Naturally Healthy Dogs
Artificial Scents Don't Make Sense!

May, 2011

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Natural Dog Health Remedies

In this issue:

• Artificial Scents Don't Make Sense!
• Clean Naturally
• Dog Treat Recipe - Peanut Butter Nibbles
• Aromatherapy Recipe - Energizing Room Spray

We dog parents know very well that no matter how hard we try to keep our dogs clean, they do make our house smell a bit - especially when it is humid (like from now on!), it's hard not to notice that "doggie smell" in the house.

While we may be tempted by TV commercials to get that air freshener or room spray with a "sea breeze fragrance", we shouldn't!

Many scented commercial household products (fresheners, room sprays, laundry products) contain chemicals that can be harmful not only to pets but to humans as well.

In a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), it was found that dogs have higher levels of chemicals from household products than humans do. (Also, according to EWG, many products are allowed to be sold without having the companies first prove that they are safe!)

Dogs get into contact with fragrance chemicals by inhaling the fumes or rubbing against our clothes or skin! No matter which way (either inhaling or skin contact), the toxins basically have the same negative effect on dogs.

If your dog comes into contact with synthetic fragrances, his body will begin to react. The symptoms? Sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, as well as itchy skin are common signs. More seriously, prolonged exposure will affect the liver, which in turn may affect digestion, and immune and musculoskeletal symptoms can also emerge. The result? Your dog may develop chronic diseases, or even organ failure and cancer.

If you suspect that your dog may be reacting adversely to some fragrance chemicals from your household products, seek veterinary attention immediately, preferably a holistic vet. Conventional veterinarians will probably just treat the symptoms by steroids or antibiotics, but holistic vets will most likely use detoxification and other natural remedies to support the liver, and the respiratory and immune systems.

The best way to make yourself, your dog, and your home toxin-free is to use cleaning products with all-natural ingredients.

Baking soda is great when used in either homemade cleaners or just sprinkled on the surface to be cleaned. Cornstarch does a good job as most carpet cleaners. Lemon juice or white vinegar helps remove grease, mildew and hard water stains.

How about fabric softener? Here is a simple way to make your laundry as soft as if you'd used a brand name fabric softener: Add a quarter cup of baking soda to your wash cycle, and a quarter cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. That's it!

If you want fragrance, use essential oils. For example, add a touch of lavender oil to your homemade cleaners or softener. A few drops of lavender in a water spray make a pleasant and mild disinfectant for countertops. Add a few drops of eucalyptus if you want stronger action. Essential oils are also great for room sprays - many essential oils have antibacterial and antiviral properties, and they smell great as well!

As you can see, we really don't need to use synthetic fragrances and scents, do we?

I haven't yet seen a dog who doesn't like peanut butter. Your dog will beg you for more of these nibbles!

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 cup honey
• 1/4 cup unsalted peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Stir together flour and baking powder in a bowl and set aside.
3. Cream together oil, honey, peanut butter, and vanilla in a large bowl.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, stirring to incorporate.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir to form a smooth dough.
6. Drop dough by the rounded teaspoonful, 1 1/2 inches apart, on 2 ungreased baking sheets.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until light golden.
8. Cool completely before serving.

This spray can energize you and your family members (including your dog).

You need the following essential oils:

• 1 drop lavender
• 4 drops lemon
• 3 drops orange
• 2 drops rosemary

Mix the oils into 3 cups of water. Spray around your house for an energy lift.