PET SAFETY CRUSADER APPROVED Product!Always on the prowl for something new for Princess Kiko, I came across this fantastic company:  PAWAII Direct!  Having always shared my life with large and giant breeds, I have purchased many feeding tables over the years so that my pups wouldn’t have to stand uncomfortably when dining. Especially when they become seniors, dogs put more weight on their shoulders as their hind quarters weaken, so not having to crane their necks to ground level takes pressure off the joints. Kiko has a table she enjoys, but it is a bit of schlep when we take her on a weekend getaway, carrying the table in hotel elevators or even packing the car for a cabin adventure.

For about half the price of a dog table and bowls, I discovered a magical dog bowl – the Groww Bowl by Pawaii!  Although not quite as tall as the table Kiko currently eats at, it is still an awesome find and is made of quality stainless steel that is easy to clean and sanitize (dishwasher safe).  The base bowls can easily be hand washed and are sturdy with feet that hold the bowls in place so that they don’t slide or shift while my princess is dining

1) Some mornings, my princess isn’t immediately hungry, so I can keep her meal cool or warm until she’s ready by filling the bottom bowl with ice cubes or warm water.  This is also great during the warmer months so there is always a refreshingly cool bowl of water available. The bowl filled with ice or warm water slips under the other and keeps her meal or beverage at the appropriate temperature to keep her happy and healthy.

The post PRODUCT SHARE: Ingenious Groww Bowl for Dogs and Fountains for Cats! appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

Personally, I feel a dog’s collar should be his “necklace,” the band to which his ID is attached, not an end of the leash!  Seeing people, even inadvertently, pulling on their best pal’s neck hurts me to the core, but is much worse for the dog.  When walking your dog, my best pearl of wisdom is to have the leash attached to a properly fitting harness. Do note the words “properly fitting.”  You must adjust according to your dog’s girth and make sure it is on secure, not too tight and not too loose.  Some store bought harnesses can be a challenge to move the straps through the buckles to fit, but once sized, they just need a quick check each time they go on to make sure they have not loosened or tightened and you and your walking buddy are good to go.

Besides my improv tube sock muzzle and tote bag back-end harness, one of my fav things to teach in the PROPER HANDLING & RESTRAINT section of my Pet First Aid Classes is…the Figure-8 Harness!  Using a slip lead to safely gain control of a pet without choking him or having him slip free is a necessity when providing emergency care.  The technique is simple and is a one-size-fits-most harness…

1. Place the handle through the “O” or “D” ring.
2. Drop loop over dog’s head and pull snug.
3. Wrap leash end around chest behind both front legs, and…
4. Come up from opposite side slipping handle back through “O” or “D” ring.

Voila!  You have safely restrained a pet (dog or cat) without applying un-due pressure to the neck or vocal chords.  Over the years, I have heard from a great number of pet first aid students how handy this technique has been for them and how it has allowed them to capture an elusive chihuahua or other pet in need.

My problem with slip leads however, is that if they aren’t long enough, or if someone doesn’t know the figure-8 technique, they likely place the first loop around the head and end there, risking the chance of hurting vocal chords or choking the pet.  Straining on the neck can potentially increase pressure on the carotid artery and jugular vein as well as the eyes and could damage soft cartilage and cervical discs.  In small breeds, such as the Yorkshire Terrier, a collapsed trachea can result, but if a pet suffers from this malady, a loop should NEVER be placed around his neck. This includes a loop used by groomers, so always aprise others of any challenges your dog has.

Recently, I discovered the MyOne Leash leash/collar/harness all-in-one!  It’s premise is basically the same as using a slip lead but a much improved, yet simple and safe way, to gain control of your pet.  Buckles allow you to place “stops” so that they leash stays in a certain configuration while “rings” allow you to either keep it as a slip lead loosening and tightening depending on the pet’s pull and resistance OR…locking it into place.  Thanks to a “T” strap that you configure from the neck collar to the harness wrap, no pressure is exhibited on the dog’s neck!

“T” strap separates the neck collar from the body harness so no strain occurs on the dog’s neck!

I had the pleasure of “zooming” with retired software developer and lifelong dog lover, Art Ingram, the creator of this product.  He went to the drawing board when he realized his dog, Soffie, easily followed a vet tech back into the exam room when she placed a leash around her midsection and MyOne Leash was born!

