using apple cider vinegar for natural flea prevention and control

Fleas can be a big problem for dogs and cats, especially during summer months, but there is a bigger problem: the commercial chemical-laden treatments that–in my opinion–do more harm than good. Flea collars, sprays, powders, shampoos and the like may be mildly effective, but the dangers outweigh the benefits.

As your skin does, your pet's skin absorbs everything you put on it, so topical treatments make their way into the bloodstream. If the products are filled with chemicals (most of them are), those chemicals also enter the bloodstream. Over time, they pose serious health risks. These products can also cause respiratory issues.

I've talked before about how adding Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) to your pet's diet can help the overall health of your pet in so many different ways. Flea control is one of these ways. Regularly giving your pet ACV can help with long-term flea control. ACV can also be used topically in the form of a rinse or spray if your pet is already flea-infested.

Before treating your pet with ACV, do your best to remove as many of the buggers as you can. You can pick them out or use a flea comb, which will also help remove some of the eggs. 

As a rinse, shampoo your dog as you normally would, and rinse thoroughly. Then rinse your pet's coat thoroughly with ACV and massage. Fleas do not like the odor or taste of the vinegar, so they should bail out or rinse off when you next rinse off the ACV. As an added bonus, the ACV will likely improve your dog's skin and coat. It can help with dry skin and increase the shine in your pet's coat. It can also help with odor.

As a spray, you can use an ACV mixture for flea prevention and control. You can make a simple mixture with one part ACV to two parts water. Another commonly used recipe is as follows:

• 8 oz of Apple Cider Vinegar

• 4 oz of warm water

• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

Mix the salt and baking soda together, then add the mixture to the water and ACV mix in a spray bottle. Shake gently, as the mixture will foam. Apply to your pet and comb or massage through fur. Be careful not to spray in your pet's eyes (or your own) because it will sting, and do not use on open cuts our wounds. Again, ouchie. 

There are many brands of ACV, but we use Bragg. It can be found in health food stores and nearly any grocery store, typically where the salad dressings or health foods are kept. You'll want to make sure that whichever type of ACV you choose, it has "the mother," strand-like enzymes of connected protein molecules.

The greatest part of this natural flea remedy is how safe it is for your pet and for your family. Don't forget, while we're cuddling our creatures, whatever they have on their fur gets transferred to us. Natural flea treatments keep the whole family safe and happy.

If you have tried ACV for flea control, please share your story!

This article, written by me, was originally posted on Hybrid Rasta Mama, for whom I create original content. It appears here with permission, with minor changes.

increasing the vitality of your pet naturally with #SomaPet

Each night at dinner time our dog, N.A.S.H.A., gets Apple Cider Vinegar and UltraOil in her food. She's been taking these supplements for some time because they are natural and effective. Plus, she loves them. She now turns her nose up at any food that doesn't smell strongly of vinegar! I thought we were pretty set in our canine supplement routine, but then I learned about SomaPet, a supplement by SomaLife.

What is SomaPet? SomaPet is a proprietary combination of organic, pure free-form crystalline amino acids that help jumpstart your pet's natural processes of cell repair and regeneration.

I knew that we had to try it. It comes in powder form and contains only natural, 100% organic ingredients. It is sugar free, gluten free, and fat free, and contains no preservatives, additives, fillers, or artificial coloring. And it's vegan. Our family tries our best to keep chemicals out of our bodies, so I was thrilled to see that such an amazing supplement had been created for our pets. SomaPet can increase a pet's vitality and longevity by helping immune function, promoting natural healing, helping maintain healthy energy levels, improving the skin and coat and improving nervous function and bone strength. With N.A.S.H.A. on the eve of her ninth birthday, I was ready to kick things up a notch.

I learned that the supplement was created by Dr. Phillip White, who noticed his beloved German Shepherd, Rover, struggling with mobility as he aged. Dr. White wanted to help Rover's quality of life and began giving him SomaLife's Youth Formula. It helped Rover so quickly and dramatically that Dr. White developed SomaPet so all pet parents could experience the benefits.

I could see that there was nothing bad to be found in SomaPet (my first criteria) so I then wondered what it could do for N.A.S.H.A. Would it benefit her? The SomaPet web site described how it could:

The ultimate dietary supplement, SomaPet consists of a synergistic combination of free form L-amino acids designed to assist:

• strengthens collagen and bones

• improves immune system

• renews vitality

• helps reduce body fat

• healthier skin and coat

• promotes cellular energy

• increases healing

Wow. Sign me up. I mean, sign N.A.S.H.A. up.

As you probably already know, N.A.S.H.A. is quite picky, so I was a little bit concerned about whether she would take to another addition to her food. I added our usual ACV and UltraOil, then sprinkled a scoop of SomaPet onto her food and gave it a dazzling chef-like toss. She was impressed. I must have sold it, because she gave it a sniff, looked at me, then dove right in. She either loved the way the SomaPet tasted or didn't notice it there. Either way–winning.

