The 4th of July celebration each year brings cookouts, family gatherings, fun-filled fireworks—and petrified pets. The noise turns some dogs into howling wrecks, and cats into reactive runaways.

SIGNS OF FEAR

Dogs show fear in various ways. Panting, shaking, squinting, yawning, a “worried” furrowed brow, and showing the whites of his eyes (whale eye) all indicate growing unease. He may whimper or come to you and seek attention, or flinch and yelp at the fireworks sounds.

Weekly Wag: The Need for Flax Seed

06/25/2012 by Paula Perry

I am taking a nutrition class and learning more about healthy food. The funny thing is I started researching pet nutrition a long time ago. I have discovered that most (if not all) healthy foods, herbs and flower essences for pets benefit people, too. Thanks to my pets, I am eating healthier! (Not everything is good for your cat, though). In the case of flax seed, it is good for cats as well as Fido.

Flax is also known as common flax or linseed. Flax seeds come in two basic varieties: (1) brown; and (2) yellow or golden. Most types have similar nutritional characteristics and equal numbers of short-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Flax seeds contain high levels of dietary fiber as well as lignans, an abundance of micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids.

Flax seeds may lower cholesterol levels, especially in women (1 tsp sprinkled on food relieves hot flashes). Initial studies suggest that flax seeds taken in the diet may help individuals with certain types of breast and prostate cancers. Flax has many other benefits for people such as weight loss, diabetes, brain food, allergies, asthma, arthritis and more.

Many dogs suffer from various canine health problems; allergies, inflammatory diseases, kidney failure, yeast infections, cancers and heart disease. Adding flax to their well-balanced diet can help provide healing Omega 3 oils that they aren’t getting from their pet food! Your dog will also benefit from the Lignans, protein, vitamins + minerals in flax seed.

Excellent research has been done showing that the Omega 3 and Lignans in Flax seed help prevent and slow growth of cancerous tumors. It is exciting to wonder if we can heal our bodies and our pets bodies through what we eat rather than radiation + chemo!! Prevention is the most important thing and a well-balanced diet is essential! Throw some flax on your food and your doggie’s food and you will both be eating healthier!

Remember that flax is food and you will not see results overnight; however, healthy diets pay off for you and your pet as prevention will save you heaps of money! After ~ a month of eating flaxseed your pet should have relief from skin problems: itching, eczema, dandruff, excessive shedding and dry, flaky skin and itching.

When you first start giving flax seed to your pet, it is important to start slow so that your pet’s digestive system can get used to the added fiber in their diet. It is also ESSENTIAL to be sure your pet is getting enough water in her diet as flax seed bulks up in the digestive system and this is what helps it cleanse the digestive system, but it cannot do this without enough water in the pet’s diet. (Pets should always have fresh water).

People should drink 6-8 glasses of water a day, especially if adding fiber to your diet.

Dr Julian Whitaker is founder of an alternative medical clinic and a proponent of alternative medical therapies including flax seed. Dr Whitaker suggests humans eat 1/4 cup of ground flax seed per day, so based on this, here are suggestions for how much to give to our pets.

How Much Omega 3 Flaxseed for your Pet?

Small kittens + puppies -Start with 1 tsp
Small cats + dogs -2 tsp
Based on weight:
20-40 lbs -give 2 1/2 tsp
40-60lbs -give 1 Tbls
60-80lbs -give 1 1/2 Tbls
80-100lbs -give 2 1/2 Tbls
100lbs or more -give 1/4 cup

Read more: Ellie’s Whole Grains

Related Articles:

All About Ground Flax Seed

Does ground flaxseed have more health benefits than whole flaxseed? Yes, it is easier to digest for people and animals. I add ground organic flax seed to my dog’s and cat’s food and mine. Remember to add slowly as this is fiber and may interfere with their digestive system until they get use to it.

Have no Fear, it’s Doggie Beer!

06/24/2012 by Paula Perry

Now your pooch can enjoy a brew with you that is doggie safe. Bowser Beer is for dogs! The beer is made by 3 Busy Dogs, a family owned business. You can read the full story of how they came up with the idea here. I found this as I was researching on the internet and had to share this interesting product.

Bowser Beer is 100% made AND sourced in USA.

What’s in Bowser Beer?

USDA beef or chicken.
Malt barley (full of B-vitamins) –just like in your beer.
Glucosamine for joint health.

What’s NOT in Bowser Beer:

Alcohol or carbonation.
Hops,which can be toxic to dogs.
Commercial broth,which contains loads of salt,fat,MSG,onions and meat of unknown origin.

Serving Suggestions:

Straight out of the bottle
Pour it over dry kibble
Flavor the water bowl
Pour over crushed ice for a cold,crunchy treat

Custom Labels

Put your favorite dog on his very own label and create a personalized brew name

Birthday gifts –Party favors –one-of-a-kind gift ideas
Put that unforgettable face on a label

I’m Ready for the Beach!

06/24/2012 by Paula Perry

PUPBUDS

Weekly Wag: Peanut Butter Puppy Poppers

06/18/2012 by Paula Perry

Yummy for Dogs of all Ages!

2 Cups (whole wheat or rice)

1 TBSP baking powder

1 Cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth)

1 Cup milk

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In bowl, combine flour and baking powder. In another bowl, mix peanut butter and milk, then add to dry ingredients and mix well. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead. Roll dough to ¼ inch thickness and use a cookie cutter (bone-shaped) to cut out shapes.

Bake for 20 minutes on a greased baking sheet until lightly brown. Cool on a rack, then store in an airtight container. Be careful not to overcook because the cookies burn easily.

Note: Some dogs may be allergic to wheat or peanut butter.

Photo: Courtesy of Nancy’s Recipes.