MyOne Leash ensures a dog’s safety, security and control when walking and being handled in public, so it is certainly a great way to gain control of a pet during an emergency.  This multipurpose device adjusts to any shape or size dog and it’s all one piece, it’s all you need. It can be a front clip harness or more traditional back clip.  Some feel back clip harnesses can actually encourage dogs to pull as it is a dog’s natural inclination to push or pull against pressure (aka opposition reflex).  Using a front clip harness causes the dog to resist that natural inclination and encourages him to walk by your side.  How do we lead a horse to drink?  From the front, of course

The problem I mentioned earlier, that a typical slip lead may come up short, is NOT a problem with this ingenious device!  Made of extra strong, non-abrasive nylon, the version for larger dogs is 10 feet long and 1″ wide, grrrreat for even my super-sized Akita!  For our smaller fur friends (under 35 lbs.) the width of the leash is reduced to a more comfortable 3/4″ wide and the length is 9 feet.

And the best news of all…

Your Purchase of a MyOneLeash Helps Support Dog Shelters.  A portion of all sales proceeds goes towards the donation of these devices to shelters and rescues. 

The post PRODUCT SHARE: MyOne Leash appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

My best buddy, Haiku, blew out his ACL (more correctly, his CCL) and 13 months later, the second one went!  I wish this “Kiko Tested – Pet Safety Crusader Approved” product existed back then…

…but we all have a story at some point during our dog’s journey. Something happens and dogs do what is instinctual, they lick, and lick, and lick some more making whatever it is worse, maybe even getting the injury infected, pulling out stitches or creating a hot spot.  Of course, there is the “cone of shame,” also known as the Elizabethan Collar, to prevent tongue from reaching injury, however, these devices prevent your recovering pooch from sleeping, eating, drinking, and moving, sometimes trapping him in doorways and favorite resting spots.  Better versions are on the market, yet anything going around your dog’s head, especially when he isn’t feeling his best, can add to his discomfort.

A doggone great solution that allows dogs to move like dogs need to move is now available because Dr. David Allman, a Board Certified Canine Surgeon from Austin, Texas, listed to the calls he received from dog parents and used his noggin!  Dr. Allman cut up a long sleeve sweat shirt into a unique pattern to aid their frustrations, and voila! The Lick Sleeve was born. The fabric however, is 95% polyester and 5% spandex — soft, breathable, and flexible for your canine patient’s comfort while also preventing moisture from being trapped next to the wound, just in case he does lick.

The Lick Sleeve is reversible and clearly marked to help you put it on your dog’s right or left hind leg, but…it can also be worn on a front leg. It comes in a variety of sizes and is MACHINE WASHABLE! That’s a super duper plus because dogs get things dirty.

Male dog?  No problem.  In order to assist your fella answer nature’s call, just unbuckle and unwrap the sleeve from around his waist. Then use the strap as a handle while he urinates. Here’s a helpful video:

Although I’m thrilled Princess Kiko does not have any injury, she is always up to the task for testing out products, so we slipped a LARGE Lick Sleeve on her.  The directions were clear and simple, but unlike Haiku, who had tiny paws and spindly legs for his 67 lbs. frame, Kiko has ginormous paws and thighs for her 75 lbs., so sizing up would have made slipping the sleeve a bit easier.  Still, she seemed comfortable, the fabric is soft and breathable, and the buckle is easy to engage and release.  I sure hope Kiko won’t have a need for a sleeve in her now golden years, but I am head-over-tail happy that if she does, I have a doggone great solution that will give me peace of mind and help her to heal!

Learn more about this revolutionary device invented by veterinary surgeon at

https://www.licksleeve.com/products/lick-sleeve

Kiko and I heartily recommend it!

The post PRODUCT SHARE: Lick Sleeve appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

Another Kiko tested, Pet Safety Crusader approved product:  The Anion Comb for Pets!

We’ve all heard opposites attract, right?  Well, when you brush your precious dog or kitty cat, friction caused by the brush creates positive static electricity and when hairs have the same positive (+) polarity, they repel and cause the fur to frizz. Additionally, depending on the comb or brush you are using, you may risk scratching your pet’s skin or not even getting deep enough into the coat to make a difference.

