What we eat and put into our bodies is a huge part of the holistic lifestyle and holistic healing. The belief is that through healthy habits and natural, preventative care, ailments will be avoided or minimized. We can extend many of our holistic practices and treatments to our pets. The use of turmeric as a dietary supplement is a practice that is … [Read more...]
Pets
Are Candles Making Your Pet Sick?
Who doesn't love the comfort, beauty, and aroma of a candle? Candles are lovely to burn, but traditional candles are not only toxic to humans, but can be even more so to pets. Candles are often associated with wellness, but the reality is exactly the opposite. Though candles can pose an obvious fire hazard around pets or danger to pets if consumed, … [Read more...]
Natural Flea Prevention and Control with Apple Cider Vinegar
Fleas can be a big problem for dogs and cats, especially during summer months, but there is a bigger problem: the commercial chemical-laden treatments that–in my opinion–do more harm than good. Flea collars, sprays, powders, shampoos and the like may be mildly effective, but the dangers outweigh the benefits. As your skin does, your pet's skin … [Read more...]
The Pet Vaccine Controversy
Jennifer here - I know that this is a controversial topic. I would love to open up a respectful dialogue in the comments. Please no rude, judgmental comments. No personal attacks. My blog is a place of openness, compassion, and understanding so let's continue with that spirit. Thank you and enjoy this amazing post. It seems that these days, … [Read more...]
Just Act Natural: How to Prepare Your Pet for Baby
Nothin' to see here....just act natural. That's my philosophy when it comes to introducing your new baby to your pet. I feel it is extremely important to prepare your dog or cat for your baby's arrival. But contrary to conventional "methods," I feel that the introduction shouldn't be a big production. Just act natural. It's true. Some pets … [Read more...]
Non-Toxic Cleaning To Benefit Our Pets
Sometimes we do for others what we won't do for ourselves. It was not until I had babies that I started to care about the toxicity of my environment, and I then made the switch to natural cleaning products. At the time, I didn't even think about what impact the "traditional" products I was using were having on my pets, but as I did more research … [Read more...]
10 Reasons To Give Pet Massage A Try
Us crazy animal lovers always have to take things to the next level, don't we? Isn't good old fashioned petting enough for my furry friend? Petting your animal is wonderful for both you and your pet, but massage offers a set of health benefits that can't be achieved with a pat on the head. 1. Increased Circulation. Increased circulation can help … [Read more...]
The Basics of Holistic Veterinary Care
Treating your pet holistically does not mean shunning veterinary care altogether and doing everything at home. It simply means finding a like-minded veterinarian. By learning about and treating our pet with natural home remedies, we can often prevent disease, so being able to find a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about alternative treatments and … [Read more...]
Apple Cider Vinegar as a Supplement for Your Pet
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a staple in our home for the well-being of the whole family, including the pets. Besides the fact that we think it tastes great (even the dog), it is key in our holistic approach to preventative healthcare and a natural way to treat existing ailments. ACV contains essential vitamins, minerals and enzymes, most of which … [Read more...]
Veterinary Acupuncture for Prevention and Treatment
Acupuncture can hardly be considered "alternative" any more, but it may not be the first thing we think of in terms of veterinary care. For many ailments, perhaps it should. Acupuncture is an ancient form of healthcare (its exact date of origin is debated, but it is thought to be at least 3000 years old), and it's use on animals (on a more … [Read more...]
Dogs Going Vegan
As a professional pet sitter, I see a wide variety of canine diets. A big part of my job is to maintain the established routine for the pets in my care as best I can, so whatever they eat on a regular basis is what they eat when I'm feeding them. I don't judge–well, mostly I don't. I see both high-quality and low-quality kibble, canned food, raw … [Read more...]
ThunderShirt Helps Dogs Find Anxiety Relief the Natural Way
Let's face it, we're all a little bit anxious these days. There are bills to pay, mouths to feed, and politics to debate. Though they don't give a darn what's going on in congress, our dogs have their own anxieties. These anxieties can seem irrational and hard to understand since our pets can't pipe up and explain their feelings. They tell us in … [Read more...]
Natural Pet First Aid Using Melaleuca Oil
When I think of natural pet care, the first thing that comes to mind is melaleuca (alternifolia) essential oil, aka tea tree oil. It is a staple in our family's medicine cabinet, not just for the human variety, but for our pets. Melaleuca oil has such a wide variety of uses, I don't know what I'd do without it. I use it primarily for its antiseptic … [Read more...]
