All Hands On PET! by Susan E. Davis, PT

Today, we are talking about a book written by Susan E. Davis.  Susan is a licensed physical therapist with over 40 years of experience including both human and animal physical therapy.  Her practice includes patient care to pets, as well as virtual consulting.  Susan is a wonderful and caring advocate who helps animals live more active lives by educating owners on options to promote mobility.  She has written a previous book called "Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation for Animals...A Guide for he Consumer.

"All Hands On Pet!" is a very detailed "How-To" Guide on home therapy methods for pets.  The first chapter of the book covers the basics...for instance...how to use the book to your advantage.

Chapter 2 covers what's new in physical therapy for animals from staying current through Kinesiology Taping, Intervertebral Disc Disease, Discospondylitis, Cold Laser, Spray and Stretch, Cryosauna, Hyperbaric Oxygen and Negative Pressure Chambers.

Chapter 3 discusses preventing Hip Dysplasia in puppies, patterns of gait, beginning leash walking, and range of motion exercises.

Chapters 4 and 5 cover young adulthood and midlife, building strength, endurance, and agility.  Boating and Outdoor Adventures, Preventing Cruciate Ligament Injuries, Myofascial Trigger Points, Scar Tissue Massage, the effects of weather, and the signs of pain.

Chapter 6 talks about the many different aspects of living with and caring for senior pets.  I personally found this chapter to be very informative as I am sharing my home with three seniors at the moment.  Susan discusses Sensory Stimulation and Frailty Syndrome, Digestive Issues, Managing Canine Hip Dysplasia, promoting mobility with walking aids or wheeled carts, Laryngeal Paralysis and Stridor Respiratory conditions, Congestive Heart Failure, and handling Dementia and End of Life.  Susan gives very good tips for you to use when your senior dog is suffering from symptoms of Dementia.

Chapter 7 is all about the special needs at any stage of life while Chapter 8 discusses warrior mentality, wound care at home, and indoor winter exercises.  

I am very impressed with Susan's attention to detail, especially her suggestions for building ramps for small size dogs.  She even has photos so you can see exactly what she is talking about.

Chapter 9 covers cats, birds, and all the rest while Chapter 10 has tales of courage detailing 7 personal stories.  The interactions that Susan had with each and every patient and their owners is special.  It is evident that she cares deeply for all of her patients and their families.

This book and Susan herself is a true gift to animal lovers.  Her passion for animals shows in every single word and her writing style is very warm and comforting.  Go check out "All Hands on PET!" I highly recommend it!

*I received this book at no charge in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Safety of our Pets: Let's discuss Retractable Leashes...

I know that we have all talked about this before, but there is a discussion going on in one of my Bichon groups regarding how UN-safe retractable leashes are for our furry friends. 

 Please, please be careful should you decide to purchase one of these...after doing a bit of research, I am convinced it is not the safest choice.

A retractable leash is not so much a leash as it is a length of thin cord wound around a spring-loaded device housed inside a plastic handle. The handles of most retractable leashes are designed to fit comfortably in a human hand. A button on the handle controls how much of the cord is extended.

Retractable leashes are popular primarily because they aren't as confining as regular leashes, allowing dogs more freedom to sniff and poke around on walks. But unfortunately, there are many downsides to this type of leash.

10 Reasons Not to Use a Retractable Leash

1. The length of retractable leashes, some of which can extend up to 26 feet, allows dogs to get far enough away from their humans that a situation can quickly turn dangerous. A dog on a retractable leash is often able to run into the middle of the street, for example, or make uninvited contact with other dogs or people.

2. In the above scenario, or one in which your pet is being approached by an aggressive dog, it is nearly impossible to get control of the situation if the need arises. It's much easier to regain control of – or protect -- a dog at the end of a six-foot standard flat leash than it is if he's 20 or so feet away at the end of what amounts to a thin string.

3. The thin cord of a retractable leash can break – especially when a powerful dog is on the other end of it. If a strong, good-sized dog takes off at full speed, the cord can snap. Not only can that put the dog and whatever he may be chasing in danger, but also the cord can snap back and injure the human at the other end.

4. If a dog walker gets tangled up in the cord of a retractable leash, or grabs it in an attempt to reel in their dog, it can result in burns, cuts, and even amputation. In addition, many people have been pulled right off their feet by a dog that reaches the end of the leash and keeps going. This can result in bruises, "road rash," broken bones, and worse.