That’s why Kiko and I were thrilled to try out the Anion Comb for Pets.  This negative ion grooming brush emits an invisible stream of negative (-) ions once turned on, neutralizing polarity, reducing frizz and leaving your pet’s fur hydrated, soft and shiny!

As I brushed my girl’s coat on one side, I could definitely see how the Anion Comb was smoothing out her fur.  She seemed to enjoy the massage she was getting (the round bristles do not spin but glide nicely).  You can notice in the photo below, how her right side is smoothing out, but her still un-brushed left side is still frizzy!

and the two buttons that allow for easy release of the hair made clean-up a breeze!

The only difficulty I had was in turning the on button, but when I swiveled the silicon grip to better align the start button, it worked a bit easier , yet I still needed two fingers to press it and get the green light to go.  Otherwise, the easy-grip handle and entire brushing experience was a pleasure for my girl and me.

The price is right, and it even comes with the batteries that generate the negative ion stream, so order directly from the official website:  https://www.uahpet.com/products/negative-ion-pet-grooming-brush

I highly recommend this nifty device to help your pet go from flat (or frizzy) to fluffy.  Know you are making your pet’s coat healthier besides lovelier.  Gotta run and brush Kiko’s other side right now…

The post PRODUCT SHARE: Anion Comb for Pets appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

• Phytobezoars consist of indigestible food fiber, particularly fruit, vegetables and seeds.

• Trichobezoars are composed of hair or fibers (from clothing or carpeting).  In young girls who twirl and chew their own hair, this is known as “Rapunzel’s syndrome,” but this is the type most often referred to when speaking of fur balls and pets.

• Pharmacobezoars are composed of medications that don’t properly dissolve in the digestive tract.

These problematic masses may pass through the digestive tract on their own, or in the case of our feline friends…be regurgitated into your favorite slipper or bedside carpet.  Some though cause grave suffering and need to be surgically removed, so hairballs (as they are sometimes called) are serious enough to have their own Awareness Day, April 24^th, to bring their potential complications to mind.

How Do They Happen?

Cats are fastidious!  They groom themselves a lot.  When they lick their fur, tiny hook-like papillae on their tongue catch and swallow loose hairs, much of which passes easily through their digestive tract.  Some hairs however, sit in the stomach and join forces with more hairs, ultimately forming a bezoar which can become dangerous to your feline best friend.  If the clump can exit the stomach, it may end up in your kitty’s litter box, but other times, she may try to pass it by coughing it up. What comes out (of either end) truly is not a ball, but rather more of a disgusting sausage shaped clump of hair.  If you cat though cannot pass the object, she may stop eating due to a bad tummy ache and must then be seen by a veterinarian to alleviate the obstruction.

Warning Signs

When the fur clumps form a mass, your cat may let you know by exhibiting some of these signs:

• Inability to eat or lack of interest in food
• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Choking/Unproductive coughing
• Vomiting

How to Prevent Bezoars?

1) Our feline friends need regular grooming because just like us, they feel better when they are clean and healthy, so brush the kitty, brush the kitty, brush the kitty to remove dead and loose fur.

2) Add fiber to your cat’s diet in the form of pumpkin, sweet potato puree (1/2 – 1 teaspoon daily.  Don’t overdo it though, as it can be a remedy for constipation.) to help keep fur balls away. It’s smooth, most cats prefer the taste to the pastes sold in pet stores, or petroleum jelly sometimes used as a home remedy.  The pumpkin or sweet potato will push hair through their digestive tract, not allowing it to stay in the stomach and form a clump.

BETTER YET!  Make hairballs a thing of the past!

Feed your kitty HAIRBALL SUPPORT CHEWS!  This comprehensive supplement contains fiber and oils that help to prevent and eliminate hairballs. Your cat will love these delicious soft chews!

Key Benefits of Hairball Support Chews:

• Comprehensive fiber-based formula
• Delicious chew your cat will LOVE them!
• Developed by Veterinarians and Nutritionists & mde in the U.S.A.

Hairball support and grooming are your best preventives, but anytime something is not right with your cat, a check-up at the vet is the best course of action, and having pet insurance can provide peace of mind for whatever the doctor prescribes. Some cats shed a lot due to thyroid issues, so get to the root of the problem, and help your kitty cat stay healthy and trouble-free by your side.

