Natural Pet Wellness Connection

14/11/2024

Garlic and Dogs: Myth vs. Reality

Garlic often appears on lists of foods to avoid for dogs, leading many pet owners to believe it’s entirely toxic. However, when prepared and used correctly, garlic can provide significant health benefits for dogs. Understanding the proper dosage, preparation, and circumstances for garlic use is key to harnessing its potential safely.

Why Garlic Can Be Beneficial for Dogs

Garlic is more than just a flavorful herb; it’s a nutrient powerhouse. Rich in inulin, sulfur compounds, amino acids, vitamins (A, C, B-complex), and minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium), garlic supports various aspects of canine health, including:
• Digestive Support: Encourages beneficial gut bacteria while reducing harmful strains.
• Immune System Boost: Enhances immune response and helps detoxify the body.
• Circulation: Acts as a natural vasodilator, improving blood flow.
• Flea and Tick Defense: Builds up protective skin compounds to repel pests naturally.

Safe Garlic Use for Dogs

Dosage Guidelines

• 5 lbs: 1/6 teaspoon of fresh garlic
• 30 lbs: Up to 1 teaspoon
• Adjust amounts based on your dog’s weight and consult with a veterinarian for specific recommendations.

Preparation Tips

1. Use fresh, raw, organic garlic for maximum potency.
2. Chop or crush the garlic and let it sit for 10–15 minutes to activate allicin, its key health-promoting compound.
3. Add garlic to meals sparingly and intermittently (e.g., every other week) to avoid overloading your dog’s system.

Special Considerations

• Avoid garlic for puppies under six months, pregnant/nursing dogs, and breeds with heightened sensitivity, like Akitas and Shiba Inus.
• Monitor dogs with sensitive digestion for signs of bloating or gas.

Debunking the Garlic Toxicity Myth

The fear surrounding garlic largely stems from studies using unrealistically high doses. Properly dosed, garlic is safe and beneficial for most dogs. Key to this is managing thiosulphate levels (the compound linked to toxicity) by sticking to recommended amounts.

Using Garlic as a Flea and Tick Repellent

Garlic offers a natural alternative to chemical repellents. When added to a dog’s diet over time, it makes the skin less appealing to fleas and ticks. Start supplementation a few weeks before flea season and pair with gentle shampoos to maintain protective skin oils.

FAQs

1. Is garlic safe for dogs?
Yes, when fresh garlic is used in appropriate amounts.
2. Can I use garlic powder?
No, garlic powder is more concentrated and harder to dose correctly.
3. How much garlic is safe for fleas?
Follow the dosage based on your dog’s weight and ensure consistency for long-term protection.

10/11/2024

🤪🤣🤣🤣thanks!!

27/10/2024

Boost Your Dog’s Health Naturally with Fermented Foods

Is your dog eating grass, has low energy, or poor digestion? These issues often tie back to gut health, a critical part of your pet’s overall wellness. Missing fermented foods in their diet could be a key reason.

As a Pet Wellness Educator, I can help you add natural, gut-supporting foods to your dog’s routine. Together, we’ll create a tailored wellness plan that includes probiotics, essential oils, and nutrient-dense foods for better energy, mood, and digestion.

Ready to transform your dog’s health? Reach out for a one on one session with me and discover the benefits of natural pet wellness!

26/10/2024

20/10/2024

08/10/2024

There are a lot of rumors (some true, some false) about Eucalyptus. Is it safe for pets? Can it be diffused, used topically, or used in cleaning? I think it is time to set the record straight...

What is Eucalyptus Essential Oil?

Eucalyptus is a powerhouse for respiratory support and has both cleansing and immune booting properties as well. Emotionally, Eucalyptus can be very calming during stressful events. It is a great option for animals exhibiting frustration, anger, or clingy behavior.

This oil is one of Dr Roarks go-to oils to include in recipes such as respiratory support sprays & diffuser blends, muscle rubs, DIY bug sprays, and more!

Eucalyptus is not always the best choice for some small animals, check out how to use this oil with animals below ↓↓↓

Using Eucalyptus Essential Oil with Animals:
For horses, cattle, and goats - apply topically by dropping 4-6 drops over the chest for respiratory support, or directly to an area of concern such as tense muscles. Eucalyptus EO can be diluted to cover a larger area but is not required for large farm animals.
For dogs - Diffuse 2-3 drops in a water-based diffuser for respiratory support. For topical use, dilute to 1% (2 drops per 10 mL carrier oil) and apply a small amount to your hands apply to the area of concern.
For cats - Use caution around cats with sensitive respiratory tracts. Leave door open when diffusing so your cat has the option to leave the room. Not recommended for topical use with cats as a single oil.
Avoid or use caution with very young animals and seizure-prone animals.
Need help with dilution for topical use? Check out page 15 of the Free Essential Oils & Safety for Animals booklet for a full dilution guide.