5. Dogs have also received terrible injuries as a result of the sudden jerk on their neck that occurs when they run out the leash, including neck wounds, lacerated tracheas, and injuries to the spine.

Retractable leashes allow dogs more freedom to pull at the end of them, which can look like aggression to another dog who may decide to "fight back."

6. The handles of retractable leashes are bulky and can be easily pulled out of human hands, resulting in a runaway dog.

7. Along those same lines, many dogs – especially fearful ones – are terrorized by the sound of a dropped retractable leash handle and may take off running, which is dangerous enough. To make matters worse, the object of the poor dog's fear is then "chasing" her, and if the leash is retracting as she runs, the handle is gaining ground on her – she can't escape it. Even if this scenario ultimately ends without physical harm to the dog (or anyone else), it can create lingering fear in the dog not only of leashes, but also of being walked.

8. Retractable leashes, like most retractable devices, have a tendency to malfunction over time, either refusing to extend, refusing to retract, or unspooling at will.

9. Retractable leashes are an especially bad idea for dogs that haven't been trained to walk politely on a regular leash. By their very nature, retractables train dogs to pull while on leash, because they learn that pulling extends the lead.

10. If your dog is well trained, gentle mannered and smart enough to master a regular leash and a retractable leash without being confused, you could be one of the rare guardians that can walk your pooch on any kind of leash without increasing risks to either one of you.

By Dr. Becker

Just to add a bit of "spice" to this post...so it is not all doom and gloom...

Credit for the picture goes Sasquatch Pet Beds!!

I have no affiliation with this company and no experience with their beds, I simply thought they were cute!

Dryness and Winter Tips for Pets!

We have really been suffering with low humidity in the house lately!!  We even had to go out and purchase a humidifier.  This has never happened before and we have been in this house for 25 years!  The dryness is just really getting to all of us.  I have been going through Systane Drops like you wouldn't believe and it is really affecting my eyesight.  And the nosebleeds...just awful!  I suffer from Sjogren's Syndrome which intensifies all of my symptoms even more.  In case you are wondering.   Sjögren's is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects the entire body. Along with symptoms of extensive dryness, other serious complications include profound fatigue, chronic pain, major organ involvement, neuropathies and lymphomas. 

Today, I'm sharing a few tips for Cold Weather Protection for Pets...

Before, during and after walks and outdoor exercise:

* Coats and booties can help your dog stay warm. In particular, short-haired or elderly dogs benefit from wearing a coat or sweater. Look for coats or sweaters with high collars or a turtleneck that covers the dog from the base of the tail on top to the belly underneath.  (Yes, I realize that in the above photo, neither one of the girls have a coat on!  We had just returned home and they really had to GO!)  It was a REALLY quick trip outside!!

* Remember to be very careful with sick or older dogs, since they are more sensitive to cold weather. For any dog sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.  Honestly, it breaks my heart to see people leave their dogs outside with no shelter or warmth...

* Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If necessary, papertrain your puppy inside if he appears to be sensitive to the weather.

* Clip the fur between toe pads to reduce the amount of snow that collects between toes.  I blowdry the girls' when they come in and that is one of Chloe's most favorite activities!!

* To help protect dry, sensitive paws, try coating them with a bit of coconut oil before walks in very cold weather.

* During deep snows, shovel out a potty spot for your dog.

* Upon returning home, wipe snow and ice off your dog's feet, legs and belly. Little ice cubes can form in the sensitive spaces between the toes and toe-pads. Remove the ice carefully with your fingers since it may cling to the hairs between the paws. Wiping off your dog will remove any salt, antifreeze or other harmful chemicals that can be ingested when licking the paws.

* Consider keeping a container of warm water and towels by the door for use after walks. It is good to rinse the paws before you wipe them dry, because lime rock salt and calcium chloride salt can irritate the foot pads and cause vomiting and diarrhea when licked. Dunking in the water will also dissolve ice and remove mud.

* Many de-icing and ice-melting products are toxic. Read the labels of any projects you use, and store these products in tight containers.

