Idyllic Paws Veterinary Care

26/08/2025

National Dog Day is here - and a fine day it is in Iowa! Let's showcase our amazing, thriving canines...I'll go first. You may know my Harrison, aka, Bog Dog! 😍

03/07/2025

With fireworks just around the corner, um I mean here, consider the stress it causes your animals. If you don't already have Bach flower Rescue Remedy get some. Other flower essences have similar products, I love the Green Hope Farms animal collection, https://www.greenhopeessences.com/find-essences/animal

Add two drops to the water bowl and keep it topped up with water. The remedy will remain effective for 3-4 days. Start things well in advance of the festivities. If the animal doesn't drink much, such as healthy cats, you can dose them different ways:
1. add a couple of drops to each meal
2. drip a couple of drops on their body - I use the neck or head
3. drip a couple of drops onto a gum, in the side of the mouth, without opening the mouth.

Always ask first, by showing them the vial. Dogs tend to be more communicative, but all can show approval by licking, rubbing or pawing the vial. Cats can be indifferent. Either way, DON'T dose them if they turn way, show disapproval (flattened ears, hiss, growl, dropped tails, walk away, etc.). Bear in mind that the above methods are by-passing choice. So be aware of the effect it has, to continue. Forcing them is counter productive to healing.

As the Bach flower remedies are preserved in brandy, it's easier on the animal to dilute it in water first when administering it via the mouth. However, when they need it, they don't seem to care.

Be calm yourself! Dogs, in particular, look for calm, able leaders. Our emotions have a strong influence on our animals. So take it yourself if you need to. Stress can, and does, cause pathology, often fatal. Animals naturally try to escape from frightening events. Our captive animals can't, causing no end of problems.

Have a safe and harmonious July 4th holiday weekend with your furry ones and stay cool! 😎

15/03/2025

Dogs are so intelligent, but not by reason; rather, they know by feel. You dog people will want to grab this book for a good read. It will change your relationship with your dog and the way you think about dogs! 🥰

"Your Dog Is Your Mirror" by Kevin Behan isn't just a dog training manual; it's a profound exploration of the human-canine bond. Behan challenges the conventional understanding of dog behavior, proposing that a dog's actions are a direct reflection of its owner's emotional state.

This isn't about blaming dogs for our own issues; it's about recognizing the profound connection we share with our canine companions. By observing our dog's reactions, we can gain valuable insights into our own unresolved emotions and subconscious patterns.

"Your Dog Is Your Mirror" encourages us to look beyond surface-level training techniques and delve deeper into the emotional dynamics of the human-animal relationship. It's a transformative journey of self-discovery that strengthens the bond with our dogs while offering valuable lessons about ourselves.

Here are 7 key lessons from the book:

1. Your Dog Reflects Your Emotional Energy
Behan’s central premise is that dogs don’t just respond to your actions—they absorb and reflect your emotions. Whether it’s your stress, fear, joy, or calm, your dog acts as a mirror, revealing feelings you may not even recognize in yourself. This is a profound invitation to look inward, using your dog’s behavior as a lens to better understand your own emotional state.
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2. Emotions, Not Commands, Are the True Language of Dogs
While training techniques focus on commands and behaviors, Behan argues that dogs are driven by emotional energy, not logic. When your emotions are in harmony, your dog responds naturally. This lesson pushes you to step away from rigid control and focus on fostering emotional alignment, teaching that connection comes from the heart, not the leash.
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3. Dogs Teach You to Live in the Present
Unlike humans, dogs don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future—they exist fully in the now. Their ability to immerse themselves in the present moment is a gift, reminding you to slow down and engage with the here and now. Through their presence, they teach mindfulness and the beauty of savoring life as it unfolds.
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4. Vulnerability Strengthens the Bond
Behan highlights the deep emotional bond between humans and dogs, emphasizing that this connection thrives on authenticity. Your dog doesn’t judge you for your flaws or weaknesses—they accept and love you as you are. This lesson is a call to embrace vulnerability, both with your dog and yourself, creating space for healing and growth.
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5. Dogs Are Emotional Healers
Your dog senses when you’re sad, anxious, or overwhelmed, often stepping in to provide comfort. Behan suggests that dogs have an innate ability to absorb and neutralize your negative emotions, serving as emotional healers. This symbiotic relationship reminds us of the profound power of love and connection to mend emotional wounds.
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6. Your Fears Become Their Fears
Dogs pick up on the emotional signals you send, even the unconscious ones. If you’re fearful or anxious, your dog may mirror those emotions through their own behavior. This insight is both humbling and empowering—it challenges you to address your own fears and insecurities to create a sense of calm and safety for both you and your dog.
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7. Dogs Teach Unconditional Love and Acceptance
Above all, dogs embody unconditional love. They don’t care about your achievements, failures, or flaws—they simply love you for who you are. This lesson is one of the most profound: learning to love yourself as your dog loves you, and striving to extend that same acceptance to others.
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Your Dog Is Your Mirror is more than a book about dogs—it’s a journey into understanding yourself through the lens of your relationship with your dog. Behan’s insights challenge you to see your dog not just as a pet but as a teacher, healer, and emotional companion. It’s a call to deepen your connection, nurture your emotional health, and embrace the profound lessons of love, presence, and authenticity that your dog offers every day.

