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Last Updated: Feb 27, 2023 08:30AM • Subscribe via RSS • ATOM

Natural Remedies for Pets
Natural Remedies for Pets: Seven Non-Toxic Treatments for Common Ailments

Feb 27, 2023 08:30AM ● By Karen Shaw Becker, DVM

Natural remedies and healing therapies are not just for humans, they also help pets overcome illness and maintain optimal health.

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Whole Foods for Dogs and Cats
Whole Foods for Dogs and Cats: Human-Grade Meals for Our Furry Best Friends

Jan 31, 2023 08:30AM ● By Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN

Feeding pets whole food, whether purchased or made at home, is a great way to help them stay healthy and happy.

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Dog and cat side-by-side each eating from a side of a food bowl filled with fresh healthy food
Hidden Dangers in Pet Food: The Scary Truth About Toxic Ingredients

Dec 30, 2022 08:30AM ● By Karen Becker

Switch dogs and cats from an ultra-processed diet to fresh, wholesome foods to avoid these most common toxins found in many popular pet foods.

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Small dog lying down next to holiday basket of berries
Holiday Treats for Cats and Dogs: Easy-to-Make Festive Recipes to Delight Pets

Nov 30, 2022 08:30AM ● By Tonya Wilhelm

Homemade pet treats using healthy ingredients make great holiday gifts for dogs, cats and pet-loving friends and family.

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Visually impaired person walking down sidewalk in urban area holding white cane and harness of guide dog
Caregiving Companions: The Many Benefits of Service, Therapy and Emotional Support Animals

Oct 31, 2022 08:30AM ● By Karen Shaw Becker

Animals offer support to humans, providing therapy and emotional support and being attentive service animals for medical assistance. Here are the types of access each animal is given.

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Orange cat sitting inside plastic pumpkin pail with toy spider in paw surrounded by fall decor
A Happy Halloween for Pets: Nine Ways to Keep a Dog or Cat Safe

Sep 30, 2022 08:30AM ● By Karen Shaw Becker

Potential hazards to avoid and precautions to take to ensure pet dogs and cats stay healthy, happy and safe during Halloween celebrations.

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Yellow Labrador retriever dog sitting on wood floor looking at person's hand holding out package of health supplement treat
Healthier Pets: Top Supplements for Dogs and Cats

Aug 31, 2022 08:30AM ● By Shawn Messonnier

Supplements can add to a dog’s or cat’s health and longevity. Here’s an overview of the top basic supplements every dog or cat should have.

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Couple walking on the beach with dog
Preventing Dog Dementia: Five Strategies to Preserve Cognitive Health

Jul 29, 2022 08:30AM ● By Karen Shaw Becker

Signs and symptoms of cognitive dysfunction in dogs, plus ways to reduce the risk and preserve canine brain health.

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Dog looking at fireworks in sky
Canine Calm: Anti-Anxiety Tips for Dogs

Jun 30, 2022 08:30AM ● By Ronica O’Hara

Research shows that a number of strategies can help soothe anxious dogs both from immediate terror and ongoing anxiety associated with fireworks and other triggering situations.

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Person being pulled by running dog on leash in field
Misbehaving Dog Walks: Ways Humans Get It Wrong

May 31, 2022 08:30AM ● By Karen Shaw Becker

Humans are just as capable of bad behavior during walks as dogs are. Here are the reasons why and ways we can correct to ensure a safe, fun and rewarding walk for both dog and human.

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Watercolor of an orange cat smiling with a brown bird perched on head
Saving Birds from Cats: Simple Strategies to Protect Feathered Friends

Apr 29, 2022 08:30AM ● By Karen Shaw Becker

Domestic felines are the number one human-caused threat to birds in the U.S., but new studies suggest ways to let a cat enjoy the outdoors without endangering winged species.

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Dog running through flowers and grass outdoors
Pest Control: Keeping Dogs Safe from Ticks and Fleas

Mar 31, 2022 08:30AM ● By Karen Shaw Becker

Natural alternatives to protect dogs from ticks and fleas that are both effective and non-toxic.

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Golden retriever dog sitting in front of food bowl full of vegetables
Beyond Kibble: How to Shop for the Healthiest Pet Food

Feb 28, 2022 08:30AM ● By Sheila Julson

There are better quality kibble and canned pet foods available today than in the past, along with frozen raw and freeze-dried raw foods. Here's what to look for in healthy dog and cat food.

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Dog touching paw to human hand
Fostering Love: Tips for First-Time Pet Foster Parents

Jan 31, 2022 08:30AM ● By Karen Shaw Becker

For people that love cats and dogs but can’t adopt one—or one more—here are ways to get started fostering pets without homes that need a temporary place until a forever home comes along.

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Kitten placing paw on the nose of a golden retriever dog lying on floor with an empty plate between them
Pet-Pleasing Food Trends: What Dogs and Cats Will Eat This Year

Dec 30, 2021 08:30AM ● By Ronica O’Hara

Dog and cat food is becoming ever more humanized with owners increasingly demanding high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients that are free of questionable byproducts for their pets.

