PET INSURANCE

Your Comprehensive Guide to Pet Insurance: Understanding the Differences Between Insurance for Accidents, Emergencies, Preventative Health, Wellness, and Coverage for Puppies and Dogs

As cherished members of our families, our beloved pets deserve the best possible care. Just like humans, pets can face unexpected accidents, illnesses, and emergencies that require medical attention. Pet insurance is designed to help alleviate the financial burden associated with these situations and provide peace of mind to pet owners. However, understanding the different ‘types’ of coverage available is crucial to ensure that you choose the right insurance plan for your furry friend. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the differences between insurance for accidents and emergencies, insurance for preventative health and wellness, as well as coverage specifically tailored for puppies and dogs.

1.) Insurance for Accidents and Emergencies:

Accidents and emergencies can occur at any time, leaving pet parents with hefty veterinary bills. Insurance plans specifically designed to cover accidents and emergencies typically provide financial protection in cases of sudden injuries, fractures, ingestion of foreign objects, poisonings, and more. These policies are focused on unexpected incidents that require immediate medical attention. However, it's important to carefully review the terms and conditions of these plans, as some may have specific exclusions or waiting periods before coverage begins. *Most pet insurance companies typically require a 10-14 day waiting period.

2.) Insurance for Preventative Health and Wellness:

Unlike insurance for accidents and emergencies, Preventative health and wellness coverage is designed to promote proactive healthcare measures for your pet. These plans often include: Routine Veterinary Visits, Vaccinations, Preventive Medications (such as flea and tick control), Dental Cleanings, and *sometimes even spaying or neutering procedures. By covering these preventive measures, pet insurance for wellness aims to maintain the overall health and well-being of your pet, reducing the future health issues. It's essential to understand the coverage limits and exclusions, as well as any waiting periods associated with these policies.

3.) Pet Insurance Specifically for Puppies and Dogs:

Puppies require specialized care during their early months of life, including vaccinations, microchipping, and regular check-ups. Insurance plans tailored for puppies and dogs often cover these initial costs and offer protection against common ailments that puppies are prone to, such as: Gastrointestinal issues, Respiratory Infections, and Parasites.              Additionally, these policies may include coverage for spaying or neutering procedures, which are often recommended for both health and population control reasons. There are different options for spay/neuter procedures available, not just one type of surgery, so be sure to research and look into your pet’s options BEFORE you allow a veterinarian to perform them. As your puppy grows into an adult dog, the insurance coverage can be adjusted to meet their evolving needs, including potential breed-specific concerns or genetic conditions.

When selecting a pet insurance plan, several key factors should be taken into account:

a. Coverage Limits: Review the coverage limits and annual maximums provided by the insurance plan. Ensure that the policy adequately covers your pet's potential healthcare expenses.

b. Deductibles and Reimbursement: Understand the deductible amount you will be responsible for paying before the insurance coverage kicks in. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the reimbursement process and the percentage of costs that the insurance provider will cover.

c. Pre-existing Conditions: Most pet insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions, so it's crucial to enroll your pet in insurance early in their life to avoid potential coverage gaps.

d. Waiting Periods: Insurance plans often have waiting periods before coverage begins. Be aware of these waiting periods to ensure that you can access benefits when needed.

e. Customer Reviews and Reputation: We can’t say enough about the importance of ‘Researching’ the insurance provider's reputation, read current as well as past customer reviews; both positive and negative,  and consider the insurer's financial stability and customer service track record. * We still believe that ‘word of mouth’ in the form of feedback from your neighbors, friends, family, co-workers, people you meet out and about with the breed/breeds of dog you may be considering or have just acquired is priceless.

Pet insurance plays a vital role in safeguarding the health and well-being of our furry companions while providing financial security for pet owners. By understanding the differences between insurance for accidents and emergencies, insurance for preventative health and wellness, as well as coverage tailored for puppies and dogs, you can make an intelligent, informed decision when choosing the right insurance plan for your pet.

Remember, every pet is unique, and their healthcare needs may vary. Consider your pet's breed, age, lifestyle, and potential genetic predispositions when selecting an insurance plan. It's always recommended to consult with your veterinarian, who can provide valuable insights and help you navigate through the various options available.

Additionally, keep in mind that pet insurance is not designed to cover routine expenses such as food, grooming, or boarding. It primarily focuses on unexpected medical costs associated with accidents, emergencies, and certain preventive measures.

Finally, take the quantity and quality of time to compare different insurance providers and their offerings. Pay attention to the fine print, exclusions, waiting periods, and reimbursement policies. Ensure that the plan you choose aligns with your budget and provides the level of coverage you desire for your pet.

