Author; Integrative Pet Specialist; Certified Professional Dog Trainer; "Longevity Ju**ie" I offer a beacon of hope for pet parents of dogs with liver disease.
I am a dedicated doggie mama and advocate for canine health and well-being. With a holistic approach to dog care, I promote:
Quality Pet Nutrition: Providing expert guidance on nutrition to ensure your dog’s diet supports their overall health. Force-Free Dog Training: Implementing gentle, effective training methods that foster trust and cooperation. Fear-Free Veterinary Care: Advocating for stres
s-free veterinary experiences to make healthcare pleasant for your pet. Responsible Breeding & Rescue: Supporting ethical breeding practices and responsible rescue organizations that prioritize animal welfare. Education for Dog Lovers: Empowering dog owners with knowledge to make informed decisions about their pet’s care. Credentials & Expertise: As a devoted Doggie Mama for 20 years, and a certificate in dog training, I bring a wealth of experience to the table:
Author & Integrative Pet Specialist: Combining scientific research with integrative techniques for a well-rounded approach to dog care. Dog Food Geek & Longevity Ju**ie: Passionate about analyzing pet food ingredients and promoting longevity through homemade diet, supplements and preventive care. Certified Professional Dog Trainer: Offering expertise in behavior and training to help your dog achieve their best. Technology Enthusiast: Leveraging my Gen X computer skills to connect with fellow dog lovers and share valuable insights. Join me in creating a world where every dog enjoys a life filled with love, care, and optimal health.
10/29/2024
I just posted a new article that you have to read if you're feeding your dog Purina Pro Plan. Trust me, you don't want to miss this.
I'm a dog food geek, and I'm tired of big brands talking about their dog food like it's the best when, in reality, it's a flip phone in a smartphone world.
If you care about what your dog eats and you want to make informed choices, this article is for you.
Why Feeding Purina Pro Plan is Like Using a Flip Phone in a Smartphone World
09/01/2024
Happy Labor Day weekend to all the incredible doggie mamas and daddies out there! 🐾 Whether you’re spending the weekend at home caring for your fur babies or out and about, your dedication and love are truly inspiring. Share a picture of your pup in the comments. I want to see all those furry faces!
Spending Labor Day weekend caring for your liver dog instead of hitting the beach? Meet Kori and her pup Carson. Kori is an amazing dog mom, just like so many of you out there. 💖 Let’s celebrate the love and dedication of dog moms everywhere! Share a photo of your special moments with your pup in the comments below. Plus, check out the amazing bonuses I’ve added to my ebook on liver disease in dogs—because our fur babies deserve the best! http://hopeforhealing.com
08/30/2024
I AM NOT OK with causing pain, fear, and purposeful discomfort when training dogs.
Taking a Stand Against Pain, Fear, and Discomfort in Dog Training.
08/28/2024
Hey facebook followers! I’m embracing my passion for writing and have chosen to share my knowledge on Substack. I will be posting exclusive content on my new newsletter, “The Canine Care Collective,”. I find that Substack provides an ad-free reading environment that is more enjoyable for reading than here on facebook. So, I’ll be sharing my expert dog training tips, holistic care advice, homemade dog food recipes, and real-world experiences. You may already know a thing or two about dogs, I promise this is not a rehash of what others are posting. Check it out. It's free! https://open.substack.com/pub/caninecarecollective/p/hello-world-welcome-to-the-canine?r=2n6653&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
07/04/2024
Ever felt like your teenage dog is driving you up the wall? 😅 Check out my latest article on Medium, “5 Things You Need to Know About Surviving Teenage Dogs: Tips to Keep You from Losing Your Mind and Your Temper”
Tips to Keep You from Losing Your Mind and Your Temper
06/19/2024
Dogs truly are more than just pets, aren’t they? They’re our daily dose of sanity, our endless source of happiness, and the wisest teachers. They’re the therapists we didn’t know we needed and, without a doubt, the best friends we could ever ask for. I hope this image brightens your day as much as it does mine!
06/17/2024
“Patio Paws & Coffee Claws” ☕🐾
When the sun’s out and the coffee’s hot, Jackson and I have our cozy spot. I sip on love from a mug that’s big, while Jackson snuggles with his purple bunny, doing a happy jig. He’s got his toy, and I’ve got mine, together we’re sipping on sunshine.
06/12/2024
***Puppy Survival Tips***
In the beginning, everything puppy will be exciting, but it’s easy to become overwhelmed with all that is going on, especially as the early enthusiasm starts to fade and your new canine companion whines, cries, barks, bites, pees and poops all the time. Below are a few tips, tricks, tools & techniques for preparation, prevention, puppy parenting and SURVIVAL until things are again under control and you are sufficiently ready to move on with your training!
