Well, I’m not talking about breeding your pet!  But…if you are considering CBD products for your pets, it’s always best to learn about how the ingredients are grown and what are best practices for all elements of the products you buy.

Growing hemp can be a very profitable business or an exciting hobby. Depending on whether you are growing these plants for personal or commercial needs, you need to be familiar with the method of cultivation and hemp’s life cycle.

Like most novice hemp breeders, you might think that breeding only females will bring you the highest yields. That’s true if you grow hemp to get CBD extract and other products. As you can see on Cheefbotanicals, male plants are not rich in cannabinoids (but they do have some), yet this doesn’t mean they are useless.

The main task of male hemp should be the pollination of female plants, but it should be carried out in controlled conditions, in order to get the best result.  Only the highest quality male plants should be selected to share their genetic material with the ladies. This will help the female hemp acquire improved features and give buds of top-notch quality, and isn’t that what you would want in any product you buy for your pet?

Find the Best Fertilizer

When you start growing hemp, what you want to get are buds full of CBD. Dried flowers can be smoked or steamed, and by processing them, you can make CBD oil, tinctures, and many other hemp-based products that have healing properties.  Please refer to my previous blog on how CBD may help your four-legged best friend.

Although males also develop flowers, they contain minimal amounts of cannabinoids. That’s why they don’t serve the same purpose as buds in female hemp. You can try to smoke them, but it just won’t be a pleasant experience. The desired soothing effect will be absent, and the taste, unpleasant.  We all know how hard it is to give our pets meds that taste icky!

You can’t check the quality of male strains by consuming them. So you have to use other methods to find out which plant you can use as a fertilizer. That can be a daunting task, as you can spot a large number of ‘guys’ on a single plantation. An aggravating circumstance may be that even some female plants may exhibit some male characteristics temporarily (stress response).

See the source below to find out why having males too close to ladies is not desirable:

https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/seeded-seedless-cannabis-hemp-fiber-seed-oil-cbd-needs/

Physical Characteristics

Hemp is an annual plant, which in its short lifespan, needs to do many things. That is why its growth is intense, and it happens when the days are long and warm. During the growth phase, pay attention to how the stems develop. This way, you will easily spot male members of this species and know how to choose quality specimens.

Male plants don’t have cannabinoid production activity. That is why they use all their energy into developing physics, that is, into the stem. These specimens are generally taller and thicker than females, but this is not a desirable characteristic for fertilization.

Look for stalks that are not too tall and have fewer leaves. Such plants can develop buds and contain some amount of cannabinoids, which means they are good candidates for fertilizers. Also, the stems should be firm, and the buds densely-packed. Eliminate males that are full of spongy fibers and airy buds. Strong, hollow stems indicate a higher percentage of THC content in male plants.

Sniff It

Well, that’s what your dog would do!  The intense, pleasant smell of the cannabis plant indicates the desired amount of terpenes in them. This substance gives a characteristic scent and aroma to buds and CBD products. Odorless or smelly males are not good fertilizers. If you fertilize ladies with pollen from stinky male plants, the buds’ quality and aroma won’t be pleasing.

Early Flowering Is a No-No

After the growth phase, the next stage in hemp’s life is blooming. It usually begins when the nights get longer than the day. Some males tend to bloom earlier, which is not a desirable feature in fertilizers. The problem is that these strains can turn into hermaphrodites. Then, they will waste pollen on self-fertilization. More on the issue of hermaphroditism read here.

Male individuals are very potent, and if pollen scattering is not prevented, they can pollinate an entire field of female hemp. Buds obtained from such plants are of the lowest quality because they are rich in seeds. But female strains do need a man. With controlled fertilization, you can get the most of both sides.

The post Which Male Hemp Flower Plant is Good Breeding Material appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

This is why some human food are safe for your canine pal and why some are downright toxic. Websites such as http://www.bestdogdads.com/can-my-dog-eat-this/ can give insights as to which foods are suitable for your dog. You might not want to enhance ready-made pet food, but do your research and choose wisely.  Many whole foods, natural veggies, fruits, and meat, can be a great addition to your dog’s nutrition.  Let’s see how?

