Using Cedar Oil to Protect Your Dog

March 13, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Cedar Oil Spray

Natural Pest Control

Spring is right around the corner so it’s time to pull off our snow shoes and implement a pest control plan before fleas and ticks spring from their hidden worlds. You’ll need to protect your dog, home and yard for maximum protection. Let’s discuss ways to protect your dogs.

Thankfully, we have natural pest control options to choose from and I find natural products, such as cedar oil, work best if you begin early.

How Cedar Oil Works

When devising a pest control plan, a combination approach works best. To understand its value, it’s important to understand how cedar oil works.

Cedar oil “kills, neutralizes or repels the existing adult insect population. It eliminates the next generation of insects the eggs and larvae by dehydrating the exoskeleton and then interrupting the egg layer cycle. It creates a barrier of re-entry deterring insects migrating from other areas into your area of concern. Perpetual egg layers are immediately controlled because of this barrier, if the adults won’t enter the treated area, then they can’t or won’t lay any eggs. This barrier then results in controlling the insect populations in treated area,” according to Dr. Ben’s Cedar Oil website.

Check out the EPA report on safety of cedar oil for humans and pets and this Animal Wellness Magazine article about using cedar oil as a natural pest control for dogs.

Protecting Your Dog

The first steps should be ridding and applying repellents to your home and yard of biting pests. Use repellents to keep pests off your dog when he’s away from home.

When protecting dogs from biting pests, you’re basically spraying or applying a product to his coat and skin to keep pests away. Personally, I would rather use a natural pest control, such as cedar oil, to keep pests away because it works and it’s less invasive.

Living in the deep South, I’ve had great results using Dr. Ben’s Paws and Claws Cedar Oil spray, which kills fleas and ticks on contact. During application, there’s a strong cedar odor. Most dogs tolerate the smell very well while others may attempt to rub the product on rugs and furniture. Cedar oil is very safe, but if your dog is sensitive to odors, there are other options to choose from, such as essential oils, shampoos and vet recommended topicals.

Deep Cleansing Shampoo for Dogs

March 10, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Dog Cleansing Shampoo

As both a dog trainer and licensed cosmetologist, choosing shampoo sends me into frenzies for my family and dogs. Dog grooming products are expanding rapidly and developing products depending on specific hair and coat needs. Yes, there are even color-care lines. 🙂

With all the choices out there, which one works best for your dog’s skin? To help narrow your choices down, let’s discuss shampoo categories, product usage and recommendations!

Cleansing Shampoo

One of the most popular shampoos is a basic cleansing dog shampoo. This category is designed to gently cleanse skin and coat, restore skin’s natural balance, provide a protective skin barrier and can be used weekly, or daily, if needed. While shampoo categories are designed for specific jobs, cleansing shampoos can be used in conjunction with medicated, degreaser and color care shampoos.

When looking for a cleansing shampoo, choose soothing and gentle ingredients. Check the label for colloidal oatmeal, oat protein, aloe and vitamin E. Most cleansing shampoos are lightly scented, which I find dissipates within a day or two, as some strong scents can dry skin.

If your dog is super sensitive to scented products, choose a hypoallergenic shampoo option. Not only are hypoallergenic shampoos scent free, most are free of detergents and other harsh ingredients for sensitive skin.

My Recommendations

My favorite cleansing shampoos are Nature’s Specialties Plum Silky, Chris Christensen Day to Day Moisturizing Shampoo and Espree Aloe Oatbath Shampoo. The first two are richly scented so they may not be an option if you’re sensitive to perfumes. If you’re searching for natural ingredients and a light scent, check out Espree’s Aloe Oatbath shampoo–it works wonderfully!

Best Joint Supplements for Dogs

March 10, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Over-the-Counter Dog Joint Supplements

When Sobek ruptured his cranial cruciate ligament, our ER veterinarian recommended glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and fish oil to prevent osteoarthritis. Loaded with this information, I began researching different supplements. Here, I recommend dosage amounts plus product brands.

With any joint issue, controlling inflammation is a must. As with anything, a combination approach usually works best. Given the number of products available, it’s hard to know which supplements really work and which should be left on the shelf.

Supplements

Glucosamine is the gold standard for keeping osteoarthritis to a minimum, but mixed with chondroitin and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), you have a powerful combination to prevent and reduce joint inflammation. Plus, green-lipped mussels, fish oil and collagen supplements kept popping up while researching joint supplements.

Vetri-Science Glyco Flex

This is my favorite product. I’ve had great results for both dogs and myself. This product contains the powerhouse supplements, such as glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin, as well as green-lipped mussels and grape seed extract plus extra vitamin C and E, which have shown great results when combined.

After being diagnosed with a herniated disc and enduring several bouts of Sciatica, I searched relentlessly for a joint supplement that works. My chiropractor recommended Vetri-Science Glyco Flex II and I felt favorable results within two weeks. I take two tablets in the morning with breakfast and it does keep Sciatica at bay (fingers crossed).

Vetri-Science Glyco Flex offers different formulas and strengths, ranging from prevention to post surgical orthopedic recovery. The moment Sobek was diagnosed with a ruptured cruciate ligament, I began adding Glyco Flex II to his meals. Post TTA surgery, I started Glyco Flex III to his meals.

Cosequin by Nutramax Laboratories

Cosequin by Nutramax Laboratories is a great joint support brand offering different stages depending on dosage needed for pets. Chewable tablets or capsules contain manganese, glucosamine and chondroitin.

Dasuquin by Nutramax Laboratories

If price is an issue, as supplements can easily creep up to $50 per month for a larger dog, Nutramax Laboratories developed Dasuquin. Personally, I haven’t used this product. However, I’ve heard glowing testimonials from pet parents so it’s definitely worth a try.