Setup your home environment for Success:
• Set up short-term confinement space (crate)
• Set up a long-term confinement space (dog run/exercise pen)
• Pick up any small items off the floors
• Hide electrical cords
• Move any plants on the floor
• Remove any mouse traps or other dangerous items
• Choose a potty location and identify the door you will use
• Hang a leash by the door and place potty treats in a nearby jar
• Start the habit of keeping counters and tables clean; use pantry for snacks
Have a Family Meeting & Set a Routine:
• Designate one person to be initially in charge. This person will teach the cues first and then help the puppy generalize them to other family members.
• Decide what rules the puppy will be expected to follow in your home and with your family.
• Outline common vocabulary for everyone to use with the puppy… For example: OUTSIDE and GO POTTY.
• Create a daily schedule so your puppy has a routine and knows what to expect when and where. Be sure to give your new canine companion plenty of rest, as well as playtime too!
Prevention: it’s easier to create a good habit than to undo a bad one
Puppies do what works best for them. They don’t dwell on past behaviors nor do they plan for the future - they live in the moment! Also important to note, is the fact that many behaviors they exhibit are normal dog behaviors. We must teach them how to live appropriately in our homes.
The following help prevent unwanted behaviors:
• Watch your puppy 100% of the time when he is out and about in your home
• Always go with your puppy to “Go Potty”
• Do not release your puppy from the crate or playpen when he is crying, whining, barking or jumping
• Your puppy will either chew on everything you wish he wouldn’t or what you appropriately provide him as needed
• Teach your puppy that sitting is the new “Please” for any type of attention
(Contact me for help in any of these areas.)
05/30/2024
Hey Doggie Mamas and Papas! 🐾✨
Just dropped a new ** ** video on introducing toys to your new fur family members. 🧸🐕 Here's the scoop:
🐶 Got a new rescue pup, Molly, joining client pack with existing dog Newton? Client is asking about toy time? 🤔
🎥 In my latest vid, I share tips on how to introduce toys without causing a ruff situation. It's not just a game of tug; it's about understanding your dogs' body language!
👀 Watch them interact with a pile of toys. Are they sharing or hoarding? No growls or guarding allowed!
🚫 If you spot any toy-guarding, don't scold. Instead, redirect the other doggo's attention (Newton, come here, buddy!).
🧹 Once playtime's over, or if guarding happens, pick up the toys calmly. We want happy tails, not tail tugs!
Check out the full video for more insights and remember, sometimes it's best to schedule a session for personalized advice. Happy training! 🐕🦺💖
🐾 Welcome to Doggy Mama Tips! 🐾In today’s edition, we tackle a common question from our fellow dog lovers: When and how should you introduce toys to a new ...
As a proud “Doggie Mama,” I’ve been sharing my passion for all things canine over on Medium. From nutrition tips to dog trainer insights, I’m writing to inspire you on how to unleash your dogs’ full potential! Follow me on Medium if you want to see more insights from a modern 2.0 pet parent and professional dog trainer. Let’s stay pawsitive and keep bonding with our doggies.
The Roller Coaster Ride of Doggie Parenthood: Exhilarating, Exhausting, and Oh-So-Worth-It!
05/30/2024
How to Help Your Dog with Liver Disease When the Vet Says There is No Hope: A Checklist for the First Few Weeks
☑️ Give double dose of Milk Thistle and regular dose of Vitamin E with food. Break Milk Thistle into 3 doses. Give last dose before bed. Use with food and Vitamin E. Use human brand of Milk Thistle extract standardized to 80% silymarin. https://hopeforhealing.com/milk-thistle-dosage-calculator/
☑️ Hold off SAM-e if dog is not eating. Resume when dog is eating.
☑️ Avoid flea, tick, heartworm treatments. Avoid vaccinations. Avoid chemical cleaners and lawn care products.
☑️ Be careful with medications and supplements. Ask vet about any drug or supplement. Check label and insert for liver warnings. Some drugs that can harm liver are steroids, antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, and cancer drugs.
☑️ Provide distilled water. Give fresh bowl every day. Make sure dog drinks enough water. Take dog outside to urinate frequently.
☑️ Get a notebook or journal. Track everything. Write down food, supplements, symptoms, changes, test results.
☑️ Be patient and supportive. If dog is not eating, don't panic. Let them rest. Keep offering water and simple meal. If not eating for over 24 hours, go to vet. If you are upset, keep your distance. Stay calm and positive. Be gentle and praise them. Give them love and attention. Spoil them rotten! (but no junk food)
☑️ Go back to the Vet to check liver enzymes in a month and shock your veterinarian.
More to come in 20th-anniversary edition of Hope for Healing Liver Disease in Your Dog.