Now you are aware that pet insurance offers a ‘safety net’ that can help you provide the best possible care for your precious pooch.  Understanding the differences between insurance for accidents and emergencies, insurance for preventative health and wellness, and coverage specifically tailored for puppies and dogs is crucial for making an informed decision. By securing the right insurance plan, you can protect your pet's health and well-being while easing the financial burden that may arise from unexpected veterinary expenses.

Remember, our pets bring immense joy and unconditional love into our lives, and investing in their health  and well-being is a pet parent’s responsibility we willingly embrace. Pet insurance is a valuable tool that ensures we can give them the care they deserve, no matter what challenges come their way.

So, take the time to research and select the right pet insurance plan for your furry friend. They'll thank you with wagging tails, or purrs if you also have a feline family member, and a lifetime of companionship.

CHICKEN HEMP DOG TREATS

1 CUP GROUND CHICKEN

1/2 CUP FRESHLY CHOPPED ORGANIC BASIL

1/4 CUP PLAIN ORGANIC YOGURT * WE LIKE GREEK YOGURT*

1 TABLESPOON ORGANIC HEMP PROTEIN POWDER * You can substitute Ground Hemp Seeds here if you cannot find the Hemp Protein Powder. The treats may not have as complete protein profile though.

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350 DEGREES

WHILE WAITING FOR OVEN TO HEAT UP:

COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS IN LARGE MIXING BOWL:

ROLL INTO SMALL APPROX. 1 INCH BALLS

OR YOU MAY USE A COOKIE CUTTER IN SHAPES OF CHOICE

PLACE GENTLY ONTO LIGHTLY GREASED COOKIE SHEET

BAKE 15-20 MINUTES

ALLOW TO COOL ON WIRE RACK OR ON COOL COUNTERTOP

SERVE TO YOUR PUPS

Apple Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits-Vegan Recipe

1 cup apple pulp or shredded apple (We juiced 3 apples)
1/2 cup peanut butter * Only use Organic Peanut ONLY Peanut Butter- NO Sugar or other oils added. Best to buy this at a Health Food Store.
3/4 cup brown rice flour (plus a little additional for kneading, rolling)
1 Flax or Chia egg

Core and juice 3 apples, reserving pulp. Combine apple pulp and peanut butter, then add egg and flour.

Knead into a ball and Roll flat with rolling pin or jar to about 1/2 inch thickness.

Cut with a Cookie Cutter or a Knife and place on uncreased cookie sheet

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Cool completely then Store in an airtight container.

Either of these mixtures will have the Consistency of an Egg

To make a Flax Egg:

Combine One(1) Tablespoon of organic ground flaxseed meal

and Three(3) Tablespoons of Filtered Water and allow to sit for about 5 minutes.

To Make a Chia Egg:

Combine One (1) Tablespoon of Chia Seeds(Whole) with

Two and a Half (2.5) Tablespoons of Filtered Water

Whisk in bowl and allow to sit minimum of Five(5) minutes.

We used Granny Smith Apples, but you can use other varieties like Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp.

All Ingredients are Organic

• NEVER use any Core or Apple Seeds. Ever. These can seriously harm dogs.

• Yes, use the skins; this is where many nutrients like Quercitin are. Quercitin of course is beneficial for both bone and heart health as well as protection against bad cholesterol.

DO DOGS HAVE A SORT OF ‘SIXTH’ SENSE?

While there is no scientific evidence to suggest that dogs possess a psychic sixth sense, we believe that dogs do have remarkable sensory abilities and can detect things that humans may not be able to. They can detect certain scents or sounds and these abilities can be explained by their ‘highly acute senses’ although some ‘dog people’ might dispute that they indeed possess a sort of supernatural or psychic ability. * remember that anything defined as ‘not natural’ could be interpreted as being or having ‘SUPERnatural’ qualities or abilities.

It is possible that dogs are able to sense things that humans cannot due to their exceptional sense of smell and hearing, as well as their ability to pick up on subtle energy changes in body language and behavior. For example, dogs are often able to detect changes in their owner's mood or emotional state, which may be due to their ability to read facial expressions and body language. Everything is ‘energy’ and dogs are highly capable of being able to sense or ‘pick up on’ even the most ‘subtle’ changes in energy; especially in energies connected with/to themselves and their people and their immediate environment.

Take their sense of smell, for example. Dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, while humans only have around 6 million. This means that dogs can detect scents that are far beyond our range of detection, making them excellent at detecting things like drugs, explosives, and even certain medical conditions.