The post BEZOARS, HAIRBALLS & HOW TO PREVENT THEM appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

Helping people help their pets is what we do at

Sunny-dog Ink!

As The Pet Safety Crusader, and having personally taught more than 30,000 humans animal life-saving skills, I know there are still sooooo many who could benefit from this knowledge, so I am training others so that together we can reach even more people and the animals they love.  I am one of just a few Pet First Aid instructors  (if not the only one) to actually have earned state teaching credentials in Animal Care so can therefore help you not only learn content, but HOW to teach so that your students comprehend.

Becoming an Instructor is YOUR business, not a franchise.  You pay for the program, and I teach you what I know, license you to use my slides and program and support your efforts however I can. YOU keep whatever you make teaching classes!

Training takes place via ZOOM where it’s just as intimate as sitting down across a coffee table together.  You watch me demonstrate, I watch you practice, we view slides and videos together as we learn and converse on a schedule that fits your lifestyle!

It’s GRReat to train with another person so that you have an assistant or co-instructor.  Together you can start teaching more quickly as you divide up the class segments to become experts on, and not have to learn everything at once!

Costs are tailored so that you earn back what you spend by teaching just a few classes.   Training with a friend or co-worker can make it even more cost effective!  

NO ANNUAL FEE!  YOUR BUSINESS – YOU DO NOT BECOME AN Independent Contractor of SDI.

email or call to discuss if this is right for you:  PetSafetyCrusader@gmail.com   (818) 951-7962

• ONE-ON-ONE TRAINING – No Group Classes!
• 10-weeks of one-on-one instruction.  YOU WILL BE READY TO TEACH A CLASS THE DAY YOU GRADUATE!  I will keep working with you until you feel confident.
• Your Choice:  Dog & Cat First Aid, Dog First Aid or Cat First Aid (Bird, Rabbit and Kid Courses also available to teach)
• Video links to each of our training sessions so that you can go back and review.
• Practice pack and copy of my Pet First Aid & CPR Quick Reference.
• Copy of my 275-page 8X10 The Pet Safety Bible to provide additional background information because an instructor always needs to know even more than her or she shares in the classroom 
  

  

• Power-point presentation (including videos) of The Pet Safety Crusader’s 5-hour PET FIRST-AID & CPCR class; more than 200 slides!
• Scenarios and quiz slides that assess your students’ comprehension.
• Templates for Class Certificates, Wallet Cards, Homework/Follow-up Letter and Test which you can customize with your own company logo
• Once you graduate…Quarterly teleconference meet-ups of new and improved protocol to keep you on the cutting edge in education at no additional charge.
• Seasonal Press Release Templates to help you promote YOUR classes

The post Pet First Aid Instructor Training Course appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

Checking vitals
Dosing chart
Safe handling & restraint
Your Pet’s First Aid Kit,
Bites & stings
Bleeding injuries including bandaging & splinting
Breaks & strains
Choking management
Drowning
Embedded objects
Heatstroke & frostbite
Intestinal upsets
Poisoning
Rescue breathing & CPCR
Seizures
Shock and more…

Purchase here

The post Pet First Aid & CPR Quick Reference for Dog & Cat Parents and Pet Professionals appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

Veterinarians often cannot prescribe a specific cure since way down to the base layer of the skin, microscopic pockets of bacteria and any combination of broken hair follicles, plugged and scarred oil glands and dilated and inflamed capillaries are present.  If surgically removed, the pet then licks at the sutures or incision line creating a brand new granuloma, and the cycle repeats.

What Causes Hot Spots?

Hot spots occur when an animal itches, scratches and licks himself excessively forming a wet opening on the skin – often after a flea bites!  Normal healthy bacteria are always present on an animal’s body, but once he bites or chews and breaks the skin’s surface, if there is even a little moisture, the perfect environment for bacterial contamination exists!  Hot spots often form on the top of a dog’s wrist joint or one of his paws – easy to lick spots – but can also be found on the hind legs and even ear flaps, especially in breeds with floppy ears.  Affected pets generally have an allergic reaction, irritation or other underlying skin condition that starts them on an itch-lick-chew cycle.  Some however, chew and lick purely out of boredom or as self-stimulation to alleviate separation anxiety. The pet becomes fixated and compulsively licks until a wound develops.

