Tail Waggers now offers Grooming Classes for those who want to know how to maintain their pets coat and hygiene between grooming appointments. We will be covering the basics like:
- Brushing properly to remove/prevent mats and shed
- Brushing teeth to ward off invasive procedures
- Ear Cleaning
- and the Do’s and Don’ts of bathing your pet at home
Classes are Monday and Wednesday night starting July 19th and the cost is only €15 per class. You will also receive a 20% discount on all grooming products like Tropiclean Shampoos, Conditioners, and Cologne Sprays as well as Mikka and Vivog slicker brushes and 10% off any grooming appointments booked the night of the classes.
If you or anyone you know is interested in taking these classes please contact Tail Waggers to book your slot. And don’t forget to bring your furry friend along to practice on.
A customer stopped in recently to purchase a bag of Luath’s Chicken and Rice food for their dog. They informed me that they changed over to Luath’s 6 months prior and couldn’t believe how much it helped their dogs epilepsy. Apparently the dog had been suffering seizures on a regular basis but since changing to the Luath’s food it only suffered 2 in 6 months.
Most people don’t know that the diet alone can be the root cause of epilepsy in pets. Something as simple as a B Vitamin deficiency can cause seizures that no medication on the market can prevent. Another cause of seizures, and not necessarily epilepsy, are substances called Excitotoxins. Excitotoxin, simply explained, is another way of saying toxics chemicals that cause small bombs to go off in the brain. Excitotoxins can also lead to debilitating diseases like Alzheimers and Multiple Sclerosis. Examples of Excitotoxins are Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) and Sucralose. While these ingredients aren’t listed on the bag of dog food, if you see the words by-product or another vague term like this there could be just about anything in your pets food. In my research I’ve learned that pet food manufacturers can get away with putting inedible ingredients like heads, hooves, beaks, feathers, and even cancerous meats in pet food and putting the blanket term ‘by-product’ on the bag to cover it up. There is just no telling how many of these toxins get into your dogs diet everyday. And with by-products being anything they can put into the vat, every bag of food you buy will have different ingredients. So if you wonder why your pet is having a reaction to the same brand they’ve been eating for years, now you know. Every bag is different.
I had a conversation recently with the creator of Luath’s Holistic Pet Foods about ingredients he’s investigated in other pet food brands. I was shocked at his findings. He spoke about a few terms used for ingredients that I’d seen many times on several brands but never really understood what they meant. I had a feeling they weren’t very healthy and boy was I right. Here are a few of them.
- Vegetable Protein Isolate- What is it? It’s a mixture of crushed vegetable protein and water which is subjected to ultra-sonic energy. Dimethylformamide is added and cooked for about 1 hour at boiling point. Dimethylformamide is the organic compound whose name is derived from the fact that it is a derivative of formamide, the amide of formic acid. (Formic acid is found in bee stings)…yum?
- DL-methionine
This is an essential amino acid normally found in protein sources. It’s inclusion in dog foods
raise my suspicion about the quality of the included protein – Dogs need 2 essential amino
acids to create Taurine – methionine and cystine. Without both they cannot create taurine.
- Beet Pulp
Sugar beet pulp is the correct name for this product – it is the left over after the sugar
has been extracted. It is claimed that it is a high quality source of fibre. Nothing could be
further from the truth – it is a low grade and very cheap filler. It is very drying and allows
for the inclusion of high levels of fat in dog foods. High fat creates very damp conditions
but the beet pulp essentially soaks it up and prevent very soft stools. High fat in the
diet will make the digestive system sluggish but it very slowed by the sugar beet pulp.
The list goes on and just gets less and less appetizing. So to sum up my rant of toxins and by-products do your pets a favour, read the ingredients and question anything you’re not sure of. And remember I’m here to help.
A few weeks ago a customer brought her two King Charles Spaniels in for their grooming appointment. I noticed they were scratching the second they stood still so I asked her about it. She told me they did that all the time and didn’t know why. A few questions later I realized it was their food causing it. Throughout the entire grooming session the dogs were scratching non-stop. I applied aloe to the skin to see if that would offer any relief but to no avail. When she returned to pick them up I advised her to change to Luath’s, the hypoallergic brand of food I carry, and to also give them a supplement that should cure the itching quickly. The supplement I recommended was called Quercetin.