* Even brief exposure to sub-zero temperatures can lead to frostbite of the feet, nose or ears. Frost-bitten skin appears red, gray or whitish and may peel off. Prevent frostbite by removing ice and snow from paws and fur right away. If you suspect frostbite, take your pet to a warm place and thaw out frostbitten areas slowly by applying warm, moist towels. Change them frequently. Continue until the affected areas become flushed. Then contact a veterinarian for further care.

Winter pet care:

* Brush your dog regularly. The air in most houses becomes dry during the colder months, which depletes moisture from dog skin and fur. Brushing improves the condition of the skin and coat and improves circulation.

* A thick-coated dog typically needs grooming in cold weather. The fur can get wet and matted, making it an irritant. 

* Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. Leave the coat longer for more warmth. When you bathe your dog, completely dry him before taking him out for a walk.

* Use fatty acid supplements during the winter, ideally starting several weeks before cold weather sets in, to help skin and coat.

* If your dog engages in a lot of outdoor activities, increase his food supply to help keep his coat thick and healthy.

Safety measures:

* Do not leave antifreeze, coolant or windshield wiper fluid within reach. And do not let pets drink from puddles. These products taste appealing to pets but most are lethal to animals when ingested. So thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle. 

Consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Some companies offer non-toxic antifreeze products, such as Sierra. Be sure to have your radiator flushed before you fill it with Sierra and do not mix Sierra with traditional antifreeze.

* Keep a winter survival kit in your car. Include blankets, towels, water, bowl, first aid kit, and a sign that a dog is in the car.

* Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. The animal can freeze to death. Of course, do not leave animals, or children, in cars during very warm weather either.

* Cats left outdoors and wild animals sometimes climb onto car engines or beneath cars to seek warmth. Please bang on the hood of your car or honk the horn before starting the engine to warn cats away.

In-home health and safety:

* Provide your companion animal with a warm place to sleep, away from drafts and off the floor. Dog and cat beds with a warm blanket or pillow are especially cozy.

* If you know people who keep dogs in basements or tiled rooms, remind them that tile and uncarpeted areas can get very cold.

* The dryness in our homes can make animals more susceptible to problems such as dry noses, upper respiratory infections, dandruff, itchy skin, hair texture changes, dry throats and more.

* Portable heaters and fireplaces can be deadly hazards for animals and children. Screen fireplaces and put portable heaters out of their reach. Do not run portable heaters when you are not there to monitor them; each year, a number of house fires start this way.

Emergencies:

* To avoid injuries, hypothermia and drowning, don't let dogs venture onto frozen ponds.

* If your dog falls through ice into water, heed this guidance about drowning from Dr. Stefanie Schwartz, Dog Fancy writer and author of First Aid for Dogs:

If the dog is limp, unconscious or unresponsive, wrap him in a towel. Keep the neck and back immobilized to avoid aggravation of possible spinal injury. Place the dog on a flat board for transporting.

If the dog is not breathing, lay her on flat on his right side. Make several quick compressions to his chest to expel water, then feel for a heartbeat just behind the left elbow. If there's a heartbeat, but the dog is still not breathing, check the back of his throat for obstructions.

If you feel no obstruction, close the dog's muzzle by firmly encircling it with your hand. Put the dog's tongue in his mouth first so he doesn't bite it. Then, blow into his nose. Adjust the force of your breath to the size of dog. Watch for rise of his chest, and keep checking for a heartbeat.

If you can't feel a heartbeat, make one or two quick firm compressions on the chest wall with both of your palms flat on top of each other, and begin artificial respiration. Blow about 15 breaths followed by a chest compression. Continue until the dog regains consciousness, respiration and heartbeat return, or until emergency assistance takes over.

* Keep Rescue Remedy on hand. It's a Bach flower essence available in most health food stores. This gentle, natural stress reducing liquid can help people and animals recover from injury, fright, illness, travel fatigue and irritation. Put a drop in drinking water. To help prevent travel sickness, a common dosage is four drops in the mouth about ten hours before the trip, repeating every four hours as needed. For stressed or injured animals, rub a drop on their ear or put a drop on the towel in their crate or carrier.

* If you see an animal in distress, please call your local humane society right away. It doesn't take long for companion animals to suffer and fall victim to severe winter weather. Frostbite occurs when the fluids in tissues freeze, frequently on the tips of the ears, paws or pads, flanks and belly. Hypothermia, which can lead to death, occurs when the animal's body temperature drops significantly below normal, causing the bodily systems to shut down. Furthermore, pets left outside are deprived of water, since water freezes at 32 degrees.

