It can be challenging to see your furry companion in so much distress. Fortunately, there are treatments available for treating allergies in dogs. Most of the vets reach for prescription drugs as the first line of treatment. Although these drugs are quite effective in treating the condition, yet they may cause specific side effects.

Over the past couple of years, Cannabis has come up as an effective alternative treatment to help your dog deal with allergies and provide long-term relief. This all-natural option has suddenly become very popular in relieving symptoms of skin conditions in both humans and animals.

The Most Common Skin Allergies in Dogs

Primarily, two types of allergies can contribute to major and minor skin irritations in dogs:

• Contact Dermatitis
• Food Allergies

Sometimes, things that come in contact with the dog’s skin may cause hypersensitivity in them. These things usually include molds, flea bites, pollens, certain chemicals, topical medicines, and other alien substances. This may lead to allergic reactions, which are often termed as contact dermatitis.

On the other hand, some dogs may also develop allergies to certain food ingredients. And, this may lead to inflamed and irritated skin. There may be mild to severe allergy cases, with symptoms like hair loss, constant licking, and itching.

Many dogs may have seasonal allergies, which may surface from time to time, such as pollen allergy. On the other hand, some dogs also have chronic allergies. Some of the most common symptoms of the condition include:

• Dry, flaky, and irritated skin patches
• Excessive scratching, biting, or licking a particular area
• Redness and blisters on the skin
• Loss of hair over the affected skin patches
• Excessive licking of paws or groin areas

There are many clinically-approved skin allergy tests available. But despite those, diagnosing the specific element that is causing allergy in your dog is quite tricky. It is an extensive process to determine what is causing so much trouble to your furry friend.

This is one reason why Cannabis products have become so popular for treating skin allergies in dogs. These products offer holistic care and offer relief from several symptoms of the problem. You can take Cannabis tincture for anxiety, for they come with natural Cannabis goodness. The products from Oklahoma marijuana dispensaries are sourced from 100% organic, high-quality cannabis, grown without any harmful pesticides and chemicals.

Traditional Treatment Options for Skin Allergies in Dogs

Depending upon the intensity of the symptoms, your vet may suggest any of the following treatment options:

• Topical or oral corticosteroids
• Topical or oral antibiotics to treat infected skin
• Antihistamines or any other immune-suppressing medicine

Undoubtedly, all these medications are effective in treating allergies in dogs. However, they come with several side effects. For instance, corticosteroids may cause hypertension, weight gain, or noticeable behavioral changes in dogs. Similarly, antibiotics may hurt the gut, causing severe digestion problems. Antihistamines can also compromise your dog’s ability to battle with infections. Thus, it is essential to identify a natural remedy to treat skin allergies in dogs.

How Can Cannabis Help?

Cannabis is an all-natural and safe remedy that shows plenty of promise in treating skin allergies in dogs. Cannabis is one of the many chemical compounds found in the plant-derived from Cannabis Sativa. Unlike its most popular counterpart, THC, Cannabis is non-psychoactive.

Recently, there have been a plethora of studies concluding the healing benefits of Cannabis. It has proved to be a potent natural substance with many therapeutic properties, especially concerning skin health. But before administering Cannabis to your dog, it is essential to identify the source.

Now let us understand the science behind Cannabis and how it can help dogs treat various skin conditions.

Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System

Humans, as well as animals, have an endocannabinoid system, also known as ECS. This system comprises a network of receptors and transmitters that control the functions of the central and peripheral nervous system. ECS plays a vital role in regulating various critical biological processes. Among them are immune system functions, pain and inflammation processes, gut health, and skin health.

As it turns out, the cannabinoids found in Cannabis attach to the receptors. The interaction between the two helps regulate essential skin functions, including skin cell growth, death, and staying supple and moist. In other words, the cannabinoids in Cannabis help to activate the ECS to improve critical symptoms of skin allergies.

How Cannabis Treats Skin Allergies in Dogs?

According to research conducted by the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kuopio, Finland, Cannabis-rich hemp oil effectively treats skin allergies. The oil increased the levels of several essential fatty acids in the skin that relieved itching and dryness.

Apart from helping with skin allergies, Cannabis is also known for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Since both play a crucial role in skin problems caused by allergies in dogs, it stands to reason that Cannabis may help to alleviate your dog’s skin allergy symptoms.

According to the findings from a study, Cannabis’s anti-inflammatory properties are especially helpful in treating cases of contact dermatitis by triggering cannabinoid receptors in the skin’s ECS.

Wrapping Up

In many cases, Cannabis has found to be very effective in treating and curing skin allergies in dogs. If you wish to try this incredible natural substance, you can seek the guidance of your vet. He will conduct a few diagnostic tests to determine the exact cause of the problem and will also help you identify the right dosage and form of Cannabis that will work best for your dog.

The good news is, there is a medicinal product on the market that is proving to be life-changing for many people, and as it happens, it can be of benefit to dogs as well.

Why CBD is a safer alternative to traditional medication

Cannabinol (CBD) comes from the same family as marijuana, but unlike the latter, which can get you high, CBD does not have psychoactive effects. This natural compound has been around for thousands of years.

Nevertheless, research on CBD is still preliminary. There is still much that researchers do not know about it, primarily since, in most cases, experiments can only be performed on rats rather than humans.

Despite limited research, scientists have observed CBD’s encouraging results regarding chronic diseases and mental health issues. Some of the health issues CBD can help with include Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety, depression, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, heart disease, and more.

Even more encouraging is that CBD has not exhibited harmful effects on humans or animals, thus making it a safer alternative to traditional medication.

Five mind-blowing ways senior dogs can benefit from CBD

Now that you know a little more about CBD, here are five great reasons why you should consider giving CBD to help your aging dog.

1. CBD is fantastic for pain management

Hip dysplasia or IVDD, arthritis, or inflammation, these are all health conditions that can affect your dog’s day-to-day activities. Pain management is key to decreasing the aches and giving your pet relief, and you can do this with a dose of CBD.

