Puppies. Say the word and we all think of the cute little noses, paws that are far too large for their little adorable squirmy bodies, and the clumsy strolling and mischief they all get into, right? Well, as part of that adorable package I found there’s also a deep dark monster known as the “trash panda” (no, not talking raccoons here), animal kingdom’s cuter version of a dumper diver, in wagging tail form. Now aside from the smell, and potential gas, it is inevitable there’s going to be poo. Yes, lots and lots of poo. 

 My two labs, Nola and Gator, were no exception to this rule. No matter how well we safeguarded the food on counters, trash bins, and compost, they found a way. It’s as though they were on a mission to challenge my sanity by getting their cute little boopable noses into everything possible.

Their mischief led to a few fun vet trips, watching and waiting, and then dealing with the….aftermath (I’ll leave you to ponder what that infers). Well, the vet told us a few basic things we could do to help their digestive systems, but it wasn’t until I really dug into the world of oils, that we cracked the code for their lovely tummy pirotechniques.

 Additionally, you’ll also want to note that any oils should be selected via a self selection process with the animal. I would recommend working closely with a trained aromatherapist or vet to decipher if there’s any oils unsafe for a species, and how to work through the self selection process.

For my two, I pulled out all the antispasmodic oils to start exploring what might help support them. Several oils in this category are considered ‘hot”, and contain a strong scent (e.g. Peppermint, Fennel, Anise, Rosemary, Melissa, Clove, Thyme to name a few). So there were some that they averted their nose to initially, but I did include the blend from DōTERRA called DigestZen, and that one happened to be cool enough that they sniffed and licked the bottle in approval.

The DigestZen blend contains Cardamom, a close relative to Ginger, and is known for helping to maintain a healthy GI system. Coriander, Ginger, and Fennel are also supportive in easing stomach discomfort and indigestion. And finally, Peppermint, Anise and Caraway aid digestion and maintain a healthy GI when consumed.

This combination I mixed with coconut oil, diluted to the right amount for their weight, and after a few hours, immediately noticed my two pups digestive tracts calm down.

This amazing blend is one I resort to after spicy food, and it works better than anything I’ve used historically. Great thing was being able to use the same amazing product on my two poopy little puppiesl Follow this link to read more about DigestZen.

Reach out to me for any questions, or if you’d like a consultation for aromatherapy for your pet!

Cheers!

Disclaimer: I am a certified aromatherapist, not a board-certified doctor or veterinarian.  All recommendations are based off my training as an aromatherapist and should not be a replacement for a medical doctor or veterinarian.

Summer is off to the races….quite literally. I’m sure by now many of you have been on a vacation, camping, or even spent a couple days sunbathing at the beach. Many families use the summer time to also go exploring the great outdoors with man’s best friend at their side. So, while you’ve got the sunblock and hydration covered for the humans, what can you do to help our furry friends weather the summer heat?

One of the biggest areas I focus on first are liquids! Hydration in the heat is a MUST, especially for our furry friends! Always keep those water bowls clean and full. In addition to cool water, what else can help cool off our furry pals during those “dog days of summer?” A favorite from my kitchen (and blessed by my two labs Gator and Nola) is an easy and yummy treat to help give them some healthy gut bacteria, all the while keeping them cool.

I then combine them into a blender or mush by hand depending on how ripe the berries are, then add to a frozen silicon mold and stick into the freezer overnight. You can also load up a Kong for them if you need to keep them entertained for awhile. Next day, remove from mold, and stick in a freezer bag, label with date. You’ve got a clean and yummy cool treat to help your pup’s gut, and keep them cool in the summer heat!

How about them paws? That’s right, we’re talking feet. The heat is no friend to your walking buddies during the summer, and often the concrete or asphalt can register a whopping 20-40 (or more) degrees hotter than outside temperatures. If your pups are like mine and love their walks, what do you do? Here’s a few tips I adhere to religiously during the summer to keep my furry friends from frying their feet. Good rule is if it hurts your bare feet, it’s probably not fun for theirs either.

Finally, water play! Now my two have their moments with water, but stick them in a creek or splash pad and they go absolutely bonkers! After a day of frolicking in the water, always make sure to clear out their ears. In Texas, we have plenty of fun bacteria lurking in many of our creeks and rivers, and not much of that is something you want taking root in your pets’ ears. My favorite rinse below is best used during an infection, but since my two are highly prone to ear issues, I use this regularly in addition to weekly cleaning.

I get a 4ml spray bottle, and mix equal parts of the witch hazel and apple cider vinegar, and then add in equal amounts of the 5 oils (typically 5-7 drops of each). Shake well and then apply to a cotton ball to clean out the ear and remove any ick.

Hope these tips help keep your pets comfortable on their summertime adventures!

Feel free to drop any fun ones you use in the comments!

Cheers!

Disclaimer: I am a certified aromatherapist, not a board-certified doctor or veterinarian.  All recommendations are based off my training as an aromatherapist and should not be a replacement for a medical doctor or veterinarian.