05/30/2024
01/06/2023
It’s Walk Your Dog Month! 🦮
It’s harder to find ways to exercise your pup physically and mentally during snowy weather, but that’s still our daily responsibility, as guardians (and it stimulates creativity! 😅❄️).
Learn more about the importance of regular dog walking in today’s free pet health article linked in the comments.
01/02/2023
Let 2023 Be Your Pet’s Happiest, Healthiest Year Yet 🙌
It's a brand-new year and a fresh opportunity to help your animals live a healthier and happier life with you! ❤️ Here are some ways you can help enhance your pet’s life this year. ⬇️🐈🐕
For more ways to boost your pet’s health, check out today’s free blog post linked in the comments.
11/17/2022
At-Home DIY Pet Care Tips 🐶🐱
While there are certain things that absolutely require a visit to your veterinarian (like diagnostic testing), there are also routine pet care tasks that you can perform at home. 🏠👍 Not only is this approach less expensive, but it also keeps your pet’s stress level much lower than it would be if you took them on vet visits. 🫶
Check out today’s free pet health blog for more DIY pet care tips.
4 Strategies to Keep Your Dog at a Healthy Weight 🐕👍
With so many overweight dogs being the norm, many pet parents now think too much weight = normal weight, but it’s crucial to understand that overweight and obese dogs are far from healthy. 👎 Follow these strategies to help your dog achieve and maintain a healthy weight:
✅ Overcome fat blindness: If your vet says they need to lose a few pounds, they do
✅ Calculate your dog’s daily calorie requirements
✅ Ignore pet food package feeding guidelines (pet food companies typically use overly broad serving ranges)
✅ Practice portion control and limit treats
Learn more about these strategies when you read today’s free article.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Cyndi Smasal - Integrative Pet Specialist posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Contact The Business
Send a message to Cyndi Smasal - Integrative Pet Specialist:
Videos
“Patio Paws & Coffee Claws” ☕🐾
When the sun’s out and the coffee’s hot, Jackson and I have our cozy spot. I sip on love from a mug that’s big, while Jackson snuggles with his purple bunny, doing a happy jig. He’s got his toy, and I’ve got mine, together we’re sipping on sunshine. #DoodleLove #CoffeeCompanion #PurpleBunnyChronicles
Camp Jackson Playtime! Jackson the ball-catching superstar. Archie & Storm the adorable "campers". I get my sit-ups in...get kisses and demonstrate how to play with toys.
Doggie Mama answers question about how you should introduce toys to new rescue dogs and what to look for in the toy interactions.
Cyndi Smasal is the author of “Hope for Healing Liver Disease in Your Dog” and “Help Me! My Dog Won’t Eat” and a Pet Care/Health Coach, Pet Nutrition Specialist, Pet Communicator and Positive Dog Trainer.
Cyndi was born and raised in San Antonio Texas. She has a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science and had a 25 year career in the computer industry. Her love of saving dogs led her to leave the computer world and embark on a new journey to help pet parents take the best care of their dogs through nutrition, holistic healing and dog training.
For the past 14 years, Cyndi Smasal has turned her love of one dog Norman (the subject of her first book), into a passion for all dogs. She’s helped thousands of dog lovers through her book and hundreds have spoken with her about their own dogs with liver disease. Cyndi has studied canine nutrition, animal naturopathy, natural and holistic animal care, animal communication and positive dog training.
She has cared for 6 of her own dogs and 3 cats through liver disease, arthritis, thunderstorm phobias, sensitive skin and stomachs, food allergies, heart murmurs, old age, behavior issues and all of the other normal challenges of owning dogs and cats.
She has also coached many other pet parents in all areas of caring for their dogs and cats and she teaches positive dog training classes (from beginner to AKC Canine Good Citizen).
Cyndi uses her God given ability to research, sort, analyze, and consolidate so you can cut through the often overwhelming and conflicting information that is out there and go straight to what you need to know to help your dog. She tests the theories; she looks at trends and sorts through the fads. She also stays up-to-date with the individual and organizational experts so she can compile the best of the best resources so you don’t have to do the work yourself.
Cyndi is the founder and Chief Dog Lover of Pawtastic Pet Solutions. This is the fulfillment of Cyndi’s vision of a pet service provider where everyday people can find out what they need to know to take the best care of their pets. Cyndi continues to be a beacon of HOPE. So many times we feel powerless to help our dogs or to care for our dogs or train them properly. So when the traditional vet’s offer no hope, Cyndi is there to give you hope and options.
Cyndi Smasal - Integrative Pet Specialist
Author, Positive Dog Trainer, Pet Nutrition Specialist, Pet Care/Health Coach, Pet Communicator
