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Category: Pet Products

Freshen Your Pet’s Breath with These Tips

We all love our pets, and want to hug them, and then that moment happens when your dog goes in to give you a big lick across the face, but the smell is nearly atrocious and nausea-inducing. Your dog could use a few breath mints or several routine brushing of the teeth. If your pet suffers from halitosis breath, there are options that can improve the smell (and health) of your pet’s breath. The following are a few tips to help regulate and improve your pet’s breath:

  • Obtain regular veterinary check-ups to ensure that your pet’s mouth is healthy and in good shape. Regular visits with the vet can also provide monitoring of any dental health issues inside your pet’s mouth.
  • Brush your dog’s teeth, literally, although this isn’t typically ideal for busy households, although a pet is unable to brush their own teeth. You can not use human toothpaste, however, but make sure you use a doggie toothbrush or anything appropriate and safe for your pet’s teeth. Make sure you go over each tooth, especially where plaque builds up behind teeth. This is a difficult task, and I think if you can’t brush your pet’s teeth daily, at least 1-3 days of being able to do so is better than nothing at all.
  • Dental chews are also another great option, and we use GREENIES Dog Treats for our pets which help control breath, clean teeth, and even help with joint care in dogs and cats. Always watch your pets indulge in these treats as they can become lodged in your pet’s throat, and they can choke on them. We have some really great Wholistic Chicken, Turkey and Beef Bites, which can be fed as part of a balanced diet, which is greatly important to your pet.

For those who are really daring, a professional cleaning for your pet while under anesthesia. These cleanings are for more serious matters, health and age-wise.

Do you have any tips that keep your pet’s pearly whites clean and smelling good? Please share with our community!

Source: http://www.allpetnews.com/5-ways-to-improve-your-dogs-breath

A Safe Alternative for Your Pets and Their Aches and Pains

Active dogs and older dogs often feel more pain and aches, much like us humans. Since NSAIDs have several risk factors with giving these to pets, and having to receive the approval of your veterinarian. As a matter of fact, you should consult your veterinarian in all things having to do with your pet. Announced today via a press release, there is a new product no the market called Canine ActivZ, that includes a special blend of ingredients that are “specifically chosen to restore and rejuvenate damaged tissue in dogs,” and is considered a “breakthrough treatment.” The new product is from manufacturers, Vireo Systems, who also manufacture AminoActivZ, which is the “#1 alternative to ibuprofen and NSAIDs for humans.”

“We have had outstanding success with NSAID alternatives for people, and we knew that many of our discoveries and innovations could be extended to dogs,” explained Vireo Systems President Mark Faulkner. “With CanineActivŽ, consumers can expect the same level of safe and effective pain relief for their dogs as they’ve come to expect for themselves from AminoActivŽ.”

There are two formulas the product comes in and one is a safe and non-toxic pain reliever for high performance breeds. It also comes in three dosage sizes; small breeds, medium-sized breeds, and large dogs. The secret ingredient? An anti-inflammatory ingredient, Alpha-GEEZ which is safer than NSAIDs that include “a special formulation of homeopathic compounds for dogs. Alpha-GEEZ is a unique compound made up of naturally occurring amino acids founding natural sources.”

The second formula is a high-performance breeds products, which is known as CanineActivZ HP, and “was created with sporting and working dogs in mind, such as hunting dogs, police K-9 units and service dogs.” With winter and hunting season in full-stride in many areas, this will be exceptionally helpful, as many active pets will need to sustain their energy, as well as their joints. CanineActivZ HP is the ideal product as it “promotes endurance, mobility and recovery.” The capsules can be ingested beforehand also. The anti-inflammatory ingredient that works in this capsule is Alpha-GEEZ, the safe and non-toxic pain reliever. Several studies with dogs found that CanineActivZ performed faster and more efficiently than over-the-counter supplements and is similar to prescription medications that reduce pain and inflammation without the risk and potentially fatal effects in prescription drugs. A very large dose ingested in dogs produced no negative side effects.

What are your thoughts? Are you convinced with the safety of this new product; if so, why and if not why are you convinced there potential negative side effects?

