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.

we love dr. tim's genuine freeze dried treats

When you think of a "treat" for yourself, you think of something special outside of your normal diet, right? Perhaps you think of something indulgent. That's okay, because it's just a treat–something in which you partake on occasion. Our pets sometimes end up getting even more treats than we do. Who can resist those adorable faces? 

Pure and simple.

I know that when we give our dog, N.A.S.H.A., a treat, we want it to be full of only good things. We don't do artificial colors or flavors, and we don't want 372 ingredients in the mix, because, who knows what half that stuff is, anyway? We look for something pure and healthy that will benefit her. As far as the indulgent aspect, N.A.S.H.A. lets us know which treats she likes, and there aren't many. She's pretty picky.

When chewy.com gave me the opportunity to try Dr. Tim's Genuine Freeze Dried Treats, I had a pretty good feeling they would be a hit. We received the Natural Beef Chips to sample, but other varieties include Natural Chicken Chips, Natural Turkey Chips, Natural Beef Liver, Clean Tripe, and Natural Oxtail Chips.

One glance at the ingredient list let me know we were headed in the right direction. Don't blink. you might miss it.

Ingredients: beef hearts

N.A.S.H.A. waits patiently for her first taste.

Only one ingredient. The treats are made with 100% all real USDA inspected meat from Wisconsin. Knowing the beef comes from the U.S.A.–not China–is something that is becoming increasingly important to all pet parents. We can feel safe with Dr. Tim's.

These treats provide all the nutrition and flavor of raw meat without the mess, and they are designed to be delightful to both cats and dogs. So many of us purchase separate treats for the different species in our families, but now you don't have to! I wouldn't recommend feeding them to your fish or rabbit, but at least we can get our cats and dogs on the same page. 

So were they a hit in our house? Absolutely! N.A.S.H.A. was eager and happy to sample the Natural Beef Chips. These high-quality simple treats made the cut, and we are excited to add them to our lineup of trusted and desired treat options. We even had some eager friends on hand to verify our assessment. 

Our friends liked the treats, too.

Check out Dr. Tim's line of Genuine Freeze Dried Treats

Purchase Dr. Tim's Natural Beef Chips and other varieties at chewey.com

Connect with Dr. Tim's on Facebook and Twitter.

Connect with chewy.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Chewy.com provided us with a sample of Dr. Tim's Genuine Freeze Dried Treats–Natural Beef Chips in exchange for our honest review. Well Minded only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Neither Chewy.com or Dr. Tim's are responsible for the content of this article.

ten things to do with your dog in phoenix

Phoenix consistently ranks in the top ten cities to travel with your dog. The city boasts over fifty pet-friendly hotels and several dog parks dotting the map as well as a variety of restaurants that will welcome your pooch with open arms. You'll also find some truly unique pet-friendly events. Here are ten favorites: 

1. Take a hike at South Mountain Park/Preserve. Leashed dogs are welcome to hike on these trails, and there are options for all ability and endurance levels. Be sure to be responsible and pick up after your dog! And be sure to bring enough water for yourself and Fido. Trailhead areas and entrances are open 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Trails remain open until 11:00 p.m. Main Entrance–10919 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85042. Pima Canyon Entrance–9904 S. 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85044. 602.262.7393.

2. Uncle Bear's Brewhouse Grill is a great place to enjoy some grub on the pet-friendly patio. The restaurant is named after the owners' late Labrador, Bear, and the decor and canine-themed menu is perfect for dogs and their parents. Pub fare with a canine-themed twist is served, and the servers are happy to help with vegan options. Uncle Bears offers a great happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-7 p.m. and reverse happy hour from 10 p.m.-close. Uncle Bear's Brewhouse Grill–4921 E. Ray Road #103, Phoenix, AZ 85044. 480.961.2374

Sprinkles Cupcakes. Photo source: sprinkles.com.

3. Indulge together at Sprinkles Cupcakes! Not only does this bakery have amazing treats for humans, they also offer doggie cupcakes made with eggs, honey, vanilla and yogurt frosting. Are you drooling, yet? Sprinkles Cupcakes–4501 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. 480.970.4321.

4. You and your pooch can have a relaxing break together at the Duck and Decanter, an espresso and wine bar as well as café with a Fido-friendly patio. Check their event calendar for a schedule of live music and pet-friendly events, including adoptions and fund raisers. Duck and Decanter–1651 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016. 602.274.5429.

5. For a good romp, head to Cosmo Dog Park. This off-leash dog park boasts four acres of fenced play areas, including a separate area for small or shy dogs. There are pet drinking fountains and wash areas, as well as trash receptacles and lighting for nighttime fun. The best part is the man-made lake, which pooches are welcome to swim in. Cosmo Dog Park–2502 E. Ray Road, Gilbert, AZ  85296. 480.503.6200. See a map of Phoenix-area dog parks here.

