Grrrrr?
Garlic was originally grown in Central Asia. It has been accepted and recognized as one of the most powerful antibiotics available, effective against bacterial, fungal and parasitic infestations. Numerous medical studies show how garlic juice reduces cholesterol and helps the heart. Worldwide, people take garlic pills, eat garlic cloves and spray garlic juice on food for both taste and good health.

It should be noted that the ASPCA shows garlic in the onion group in their list of 10 items that should not be fed to pets, The group consists of Onions, Garlic and Chives and reads as follows with argumentative discourse noted.  
These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed. Toxicity is normally diagnosed through history, clinical signs and microscopic confirmation of Heinz bodies. An occasional low dose, such as what might be found in pet foods or treats, likely will not cause a problem, but we recommend that you do NOT give your pets large quantities of these foods

Once again, the rules of moderation come into effect!

Garlic contains organic alkyl sulfur components specifically, S-alkyl cytosine and other cytosine derivative like S-alkyl cytosine sulfoxides that are responsible for many of its anticancer, antibiotic, anti-lipid and anti-diabetic properties.

It is not surprising that veterinarians have leaned towards the use of garlic supplements in pet diets and nutrition for the relief of several ailments, particularly in cats and dogs and while it benefits mankind, for dogs it does even more! .

Garlic keeps dogs from having worms and gets rid of worms that are there. It also keeps fleas and ticks off dogs by getting into the dog’s system and creating a garlic odor that fleas and ticks detect and avoid the dog altogether. Don’t worry, your dog won’t smell like garlic.
 
Garlic Juice is easiest way to give garlic to your dog, here’s how most kennels and dog owners do it; spray or pour garlic into its natural dog’ food and mix well.
Give your pet some garlic every day if your pet dog and cat is nearing middle age or older, it is time to add some garlic to your pet’s food. Garlic protects against cancer, enhances immunity and even reduces the formation of athero-sclerotic plaques and thrombi. In companion animals too, garlic has been found to be beneficial in reducing cholesterol levels, and even lowering blood sugar levels.

Listed below are some ways in which you can use garlic to help heal your pet.

• For skin boils and other bacterial infections:
  Take a bulb of garlic. Crush it and extract the juice. Apply raw garlic juice on the infected areas. Within a week, you will see that your pet’s wound has healed and is back to normal.
• As a circulation toner, blood purifier and cancer preventer:
  Take half a clove of raw garlic. Mash it well. Add the clove in your pet’s food everyday. Half a clove of raw garlic should be sufficient if your pet is a large dog. If your pet is a small breed of dog or cat, then a quarter clove of garlic should be enough. However, what you need to make sure is that the garlic that you use is raw not any preserved form of garlic.
• The raw garlic will help to improve the circulation, cure any stomach indigestion and flatulence. Besides this, if you give your pet garlic regularly, it will also help to prevent against cancer. However, if your pet already has cancer, then giving garlic may not help very much. However, it can protect your pet from getting worse or developing new tumors.
• Another property that garlic has is that it is also a powerful anti-oxidant. Therefore, when you give your pet garlic regularly, it also helps to reduce some of the degenerative changes seen with aging.
• Regular consumption of garlic has been found to help reduce the ability of blood to clot and form clots i.e. an anti-thrombosis action effect.
• Another age associated change is the development of arterioscleroses i.e. the hardening and narrowing of the blood vessels due to formation of plaque inside the vessel wall. Garlic has also been found to reduce high lipid levels and reduce plaque formation.

Garlic is especially useful for female pets:
Garlic also contains compounds that are weakly estrogenic. This useful medicinal plant has compounds that have low concentrations of estrogen and other related compounds. Therefore, although garlic may be very useful for your pets, it may also adversely affect the fertility of your male pet, especially if you have serious plans to breed your pet. Consult your veterinarian before you start your pet on a long term course of medication with garlic

Here’s the recommended daily dosage:

5-20 lb. dogs - 4 sprays or 1/4 ounce in food daily.
21-50 lb. dogs - 6 sprays into food and mix well.
51 lbs. and over dogs 8 sprays into food and mix well.

If, for some rare reason your dog will not eat food with the garlic juice in it, mix the garlic juice with soybean oil (available in the cooking oil section at your local supermarket) and mix into food - this also helps make a very nice coat on the dog.