Studies on CBD as a powerful pain-relieving medication show great promise. In one study, conducted on rats with arthritis, researchers observed the pain-relieving effects of CBD. Scientists administered 62.3mg of CBD per day for four days, and they noticed a decrease in pain in the rats’ joints.

2. CBD is gentler on the organs

If your dog has had a history of health issues, you know that there are various pain medications to manage your pet’s pain. The problem with some of this traditional medication is that it can have serious side effects and damage other organs such as your dog’s liver or kidneys.

With age, our organs begin to wear down, and this happens to animals as well. So being gentle on these organs is critical to keeping your pet healthier for longer. The side effects of some traditional medication are significant. Some medicines can cause kidney and liver toxicity, as well as gastrointestinal ulcers and perforations. For dogs who already have kidney or liver issues, this can worsen their state, or worse, lead to death.

CBD provides you with a different alternative. You can still help your pet with the right dose but avoid causing more damage to his already weak state. Administering CBD is more accessible, as well. You can give your dog a drop of CBD oil, or you can shop vegan CBD tincture in the flavor your dog prefers.

3. CBD is excellent for anxiety

More than anything else, CBD seems to have become a trending product thanks to Instagram influencers hailing it a natural alternative to relieving anxiety. Many users have described CBD as removing, rather than adding to their experience, saying how CBD removes those negative feelings, which cause stress and anxiety.

Luckily, CBD’s work on anxiety isn’t just a trend. Studies have shown the positive effects CBD has on anxiety. It has been administered to people suffering from different mental health issues, including PTSD, depression, postpartum, menopause, and anxiety.

For your dog, CBD can provide relief from the stress and anxiety caused by an operation, pain, or an accident that left him traumatized. By increasing the dog’s serotonin level, CBD will help your pet relax and feel calmer. This, paired with a calm environment, will help your dog enjoy more peaceful days.

4. CBD helps increase appetite

A reduction in appetite is common among aging dogs, especially if they are ill or in pain. The problem is, food is critical to having your dog remain strong and healthy for longer. While force-feeding your dog isn’t practical, using CBD to increase your pet’s appetite is.

CBD works on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. The latter uses receptors to manage critical bodily functions, such as pain, mood, sleep, and more. The ECS also happens to control our hunger level. While researchers have yet to learn how CBD interacts with the ECS’s receptors, what they have observed is that it positively affects them, and in this case, it increases appetite.

5. CBD encourages sleep

What’s fascinating about CBD is that it has a double effect. In low doses, CBD acts as a stimulant, giving your dog a boost in energy to improve his quality of life. Alternatively, when taken in high doses, CBD encourages sleep by making your dog feel more relaxed.

If your dog is suffering from poor sleep due to pain, illness, or trauma, using CBD to help him get longer stretches of sleep is an excellent way to enhance his quality of life. Moreover, if you want your dog to stay still as much as possible to heal from a wound, using CBD to encourage more prolonged bouts of sleep is a safe way of ensuring that the wound is not touched. An added advantage is that CBD helps wounds heal more quickly.

Giving CBD to your dog

Although CBD comes with a long list of advantages, you must consult a medical professional before administering CBD to your dog. A professional will ensure that CBD does not have adverse effects on other medications you may be giving your dog. Moreover, as with other medicines, the dose of CBD for dogs varies from that of humans, so be sure you are giving your dog the right amount.

Jeffery Thompson is a full-time content marketing specialist. He has been closely following the pet, CBD and Cannabis industry trends for quite some time. He has dabbled in various domains before the cannabis industry. On his off days, he likes to spend his time at the nearest animal shelter or nose deep in a book.

However, there are various challenges when it comes to CBD for pets. With many products and information about CBD, you might find getting started quite overwhelming.

Whether you are new to CBD or an experienced user, you want to make sure to do the right thing as you give CBD to your cat or dog.

Here are the top five do’s and don’ts of CBD that you’ll find helpful:

Do’s of CBD For Pets

1.   Buy Lab Tested CBD Products

Much like organic foods, giving your pet organic CBD edibles is a smart choice. It allows them to enjoy CBD’s benefits without risking the harmful chemicals from pesticides. However, every seller is labeling their products as ‘organic,’ and there’s no way to verify this claim. That’s where third-party lab testing comes in.

The hemp plant, which produces CBD oil, can be contaminated with toxins. As a result, it has to undergo various tests to certify that the oil is free from toxins, pure and can offer the claimed health effects. So, before buying any product, make sure they pass these tests:

• Pesticide testing
• Potency testing
• Residual solvents testing
• Terpene profiling
• Microbiological testing

Most reliable sellers provide this information on the labels. If the products lack this useful information, avoid them.

2.   Buy Products With No THC

Most of the CBD products contain a low content of THC, usually below 0.3%. But for the safety of your pet, you should consider buying products with zero THC content. Unlike humans, animals are more sensitive and can react even with a small content of THC.

3.   Buy Labeled CBD Products

When shopping for CBD for your pet, you need to stick to labeled products. It allows you to find out the ingredients used, chemical composition, the potency of the product, and dosage guidelines. But with no regulations from the FDA, some producers can wrongfully label their products. You can check review here herbonaut for all kind of CBD products.

Over-labelling and under-labeling of CBD products are common in the CBD industry. To be sure you get the right products, it’s wise to buy from reputable companies. Also, always check the certificate of analysis in all CBD products you buy.

4.   Check the Method of Extraction

To pick the most effective and healthiest CBD product for your pet, you need to consider the extraction method. Although there are many methods of extracting CBD, CO2 extraction is mostly preferred. It preserves the nutrients and delivers safe CBD products. So, make sure to buy products extracted using this method.

5.   Use the Right CBD Dosage

When buying CBD products, first is to ensure that you’re buying the right products, the next step is to determine the right dose for your pet, depending on its potency. The manufacturer should provide you with guidance on how much CBD you should give your pet. The dosage method can vary based on the type of product, so make sure to consult an expert on how to go about it.

Establishing the right dosage takes some time and experimentation. You need to be patient and go with low doses until you find the most suitable dosage for maximum results. The good thing is that CBD is safe even on a high dosage.

