A little update on our family dog

It has been so long since I posted on the blog about our beloved chihuahua, Rocco. Rocco is 10 year-old now and has been going through some health changes in his older age. A couple years ago he was diagnosed with some heart issues which are very common in his breed. His heart is too big for his little bitty body, so he has to take daily medications for life. It upsets us all knowing he doesn't have many years left, but we try to make him happy as best we can. 

Getting Rocco to take his medication was super easy in the beginning. Just put it in a pill pocket or pill wrap and he woud gobble it down like a treat. One day he got hip to what was going on and started eating the outer wrap around the pill, and would leave the pill behind. We moved on to using cheese, cream cheese and peanut butter. It went well initially, then he figured it out once again. We asked at his vet's office what we can do and they basically said do whatever it takes. 

Last year I was cooking Rocco's food every week for many months because it got to where he lost interest in eating his kibble. One of the vet techs told me to stop cooking and just add some carrots to his food. She looked at it as I was wasting my time. The thing is, I have a lot more time than most people, so it was not a problem for me to do each week. 

I took time on Pinterest and Google to search for dog-safe foods and spices. I do a few variations that include things like brown rice, quinoa, lean ground chicken or turkey, chicken breast, select vegetables, herbs and spices. Too bad salt, pepper, onion and garlic are all toxic, because Rocco would have been pretty excited to eat each day. 

 

This week I made him some quinoa with lean ground white meat chicken cooked in a tiny bit of coconut oil. It is seasoned with turmeric, and fresh herbs from my garden including sage, basil and dill. I also chopped and boiled a small sweet potato and added in a handful of frozen peas and carrots. I have a tiny mortar and pestle that I used just for his med to grind it down. I add it to his food and he eats it all with no problems. We do slip in some kibble here and there. He also gets his daily probitoc chew which helps with itching and excessive paw licking. 

It's funny when you think about what you feed your pets. It's frowned upon to give table food, but when you purchase clean and organic dog-safe foods, your pet should be just fine. Think about stray dogs and even country dogs. They eat literally anything and everything and some live for many years. We have a family-friend who fed her family's dogs hot dogs every single day. These dogs lived until they were 15! 

It all comes down to doing what is best for your pet's needs. We want to make sure Rocco eats and takes his medications on time each day. We are trying our best. Have you ever cooked homemade food for your dogs? 

Try CBD Treats If Your Dog Is Afraid or Nervous

When you first got your dog, you were planning for it to have a happy life filled with cuddles, playful times and a lot of smiles. For the most part, this is exactly what you managed to achieve. What happens, however, when you notice that your canine is afraid of certain things that definitely shouldn’t cause fear and fearful behavior?

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Do you get angry with the animal and start calling it weak? Do you really think that something like that is a good idea? As you can see on this page, yelling at your dog is never a good idea, because it might cause more fear, stress and even aggression. There has to be another and a more constructive way to deal with this kind of behavior.

Your next instinct might be to start cuddling with the animal and helping it calm down until the reason or its fear has disappeared. While this is definitely a better way to deal with the issue, it also has its negative sides. It serves only as a temporary solution. I’m not saying that you should just ignore your dog and refrain from petting it when it is stressed. I’m simply saying that you should find a more permanent solution.

Fortunately, there is a great long-term solution that you can use without worrying that you will cause even more harm to your canine. The solution includes a product made from cannabis, and many dog owners seem to be going crazy about it. Unlike what you might think, this product is not the equivalent of pot for your animals. It’s perfectly safe and non-psychoactive. Let’s check it out.

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CBD Treats
There is an amazing compound most usually extracted from the hemp plant, which comes from the family of cannabis. That compound is called Cannabidiol and it has been recognized by researchers and scientists as a highly beneficial substance both for humans and for animals. The recognition it gained led to the launch of many different products made from the compound.

Here’s an extensive report on what has been found about Cannabidiol: https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/CannabidiolCriticalReview.pdf
Apart from CBD oil and similar products, there are now also CBD treats that you can give to your pet. People seem to be loving this product because of the simplicity of administering it and because of the positive effects that it causes. Dogs cannot resist the treats you are giving them and these ones are amazingly healthy, which is a win-win situation for the animal and the owner.

Reportedly, this product is perfect for managing any pain that your animal might be feeling, as well as for reducing inflammation. In addition to that, evidence suggests that it can be of great help when it comes to epileptic seizures. Some studies even claim that CBD can be used in the treatment of cancer, because it can successfully fight bad cancer cells.

