In the past few years there has been an increase in the reported cases of lyme disease in human and pets in the state of Virginia. In the past we didn’t have such a concern with lyme disease but cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Rather then go into a lengthy explanation about vector-borne diseases I’d like for you to use the link below to do a bit of reading and research.  Even if you live in town it doesn’t mean you won’t have a tick problem. My sister lives on Westover and her flea and tick problem is far worse then mine. I’d like to provide you with the information and this post will focus on protecting your pets and family. This summer will be worse then you can imagine. Please plan ahead.

Vector-borne Disease Control

The first line of defense is your lawn where you pets and family spend time. If you MUST use a chemical spray such as Cutters which last for 8 weeks and fits on a hose-end sprayer, please follow these guidelines carefully;

• Spray after you’ve cut your lawn.
• Spray early in the morning before the heat of the day sets in or in the evening.
• Allow 24 hours before pets or humans walk on treated grass. Spray the backyard one day and the front yard the next so you can safely let your pet out to potty.
• Carefully monitor your children and pets after.

Any chemical can have harmful side effects so it’s important to use only as needed and take the extra precautions.  If you have a big lawn perhaps you could spray the outer areas, bushes and avoid the direct area where your pets and children are.  After a few days there is less chance of the chemical entering the skin and blood stream. Still many pets eat grass and you need to be prepared to supervise.

Natural Flea and Tick Treatments for Lawns

Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade 10 Lb
Diatomaceous Earth - This fossilized skeletons of tiny aquatic organisms. When untreated, the razor sharp edges of this mined product scratch the exoskeletons of hard bodied insects, making them susceptible to fatal attack from natural organisms in the soil. Application rate: Dry: 1 lb. per 500 sq. ft. Solution: 2 tbs. per gal. of water. As a food supplement for pets: 1-2% of food volume.

Diatomaceous Earth will not work right away. You should also reapply every month. You can mix it as a paste and in a hose-end sprayer or by a powder applicator and puff dust around your yard. Sounds like a pain but it works and it will not harm pets, children, wildlife and the environment.

In addition I also use:

Farnam Central Life 3002536 Equisect Fly Repellent - Approved by the OMRI and the EPA. Contains the botanical repellent PyGanic. Also contains botanical and essential oils of citronella, clove stem, thyme, and corn mint. Although it’s a horse fly spray it is approved to kill ticks and fleas on dogs and cats. I use it here. I buy the 32 oz spray bottle then a gallon ( Equisect Gallon
) and refill. Once a week you spray lightly and deeply brush into the coat. Then once a day when you take your fur baby potty give them a quick light spray on the legs and belly. The gallon is 40 bucks but when you consider the price you pay for Frontline and the like it’s very affordable. In fact along with my other treatments I’ll put Equisect in a hose-end sprayer, set it at 3 teaspoons per gallon and spray it in my dog yards, on my fence, etc. It has an oil base and should stick just fine for a while. So I can kill fleas, ticks, other insects AND keep the flies away? I’m definitely signed up for that!

Last year we used a Garlic concentrate which worked great IF I applied it often but it was very expensive over an entire season.

If you have questions or comments let me know in the comments section below.

I found these unknown chunks in in a bag of Purina One

Just like humans, dogs can become constipated. It may seem like a relatively mild condition, but if left untreated, constipation in dogs can lead to much more serious health problems. Veterinarians have been researching remedies for canine constipation for several years, and have made some useful advances in treating this condition. There are many identified causes of constipation in dogs, most of which are able to be treated by good lifestyle habits and attentive health care.

Constipation is a condition that can be defined by a visible difficulty in your dog’s bowel movements.

Click here to go to a free site about Dog Constipation

Newman’s Own Organics Adult Dog Food Formula

What this means is that even once you’ve found an awesome food do a search online now and then to make sure its still awesome and hasn’t been recalled. Thats right even the companies with the best intentions rely on human error, greed and profit margins. A perfect example is Nutra Pet produces of some top name brand dog foods such as Evo, California Naturals, Mother Nature and Innova has recently sold to Proctor and Gamble.  Here is an article about it

You should also know that Proctor and Gamble owns Iams and Eukanuba. Iams was petitioned by Peta for animal testing. Read more about Animal Testing.  Long term how will this affect the Nutra Pet foods has got many of us greatly concerned.

Read this site to see the poor dogs used in Iams testing. Trust me you won’t buy it again: http://www.iamscruelty.com/photos.asp

Even the superior food I feed my dogs “Taste of the Wild” owned by Diamond Pet foods produce products in the past that were part a huge recall. Since then it seems that the company cleaned up their act and realized the huge losses in not providing a premium safe product. I search monthly making sure there are no changes in processing.

