Naturally Healthy Dogs
Help Pets in Japan

April, 2011

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Natural Dog Health Remedies

In this issue:

• Help Pets in Japan
• Putting Together an Evacuation Kit for Your Dog
• Dog Treat Recipe - Carob Cranberry Chews
• Aromatherapy Recipe - Healing Gel for Burns

As you all know, a M9 earthquake and tsunami hit the Pacific coast of northern Japan on March 11. Over 28,000 people are believed to have perished. About half a million people are still staying at evacuation centers throughout the country.

We do not know exactly how many pets have been affected in this disaster, but Japanese people are pet lovers. According to a newspaper article, one in five Japanese owns a pet, and since about 500,000 people have been displaced, so the number of pets not having a home or being taken care of can easily reach 100,000.

While so far all efforts have understandably been on rescuing and caring for the quake victims, pets in the stricken areas are in dire situations. Most evacuation centers do not allow pets to accompany their owners, and if a stray pet is found and taken to a government facility, the pet will face the prospect of being euthanized in a "gas chamber" within a few days (one day for cats; 5 days for dogs).

There are some local voluntary organizations that are working frantically to save such pets. They go to the quake-stricken areas and gather as many strays as they can and transport them to no-kill shelters in other parts of the country and try to put the pets up for adoption. They also provide temporary homes for those pets whose owners are quake evacuees and cannot take care of them for the time being.

Here's how YOU can help:

For the month of April, Only Natural Pet has kindly and generously offered to donate 5% of each sale to save pets in Japan, AND you also get 5% off for supporting this cause!

So what are you waiting for? There are hundreds of items at Only Natural Pet that your dogs may need - from toys to foods to natural supplements... Start shopping for your poochies and at the same time helping other pets in need NOW.

On behalf of all pets in Japan, a big BOW-WOW (THANK YOU in doggie language:) for your help and generosity!

After the catastrophe in northern Japan, many pet owners living in Japan (including me) have come to realize the importance of having an evacuation kit not only for ourselves but also for our beloved pets.

For those of us who have lived through this devastation, we have learned, amongst other things, that disasters can strike any time, anywhere, and being well prepared can often mean life or death for humans as well as pets.

Do you have an evacuation kit for your dog? If not, maybe it's time to put together one.

The list below gives you an idea of what basic items need to be included in your dog's evacuation kit. Depending on your dog's specific needs, you may have to add more to the list, but at least it's a start.

To store everything in the list, you need a large plastic container with a tight lid. Make a list of all the items you have in the container and tape a copy to the inside of the lid for future reference. Remember to have reminders that alert you when certain items should be replaced.

Basic Items for an Evacuation Kit for Dogs

Food and Water

• Food & Treats: Two weeks supply; put dry food in airtight containers (rotate every 2-3 months)
• Water: Two weeks supply (rotate every 2 months)
• Collapsible food and water bowls
• (If your dog eats canned foods, be sure to include spoons and a can opener)

Restraint and Identification

• Collars/harnesses with tags (ID tag, rabies tag)
• Leashes
• Muzzle
• Pet carrier (be sure to have clear information attached to the carrier - your name; address & phone number; your dog's name; microchip ID; a photo or a description of your dog, such as any distinguishing marks, age, breed, sex, spayed, neutered, etc.; pet insurance policy number)

Records (Put in a ziploc bag)

• Copies of: Proof of ownership papers; vaccination certificates; pet insurance policy number; your dog's medical records
• Phone numbers of: Your veterinarian; emergency veterinary hospitals; kennels or pet-friendly hotels; animal shelters in your area; database centers (if dog has microchip); animal poison control center

Sanitation

• Newspaper
• Paper towels
• Disposal poop bags
• Dish soap
• Disinfectant
• Garbage bags

Care & Grooming

• Blanket & Towels
• Toys
• Grooming supplies
• Dental cleaning supplies

Medications (store in a waterproof container)

• First aid kit
• Medication and supplements (2 weeks supply; rotate every 2 months)

These chews are nutritious and easy to make!

Carob is rich in natural sugars and contains all the principal minerals and vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Cranberries are powerful antioxidants.

Oats are highly concentrated sources of fiber and nutrients and are good for the heart and the nervous system.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsweetened granola (no raisins)
• 2 tablespoons ground carob
• 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries (or 1/2 cup chopped fresh cranberries)
• 3 1/2 cups oat flour
• 1 cup filtered water
• milk
• oatmeal, for rolling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325F.
2. Combine all ingredients, except the oatmeal and milk.
3. Make small balls, the size of a truffle, dip in milk, and then roll in oatmeal.
4. Place the balls on ungreased cookie sheet, and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Allow chews to cool completely, before storing them in an airtight container.

This gel is excellent for treating small superficial burns. You can use it on people and dogs.

You need:

• 10 drops lavender oil
• 1 ounce aloe vera gel

Smear a little on the burn to cool and heal the skin. Repeat a few times a day until skin heals. Lavender has antibacterial properties; it also prevents scarring and has calming effects.