Leaving pets outdoors:

* If you know anyone who keeps pets outdoors, persuade them to bring them inside. Low temperatures, winds and precipitation can lead to illness and death. In addition, water bowls freeze in cold weather.

* Remember, dogs are domesticated animals who should live indoors with their people. Living outside in a dog house is a sad life, especially in cold, hot and wet weather.

* Please keep cats inside. Felines who spend time outside can freeze, or get lost or injured.

* Dog houses and the law: Local laws typically require that if dogs are kept outdoors, the owner must supply the dog with "proper" shelter from the weather, which includes a dog house big enough to stand up in and to permit posture positions that allow the dog to stretch out and stand up, but must not be oversized, since the dog needs to retain body heat; a wind flap on the dog house door; nonporous bedding such as straw; and, access to fresh, unfrozen water.

* If you see a dog in need of a caring friend, become that dog's advocate. Speak with the owner, and if that fails to improve the situation, contact your local SPCA, humane society of animal control office.

* For free information to use to educate pet owners and others who keep animals in cold or neglectful conditions, see the Related Links below.

Related Links:

First Aid Techniques and First Aid Kit Supplies:

http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_FirstAid.php

If you know of a companion animal kept outdoors or in other inhumane conditions:

http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_HelpingAbusedAnimals.php

Backyard Dog, Outdoor Dog: Facts, Guidance, Solutions

http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_BackyardDogs.php

Note: Some tips courtesy of Brenda Beck, President of Pets and Animals in Distress in Fort Lauderdale; The Healthy Animal Update newsletter; and other sources

Yes! Coconut Oil IS Good For Our Pets Too!!

Someone asked me just the other day how did my girls like coconut oil.  Well...let me tell you, they absolutely LOVE the taste of coconut oil...and if I forgot to put it in their food, they probably would not even eat!  THAT is how much they have come to love it!!  I put just about a half of a teaspoon mixed in with their meal.  Both of them are quite happy to lick the spoon!!

Coconut oil can have many so many health benefits if you feed it regularly to your dog– for their skin, digestive and immune systems, metabolic function, even their bone and brain health! Here are the top 10 reasons to add coconut oil to your dog’s diet:

1. Coconut oil improves overall skin health, and clears up skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis, and itchy skin.

2. Incredibly emollient, coconut oil helps moisturize the dryest K9 skin and makes a dog’s coat gleam with health – whether you add it to her diet, her shampoo, or both!

3. Applied topically to the skin, coconut oil  promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, bites, and stings.

4. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of coconut oil help reduce doggy odor, and its pleasantly tropical aroma imparts a delightful scent to a dog’s skin and coat.

5. Coconut oil prevents and treats yeast infections, including candida. Its antiviral agents also help dogs recover quickly from kennel cough.

6. Digestion and nutrient absorption are improved by the addition of coconut oil to a dog’s diet. It can, however, cause stool to loosen; if that happens, just add a few spoonfuls of canned pumpkin to your dog’s diet (go here for more stool-firming tips).

7. Coconut oil reduces – and sometimes eliminates – doggy breath. Some dog lovers even brush their pets’ teeth with the stuff! Which makes sense, as dogs love the taste of coconut oil, and that makes the chore less arduous for brusher and brushee. 

8. Like cinnamon, coconut oil helps prevent diabetes by regulating and balancing insulin. It also promotes normal thyroid function, and helps prevent infection and heart disease.

9. Helping to reduce weight and increase energy, coconut oil also promotes mobility in dogs with arthritis and other joint issues.

10. Again like cinnamon, coconut oil is excellent for brain health; it’s being used to stave off dementia in humans, and it’s a must to keep senior dogs’ minds from becoming cloudy.

Our thanks to Dogster for this very important health info!!

Pay Close Attention! Could Your Dog Be Sick?

No one knows your dog better than you do.  It is extremely important to be on the lookout for signs that your dog could be sick.

 Signs that you need to watch out for...

1. Lack of appetite - Anorexia is often one of the very first signs of illness in dogs. It can be difficult to determine if you feed your dog dry food only and keep the bowl full. For this reason, some veterinarians recommended feeding dogs a scheduled feeding at the same time every day so that you accurately assess their appetite.