Don’ts of CBD For Pets

1.   Avoid Self Prescribing CBD with No Experience

Although CBD is not harmful, establishing a suitable dose will help to minimize the mild side effects. For this reason, never give CBD to your pet without proper consultation. The body tolerance to CBD usually varies among pets. Consulting a certified vet helps you to determine the right dosage.

2.   Avoid Beginning With High Doses

When administering CBD to your pet for the first time, it’s best to start with a low dose. Animals react differently to medications. That’s because some factors influence the reaction. These include the pet’s weight, body tolerance, metabolism, the condition being treated, and the potency of the product.

Starting with a small dose enables you to monitor their response and reactions. Besides, the low dose also helps prevent mild allergic reactions caused by CBD products. Once you notice a positive response to CBD, you can gradually increase the dosage as advised by a vet.

3.   Avoid Products With Unrealistic Claims

While CBD has many health benefits to your pet, some sellers or manufacturers exaggerate the claims to get people to buy their products. For instance, they can make outrageous claims that CBD can heal your pet within 24 hrs. Such information is misleading since many factors influence the effects of CBD on your cat or dog. You can ask your friends or vet for recommendations on reliable products.

4.   Avoid Using Random CBD Products on Your Pet

It’s easy to think all CBD products are equal. The fact that most of them are derived from the hemp plant doesn’t mean they are the same. The market is packed with many CBD products for pets nowadays. These products vary in terms of potency, among other factors.

Mixing different products might also seem like a good idea for more effects. But this is not advisable because each product has unique effects on your pet. Always stick to the right product as advised by an expert at a time.

5.   Avoid Buying CBD Products from Any Seller

CBD products are now popular and available everywhere. However, this does not mean that you should buy products from any seller you come across. Remember, the market is still largely unregulated, which creates room for unscrupulous sellers.

You need to buy from trustworthy sellers or manufacturers. Established brands are the best because they mind their reputation and invest a lot to ensure you get quality products. Doing proper research and checking the company’s reviews online will help you avoid being scammed.

Conclusion

As CBD grows in popularity, the market continues to witness hundreds of companies offering CBD products for pets. However, the popularity of CBD for pets also presents a challenge. There’s a lot of inferior products and misleading information about CBD online. If you are new in the industry,  it’s hard to know who to trust. This guide equips you with crucial information to help you navigate the CBD industry and provide your pet with safe products. Make sure to follow these tips for the best results.

Jeffery Thompson is a full-time content marketing specialist. He has been closely following the pet, CBD and Cannabis industry trends for quite some time. He has dabbled in various domains before the cannabis industry. On his off days, he likes to spend his time at the nearest animal shelter or nose deep in a book.

Due to this, owners are trying to find the best cure and supplements to enhance pets’ wellness. CBD may be the best natural remedy for various health problems your pet goes through. However, most pet owners are skeptical when it comes to the therapeutic benefits it has on the pet because of the confusing information about CBD in the mainstream media.

How do you separate the facts from myths? Here are some of the common myths about CBD to clear your mind and make more informed decisions.

1.    CBD Can Get Your Pet High: 

It is a misunderstanding that confronts many pet owners. Most of them usually believe that administering a certain amount of CBD gets the pets high and causes euphoria. 

However, research shows that CBD is non-intoxicant and is derived from the hemp plant. Hemp contains a small amount of THC, less than 0.3%. THC is the substance responsible for the intoxicating effects. With such negligible amounts of THC, the chances of your pet getting high are very minimal. 

The only way your pet can get high is if you administer low-quality products that contain high levels of THC. The best thing is that you can find a reputable shop to buy cannabidiol products in 2020.

2.    CBD Can Cure All Ailments: 

It is another myth spread by unethical CBD products dealers who promise to treat all kinds of ailments. It is, however, not true, as no approved research supports these claims. Therefore, avoid over depending on CBD to cure your pet’s health conditions. 

On the other hand, CBD has some medical benefits, like treating signs and symptoms of particular disorders. These are research-backed benefits of using CBD oil on your pet: 

• Anti-inflammatory: It property of CBD can help treat cancer symptoms, improve appetite, treating nausea, relieving stress and anxiety, and treating heart condition. 
• Fighting cancer-related symptoms: Studies reveal that the use of CBD can slow down the growth, spread, and expansion of cancer cells. It also helps to manage cancer symptoms and can ease appetite or vomiting issues.
• Reduces convulsions: CBD can be beneficial for treating pet disorders such as seizures, spasms, and tremors. It can also cure and relieve symptoms of epilepsy. 
• Improves overall health: CBD is a good supplement that helps improve the overall health and wellbeing of pets, for instance, metal and physical health.  
• Ease pain: One of the main benefits of CBD is to ease the pain. Various research studies also state that CBD can help manage and minimize neuropathic discomfort in pets, especially when dealing with arthritis and joint pain. 

3.    CBD Cause Fatigue in Pets: 

Most people assume that all the CBD products can make a pet tired and sleepy. It is, however, not the case as CBD doesn’t have any sedative compounds. But if the product contains high levels of THC, then it can trigger fatigue. 

On the contrary, CBD makes them feel better by treating all forms of anxiety and preventing severe infections. It, in the end, relaxes and gives them a better sleep. 

Some of the anxiety disorders in a pet that CBD can help with include; 

• Continuous chewing
• Unremitting barks
• Sudden aggression 
• Unusual pooping and urinating 
• Convulsions 

4.    All CBD Products are Similar

The statement that all CBD are the same is just a myth. It isn’t very clear, especially if you are looking for a quality product for your pet.

There is a variety of CBD products available in the market with varying quality. The quality depends on the cultivation methods of the hemp plant and the production methods used in processing the CBD product.

Most of the time, low prices indicate poor quality products. On the other hand, trustworthy sellers go an extra mile by testing CBD to ensure that what you get is pure and effective.

5.    Pets Can Overdose From CBD

Although CBD may have a few harmless and temporary side effects, it doesn’t cause intoxication. Instead, it offers excellent medicinal benefits that enhance the health and life of your pet.

