Is Turmeric Good For Dogs?

November 25, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Turmeric for Dogs

OK, I’m a bit skeptical about turmeric for dogs.

It seems every other year, an herb or oil is touted as a cure-all for cancer, lesions and allergies. Honestly, I’m just not buying the hype. I don’t believe swallowing turmeric will magically cure cancer. It can help, but it’s not a cure-all. If I’m wrong, please share your story because this is a new one for me.

I do believe in supplementation, which you probably know if you’ve read any of my articles. So I dove feet first in all the research to prove the health benefits of turmeric and curcumin for dogs. Then, I tried it personally before supplementing by dogs and I discovered a few interesting findings.

This is my honest review on turmeric for dogs. Here it goes!

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric is part of the ginger family and used as an aromatic spice in Indian and Middle Eastern dishes, especially in curries. Once ground into a fine bright yellowish orange powder, it’s used not only as a spice, but also as medicine following many Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices.

Benefits of Turmeric

So I did a ton of research and found some very interesting facts about turmeric and, more importantly, its main anti-inflammatory component called curcumin. Curcumin can lower cancer risks, improve digestion, reduce pain and help fight infections, according to a University of Maryland Medical Center study. Check out the entire research findings here. At this point, I think I’m starting to believe there are positive benefits of turmeric for dogs. Time to order a good turmeric supplement!

Turmeric or Curcumin Supplements?

This topic totally confused me. While researching, I noticed many brands promoting curcumin instead of turmeric. Well, we know turmeric contains curcumin, so how in the world is curcumin now becoming a supplement?

It appears some brands are able to “naturally” remove curcumin from turmeric to increase curcumin properties per capsule. My dogs and I would rather ingest the healing component in its natural form as nature intended. With that said, some folks are fighting terrible diseases and need supplements with higher levels of curcumin, so I feel this is a personal decision. Choose the supplement that works best for you and your dogs. As always, more options are always better.

My Personal Review

Now, it’s my turn to try it. I’m one of those that suffer from chronic sinus infections and severe allergies (all related to inflammation), which turmeric is recommended for per TCM practices. After taking 200mg daily dosages for three weeks, I started noticing a difference in my skin.

I have rosacea (redness of the face) and it pretty much disappeared within three weeks. Rosacea is caused by inflammation, which seems to be my major issue. As for my sinuses, they were still the same. Expecting a miracle in three weeks was asking for too much. I’ve had this issue since I was a child.

Next, I started supplementing both dogs twice a week with turmeric. I didn’t really notice an immediate effect. They’re both younger dogs, so maybe signs of inflammation weren’t evident quite yet, but I did notice turmeric’s calming effects on my anxious dog. He was more relaxed than usual. After a bit more research, it seems turmeric reduces inflammation in the brain, which then reduces anxiety and depression.

Final Thoughts

Turmeric is definitely worth a try. For dogs, the recommended dosage is 15-20mgs per pound of body weight, but I would most certainly consult with your vet first. Many times, we assume herbs and supplements are natural, meaning they’re harmless, but that’s far from the truth. Some herbs and supplements can actually interact with medications your dog is already taking, which can lead to illness and death. Also, herbs will increase your dog’s liver enzymes (this happened to us a few years ago).

Lastly, turmeric has been used as a dye for thousands of years. If your dog vomits it up, it will stain carpeting and clothing. Also, my dogs had a grassy smell around their muzzles a couple of hours after ingesting turmeric and apparently I did too per my hubby, so just an FYI. 🙂

If you’re looking for more information on turmeric for dogs, I highly recommend the Turmeric Users Group on Facebook. They have a recipe for Golden Paste made from turmeric and coconut oil, and offer an amazing support group.

Raw Dog Food: Not All Dogs Can Eat It

November 24, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Raw Dog Food Diets Don’t Always Work

OK, this is hard to admit as I’m a die-hard raw dog feeder, but not all dogs can eat raw dog food. Yes, it’s true. I’ve lived the struggle and want to share my story. Understand, I believe a raw or cooked diet is best for most dogs, but not all dogs.

Story That Changed My View

Looking outside the box of processed kibble, I began feeding my dogs a raw diet about 15 years ago. Most dogs thrive on a raw dog food diet, but over the years I noticed Kira, my fawn Bouvier, and Sobek, my Rottweiler, didn’t do so well. Both lost weight within a week of eating only raw dog food. They didn’t just lose a few pounds; they lost 10-15 pounds on average. Folks, that’s not normal.

Both dogs were restless. They had a very difficult time settling down. After a raw meal, both would pace back and forth while panting, which would last for hours. Sobek whined relentlessly while moving back and forth from a play bow to stretching out his back legs. This boy was in pain.