In addition to their sense of smell, dogs also have an incredible sense of hearing. They can detect sounds at much higher frequencies than we can, and can even pick up on sounds that are too faint for us to hear. This is why dogs are often used in search and rescue operations, as they can hear people calling for help from miles away. In fact, did you know that dogs hear 100 to 1000 times as loud as we humans do and as mentioned at MUCH higher ‘frequencies’ than we can? * this is often why they are crying or whining from things we take for granted like the sound of the blender, vacuum cleaner, hair dryer. It makes sense why they run away from super loud, sudden sounds like fireworks, a car backfiring, a nail gun or jackhammer on a construction site, or obviously from the sound of gunfire. Sometimes its not that they are ‘afraid’ of these sounds, but that they are ear-piercingly loud; therefore it is a ‘natural’ instinct of dogs to cry out and to try to ‘get way’ from that sound as quickly as possible. These ‘loud’ sudden noises are often the cause of why many dogs run away. In fact, the Fourth of July weekend is the time in the USA when the greatest number of both dogs and cats run away. They are trying to escape the sounds of all of those sudden, unfamiliar and ear-piercingly loud noises and they do not understand why their humans are partaking in such obviously offensive activities or why they are often being left alone.

To recap, dogs are incredibly perceptive when it comes to reading human behavior and body language. They can pick up on subtle cues like changes in tone of voice or body posture, and can often sense when their owners are feeling sad, anxious, or stressed.

So, while our dogs may seem to have a sixth sense at times, it's really their divinely amazing natural abilities that make them so special. So go ahead and give your pup a hug, a pet on the head, and a treat for being such a talented little sensory powerhouse!

Main Chakras in Dogs

All Creatures Have Chakras

Humans, as well as our beloved animal friends all have these energy centers all over our bodies, and it is important that we learn how to keep them in balance as much as possible.

It is well known that we all have 7 active Primary Chakra centers, 21 Minor Chakras, and 6 Bud Chakras (4 paw pads in Dogs are akin to the 4 fingertips in humans, and the bud of skin at the opening of the ears is like on our own human ears. )

For purposes of basic illustration on this website, we have chosen the chart displaying the 7 Main Chakras in Dogs.

Ok, you may notice there are 11 color dots on the diagram, but as you can see by the chart; on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chakras- they apply on the anterior and posterior of the dog’s body, and we will explain this in a moment.

Just a little introduction to the chakras here for beginners and a recap for those of you who are already familiar with this subject.

Each chakra is associated with specific parts of the body, mind, spirit, and a color, and it is said that chakras are the openings for life energy to flow into and out of our auras.

ROOT CHAKRA/TAIL CHAKRA IS RED AND IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE EARTH ELEMENT:

IT IS LOCATED AT THE BASE OF THE SPINE/TAIL. In relation to the body, it deals with kidneys, bladder, vertebrae, bone marrow, hips, legs, back paws, colon, anus and tail.

In relation to the mind and the spirit it deals with grounding, excellent health, survival instincts, overall vitality, and well-being, and when out of balance your dog may exhibit anger, constipation, frustration, and survival fears.

To help keep your dog in proper balance it is a good idea to spend some time every day just sitting to get ‘grounded’ with your pup. Our girls also love to dance. All we have to do is say the word “Dance” and a huge smile emerges onto their little faces and up they go to dance!

SACRAL/SPLEEN CHAKRA IS ORANGE AND IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELEMENT OF WATER: IT IS LOCATED ON THEIR TUMMY JUST ABOVE THE SEX ORGANS. In relation to the body, it deals with genitals, pelvis, reproductive organs, stomach, small and large intestines, and the sacrum vertebrae.

In relation to the mind and spirit it deals with pleasure, desire, sexual energy, and creativity, and when out of balance your pup may experience lower back pain, uterine, prostate, or bladder problems, reproductive/sexual problems, possessiveness over toys, food, their humans, or other animal friends.

You might want to go on a calm walk around bodies of water, invent interesting new games to help stimulate their creativity levels; especially in the more intelligent and active breeds and a nice relaxing lower back massage is as great for dogs as it is for humans.

SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA IS YELLOW:AND IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELEMENT OF FIRE: ON DOGS, AS WELL AS ON MOST ANIMALS IT IS LOCATED ON THE UPPER CHEST JUST A FEW INCHES BACK FROM THEIR FRONT LEGS.

In the body it deals with the lumbar vertebra, the nervous system, kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach, and diaphragm, will power: not just for life in general, but in breeds like herding and working dogs this really shines through their determination to get a job done and please their humans. Dogs may exhibit what we refer to as that ‘happy pup face’, smiling and barking with pure joy when this Third Chakra is in balance.