The bottom line is that you’ll need to continue to research and then watch the health of your dog. If you can consider making your dogs food.  If you want a reality check read this site: http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/ If it scares you it should.

If you would like an excellent book on natural pet health including cat and dog foods you can make at home check out: Dr. Pitcairn’s New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats Do yourself and your beloved pet a favor and take the time to read it. You can spend the money and time now or later at the Vet.

I am researching several companies to see if we can purchase free range meats at an affordable cost along with fruits and veggies to make dog food that can be stored in the freezer. If we all pull together perhaps we can find an affordable option for our pets. If you’re interested please email me and be sure to subscribe to our blog for updates.

Your pets, and other animals can also benefit from Diatomaceous Earth. Click hereto view more information on the benefits of Diatomaceous Earth for your pets and animals.

Click here
Please click on the “Human Use” menu item under the Product Information  menu and also view the many other things Diatomaceous Earth can be used for and you will soon see why we feel every house in the world should have a container of Earthworks Diatomaceous Earth within easy reach of all.

I am always skeptical with treatments that make big claims and in the last 5 years, especially now, look for alternative and holistic treatments. Vetnox makes two treatments; (see banner link below to read ingredients, order and details )

Arthro-IonX™ – for hip and joint problems.
Promaxol™ – for pain management

This is a homeopathic treatment that is safe and no side effects. I talked to people using it and they rave about it. So I ordered some for my Rottie “Bear” who is suffering from severe canine Osteoarthritis in his back leg. He’s old and although I can watch his weight, give him light walks, he still suffers. I was giving him 1 anti-inflammatory a day that cost 1.00 PER PILL and Metacam, a pain relief medicine that was costing me almost 150.00 per month. I hated seeing him in pain.

It’s been just a week now and I’ll be darn if I don’t already start to see a difference. I’m sure it takes time but I’m impressed by how quickly its working and it’s very affordable. I’ll keep you posted on the outcome. If you have a dog, cat or horse suffering from severe joint, arthritis or hip you might want to consider trying this stuff. They offer a 60 Day, 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Here at Dancing Creek Farm we take dog food and health very serious. Over the past 15 years I have taken care of countless animals, especially dogs that had skin problems, allergies and even more severe cases - Diabetes, cancer and tumors. Although I am not a Vet there is no doubt in my mind that food and environment play a major part in the health and longevity of  pet and family.

Commercial foods are filled with harmful chemicals and ingredients that are not beneficial to your pets health. I urge you to take the times and research this. Please read this one article CLICK HERE however do your own research. Each year I learn more and see the results not only in my own dogs but dogs I take care of. I know at least a dozen dogs I’ve recommended food and supplements that have had amazing results and off harmful medications.

Any pet food company, even the highest rated can experience a recall. It even happens with out own human food supply, however the base ingredients, preservatives, food quality and additives in most commercial dog foods are just awful.

We choose Taste of The Wild because it’s a grain free food filled with excellent quality ingredients. Click here read them. Because it;s grain free and filled with healthy fibers from fruits and vegetables your dog will eat less and within a short time you’ll see changes in their coats, muscle tone and overall well being. In addition I also add additional fish oil and vitamin E. Sometimes I add sweet potatoes (cooked and mashed) , sometimes a little natural REAL yogurt, chopped apples, etc. If you’re unsure just email me.

Dog Food Reviews: http://www.rateitall.com/t-353-dog-food-brands.aspx

Other harmful chemicals found in cleaners and pesticides which are commonly used around the home could be harmful to you and your pet. Cleaner like “Simple Green” found at Sam’s Club or many stores or what we use is Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds, 32-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2). This stuff is highly concentrated and safe enough to to clean your fruits and veggies, countertop, floors, everything! You’ll be amazed how will it cleans, although you may need to use a clear rinse water after cleaning floors.

Harmful pesticides you spray on your lawn and yard can cause illness or even death. As mentioned in my article on natural tick and flea treatments we use a garlic spray Mosquito Barrier – Liquid Spray Repellent – 1 Gallon it says Mosquitoes, however we use it for ticks, fleas, all types of insects that raid our gardens. It helps cut down on flies but we still use fly traps because flies can carry all types of disease. This is another reason to use Vinegar and Garlic as a tick and flea treatment because its often given to horses to keep flies away.

Considering your dogs health by feeding healthy food, supplements, healthy environment, LOTS of fresh water (change several times a day to encourage drinking) and lots of one on one times, love and affection will extend your dogs life and you’ll save lots of money on Vet bills.

If you live in Danville you can buy Taste of The Wild at Legget’s Town & Country. Please tell them we sent you. We’re working on a discount!