05/10/2024

😁🤣🤣yep! glad its not my porch… I would certainly be roughed up a bit!

Not dogs, but... 😂

05/10/2024

Save some pumpkins for the dogs !

24/09/2024

Packed with over 90 high-quality ingredients—including whole-food vitamins, minerals, fruits, veggies, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and CPTG® essential oils—VMG+ is your all-in-one daily nutritional drink for optimizing foundational wellness.

And the best part? It tastes incredible! 😋 Available on Oct 1st.

21/09/2024

Roman Chamomile oil is a gentle yet powerful essential oil that offers many benefits for pets and humans.

Benefits for Dogs and Cats:

Calming and Relaxing: Roman Chamomile is well-known for its calming properties. It can help soothe anxious or stressed pets when diffused in the home or applied topically (adequately diluted). This makes it an excellent choice for thunderstorms, fireworks, or separation anxiety.

Skin Comfort: Diluted Roman Chamomile oil can be used topically to relieve minor skin irritations and itching in dogs and cats. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

Sleep Support: If your pet has trouble sleeping, Roman Chamomile's calming aroma can create a peaceful bedtime atmosphere. Simply diffuse it in the bedroom or place a drop on their bedding.

Benefits for Other Animals:

Horses: Roman Chamomile can also benefit horses, especially during travel or times of stress. Diffusing it in the stable or applying it diluted topically may help keep horses calm.

Livestock: Roman Chamomile can provide skin support and promote relaxation for livestock animals.

21/09/2024

Lavender is a gentle and versatile oil to use with the pets around us.

Benefits for Dogs and Cats:

Calming and Relaxing: Lavender is renowned for its calming properties. Diffusing this oil or applying it topically (diluted) can help soothe anxious or stressed pets, making it useful during thunderstorms, fireworks, or vet visits.

Skin Relief: Lavender oil can be applied to the skin (adequately diluted) to help alleviate itching and minor skin irritations in dogs and cats. Its gentle nature makes it a safe choice for skin-related concerns.

Sleep Support: If your pet struggles with sleep, diluted lavender oil on their bedding or in a diffuser nearby can create a serene, restful atmosphere.

Benefits for Other Animals:

Horses: Lavender oil can also benefit horses, particularly during stress or traveling. Diffusing lavender oil in the stable or applying it diluted topically may help keep horses calm.

Livestock: For livestock animals, lavender oil can offer skin support and promote a sense of calm in various situations.

PS: Planting Lavender in your garden will also support your pets at home.

21/09/2024

Meet Helichrysum essential oil, often called the "everlasting" or "immortelle" oil, and discover its incredible benefits for your beloved pets.

Benefits for Dogs and Cats:

Skin and Coat Health: Helichrysum oil can be diluted and applied topically to address minor skin irritations in dogs and cats. Its soothing properties make it an excellent choice for alleviating itching and discomfort related to skin issues.

Respiratory Support: In cases of respiratory discomfort or congestion in pets, diffusing Helichrysum oil can provide relief. Its gentle aroma can help open airways and ease breathing.

Emotional Wellness: Helichrysum's calming and grounding aroma can positively impact your pet's emotional well-being. Diffusing this oil during stressful situations or changes in routine may help keep your furry friend relaxed and content.

Benefits for Other Animals:

Horses: Helichrysum oil can be used with horses to support skin health, especially for soothing minor irritations. Its calming properties may also benefit horses during training or in stressful environments.

Livestock: For livestock animals, Helichrysum oil can be applied topically to promote skin wellness. It may also help keep them calm in situations such as transportation or introducing them to new surroundings.

Will you give this oil a try? Share the knowledge with your friends.

21/09/2024

Frankincense oil, derived from the resin of Boswellia trees, is renowned for its diverse range of health benefits.

Benefits for Dogs and Cats:

Skin and Coat Health: Frankincense oil can be diluted and applied topically to address minor skin irritations in dogs and cats. Its soothing properties may provide relief from itching or discomfort.

Calming Effects: Frankincense's aroma is known for its calming and grounding qualities. Diffusing this oil in your home can help create a serene environment that benefits pets and their human companions.

Joint and Muscle Support: Diluted frankincense oil may offer relief when applied topically for aging pets or those with joint discomfort. It can be beneficial for promoting comfort and mobility.

Benefits for Other Animals:

Horses: Frankincense oil can be incorporated into equine care to support joint health and provide relaxation during stressful situations.

Livestock: In the context of livestock, frankincense may offer benefits related to joint support and overall well-being.