support.   HS IICombination for the Heart & Circulatory SystemHS II (100 capsules) – Price – $17.85 HS II is an herbal combination designed for the circulatory system, and more particularly, the heart. It is based on three herbs: hawthorn berries, capsicum and garlic. Hawthorn berry is a “bitter” that is famous in Europe as a heart stimulant. It assists the body in strengthening all the heart tissues and is considered by herbalists to be a specific heart tonic. Hawthorn’s nutritional effects are felt very slowly, and much of its overall benefit seems to be related to certain flavonoids it contains. These help the body open up constricted blood vessels, having a general dilating effect. This in turn leads to increased blood flow to the heart. Capsicum is an aromatic herb that promotes blood flow to the extremities. It contains valuable nutrients like vitamins A, B, and C with iron and calcium. It is a nervine herb, which is beneficial for a healthy heart rhythm. Garlic is one of the oldest of all herbs used by man. It is an aromatic herb and is reported to have beneficial effects for both the circulatory and immune systems. It helps the body to normalize blood pressure while improving blood circulation at the same time.       Black Walnut Hulls Black Walnut (100 capsules) Price – $15.60 OR Black Walnut Extract (2 fl. oz.) Price – $15.40     Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) naturally contains the trace minerals chromium and iodine. The ancient Greeks used the hulls to support the intestinal system and the skin. Herbalists classify black walnut as an astringent because it is rich in tannin, a toning substance. Black walnut’s fame in folk medicine is due to its cleansing properties. The unripe hulls of the black walnut contain vitamin C. It also has oxygenating abilities which help burn up excess toxins and fatty materials. It aids in regulating blood sugar levels, and has been used for herpes, impetigo, athlete’s foot and ringworm. One popular use of Black Walnut has been to restore tooth enamel. it contains natural fluoride (without the side of effects of the chemical fluoride used in water supplies), and will remove placque and restore tooth enamel if applied directly to the teeth. In terms of preventing Heartworm, Black Walnut is a great nutrition booster which assists the metabolism and keeps your dog less desirable to parasites of all types (fleas, ticks, and the dreaded…

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Heartworm Treatment and Prevention – with Herbs

Despite the horrendous stories your vet will tell you about Heartworm infestation likely to result in the death of your dog, (and that certainly can be true), there IS a way to treat Heartworm and bring your dog back to optimal health. And it’s all natural. This regime is also a fabulous natural preventative for Heartworm. When Robin Sockness’ 10 year old dog, Bandit, was diagnosed with “moderate to severe” heartworm in January 2000, Robin was told that Bandit had about 6 months to live, and that Bandit should be treated with steroids to make his last months more comfortable. Robin refused to accept this devastating news, and was determined to cure her beloved Bandit, and without any drugs. After careful research and investigation, Robin devised an all-natural treatment with a specific brand of herbs, called Nature’s Sunshine, for Bandit. And she not only succeeded in curing Bandit of his heartworm, but improved his general health, and Bandit lives many more healthy years. Unfortunately, Bandit passed away recently, of natural causes, aged 17. Treatment took a year to ensure that all the heartworms had exited Bandit’s system, and included a healthy diet as well as the herb treatment. And since then, Bandit has been on a maintenance program of Nature’s Sunshine herbs, to prevent the return of this terrible condition. Although neither Robin nor I can guarantee the same results (or any result) in your dog, there have been many, many dogs who have now followed both the treatment program or the maintenance program (or both), with excellent results. As you may know, heartworm is a serious condition, and is potentially fatal. For this reason, vets recommend that all dogs receive preventive treatment. But the prevention treatment is a toxic drug and can cause many unwanted side effects. And there ARE natu ral alternatives. Bandit’s Nature’s Sunshine program is one that seems to work wonderfully. I’m really happy to have found Robin and her natural answer to heartworm. No more heartworm drugs for me and my dogs. I’m now using the Nature’s Sunshine prevention program. It may not be as convenient as one monthly delicious chewy tablet (my dogs loved the taste of those heartworm drugs). But I’ll take great health and a natural preventive regime over convenience any day. Why don’t you try it, too? And if your dog, heaven forbid, has already contracted heartworm, then you might want to seriously consider Bandit’s Nature’s Sunshine heartworm treatment program. If your dog has been given a life sentence by your vet, you may have nothing to lose. And a whole lot to gain! If your dog already has Heartworm, use this link for the treatment regime. – Click here. If you want to prevent Heartworm in your dog naturally, use this link for the prevention regime. – Click…