Plus, on raw dog food, both my dogs had dry flaky skin and a sour mildew odor present at all times. Oddly, their fur felt like straw. It was stiff and dry, and it felt like a pig’s coarse coat. They developed hot spots every couple of months and had smelly ears and horrible breath, but had spotless teeth from eating raw meaty bones. I knew a raw food diet wasn’t working. I had to fix it.

Allow me to explain that Kira passed away in 2010 and Sobek was born in 2012, so they never knew each other. However, they both exhibited the same symptoms. I know each dog is sent to teach me something new, but I guess I needed another reminder to stop being a dog food snob again.

RELATED: Can I Feed My Dogs Eggs?

Switching to Kibble, Oh My

Personally, I believe some dogs just aren’t able to digest a raw food diet. Both dogs didn’t thrive on cooked foods either. I tried everything. Again, before raw dog food enthusiasts start listing things I should’ve done instead, allow me to explain further. This is not my first rodeo.

Both dogs were fed ample amounts of raw green tripe, digestive enzymes (over 10 different brands), probiotics made for dogs and store-bought raw meat. They followed a balanced diet per Monica Segal, consulted with multiple holistic vets and followed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) food recommendations for balance. And yes, I tried the all-prey diet and so forth; nothing worked. I tried feeding different raw and cooked diets for years; it just didn’t work for them.

Once I put both dogs on kibble–and, interestingly, it was always a very specific brand–they flourished. Their stool was normal within 24 hours of transitioning from raw to kibble, and they gained two to three pounds per week. Their body odor and sour breath were gone within 24 hours too. After a week, their coat became lush and soft to the touch, and both dogs were finally able to settle down.

Now, Kira lived to 14 years of age. We helped her “cross the rainbow bridge” due to poor quality of life brought on by canine cognitive dysfunction. During her last two years, she didn’t have any idea where she was and lost all control of her bowels. This was no way to live.

Don’t Be a Dog Food Snob

As an educated dog lover, I had to stop being a dog food snob. We’re bombarded with commercials and blogs basically telling us we’re terrible pet owners if we feed meat byproducts, corn, wheat or kibble to our dogs. This is simply not the truth. Stop listening to what others say, and start listening to what your dog is trying to say.

Interestingly enough, both dogs thrived on a very specific brand and recipe of kibble, which mortified me in the beginning. Then, I needed to suck it up and feed them what worked best for them and not me. Some dogs are able to spin kibble into gold, and we must honor that. It’s what works best for them.

Listen to your dog. He’ll guide you in the right direction.

How to Stop a Dog From Eating Too Fast

November 18, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Stop Your Dog From Eating Too Fast

How to Stop a Dog From Eating Too Fast — studioportosabbia/iStock

If your dog inhales his food like a Hover vacuum cleaner, then you know the struggle. Eating too fast can result in choking, gagging, vomiting and swallowing excessive air, which causes bloating (accumulation of gas in the stomach). So it’s important to slow down your dog’s eating habits.

For the most part, I’ve always shared my home with fast eating dogs, so I’ve gotten used to this behavior. However, just because I’m used to it doesn’t mean it’s allowed to happen. I take many precautions to stop my dogs from eating too fast, which I’ll happily share with you. 🙂

Spread Out the Goodness

By far, this is the easiest (and cheapest) way to make your dog eat slower. Take your dog’s daily meals and spread them out on a rug or smooth surface. At first, you should make it easy for your dog to eat by sprinkling food in clumps on your cement patio (weather permitting).

Once he gets really good at eating his food spread out, increase the distance between the kibble by fanning out his food in a larger smooth-surfaced area. By increasing the distance between the kibble, you’re forcing your dog to search for each kibble. To make it even harder, sprinkle his kibble on a large rug where he must hunt through the fibers for his food. This makes a great rainy day game. If you want to make it even more challenging, sprinkle his kibble in a shag rug. It could easily take 30 minutes for him to find all his food.

Refrain from tossing your dog’s kibble in the yard. It’s very difficult for your dog to find each and every piece plus it attracts ants and rodents. Tossing your dog’s meals into your yard is like tossing a free meal out, which isn’t fair to your dog. Don’t be surprised if your dog starts fighting wildlife once he learns you give out his meals on a daily basis.

WATCH: How to Stop a Dog From Eating Too Fast

https://youtu.be/C6jR5Pawwt0

Slow Feed Dog Bowls

Slow feed dog bowls are flat on the bottom and usually contain lots of hiding places for your dog’s food. You fill these dishes with food and place them on the ground during meal times. While they’re interactive, they don’t move. They sit in place like your dog’s regular food bowl.

Lately, there’s been an explosion of dog food bowls promising to slow your dog’s eating habits, but I don’t believe these bowls work for all dogs. Most dogs that eat fast slightly suffer from an underlying anxiety, which can cause them frustration while trying to chase or lick food trapped between barriers and crevices. If they can’t get to the food fast enough, most dogs will flip over the food bowl to gain access, then it’s a feeding frenzy.