What This Has To Do With Fear?
We’ve mentioned quite a few benefits of CBD treats above, but you’re probably still waiting to hear what any of that has to do with your dog’s fear. Can this product be of any help in those situations when your canine starts trembling, hiding or attacking out of fear? That’s what you came here to learn and that’s exactly what we are going to find out now.

There is another amazing effect of Cannabidiol that I haven’t mentioned by now. As so perfectly and concisely explained by pethempcompany, CBD treats are the go-to products whenever your pet is in any kind of fear. There may be many reasons behind its fearful behavior, but CBD can resolve the issue no matter the reason in question.

These products have a rather soothing effect on our pets, which is why they can be perfect for helping the animal calm down in situations they deem stressful. By administering the right amount of CBD treats during the day, you will no longer have to deal with unexpected and uncalled for frightened episodes in your dogs. Instead, your pet will be able to stay calm and collected and it will quickly stop being afraid from other animals and humans, as well as fireworks and similar things. This will significantly improve your pet’s quality of life.

Signs of a Medical Emergency in Pets

Just like for humans, accidents and emergencies can occur for family pets. Whether they eat something toxic, experience trauma, or show signs of disease, it is important for pet parents to be prepared. There are many signs that your pet may be experiencing a medical emergency. Pet owners should know these signs to be prepared in case of a medical emergency in their pets.

Common Symptoms

The symptoms of a medical emergency will depend on a variety of things. For example, if your pet was in an accident, it may be obvious that they need immediate medical attention. However, some emergencies might be less obvious.

If you notice any of the following symptoms in your pet, you should address it immediately:

• Difficulty breathing 
• Blood in urine or feces 
• Unconsciousness
• Eyes appear swollen, red, or cloudy
• Slow or rapid heartbeat 
• Sudden blindness
• Collapse
• Hives or facial swelling
• Seizures
• Signs of heat stroke
• Swollen abdomen
• Ingesting toxic substance
• Constant vomiting
• Vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours
• Cannot stand or walk
• Change in body temperature

There are additional reasons your pet may need emergency care. For example, if your pet is pregnant and experiencing complications, you should take them to an emergency hospital. Additionally, your pet should receive immediate medical attention if they experienced an accident or trauma like being hit by a car.

Each of these symptoms could mean your pet is suffering from any number of medical conditions. For example, if your pet is unconscious with a slow or rapid pulse, your pet could be suffering from cardiac arrest. They could also have a parasite-related issue, such as heartworm disease. Like humans, the list of potential health issues is never-ending. Seek help immediately, so that a diagnosis can be made, and a treatment plan started.

Although some situations may not be a medical emergency, if your pet has a sudden change in behavior, they may have some underlying medical issues that need to be addressed. In this case, make an appointment with your veterinarian for a check-up soon after your pet shows minor signs that something may be wrong. 

What You Should Do If Your Pet Shows These Symptoms

If you notice that your pet is showing these signs, you should act immediately. Call your veterinarian or a 24-hour veterinary hospital. For pets that have suffered a trauma, you will want to be cautious because they may be aggressive. Approach them slowly and say their name. Use caution when lifting them, making sure to support their neck and back. If your pet is aggressive, call for help.

First Aid Kit

Your pet may need veterinary attention as soon as possible; however, there may be a few first aid techniques that will help stabilize your pet. For instance, if there is significant bleeding, apply pressure to the wound to lessen the bleeding.

Your pet may grab hold of food or another foreign object that they should not have, which can lead to choking. You can try removing the object by gently reaching into your pet’s mouth or throat. If you cannot reach the object, try putting your arms around their belly and pushing firmly up just below the ribcage. This action will act as a modified Heimlich maneuver and should dislodge the object.

If you remove the object but your pet is still unconscious, there are more steps you can take. Check their breathing and heart rate. If they are not breathing, you can perform CPR on your pet. To do this, place your pet on their side and blow into their nostrils while holding the mouth shut. If you don’t feel a heartbeat, you can try chest compressions. You will want to do three quick compressions for every artificial respiratory breath you administer.

Your pet may ingest something toxic such as chocolate or a cleaning product. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435. They will give you instructions for how to proceed based on your pet’s age and breed, what they ingested, and how much they ingested.

24-Hour Emergency Care

When pet parents notice a medical emergency for their furry friends, they should seek help right away. Many veterinarians are only open during business hours. If the incident occurs during these times, call your vet to ask what the next steps should be. They will have insight into your pet’s age, breed, and medical history. Your vet might suggest bringing your pet into their clinic or taking them to an emergency hospital.

Unfortunately, if the incident happens after hours, you must seek emergency care at the closest animal hospital as soon as possible. Serious conditions can progress or worsen quickly, so it is important to take immediate action. Remaining calm will help your pet cooperate and help soothe stress for both of you.