Seriously. My scraggly dog is now silky thanks to SomaPet.

N.A.S.H.A. has now been taking SomaPet for two weeks. Though I can't tell how it's affected her bone density or immune function, I am amazed to see a transformation in her skin and coat. She's not an overly stinky dog, but she doesn't typically smell like roses, either. Since she's been on SomaPet, she has no odor whatsoever. This odor-fighting thing is not an advertised benefit, but I attribute that to the increased health of her skin. I also notice how her coat is really soft. She's a scraggly little thing, and her coat is pretty wiry and obnoxious no matter what we do. Even straight out of the bath, she looks like she hasn't been bathed in years. But, now, her coat is much softer, somehow. Perhaps my imagination, but this new look coincided with our introduction of SomaPet.

N.A.S.H.A.'s mobility seems to have improved. She's always been pretty spry, but I've noticed that in the past year, it's been more difficult for her to get up on our high bed (Of course she sleeps in the bed with us). She'd have to back up and take a running start, and she wouldn't always make it on the first try. It made me sad to see this change in her, but since she's been taking SomaPet, she springs right up with no do-overs!

Silky SomaPet supermodel.

I've also noticed that N.A.S.H.A.'s activity level has increased. She's a pretty playful dog, anyway, but lately she's been asking us to play more times each day and she plays for longer periods. This makes me so happy because she loves to play fetch and catch (yes, she throws back to us), and when I'd tried to engage her over the past few months, she wasn't as interested as she'd been in the past. I even started calling her my "little old lady." Since she's been on SomaPet, I've definitely seen an increase in her activity level. 

I'm thrilled to have discovered SomaPet and will definitely make it a permanent part of N.A.S.H.A.'s supplement mix. Though I can't see how it's benefiting her on the inside, I am confident that it is due to the big improvements I've seen on the outside. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a holistic supplement for their adult or aging pet. 

Join me for a SomaPet Twitter Chat on July 22nd from 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. EST. Use #BlogPawsChat to join the fun and have a chance to win a bottle of SomaPet!

Purchase SomaPet here.

Check out the SomaPet web site here.

Learn more about the science behind SomaPet here.

SomaPet FAQ

Connect with SomaPet and SomaLife on Facebook and Twitter.

This post is sponsored by SomaPet and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about SomaPet, but well minded only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. SomaPet is not responsible for the content of this article.

keep your pets safe and sound on the 4th

As we make our family plans for the 4th of July, let's also consider the safety of our pets. It can be tempting to include our furry family members in the festivities, but for this holiday, in particular, it might be best to leave Fido and Fluffy behind. Here are a few things to consider this Independence Day:

More pets are lost on the 4th of July than on any other day of the year. Why? Mostly because they are scared of the loud noises. Pets don't understand fireworks, so, if frightened, a common reaction is to run. Pets run from celebrations and even from their own homes and yards. Protect your pet and be sure your pet's tag and/or microchip is up-to-date in case she should become lost.

Be mindful of the heat. We're officially into summer, now, and many areas of the country are incredibly hot. If your pet goes with you, be sure you have means to cool your animal, and be sure to have plenty of water. Also, be sure not to walk your dog on hot pavement. Paws can burn easily. And never leave your pet in a car, even with the windows cracked. Temperatures can rise to fatal conditions within just a minute.

Protect your pet from dangerous foods and cooking. Be sure your pet does not consume something he shouldn't, which can commonly happen during Independence Day gatherings. Inform guests not to feed table scraps, and be sure your pet does not get a hold of chocolate, onions, bones, or other hazardous foods. Also, make sure your grill is supervised at all times. Grilling meat can be tempting to pets, and they don't necessarily understand the consequences of jumping up on a hot grill.

Keep your pet indoors, away from fireworks. It's best to leave your pet home. Be sure all doors and windows are secure so that your pet does not escape. You may want to consider leaving a radio or TV on for your pet to drown out the noise of fireworks and celebrations, both of which can be stressful for your pet.

Help your pet with treatment. Some pet owners will tranquilize their fearful, panicked pet on the 4th, but I prefer natural methods such as Azmira's Herbal Calm or the ThunderShirt. Giving your pet some anxiety relief can help prevent unfortunate situations and can make your pet more relaxed during this stressful holiday. 

Well Minded wishes you and your pets a safe and sound 4th of July!

keeping your pooch hydrated with viva coco #review and #giveaway

The summers here in Phoenix, AZ are harsh. They're akin to extreme winter conditions elsewhere. Basically, everyone hibernates in their air-conditioned homes, and if we do have to go out, outdoor activities are kept to a minimum. It can be 120º + during the peak of the season. 