Quercetin is a phytochemical that is part of the coloring found in the skins of apples and red onions. It has been isolated and is sold as a dietary supplement. It contains natural anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic effects.
I recommended she give each dog 1 capsule twice daily with food and to come back in 3 weeks for a follow up. When the dogs returned they didn’t itch once the whole time they were there. Their skin even looked better with no signs of dermatitis or dander. Needless to say my customer was very relieved and thankful.
Standard procedure from a vet is to inject the dogs with a steroid to alleviate the symptom. Not only are these injections are dangerous but they can lead to other health problems in the future and don’t actually cure the pet. It’s impossible to know all of your animals allergies so keeping a supply of Quercetin on hand is highly recommended. Give them 2 per day until symptoms reverse. Quercetin can be found at your local health food store.
Related Links:
http://www.solgar.ie/details/211/speciality/quercetin-complex-vegetable-capsules-50
http://nutrition.about.com/od/phytochemicals/p/quercetinprofil.htm
This is the latest press release for Petchums, The Community for Pet Lovers. And this is Barbara, the Managing Director of the website. Read below about her fantastic social networking website for pet lovers everywhere. Visit the site and become a member to share your funny pet stories and add us as friends!
‘’ Fun loving, friendly and fully vaccinated Golden Retriever seeks playmate for walks in the park, chasing games and lazy afternoons on the sofa’’.
Lonely pets everywhere are logging into www.petchums.com, a website created to allow pet owners co-ordinate meetings with other pets in their local area for dog walks, pet sitting and even play dates! ‘’Play dates are very important for the social development of dogs and cats’’ explains Barbara. ‘’Besides it being fun for your pets, it is a great way for people to connect’’. Founded by Barbara Hanly, petchums.com was launched to connect pet-lovers and provide them with a sense of community. Whether you’re away on holiday and need someone to mind Fido or seeking a play buddy for Fluffy, check out Petchums.com for a helping paw.
Petchums.com is free to use and members can create profiles for their pets, upload photos, videos. Other additional pawsome features include groups, expert advice, park descriptions, and discussion forums. Since its launch last October, the site has grown from a young puppy into a thriving online community with over 800 members from the UK & Ireland. Join now today, you’re one click away from a new network of pet adoring friends!
In this episode I take you into my grooming salon and show you how to properly brush out and de-mat your dog prior to bathing them. I also give you some tub tips to help with during and after the bath as well. If you have any questions or comments we’d love to hear them.
Dogathon is a fundraising fun walk in aid of COPE Galway, for dogs and dog lovers along the prom in Salthill in Galway City and is taking place on Sunday 18th April 2010 at 12pm. Visit their website for more information like…
and any other questions you might have.
Tail Waggers will have a table set up selling loads of their fun toys, treats, and pet accessories so be sure to stop by and say hello.
It’s about that time of year where seasonal shedding is starting to happen. Usually twice a year your dog or cat will shed it’s entire undercoat leaving a glossy thinner topcoat that’s easier to maintain. I say usually because most pets are kept indoors and the seasonal shed can happen all year long from the heat going on in the house. This is what I refer to as ‘non-seasonal’ shedding. Another example of non-seasonal shedding is when the animal’s topcoat also sheds. This should never happen as it is a prime example of an essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency and/or food allergy.
Most of the pet foods on the market don’t provide even the most basic of nutrients, one of course being EFA’s. As noted in a previous post about hyperactivity in pets, EFA’s are necessary for proper brain development as well as moisturizing the skin and coat to keep that vital topcoat from shedding out. Supplementing EFA’s like Cod Liver Oil or Sunflower Oil are a great way to provide proper nourishment but it’s best if the food already contains one of these oils as that may mean the food itself is healthier.