Besides, there is no standard dose for your pet. That’s because the effects of CBD on pets are influenced by various factors such as the weight of the pet and the potency of CBD. However, it would help if you kept the dose low as you start and increase gradually to minimize the side effects.

6.    You Can Give Your Pet Your Own Prescribed CBD Products

Since CBD works for humans, some pet owners believe that there is no harm to sharing them with their pets. But even though CBD for humans and pets may seem similar, the concentration is entirely different. It is because your body weight and the metabolic rate differ from that of your pet. 

Also, the potency of CBD in the products designed for humans is highly concentrated and unfit for pets. It’s a good idea to consult with your vet before trying your CBD products on your pet. 

7.    CBD for Pets is Illegal

The legality of CBD is another primary concern among pet owners. Like most hemp-derived products, CBD is legal federally. However, state laws can vary. In places where CBD is legal, you can easily find the products everywhere from physical stores to online shops. Besides, you don’t need a prescription to use hemp-derived products. So, yes, CBD for pets is legal, and there is no harm trying it.

Conclusion 

CBD is promising for both humans and pets, thanks to its potential therapeutic benefits. However, it’s important to understand that research on CBD and its effects is ongoing. As of now, there is limited evidence of its health benefits. Apart from the limited studies, some pet owners claim CBD has helped their pets manage various conditions and improve their health. Now that you can separate the myths and facts, you can decide whether to try CBD on your pet. Just make sure to do more research and consult with your vet before administering CBD to your pet.

Jeffery Thompson is a full-time content marketing specialist. He has been closely following the pet, CBD and Cannabis industry trends for quite some time. He has dabbled in various domains before the cannabis industry. On his off days, he likes to spend his time at the nearest animal shelter or nose deep in a book.

Naturally, the question arises: can we also use them on our pets? Like anything, there are some oils that are safe for our canine companions and others that are dangerous. When used correctly, essential oils can help us quell anxiety, depression and irritation in our dogs!

How to Apply Essential Oils to Dogs

• Oil Diffuser: Drop essential oils into a store-bought or homemade diffuser and allow your pet to inhale the scent, making sure to monitor your dog’s behavior to make sure they like it. 
  
• Topically: Dilute with a carrier oil before applying, and use the following guidelines: 
  • For cats and small dogs: 9:1 carrier oil to essential oil 
  • For medium-sized dogs: 4:1 carrier to essential oil
  • For large dogs: 3:1 carrier to essential oil
  • For large animals such as horses and cattle: begin with 1:1 carrier to essential oil 
    
• Mixed with Soap: Mixing the essential oil with your dog’s shampoo or soap can make a fun and great-smelling bath time experience. 

Which Oils are Pet-Safe? 

To get you started on your natural wellness journey, we’ve compiled a list of dog-safe essential oils below. Though these essential oils are safe for pets, we still recommend checking with a vet before starting your dog on an essential oil routine.

FragranceX.com

Infographic courtesy of FragranceX.com

As holistic and natural approaches to healing have become preferable today, most of us are looking to alternative, natural healing methods and crystals are another source to offer such benefits.

What is crystal healing?

Crystals are known to help radiate positive energy to a specific source.  There are many different types of crystals, each having a specific healing ability for the body, mind and soul. Crystals are known to promote good, positive energy and get rid of the negative energy of a person’s mind and body which can then aid to create both physical and emotional benefits.

Crystals have been around for thousands of years and are known as an ancient type of medicine that were founded from philosophies borrowed from Buddhism and Hinduism.

The best and most important benefits of crystals, however, can only be accomplished by having an open mind to the energy source they might create. If you are skeptical, it is thought that the negative energy will reduce the positive effects of the specific crystals.

Can crystal healing help dogs?

Crystal healing is not only beneficial to humans, but the principles and healing powers can also be applied to dogs.

Crystals for dogs are especially effective for rescues that tend to be more fearful and stressed. The crystals help to calm and relax scared or untrusting pups. 

Many dog owners have seen their dogs become more relaxed, friendlier and even more open to training by merely either wearing crystals or having them in their home.

By placing crystals in your home, it can help both you and your dog to reduce stress, fear, energize your dog’s body, balance his emotions and even clear some blockages.

How can you use crystals for dogs?

There are many ways to use crystals for dogs. You can see if your dog will wear the crystal and attach it to his or her collar.

You can also place a crystal or stone on or near your dog’s crate, under your dog’s bed or even on a sunny window sill. 

Another method is to see which crystal your dog prefers by placing several different types of crystals on the floor and let your dog investigate. See which crystal your dog favors and then use that crystal for your dog’s healing.

You can tell if your dog is having a positive reaction to the crystal if your pup becomes more relaxed and calmer.

Which crystals are best for your dog?

Your dog needs to feel comfortable around the crystal and a healing practitioner can help you decide which crystals might work best for your dogs.

Some of the popular choices for dogs are the following:

Rose quartz crystals– helps to balance a dog’s emotions and works well for fearful or nervous dogs who seem to be stressed or are alone for much of the day. 

Amethyst crystals – best for dogs with health issues such as any illness, skin condition, arthritis or any of the effects of old age.

Clear quartz crystals – helps with aggressive behavior and excessive barking.

Each dog will take to different crystals so you can see which one works best for your dog.

If your dog has a serious health condition, however, first consult your veterinarian for their recommendation for treatment. 

The good news is that if you want to see if your dog responds positively to crystals, you can be assured that the crystals won’t have any negative or harmful effects and hopefully many positive ones.

Lisa Fimberg is the founder of PetPav magazine, an on-line pet magazine for all things pet.   After selling PetPav, Lisa is now writing freelance articles for the pet space. When she isn’t sitting in front of her computer, she is running, hiking or visiting the local rescue groups.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Society, almost 50% of all dogs and 32% of all cats over the age of 10 will develop cancer. Younger pets are also increasingly at risk.