Vegetables your pet can enjoy

Your canine pet can munch on a variety of vegetables including potatoes, carrots, green peas, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and celery.  Most however, must be chopped fine, lightly steamed or even pureed to more easily pass through your dog’s shorter digestive tracts.  Peas form a core ingredient in many kinds of food for dogs. Tasty and low in calories, these are high in nutritional value and make a healthy treat for your pet. Opt for the fresh variety of peas instead of offering canned ones which often contain added salt.

If you are feeding broccoli, make sure it’s given in moderation as certain elements present in broccoli such as isothiocyanates could irritate his digestive system. Does your pet love to devour carrots? Encourage him as the nutrition and calorie balance in carrots are quite healthy for dogs.  Just take it easy if your pet is diabetic or prone to candida as both carrots and bananas do contain an abundance of natural sugars.  Another excellent source of vitamins and minerals is celery that can be given in small amounts. 

Supervise your pet to prevent choking, and cut veggies into bite-sized pieces before you feed him.   Stay away from onions and chives as they can result in Hemolytic Anemia and cause the kidneys to fail!  

Have a question on specific food items? Check out more on all that your pooch can eat here. 

Edible fruits for your pet dog 

PAWS OFF grapes and raisins as these carry harmful compounds that can lead to severe conditions such as renal failure.  Avocados, particularly from Guatemala, contain high levels of persin, and cause breathing issues in some species.  A little avocado can be okay but prevent Fido from chewing the skin or swallowing the pit.  Both can cause severe injury.  

Blueberries and blackberries are a rich source of antioxidants that can increase your dog’s absorption of certain vitamins, minerals, and fiber.  Apples and watermelons too are considered safe for your hounds, but  remove the seeds and rind to avoid the possibility of choking. Some other fruits you can offer in moderation include mangoes, strawberries, bananas, oranges, and coconut. Just take care with any fruit that contains a seed or pit, as those portions of the fruit contain arsenic or cyanide which can poison your pooch.

Nutty-love 

If your doggy wants to binge on nuts, you need to intervene as it can upset his tummy.  Pulverized nuts in the form of a little peanut butter can be a tasty treat, but be sure it does not contain xylitol!  Also, less is more as peanut butter is high in calories and can lead to weight gain if consumed in higher quantities. Refrain from offering macadamia nuts as they can cause tremors, paralysis and vomiting, and should those be chocolate covered macadamia nuts, you have a double whammy of poisoning.

No need to add additional salt to your dog’s diet, so chips and pretzels should also be avoided. 

Dogs can be given cooked eggs, even the shells on occasion for extra calcium.  Eggs contain all the essential amino acids so are considered the perfect food!  Boneless, cooked salmon is another healthy source of protein you can feed your dog.  The omega-3 fatty acids in the fish can reduce inflammation and naturally fluff-up his furry coat. Speaking of good fats, cheese in very small amounts can be given as a rare treat. Chicken, turkey and beef are also good proteins for the canine buddy.  Chicken however, has been know to cause allergies in some pets, so speak with your veterinarian or canine nutritionist as other novel proteins such as lamb, rabbit, venison or ostrich might be encouraged and become a welcomed part of your dog’s diet.  

NEVER offer chocolate to your dog as it contains theobromine, both a cardiac stimulant and dieuretic which can prove fatal since it reacts differently with your dog’s metabolism than with a human’s.  Also, avoid sharing caffeinated beverages such as tea or coffee.  Instead, cuddle up for movie dates on the couch and share a few kernels of unsalted, butter-free popcorn!

Milk should be given in limited quantities to most dogs as they become lactose intolerant and may suffer diarrhea.  A few bites of bread is okay, but just really doesn’t add anything to their nutrition however, never let them get into unbaked breads!  As the yeast continues to rise, it can form a blockage in their tummies and also cause alcohol poisoning! 