If you decide to give an interactive feeding dog bowl a whirl, make sure it’s big enough for your dog. Choosing a dog bowl too small will surely cause frustration. When introducing your dog’s new dish, make the game easy in the beginning–no one wants to keep chipping away at a new game that’s way too hard, especially when you’re hungry! Check out interactive feeding dishes here.

Interactive Dinner Toys

These dog toys are filled with your dog’s daily meals. You give them to your dog with which he can chew, paw and lick clean. For the most part, these toys promote gnawing and chewing, which is very satiating and will certainly extend dinner meals from 10 seconds to 20 minutes, depending on the chosen toy.

When introducing an interactive dinner toy, make the game easy for the first few days. Loosely sprinkle food inside and outside the toy, so your dog learns to associate food with the toy. Over the next few days, start to tightly pack food in by using peanut butter or wet food as a binder. My favorite interactive dinner toy is the Kong Wobbler. It’s really good!

Try rotating between each option to make eating even more challenging for your dog. Soon your dog will learn to enjoy eating slowly!

Holistic Veterinary Care: Is It Really Worth It?

October 28, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Why You Should Consider Holistic Veterinary Care

Lately, we’re flooded with “all natural” phrases. It’s plastered on our food and dog food, and even popping up as promises in our doctor’s and veterinarian’s offices. While it’s easy to feel confident choosing items or services labeled as holistic, make sure the product or service really do address every part of your life and your dog’s life. Better yet, make sure it works for your dog. If it doesn’t, find an alternative. Think of holistic veterinary care as a different way of looking at things. You’ll be shocked by the results.

My Position on Holistic Veterinary Care

Allow me to explain my philosophy because I believe it’s important to readers. So many articles are biased, as some writers have an agenda. while I do have my personal passionate moments, I try to be as unbiased as possible.

Now, I’m neither a veterinarian nor a human doctor. I’m a professional dog trainer and an educated consumer who follows what works. Trust me, I’m skeptical. Many things sound too good to be true, so I only trust modalities that have benefited my dogs, clients’ dogs and myself. If it doesn’t work, I don’t bash it. I assume it just didn’t work for me personally, but I’ll explain my personal experience.

I’m not looking for miracles, though they would be nice, but they frankly don’t happen often. Instead, I’m looking for improvements to increase quality of life, decrease symptoms and, most importantly, diminish the main concern. I’ve had amazingly positive experiences with holistic care, if not for my dogs, for myself. I believe seeking a holistic veterinarian is worth the effort and drive, as it most certainly complements some traditional medicine. However, I don’t believe holistic veterinary care or holistic medicine for humans is a cure-all. I haven’t witnessed it yet.

What is Holistic Veterinary Care?

A Different Way at Looking at Things

Holistic care focuses on addressing all parts of the body and not just one specific area. Basically, you’re not treating symptoms. You’re identifying the main cause and ways to address it. A great example of where holistic veterinary care is applicable is dog allergies. If your dog has chewed a hole into his skin due to allergies, you understand the struggle. Holistic vets focus on why your dog is so itchy, as the cause is usually an imbalance somewhere in the body. Once the imbalance is corrected, the symptom of itchiness goes away. Now, I wish it were that simple, but it does take time, patience and a very experienced holistic vet. Holistic veterinary care worked for my Miniature Bull Terrier that was plagued with chronic yeast infections on her skin.

Many years ago, I had a dog that licked his front leg so much he caused a huge lick granuloma and our regular vet continued to treat him with antibiotics and steroids. He most certainly felt better. When the steroids wore off, he was back to how he was before the medicine, so I knew something else was lingering. I scheduled an appointment with a chiropractor who was certified to perform adjustments on pets. As the chiropractor ran her hands along my dog’s spine, she realized he was misaligned and adjusted him.

Wow! I watched my dog’s eyes roll in the back of his head and immediately lie down. When I brought him home, he literally slept for two days and seemed much more relaxed. And the licking stopped. After consulting our chiro and doing a bit of research on my own, my dog probably had transferred pain or a pinched nerve due to his misalignment. So once the pain stopped, he quit licking where it hurt.

Finding a Holistic Veterinary Clinic

Most holistic veterinarians are certified in chiropractic care, acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Depending on your dog’s condition, they may use one or all modalities offered. They’re literally assessing your dog at the moment. Don’t forget to bring along a list of your dog’s medications and supplements, as they’ll need to know about those in advance.

A holistic vet exam is a bit different than your regular vet’s exam. They look at your dog’s tongue, feel his pulse and feel along his skin. You may see muscle testing, which is asking the body what it needs to heal itself. Before rolling your eyes, I firmly believed for the longest time that this was a huge money-making gimmick. I changed my perspective when I was flat on my back from a bulged disc, and muscle testing indicated a certain herb could help with my imbalance. Well, it’s either take an herb or continue popping Lortabs, so I decided on the herb. Within two days, I felt amazing and my back quit hurting. Now, it wasn’t just the herb that helped; it was also the chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture. Within two weeks, I was symptom-free.