Morning Glory Café. Photo source: thefarmatsouthmountain.com

6. Spend some time exploring The Farm at South Mountain. The grounds are beautiful for a relaxing stroll and include a mix of gardens, restaurants, and markets. There are three restaurants on the farm, and the Morning Glory Café and The Farm Kitchen are both dog-friendly. The Farm at South Mountain–6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85042. 602.276.6360.

7. If shopping is your thing, pet-friendly Biltmore Fashion Park will please you and your pooch. The shopping center has a wide variety of stores and restaurants, some of which will provide your pooch with water and invite him in. There is even a Humane Society Adoption Center, if you're looking to pick up a new friend. Biltmore Fashion Park–2502 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016. 602.955.8400.

Partners Aquatic Center for Dogs. Photo source: partnersdogtraining.com.

8. Especially if you're visiting in the summer, you'll want to keep your pooch cool in the desert. Try Partners Aquatic Center for Dogs. This training facility offers the only full size dock-jumping pool in Phoenix for both competitive pooches and for those just having fun. The fenced-in pool is competition size, and the dock has safety rails and stairs. The facility even offers swim lessons for dogs who don't know how. Partners Aquatic Center for Dogs–4640 E. Forest Pleasant Place, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. 480.595.6700.

9. The Phoenix Pet Expo only happens once a year, but it's a must. It's free to attend, and you and your pooch can enjoy contests, entertainment, and tons of product samples and information. Browse for a new friend in the giant adoption area. There are even grassy "potty" areas for the canine variety. Water is provided for the pups. Phoenix Pet Expo. Locations and dates vary. Check web site for current information. 800.977.3609.

Bark in the Park. Photo source: arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com.

10. Sports fan? One Sunday each season, Chase Field and the Arizona Diamondbacks open their doors to pups and their parents for a baseball game coined Bark in the Park. If you come early, you can participate in the pre-game Puppy Parade around the warning track. The entrance for dogs is shaded, and water is provided. Registration is required. Bark in the Park, Chase Field–401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85004. 602.462.6500.

Looking for more? Check out our pet-friendly events page.

Don't live in Phoenix? More bloggers will be adding post sharing fun things to do, so keep checking back!

petbrosia's new grain-free option: review and #giveaway

Have you been wanting to give Petbrosia a try, but hesitated because you want to keep your pet on a grain-free diet? We've loved Petbrosia for a long time, but we just got even more excited because they've introduced a grain-free option! Woo-hoo! Their web site says:

Petbrosia now offers salmon as a protein choice for your dog and cat. Raised and harvested in the U.S.A., Petbrosia's Salmon Diet is the ideal choice when looking for an alternative protein source to feed your pet. We start with a single protein source–real salmon–cut out the fillers commonly found in other dog foods (grain free–no rice, wheat, corn, soy, gluten, or white potato), and create the perfect blend customized to meet your pet's individual needs.

If you've not heard about Petbrosia, yet, let me fill you in! Petbrosia makes a high-quality pet food for both dogs and cats that is customized for your pet based on age, breed, and lifestyle. The custom blend is delivered right to your door, and shipping is free if you enroll in their auto-ship option. With each delivery comes a detailed profile of the food with an ingredient list, nutritional information, and feeding instructions.

Until now, all of their custom blends included high-quality grains, and the only protein option was chicken, a formula that works well for many, but not for those pets with allergies or grain sensitivities. Now everyone can enjoy the benefits of a custom pet food.

I'm not going to lie...the kids and I weren't thrilled the last time we purchased salmon dog food. My daughter would dry heave at the smell of it (or perhaps she was simply trying to get out of feeding the dog). She asked me to promise to never bring salmon food into the house again. But I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try Petbrosia's new protein source. We were pleasantly  surprised that the odor wasn't nearly as "fishy" as others we've tried. Sure, you can tell if you stick your head in the bag and take a deep breath (yes, I did that), but when going through our regular feeding routine, it smells just fine! Bonus!

Petbrosia is offering our readers the chance to win a 3-pound bag of their new grain-free salmon food. And–get this–just for entering, they will send everyone who doesn't win a coupon for $10 off their first box. So you win just for entering! So...go ahead...enter now...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

More information:

Petbrosia web site

Petbrosia grain-free salmon

Well Minded is an affiliate of Petbrosia. I received a box of grain-free salmon food in exchange for my honest review. Well Minded only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Petbrosia is not responsible for the content of this article.

the pet vaccine controversy: what's the scoop?

To vaccinate or not? And, if so, what is the best schedule?