The bottom line is that your dog can live a healthier life if you feed him right.  Get professional advice, observe how your pet responds to various foods and monitor his diet to see what suits him and what he is allergic to. It is always  best to consult your Vet if you are unsure or if your pet has consumed something he should not.  It could be a matter of life or death!  

The post Foods that Dogs Can Eat  appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

Dogs don’t deal with the heat the same way we humans do. For example, did you know that dogs don’t sweat as much? They only produce sweat in areas not covered by fur, like their paws and their bellies. Still, they can do well in the heat. The way they do it is by panting. That’s why you see them usually panting a lot when they are tired, or the weather is too hot. 

There are indeed a lot of methods to do help your dog with the head, though. For example, there are jackets that you can use along with icepacks to keep them cooled down. That is a really good option if you go out with your dog for a walk, or your dog is constantly outside your house. Outdoors can get hot sometimes, and having a cooling jacket is great if you can’t pay attention to your dog because of shores or work.

Pools are also a great alternative. It’s a great way to let them play and get cooled down during a hot day. They are small and pretty safe, too, so you won’t have to worry about their safety. You can click here for a list of dog pools if you are interested! 

Another thing to consider when going for a walk on a hot day is not to walk in the pavement. It gets really hot if the sun is too strong, and it can hurt your dog’s paws if you are not careful. It’s also really uncomfortable. Imagine walking on the street on a sunny day without any shoes. That’d be awful!

Still, some breeds deal with the heat better than others. If you think your dog may be suffering from overheating, you should consider these options. 

Most dogs can tolerate summer, however. Even more, if they are properly hydrated and you let them inside your house. You should be especially careful with dogs with a snub-nose, like pugs, bulldogs, and Boston terriers. 

Signs Your Dog is Overheating

You should check your dog’s temperature if you find these signs:

• Panting and rapid breathing
• Too much thick saliva
• Fatigue, tiredness or depression
• Staggering
• Weakness

If the temperature of your dog is over 101.5°, now you know your dog is overheating. The best thing to do in this case is to let them inside your house and cover them with a slightly cold wet towel. You don’t want to use water that is too cold because you can harm them if you change their body temperature too fast. Try to get them to drink some water, if possible, but don’t make them drink if you don’t see them drinking any. 

If the symptoms pass, you shouldn’t worry about calling the vet, but if they persist, get the help of a professional.

Some other symptoms you might encounter include:

• Lethargy
• Dry mouth
• Sunken eyes

There’s a good way to know if your dog is dehydrated. It works for humans, too. Try pinching the back of your dog’s neck. If it’s slow to snap back to its place, that’s a sign of dehydration. In the case of humans, you do it differently. If you pinch the back of your hand, and it takes time to snap back, you know what it means. There’s more information about it over here: http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-checkups-preventive-care/8-tips-cool-your-dog-a-hot-summer-day 

Don’t Shave Your Dog!

Panting is about 80% of a dog’s cooling power. Most of the time, this enough for them to deal with the heat, but in case it is not, you should try the alternatives we already provided. Shaving your dog’s fur is not a wise thing to do. Since they don’t have the same amount of sweat glands as we do, this will not be as effective as you might think.

Also, shaving your dog’s fur may cause some nasty side effects. For example, fur protects your dog from sunburns. Believe it or not, it results in a greater risk of a heat stroke. It also increases the chances of your dog suffering from skin cancer. 

In most cases, a fur coat takes a lot of time to recover, and this will leave your dog more sensible for a long time.

Canned Food Instead of Standard Dry Dog Food

Overall, canned food is better than dry food because it contains more proteins, fats, and carbs. But that’s not all. Dry dog food is also known for making your dog’s stomach hotter, thus making it harder for him to deal with a hot day.

There are other things to consider when it comes to dry dog food, but the most important one is that it can get damaged easily in comparison to canned food. And this can bring a lot of health problems for your dog.

