If you are reading this article, it is most likely because you are aware of the dangers and risks associated with the use of chemical pesticides on our beloved family pets. When the weather warms up, we find ourselves enjoying the great outdoors with our family - and that includes our dogs! Unfortunately, we are not the only species enjoying the warm weather.

Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other potentially dangerous pests are also out in the warm weather, looking for a host. Our dogs are the ideal target for these pests, so it is important that we do whatever we can to keep our dogs safe. Fleas are an annoying nuisance, ticks can carry potentially deadly diseases, and mosquitoes may pass along heart worm.

However, there are safe and effective alternatives to the potentially deadly chemicals (both oral and topical prevention) that can be purchased at your local Animal Hospital.

I am extremely passionate about my dog's health and nutrition, so when I looked into chemical pesticides sold by Veterinarians I could not bring myself to use them. After further research into the use of chemical pesticides on pets, while also exploring natural prevention, I made the decision to only use safer alternatives.

I was shocked to learn that at least 783 animal deaths occurred as a result of using chemical topical and oral pesticides - as were reported by the FDA. Beyond those numbers, thousands of owners are complaining about terrible side effects like seizures and lethargy. It is simply NOT worth the risk! I encourage you to investigate this yourself, so you can form your own educated opinion.

There are two products I am using successfully this year. I have been using both products to prevent fleas and ticks, and help deter mosquitoes! We are avid hikers, and this year we have hiked in some highly tick infested areas. I am happy to report that I have not had a SINGLE tick or flea on my dog! You can follow our adventures over on Instagram!

I am very confident in the effectiveness of these two all natural, chemical-free products. I firmly believe that combining both of them helps increase their effectiveness, so I do recommend pairing the two together.

Included with each product, I have provided some supportive biomedical studies and peer-reviewed research on the active ingredients.

For more amazing information on natural dog health care (supported by scientific research), feel free to come join my exclusive closed Facebook group: K9 Instinct: Holistic Dog Health Care. In that group I share all of my new articles and any new research or news in the pet world.

Rawhide bones an extremely popular dog chew that can cause a lot of problems for many dogs. The reality is that these "bones" are only 80% digestible and can cause digestive issues. Not only are they not fully digestible, but they are made with low quality ingredients that can negatively impact your dog's health and well being. Intestinal blockages caused by the consumption of rawhide bones can lead to death, and can wreck havoc on a dog's digestive system.

Instead of feeding your dog potentially dangerous and unheathly rawhide bones consider selecting healthy, safe chews for your dog such as antlers, raw meaty bones, grain-free treat bones and other various chews! Learn more with my article on healthy dog chew options here.

There is nobody you can call, in the way that we can call for an ambulance, to assist you if there is a medical emergency with your dog. While you are figuring out how to get your pet to the closest veterinarian hospital, performing animal CPR can potentially save their life and keep them alive until you can get to an emergency veterinarian establishment.

Thanksgiving Day is one of the treasured holidays in which we gather with our families to celebrate, eat and enjoy each others company. Most dog owners include their furry family members in the celebrations, whether their dog is laying in front of a warm fire in the family room or enjoying some snacks off their plate from underneath the table. Everyone has their own way of celebrating the holidays, and there is no reason why it cannot be an enjoyable occasion for your dog as well!

Many dog owners want to share their homecooked food with their pets, which is why it is very important to know your dog and to know what foods are considered toxic to pets.

If your dog is enjoying the amazing benefits of a homemade dog food diet, or a raw food diet, then a little bit of your homecooked food will be fine to share. If your dog is fed a commercial kibble diet, you need to know their level of tolerance and stomach sensitivity prior to feeding homecooked food to avoid giving your dog an upset stomach.

It is extremely important to be aware of the food that is considered unsafe and even toxic for pets to consume. Do not feed anything containing onion, garlic, grapes, raisins, xylitol, artificial sweetners, raw yeast or bread dough, macadamia nuts, alcohol or avovado. Those ingredients have been deemed toxic and can harm your pet.

Depending on how big your family is and how loud these events can be, it is important to provide a safe and quiet place for your dog to sleep if they require it. Holidays can be hectic and busy for many people, and some dogs do not tolerate loud noise and large crowds very well, so be aware of your dog during these special gatherings.

For dogs that must stay home during the holidays, consider bringing them a special treat or snack to make it special for them as well! You can even make a special homemade meal that night for your canine companion using dog friendly ingredients!

Happy Thanksgiving Day from K9 Instinct!