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Nature’s Sunshine Heartworm Prevention System

The prevention program consists of three Nature’s Sunshine elements, each of which plays an important part in preventing Heartworm: 1.  Artemisia Combination 2.  HSII Combination for Heart and Circulatory System 3.  Black Walnut In addition, it is highly recommended that you use a spray spritz of a combination of 4.  Tea Tree Oil, and 5.  Lavender Oil on your dog’s fur to keep those dreaded mosquitoes (which are the cause of Heartworm) away from your dog.  (Just 4 drops of each oil in 1 cup of water in a spray bottle). For a special price if you order the entire prevention system, click here. Artemisia CombinationArtemisia Combination (100 capsules) – Price – $17.85 This formula contains two species of artemisia: wormwood and mugwort. These herbs contribute to a friendly environment for intestinal flora. Artemisia is used in China, Europe and the U.S. for its anti-parasitic properties.  It is believed to create an unfavorable environment for parasites.  Artemisia also improves digestion and soothes the digestive tract. Added to the Artemisias are elecampane root, clove flower buds, garlic bulb root, ginger root, spearmint herb and turmeric root, providing a powerful product for intestinal support.   HS IICombination for the Heart & Circulatory SystemHS II (100 capsules) – Price – $17.85       HS II is an herbal combination designed for the circulatory system, and more particularly, the heart. It is based on three herbs: hawthorn berries, capsicum and garlic. Hawthorn berry is a “bitter” that is famous in Europe as a heart stimulant.  It assists the body in strengthening all the heart tissues and is considered by herbalists to be a specific heart tonic. Hawthorn’s nutritional effects are felt very slowly, and much of its overall benefit seems to be related to certain flavonoids it contains. These help the body open up constricted blood vessels, having a general dilating effect. This in turn leads to increased blood flow to the heart. Capsicum is an aromatic herb that promotes blood flow to the extremities. It contains valuable nutrients like vitamins A, B, and C with iron and calcium.  It is a nervine herb, which is beneficial for a healthy heart rhythm. Garlic is one of the oldest of all herbs used by man. It is an aromatic herb and is reported to have beneficial effects for both the circulatory and immune systems. It helps the body to normalize blood pressure while improving blood circulation at the same time.       Black Walnut Hulls Black Walnut (100 capsules) Price – $15.60 OR  Black Walnut Extract (2 fl. oz.)                  Price – $15.40         Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) naturally contains the trace minerals chromium and iodine. The ancient Greeks used the hulls to support the intestinal system and the skin. Herbalists classify black walnut as an astringent because it is rich in tannin, a toning substance. Black walnut’s fame in folk medicine is due to its cleansing properties. The unripe hulls of the black walnut contain vitamin C. It also has oxygenating abilities which help burn up excess toxins and fatty materials.  It aids in regulating blood sugar levels, and has been used for herpes, impetigo, athlete’s foot and ringworm. One popular use of Black Walnut has been to restore tooth enamel.  it contains natural fluoride (without the side of effects of the chemical fluoride used in water supplies), and will remove placque and restore tooth enamel if applied directly to the teeth. In terms of preventing Heartworm, Black Walnut is a great nutrition booster which assists the metabolism and keeps your dog less desirable to parasites of all types (fleas, ticks, and the dreaded mosquitoes which cause Heartworm).       Tea Tree Oil    Tea Tree…

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