Finding a holistic veterinarian is much easier in 2015 than before. I highly recommend locating someone through the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. Remember, anyone can label himself as holistic or natural, but AHVMA only lists veterinarians who have completed required certification and coursework. If you have to, make the drive to a holistic veterinary care clinic–it’s worth it.

I would love to hear your thoughts! What are your experiences with a holistic vet and which vet did you choose? By sharing our experiences, we’re helping our dogs.

Can Dogs Sprain Their Tails?

October 26, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Yes, Dogs Can Sprain Their Tails

As a whole, we really don’t talk much about causes and treatment of sprained dog tails–that is until it happens to your dog. I stumbled upon an article this week about the matter and became completely fascinated. I didn’t know exposure to cold water could cause a sprained tail. So I dug deep, as I wanted to know everything. Interestingly, much of what causes a dog’s tail to break is a complete mystery. “The X-Files” should do an episode on cold tails in dogs. I want to know more!

Before we go further, it seems this phenomenon is referred to by other names. You’ll hear references, such as limber tail, cold tail, broken tail, swimmer’s tail and even dead tail. While the terms are interesting, let’s discuss what cold tail looks like as well as causes and treatment. As always, prevention is the best treatment!

How to Tell If Your Dog’s Tail is Sprained

While researching, I noticed sprained tail issues are openly discussed among sporting breed enthusiasts, as the injury is common in Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Pointers and other hunting breeds with long tails. However, this issue most certainly can affect other breeds too, such as Great Danes, Chihuahuas and, my favorite breed, Miniature Bull Terriers. Even more fascinating, curled tailed dogs can sprain their tails too.

Usually a dog will either hold his tail straight down or hold his tail one or two inches from his body while the remaining 90 percent drops straight down. A painful tail is void of any movement–the dog is trying to hold it still. Now, don’t get painful tails confused with a fearful dog’s tail, which can drop or tuck under the body. Painful tails are limp and motionless–they almost look like a straight line pointing to the ground. With curly tailed dogs, you’ll notice their tails are hanging straight down, as it hurts to curl their tails up and over their backs.

Having a sprained dog tail is very painful for your dog. Not only will you notice a hanging tail, but it will also probably be extremely painful when touched. When dogs are in pain, they’ll hide, pant, pace, drool, widen their eyes and become restless. Some injured dogs even refuse to eat or move.

RELATED: My Dog Refuses to Move

Causes of Sprained Dog Tails

Excessive Exercise

Most sprained and broken tails are caused by excessive exercise. This usually affects weekend warrior dogs that overexert themselves a couple days per week. A dog’s tail contains muscle, which can easily become overworked, especially during long and rough play sessions or while swimming long periods and distances. Dogs use their tails for balance during play and as rudders while swimming, both of which can easily cause muscle exhaustion.

Air Drying

Cold tail happens when a dog’s body is exposed to water and shakes off excess water to air dry. This can happen right after a bath or swim. Veterinarians are still scratching their heads when it comes to the exact reason cold tail happens. I wonder if a long appendage has a harder time keeping warm, especially when wet and exposed to cool temperatures, which in turn causes muscles to become rigid and tightened. That’s my personal thought and by no means a theory. 🙂

Crating for Too Long

Crating a dog for long periods of time can cause a sprained dog tail, especially if the dog had just completed a tough workout or rough play session. It’s recommended to let your dog stretch his legs every two hours or hire a pet sitter to let your dog out several times a day if he’s crated.

Sprained Dog Tail Treatment

If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, I highly recommend scheduling a veterinary visit immediately. Even though many causes are unknown, your vet can treat your dog’s sprained tail quickly. Usually anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed along with one to two weeks of rest. Within a few days, you’ll notice your dog feeling much better.

While it’s tempting to overwork our dogs during the weekend, it’s important to slowly build their endurance over time. After a long workout, allow your dog to cool down in a large area. Perhaps, have a picnic for 30 minutes or chat with a friend while your dog stretches out and relaxes.

As for cold tail, thoroughly dry your dog with a towel after a bath or swim. Make sure your dog’s tail and rear end are completely dry. Even better, blow dry your dog’s coat on a low heat setting, keeping the hair dryer at least 12 inches away from his skin. Run your fingers in between your dog’s fur and skin to check for moisture. If your dog isn’t completely dry yet, keep him warm until he’s fully dry.

Ping, ping, ping (“The X-Files” theme). Has your dog experienced a sprained or cold tail before?

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Is Turmeric Good For Dogs?

Turmeric for Dogs

What is Turmeric?

Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric or Curcumin Supplements?