Say goodbye to poisonous flea collars! Mother Nature has provided a safe and all-natural alternative - farm fresh garlic juice!

                                                                     
No matter what kind of pets you have, you want to take care of them to the very best of your ability. To do this, you want to get the proper supplies for them. There are a lot of supplies available, so you must know exactly what you are looking for, and it is best to have somewhere you go to find it.

The greatest demand is for dog and cat food nutrition that are, beyond a doubt the most important feature of pet care in America today. You may be looking [in the link above) at the most convenient source for the healthiest selection of supplies available for cats, dogs, the smallest and even the most exotic pets.

For dogs you will have no trouble finding leashes, collars, food and water bowls, toys, and food. There are also a lot of cat and dog training, health and cleaning products. There are other categories of supplies, and each category has hundreds of products available. Your cat will find scratching posts and climbing trees in plentiful numbers, along with many carrier options.

If you have fish, you will be able to find tanks and fish-friendly cleaners and food for all kinds of fish. There are many interesting things to put into the tank with the fish as well.

If you have small animals such as rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, or ferrets, you will find lots of pet supplies for them as well. Food, litter, and grooming supplies are available. There are a lot of extra products for ferrets, including harnesses, leashes, and toys. Ferrets are extremely playful animals, and providing them with toys helps to alleviate boredom.

For birds there are aviaries, cages, perches along with a variety of food and water dishes. As with other animals, toys are plentiful for birds that need these to engage their attention. You will also find treats for your birds to either keep them occupied or to reward them.

Of course, you don’t want to forget about your reptiles. While many people don’t think about reptiles needing things, they need their pet supplies just as much as any other animal. They require heat lamps and proper flooring in their terrarium, along with places to hide and climb. Calcium supplements are common health products bought for reptiles.

With the right pet supply store, you can get your little friends everything they need to stay healthy and happy.

For the cat lover, the cat is more than a pet; it is a valued member of the family. It is essential for cat health care to feed a high-quality natural cat food.
A lot of cat food and treats claim to have the highest quality ingredients, but not all of them make the grade. This post will discuss the essential ingredients to look for in choosing a quality cat food as well as the three ingredients to avoid. You will know what food contents to choose to assure your pet gets the finest cat nutrition with organic or natural cat food.

When choosing a cat food or treat, make sure the first label listing is protein. Many cat foods use a filler ingredient such as wheat or corn instead of protein as the main ingredient.

Cats are obligate carnivores, which mean that they must eat meat; no matter how wonderful vegetables may be for the health of a human being, they are not essential or even needed to maintain the health and happiness of our feline friends.

Feeding a cat food that has wheat or corn as its primary ingredient can lead to health problems in the long run, including joint, skin, coat, and eye conditions. It is also important to remember the wheat gluten contamination that led to the recall of so many cat foods as well as multiple deaths in 2007.

Another problem with cat foods that contain corn or wheat gluten is that cats can develop allergies. If you notice that your cat is scratching more, or develops scabs around the head and neck, you will want to discuss with your veterinarian switching your cat to a different cat food containing higher quality ingredients than those found in your cat’s current diet.

Some people think premium cat foods are expensive, but in fact, because they have less filler, the cat is able to gain a full day’s nutrition eating as little as half the amount as of a lower quality food. As a result, often the cost per day is the same.

The difference is, with a wellness cat food, your cat is not immersed in a diet of artificial preservatives such as BHT, BHA or Ethoxyquin, animal by products, or unnecessary fillers. Removing these unfavorable ingredients makes a significant difference in the overall cat health and well being of your pet, improving the quality of life, as well as reducing the likelihood of developing health issues and frequent trips to the vet.

Humans may eat junk food once in awhile but we surely couldn’t survive or thrive with such a daily diet. Imagine now that we give our felines a daily feeding of junk food (which unfortunately some cat food brands are). That certainly would not be healthy for them.

 Sometimes we will see this manifest into a dull coat or bowel/urinary issues. Or we may not notice anything wrong. However, as most people know, quality nutrition and proper absorption of nutrients is beneficial to overall health and the same is true for our cats.

Whether we have two legs or four, what we eat makes a difference. Avoid animal bi-products, fillers such as corn or wheat gluten, and keep your pet on a cat food that promotes cat health.