To protect dogs and cats against the threat of cancer, US researchers are looking to Asia and studying medicinal mushrooms that people in China and Japan have used for centuries to combat cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

“Certain mushrooms contain agents with anticancer activity and immunomodulatory properties that may help fight cancer and certain other diseases,” says Dr. Frank Markland, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. “This is supported by research on canine and feline patients.”

These Asian mushrooms are extremely high in antioxidants and other vital biologically active compounds that have been proven to strengthen the immune system and promote longevity:

Turkey Tail Mushroom:

These medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in Asian cultures to treat various diseases and cancers. They deliver significant amounts of Polysaccharopeptides (PSP), which have been proven to delay the growth of cancerous tumors in dogs and improve their survival rate.

Reishi Mushroom:

These woody fungi are known as one of the top natural superfoods and have been used for thousands of years to fight inflammation, cancer, heart disease, hormonal imbalances, and more. Reishi mushroom contains beta-glucans that increase the immune system’s T-cell levels and lowers inflammatory responses caused by stress, poor diet, and other environmental factors. It also contains ganoderic acids that have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Shiitake Mushroom:

According to the Journal of Nutrition, shiitake mushrooms provide antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal protection and help to control blood sugar and reduce inflammation. They contain all eight essential amino acids as well as linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid, and have been used in Japan to treat heart disease, hepatitis, high blood pressure, and infectious diseases.

Maitake Mushroom:

Maitake mushrooms are loaded with vitamins and active ingredients that stimulate the immune system and promote natural hormone balance and healthy cell growth. These mushrooms contain beta-1, 6 glucan polysaccharide components that stimulate the immune system and reduce abnormal cell growth. They have been used for decades in Asia to help minimize the toxic effects of radiation and chemotherapy treatment.

“As a pet lover, I think it makes sense that the compounds in mushrooms be included in your pet’s diet or included by nutritional supplements,” says Dr. Markland.

Now pet owners can get all of these powerful immune-boosting mushrooms — along with a rare strain of white turmeric that is six times more bioavailable and has strong anti-inflammatory properties — in one all-natural health supplement formulated specifically for cats and dogs.

VetSmart Formulas Critical Immune Defense was developed by veterinarians and scientists to help protect pets of all ages against disease by boosting their immune system and promoting healthy cell growth.

Because dogs are so adept at detecting scents, with olfactory systems far more advanced than our own, it’s no surprise that introducing certain, specifically selected, scents can alter a dog’s physical and emotional state.

Aromatherapy is believed to improve the emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being of an individual when he or she inhales or absorbs essential oils through their skin. These essential oils are extracted from stems, bark, flowers, roots and leaves of certain plants.

There are a wide range of essential oils available especially for the benefit of dogs. The use of certain oils can treat itchiness, repel fleas and ticks, and fight infections. While other essentials oils can be used to promote a sense of calm or to ease anxiety, particularly during stressful situations such as travel and bad weather.

How do I use essential oils for my dog?

Just like with the human beauty market, essential oils have started to make their way over to our pets, too! These natural solutions not only help our dogs smell superb, but also have soothing effects that can do everything from calm an anxious pup or soothe an older dog’s joint pain. 

The best part? A lot of these are DIY. We’ve found specific recipes by FragranceX that let you create your dog’s personal mix, but whatever you chose the recipe is incredibly easy. 

Each one has a specific benefit to it, so make sure to have your pup’s tendencies in mind when choosing. Lavender can even help calm anxious dogs. Peppermint can soothe joints, whereas eucalyptus can help clear congestion if your pet is having allergies. Either way, they all smell great. 

Learn all about the wonders of essential oil for dog perfume below.

Infographic courtesy of fragrancex.com.

Precautions:

Because a dog’s sense of smell is so much more acute than our own, the use of essential oils can sometimes be overwhelming. For dogs, much less oil is needed to achieve results. You’ll know that an aromatherapy treatment is too overwhelming for your dog if his eyes water, he begins sneezing, pacing, or whining.

Additionally, not all essential oils are created equal. Most often, adverse reactions to essential oils and aromatherapy is a result of using poor quality or synthetic grade oils. When seeking out essential oils for pet therapy, always choose therapeutic grade oils from reputable manufacturers. Look for oils that are sold in cobalt, amber, or violet glass bottles and make sure the label reads “100% pure essential oils.”

And, if you share your home with both dogs AND cats, be sure the oils you’re using are safe for both. Certain essential oils that are safe and effective for dogs can be highly toxic to their feline friends. 

Do you have any experience with essential oils or aromatherapy for your dog? Please, share your experiences in a comment below!

Enjoyed this article? Pin it!

While I knew it could be an issue… I didn’t expect it to hit her so soon.  (At 5 years old… she still acted like a puppy most of the time!)

At first it was little things that I noticed.  She would yelp if she bumped into something with her back leg.  She struggled to get up out of her bed in the morning.

As time went on… it got worse.  When she started limping… I knew there was a problem.  The vet recommended a glucosamine supplement at first.  And that did seem to help for a bit.  But before long… the limping returned.

A second trip to the vet revealed extremely advanced arthritis in her back legs… but the worst of it was on the right side.  When the vet offered an experimental knee surgery that might help… I didn’t hesitate.

But months after the surgery… and Sarah was still limping.  It was like nothing had changed.  After many trips back to the vet he finally told me to just accept that Sarah would have a limp the rest of her life!

I was shocked at first. After all… the vet had been the one to recommend the surgery!  I felt duped and I was definitely disappointed.

I couldn’t sleep that night.  Watching Sarah hobble around all day was breaking my heart and tearing me apart inside.  I determined there had to be a better solution.

After a few days of searching, I found something that gave me hope.  There were a LOT of people with pets just like mine who had found a cure.

And it was in something I would have never guessed:  CBD Oil.  If you’re not familiar with CBD… it’s a chemical compound found in Hemp.  Having said that… I feel compelled to issue a disclaimer.

Hemp is not the same as marijuana!

Unfortunately… most people today consider them the same thing. but they are not.  The confusion comes from the fact that they are from the same “type” of plant. But they are more like cousins than anything.