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Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com

Dental care is more important for your dogs than you may realize. Periodontal disease has become the most common disease in our furry family members, which is a hard fact to digest since dental disease is extremely easy to prevent.

As dogs enter their golden years, poor dental health is the ticket to a shorter life riddled with illness and potential disease. Bad dental health can cause liver, heart and kidney disease; Infection from ill-kept teeth can travel through the blood stream and infiltrate the body's organs, which inevitably causes disease or failure. Since dental disease in dogs can be easily prevented, it is important to find a cleaning routine that works best for you and your dog.

You can use safe, natural and effective methods to keep your dog's teeth white and clean without having to spend a lot of money or jeopardize your dog's health.

A RAW FOOD DIET: NATURE'S TOOTHBRUSH
The incredible raw food diet is nature's toothbrush, having been the ancestral diet of all carnivorous and predatory animals for millions of years. A raw food diet does not leave residue or food particles on the teeth, which turn into tartar and plaque, and the natural crushing and chewing of raw bone scrapes the teeth and keeps them clean.

BRUSHING TEETH WITH COCONUT OIL   
The amazing benefits of coconut oil for dogs are no longer a secret! Coconut oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and is a very effective deodorizer! If your dog has bad breath, give brushing with virgin, unrefined coconut oil a try. You will be impressed with the results!

AN ALL NATURAL GEL FOR DOGS WITH DENTAL DISEASE
If your dog has already developed dental disease, a great option along side a good brushing routine is adding an all natural but effective dental gel. PetzLife Oral Gel works by softening the build up on teeth and beginning to break it down so that you can brush or scrape it away. This is a natural, effective product I often recommend and have used myself on my cats!

CHEWING SCRAPES THE TEETH
By offering your dog a raw bone, an elk antler chew or a toy designed to help clean teeth via chewing can help reduce build up on the teeth, and is also an excellent preventive. Chewing is a natural, instinctual thing for a dog to do and can benefit them in terms of mental stimulation and enjoyment as well! Get a raw beef hock from your local butcher and monitor your dog as they enjoy this healthy, natural "toothbrush"!

Implementing a brushing routine with good recreational chewing is a great way to prevent dental disease in your canine companions, but there are safe and natural options for fighting dental disease too! If you have more questions about keeping your dog's mouth healthy, do not hesitate to contact me!

Don't forget to like K9 Instinct on Facebook to see new blog updates and news!

Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com

Dogs love fruit! Fruit is delicious, packed full of nutrition and can make a refreshing (and grain free) snack - a great alternative to store bought "junk" treats found in many pet stores. Fruit is also an important part of many homemade dog food diets, and can also be added to a raw food diet as well. When not incorporated into meals, fruit makes an excellent treat for dogs!

Not every fruit is safe for dogs, so I have compiled a list of fruit that has been proven safe and beneficial for our furry family members. While fruits (and vegetables) are not necessary in a dogs diet, they can certainly act as a nutritional boost or act as a healthy snack. Much like the "Healthy Vegetables for your Dogs" article I have previously written, you can use any of the fruits mentioned on the following list! Replace store bought treats with pieces of fruit, or add some fruit to your dogs diet and give them something nutritious and healthy!

Blueberries
These antioxidant rich berries are FULL of nutrition, including but not limited to vitamin K, manganese, vitamin C, dietary fiber, vitamin A, folate, phosphorus, calcium and potassium! Ideal for brain health, eye health and the cancer fighting properties!

Strawberries
Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and more, strawberries make a healthy and tasty treat that is low in calories and high in taste and nutrition. Another excellent frozen treat for dogs!

Pears
Do not feed seeds/core. Light, low calories and refreshing! Pears contain vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium! A few pear slices make an excellent summer treat!

Cranberries
Known for helping to maintain a healthy urinary tract, cranberries can help flush the kidneys and prevent urinary infections. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, phosphorus and potassium!

Watermelon
Refreshing, full of water, and perfect for a fun snack on a hot summer day! Watermelon is full of vitamin A, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and water! Watermelon is great for helping rehydrate dogs!

Cantaloup
Full of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, niacin, folate, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and omega fatty acids, cantaloup is another fun and refreshing snack for dogs that can also help rehydrate them!

The popularity of feeding real food to our furry family members is growing rapidly, which is a wonderful step forward in animal care. As pet owners learn that real food is superior to commercial kibble, they are more willing to add fresh whole food to their dogs' diets. This results in dogs getting whole food nutrition and people are often substituting poor quality "junk" treats for healthy fruits and vegetables.

