As Nature Intended

24/11/2025

Good advice, what you think?

24/11/2025

For our Aussie followers. Have you discovered Dr Will 5 Hounds yet?

22/11/2025

Opossums ARE the best! Encourage them to your dogs environment for a natural tick eradicator

Opossums are North America’s only native marsupial, and they’re remarkably resilient creatures that punch far above their weight in ecological value. First, their near-immunity to rattlesnake venom is real and well-documented.

Opossum blood contains a peptide called Lethal Toxin-Neutralizing Factor (LTNF) that binds to and neutralizes the proteins in many pit-viper venoms, including those of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths.

Studies from institutions like Texas A&M and the University of Tampa have shown that injecting opossums with doses of venom that would kill most mammals leaves them largely unaffected. This isn’t total invincibility—they can still die from massive envenomation or infection—but it gives them a huge survival edge in snake-heavy habitats.

Second, rabies is extraordinarily rare in opossums. Their normal body temperature (around 94–97 °F) is too low for the rabies virus to replicate effectively. The CDC and state wildlife agencies report only a handful of confirmed rabies cases in opossums over decades, compared to thousands in raccoons, bats, and skunks.

They’re one of the safest wild mammals to encounter in terms of disease transmission. Third, they’re voracious tick-eaters. A 2009 study in the Proceedings of the Royal Society found that opossums groom themselves so meticulously that they can consume up to 5,000 ticks in a single season—over 95 % of the ticks that try to feed on them end up as snacks.

In Lyme-disease-heavy areas, a single opossum can remove thousands of potential disease vectors. Far from the filthy pests some people imagine, opossums are shy, non-aggressive, and play a quiet but massive role in controlling venomous snakes, ticks, and even garden pests (they love cockroaches and carrion). They’re nature’s understated cleanup crew—and yes, they deserve the love.

21/11/2025

🌿 New Study: Gut Health & Epilepsy in Dogs 🌿

A new 2025 study has found that dogs with idiopathic epilepsy have significantly disrupted gut bacteria compared to healthy dogs.

🔍 Key findings:
• Lower levels of beneficial, brain-supportive bacteria
• Higher levels of inflammatory microbes
• Reduced overall gut diversity (a marker of imbalance)

🧠 Why it matters:
Healthy gut microbes produce compounds that help regulate inflammation and support the brain. Disruptions in these microbes may play a role in seizure activity.

🥥 Bonus insight:
Previous research shows MCT-enriched diets can reduce seizures, and this new study suggests the gut may be part of the reason why.
🌱 A powerful reminder: supporting the gut is supporting the brain. 🧠

If you're keen to learn more about supporting your Epilepsy dog holistically, join our community group. I've covered this topic well since Monty had his first episode 5 years ago.

21/11/2025

Do you have questions about vaccination, neutering or allergies in dogs? The Complete Book of Cat and Dog Health is on sale at £14 from amazon

Get • Do you have questions about vaccination, neutering or allergies in dogs? The Complete Book of Cat and Dog Health is on sale at £14 from amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Book-Cat-Dog-Health/dp/1787114155/ref=pd_ci_mcx_mh_mcx_views_0_image?pd_rd_w=Hq2Gr&content-id=amzn1.sym.86481f33-8587-4810-b481-184a09d27fd2%3Aamzn1.symc.30e3dbb4-8dd8-4bad-b7a1-a45bcdbc49b8&pf_rd_p=86481f33-8587-4810-b481-184a09d27fd2&pf_rd_r=4H8Y4E63M5XZE0496FHM&pd_rd_wg=tEhgd&pd_rd_r=6c85466d-9fba-4238-a88d-ef49c0055017&pd_rd_i=1787114155

21/11/2025

https://www.perthnow.com.au/.../tropical-cyclone-fina...

Residents in parts of WA have been told to start preparing for some impact.

Link in comments to read the full story.

20/11/2025

Why should we listen to our dogs?

Because they know what is best for them, who are we to deprive them of what they're designed to eat?

If you need to force your dog to eat something they know they shouldn't eat, doesn't that tell you something?

Ask yourself WHY?
Why does my dog need to be forced to eat kibble by applying real food on top and in some cases why do they eat the real food and leave behind the kibble?

All animals can talk, but are we truly connected and listening to them?

Our dogs are communicating with us every second of the day.

Why is he refusing a dry little biscuit that has no energy, no real nutrients, that is filled with goodness knows what..
Don't just feed your dog, understand what you are feeding.
When you choose a food, what are you looking for, do you know what you need to avoid, or excel in?
How much do you understand about pet food labels?

Ever wonder why itchy dog syndrome has become a pandemic?
Why are so many dogs being injected with chemicals to treat allergies and being diagnosed with GI issues, yeast overgrowth, and yes, the big C?

Do you know the top 3 reasons dogs are taken to the vet nowadays?

Have you researched canine cancer?

Do your sweetness a big favour and be their best advocate, do some research.

But first, try feeding real food, real dense nutrients.
Join our group where we have some great resources from worldwide experts.
Immerse yourself in knowledge, it gives you power, not to mention far fewer vet bills.

04/11/2025

This !