A good analogy would be saying that an Apple and a Pear are the same thing because they are both from a Fruit Tree.  They’re similar sure… but they are definitely not the same thing.

The main difference between Hemp and Marijuana is that Marijuana has a chemical called THC… which is what gets people high.  It’s also the reason why pot is a controlled substance just like any drug.

Hemp has virtually no THC in it… and is not considered a controlled substance.  In fact… it’s legal in all 50 states.

Now that my little disclaimer is over… here’s why I was so excited about CBD Oil.

CBD oil naturally helps reduce inflammation in all parts of the body. It does this by targeting areas in the body experiencing pain due to inflammation, damaged nerves, and injury.

For dogs with arthritis… like Sara… it soothes the inflammation caused by worn down cartilage. This helps your dog feel better and stay active.

Since my vet had essentially written her off… I had nothing to lose, so I placed an order.  When it arrived a few days later, I simply followed the instructions and put a few drops of oil in Sarah’s food.

I didn’t noticed much the first few days… other than that Sarah seemed to be sleeping better… and it didn’t seem like she struggled as much when she got up in the morning.

But by day 3… I could tell that she wasn’t limping as much.  And by day 5… she wasn’t limping at all! Not only that.. but I could tell that she was much happier.  She was jumping and running and playing just like she had when she was younger!

There is no other way to say it:  it was a miracle!

The best part was when I took Sarah back to the vet who said she would have a limp the rest of her life.  He couldn’t believe it!

Which is why Sarah has a new vet now.  

If you have a pet that you really love and care for… and they are suffering from joint pain or arthritis… you definitely want to look into a high quality CBD oil for your loved one.

The one I tried and had the best results with… and the one that continues to keep Sarah running around like a puppy… is called PurCBD and you can get some for your pet HERE.

by Michael S. Tyrrell

From the day you bring your furry friend home as a puppy, there is an instant connection – an unconditional and loving bond between you and your dog that cannot be broken. Just like any other member of the family, we only want what is best for our pets and to give them everything they need to live a long and healthy life.

Natural remedies and healthy alternatives have become increasingly more popular to prevent diseases and aid ailments that cannot be cured, such as anxiety from loud noises, being home alone or that transitionary period after bringing home a rescue.

Below are some of my favorite natural remedies for dogs. Always consult your dog vet before introducing a new element to their diet as it could conflict with current medications they are taking.

1. Cannabis-Infused Wellness Treats

These popular dog treats contain cannabidiol, also known as CBD, a naturally occurring compound found in both Hemp and Cannabis plants. Most treats on the market are derived from Hemp plants, which is legal across the globe (except in Canada).

Treats containing CBD are beneficial for dogs because they interact with their endocannabinoid system – a regulatory system known to affect bodily processes such as anxiety, mood, pain, digestion, inflammation and sleep.

For dogs experiencing anxiety, CBD treats can be a great dietary addition that can also help aid joint pain, restlessness and fear.

2. Music

The power of music and its connection to the emotional state of humans has long been acknowledged. However, we have only recently noticed the connection between music and animals.

Music addresses the physical and emotional needs of individuals and can have a profound effect on animals experiencing anxiety, fear and loneliness. Classical music, more so than any other auditory stimulus, has been shown to decrease anxiety in dogs, whether it is being caused by loud noises or leaving them at home alone for extended periods of time.

Playing classical tracks such as “Requiem” by Mozart, “The Approaching Night” by Phillip Wesley, or “The Open Door” featured on Wholetones, for your pet can significantly decrease their anxiety.

It is best to turn on the music before a storm or fireworks begin. Additionally, many individuals who choose to leave music playing while they are at work or traveling, find that their dog’s symptoms of separation anxiety lessened when they returned.

3. Aromatherapy

Many individuals already use essential oils and diffusers to relieve stress or help with sleep, but they can also have an overwhelmingly beneficial effect on pets as well. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and essential oils released in a diffuser can be smelt immediately.

Small batches of essential oils can help calm and focus dogs during training when they are puppies, ease discomfort during travel, reduce fear during thunder storms or fireworks, and can uplift their spirits when they are going through loss, separation or new home transitions.

Calming essential oils include lavender, chamomile, frankincense and jojoba – and the best part is that you can create your own blends based on which ones have the most profound and beneficial effect for your dog.

4. Homeopathic Therapy & Flower Essences

Homeopathic therapy and the use of flower essences along with other herbs, has have been used for medical purposes for hundreds of years. Homeopathy is widely practiced throughout Europe and the remedies are produced by repeatedly distilling plants and minerals in water or alcohol.

Specifically, flower essences are herbal infusions or concoctions made from the flowering part plants, which can address emotional and mental wellness. Some great infusions for dogs dealing with anxiety include:

• Wolf’s Bane – Scientifically known as Aconitum Napellus, can help canines with anxiety or fear, especially after a frightful or traumatizing event.
• Yellow Jasmine – Also known as Gelsemium, is a great homeopathic remedy and can be used when your dog is shaking with fright or nervous in anticipation of guests coming over or owners departing for a trip.
• Honeysuckle – A shrub known as Lonicera, which can be distilled and used to help your dog overcome loneliness or help adjust to a new home.

Michael S. Tyrrell is the founder and president of Wholetones, Inc., a healing frequency music project that helps aid health, creativity, productivity and wellbeing. Passionate about inspiring others, Michael travels nationally and internationally as a key-note and motivational speaker on the power of music.

With summer storms well underway, the anxiety-inducing July 4th holiday quickly approaching, and travel plans on the calendar, we set out to find an easy and effective way for pet parents to ease anxiety and de-stress their dogs (and themselves!) without the use of harsh chemicals or dangerous drugs.

Aromatherapy has long been used as a natural therapy for humans, offering a wide range of healing physical and psychological benefits through the use of carefully selected essential oils. Each of these oils, extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, and roots of plants, serve a different purpose and have been known to help with everything from improving respiratory health, to soothing joint pain, and even easing anxiety.

So, it’s no surprise that aromatherapy can benefit dogs, too! And, with summer stress and anxiety in mind, two essential oils are particularly effective at promoting a calm and relaxing body and mind for our furriest companions: Lavender and Chamomile.