Canned food, on the other hand, is extremely nutritive for them and doesn’t cause this problem at all. You should consider mixing some canned food in your dog’s diet if you want to help them deal with a hot day.

The post How to Help Dogs with the Heat, Dog Swimming Pools, and Alternatives appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

Is your pet dog not feeling well? Or is your cat showing signs of irritability or nausea? If you are worried, and this is the first time that your lovable cat or dog has shown these kinds of behaviors, it might be the best time to visit a veterinary clinic in Abbotsford, British Columbia, if that is your neck of the woods!  Read more information about veterinary medicine at this website.

If you visit your veterinarian regularly for routine care, then you are doing what every pet parent should.  Additionally, you are likely making sure that your pets are getting their vitamins, their weight is normal, and that they are regularly screened for any illnesses in your area.  It’s always better to be proactive than to anxiously wait in the lobby of a veterinary clinic hoping for a cure for allergies, an infection or whatever ails your pet.  In spite of the best care however, sometimes emergencies happen!

Most Common Emergencies that Require Veterinary Care

1. Vomiting 

Most canines vomit and experience diarrhea at some point in their lives.  A lot of things can cause these medical symptoms of an underlying problem.  If you notice that your dog has vomited once or twice, but you don’t notice anything else unusual, observe him for 24-hours without panicking as it is likely he will return to normal if you rest his tummy from all food, provide plenty of water and ask your vet about an over-the-counter antacid.  

If the vomiting however, happens more than once or twice in 24-hours and/or if your dog seems weak or displays other symptoms, get to your vet promptly!  An abundance of drool and excessive swallowing of saliva could mean your dog is about to vomit.  Upset tummies can be caused by motion sickness, spoiled food, infections, or even chronic diseases. It is best to consult the nearest Abbotsford veterinary if your dog continues to vomit for an extended period or anytime you see blood or mucus in the vomit, do not delay!

2. Limping

If you notice your cat is having difficulty walking, it could be a sign that she has strained, torn or fractured a joint, bone or muscle!  You should notice a change in her normal gait that demonstrates she is feeling pain when walking. Testing and treatments, including x-rays, are available to determine how severe the damage is and what the best course of action would be to help your ailing kitty, no matter her age.   

Limping can be the result of arthritis, ligament ruptures, growth abnormalities, bone tumors, spinal problems, and muscle soreness. Medical advancements provide non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications that can relieve pain for your cat. These NSAIDs are used commonly for cats that experience chronic arthritis. Some drugs, as well as supplements, can be administered to improve the health of the joints. Treatments vary, so it’s best to visit the clinic as soon as you notice your cat is uncomfortable.

3. Coughing

When your pet is coughing, it can be distressing to you and stressful on his or her system.  Coughing can be a non-specific symptom that can stop in a matter of days, a minor irritation however, some coughs require further assessments, tests, and urgent treatments as they can lead to something worse. If the cough doesn’t resolve quickly, you should seek competent medical care.  There can be an underlying condition that requires expedient treatment such as heart disease, asthma, lung disease, blockage in the trachea, or upper respiratory tract infection. Read more here: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/302460-overview.

If your pet has already been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, he or she may be required to take furosemide by your veterinarian. You MUST pay attention to the duration and time of day when coughing is at its worst.  This information might be helpful to your veterinarian.  Tests such as heartworm antigen testing, complete blood counts, and cervicothoracic radiographs may determine the cause. There is also airway nebulization that can clear away mucus if the cough is respiratory in origin.  Confide in your pet’s medical expert as to the best treatment.  

4. Changes or Loss of Appetite 

The amount of food and water that your pet consumes can be an indicator of their current health. There are a variety of reasons why your pet dog or cat won’t eat. These can include illnesses such as liver problems, cancer, and other system infections. Another factor that can contribute to the loss or change of appetite is dental disease. Lots of canines can have difficulty in chewing because of severe gingivitis or gum problems. 