People, who keep their dogs outside, think nothing of having a simple dog house for their pet to call his own. You may wonder why they don’t think to do the same for their indoor pet.  

It doesn’t have to be large…but just big and comfortable enough to be their own cozy den. If they can stand up, turn around, have some peace and quiet when they feel the need for it, they will be happy and feel safe and secure.  This spot can be arranged in a corner of the family room, a bedroom, or even a laundry room or basement.

Give him a nice bed in his own private space. It can be something as simple as a crate or a carton with a dog mat or some soft blanket that he can nest in. It will help him conserve his body heat in winter, and should be soft and comfortable for his bony parts, easy to clean, and in an area that stays dry and isn’t drafty.
 
If you have a little more money to spend, there are heated dog beds or crate beds that have plush or fur cushions in them and hoods that can be raised to give them dark privacy. Some are made similar to beanbags, which allow him to shape the bed to fit him perfectly. Other beds are filled with cedar chips to neutralize odors and control moisture.
 
 If your dog is satisfied with his spot, chances are good that he will not choose your bed or the living room furniture to lounge on, especially when rewarded with gourmet dog treats and healthy dog food is laid at its door..

Teaching your dog to obey commands is a fundamental necessity for any new owner. Dog ownership is a serious business and should not be taken lightly. Before you take the huge step of making a fun loving animal a part of your life you need to give it some serious thought. Don’t forget when you take on a dog you take on a dog for life. But let us assume that you have been through that stage and still want a new member of the family.

How will you be teaching your dog to obey even the simplest of commands? There are several ways that this can be achieved; but it is most important that training begin as early as possible.
Many publications and videos are available that will show you, how to teach your new companion
Several local pet stores run dog training and obedience courses.
A private trainer could be used for personal dog training tips

Whether your new companion is a puppy or an adult dog it needs to become familiar with you, it’s new owner. In general a dog is loyal to only one master. It can only cause confusion if more than one member of the family teaches him. That is not saying that he will be unruly with all the other family members, he will not, for when you are teaching your dog to obey you it is instilling a sense of discipline which will determine his demeanor with the whole of the family. You will be teaching him direction and boundaries and through repetition he will understand what is allowed and what is not allowed

A basic rule to remember when teaching your dog to obey your commands is that it is done in a friendly and playful manner as no dog responds to an aggressive or demanding style of teaching. Keep your training sessions short and always have fun. Carry doggie treats as reward for even the smallest task completed or attempted. When teaching your dog to obey never use violence, train your dog with trust and respect, If you feel the dog is not responding cut the training session short and try again tomorrow.

Never judge your success in teaching your dog to obey you in days, it is a fact that some dogs are smarter than others, quite like humans, where one dog will train in a short time others could take twice as long. Do not be discouraged if you seem to be making little progress, you would be well advised to keep a journal from day one so that in times of frustration you can look back and see the actual success that you have achieved.

Be flexible, patient and always fair. Your dog doesn’t just automatically know the right things to do. It’s all new to him and he is bound to have the odd slip up and mistake along the way. Dismiss these mistakes and just move on and do your best to prevent them in the future. Enjoy this fantastic time in your dog’s life.

When teaching your dog to obey you is the time where you will lay the foundation for your life of pleasure together. It’s also where you will develop, build and strengthen the special bond you will share with your dog for life.

Omega 3 fish oil for pets is among the most commonly used nutritional supplement for treating dogs and cats? They protect and treat a range of ailments and can help keep our pets fit and healthy.
 
Fish oil for pets is among the most commonly used supplement in all of veterinary medicine, to the point that they are not even recognized as an alternative treatment, such is their healing power and the fish oils we humans use are perfectly fine, no need for specialist animal ones!
 
It is the two important omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA that provide most of the benefits, with DHA being the most important. These oils support heart, vision and joint health, provide important cat and dog nutrition for proper immune function, and nourish the skin and coat.
 
The powerful anti-inflammatory properties are effective in cases of heart and kidney disease, elevated cholesterol, allergies and arthritis as well.
 
The difference can be quite striking especially in older pets with some arthritis as within weeks of taking a daily supplement they are moving around more freely and have increased energy levels too.
 