Why We Switched Our Dog To Nature's Logic Dog Food

It's so hard to believe that we have had our dog Rocco for almost three years now. He has really grown in a lot of ways. We have worked hard to train him to obey rules and have good manners. Like any dog, he has his naughty moments. Overall, he is a very friendly, healthy, and happy pup. There is one thing that hasn't really been 100% with him and that is with his diet. We have been purchasing premium food and it seems like he has lost interest and some days won't eat a whole lot.

We also noticed that Rocco seems to have some type of allergy because he has been particularly itchy, more than a dog should be. We use natural, organic bath products and wash all of his bedding in unscented detergent. We narrowed it down to his diet.  I've been really nervous about changing his food, but knew we needed to do something. I was presented the opportunity to test out Nature's Logic nutrient dense meat based dry foods and after doing some research on the brand, I decided it was worth a shot. 

What makes Nature's Logic dry kibble so good for your dog? The first thing is that it's made of whole foods and no synthetics. I mean, you won't eat anything that is synthetic, so why feed your dog something like that? Below are some product details.

Highly palatable and nutrient dense meat based dry foods with  concentrates of select fruits and vegetables, containing no wheat,  corn, rice, soy, potato or chemically synthesized vitamins, minerals, or trace nutrients. Each dry diet is specially coated with digestive enzymes and plasma protein containing high levels of natural vitamins, minerals, and albumin and globulin proteins.

•Over 55% Animal Ingredients
•Gluten Free
•Probiotics
•Enzymes
•100% Natural
•No Synthetic Vitamins or Minerals

Nature's Logic is not genetically engineered, free of common allergens, and is family owned and made in the USA.

Rocco is only 8 pounds so I was very happy to see such small bites that are perfect for his size. We transitioned him from his regular food to the Canine Lamb Meal Feast, and I quickly learned why it got such a name. Just the mere sound of the kibble dropping into the bowl made Rocco sit anxiously until I told him it was okay to go to his bowl to devour it--- truly a meal feast! 

He took a few sniffs and immediately dove in. In less than 3 minutes, it was all gone. He looked at my like I was going to give him more. Ever since he started his Nature's Logic food, he has been extra stalkerish for his meals. He doesn't hesitate to eat anymore and stays on his feeding schedule we prefer him to be on. We feel so good knowing he is eating wholesome food that is giving him the proper nutrition he needs. 

Also, a little TMI-- my husband cleans the yard and noticed more consistency in Rocco's poop. This is good, since he was not eating properly before. 

Just how we feed our human family members, we want to ensure that our furry companion gets the same. It has been so good to see Rocco eat normally again. We will continue him on this food and will be using Chewy.com to purchase it. For a complete list of online outlets and local stores visit here. They offer a really good variety of items like the dry kibble, wet food, treats, and supplements. Oh, and Nature's Logic makes cat food too. 

If you are thinking about switching your dog's diet, I highly recommend Nature's Logic. Your fur baby deserves a meal feast every day! I am keeping a close eye on him to see if this food helps with his allergies. So far he seems a little less itchy, but I think he needs a solid month of eating this diet to know for sure.

Be sure to check out Nature's Logic on the web, and follow on Facebook & Twitter for product promotions and updates. They also periodically have coupons, so be on the lookout for those.

I received products for review purposes. All opinions are 100% mine as always, and this is one of those times where a review has turned me into a new customer.

3 Doggy Health Hazards to Avoid on Turkey Day

Every year, countless dogs head to the vet after Thanksgiving -- many suffering from digestive problems and canine pancreatitis -- because they've eaten things they really shouldn't.

So how can you say "Bone Appetit" to Fido on Thanksgiving while still keeping your hungry hound happy and healthy?

According to canine health and wellness experts at Milk-Bone, dog parents can start by avoiding these Top 3 major doggy health hazards:

1.  DOGGY HAZARD #1:  LEFT OUT LEFTOVERS

Many dogs get sick not from being fed directly but because they climb up on the table and eat huge quantities of food when humans aren't there.

2.  DOGGY HAZARD #2:  FOOD NO-NOS

Don't give your dog turkey skin, turkey or poultry bones, onions, grapes, raisins, fatty foods, or other holiday items that are harmful or toxic to dogs.

3.  DOGGY HEALTH HAZARD #3:  DENTAL DAMAGERS

Avoid plastic bones, ice cubes, antlers, and bully sticks -- all of which can cause painful doggy tooth fractures.

Get some great tips for your dog's health from this useful infographic provided by Milk-Bone . We wish you and your pup a Happy Woofgiving!