BOOK: https://amzn.to/3Ccp2by

You can also get the AUDIO BOOK for FREE using the same link. Use the link to register for the AUDIO BOOK on Audible and start enjoying it.

14/02/2025

It is Valentine's Day, Harrison and I hope you are having fun spending it with your special someone! 😍
I stress the importance of instilling the joy of life and a sense of purpose every day. Your dog needs to realize you are there for them, take slow walks, long hikes, enjoy fresh air, make sure they know how important they are to you! 🥰🐕

24/09/2024

I want to invite you to read my colleague, Dr Jeff Feinman's new monthly article at Happy Healthy Dog: Nourishing Your Dog: The Power of Fresh Food and Mindful Preparation. Happy Healthy Dog is a new free online resource focused on helping you find peace of mind, education and solutions for your dog's physical, mental and behavioral health. So much good information!

Here's to your happy healthy dog! Dr Z

Feeding your dog fresh food and engaging in mindful preparation strengthens the bond between you and your pet. This bond is built on trust, love, and mutual respect. As you invest time and energy into

21/12/2023

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service sent this bulletin at 12/21/2023 01:00 PM EST. HOORAY!!

THIS JUST IN: USDA Issues Permit for Santa’s Reindeer to Enter the U.S. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service sent this bulletin at 12/21/2023 01:00 PM EST THIS JUST IN: USDA Issues Permit for Santa’s Reindeer to Enter the U.S. (Washington, D.C., December 21, 2023) – The U.S. Departm...

17/05/2023

GROUNDBREAKING STUDY
Do traditional spay and neuter surgeries increase the risk for disease, including malignancy? What about behavioral issues? Are there better alternatives? This just-published, first-of-its-kind study involving over 6,000 dog owners documents the truth about what I've suspected and observed for years. The study results suggest that the bodies and brains of dogs benefit from maximum exposure to the s*x hormones! 😏

Do traditional spay and neuter surgeries increase the risk for disease, including malignancy? Are there better alternatives? This just-published, first-of-its-kind study involving over 6,000 dog owners documents the truth about what I've suspected and observed for years.

12/04/2023

URGENT: 2 BONDED PAIRS OF CATS IN NEED OF FOSTERING OR ADOPTION - PLEASE READ & SHARE!