Fish oil for pets is also excellent for treating those hairless dry and irritated areas they always seem to be scratching! They help to soothe the area and encourage the growing back of the hair and also promote a shiny healthy coat.
 
As well as being proven to be effective for preventing cancer they are also recommended daily for those pets diagnosed with cancer as they can help to reduce the size of the tumours.
 
 Some of the problem today is our pet’s diet and the majority of the pet food on the market is very low in these essential omega 3’s, bearing in mind their bodies cannot make them so they must come from the diet, making a daily supplement in their organic dog food and natural cat food the ideal solution.
 
To ensure your fish oil for pets is free from any contaminants such as mercury or lead that fish pick up, it is vital to ensure that it has been molecularly distilled to leaving only pure concentrated oil.
 
In addition it should contain a high level of DHA, at least 250mg per capsule for maximum effectiveness. Most on the market have higher EPA levels so check the label or website carefully.
 
The incredible benefits of fish oil for pets are clear to see and help to keep them fit and healthy and avoid many of the more serious diseases later on, giving them a better quality of life.

                                     It’s me again
There is more to love about our pet dogs than their faithful affection for us. They are also a boost to our good health as well as a tail wagging reminder of our obligation to them in the form of dog health care. One could say, in no small way, we thrive on the quality of  healthy dog food and nutrition we give to them,

The portrayal of the dog as mans best friend is an apt one. If you don’t laud children or family members and greet them with enthusiasm; they’ll be less likely to be around you. Not so with the ever faithful canine friend. It has been sad to hear that no matter how cruelly people treat animals, they remain faithful to those who abused them. They offer no judgment, no hesitation. What a gift that is.

It is also understandable that people who are suffering, whether from failed relationships, money woes, job frustrations or ill health often turn to the dog in their lives to find a source of non-complaining , non-judgemental companionship.

Another heart-warming experience is one wherein the elderly, confined to nursing homes (often without family or friends) are benefited by the visit of a full of love, furry, four-legged friend. The way they light up at the sight of these animals is a joy to behold.

 Studies abound telling of remarkable health recoveries people have made and attributed to benefits derived from their pets. One of the damaging side effects that occur with convalescence is loneliness that accompanies the recovery process. A companion pet can minimize that to great degree. A study has put the survival rate of heart attack patients who have a pet, at five times greater than those who don’t have a pet, That is an astounding statistic.

As we give medical science the credit it deserves for improving the quality of life for so many, let us not overlook the less heralded but widely recognized contributions of the noble pet in their power to positively affect the healing of people in their lives.

If you are concerned about your pets’ health and perhaps want to see a holistic veterinarian about dog or cat health care or merely require some information. Whatever your reason, alternative medicine can work as well as traditional dog health care for your pet, especially for long term health.

Although conventional medicine has its place, holistic therapies have been working for hundreds of years but some people are not aware that both conventional and holistic medicines can work together. For instance, after using an antibiotic, you or your vet can implement a holistic alternative pet health supplementation plan to boost the immune system to help prevent further illness.

Many people use holistic dog care methods for their pets, perhaps because homeopathy worked for them or a friend had good results and now want to try the same for their pets. Cats and dogs can also use many supplements that people use; for instance, glucosamine for joints, vitamin e for healthy coat and skin, etc.

Holistic vets most often combine traditional and alternative dog health methods to maintain your pet’s physical condition in top shape. They may use cat health vaccines and prescription drugs in an illness, but use vitamins, herbs and other forms of nutrition designed for each individual pet.
 
Holistic veterinary medicine looks at the whole pet including his or her lifestyle, and the heredity components of each breed so that its physical needs are taken into consideration as well as the pet’s mental happiness.

If your pet is suffering from an illness that requires immediate attention, then a holistic vet would use the conventional options. But, if your pet is plagued with chronic conditions which linger or occur often, then alternative medicine for pets will provide more choices for long term pet health.

Please adopt me …

Animals are an important part of our world and as humans we profit from having their companionship as pets. They benefit from this too.
 
As pets, animals depend on us to take car of them, keep them safe and healthy and many people enjoy household pets, such as cats, dogs, birds, small rodents, fish, reptiles, and many more.

Obtaining a pet requires some research to find the pet that is right for you and your family. Some animals have particular needs and it is wise to know ahead of time what those needs are in order to be prepared to give your pet a well deserved, healthy and happy life.