Source: Press Release

Do-It-Yourself Creative Gadgets for Your Pets

In a recent and interesting article featured in Popular Science magazine, there was a detailed article about several do-it-yourself gadgets that will help pets care for themselves when you’re away. Many of these gadgets are incredible and unique designs that seem to work by those who created them for their purposes. They use social media, VCR and other electronics to emit the response wanted for the pet. However, as with any product, check with your veterinarian before utilizing any of them.  They are as follows:

  • Water Warden– “Designed by Eloy Salinas to automatically keep the water dish brimming for his dog. It sends a tweet when the reservoir runs dry.” Via makezine.com
  • VCR Cat Feeder– This device uses the programmable timer already built into a VCR to schedule delivery of cat kibbles. Via makezine.com
  • (A) tiny Fish Feeder– This device employs an ATtiny85 or ATtiny45 micro controller, and requires some enclosure-building chops as well as electronics skills. For more information, check out Instructables.com.
  • Twitter-controlled Pet Feeder– “Amanda Ghassaei hacked an off-the-shelf automated feeder to dispense dry pet food in response to a tweeted command. The device utilizes Arduino as the controller, adding an Ethernet shield to receive Twitter data.” Via Instructables.com
  • Frankenfeeder– “This project builds off Amanda Ghassaei’s original design. It utilizes a Raspberry Pi instead of Arduino in order to include additional features, such as a wireless WiFi connection, taking commands via a Gmail account, and “feedback” via camera surveillance of the feeding pooches.” Via http://locgt.blogspot.com/
  • Crittergram Capture Cam– This device snaps a photo each time it senses movement, so that you can see what your pet’s up to when you’re not there. Via Makezine.com

Know of any other cool and innovated technology products that enhance the care for your pet while you’re away? Let us know!

Source: http://www.popsci.com/gallery/6-diy-gadgets-will-care-your-pet-while-youre-away/

Be Careful Administering Pain Medications to Your Pets

When your pet gets sick or has other health ailments that require a visit to the vet, and your vet therefore prescribes a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, how do you respond? It is important to know that NSAIDs are the most commonly prescribed pain relievers for animals. Why? They work by blocking the production of chemicals produced by the body that play a role in inflammation.

“Scientists consider NSAIDs the cornerstone of osteoarthritis therapy in dogs,” says Melanie McLean, D.V.M., a veterinarian at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some NSAIDS are also used to manage pain after surgery in both dogs and cats. No NSAID has been approved for long-term use in cats.

Like many other prescription medications, there are benefits and risks. To be sure your pet can ingest NSAIDs properly and effectively, they need to undergo a complete physical examination, thorough review of their medical history and for the medication’s side effects and potential and very important to discuss also.

Risks & Side Effects of NSAIDs in Pets

  • Blood tests need to be conducted on a regular basis.
  • vomiting
  • decline in appetite
  • decline in energy level
  • diarrhea
  • blood in feces
  • tar-like stools
  • whites of eyes
  • yellow gums

Call your vet as soon as possible if any of these begin to take effect in your pet, including stomach and intestinal ulcers, intestinal perforation, kidney failure, liver failure and even death. These side effects and risks are increased when your pet is given two NSAIDs at the same time. Gastrointestinal toxicity can become gravely increased. These risks are detailed on the enclosed inserts with the NSAID prescribed medication.

There are several OTC human pain relievers with NSAID that can be harmful, including deadly, in pets. Many pet owners think that they can give their pets the same OTC drugs and sometimes it’s too late. Always check with your veterinarian before you give your pet any OTC human drugs.

What to Chat with your Vet about Before Giving Your Pet an NSAID:

  • Know what your pet is being prescribed, exact dosage and how long to administer.
  • Always discuss side effects and symptoms.
  • Explain your pet’s medical history, especially past intestinal problems, including stomach ulcers or any surgeries in that area.
  • Tell your vet about other medications, vitamins and supplements your pet is currently on.

Source: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm373009.htm

New Photo and Video ‘Hero Pet’ challenge brought to you by Purina ONE and GOOD

 

Announced in a PR Newswire press release in Los Angeles, Purina ONE and GOOD have teamed together to recruit ‘hero pets’ that have made a difference in their owners or other people’s lives. The hero and video challenge is aptly titled “Hero Pets to the Rescue”. Pet owners have until November 11 to submit a photo or video, including their pets story about “how their cat or dog has helped someone in need.” Afterwards, the panel of judges will submit 15 applicants that they think are the best candidates to proceed to the finalist round.