Lavender Oil is very well-known as for its calming properties for humans and dogs alike. A popular and effective choice, lavender is frequently recommended as the most essential of all the essential oils, not just for its powerful calming effect, but also because it’s soothes itchy, dry, or irritated skin, improves mood, and naturally repels fleas, mosquitoes, and other biting bugs.

Another popular choice among parents of anxious pups, Chamomile Oil effectively eases nerves as well as the digestive upset that often accompanies stress and excitability making it an excellent natural treatment for dogs during summer storms, fireworks, and travel.

Longtime fans of the Gerrard Larriett line of aromatherapy pet care products, we were thrilled to try their newest product, a waterless, no-rinse shampoo designed specifically to de-stress our furriest family using lavender and chamomile essential oils.

And, with a summer storm thundering in, the timing was just right!

My 75-pound Golden retriever, Olive, is generally calm, cool, and collected – unless she hears the familiar rumble of a summer storm approaching. Without calming aids and an anxiety wrap, she begins pacing and panting before eventually hiding – usually in a spot she doesn’t actually fit, like behind the sofa or under the bed. So, to really put the De-Stress no-rinse aromatherapy shampoo to the test, I skipped our usual calming routine.

With the foaming shampoo in hand, I sat down on the floor with Olive sitting in front of me, pumped the foam into my hands and began massaging her coat. Starting with Olive’s neck, I massaged the lightly-scented shampoo into her coat, working down her back. After just a few seconds, already beginning to relax, she laid down so I could continue massaging. Within about 5 minutes, she was sound asleep, despite the thunder and pouring rain outside.

In addition to almost instantly calming her, the no-rinse shampoo actually cleaned and conditioned her coat, too! After several minutes, I wiped her coat with a towel to remove any loosened dirt and excess shampoo. Not only was she still asleep, her coat was soft and shiny and she smelled fantastic!

Olive gives Gerrard Larriett’s De-Stress no-rinse shampoo four (very calm) paws up and highly recommends it for any pet parent looking for a natural and effective way to provide a sense of calm while caring for your favorite family member’s skin and coat.

Best of all, Gerrard Larriett has a full line of De-Stress products including traditional shampoo and conditioner, aromatherapy freshening spray, and even a De-Stress aromatherapy candle that’ll deodorize pet odors while filling your home with the relaxing scents of lavender and chamomile.

Check out the entire line at www.GerrardLarriett.com (Lucky you! Dogington Post readers get Free Shipping using the coupon code “DogingtonPost”).

While you’re there, check out Gerrard Larriett’s Vitamin & Essential Oil Sunscreen and Skin Conditioner spray, too! Perfect for keeping your dog’s skin and coat protected from the sun’s harmful rays, this summery-scented spray will quickly become a staple of your summer pet care routine!

And, don’t forget to follow Gerrard Larriett on Facebook and Instagram!

Editor’s Note: This post is sponsored by Gerrard Larriett, who provided compensation for our honest review. However, the opinions are 100% ours! We never recommend a product we aren’t confident using with our own furry family.

This is one of the most controversial aspects of treatment in medicine. While we would love to think that Big Pharma has our best interests at heart, what we know is that animals who’ve been repeatedly vaccinated, suffer the most debilitating illnesses. The saddest part is that once your pet’s health has been compromised by drugs and/or vaccinations, it is quite a struggle to get it back. What we’re all seeking for our beloved dogs, cats and our kids too is something called “natural immunity.” We want to stand alone, be self-governing and own our own health outright. I’m going to help you to discern how to do this. But first, with a little help from my friend, I’m going to illustrate what went wrong.

If you’re not vigilant, your pets health will be hijacked. Big Pharma appraises only it’s own drugs, gives kickbacks to government officials, and in turn, there is no mechanism to take them to court should you want to prove that your dog died from a vaccine. My dear friend, and colleague, Aleksandra (Aleks) Mikic wrote in her book “How To Immunize Your Dog Without Vaccines” about big Pharma’s goal to stage the decline of your health here,

“Do you doubt it? Do you think that nobody could be that cruel? Then you need to read the report by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. published June 16th, 2005. Under the Freedom of Information Act, he managed to obtain transcripts of the secret meeting which took place in June of 2000 at the Simpsonwood Conference Center. The meeting was convened by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Fifty two private invitations were issued, no public announcement was ever made. So, who made up this secret panel? Officials from CDC, FDA, vaccine specialist from the WHO (World Health Organization) in Geneva and representatives from every major vaccine manufacturer in the world.

The participants of this meeting were reminded, repeatedly,  that they could not photocopy any documents, could not take notes and could not leave with any papers in their possession. They were presented with the results of a study – a huge database containing medical records of 100,000 children – irrefutably proving that thimerosal (mercury in the vaccines) was responsible for the epidemic of autism and other neurological disorders. There is actually more to it than just the mercury, but more on that later.”

She goes on to state,

“CDC even paid the Institute of Medicine to conduct a new study and ordered researchers to rule out the link between mercury and autism. This just goes to show you how reliable their ‘double-blind’ clinical studies really are. Maybe they call them double-blind because they manage to blind both the researchers and the public? Other scientists were told that the data from the original study was lost and couldn’t be replicated. Can you imagine anyone falling for that explanation? How exactly do you misplace the medical records of 100,000 children? That’s not a tiny bit of paper. Senator Bill Frist received $873,000 in contributions from the pharmaceutical companies and consequently did everything he could to shield them from the harm (aka justice). Several times he tried to seal off vaccine-related documents, including Simpsonwood transcripts and he introduced provision which would deny compensation to children suffering from brain damage induced by the vaccine. And what about the children? Well, they didn’t make any contributions, so they weren’t relevant.”