We're damned if we do, and we're damned if we don't these days. I often feel trapped with no good option, and the more I read and research, the more I realize I have to learn. It's a frustrating place to be. The subject of pet vaccines has been a controversy for the past few years and has recently become quite a hot topic, thought to stem from questions regarding the human vaccine schedule. There seems to be compelling arguments on both sides of the human and pet vaccine controversy, which can often leave us paralyzed, afraid to move in either direction. I don't advocate a particular vaccine schedule for your pet, but I encourage you to keep yourself informed and working with your veterinarian to tailor the vaccination schedule of your individual pet. Let's look at this controversy and our options a bit closer.

Why do we vaccinate our pets?

As with humans, we vaccinate our pets to protect them from life-threatening and serious debilitating diseases. 

How are canine and feline vaccine schedules determined?

Vaccines fall into two categories: core vaccines and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are thought to be vitally important to the health of a pet and are considered "required," while non-core vaccines are suggested as more of an option. 

Vaccine schedules can vary and are typically created by the vaccine manufacturers. Most vaccines are required during the first few weeks of life for puppies and kittens and often annual boosters are required/recommended. 

What is the controversy surrounding pet vaccines?

The controversy is more about vaccine frequency and dosage than it is about whether vaccines should be administered. Most veterinarians and pet parents agree that the benefit of initial puppy and kitten vaccinations far outweighs the risks. Some vaccines are required by law in some states, and most kennels or boarding facilities will require proof of vaccination. 

The main question is: Are we over-vaccinating our pets?

It has long been accepted that vaccines should be administered annually for the duration of a dog or cat's life. An annual checkup is usually accompanied by "annual vaccines." More recent studies suggest that this vaccination schedule is overkill, and that the pet is actually immune from some diseases for three years or more. 

The suspicious part? The vaccine manufacturers determine the vaccine schedules. They benefit financially from more frequent vaccines. Vets also benefit, as it's more likely you'll bring your pet in for a check-up if he's due for his vaccine. An annual check-up is important, but it may be that the vaccine aspect is not vital.

Dosage is also in question. Vaccine dosage is often universal, meaning that the same dose given to a 100-pound Great Dane is also given to an eight-pound Pomeranian. It is thought that this dosage issue may be contributing to the increased cancer rate in animals under twenty pounds. Some vets have begun to reduce the dosage for smaller animals, but this opens them up to a whole host of legal ramifications. It seems vaccine dosage needs to be looked at more closely.

Can harm come from over-vaccination?

Most recent studies say yes. The vaccinations and the preservatives in them may be cancer-causing when taken in larger-than-necessary doses. At that point, the risk becomes higher than the benefit. Cats are especially susceptible, it seems, as they have developed tumors at the vaccination site. Veterinarians were seeing large tumors between the shoulder blades of cats right at the injection location so often that they began vaccinating closer to the arm of the cat so amputation would be an option should a cancerous tumor develop. 

Over-vaccination is thought to lead to cancer, allergies, and other ailments in some pets. But we're still not sure, and there is division among veterinarians. Most of the studies done are sponsored by the vaccine manufacturers, so they are considered biased. More independent testing is needed.

How do I know if my pet needs a particular vaccine or not?

Vaccines protect our pets longer than previously thought. Blood tests can be done to determine your pet's immunity status regarding a particular disease such as rabies or distemper. If the blood test shows that your pet is still immune, then a vaccination is not necessary. Annual blood tests are a good option to help you make the decision as to whether or not to vaccinate. 

Your geographic area and lifestyle are also something to consider. If your pet is not boarded and is not around other dogs, you may determine that a vaccine for kennel cough isn't necessary. The same goes for lyme disease, which is most commonly transmitted through ticks. The lyme disease vaccine may be very important to a country dog who roams fields, but perhaps not for a city dweller who takes walks on the sidewalks each day. Talk with your vet about the risk for particular diseases in your region and for your particular pet.

In summary...

The most important thing to do is to educate yourself and find a vet that will work with you to determine the best vaccination schedule for your pet. Consider all factors, and weigh benefit vs. risk. 

Resources and further reading:

Vaccination: The Pet Controversy 

Pet Vaccinations: Understanding Vaccinations for Your Cat or Dog

Controversy Over Vaccines

The Vaccine Controversy

Tails a Waggin' Online: The Vaccine Controversy

This article by me appeared in it's original form in June 2014 on Hybrid Rasta Mama, a blog to which I contribute original content regularly, and has been reprinted with minor changes with permission.

Hop on over to Hybrid Rasta Mama to read my most recent contribution, Natural Flea Prevention and Control with Apple Cider Vinegar.

pet photo source: peggyadams.org