When imbalanced, your pup may exhibit signs such as poor digestion and other food-related issues, lack of will, fear-based aggression, and other anger issues.

Since yellow is the color of the Sun: the source of all life on this planet, you may wish to spend time out in the sun with your pup just taking in its radiance and allowing it to restore your life force. Dogs also like to have their ‘puppy tummy’ gently rubbed, and herbs that help restore balance to the Solar Plexus are Organic Rosemary and Turmeric.

HEART CHAKRA IS GREEN, THE ELEMENT OF AIR, AND ASPECT OF PURE LOVE: ON ALL ANIMALS INCLUDING HUMANS IT IS LOCATED IN THE HEART AREA.

In relation to the body, it affects the heart, immune system, cells, blood circulation, thoracic vertebra, the chest, and lower lungs.

In relation to the mind and spirit, it obviously attributes to what animals are best at teaching us: and that is ‘the spirit of pure and unconditional love’, empathy, compassion, patience, tolerance, peacefulness, and the love of being with the pack or group of animals or humans that they feel most close to. Dogs are always trying to get us and or their animal friends to be as joyful about life as they are, and to join in the fun!

When a human’s or a dog’s heart chakra is imbalanced we may notice signs such as physical heart problems, anger stemming from what is actual or perceived as being ‘lack of love’ in our lives. This can cause one to become more aloof and withdrawn. The Same behavior patterns are exhibited in dogs.

To balance this chakra, you may wish to do as we do and seek out a place of ‘green’ in nature such as a park, open space, or hiking trail. You and your dog can reconnect with nature and what really makes your heart sing! Green can really inspire the feeling of Freedom and lightness of being.

Consuming greens such as kale, green beans, and parsley and placing crystals such as rose quartz, green calcite, green jade, and emeralds on or near the heart chakra are helpful in balancing it. One of our pups likes to wear a blue or green bandana. You might try this as well for an additional boost to balance the heart and throat chakras in your dog.

THROAT CHAKRA IS BLUE AND IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PURITY OF THE AKASHA, THE ETHER: ON ALL ANIMALS, AS IT IS WITH HUMANS, IT IS LOCATED ON THE UPPER THROAT AREA.

In relation to the body, it deals with the vocal chords, throat, upper esophagus, respiratory system, lungs, nose, forelegs, and paws.

When in balance, you will notice that the level of communication and expression with which you and your dog ‘speak’ to one another is almost effortless.

When this area becomes unbalanced you may notice that any of these bodily systems mentioned above may be adversely affected; such as getting something caught in the throat, hoarseness, or the dog may become frustrated with you not ‘understanding’ how she is trying to communicate with you through her voice.

As many of you know, animals LOVE music and soft voices; so singing to them and playing soothing, non-lyrical, relaxing music is received with great gratitude by all animals. We have several recommendations for music/music channels we can share with you. Just reach out and ask us.

One of our pups personally LOVES it when we place her favourite Aqua Aura crystal on or near her throat. She also has an affinity for blue kyanite, and turquoise, and her absolute favorite fruit is organic blueberries. Interestingly enough she is also an Australian Shepherd with a Blue Merle coat coloring! We’re pretty sure blue is her favourite color.

THIRD EYE ( BROW) CHAKRA IS INDIGO AND IS ASSOCIATED WITH BOTH THE SUN AND THE MOON: IN ALL ANIMALS IT IS THE CENTER OF WISDOM AND ‘ALL-KNOWINGNESS’ AND RESIDES IN THE PINEAL GLAND BETWEEN THE EYES.

In the body it relates to the ears, nose, Left eye, base of the skull known as the occipital ridge, forehead, side of head, the nervous system, and the Left brain hemisphere; which of course is considered to be adept at tasks that involve language and reasoning.

Where mind and spirit are concerned, this chakra relates to the powers of intuition, concentration, imagination, and visualization.

We personally believe that this is one of the most heightened chakras in dogs or in any animal for that matter, because they have innate intuition, they ‘think in pictures’, and they have amazing powers of focus and concentration.

This Third Eye Chakra is the psychic center’, and if any creature is telepathic and psychic in response to their humans and the world around them it is the dog. As ‘man’s best friend’ dogs are super ‘in tune’ with us and with our vibrations, and they can ‘sense’ things way before most of us can. They are greatly affected by our thoughts, feelings, and emotions, so it is important for us to try to function at a higher vibrational level as well, and then the universe has no choice but to ‘match’ that vibration when it comes back to us. * Many of you know this as ‘ The Law of Attraction’ and others of you may know it as ‘simple physics’.