How to Prevent Itchy Skin

Lick sores occur more frequently during humid weather, after a bath or swim or when an animal walks in the rain, so it is imperative to keep pets clean, well-groomed and parasite-free.  Pay attention to the smallest of sores, as even a slighting oozing wound can provide enough moisture for the bacteria to take hold.  Irritation from matted fur can also cause these bothersome lesions to develop in any breed but particularly in those with dense undercoats. Feeding your dog or cat WILD ALASKAN SALMON & POLLOCK OIL on a daily basis just might contribute to your dog or cat’s overall health, and result in a healthy skin and coat that does not itch!

• EPA and DHA in this oil (and the chewable drops) have been proven to help prevent skin allergies
• Help to reduce inflammation

  

• Promotes an optimally-functioning immune system
• Supports a healthy skin & coat (making it soft and shiny)

This nutrient-rich Wild Alaskan Salmon & Pollock Oil contains over 15 heart-healthy Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids that are good for other body parts too!

Signs & Symptoms of Hot Spots, Lick Sores, Itches & Twitches

• Compulsive licking and chewing at a particular body part
• Raised, rough, raw-looking lesion, typically on the top of a lower front leg or paw (but can be anywhere the pet can reach to lick or scratch)
• Reddish-brown saliva staining around the hot spot site
• Oozing, ulcerated, pus-filled drainage tracts coming from the hot spot site
• Foul smell coming from the hot spot site
• Swelling around the hot spot site
• Pain and visible discomfort

How to Relieve the Itch?

Allergies too can cause a pet to lick and scratch so providing allergy support, may prevent the itch and therefore…the scratch!  An allergy is a hypersensitive reaction to a pollen, food,  something inhaled or that touches the skin.  ALLERGY SUPPORT PLUS contains the highest quality herbs known to support the body’s normal ability to combat skin-related issues associated with food and seasonal allergies. This highly effective product will relieve the itch and calm the skin so your pet can be comfortable. ALLERGY SUPPORT PLUS:

• Balances the excesses and deficiencies in the body
• Helps to reduce heat in the body and drains phlegm
• Unlike chalky tablets and pills, these chews are so tasty your dog or cat will LOVE them!
• Developed by Veterinarians and Nutritionists and made in the U.S.A.

Pet parents aren’t happy when our fur kids are uncomfortable, so when your dog or cat has skin issues, a moisturizing bath might relieve the problems. ALOE, OATMEAL & CHAMOMILE ITCH-RELIEF SHAMPOO is a soothing formula that provides relief from itchy, dry, flaky and sensitive skin. Specially formulated for dogs and cats, this gentle, hypo-allergenic formula is soap free so it won’t dry out your pet’s skin and will not wash away flea & tick preventative topicals. It contains aloe and oat extracts, nourishing natural oils and vitamins A, D and E to help soothe and repair irritated skin, as well as restore natural moisture to your pet’s skin and keep their coat healthy. Your pet will be feeling soft, refreshed and itch-free!

What to Do if More than Simple Itchies, Maybe a Hot Spot or Lick Sore

According to Julie Buzby, DVM, CVA, CAVCA and Founder of Dr. Buzby’s Innovations, “Early intervention is key for hotspots…and although home remedies may work, hot spots can grow quickly and are uncomfortable for your pet, so I always recommend veterinary treatment.  Lick sores are usually secondary to something else, such as atopy (seasonal allergies), flea allergies or even pain, so in addition to addressing the immediate need of the wound, a longer term strategy might be needed to prevent this from becoming a seasonal or recurring issue. In other words, don’t be surprised if your veterinarian talks about a bigger picture than just the oozy sore that you made the appointment for.  Although there are various types of hot spot-causing bacteria, most respond to oral and topical antibiotics.” Buzby continues, “Successful treatment will usually require figuring out the root cause. There is no miracle cure for lick granulomas, but acupuncture can sometimes be a valuable part of treatment and I’ve personally seen success with this in a few patients.”

