The temperature is dropping and with it the humidity. The end result is dry, itchy skin for both you and your dogs. Prevent dry skin and relieve the itch. Does your dog have dandruff when you go to pet him or her? Is your pet licking their pets and biting at itchy, irritated skin? You are not alone. Many animals suffer from allergies or environmental dermatitis. The good news is there are many natural relief options available. The first step naturally treating your dog’s itchy skin is to focus on the cause. Allergy, Environmental, or Parasitic? Pruritus, the excessive scratching related to itching, is the second most common cause for…

Often we show our love for our pets with the provision of food. Show affection while keeping your pet from being overweight with these tips. Each year I attend pet-friendly events to support non-profit or to promote my equine and canine massage therapy business, Animal Bodywork and Aromatherapy. The majority of dogs attending these events are overweight. This is not a judgment but an observation. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize the strain extra weight causes on their dog’s body and feel withholding food makes them a bad pet parent. The truth is, I too feed my pets treats and use food in training. But in doing so there must be a…

My dog Gonzo injured himself again. Recently he presented with a significant limp in his right hind. He will occasionally overdo it and strain a muscle. Last July, he pulled both hips out of alignment requiring anti-inflammatories, chiropractic work, and acupuncture. Well, he did it again. * This posts contains affiliate links. If you click the link I may receive a small commission at no cost to you, to help keep my pups in dog treats. All opinions are my own.  Luckily my friend and colleague Dr. Kendra Pope was there to help! Gonzo loves the vet. My dogs are the opposite of afraid, and so I brought him to…

Being a pet owner is full of fun and loving moments but it can also bring a lot of responsibility. One thing that pet owners must do is keep an eye on their dog’s health. Dogs can get many different kinds of illnesses, ranging from mild annoyances to severe concerns. Having a good relationship with your vet is a great way to keep your dog healthy, especially if you are the owner of a new puppy. Keeping yourself educated on some of the most common illnesses that dogs suffer from can also ensure that you get help quickly if something is wrong. These are the most common illnesses every dog…

As our dogs age their metabolism slows and they can become increasingly heavier. Obesity in dogs causes unnecessary pressure on their joints, vertebrae, and contributes to additional health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and more. Give your dog the best possible chance to live a long and healthy life. Here are three easy ways to keep your dog fit and fabulous.     Monitor Food Intake Exercise Regularly Regular Health Exams   1.Monitor Food Intake   Seems like a no brainer, right? You’d be surprised at the number of dog owners that over feed their pets either with too large a portion or treats. Balancing proper nutrition and…

It is just the unfortunate reality of a dog owner that at one time or another you’re going to have to combat the outbreak of a flea infestation. The good news is there are a number of effective ways for you to treat your pet for fleas and without reaching for the medicated shampoo. We’re sure you’re already familiar with coconut oil, but it is a little known fact that  coconut oil is also an active treatment for fleas? We didn’t think so. How Does Coconut Oil Fight Off Fleas? Yes, coconut oil may be great for cooking but is it what you should be using to help your dog in their…

  Many of us are increasingly turning to natural approaches for pet health. In our practice we see many animals as a result of pain from arthritis or cancer and as such clients are often searching for natural pain relief for their dogs. Pain may come from a variety of places, but can be relieved by increasing circulation and reducing inflammation rather than prescribing chemical compounds.  Relief may be topical, oral, or a combination of both. Some remedies are over the counter and others must be prescribed by a veterinarian. You will see below that turmeric, cannabis, and frankincense appear in a few places.    *This post contains affiliate links.…

As dog-parents, the word cancer is perhaps, one which we dread the most. We love our fur babies and want them to have a long and healthy life. Unfortunately, the risk of cancer in dogs has increased rapidly over the passage of time. Just recently my friend’s dog got diagnosed with cancer and, I kept wondering what can be the reason.                                                                                                  After…