Naturally Healthy Dogs
Summer Storms & Cottage Safety

August, 2010

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Natural Dog Health Remedies

In this issue:

• Calming Your Dog during a Summer Storm
• Off to the Cottage with Your Dog? Safety Reminders
• Dog Treat Recipe - Granola for Dogs on the Go
• Aromatherapy Recipe - First Aid Treatment

My dog Hana does not turn a hair at thunder and lightning. However, I know of a dog that died of a heart attack (probably brought on by fear, anxiety and stress) during a thunder storm a few years ago.

Does your dog start shaking and whining when he hears thunder? Instead of letting your dog frantically pant, pace, or try to hide under your bed, take proactive steps to help him overcome his phobia, or at least help ease his anxiety. Here are some suggestions:

• Try Behavioral Conditioning: If your dog fears the sound of thunder, try a program of counter conditioning and desensitization. For example, play a recording of thunder at low volume, and pair it with something that makes your dog happy, like a food treat, playing his favorite game, or petting.

  Then gradually increase the volume to make the sound more intense until it's like the real thing. However, the real thing no longer elicits fear because you have replaced it with something good. This method works best if you can prevent your dog from experiencing a real storm before training is complete. This means you need to start before storm season arrives and make a dedication to practice.

• Use Flower Essence: Flower essence remedies work very well and since they are odorless and tasteless, you can simply put a few drops in your dog's water bowl when you anticipate that a storm is approaching. Aspen, Mimulus, or Rescue Remedy are all effective Flower essence remedies for storm phobias.

  Alternatively, try this Pet Essences Thunder Storms Flower Essences. It contains a combination of Aspen, Mimulus, and other natural flower essences, and is effective in calming dogs with storm phobias.

• Use a "Thunder Wrap": You may also consider getting a wrap such as this Thundershirt (click on the dog below) which applies slight, maintained pressure around a large portion of a dog's body. The gentle pressure indirectly affects the central nervous system and this raises the dog's anxiety threshold. This means more stimuli is required to cause the dog to react. Many dogs with storm phobias are more relaxed - some even sleep through storms - wearing their wraps.

As you can see, there are ways to help your dog feel less anxious and more relaxed during a summer storm and your dog will definitely appreciate you more for your help!

It's fun to enjoy hot summer days in the cottage with your dogs, but cottage country can present some hazards to dogs. Remember to consider his safety and wellbeing before you kick back and relax! Here are some reminders:

Before You Go

• First Aid Kit: Be sure to pack a holistic first aid kit for your dog. Check our page on Dog First Aid Kit for a list of essentials to include in the kit.
• Local Vet Info: Know where the nearest veterinarian is located and have his/her phone number handy.
• Collar & ID Tag: Make sure that your dog has an ID tag on his collar. The tag should include the number of your cottage and/or cell phone, not just your home number.

In and Around Water

• Use a K9 Life Vest: If your dog likes swimming or if you plan to take him on a boat, put a life vest on him.
• Bring Clean Water: Do not allow your dog to drink lake or river water while swimming as the water may contain bacteria and other microorganisms that can often result in a bout of diarrhea. Keep a bowl of clean water nearby to discourage this habit.
• Keep his Ears Dry and Clean: After swimming, make sure that his ears are clean and dry to avoid ear infections.

Field and Forest

• Beware of Poisonous Plants: Don't let your dog eat any mushrooms, and be on the lookout for toxic plants such as poison ivy. Always keep him on a leash when walking in an unfamiliar area.
• Check for Ticks: After a walk or hike, check your dog's coat for ticks. If you find a tick, remove it immediately to prevent diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
• Don't Forget his Paws: Check also his paws for cracks and cuts. Examine the underpads to see if anything is stuck in the hair between his toes. Check this page to see how you can care for your dog's paws.

This simple granola recipe can be made at home before you leave and packed for travel. Granola bars are perfect for the road and the trail.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 1/3 cup local honey
• 4 cups granola with no added sugar or salt (e.g. contains only rolled oats, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and nothing else)
• 2 tablespoons almond meal
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup carob powder
• 1/2 cup unsweetened dehydrated shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup wild dried blueberries
• 1/4 cup unsweetened unsulphured dried cranberries
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Try to use organic products whenever possible.
2. Heat butter and honey in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Quickly add the remaining ingredients and combine well.
4. Turn out mixture into a greased 9"x13" Pyrex dish, flatten with a spatula, and cut into squares using a sharp knife.
5. Cool completely.
6. Wrap squares in waxed paper, for freezing, wrap once more in tinfoil or Saran wrap.

This easy-to-make blend is great for your dog's first aid kit. All the oils have antibacterial and healing properties. Apply a small amount directly to minor cuts, wounds, scrapes, irritations, insect bites, burns, and bruises. (Adapted from "Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals" by Kristen Leigh Bell):

• 1/2 oz (15 ml) base oil such as sweet almond oil
• 4 drops Ravensare essential oil
• 2 drops Niaouli or Tea Tree essential oil
• 1 drop Helichrysum essential oil
• 3 drops Lavender essential oil

Mix well and store in a dark glass bottle.