Keeping well hydrated in these conditions is essential. We're basically constantly sweating for three months of the year, so we have to be careful about dehydration. My family drinks coconut water as an alternative to regular water, so when I learned that such a wonder as coconut water existed for dogs, I was very intrigued. It's called Viva Coco, the all natural coconut water dog beverage. Aside from providing dogs with something a bit more exciting to drink than plain water day in and day out, the benefits of coconut water for dogs are akin to those for humans:

• 100% natural

• contains essential electrolytes for hydration

• supports a healthy immune system

• supports healthy bones and joints

• supports skin and coat health

I also love the fact that Viva Coco contains no GMO ingredients or artificial preservatives or flavors. Plus, it comes in powder form, which means it's convenient, environmentally friendly, and doesn't cost a boat-load to ship. Awesome.

But then, I wondered, would my picky dog go for it, or would she become ironically dehydrated in protest? When I mixed the powder into her water, I grew even more concerned. My girl refuses water if there's a tiny piece of food in it, so I didn't think for a million years that she'd drink this cloudy water. (Just like regular coconut water, this stuff is cloudy.)

Boy, was I wrong! She sniffed it, backed up, looked at me, and then went right for it! She told me by her enthusiasm that she was happy with it. I happened to have a client pooch staying with me at the time, so after N.A.S.H.A. drank half the bowl and walked away, our visitor went up to bat and finished it off. Taste test successful! 

I'm especially excited about Viva Coco because it would be a fantastic beverage to bring along our frequent hikes at South Mountain, which can be taxing even in the cooler months. I can feel good about giving it to my dog because it's natural and environmentally friendly, plus provides the essential electrolytes that plain water doesn't have. Good stuff, all paws up!

Viva Coco is generously offering a full pack of their coconut water powder to three well minded readers ($19.99 value each). Please enter for a chance to give it a try (open to U.S. residents only).

Cheers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Connect with Viva Coco on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Disclaimer: Viva Coco provided me with samples of their all natural coconut water dog beverage in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own. 

ten reasons to give pet massage a try

Us crazy animal lovers always have to take things to the next level, don't we? Isn't good old fashioned petting enough for my furry friend? Petting your animal is wonderful for both you and your pet, but massage offers a set of health benefits that can't be achieved with a pat on the head.

1. Increased Circulation. Increased circulation can help your pet heal and can boost immunity.

2. Relief From Arthritis Pain. The pain older pets experience from arthritis can be reduced with regular massage.

3. Relief For Sore Muscles. After a hard day of play or a long run or hike, your pet's muscles may be tired just like yours. Massage can help relieve sore muscles.

4. Increased Range of Motion. Especially as our pets age, their range of motion can decrease, resulting in decreased activity. Massage can help maintain and increase a pet's range of motion so that he can stay active. 

5. Recovery From an Injury. Massage can help a variety of injuries heal faster. When dealing with an injury, it is best to consult a trained pet massage therapist.

6. Relaxation. You know how you feel after a day at the spa? Massage helps pets feel a similar sense of relaxation.

7. Bonding. The time you spend massaging your pet brings the two of you closer together. Massage can also help you bond with a newly adopted friend.

8. Stress Relief. Animals can be stressed for a variety of reasons. Massage can help calm your pet and relieve that anxiety.

9. Comfort. After your pet understands what you are doing, massage can provide a sense of comfort and security throughout your pet's life and can be a help during end-of-life care.

10. Wellness check. When you touch your pet on a regular basis, you come to know her "nooks and crannies." If an unusual lump or other abnormality arises, it can be caught much more quickly with the regular, thorough touching that massage requires.

Are there any risks to massaging my pet? If your pet has an injury and you massage too deeply or in the wrong way, you risk aggravating the injury or making it worse. Only if you are trained to massage areas of injury should you do so. Also, realize that human hands are powerful. Start by massaging your pet lightly–especially if your pet is small–to reduce the risk of injury. Otherwise, there is little risk to pet massage. 

That being said, pet owners should not substitute pet massage for proper veterinary care.

What types of pets can I massage? Massage is most commonly used on dogs and horses, but cats can benefit, too, if they'll tolerate it. Sometimes they're just too cool to settle in to the spa-like atmosphere. 

Do I have to be trained in pet massage in order to implement it into my pet's routine? The more you know, the better. There are pet massage courses offered almost everywhere, so if you want to maximize the benefits for your pet, training is a great option. You can also hire a trained pet masseur, if that service is within your budget. But even if you are untrained, a gentle muscle massage can benefit your pet.

In many cases, what works for humans works for pets, too. Massage is one of those cases. When taking a holistic approach to health, massage can play a big role, offering benefits for both you and your pet. To quote Pamela Webster, author of the blog Something Wagging This Way Comes, "good for the dog; good for you."

Resources for more information and techniques:

This article originally appeared in March 2014 on Hybrid Rasta Mama. Check out my April 2014 contribution, Non-toxic Cleaning to Benefit Our Pets.