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German Shepherd sitting in dog bed surrounded by stuffed toys
Toyland for Pooches: Choosing Safe Playthings a Dog Will Love

Nov 30, 2021 08:30AM ● By Karen Shaw Becker

Veterinary advice on what to consider when selecting toys for dogs that are safe, stimulating and long-lasting.

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Kid with eyes closed sitting outside on brick step holding leaf and resting head on pet dog, mourning loss
Honoring the Loss of a Pet: Simple Ways to Grieve and Heal

Oct 29, 2021 08:30AM ● By Marlaina Donato

Whether we lose a cat, dog, horse, bird or lizard, grieving an animal companion can be emotional. Here are ways to honor and celebrate the life of a beloved pet while mourning the loss.

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Dog at table with cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) oil
Cannabis and Canines: How Cannabidiol Benefits Dogs

Sep 30, 2021 08:30AM ● By Caroline Coile

What current research tells us regarding cannabidiol (CBD) use in dogs to treat conditions such as arthritis, itchiness, cancer, anxiety, aggressive tendencies, seizures and more.

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Brown horse in field with person holding reigns and pressing forehead against horse's snout in a field as part of equine therapy
Horses as Healers: Equine Therapy has Physical and Emotional Benefits

Aug 31, 2021 08:30AM ● By Julie Peterson

Numerous studies have shown that equine-assisted therapy helps with anger, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and dissociative or other emotional problems.

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Person giving golden lab dog a high five
Power Up Fido: Five Ways to Strengthen Your Dog’s Immune System

Jul 30, 2021 08:30AM ● By Shawn Messonnier

Five ways to build resilient immune systems in dogs to stave off disease, keep them healthy, promote optimal wellness, reduce trips to the vet and extend their lives.

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Golden retriever dog with small bone treat resting on her nose
Doggy Delights: Healthy, Homemade Cookie Treats

Jun 30, 2021 08:30AM ● By Amy Coyle

Cooking treats for canine family members is a smart move, as they are eco-friendly, cost less and are healthier than company-made ones, say veterinarians.

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Boston terrier dog looking outside at a dog friendly yard with safe plants
Create a Dog-Friendly Yard: Plants, Paths and Play Areas to Wag a Tail

May 28, 2021 08:30AM ● By Karen Shaw Becker

For homeowners with dogs, consider “dog-scaping” with these pet-friendly plants and flea-repelling herbs, thoughtful play areas and other tips for the backyard.

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Picture of pet owner holding three cats in arms
Curbing Cancer in Cats: Ways to Keep a Feline Healthy

Apr 30, 2021 08:30AM ● By Julie Peterson

1 in 5 cats will be diagnosed with cancer, but the risk of contraction and severe outcomes can be lowered with these holistic treatment options and healthy preventative tips.

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Pet bird flying
Feathered Friends: The Pros and Cons of Keeping Birds as Pets

Mar 31, 2021 08:30AM ● By Julie Peterson

What you need to know before considering having a bird as a pet, including the costs to keep them healthy, long-term commitments, the benefits involved and more.

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Overweight obese dog needing to go on healthy diet to lose weight
Canine Obesity: When Doggies Need Diets

Feb 26, 2021 08:30AM ● By Julie Peterson

How to determine the ideal weight for dogs and healthy ways to achieve weight loss through proper nutrition, including fresh organic raw food, diet and exercise.

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Rabbit for small pet
Big Love From Small Animals: The Joy of Furry Little Companions

Jan 29, 2021 08:30AM ● By Julie Peterson

Smaller pets, such as hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice or guinea pigs, can be the furry friend that a family may long for without the long-term commitment and higher care costs of a dog or cat.

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Dog receiving acupuncture treatment from holistic veterinarian
Healing Pets Holistically: Integrative Vets Treat Root Causes

Dec 30, 2020 08:30AM ● By Julie Peterson

Combining both conventional and holistic medicine, integrative veterinarians get to the root cause of conditions in dogs, cats and other pets.

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Dog waiting for homemade holiday pet treats
Holiday Treats for Pets: Homemade Recipes They Will Love

Nov 27, 2020 08:30AM ● By Tonya Wilhelm

These festive holiday homemade pet treat recipes for Pumpkin Apple Pie, Eggnog, and Turkey Meatballs will have a dog woofing for more and a cat purring for seconds.

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Dog and Cat with Fall Allergies Itch
Skin-Soothing Herbs for Dogs and Cats: Simple Ways to Reduce Itching

Oct 30, 2020 08:30AM ● By Greg Tilford

From allergies to liver deficiency to diet, many factors can itch, inflame and irritate the skin of our pets. Here are herbs that can help comfort and relieve an itchy dog or cat.

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Pet Owner with Healthy Cancer-Free Dog
Cancer-Free Pets: Five Ways to Help Keep Them Healthy

Sep 30, 2020 08:30AM ● By Karen Shaw Becker

Practical nutrition and lifestyle tips to help protect and prevent a dog or cat from developing cancer as well as symptoms that pet owners need to be aware of.