I’ll be covering more on this as well as natural healing herbs and supplements soon. Please subscribe to my blog and tell your friends.

Here is an article from Humane Society

This article primarily covers over the counter treatments, however like any pharmaceutical you should investigate the side effects before dosing your beloved pet.

In the past few years taking care of dogs I’ve seen all types of crazy illnesses in dogs of all ages. Young dogs with severe skin allergies, liver problems, diabetes and more. Although I feel many things collectively contribute to this I can’t help but think that we are poisoning our animals and then continuing to poison them with prescribed medications that also have harmful side effects.

I began a mission to find ways to heal my animals naturally and keep fleas and ticks at bay. Not only my own dogs but the dogs I care for. I can’t prevent an owner from using products but I can recommend foods and treatments that work for me. I’ve had amazing results.

Natural Flea and Tick Treatment That Works!

You can purchase this already mix and it will cost you a lot more but its super simple. In my dogs food I put a teaspoon of organic raw apple cider vinegar.  Next I add garlic. Before you make a decision research the facts. CLICK HERE Carefully research before many any decision even from the most trusted source.  I purchase garlic gel caps  from Sam’s Club. I put a whole cap in my Rottie’s food while in my toy I break it and only add 1/2. I also add Brewers Yeast. It’s best to start small and test. If you feel more comfortable you can also get a pet made yeast and garlic pill:

NaturVet Brewer’s Yeast & Garlic (1000 Tabs)

Does it REALLY WORK?

I will always try natural first. Still there was a part of me that worried that my dogs would get fleas and ticks and give them to our boarders. I am responsible for their pets so I did make sure I checked them every day. I don’t use harmful chemicals on my lawn or garden. I purchase this:

Mosquito Barrier – Liquid Spray Repellent – 1 Quart, For Grassy Areas; Yards, Parks, Athletic Fields And Golf Courses, Keeps Away ticks, fleas, gnats, fire ants and black flies for nearly a month

I buy the gallon which is highly concentrated and it will last me all season with some left over. I do a lot more gardening then the average person. I spray the dog yards, lawn around my house, my fruit trees, everything gets sprayed. It’s approved for organic gardening. I add a teaspoon of any kind of oil, shake the sprayer often and this seems to help it stick better. I really love this stuff and spray every 2 weeks.

I also have free range hens running around eating every bug in sight!  So I’m thinking there’s no way to really tell if the vinegar and garlic work, right?

The other day I needed to quickly go down to the creek. The grass was high and on the back end of my 30 acres it’s woods and lots of ticks. It was too late, I looked around and there was Bear and Cheyenne following behind me. I figured they’d be covered in ticks! I get back to the house and start digging through their coats hunting for ticks. They didnt have not ONE single tick BUT I had FIVE on me!  I decided I needed the same flea and tick regime as my pets! I was taking garlic already and now I drink two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar a day. In fact I’m going to start feeding it to my hens and see if it helps with mites and to my pig!

I’ll be posting some more pet health tips that I’ve actually tried and know that it works. I am not a Vet only someone that has tried things that worked for me. It’s up to you to research and make calculated choices for you and your pets.

Keep in mind that when you’re feeding your dog natural REAL meat they are going to need a lot less and it will be more fulfilling because there is less grain and more protein. I have cut my older dogs back to one 1/2 cups of food, once per day and in the evening I give them a biscut and a boiled egg from my chickens. My older dogs were fat and even when I gave them weight controlled food they were not losing and only gaining. I feed them goat meat a few days a week, ground beef (lean) and a few days a week they get canned salmon. I’ve already posted it in another post. My choice to feed them goat meat was that its much healthier and in the long run I save money not only on food but definitely vet bills.

I cook my goat meat. I don’t cook it all the way but enough to bring out the flavor and help kill any bacteria that it might have picked up. I cook it on the stove in a big pan with olive oil, fresh garlic and sometimes curry. After all curry has proven to be great for adults helping all types of health issues. I might throw in some carrots or any veggies I have on hand. When I’m done I add just a little bit of rice (I buy bulk!) and a dollop of non-fat yogurt with cultures. This is their favorite meal. In fact when they smell it cooking they start barking and going crazy!

Goat meat is a better alternative to beef or even chicken. Its great for over weight dogs or even active dogs. The other thing you should consider is the environmental impact that cattle has over beef. They are processed sooner and with a lot less impact on the environment. Most goats are grass fed where as beef can be fed almost anything. pound for pound goat meat is the best and most healthy alternative.

You can also bake it into a healthy loaf adding olive oil, garlic, crushed tomatoes, carrots or even cabbage. Whatever healthy veggie you have will do.