"My name is Susan. I have 4 cats that need a new home because I have lost my housing and can no longer take care of them. My hope is to find them good homes that may be interested in a long term foster in the event I can turn things around and obtain housing again or in the worst case scenario, foster to adopt or even an outright adoption for the right home. I'm of a holistic mindset and stopped vaccinating outside of the last rabies they had several years ago. They’re indoor cats so titer testing would be a good approach if vaccines were being considered for some reason. I don’t want them to end up in a situation where they’d be fed commercial foods and over vaccinated, surrounded by toxic fragrances and the like. I certainly don’t want to surrender them to be in a cage. That would be so stressful for them. I have to prepare to be out of my apartment by end of April/the first part of May so this is really down to the wire for us. My heart is breaking to do this but I don’t have the resources to keep housing or take care of them. I just want them to be ok. The 4 do NOT need to go together but the PAIRS do need to stay together." Please share this link with anyone who may have an interest. 😻😻😻😻
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScn9HmghPXtZIbkWmcgBBBoyL4Si4b4Pt7vMByAMiw8c6I9zw/viewform?fbclid=IwAR1yEDxbHX4W1idPpIZsWGpQxzS_PfYN-IglswMhbOVmHqn7zUuJ7Biajbc

09/04/2023

Feeding by the Seasons: Spring! 🌷🍃🌺

One style of raw feeding is to follow Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). According to these principles, springtime is the time of the liver & gallbladder. These organs are responsible for detoxification, energy flow & overall health. According to TCM, adding to your pets' raw feeding diet can support these organs & help your cuties thrive this spring.

Here are some TCM food tips for Spring:

1. Add a little extra liver: Feeding liver can help to support your carnivore's liver! So, you might want to try adding a little bit to your pet's diet to give them a boost.
2. Rotate proteins: As always, it is important to provide your pet with a variety of proteins to ensure they are receiving a well-rounded diet. Keep things interesting!
3. Big on supplementing? Herbs that help support your pet's liver & improve digestion include ones like milk thistle & dandelion.
4. Like to veg out? Some great options include broccoli, kale, celery & apples can provide support for the liver & gallbladder.

As always, listen to your pet. If they are loving these new additions to their springtime diet, great! If they aren't enjoying it, then don't force them. Our pets can be very intuitive when it comes to knowing what they do & do not need. 😉

01/04/2023

I'm here to tell ya...TICK SEASON IS HERE, Y'ALL! 🤔

How safe is your dog's or cat's flea and tick preventative??

Here is a tag that work energetically and lasts for years, it's what my pack wears. Pet protector tag: https://www.petprotector.org/?ID=95017. There are several other brands available too. Supplement with a natural spray when going into the woods and weeds! 😉

You need effective flea and tick prevention for your dog. But you also want it to be safe. Learn about the safest flea and tick prevention for dogs ... and riskiest

25/12/2022

5 Gifts Our Pets Offer on Christmas Day and Everyday

On this most wonderful day of the year, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the gifts our animal companions bring to our lives not just during the holidays, but every day of the year. The little Givers!!

1.Connection — Our animal companions stay connected to us no matter how bad we feel or behave. They’re right beside us every step of the way, every minute of the day. During times when we feel ignored or disengaged from the world, our pets offer unconditional attention and affection.

2.Communication — Close, connected relationships evolve from clear, consistent communication. When communication is untrustworthy or used in harmful ways, the relationship breaks down. Our pets speak to us constantly through their body language and behavior. It’s our job to learn the language they speak, and to communicate clearly to them what we expect and appreciate about their behavior.

3.Being present — Humans tend to spend a lot of time feeling regret for something in their past or feeling anxious about the future. It’s not time well spent, but many of us tend to live in the past or the future rather than the present. Our pets, by their example, help us to stay present — to live for today. Our animal companions experience each moment as it arrives with enthusiasm and joy, and so can we if we follow their lead.

4.Forgiveness — Most of us can remember a time when we ignored our pet, or lost patience and spoke too sharply. We also remember that our loyal companion forgave us the very next second. Our animal friends don’t hold grudges. They don’t punish themselves or us by clinging to past insults. They offer instant forgiveness and an open heart.

5.Balance — Our furry family members are at their best when we provide them with consistency in the form of healthy nutrition, plenty of exercise, structure to their daily routine, and lots of love. These are the simple things in life that form the foundation for a balanced, less stressful, more joyful existence. 🥰

29/10/2022

It's National Black Cat Day! Well of course it is and Dr Z finally has one in her Pride😻‼️ introducing Lava, she keeps our days oh so merry and Mr Pickles finally has a comrade! 🥰