MISTAKE #6: FAILING TO CREATE A HEALTHY, NON-TOXIC, STRESS-FREE ENVIRONMENT
You want a happy healthy dog, right? So you have to cover the basics. It is so important to create a healthy, non-toxic environment. Noise pollution, chemical toxins, harsh cleaning agents, and air pollution are exceptionally difficult for our animals because their senses are so much more finely attuned than ours, and also because their noses and bodies are in more direct contact with the environment.
I often think of our animals as ‘canaries in a coal mine’ because they are so very susceptible to toxins, stressors and problems in our environment and often show the effects of them long before we become more aware.
There is a great book on this called Are You Poisoning Your Pets? A Guidebook to Pet Health and Sanity by Nina Anderson and Howard Peiper. Every one of us can benefit by discovering what is actually in the products we put into our bodies and our environment, and by choosing to live less toxic lifestyles. Start today to make more informed choices and smarter decisions about what you expose yourself and your dog to.
For instance, did you know that separation anxiety and other forms of destructive behavior can actually be coming from chemical toxic exposure, like using too much chlorine bleach to clean with? Did you know that seizures can often be triggered by feeding dogs out of plastic containers?
Did you know that dogs who live with cigarette smokers have a much higher risk of nasal sinus cancer and lung cancer, and often suffer from respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis? And that they also have a tendency to develop allergic reactions to smoke that are similar to fea, food and other allergies?
Toxic chemicals can really mess up a dog’s nervous system and body. No-no’s include strong cleaning chemicals, air fresheners by your dog’s bed or environment, and candles. These and other scented products can be very toxic to your dog (and you!).
I’ve worked with many dogs who have had skin problems, and one thing that always helps is to switch them to natural, organic cleaning products.
Many dogs have hot spots, skin allergies, rashes and bumps on their body, or they will come back from the groomer with red skin and acting irritably or fussy. Often this is a reaction to the shampoo that was used on them or from an imbalance of their skin’s pH. If you strip the natural oils and skin protectants with harsh cleaning products, then you leave it vulnerable and exposed.
So use natural cleaning agents, like vinegar and natural soaps. Wash bedding and clothes in natural laundry detergent. Use natural shampoos for your dog.
Baking Soda: This may be the most versatile item in your kitchen! It can be used to deodorize and freshen carpets and upholstery, remove acidic stains and safely scour sinks and countertops.
Distilled White Vinegar: This is excellent for killing mold and bacteria on countertops and floors. Its acidic properties also dissolve soap scum on faucets and sinks.
Lemon Juice: This acts as a great stain remover. Plus its crisp, citrus scent freshens the air naturally.
Scientists and doctors are now recognizing that the most serious threat of cancer in our society is actually coming from the products we are putting on our bodies, like skin lotion, shampoo and other cleaners, cosmetics, hair products, toothpastes and mouthwash! Even our sunscreen contains toxic agents! There is a long list of known carcinogens that are showing up in all of these products. So it has become more important than ever to protect yourself – and your dog – by being very careful about the products you use in your life, your home and around them.
Here are a few more Tips:
Never use ammonia based products to clean with. They smell like urine to our animals and can actually encourage them to urinate on those spots!
Hand sanitizers can be toxic to our children and our animals! Please don’t let your pet lick your hand after applying it, and keep the bottle out of their reach. Sanitizers also contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
NEVER use Pine Sol if you have dogs or cats in your home. If your dog walks on it and then tries to clean it off its feet, it can kill them.
Dog proof your home environment just like you would for a child and keep medications out of their reach. Child-proof drug caps are no match for a determined pooch’s teeth! And if you’re eating it, they often think they must be missing out on a good thing and become all the more determined to treat themselves to the goodies in the bottle.
Keep antifreeze and other vehicle fluids out of your pets’ reach at all times.
After walking on pavement, dirt or green areas, clean your dog’s feet — before they do!
Here are some other foods to watch out for. This is just a partial list of foods to avoid feeding dogs:
1. Xylitol sugar substitute (very toxic to dogs, cats, and even people!)
2. Chocolate
3. Onions and garlic in all forms (they contain thiosulphate and can damage red blood cells)
4. Baby food (sometimes contains onion powder)
5. Macadamia nuts (toxin unknown, but causes digestive and neural disturbance)
6. Grapes/raisins (toxin unknown, but damages kidneys)
7. Caffeine-rich food (causes cardiac and neural problems)
8. Turkey skin
9. Fat trimmings (too much fat from toxic animal sources can cause pancreatitis)
10. Alcohol and tobacco
11. Raw fish
12. Persimmons
13. Iron supplements
14. Beware liver that isn’t organic
Don’t assume that because you can eat it, your dog can too, no matter how much he or she may beg for a taste!