If this chakra becomes imbalanced you may notice signs such as a headache, lack of concentration, poor eyesight, and detachment, or maybe just a positive desire to go into a quiet place and reconnect through dreams.

To make sure that the Third Eye Chakra is balanced, our pups love ‘third eye kisses’; which of course stimulate the pineal gland, and they love the ethereal smell of the ‘essential oil’ of Frankincense massaged into this chakra area; especially at nap time or bedtime. Believe it or not they also enjoy hanging out with us as we meditate to music filled with isochronic tones and binaural beats, the Celtic harp, Andean Flute, Tibetan bowls, and ‘sounds of nature’ music, and they do their ‘stretches’ as we do our kundalini yoga and pilates.

Dogs are really connected to us humans on a day to day basis more than any other animal. One reason for this is because they have been with us for perhaps over 40,000 years now. Of course their great ancestor the Wolf is responsible for this, because it is they who were curious and social enough to choose to interact with humans in the first place. If it were not for the Wolf, we would not have any of our dog breeds that we have today. You have wolves to thank for this, so do your part to ensure that they are protected. * Horses and cats of course are right up there in closeness to humans, however, this article is about dogs.

CROWN CHAKRA IS VIOLET AND ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELEMENT OF COSMIC ENERGY ITSELF: ON ALL ANIMALS AS WELL AS HUMANS, IT IS LOCATED ON THE ‘CROWN’ TOP OF THE HEAD; BETWEEN THE EARS.

Although the bodily areas it is associated with are the Right brain hemisphere, cranium, cerebral cortex, right eye, and right side of the face, it is most closely associated with being more of a spiritual chakra than any other type of chakra because it is filled with the attributions of wisdom, spirituality, collective consciousness, and inspiration.

If this chakra becomes imbalanced, you may notice signs such as depression, and a lack of interest in your dog in joining in the usual fun, or in being unsocial when she is usually the ‘social butterfly’ type of personality.

One of our pups will actually take the biggest clear quartz crystal or Angel Aura crystal we have off of our bed pillow and lie on it all nite as we sleep. She also is very fond of her Amethysts and Rainbow Fluorite crystals, and we know that whenever ‘we’ start off with them on ‘Our’ pillows or in the space between us and she ends up wth them, that she is instinctually trying to rebalance her Seventh Chakra( Crown Chakra). The best way to explain this is to say that it is the higher expression in all of us.

So, we hope that this gives you a bigger picture of The 7 Main Chakras and how each one relates to the overall holistic health and well balanced needs of your dog.

WHAT ARE THE TOP SUPERFOODS FOR DOGS?

Well, anyone familiar with canines and canine nutrition ‘should’ tell you that the Top Superfoods for Dogs are going to include a QUALITY Sourced Lean Protein as the Number One choice, and this protein source should also include the top ORGAN meats; Heart and Liver. 

Some obvious choices would be Grass Fed Beef from a reliable, trustworthy source.  Lean Ground Turkey 93% - 97%, Lean Ground Chicken Breast 93%-97% and Wild Caught Salmon are also great choices for Lean Protein. Preferably this source should be local or at least regional, and from a smaller more conscious, conscientious supplier rather than feedlot mass produced and from way outside of your own geographical area. * Unless you know and trust the ‘source’ personally, always try to go with local when it comes to food sources, just like you would for yourself and the rest of your family.  After all, dogs are our family members too and just like us, we want them to have the best possible food and nutritional sources.

Next should come QUALITY VEGETABLES rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and abounding in good beneficial fiber.

These would include vegetables such as:

1.) Sweet Potatoes; which of course have loads of Vitamin A for healthy eyes and which are known to be good for the waistline, just like they are for humans. Rich in vitamins C, and B6, as well as fiber and potassium, Sweet Potatoes can help regulate digestion and promote a healthy immune system. * when selecting root vegetables, try to obtain organic if at all possible as root veggies are some of the most highly sprayed with nasty chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, fungicides; including glyphosate.

2.) Pumpkin is another great vegetable which in addition to being full of fiber and antioxidants is dual purpose for a dog or a human who has issues with digestion.  It has the ability to help counteract both constipation and diarrhea and it knows what to do in either case all on its own.

We would highly recommend and advise to always keep a can or two of organic pumpkin in your kitchen pantry. * NOTE* DO NOT buy the kind with any spices, like for pumpkin pie. Only buy the one with pumpkin as the single ingredient. * Dogs are allergic to many spices and some can prove very harmful or fatal if ingested. Amazon Brand Happy Belly Canned Pumpkin https://a.co/d/8AymGR1 .