The following list of vegetables are safe and healthy for your dog! While dogs do not need vegetables in their diet to survive, and don't receive a lot of nutrition from vegetables, they can make a great snack. Cooking (boiling, steaming or baking) or making a vegetable puree is the only way our dogs can derive good levels of nutrition from vegetables. Since dogs are carnivores and do not have the proper enzymes to digest vegetables, cooking or chopping them very finely helps "pre-digest" the vegetable matter for them so that nutrients are unleashed in the digestive tract and absorbed into the body easily.

Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is a highly nutritious vegetable full of beta carotene, vitamin A and vitamin E. This vegetable is best boiled and mashed or cut into chunks. Sweet potato is ideal in sick or bland diets to help bulk up food, add fiber and soothe the digestive system.

Carrots
Raw or boiled, carrots are an excellent snack rich in beta carotene, carotenoids and vitamin A. When raw, they can help clean the teeth by acting as a crunchy chew for dogs to gnaw on. Whether or not they are raw or boiled, they are well known for improving red pigments in the fur!

Green Beans
Full of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, the B vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium and calcium - green beans are a super healthy snack. Crunchy when raw and excellent for bulking up food, green beans are safe and healthy for dogs! Green beans can be added to a dogs diet if they are notorious for always being hungry!

Pumpkin
Famous for being a digestive aid, pumpkin is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and can both aid constipation and help firm up diarrhea. This vegetables is perfect for soothing an upset stomach! Pumpkin can be used to improve red pigment in a dogs coat.

Zucchini
Best fed cooked, zucchini is full of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin B-6. Zucchini is also low in calories. Zucchini is extremely popular in homemade dog food recipes for it's B vitamins and fiber!

Cucumber
Cucumber is a refreshing, healthy and crunchy vegetable dogs love! This is a great low calorie, low sugar option for dogs. Cut into thick slices and freeze for a hydrating snack in the hot months!

Broccoli
Loaded with vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium and vitamin B-6. Broccoli is fantastic steamed, baked or boiled, can be served cooked in the food bowl or given as a crunchy snack.

Cauliflower
Cauliflower can be fed just like broccoli, best steamed or boiled but it also makes a good crunchy snack. Cauliflower is full of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B-6, calcium, magnesium and iron.

Celery
Celery is ideal for dogs who need a healthy, very low calorie and low sugar treat. Crunchy and delicious with a high water content, this is a perfect treat for dogs! While it is not as nutrient dense as other vegetables,  celery is a great source of potassium and fiber.

If you are interested in switching your dogs to a more whole food, natural diet consider learning about a raw food diet or a homemade diet.

Don't forget to come join our positive only, friendly, wonderful FB community for dog lovers: The K9 Connection.

Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com

The summer months can be tough on our dogs, especially for those with an active lifestyle. Dogs who train and compete in sports are notorious for overheating and needing special care. In this hot season there are ways to keep our dogs cool in the relentless heat and safe from heat exhaustion or worse!

It is very important to be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and be able to recognize the times when your dog just needs to take a break and cool down, and those times when your dog needs medical attention via your nearest veterinarian to help them safely cool down and fight life threatening heart stroke or heat exhaustion. Taking frequent breaks and using safe cooling techniques will keep your down safe and healthy on those hot days in the sun!

Tips for keeping your dogs cool in the heat:

1. When outside for extended periods of time, have your dogs take frequent breaks in the shade with a cool (not cold) bowl of water. Offer small amounts of water at a time (approximately half a water bottle at most). Do this more often if the day is exceptionally hot, give your dog a chance to cool down before you continue on. You will notice a change in your dog's panting from heavy to lighter when they are ready to get up and go again!
2. Feed your dog a few hours before you go out to provide them with energy to take on the day, but give them 2-3 hours to digest the meal prior to going out to avoid bloat and stomach torsion.
3. Add electrolytes to their water bowl to keep them replenished with everything they require to stay hydrated. A pet product or the human version such as unflavoured Pedialyte is ideal! Electrolytes will keep them hydrated and in good physical condition to handle the higher temperatures.
4. Snacks! Offer your dog high calorie or high protein treats such as Zuke's Powerbones or Orijen Freeze Dried treats through out the outing, but don't give too many at once since it can cause stomach upset (especially in the heat!).
5. Battery operated fans and a dog cooling mat can keep your dogs cool during their resting time.
6.  If you are at home or somewhere that allows it, offer your dog a kiddie pool full of cool water to splash around in! This will keep them cool on days that you are spending extended periods of time outside!
7. If you are not doing excessive exercise but are spending a lot of time outdoors in the heat, make sure to always have cool clean water available and ample shade nearby!
8. Choose to exercise your dog in the early morning or late evening when it is cooler to avoid the excessively hot afternoons!
9. Keep your dog off hot pavement in the afternoon - if you can't walk on it barefoot, it's too hot for your dog.
10. Keep in mind that thick coated / heavy coated breeds cannot spend as much time in the heat as shorter coated dogs.