Luath’s and Robbie’s from Land of Holistic Pets is the only food I recommend. I could carry any food on the market right now but that is the ONLY one I will sell as I swear by it. It’s reversed, dare I say cured, so many problems in the pets I’ve put on it that I’ve lost count. Problems like unseasonal/topcoat shed, eczema, pancreatitis, dandruff, hotspots, yeast related ear infections, eye drainage, dull dry coat, and even insulin dependent diabetes in a cat. No joke!
Getting your pet to a groomer on a regular basis, every 4 to 6 weeks, will help keep your home furball free when the shedding season begins.
Grooming will also take your dog from looking like this…
…to looking like this…
See how happy she looks. Show your pet you love them by keeping them healthy on the outside as well as in. (:o3
Related Sites:
http://www.landofholisticpets.co.uk
Many people think that if their puppy is hyperactive that it’s just being a “puppyâ€. The fact of the matter is if a dog is hyperactive, at any age, there could very well be a nutritional deficiency affecting the central nervous system (CNS) and brain function.
The CNS is nourished mostly by B Vitamins. Nervines like Chamomile, Valerian Root, and Rhodiola are also great herbs for tonifying the CNS. If the food you’re feeding your pet is lacking in essential B Vitamins they will inevitably show symptoms of a deficiency.
The brain is 60% fat. So one of the most important ‘foods’ your brain needs are essential fatty acids (Omegas). Essential fats like Sunflower and Olive Oil are 2 of the best, and cheapest, sources of these fats. Other great sources are Hemp Oil, Flax Oil, and Cod Liver Oil. All of these oils help nourish the brain and, with B Vitamins, can help prevent hyperactivity.
A well balanced kibble for your pet should contain all of the following:
- At least one source of Omega Fatty Acids like Sunflower Oil
- A high quality meat source (no animal derivatives, preservatives, or allergens*)
- All Vitamins and Minerals essential to pet health
- Vegetables
Other excellent ingredients are spirulina, seaweeds, oregano, and thyme.
You can even supplement the kibble with raw meats like chicken, fish, lamb, or duck and vegetables like green beans, carrots, broccoli, and potatoes. It’s always a good idea to add whole foods to a kibble if a complete raw foods diet isn’t in the budget.
The brands I recommend are Luath’s and Robbies by Land of Holistic Pets. See my Products page for flavors and sizes.
*allergens include corn, wheat, soy, beef, dairy, and pork products
Here are a few stocking stuffer ideas for your furry family members…
- Tropiclean Shampoos, Conditioners, and Colognes for healthy skin and coat.
- ISPCA Candy Cane Rope Chew Toys
- Coachies Training Treats
- KONG Rubber Teething Sticks and Balls (All Kong 25% Off)
- Scallywags Treats
- Veggie Lights Chew Bones
- Diamante and Lupine Collars and Leads
- Catnip Toys, Mice, and many other toys for your feline family members too!
And the best gift of all……A Tail Waggers Gift Certificate!!!
Happy Holidays! (:o3
Times like these we’re all thinking of ways to tighten our budget. We cut out certain expenses such as going out on the weekends, buying a new frock once a week, and we even surrender our beloved pets to animal shelters for lack of a better option. Well I’m here to say you can STOP surrendering your pets because I’ve devised a list of ways we can all save money on our pets.
1. Feed Healthier Foods- This does not mean run out and buy the most expensive food on the market. On the contrary. One company that’s out there (that I carry and stand behind 100%) is called Land of Holistic Pets. The two brands they have are Luath’s and Robbie’s Holistic Pet Foods. These foods have all of the nutrients every pet NEEDS and none of the fillers they don’t. It has Omega fatty acids, minerals from seaweeds including Spirulina, veggies, meat, and herbs like oregano (cancer fighter) and parsley (kidney tonic). This food is far less expensive than Veterinary brands and wont cause the problems the by-products and fillers in those brands do. Therefore your pet will stay healthier and wont need to frequent the vet for symptoms of ill health. Contact me for pricing on Luath’s and Robbie’s brand foods. It’s so inexpensive you wont believe it.