3.) Broccoli of course is great for dogs just as it is for humans as it has sulfuric compounds. This cruciferous vegetable is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. It can help support your dog's immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy digestion. We would advise going easy with adding broccoli to your dog’s nutrition because since it is a cruciferous veggie with sulfuric compounds, it can cause gas and flatulence, just as it can in humans if you don’t take it slow.

4.) Spinach: This leafy green vegetable is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and antioxidants. It can help promote healthy bones, teeth, and skin, and reduce inflammation.

5.) Kale: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron, kale can help promote healthy bones and teeth, support digestion, and reduce inflammation.

FRUITS such as:

6.) BLUEBERRIES would be one of the Top Superfoods for Dogs, just like they are for us humans and for the same reasons.  These are a great source of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K. Blueberries can help boost your dog's immune system, improve cognitive function, and promote a healthy digestion.

If your dog has no sensitivities or allergies to fish, then fish like

7.) Salmon; preferably wild caught since their nutritional value is far superior to that of farm raised and the wild caught salmon is also higher in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can help improve your dog's skin and coat health, reduce inflammation, and support brain and eye development. * Don’t buy the ‘smoked’ version or any version with additives.

Sardines can be a healthy addition to a dog's diet when fed in moderation. Sardines are a type of oily fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have several potential health benefits for dogs. Omega-3s can help support healthy skin and coat, promote joint health, and support cardiovascular health.

In addition to their omega-3 content, sardines are also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus. However, it's important to feed sardines in moderation, as they are also high in calories and can lead to weight gain if fed excessively.

When feeding sardines to your dog, it's best to choose fresh, canned, or frozen Wild Caught sardines that are free from added salt, seasonings, or sauces. You can feed sardines as a treat or mix them in with your dog's regular food.  We like to choose only ONE (1) sardine fresh or canned in spring water and smash and mix it in with our pup’s food and do this maybe only once or twice per week.* We’re not a paid affiliate, but we love the Wild Caught Sardines in Water from Trader Joe’s. They’re good quality and priced right.

As with any new food, it's best to introduce sardines gradually and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions.  See our Journal Article : How to Transition Your Dog To a New Food for more information.

8.) Turmeric: This spice contains curcumin, an active compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric can help reduce joint pain, improve digestion, and boost your dog's immune system.

GO easy when adding this spice to your dog’s food and do it in very small amounts as ‘a little goes a long way.’ For example: 1/4 teaspoon per day to start.
SEEDS AND ROOT VEGETABLES like:

9.)  Chia Seeds: These seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. They can help support healthy digestion and promote healthy skin and coat. * Try sprinkling seeds over wet dog food (or adding it to water, yogurt or kefir if you feed dry food)

Ratio is: One teaspoon to 40 pounds of your dog’s weight. So, if your dog weighs:

• 10 pounds = 1/4 teaspoon chia seeds

• 20 pounds = 1/2 teaspoon chia seeds

• 30 pounds = 3/4 teaspoon chia seeds

• 40 pounds = 1 teaspoon chia seeds

We suggest that you divide this up during the day into more than one meal or treat/snack. * Do not feed Chia seeds dry because they are very absorbent and will ‘expand’ when wet; including inside of your/your dog’s digestive tract. * Always feed Chia Seeds either soaked before feeding OR mixed into wet foods.

10.) Flaxseed: Similar to chia seeds, flaxseeds are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. They can help support healthy digestion and promote healthy skin and coat.

• We suggest that you buy them WHOLE and grind them up as needed for easier mixing and digestion. We love, use, and recommend either of these two brands: Terrasoul https://a.co/d/72n2dir

  Anthony’s Organic https://a.co/d/9rbNmKo

11.) Carrots: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, carrots can help support healthy vision, promote healthy skin and coat, and support healthy digestion.

12.) Beets: These root vegetables are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium and iron. They can help support healthy digestion, promote healthy blood circulation, and support healthy liver function. When whole organic beets are not in season or unavailable, we keep this in the pantry: Anthony's Organic Beet Root Juice Powder, 1 lb, Gluten Free, Non GMO, Vegan Friendly https://a.co/d/84OKESp . We recommend Beet Root powder be added dry or mixed with water to your dog's food. * The dosage depends on your dog's weight and individual nutrition plan. As a guide, you can use the following recommendations:

• Small dog breeds: 1 level teaspoon daily

• Medium dog breeds: 0.5 tablespoons daily

• Large breeds: 1 tablespoon daily

10 g of beet powder is equivalent to about 100 g of fresh beet. You should increase the dosage slowly and observe your dog's tolerance.