Choosing a pet is a serious commitment and having been chosen, you can be assured your pet is absolutely committed to please you in return for all the training and care received from you, and repay your efforts a thousand fold. Fortunately, pet love is not trainable! He or she comes loaded to the gunnels with overflowing affection. Its up to the master to nurture and capture it.

Yes! You did read that correctly. Early training is necessary and your pet can be all you desire in proportion to the cat or dog training you wish to use. Somewhat like a child, perhaps. But first, look at a few differences between a child and your pet, Fido.

A child is able to understand what you say and react accordingly.
Fido hears a string of indiscernible sounds with occasional tone differences
A child is capable of making a choice, even at the earliest age.
Fido is not capable of rational thought and selects the easiest way or means.
A child has memory, can recall yesterday and anticipate tomorrow.
Fido knows no time span. He only understands NOW! Or This very instant!.

(Example: You call Fido to your side and berate him for making a mess a few minutes earlier. Fido associates the slap on his snout he received from you to be his reward?  For obeying your “come here” command!!.)

Fido’s time range limits an event to the very moment it occurs and can be inferred by our own reference of now, or this very moment. (Example: When do you recall what we did yesterday? Or what shall we do tomorrow?)
In both instances, we recall or think about them now! At this moment  That is simply due to the fact we are able to memorize.

Fido only has this instant!  He can’t remember where he buried that bone! His sense of smell, other senses and scavenging led him to it. However, by means of repeating and usage, Fido can associate sounds such as toy, treat, ride and other sounds with pleasurable results and sit, stay paw and come commands, with dog training

Such comparisons are endless but may give some idea of the handicap a pet must live under and endure in the care of an owner who has no knowledge of or little interest in animal husbandry. The trick is research!

However, learning and knowing signs of illness in your pets is important in maintaining cat and dog health care. Abnormal discharges from nose, eyes, or other body openings, loss of appetite, weight loss or gain, excessive water consumption are all-important signs that warrant a visit to your veterinarian.

Keep an eye open for more information on Pet Companionship.

Table scraps, given in appropriate amounts, do have their place in your healthy dog food diet. However, there’s a big  difference between good quality leftovers and “scraps”.

Quality leftovers are pieces of steak (trimmed of fat), roast beef, chicken or turkey and adding this to your dog’s bowl is fine when done in moderation and do not exceed 10% of the pet’s normal feeding, In addition leftover pasta and rice is good, so long as they are minus butter and other fatty sauces, and are plainly cooked.

Don’t overfeed table-scraps on a continuous basis. Doing so will expose your pet to a diet loaded with fat and you’ll end up with a pet prone to stomach upsets, diarrhea and other potentially serious gastrointestinal disorders such as life-threatening pancreatitis.

Even if your dog’s digestive tract can handle a diet full of table scraps, the chances of him or her gaining weight will increase enormously in proportion to the amount of scraps you’re feeding. There are many people who claim that table scraps are not good for your pet, but much human food is perfectly acceptable for dogs.   The trick is research!.

Forget, for example, about serving your dog the leftover macaroni and cheese, even though pasta is OK and the cheese is low fat. Dogs do not have the needed lactase to break up the lactose and the result can be diarrhea.

Turkey, chicken, steak, or any other kind of cooked bones are no-nos, because they can splinter and pierce or obstruct the dog’s digestive tract.. Bones can also cut the roof of the mouth.
Leftover stew is OK, as long as you remove the onions, and if your family loves sushi, Fido will have to “pass” raw fish that can create a thiamine deficiency in dogs. As a result the dog will suffer from seizures and possibly death.

Easily digestible foods such as cooked rice or chicken and turkey (boneless) will be fine in dog food. Some fruits and vegetables are well received by dogs, though there are some types to avoid such as grapes. Feeding grapes to your dog may cause severe kidney damage. While some fruits are acceptable to feed your pet, avoid grapes at all times.

Fido, Buster, or Sport know all the moves when if comes to finagling you out of those scraps. Don’t let mealtime degenerate into a battle of wits. Know what are acceptable table scraps, and feed them in appropriate amounts, but never try to save money or avoid wasting food by making them the main ingredients of your pet’s healthy dog food.