Big Pharma are the same unethical giants supplying your vet with drugs and vaccines for your dog. I also know that after having animals in my care both personally and professionally for the last 20 years, that animals treated holistically to remove the shocks and traumas on their timeline, in addition to the removing the vaccine insults and the inherited Genetic Miasms using homeopathic principles that a pet’s health will be wholly restored. Mikic states, “For a true physician, sacrifice is not an option. A truly scientific medical system is a system without sacrifice … You will be able to immunize your dog without even seeing a vet. Now, that’s empowerment.”

Natural immunity is being so whole and strong that anytime an errant microbial or viral agent enters your midst that your immune function is so sound and healthy that it dismisses it with a sharp backslap. Your defenses so marshalled that any marauding disease can’t find any real estate to engender itself like a pregnancy. How do you get here with your own health and with your own dog? First of all really, and truly look at your value system, your ethical center. What feels right to you? There are two forces in life running inside you like two subway trains, one perpetuates life and the other death, which one do you prefer to ride? It is important to consciously make a choice and then the activities you choose will wholly speak to this as a natural outcome.

As mentioned above, our bodies have inherent forces for growth and life and also for death and destruction. The subway train for life needs to be fed with nourishing, whole and raw foods while also being unencumbered by life’s losses, rage, guilt, antibiotic use, trauma, and the genetic predisposition to diseases like ringworm, cancer and lyme. You can’t get a disease unless you create the conditions ripe for it. This is the death train. Think of the broccoli in your fridge. Over time, it just decomposes if it does not retain the forces intrinsic to life. This is true for you too.

In humans, and animals, we promote life using life giving local raw foods. You’re alive and you need foods that are also alive. Food goes dead by sitting on a truck for days or by pesticides, herbicides or through genetic modification (GMOs). Kibble is also dead food! Wilhelm Reich knew that once the life energy, he termed orgone, was bled from the organism, death ensued.

To promote life, we need love, touch, to feel understood, and validated. Your dog needs all of this too, in addition to also relieving the physical and psychic traumatisms. It is important to give probiotics in the way of acidophilus and bifidus and also immunize your pet with homeopathic immunizations. We call this latter jurisdiction “homoprophylaxis.”

We can immunize you, your child or your pet for anything that you can think of. We’ve been using Dr. Isaac Golden’s protocols with 99% efficacy as a community for over 20 years now. The homeopathic principle Like Cures Like is safe, efficacious and soundly gives your family and pets true immunity without any chemicals, adjuvants (preservatives), animal embryos, or heavy metals like mercury or aluminum or live or dead viruses from other hosts.

Aleks continues to illustrate in her book, “How To Immunize Your Dog Without Vaccines,”

“Dr. Bob Rogers, a veterinarian from Texas, said in a radio interview: “In 1997, I went to a seminar where Dr. Ron Schultz, probably the most prominent immunologist in veterinary medicine said that giving vaccines like rabies, distemper and parvo annually had no effect. I went back to my practice and changed my vaccine recommendations as I can not in good conscious charge a client for something that does nothing, especially when I know that there is a risk involved. I was very surprised over the years to see that nobody else was changing… But the drug companies have disseminated a lot of false information; they come into town, buy dinners at the most expensive restaurant for all the vets and present a seminar on vaccines where they misconstrue the studies, they omit the most current studies, and they conclude that we should go on vaccinating every pet for every disease known to man, every year… I went to the Texas State Veterinary Board; their mission is #1 to protect the public and #2 is to elevate the standard of practice. I merely asked them to encourage vets to get continuing education on vaccinations and to stop allowing continuing education where the speaker is a paid employee of a drug company because that is a big conflict of interest. I think that was a very reasonable request and they refused.”

Catherine Diodati, MA wrote a book entitled, “Vaccine Guide For Dogs and Cats; What Every Pet Lover Should Know” and in it she describes how, “Homeopathy provides a variety of remedies and nosodes that are effective in the prevention and treatment of disease, and, in fact, in the treatment of many vaccine-induced adverse events.”

Like Aleks and us, here at Arcanum Wholistic Clinic, Dr. Susan Beal, DVM, a holistic veterinarian in Pennsylvania, also uses prophylactic homeopathic nosodes for pets by “filling a chink in the armor through which the naturally occurring disease would have entered.” We know that the nosodes enable the organism to safely mimic, without causing an ounce of harm, the state that it has already had the experience of the disease. When the pathogen tries to take up residence in the organism, there is literally a “No Vacancy” sign in their window.

As we know from Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the father of Heilkunst Medicine and the luminary of homeopathic principles, cited that more than two diseases can not take up host in an organism at the same time. If the nosode is already, “filling the chink” the natural disease just bypasses the organism due to its already established occupancy.

Canine vaccines that we use, the homeopathic nosodes, to cover your dog for include:

• Parvovirus type 2
• Coronavirus Enteritis
• Distemper
• Infectious Canine Hepatitis
• Kennel Cough (B. Bronchiseptica and Parainfluenza)
• Leptospirosis
• Lyme Disease
• Rabies

It was Patty Smith and Rudi Verspoor who first established the use of sequential treatment for pets, and humans, based on French Physician Dr. Elmiger’s research. Rudi was in an airport in France when he spotted the book titled “Real Medicine” and devoured its contents during a flight back to North America. Science demands that we follow the order of time and Heilkunst Physicians are the only sequential therapists in the world who are wholly trained in the art and science of peeling the onion of your pet or human with the acumen of 30 years experience behind them. As Dr. Diodati cites about Homeopathic treatment, “By the time they reach the deepest layers associated with the symptomatology, the patient often experiences complete recovery, or at the very least, a significant improvement in their quality of life.” Isn’t this what we all want?!

Allyson McQuinn, DHHP, JOAH has been studying natural medicine for over 20 years.  Working as a Physician with both humans and animals in her international practice at Arcanum Wholistic Clinic by Skype and by phone, she is able to effectively prescribe and ship remedies worldwide. 

She has also authored over a dozen books, one of them being “Natural Home Pharmacy For Dogs; How to Use Practical Tips, Homeopathic Remedies, Nutrition, and Training for Your Dog’s Natural Health” available on Amazon.  Allyson’s beloved “Sammy” Terra is just one of many rescued animals she’s treated using natural remedies on her farm.