What you can do will depend on the cause determined by your veterinarian. Supplements or a change in diet might help your pet meet his nutritional requirements.  Discuss options with your vet to make sure your pet is getting the nutrition he needs to be his best.  Sometimes just warming the food a little or adding smelling fish oils (Omega 3s) might stimulate your dog’s nose and make him want to eat! 

A Final Word

Any change in your pet’s behavior warrants a call to the vet.  Symptoms are a sign of something not quite right, but it is your dog or cat’s medical professional who can determine what that is and the best course of action to alleviate the symptoms and help your pet thrive.  Make it a priority to find a vet you trust to become your dog or cat’s second best friend (after all, you are his first best friend), and never miss an annual exam as finding a problem early can be a life-saver!

The post Abbotsford Vet, Trusting Your Local Veterinarian At Your Vet Clinic appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

1. The volume of the machine
If you want a machine with an efficient stain removal ability, you should buy a vacuum with a powerful motor.  Devices with light engines are suitable for ordinary dirt, such as coffee spills or dust.  For powerful smells and urine stains pets may leave behind, you need a powerful motor to achieve the best results, especially in thick carpets.  Also, make sure that the power of the vacuum isn’t too strong for your carpet, so that it won’t damage the rug.

2. Stain insulator
This insulator isolates urine and other wastes away from the tank of water. If you continuously use the machine, you can permeate your carpet with the strong scent of ammonia if you don’t chose the correct model.

3. The capacity of the tank to hold water
It is an advantage to purchase a tool that has a large water tank. It will work more efficiently by reducing the need to constantly refill the tank.  Although heavier, it will be a more substantial tool for your needs.

4. The cleaning feature
When selecting the best rug cleaner, you should consider all the necessary features you desire, with reliability and convenience topping the list. You should also choose a model that has appropriate filtration, brush attachments for varying heights of carpet as well as furnishings.  Together these make the perfect cleaning.

5. The warranty on the machine
Take care, when operating your Roomba, that you do not breach the terms and conditions on the warranty.  Some machines have specifications, determined by their manufacturers, regarding the brands of  carpet formula or shampoo that must be used for optimum performance. If you operate the machine with products other than ones designated by the manufacturer and the machine breaks down, the warranty will not cover damages.

6. A cleaner that’s made for pet fur

Choosing the right robotic vacuum for the job is a must.  Select a carpet cleaner that is designed to collect loose fur and pet hair without jamming or missing debris.  Your rug will stay cleaner, and you will be happier for it.

7. The  battery
It is advisable to keep in mind the lifespan of the battery – How long will the machine perform before you need to recharge?  Seventy-five minutes is a good ballpark, and a machine with a self-charging feature is a plus!

8. Automated shutoff
As a pet owner, you should purchase a rug cleaner that can automatically shut off.  Machines with this feature will shut off should the tank fill with dirty water or become empty, preventing damage to your carpeting.

9. The cost of the device
Do not forego quality when purchasing the a machine to keep your home free of pet debris.  Vacuum cleaners are not inexpensive, however do your research and weigh the cost over time against it’s ability to keep your carpet looking like new.

10. The weight and the size of the machine
Most homeowners prefer a light-weight, compact Roomba which is easier to operate and more convenient to store.   Nevertheless, if you opt to select a heavy-duty cleaner, keep in mind that the robot vacuum cleaner will be more substantial and capable of getting the job done!

Click here to find out how these products work.

Conclusion
In our homes, pets are held so close to our hearts. They truly are part of the family, however…accidents can happen, even when your pets know their manners. It can be upsetting, but don’t blame the pet, make sure you have the tool to fix the problem!  Purchase a rug detergent that will clean the stains and odor, and a machine that will meet your needs at picking up pet hair.

Vacuums and cleaners are essential in keeping ours homes clean and odor-free, and if you choose wisely, they can save you anxiety and unnecessary effort.  Therefore, please consider the factors mentioned above which should help you choose the best device to ease your workload, keep your house clean, and make life more comfortable with your furry family.

The post Tips For Choosing The Best Roomba Robot Vacuums For Pet Hair appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.