Before Veterinary Care is Available

1. Trim fur around the hot spot with blunt nosed scissors. Exposing it to air will help dry out the moisture and speed healing.
2. Clean area with a well-diluted mixture of chlorhexidine and water (Hibiclens) and pat dry.
3. Spray SKIN SUPPORT PLUS directly on raw, irritated skin 1 – 4X daily, avoiding eyes.  It contains Tea Tree Oil – an effective natural remedy for rashes, blisters, sunburns, insect bites and other minor irritations; Aloe Vera – soothes, moisturizes and cools irritated skin while reducing inflammation and pain; Chamomile – contains antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and sedative properties.
4. Do not apply ointments to a hot spot as these products seal in infection while medications containing alcohol will burn an open wound. If you’re awaiting your SKIN SUPPORT PLUS to arrive, apply a tea bag (green, not herbal, that has cooled after being soaked for 5 minutes in hot water).  The tannic acid is a natural astringent that dries and heals.  Use this treatment 3-5 times per day until healed or get to your veterinarian in a couple days if it is not!

Work with your veterinarian to zero-in on the underlying cause of your pet’s itch:  fleas, pollen, food, cleaning products, stress or whatever the source…eliminate it! Many veterinarians prescribe cortisone, an anti-inflammatory steroid, to stop the itch-scratch cycle and antibiotics to fight the infection. Unfortunately, steroids can have serious side effects over extended periods of time while many other topical sprays contain alcohol, lidocaine, hydrocortisone, or other harsh chemical ingredients that can damage, burn or dry out your pet’s skin.

The post ITCHY SKIN? appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

Paws down, most would rate smell as the #1 most important canine sense, but a close second may be hearing.  If you could hear what your dog hears, you would have a superpower! Dogs use their ears to listen for prey and listen for danger, so it is tuned to high-pitched squeaks and rustlings.  No wonder my best buddy Haiku never missed the opportunity to show up in the kitchen when potato chips or candy bar wrappers are opened.

• Jack hammer hurts humans 130+db but 85+ hurts dog ears
• Barking dogs at a shelter 85-110dB
• Ultrasonic flea collar sends out pulses of sound 30-50Hz

While dogs have 18 muscles for moving their ears, cats have more than 30, and can rotate their as much as 180 degrees, and because of those muscles, a cat’s ears are a good way to detect his or her mood.

Taking sound to a different level, really more for the human, but…allowing your dog to have control of his needs is good for mental health.  A great example is to provide a bell or other noisemaker, and train your dog to ring it when he needs to answer nature’s call.  You could provide different sounds for play, a toy or when doggie wants a treat.  One of Haiku’s long ago brothers, Rex, excelled at bringing his dad and me the stuffed frog, the squirrel stuffie or the frisbee on command as he learned to associate the sounds they made with the name we called his toys.

Now that we know about how excellent our pet’s hearing is, let’s talk about the ear itself! In both dogs and cats, the ear canal is shaped like a capital “L” rather than angling down like our human canals do.  Therefore, moisture, dirt and debris can become more easily trapped and hard to get out without veterinary intervention. When bathing your pet, carefully place large cotton balls in the ears to prevent water from getting in and take care to always dry pet ears after swimming.

How to Clean Your Dog or Cat’s Ears

With one hand, gently pull your pet’s ear flap (the pinna) up and angle it slightly back toward the top of the head. This will help straighten the ear canal.  Give a good sniff (a healthy ear should not smell) and take a look inside to notice signs of dirt, waxy debris or redness.  Should the ear smell bad, look really red or infected or should you see the presence of black specks resembling pepper or coffee grounds, get your BFF to the vet.  Those small specks are the dirt left behind by ear mites and likely, your pet has been quite miserable!

If your pet’s ear however, does not appear to be harboring parasites or infection, dampen a gauze square with ear wash and place in the outer ear canal down to your first knuckle, gently wiping away dirt and wax.   It is just too easy to push debris and wax further down into the ear canal if you use a cotton swab so don’t!  If your gauze comes out dirty, take a clean one, moisten, and wipe again until the ear looks clean.  Take care not to get excess liquid down the ear canal.  I know, many products actually say to fill the ear canal with the cleaner, rub the ear gently and then let your pet shake, but 1) By doing so, you are flushing everything in the ear canal down onto the ear drum, and 2) If they don’t shake it out, it’s going to cause an infection!