The GOOD community will vote on the 15 finalists between December 2 through December 9, 2013. The pet hero with the most votes will receive a one-supply of Purina ONE brand pet food,  a featured story on Good.is to share their pet’s story, and a $5,000 donation to one of the four pet-service non-profit organizations; Pet Partners, Support Dogs Inc., New Horizons Service Dogs, Inc. or Working Dogs for Conservation.

At Purina ONE, we’re always striving to highlight the positive difference pets make in everyone’s life,” said Christina Schneider, Assistant Brand Manager, Purina ONE. “Whether in small ways or in bigger ways, all cats and dogs are heroes to the people who love them. We look forward to seeing the inspiring stories that pet owners submit to the ‘Hero Pets to the Rescue’ Challenge.

“Our partnership with Purina ONE has celebrated the many ways that pets change our lives, and we’re constantly amazed by how pets help people with even just the smallest of gestures. We’re excited to recognize the heroes that pets are,” said Jay Ku, Head of Partnerships, GOOD.

Details on how to enter the contest:

  • Submit a brief story and/or video about how your pet has been a hero to someone.
  • The website to enter is: http://heropets.maker.good.is/
  • Entry deadline is November 11, 2013.
  • The winner will be announced on or before December 16, 2013.

For more information about the contest, Purina ONE and GOOD, copy and paste the link below in your browser:

http://www.sys-con.com/node/2853245

New Pet Collar Tracks and Monitors Health

A new company, Pet Pace, is in the process of developing a collar that will monitor your pet’s health, thoroughly and on an-going basis. The collar will produce a warning signal to alert the pet owner of anything that has gone awry with your pet’s health. They can send you an alert through e-mail, text or phone. Pet Pace’s chairman, Avner Schneur, states that they plan to release the collar sometime this year. There is an estimated cost of $150 for the collar, along with a base station that collects data with it. Furthermore, a $15-$20 per-month subscription fee will also be accumulated.

The base station that will be with the collar is a “matchbox-size device affixed to the collar holds sensors and a radio that transmits data to the base station when the pet comes within 1,000 yards of it,” claims Schneur. The animal’s movements, respiration and pulse will all be tracked. The battery is expected to last for several months, as well as the battery needing charging will occur. The collar will also work for cats that weigh 10 pounds. The company’s focus is hospitals for now, and then will eventually venture towards consumers. Veterinary hospitals will be their sole source of selling.

Pet Pace is based in Burlington and Tel Aviv.

For more information, visit source:

http://bostonglobe.com/business/2013/02/04/highlights-from-scott-kirsner-innovation-economy-blog-monitor-your-pet-health/dGZbFQwcJUYr88KDqxsNPI/story.html

The Most Common Skin Problems in Dogs and Cats: Part 2

With this article, we’ll focus on the last three remaining skin issues mostly common in our dogs and cats. Most of these problems occur with dermatitis. The first three focused on environmental, nutritional and parasitic dermatitis, which explained the causes and effects, and we provided several of our products that will eliminate and prevent these common skin issues.

The next three common skin issues are:

Infectious Dermatitis, which are transmitted through bacteria, fungal and yeast organisms that present themselves in the form of ringworm, malassezia pachydermatitis, which is a common irritant for pet’s skin. With a yeast infection, it is suggested that something else much more serious is going on, and is consistent with hypothyroidism; chronic administration of cortisone medication or dietary fatty acid deficiency. The most common of these is bacterial dermatitis, as dogs will lick the infected area causing sores or lesion to re-open, thus reversing any healing the infected area has completed. The best treatments for infectious dermatitis are topical ointment or oral antibiotics, and sometimes clipping the hair from the area to dry easier and faster. Many infections and irritants lie in the urinary tract, and our Wholistic WholeCran Intense, with organic cranberry powder, is loaded with antioxidants to maintain a healthy urinary tract.

Allergic Dermatitis is exactly what one thinks it is; it’s an allergic reaction that affects the skin. Dogs and cats, much like humans, are affected by various factors in the environment, as well as food ingredients, synthetic and natural fibers, medications and pharmaceutical products, among many others. There are several different kinds of allergic dermatitis, however, and the most prominent one is atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis occurs when there “are a number of antigens, including inhaled substances such as molds, dust, pollens and other static and airborne microscopic organic substances.” Much like infectious dermatitis, preventative methods come in the form of topical ointments, baths to relieve the itching and scratching, including sprays. The biggest proponent to relieve the stress of allergic dermatitis is cortisone. Changing your dog’s diet is one helpful way to reduce the onslaught of allergic dermatitis, along with substances in the home causing an attack of allergies that affect them inwardly and outwardly. Try giving a bath with our Wholistic Heavenly Herbal Pet Shampoo to ease the itching of your precious pup. For your feline, try giving our Wholistic Sea Blend, fortified with rich minerals from nutrient rich waters, that are free from pollutants and heavy metal contamination.