Also see my video on “Making Cat Food Out Of Dog Foodâ€
2. Home Made Flea Control and De-Wormer- Most people think the only way to prevent fleas and worms is to either use a spot-on treatment or get a pill from the vet. These methods are very expensive and quite toxic actually. Not to mention fleas can build up an intolerance to certain spot-on products rendering them useless. I have an easy and cost cutting way to protect your pet and rid them of any parasites they already have.
Ever heard of a little thing called Garlic? Garlic has many medicinal properties such as anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, and even anti-viral. I just so happen to have a great recipe on how to make Garlic Oil to drizzle on your pets food. Keep reading…
Recipe:
Ingredients-5 Cloves Fresh Garlic*
1 Cup Olive Oil
Take 5 cloves of fresh garlic and crush with a spoon.This takes them from an Allin form to their medicinal Alicin form. Drop them into a cup of oil, stir, and allow to infuse for a day or two. Once the oil has a pungent smell of garlic put 1/2 tsp for small dogs and up to 2tsps for a large dog on their food once daily.
Garlic used as Flea Control- The odor from eating garlic oil comes out in your pets’ skin. We can’t smell it but the fleas and ticks can and they don’t like it. And if they do bite down it will kill them all the while making your pet healthier.
Garlic used as a De-Wormer- As the Alicin form of garlic oil goes through your dogs’ GI tract it irritates any adult parasites and “chases†them out of the body. To be sure you rid your pet of all life stages of worms follow up with another second round of garlic oil 2 weeks later.
*Note: Garlic is a blood thinner. If your dog is on blood thinners or is anemic or pregnant do not use this recipe. (See my video on Natural Flea and Tick Spray)Also if you notice loose stool or diarrhea lower the dose and feed only 3 times per week.
3. Grooming- You knew I couldn’t talk about pet health without including this vital step. Grooming your pet can be a very costly endeavor. Large breed high maintenance dogs, like Standard Poodles, can cost anywhere up to E100 ($120) or even more depending on where you live. Between groomings you can do a few things to make your next grooming more of a credit crunch cost.
- Brush them every day. I know we all lead hectic lives but if you do this every day it will take literally 10 minutes and you can prevent some pretty costly matting
- Don’t bathe them. Sounds gross but unless your willing to use conditioners and dry them properly you can actually cause more harm than good. Getting mats wet and then not putting in conditioners, or hand drying and brushing at the same time, will make them worse. That increases the time your groomer takes to brush those babies out and your price will skyrocket.
- Get a “sporty†cut. I call it sporty but what it really means is short. And no I don’t mean bald! Shih Tzus and Bichons, while they look lovely all long and fluffed out, really need to be a more manageable length. Ask for a 4F or 5F or even a 7F length and you’ll be able to postpone your next appointment a couple weeks. And trust me, they’ll still look adorable. But you will need to put a coat on them on those blistery cold winter nights.
- Don’t miss your appointment. Many groomers out there charge a cancellation fee so be sure not to miss your appointment and if you need to CALL THEM! They may waive the fee for the courtesy of the call.
- And lastly, brush their teeth. No one usually thinks of this vital step in pet health but they need dentals just like humans do if the plaque and tartar build up too much. This means a trip to the vet, anesthesia, and possible extractions. Save your pet the trip and your wallet the dent and brush their teeth a few times a week.
4. Exercise- Pet’s, just like people, need exercise. It prevents them from going stir crazy and destroying your house as well as keeping their weight down and heart healthy. They have the same complex systems we do, just a shorter digestive tract. If you do a little research you will find that more pets are getting human diseases like pancreatitis, diabetes, heart attacks, and even liver failure from poor diet and lack of exercise. This will certainly raise your vet bills and may even cause you to consider putting the animal down. These are all preventable conditions that cost very little money and saves your pet a world of suffering.
The Best Protection is Prevention. Prevention is KEY!!
Tail Waggers now offers Grooming Classes for those who want to know how to maintain their pets coat and hygiene between grooming appointments. We will be covering the basics like: 