In the past, I was an advocate of 1:1 water and white or apple cider vinegar, but experience is showing us that vinegar is acidic and can sting.  Especially since our pet’s outer ear flaps may have tiny little cuts from scratching with their own nails.  Therefore, rubbing alcohol should be avoided as well.  The best product is calming and dissolves wax.  Kiko and I give four paws up to pawTree’s Ear Wash & Ear Dry.  Veterinarian created, the wash contains all natural ingredients which are GRRRReat for your dog or cat!  Yucca reduces inflammation and allergic reactions, Aloe Vera is used to treat diaper rash in babies, but is also used in veterinary medication to reduce inflammation and/or swelling of inner ear tissue!   Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and contains sedatives, so again is a great natural choice for tender tissue.  Tea Tree Oil is an effective cleaning agent and mites hate the smell!  Of course though, you should only use in veterinarian-developed products like this ear wash in which tea tree oil is diluted to pet-safe amounts. Clove Oil is an analgesic so reduces pain while Echinacea contains antimicrobials and boosts your pet’s body to resist infection.

Since keeping both dog and cat ears dry is imperative to a healthy ear canal, finish up with Ear Dry!  Just a few drops in each ear quickly dry to a fine powder absorbing any moisture left behind by the cleaning.

Downward ear dogs should have their ears checked weekly to see if a cleaning is needed.  Most cats and dogs with upright ears may get away with just one a month, but if your pet is prone to issues, please check more regularly.

KIKO TESTED & PET SAFETY CRUSADER APPROVED!  If this is your first order, get 20% off using code: INTRO4U at https://pawtree.com/thepetsafetycrusader/product/2303

The post CLEANING DOG & CAT EARS appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

We have been talking about the importance of good dental health in our pets all month long, but this should be a 12 months of the year habit!  Brushing and good nutrition is of prime importance, but in between brushings, chewing on raw (NEVER RAW) bones and various types of chew toys, can help scrape plaque away.

Another option are dental sticks or treats.  Read labels carefully to make sure you provide only quality ingredients to your BFF (Best Furry Friend), but also make sure they are highly digestible.  Some products designed to scrape at the teeth may be swallowed in chunks, so you want to make sure they won’t create intestinal blockages or choking hazards.

A dental stick that my KIKO loves is the one made by pawTree which comes in 2 sizes.  She, of course, prefers the large.  I found it quite surprising the Kiko enjoys these sticks as she is 100% carnivore!  I cannot get her to eat bananas or carrots like her siblings before her.  She doesn’t even like peanut butter!  She’s all meat, all the time, even with treats, but she does enjoy pawTree’s DENTAL STICKS and that makes me a happy dog mom. And knowing they are veterinarian created and veterinarian approved, and made in the USA, I smile even bigger

pawTree® Dental Sticks work on three levels:

1. They support good, healthy, vibrant teeth by mechanically breaking off tartar on your dog’s teeth
2. The ingredients help to decrease the viscosity of the biofilm on the teeth
3. The addition of parsley and spearmint help freshen breath

ORDER HERE:  https://www.petsafetycrusader.com/shop/nutrition-supplements-treats-more/dental-sticks-for-dogs/

1. https://youtu.be/_3DoYUssj5s

The post DENTAL STICKS appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

WATCH VIDEO BLOG HERE:  https://fb.watch/bfJknvU7f5/

The four-head design toothbrush allows for quick and effective cleaning. You can pretty much brush uppers and lowers at the same time!  It’s best to replace your dog or cat’s brush every 3 months.

• Freshens Breath
• Cleans Plaque and Prevents Tartar Formation
• Soothes and Heals Gums
• Supports Oral Health

The 4in1 Toothbrush:

The four-head design allows for quick, efficient and effective cleaning that is also complete and thorough. While the three heads are cleaning the surface area of the teeth at one time, the fourth head is gently cleaning hard to reach places on the opposing tooth while also helping to keep your dog’s mouth open for easier brushing. The comfortable, gripped handle makes holding the brush a breeze and reduces slippage. The included brush cover allows for stand-up storage, keeping the bristles clean and free of bacteria (when cleaned properly). Available in sizes small and large.

WATCH VIDEO HERE:

https://www.facebook.com/SunnyDogInk/videos/738421927121135/

Small 4in1 Toothbrush (Orange): Recommended for dogs/cats weighing under 25lbs.