13.) Parsnips: Similar to carrots, parsnips are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber. They can help support healthy digestion and promote healthy skin and coat.

• When choosing Root vegetables it is highly advised that you choose Organic over Conventionally grown produce as Root vegetables are one of the vegetables that are most sprayed with toxins like glyphosate, and other things like herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides and no one wants anything with ‘icide’ in their food.

A.G.E.'s Advanced Glycation Products- are another important subject altogether that needs to be brought to light and discussed when it comes to Canine Nutrition and commercial pet foods in general.  We have an entire article in our Journal for you on this.

14.) Ginger root can be good for dogs in small amounts, as it has several potential health benefits. Ginger root contains compounds called gingerols and shgaols, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This means that ginger may help reduce inflammation and support healthy immune function in dogs. In addition, ginger has been known to help alleviate nausea and vomiting in dogs, making it a popular natural remedy for motion sickness, car sickness, and other types of stomach upset. However, it's important to note that ginger should not be given to dogs in large amounts, as it can cause digestive upset and other side effects. We would recommend consulting with your Holistic Veterinarian on the type and dosage.

As with any new food or supplement, it's best to consult with your veterinarian before giving ginger to your dog.

We like these two Trustworthy brands of Organic Ginger Root Powder: Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Ginger Powder, 1 Lb - Lab-Tested | Raw | Potent Spicy Flavor https://a.co/d/h5HNUqn Micro Ingredients Organic Ginger Powder, 2 lbs/32 ounces, https://a.co/d/begFNTz .

15.) Dandelion Greens: the stem and leaf parts of the plant — are a natural source of vitamins A, C, K, D, and B. In addition, they have minerals like calcium, potassium, and prebiotics like inulin. Dandelion Greens are especially adept at supporting digestion.

16.) Cranberries: Often known as a natural supplement for supporting urinary health, cranberries have many additional benefits. They are a natural source of vitamins C, E, and K. Also, like blueberries, they are low in calories and fats, but high in fiber and antioxidants.

With so many nutrients, cranberries for dogs can be a good addition to complement their diet. However, you should not feed your dog raw cranberries, because dogs have a difficult time digesting them. Instead, you can find cranberry supplements like Dr. Mercola’s Bladder Support or pick up some healthy treats with cranberries as an ingredient like the treats from Honest Kitchen to share this superfood with your pup. We do include Dried cranberries for our dogs, however, it is incredibly important to buy the Organic and Unsweetened, NO SUGAR added .

*There are also Several Essential Vitamins and Minerals Dogs need on a daily basis just like we humans do and there are some Adaptogens that would be considered Superfoods and beneficial to dogs.

*We have Separate Journal Articles on these subjects below for you to read and learn about since the list and information is much to extensive to include it all here under ‘TOP SUPERFOODS FOR DOGS.’

Recommended Daily Amounts of Essential Vitamins and Minerals for Dogs

Which Adaptogens are Most Beneficial to Dogs and Why?

Are Certain Species of Mushrooms like Lion's Mane and Turkey Tail Beneficial for Dog’s Nutrition?

A.G.E.'s Advanced Glycation Products- are another important subject altogether that needs to be brought to light and discussed when it comes to Canine Nutrition and commercial pet foods in general.

How To Find A Reputable Trustworthy Veterinarian

Pets, including our beloved dogs are considered as family members, and their ‘health and well-being’  is of utmost importance to their pet parent owners. Just like humans, pets also need both routine and sometimes emergency medical care and attention. For this reason, finding a reputable and trustworthy veterinarian is crucial to ensure that your pet is in good hands. In this journal article, we will discuss How to Find a Reputable and Trustworthy Veterinarian.

