Natural Pet Health Blog

What is Canine Distemper and what are the symptoms?

Canine Distemper is a highly contagious, extremely serious viral disease which occurs in dogs and other wild canids (e.g.. foxes, wolves and coyotes), raccoons, skunks and ferrets.

It is an airborne virus, which affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central Nervous system of the animal. Puppies between three and six months and Elderly animals are particularly at risk.

Symptoms grow increasingly severe as the disease progresses, they include:

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Wesley’s Wonderful Bran Mash

1 1/2 cups uncooked oatmeal 1 cup Grape Nuts Cereal 1/3 cup molasses 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 tablespoons canola oil 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon peanut butter 1 package Oats and Honey bar, crushed 1 apple, chopped 1 carrot, chopped 1/8 cup flour 1 tablespoon Cinnamon Pinch of salt

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Sticky Treats

apple or carrot corn syrup quick oats

Cut apple in half. Take core out. Roll in corn syrup then oats. Do the same for a carrot. My horse loves this treat and it only takes 30 seconds.

Lizzie’s Rivendale Peppermint Treats

2 cups of flour 1 cup of oats 1/4 cup of molasses 10 crushed peppermints 2 apples

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written by Shawn Messonnier, DVM

(Author, of 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog, The Allergy Solution for Dogs, and the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats. His new book, The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, is scheduled for publication in February of 2006. http://www.petcarenaturally.com/

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When it comes to competing in shows and competitions, your pet needs to be in peak health. But constant high Stress and Anxiety levels can have a damaging effect on your pet’s condition and performance.

The excitement of the Competition can also wreak havoc on your carefully laid plans. Just when you want your pet to be hyper alert, obedient and focused, he may become distracted by all that’s going on around him. Competitions are exciting and stimulating but too much “zoning out” may torpedo your pet’s chances of showing well.

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We sip on Chamomile tea to soothe our nerves or brew a refreshing Peppermint tea to ease our upset stomach and than sink into the oceans of dreams. In the kitchen, we add Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Ginger, mint (and much more) to enhance the taste of our meals and herbal infusions, Botanicals; Essential Oils accompany our personal care products.

So, why shouldn’t our canine companions benefit from some of Mother Nature’s Gifts as well? Herbs, plants and plant essences can be used for dogs internally and externally, but please read my *warnings and suggestions at the end of this article.

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If your dog is sprayed by a skunk, you are likely to look frantically in your kitchen cupboards for something that you can wash her with that will neutralize and remove the overpowering smell. Usually this happens in the middle of the night, of course, since skunks are nocturnal creatures. Some simple chemistry will help you choose the right ingredients!

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In the wild, animals will naturally eat what they need and no more. The task of searching for food and other basic necessities involves lots of exercise and so wild animals remain naturally fit and healthy.

The food available to them in their natural habitat is perfectly designed to meet their needs in an environment that has not been tampered with.

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Excerpted from Dr. Kidd’s Guide to Herbal Dog Care, by Randy Kidd, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Rufus (my Aging dog), my wife, and I all take our antiaging Herbs on a daily basis, and I am firmly convinced that they are helpful. Judging by the comments from my many human clients who are using the Herbs I’ve recommended for their older dogs, Herbs are truly one of the very best treatments available for an Aging body - whether you are a human or a dog!

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