2. Less active - Dogs that don't feel well are often less active. Many times this "less active" sign is mistaken for "getting older". If your dog is less active, the safest thing to do is have your vet check your dog out.

3. Weakness - Weakness can be displayed as either being "less active", having a lethargic appearance, or by displaying a loss of balance and coordination. All of these are potentially serious signs and should prompt immediate evaluation by your veterinarian.

4. Lethargy - Lethargy is a general lack of interest in the environment. It is a very common symptom and can be an early or late sign of illness depending on the severity.

5. Weight loss - Losing weight is another common sign of disease or illness. Sometimes it is difficult to notice weight loss, especially in longhaired dogs or dogs that you see every day and may not notice subtle changes. If your dog feels bonier, lighter, or you can easily feel the ribs, this could be a problem.

6. Increased water consumption - Drinking more is often associated with a few diseases including kidney disease and diabetes mellitus. If you notice your dog is showing these symptoms, see your veterinarian.

7. Changes in Coat - Dogs that don't feel well generally have a dull lusterless coat. If your dog's coat changes, have him or her evaluated by your veterinarian.

8. Bad breath - Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can result from dental disease as well as other metabolic disorders.

Chloe's Sleepy Sunday

As y'all know, Miss Chloe has been suffering from not only the Lyme Disease, getting used to her new antibiotics, and a wicked cough.  This wicked cough turned out to be kennel cough and she has had quite a time with it.  She hasn't slept much at all this week.

The times she feels the best are when I take her in the bathroom and turn on the shower and let her breathe in the steam.  That has worked better than anything.  We tried to get her to take some honey.  No way.  She did not want ANY part of that!!  We tried the Greenies Pill Pockets for her cough tablets.  No way.  She would eat the pill pocket and five minutes later...out would come the pill...carefully licked clean of all the peanut butter.

Honestly, Chloe could find a needle in a haystack.  It is hard enough getting her to take the antibiotic...which I have been somewhat successful in getting her to eat...crushed into her wet food and stirred up really good with coconut oil.

LadyBug has started coughing a bit now and then, but hoping she won't have it as bad as Chloe did.

I think Chloe needs about a week to catch up on all of the sleep she missed.  Fortunately, all of the company has gone home and home is not as hectic now!

Colloidal Silver??

I have been researching severe cough in dogs because right after Chloe was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, she picked up this horrendous cough...it makes her sound like a goose...or an elephant!   

I have also been talking with people...lots of people about Kennel Cough in general.  My SIL used Colloidal Silver on her shihtzu and it seemed to work!  So...skeptical as I may be...I do believe Amazon is going to get my order for some Colloidal Silver!  I will try anything at this point...

The following article is one I found on The Honest Kitchen's website talking about Kennel Cough.  Some interesting info here for sure!!

Kennel Cough, or Bordatella is a pesky infection similar to a canine cold, which usually lasts for one to two weeks. It can be picked up by a pup who’s in close proximity to another dog who’s infected – either in closed quarters such as a boarding facility, or at dog parks, dog beaches or other areas where lots of canines congregate together.

Many milder cases of Kennel Cough can be treated at home with herbs and homeopathics, under the guidance of a holistic veterinarian. A trip to the vet may be necessary for persistent cases lasting more than a couple of weeks, or where the dog becomes weak with a loss of appetite or any other signs of discomfort.

Stress can make a dog more susceptible, so it’s a good idea to boost up the immune system prior to the occurrence of a stressful situation, if you can. Immune system support is also important when Kennel Cough occurs. Herbal immune-system enhancers include Vitamin C, Echinacea, Olive Leaf and Astragalus. Colloidal silver is another excellent supplement for immune system support.

Garlic is a great addition to the diet of dogs suffering with Kennel Cough. Peel some garlic cloves and place them in a glass jar. Cover with a few good lugs of organic olive oil and leave to infuse for 24 hours. Add a few drops to each meal.

Organic Unrefined / Virgin Coconut Oil also possesses amazing immune-enhancing properties. Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids that are anti-viral and anti-bacterial (as well as many other benefits). A dosage of about 1 to 2 teaspoons of coconut oil per 10 pounds of body weight per day can be divided into your dog’s meals to help combat Kennel Cough. Half this dosage can be used for maintenance of long term health. Use slightly less if any signs of loose stool occur.