The last most common skin problem is Neurogenic Dermatitis, which is caused by a persistent, obsessive and compulsive licking, which is a result of boredom, stress, anxiety, or a physical abrasion, such as a tiny scratch, lesion, etc. Because of this incessant licking and picking at the area, bacteria infection sets in and, as a result, can cause permanent damage. It is recommended that a specialist in dermatology or a behaviorist could best determine the reason for this specific portion of dermatitis. Overall, determining the cause behind your pet’s dermatitis is the underlying and most important matter. If you need to change your dog’s diet, there are many ways to cease and remove the constant of your pet’s dermatitis. Being patient, yet persistent, in determining the underlying factor is key.

We hope these six common skin issues in dogs and cats have helped you with determining the ailing factor of your dog and cat, and hope that some, if not all, of our recommended products will help you in alleviating and maintaining your pet’s skin issues. Have you tried any of our products that you would recommend that have helped you with your pet?

Article Source: http://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/evr_dg_itch_and_scratch_bite_and_lick

The Most Common Skin Problems in Dogs and Cats: Part 1

Although our dogs and cats will occasionally scratch when they have an itch, whether it behind their ear or front leg, etc., incessant scratching is not common. According to PetMD.com, there are six main reasons why dogs and cats scratch.

Often times, when we see our pets scratch we don’t think much of it. On the other hand, there are times when the scratching is persistent and we must not dismiss it.

These six reasons are part of a main category resulting from dermatitis, and the categories are listed below.

*Environmental

*Nutritional

*Parasitic

*Allergic

*Neurogenic

*Infectious

These categories also become more challenging the more frequently they are diagnosed. T.J. Dunn states that the simplest diagnosis begins with environmental dermatitis, and is progressively complicated with the diagnosis of neurogenic dermatitis. Environmental dermatitis is a result of what pets are exposed to, but their skin doesn’t agree with it. By matching the environmental irritant to the pet’s skin, you can determine preventative methods. There are different examples, such as moist eczema and contact with plastics can cause environmental dermatitis. We will focus on the top three most common categories; environmental, nutritional and parasitic.

Nutritional dermatitis occurs because of a lack of nutrition. When fed appropriate amounts of a balanced diet, your pet’s nutrition is stable, and you’ll see results immediately. Quality dog and cat food consists of organic, all-natural, grain-free and veterinary-prescribed diet food. Our products, Wholistic Canine Complete for dogs, along with Wholistic Feline Complete for cats, adds in essential organic and super-premium ingredients for your pet. These are both supplements that can provide optimum results for your pet’s health, in addition to their current diet. Your pet will also maintain a shiny and supple coat when eating well, and this can be maintained also with our Wholistic Flax Seed Oil, which is pure, organic and cold-pressed flax seed oil that produces heavy concentrations, resulting in a high-shine coat for your pet.

Parasitic dermatitis is mostly a common form of fleas and ticks, and an overexposure to an area where they are inhabited, can result in an overly sensitive reaction to even a single bite from a flea. The bite results in allergic dermatitis due to the saliva of the flea. Other intense reactions from parasites similar to fleas are Cheyletiella mites, scabies (red mange), and Demodex mites. All of these parasitic dermatitis result from excessive or repeated exposure to an infected environment, stresses from a disease, poor nutrition or immune disorder. This can be prevented by providing supplements and nutrition support to your pet, such as Wholistic Diatomaceous Earth, Wholistic Alfalfa Powder, both excellent and highly recommended for your dog and cat. We will focus on the next three categories of dermatitis in a future article.

Do you find yourself struggling with common skin problems with your cat or dog? If so, what preventative method(s) have you found to be the most effective?