Your First Step in finding a good veterinarian is to ask for recommendations from friends, family, caring neighbors, and other pet parents/ pet owners. People who have dogs of their own and who value and love them as you do are likely to have experience with veterinarians in the area and can provide valuable feedback. *It is important to Ask specific questions about their experiences, such as how the veterinarian and staff communicated with them, the quality of care their pets received, and whether they felt their concerns were adequately addressed. Some people are only concerned with the quality of medical care the veterinarians provide to their pets, and some are concerned with ‘the way’ the veterinarian and their staff actually ‘communicate’ with both them and with their pets, and some are concerned with all three. Also, over the years of having and watching over a multitude of pets, we have found that some veterinarians are very skilled at ‘what they DO’ and some have a superior ‘bedside manner’ and the rare combination is that they are skilled at both.  Ideally, you will want to find a veterinarian and staff that matches what you are looking for in terms of care and quality of communication for your pet. Another thing we have found is important in choosing a reputable and trustworthy veterinarian for your pooch is that you ask if they have BOTH Female as Well as Male veterinarians in the office and the same holds true for Veterinary Assistants. Why do we say this? Well, because just like humans, many if not most dogs are more ‘comfortable’ in the presence of either a Male or a Female human, and often this is the case when dealing with ‘shelter’ or ‘rescue’ dogs because many of them have come from situations where they were traumatized and just like humans, dogs have very sharp memories, and even though they are not verbally able to communicate it to us in a human language, that they may have been abused by one gender or the other, or they simply have a ‘preference’ for one over the other. You will of course ‘learn’ to read your dog’s body language and determine if this could possibly be the case with your pup, and consider the fact that a visit to a doctor’s office- in this case, a veterinarian’s office is not usually something a pet looks forward to anyway so you are going to want make this as comfortable and stress-free experience if possible.

Another useful resource is online reviews.  Many veterinary clinics have reviews posted on their own websites or on popular review platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook. While it's important to read both positive and negative reviews, it's important to keep in mind that not all reviews are genuine or accurate. Therefore, it's important to look for patterns in the reviews and read several reviews before making a decision.

After gathering recommendations and reading reviews, it's important to ‘Research the Veterinarians on your shortlist.’   It is very important to: Check their qualifications and credentials, such as their education and any additional training they may have completed. You can also check whether they are members of professional organizations like the:

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA.ORG )

Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC.ORG )

  American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association ( AHVMA.ORG )

Traditional Chines Veterinary Medicine ( TCVM.ORG )

Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association (IVPA.ORG )

*These organizations have strict codes of ethics that members must follow, which can give you peace of mind that you are working with a reputable veterinarian.

When visiting a veterinary clinic, take note of the overall cleanliness and organization of the facility. A clean and organized clinic can indicate that the veterinarian and staff take pride in their work and are dedicated to providing quality care. Additionally, observe how the veterinarian interacts with pets and their owners. A good veterinarian should have a calm and gentle demeanor and be able to communicate effectively with pet owners.

Lastly, it's important to consider the cost of veterinary care. While cost should not be the only factor in your decision-making process, it is important to find a veterinarian who offers ‘transparent and reasonable pricing.’  You can ask for an *estimate of the cost of common services like vaccinations or spaying/neutering to get an idea of their pricing structure.

Finding a reputable and trustworthy veterinarian takes your concerted time and effort, but it is worth it to ensure that your pet is receiving quality care. By following these steps above, you can find a veterinarian who will provide excellent care for your beloved pup.

The similarities and the differences between Allopathic Veterinarians, Holistic Veterinarians and Integrative Veterinarians are as follows: Allopathic veterinarians, holistic veterinarians, and integrative veterinarians all work to provide medical care to animals. However, they approach veterinary medicine from different perspectives and may use different methods and treatments.

Allopathic veterinarians, also known as conventional or Western veterinarians, typically use drugs, surgery, and other conventional methods to treat animals. They focus on diagnosing and treating specific diseases or conditions using evidence-based medicine.  Usually through the use of pharmaceutical prescription medications.  They may also use diagnostic tests like blood work, radiography, and ultrasound to aid in diagnosis and treatment.

Holistic veterinarians, on the other hand, take a more holistic approach to veterinary medicine, focusing on treating the whole animal rather than just specific symptoms or diseases. They may use alternative therapies like: acupuncture, chiropractic care, herbal medicine, and homeopathy to promote healing and restore balance to the animal's body. Holistic veterinarians may also consider environmental and nutritional factors in their treatment plans.

Integrative veterinarians combine both conventional and holistic approaches to veterinary medicine. They may use conventional methods like drugs and surgery when appropriate, but also incorporate alternative therapies to support the animal's overall health and well-being. Integrative veterinarians may use therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutritional supplements in conjunction with conventional treatments to achieve the best possible outcomes for their patients.

In terms of similarities, all three types of veterinarians are trained professionals who are committed to providing the best possible care to animals. They also work to prevent and treat disease and injury in animals.

The main difference between allopathic, holistic, and integrative veterinarians is their approach to veterinary medicine.

Allopathic veterinarians focus on conventional methods of treatment

Holistic veterinarians use alternative therapies to promote healing and balance in the body

Integrative veterinarians combine both approaches to provide comprehensive care to their animal patients.

Emergency veterinarian should ideally be a combination of all of these and be close in proximity to your geographic location