Raw Honey is a great natural treatment that helps soothe the throat. Raw Honey also has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal properties. A 30 to 50 lbs dog can be given about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of honey three to four times a day. Adjust this amount up or down depending on the size of your dog.

Homeopathic remedies for Kennel Cough include Drosera for a dry, hacking cough and violent coughing spells. The throat feels ticklish when Drosera is indicated, and pressure to the neck (such as from a collar) can trigger a bout of coughing. The cough may also be worse when lying down.

Aconite is useful in the very early stages, when signs of kennel cough (coughing, hacking as though something is caught in the throat), first appear.

Rumex Crispus is helpful for a cough associated with tickling in the throat, and which tends to be dry and persistent.

Spongia Tosta is most helpful for croupy, barking coughs which tend to improve with eating and drinking warm things but get worse from cold drinks. Spongia is indicated for a cough that startles the dog from sleep.

**The information here is designed to be discussed with your veterinarian. If you have a conventional vet who isn’t familiar with complementary approaches, try the AHVMA web site to locate a holistic vet in your area. If you are concerned about your animal companion’s health or symptoms worsen or do not improve, please seek a veterinary consultation to rule out a more serious medical problem.

**See more at: http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/articles/kicking-kennel-cough/#sthash.vUrx2H4p.dpuf

Chloe Status...

Just wanted to stop in and give you guys a quick update on Chloe's condition.

It appears that the Doxycycline the vet prescribed for the Lyme Disease is working as Chloe has resumed her usual walking and is no longer dropping or dragging her feet.

That is a good thing.

However; she has picked up a terrible cough that makes her sound like some sort of strange seal or maybe an elephant.

  After discussing the situation with multiple vet techs and veterinarians on the phone for the past couple of days...we have decided to add an additional antibiotic and see if amoxycillin will help to clear the cough up.  She has no other symptoms...she is eating ok and everything.  She is tired though.  Probably because the coughing is keeping us all awake.

So, off to pick up another prescription tomorrow and hopefully that will help Miss Chloe feel better.  I can tell she's just not herself.  

All good thoughts, vibes, prayers accepted!!

Did You Know Coconut Oil is Good for Pets Too??

Someone asked me just the other day how did my girls like coconut oil.  Well...let me tell you, they absolutely LOVE the taste of coconut oil...and if I forgot to put it in their food, they probably would not even eat!  THAT is how much they have come to love it!!  I put just about a half of a teaspoon mixed in with their meal.  Both of them are quite happy to lick the spoon!!

Coconut oil can have many so many health benefits if you feed it regularly to your dog– for their skin, digestive and immune systems, metabolic function, even their bone and brain health! Here are the top 10 reasons to add coconut oil to your dog’s diet:

1. Coconut oil improves overall skin health, and clears up skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis, and itchy skin.

2. Incredibly emollient, coconut oil helps moisturize the dryest K9 skin and makes a dog’s coat gleam with health – whether you add it to her diet, her shampoo, or both!

3. Applied topically to the skin, coconut oil  promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, bites, and stings.

4. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of coconut oil help reduce doggy odor, and its pleasantly tropical aroma imparts a delightful scent to a dog’s skin and coat.

5. Coconut oil prevents and treats yeast infections, including candida. Its antiviral agents also help dogs recover quickly from kennel cough.

6. Digestion and nutrient absorption are improved by the addition of coconut oil to a dog’s diet. It can, however, cause stool to loosen; if that happens, just add a few spoonfuls of canned pumpkin to your dog’s diet (go here for more stool-firming tips).

7. Coconut oil reduces – and sometimes eliminates – doggy breath. Some dog lovers even brush their pets’ teeth with the stuff! Which makes sense, as dogs love the taste of coconut oil, and that makes the chore less arduous for brusher and brushee. 

8. Like cinnamon, coconut oil helps prevent diabetes by regulating and balancing insulin. It also promotes normal thyroid function, and helps prevent infection and heart disease.

9. Helping to reduce weight and increase energy, coconut oil also promotes mobility in dogs with arthritis and other joint issues.

10. Again like cinnamon, coconut oil is excellent for brain health; it’s being used to stave off dementia in humans, and it’s a must to keep senior dogs’ minds from becoming cloudy.

Our thanks to Dogster for this very important health info!!