Positive Reasons for Healthy and Nutritious Eating for your Pet

 

It is statistically known that 80% of pet owners have the misunderstanding that their dog or cat needs the same nutrition as we do. Animals, much like humans, need a balanced and nutritious diet, and when they don’t receive adequate or enough portions of nutrients, they do not function properly. Each protein and nutrient in your pet’s food serves an essential purpose for a specific function of his or her body. To maintain muscle tone, build and repair muscle, teeth and bone, perform daily activity, and fight off infection, our pets need the right amount of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to ensure optimal health. Read on to find out what each important function does and how it works, as well as some suggestive products from our store.

  •  Proteins give energy and provide muscle function and growth
  •  Fats also provide energy and give a healthy skin and coat.
  • Carbohydrates give quick energy.
  • Vitamins and minerals are essential for muscle contraction and help to prevent disease.

All of these nutrients are needed for a happy and healthy pet, and we have just the right products in our store to help you in keeping your pet, cat or dog, on a balanced and supplemental diet.

For overall protein, healthy metabolism, beautiful skin and coats, and to supplement your pet’s diet, try our Wholistic Coconut Oil. This product provides a healthy metabolism, and supports immune and cardiovascular systems. It is available and recommended for both your dog and cat. We also suggest our Wholistic Flax Seed Oil, which is a very rich source in Omega-6 fatty acids.

To ensure the longevity of a gorgeous coat, check out our Wholistic Wild Deep Sea Salmon Oil, which contains rich EPA’s to eliminate signs of dry, flaky skin and maintain a lovely coat for your dog or cat.

For digestion it is important to know that carbohydrates do provide fibers that help with digestion, and the Wholistic Digest All Plus is one of the best products on the market, as it contains the most nutritious value of pure enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics. It is known for it’s high quality and superior results.

With essential and strong immunity, it is important that your pet consume the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals, to ensure proper and healthy functioning of their immune system. Without these, your animal could become terminally ill. Try our Wholistic Ester-C, which is chock full of the maximum amount of Vitamin C needed for your pet. Another highly suggested supplement is our Wholistic Sea Coral Calcium, which provides 38% of calcium and 72 trace minerals. It enters the blood stream fully, and regulates ph-balance, as well as strengthening of the immune system.

Article Source: http://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_the_benefits_of_proper_nutrition#.UQn3OErBPGw

Make Wise Choices with Your Pet’s Food for their Overall Health

Since we focus on pets’ health and well-being, what better than to write about how important it is for you to maintain a healthy diet for your pet. According to Dr. Doug Knueven, a veterinary lecturer on dog nutrition, he states, “poor diet is the biggest obstacle to achieving canine health.” He also claims “many illnesses and skin and behavioral problems are directly affected by diet.” Dr. Knueven provides several tips and guidelines to help you in your quest for a happy and healthy pet.

  •  Maintain a stable and consistent Diet– Home cooking is even suggested if you eat healthy and avoid foods altogether that are deadly to pets. A healthy and nutritious diet consists of raw meat, organ meat, raw bones, fruits and vegetables.
  • Ingredients– if you decide not to cook your pet’s meals at home, be sure to read the label of the pet’s food you are purchasing. A specific fish or meat name is the first word to look for in the ingredients, along with natural preservatives. Artificial flavors, colorings, byproducts and sugars are big no-no’s. All of our Wholistic products contain the best and most essential nutrients, as well as certified organic and the utmost healthy ingredients you can find in pet care health food.
  • Protein and Carbohydrates– High-protein diets are the healthiest with the longest life span in pets. The high-carb diets are the worse for life span and overall health. Make sure your pet’s receiving enough protein and less carbs. Our Wholistic line contains super-rich antioxidants and abundance in organic ingredients to ensure the optimum health in your pet. Our products are for Skin and Coat, Health Supplements, Joint Support, Digestive Support, including Flea and Tick Control.
  • Rotation– it is suggested to rotate between several brands to ensure a balanced diet. However, it is noted to do this gradually and not suddenly.
  • Supplements– To aid in your pet’s nourishment, give a supplement to subside with their healthy meal intake, such as fish oil and a probiotic. Several great supplements to give your pets are our Wholistic MSM, which provides an “important source of organic sulfur, a necessary component required for most functions of the body.” Another all-in-one supplement to continue good health and long life span is our Wholistic Canine Complete, which contain certified organic and super-premium ingredients.

Source: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/dec/29/tp-wise-food-choices-are-key-to-pets-health/