Large 4in1 Toothbrush (Blue): Recommended for dogs weighing more than 25lbs.

4in1 Enzymatic Toothpaste Gel:

The 4in1 Enzymatic Toothpaste Gel is a gentle and soothing toothpaste that is formulated using only the highest quality ingredients. The unique blend of Aloe, Manuka Honey, Sage, Baking Soda, Parsley and Enzymes supports healthy gums, prevents plaque formation, eliminates harmful bacteria, soothes gums, and freshens your dog’s breath at the same time.

Ingredients: Glycerin, Water, Pectin, Aloe, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Extract, Glucose Oxidase (Enzymes), Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Extract, Manuka Honey, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Sodium Benzoate.

Made in the USA.  Purchase yours here:  https://www.bowwowlabs.com/products/oral-care-starter-kit-large

The post BOW WOW LABS TOOTHBRUSH & PASTE FOR PETS appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

Did your mom ever refer to chicken soup as homemade penicillin?  Can food be medicine?  Many are taking note of the benefits of good nutrition these days, and bone broth may be a prime example of food as a healing and restorative tincture.  

Bone broth is what you get when you slow-cook bones in water.  My babcia (aka grandmother) and her grandmotherbefore her called it stock.  Chefs use it as a base for soups, gravies and sauces.  Anthropologists think humans have been making and drinking broth ever since fire was invented.  Most cultures make some form of bone broth.  The Japanese cook up tonkatsu, or pork broth, to use in ramen.  Adding vegetables can enhance its nutritional value but the broth itself, is purported to offer many health benefits.  Humans often drink broth for weight management as it fills you up with few calories.  Additionally, broth contains small amounts of the amino acid glycine which promotes relaxation and restorative sleep.  There are other ways bone broth helps not only us, but our pets besides providing great nutrition.

Photo by Katerina Holmes from Pexels

Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs & Cats

Skin & Coat Health

Gelatin extracted during the broth-making process is beneficial to both skin and coat health.  Packed with vitamins B and C, broth promotes collagen production and cell growth creating beautiful shiny canine and feline coats.

 

How to Make Bone Broth

Keep it simple.  Save the bones from your roasted chicken dinner (including legs and wings), or ask your butcher. Some say the most nutritious broths come from using a variety of bones:  marrow bones, oxtail, knuckles, feet and carcasses.  I know, I know for us vegetarians and vegans, this sounds hideous, but it is for your pet’s health.  I’m not requesting you make a batch for yourself.

Add the bones to a large pot, Dutch oven, crock-pot or insta-pot. Cover with filtered water and add 1 – 2 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar which breaks down the collagen making it more abundant in the broth. You can add pet-friendly veggies for added nutrition:  carrots and greens for instance, but avoid garlic and onions.  Bring to a boil then simmer covered for 10-12 hours (reduced to about 1/3 or 1/2 the original amount of liquid).  Strain and use, keeping refrigerated or freeze.

If it’s not in your wheelhouse to cook, give Bone Broth pawPairings a try.  The work is done for you and you can feel good that you are giving your pet quality ingredients, made in the USA.  They are a great way to add nutrition, boost your pet’s immunity and increase their energy without having you do more than a few keystrokes on your computer to order!  Even picky eaters love pawPairings which you can shake on top of your dog or cat’s regular food or make into a broth.  They come in both chicken and beef flavors and were developed by veterinarians and pet nutritionists.

How to Serve Bone Broth to Pets

How awesome to do something good for your dog or cat that is easy to shake on top of the food they already eat, and that they LOVE the taste of! Sprinkle dehydrated forms on food, make into a broth to add to kibble or lap up.  In warm weather, freeze into a nutritious popsicle treat!

 

And for my grandmother and her grandmother before her…according to New York Chef, Marco Canoro,  “Bone broth is essentially stock.” The confusion comes from the traditional definition for stock, which is thicker due to the collagen that seeps out of joints and bones during long-term cooking, and broth, which is thinner and is made with more actual meat (versus meat-stripped bones used for stock). The confusion comes from the fact that the current trend uses the word “broth” even though bone broth is essentially stock.

WATCH VIDEO BLOG HERE:  https://fb.watch/bfIXMQGLho/

The post BENEFITS OF BONE BROTH FOR YOUR BFF (Best Furry Friend) appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.