Learn the signs of overheating and distress so that you can monitor your dogs for symptoms.

If your dog becomes overheated while outside, find a shady place and have your dog stand for 10 minutes. Pour cool (not cold) water on your dog's paws, wet the inside of the ears with your cool, wet hands (do not poor water in the ear) and underbelly ONLY, then have them sit for 10 minutes, repeat with the water on their paws, underbelly and wet the ears (do not pour water in the ear). Have them lay down for another 10 minutes, then find an air conditioned environment to allow them to fully cool down. If any symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke occur, see a veterinarian immediately. On transport to the veterinarian hospital, apply cool water to the paws, underbelly and rub water with your hands on the inside of their ears. Do NOT offer cold water during heat exhaustion as you can cause bloat and stomach torsion. The cold water will shock their overheated system.

If your dog is showing any of the following symptoms, veterinarian assistance is required as soon as possible. Dogs will need help bringing their body heat down, re-hydrating and preventing serious effects such as seizures and potentially death.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion / Heat Stroke in Dogs

• Restlessness
• Weakness/Fatigue
• Pale tongue and gums
• Disorientation
• Unsteady, staggering gait
• Excessive heavy panting or unusual breathing
• Extreme thirst
• Excessive salivation / thick saliva
• Vomiting and Diarrhea

• Increased respiratory and heart rates
• Crying or distressed vocalizations
• Collapsing or losing consciousness

Do not under ANY circumstances leave your dogs in a car in hot weather without air conditioning AND supervision. Dogs left in hot cars can die very quickly, this happens often in the summer months unfortunately. If it is too hot, just leave your dog at home for the day.

Don't forget to like K9 Instinct on Facebook to get new blog updates! Enjoyed this article? Browse through my other articles by clicking here!

Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com

Summer is just around the corner, it is time to get your dog ready for warm weather and beautiful sunny days!

Spring is in the air and our dogs know it. They are excited to get outside and breathe in the warmer air while splashing their way through the puddles left over from a rainy May. Longer days means more hours of potential fun in the sun with our four-legged family members and there is no doubt an exciting summer up ahead.

Here are a four things we can do for our dogs to get them ready for a warm season full of fun, sun and laughter:

1) Bring your dog to your veterinarian for an annual check up. Getting your dog ready for the exciting summer activities includes making sure that they are fit, healthy and up to date on their vaccinations. Consider using a minimal vaccine schedule or testing their titers for levels of immunity! Take this time to discuss your traditional OR alternative/holistic heartworm, flea and parasite prevention methods for the summer to keep your pet healthy and happy.

2) Getting your dog groomed is a great way to shake off the winter blues and embrace the warm, sunny days ahead! Whether you bring your best friend to the doggie spa or do it yourself at home, your dog will benefit from a bath and brush. A seriously good brushing will help them shed their thick winter fur and keep cool in the heat, but it will also keep large amounts of fur off your floor while they are blowing their coat for the spring. Don’t forget to clean their ears and trim their nails, too!

3) Find a fun activity or sport to enjoy with your dog this season. Jogging, running, camping, hiking and bicycling are excellent activities to include your dog in and the exercise will help keep them healthy and fit. Dog sports such as agility, obedience, herding or flyball are great potential hobbies to take on with your dog. The working partnership and fun exercise will strengthen the bond between you and your best friend while providing you both with fulfilling mental stimulation!

4) Buy your dog some new gear for hiking and camping. Items such as a backpack, portable food and water bowls, a long leash and doggie water bottles will make taking your dog out on family occasions more enjoyable. A backpack can be a great way to give your dog a job to do by having him carry his own water bowl, water bottle, poop bags and treats. You may even be able to slip your cell phone and wallet in his backpack without him noticing.

The warmer months are full of fun and laughter and your dog is just as excited about it as you are! Including them in your spring and summer activities will provide everyone involved with enrichment, unconditional love and excitement. Just like with spring cleaning and getting a new haircut, helping your dog feel refreshed with the warm weather can have excellent benefits for their health and well being.

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Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com