Best Medicated Shampoo for Dogs

March 10, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Medicated Dog Shampoo Usage & Recommendations

I’m a professional dog trainer, but I’m also a licensed cosmetologist and I’m always looking for a medicated dog shampoo that works! To help you find the best medicated dog shampoo for your pet, let’s discuss medicated dog shampoo usage and recommendations.

When to Use Medicated Dog Shampoo

When a gentle cleansing shampoo is not enough to remove flaky skin or deodorize your dog’s skin, then you may want to try a medicated dog shampoo. You can find medicated grooming shampoos everywhere with over-the-counter and vet-only options available too.

Over-the-counter medicated dog shampoos work well for dogs with mild skin conditions. For dogs with red skin, ooze, missing hair, pustules or bumps, seek advice from your veterinarian. Inflamed skin is painful, and using an unknown grooming product can certainly make it much worse.

RELATED: Dogs with Dry Skin

Medicated Dog Shampoo Usage

Medicated dog shampoos contain ingredients targeted for specific skin issues. Choose from anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial or anti-septic shampoos. These dog shampoos can ease persistent skin infections, ringworm, hot spots, yeast infections, fleabite dermatitis and other skin inflammations. Make sure to follow the bottle’s directions thoroughly, as most need contact time with skin to work their magic.

Now, medicated shampoos can be tricky. If your dog’s skin condition is caused by fungus, using a product designed to soothe hot spots won’t benefit your dog, but instead make it worse. Before choosing a medicated dog shampoo, know what skin condition you’re dealing with. 🙂

Over-the-Counter Medicated Dog Shampoo

If your dog’s skin condition is mild, choose an over-the-counter medicated shampoo. Personally, I’ve had great luck with Espree’s Tea Tree and Aloe medicated shampoo. This shampoo has natural ingredients to soothe irritated skin while leaving a fresh clean scent.

My Recommendation

Stella is a Miniature Bull Terrier, and this dog breed is notorious for skin issues. Stella eats a balanced raw diet. However, she still develops stinky yeast infections and flare-ups around her feet, face, ears and groin area. Veterinary skin scrapings have confirmed yeast is the culprit. And when flare-ups appear, it can take months to return her skin back to normal.

Then, I found PhytoVet CK Antiseptic Shampoo. It’s my favorite by far! It’s gentle enough for weekly bathing, doesn’t contain harsh detergents (soap-free) and restores the skin barrier. Combined with DOUXO Seborrhea Spot-On Pipettes, I can now prevent flare-ups from happening. So, if you share your home with a yeasty dog, check out this medicated dog shampoo!

You may also like: Do Dog Facial Scrubs Work?

Crate Rest Games for Dogs

March 9, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Stretches for Crate Rest Games

Dog Crate — Click and treat for small stretches.

I’ve researched crate rest games and there are some really good ones out there! So I created a list of a few since Sobek is the perfect candidate while recovering from cruciate ligament repair (torn ACL).

Depending on your dog’s injury, always consult your vet before performing any stretches. Be safe first!

Stretches are Good

Usually crate rest is prescribed after orthopedic surgery, meaning dogs should keep walking to a minimum during the first critical weeks. Sobek really enjoyed neck, shoulder and chest stretches. I noticed increased mobility during short potty walks. His neck and shoulders work harder, as he favors his repaired knee–poor baby boy!

Practice one stretching session in the a.m. and p.m.

Lure Dog’s Nose to Shoulder (Beginner Level)

With this stretch, your dog will stretch his neck and shoulder muscles. Move at your dog’s pace. His nose doesn’t need to touch his shoulder. You’re looking for tiny stretches in the beginning. Never force your dog’s head toward his shoulder, as this will make things worse. With continued practice sessions, your dog will become more flexible over time.

If your dog knows “touch,” replace the lure with your hand, then click and treat when your dog touches your hand.

You’ll need six yummy treats about the size of a penny and a clicker/marker word.

Hold lure in your right hand (or left, if you’re left-handed).
Place lure on your dog’s nose.
Slowly, lure your dog’s nose diagonally toward his left shoulder.
Click and give him the lure (treat).
Practice two more times.
Now, lure your dog’s nose toward his right shoulder. You may notice one side has more flexibility, which is normal.
Practice two more times.

VIDEO: Stretches for Crate Rest Games: Up and Down

Stretch Neck Up and Down

Picture a clock. You’ll lure your dog’s nose up into the 12 o’clock position. This will stretch your dog’s neck and chest. You’ll need several yummy treats about the size of a penny.

If your dog knows “touch,” replace the lure with your hand, then click and treat when your dog touches your hand.

Head Up

Holding a lure in your right hand, lure your dog’s head up. His nose should be pointing up in the air.
Refrain from lifting the lure up too high. You don’t want your dog to stand or sit up. You just want him to extend his neck and lift his head up.
Click and give him the treat (lure).
Practice two more times.

Head Down

Your dog can be sitting or lying down, whichever is most comfortable.
Place a lure on your dog’s nose and lure his nose toward the ground.
Click and give him the treat (lure).
Practice two more times.

Holding Stretches for One Second

After several practice sessions, hold the lure in position for one second, then click and treat.

Happy stretching!

You may also like: Teaching Your Dog the “Go to Place” Cue

Using Cedar Oil to Protect Your Dog

Cedar Oil Spray

Natural Pest Control

How Cedar Oil Works

Protecting Your Dog

Deep Cleansing Shampoo for Dogs

Dog Cleansing Shampoo

Cleansing Shampoo

My Recommendations

Best Joint Supplements for Dogs

Over-the-Counter Dog Joint Supplements