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Pet Lover Playing Calming Music to Dog
Finding the Right Tune for Pets: Music Calms the Animal Soul

Aug 31, 2020 08:30AM ● By Julie Peterson

The mood of dogs and cats can be improved by hearing the right kind of music. Here are some research-backed musical selections to help your pet become calm, relaxed and stress-free.

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Dog looking at plate of berry treats
Cool Treats for Cats and Dogs

Jul 31, 2020 08:00AM ● By Tonya Wilhelm

Homemade recipes for DIY dog and cat treats using healthy ingredients to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, protect against cardiovascular disease and more.

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Dog at Eco-Friendly Green Vet Office
Earth-Friendly Pets: Our Animals Can Go Green, Too

Jun 30, 2020 08:30AM ● By Julie Peterson

Eco-friendly alternatives pet owners can choose for toys, homeopathic remedies, grooming, food and more for dogs and cats.

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Helping Separation Anxiety Dogs
Soothing Separation: Helping Anxious Dogs to Cope

May 29, 2020 08:30AM ● By Julie Peterson

Natural, holistic solutions and ways to help treat separation anxiety syndrome in dogs, including foods, exercise, supplements and accessories.

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Coronavirus Pet Safety: Facts and Tips for Dog and Cat Owners

Apr 16, 2020 02:45PM ● By Shawn Messonnier

Veterinary advice on what pet owners need to know when it comes to COVID-19 and their dogs and cats.

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Acupuncture For Animals: Needles Work Wonders on Pets

Mar 31, 2020 08:30AM ● By Julie Peterson

Dogs, cats, horses and even animals such as reptiles, rabbits and livestock are reaping the benefits of holistic veterinary acupuncture for injuries, arthritis, immunity disorders and more.

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Kibble Quandary: A Fresh Look at Pet Food

Feb 28, 2020 08:30AM ● By Julie Peterson

Healthier alternatives than commercial, processed foods for dogs and cats including feeding home-cooked meals, biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) and vegan or vegetarian diets.

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Pain Relief for Pets: Prolotherapy Gives Joints New Life

Jan 31, 2020 08:30AM

Any animal with a joint can receive prolotherapy, a regenerative injection therapy, which relieves pain by strengthening ligaments and tendons supporting the joint.

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When Older Pets Get Quirky: Dealing With Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

Dec 30, 2019 08:30AM

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) can affect dogs or cats. Here are signs to look for, ways to care for the pet and tips for possibly preventing cognitive decline.

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Perfect Pet Presents: Safe and Eco-Smart Toys

Nov 27, 2019 08:30AM

When picking out holiday gifts for our beloved dogs and cats, follow these guidelines to make sure the toys are safe for the pet and eco-friendly for the planet.

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Urban Chickens: Coming Home to Roost

Oct 31, 2019 08:30AM

How backyard chickens make fascinating, low-maintenance pets, with fresh, organic eggs produced close to home being just one of the benefits.

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Paws to Consider: Best Friends Waiting for Homes

Sep 30, 2019 08:30AM

When we rescue a shelter dog or cat, the life we save may be our own. National Shelter Pet Month offers a window into the physical and emotional health benefits of pets.

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Pet Peeve: Natural Remedies for Allergies to Furry Friends

Aug 30, 2019 08:30AM

Natural, alternative treatments for those who are affected by allergies from dogs, cats and other furry animals.

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Vet Check: Treating the Whole Pet

Aug 15, 2019 11:27PM ● By Julie Peterson

Holistic veterinarians treat an animal’s underlying condition rather than the symptoms, and many use alternative therapies like acupuncture, laser therapy or massage.

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Beyond Antibiotics: Pets Can Heal With Natural Approaches

Jun 28, 2019 01:23PM ● By Karen Shaw Becker

Antibiotics for pets can carry considerable downsides, so it's worth exploring natural options like herbs, homeopathy and nutritional interventions with a holistic or integrative vet.

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Nontoxic Lawn Care: Protecting Pets and the Planet

May 31, 2019 10:46AM ● By Marlaina Donato

Many pet owners know that applying chemical pesticides and fertilizers to lawns can harm their pets, but some “natural” alternatives like vinegar and cocoa mulch can also hurt them.

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CBD For Pets: What We Need to Know

Apr 30, 2019 10:46AM ● By Kajsa Nickels

The CBD market explodes with pet products that treat the same ailments humans use it for, including relief of pain, inflammation and anxiety.

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Bringing Up Kitty: Get Off on the Right Paw

Mar 29, 2019 11:12AM ● By Karen Shaw Becker

Adorable as new kittens are, they need the right conditions, from bedding to food to scratching surfaces—and a proper introduction to their new home—to thrive.

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Fight Back Naturally When Allergies Put the Bite on Pets

Mar 04, 2019 01:42PM ● By Sandra Murphy

Because they’re built lower to the ground, our dogs and cats can pick up seasonal allergens on fur from grass, weeds, pollen, lawn chemicals and fleas.

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Essential Oils for Pets: How to Use Them Safely

Jan 31, 2019 11:27AM ● By Sandra Murphy

Essential oils can be soothing and healing for dogs and cats but some oils can actually cause harm, so it’s wise to consult expert sources first.

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