Drontal

Drontal Dog Tips Section is a collection of advice and information dedicated to helping you raise a happy, healthy, well-behaved dog. From training tips to health hints, natural remedies to nutrition, this is your one-stop doggy info shop!

Dog Tips will be updated weekly with brand-new tips!

22/02/10: Weekly Tips

Natural Therapies

• If using natural products to worm your pet make sure you get a special worm test done at the veterinary clinic, just because you can’t see them, doesn’t mean they are not present. And most natural products are not effective at removing all the worms.
• A few drops of essential oil of ginger on a cotton wool ball or tissue near the air vent can help reduce car travel related nausea.

Nutrition

• Newly purchased puppies should have a complete wellness check which includes dietary advice, a feacal test, and worming information.
• Make any diet changed for your pet slowly, to avoid gut upset, and to ensure.

Behaviour

• Dogs are generally motivated to find food, shelter (our sofas, beds or laps), a mate (unless desexed) and their social group (us). Most of their behaviour is aimed at fulfilling one of these desires.
• On hot days your pet should not be left in your car or in a yard without shade. They should also avoid vigorous exercise or over-excitement to prevent heatstroke.

15/02/10: Weekly Tips

Natural Therapies

• A bath of milky water by adding a sock filled with 1 cup of oatmeal can help sooth itchy skin.
• Lavender oil in a diffuser can help alleviate stress, but allow your dog to leave the room if they don’t like the smell.

Nutrition

• Home-made diets can be formulated to support pets with chronic disease. Your vet can help you balance these diets.
• Adding calcium supplements to the diet of growing pups may cause bone problems. Diet and exercise programs for young pets should be discussed at their initial wellness check.

Behaviour

• When you introduce a new pet into a household of existing pets, the introductions should be done gradually and in a careful and controlled manner. Gradual introductions mean a lifetime of good relationships between pets.
• Children should be taught to ask permission before patting a dog, from the grown up who is looking after them and from the owner of the dog. Children also benefit from learning to read dog body language.

08/02/10: Weekly Tips

Natural Therapies

• Green-lipped sea mussels are a natural source of joint health ingredients, the extracts come in capsules and are great for small dogs.
• Glucosamine, chondosamine and MSM can be helpful for arthritis however, this is a painful condition so veterinary advice is important.

Nutrition

• As well as regular worming, the other steps you can take to reduce the chance of harmful worm infestation in your pet are feeding a healthy diet, removing feaces from the yard or litter tray, and flea control.
• Prescription diets are diets which a specially formulated to provide optimal nutrition for pets with illness eg: kidney disease, lower urinary tract disease. chronic gut problems, liver disease, allergies and cancer. They must be prescribed by your veterinarian.

Behaviour

• Pets’ behaviour may change with the seasons. Like us they may be a little sluggish on cold winter days, want to rest on hot summer days and be quite sprightly in spring.
• Puppies and kittens naturally want to explore things with their mouths. We need to be careful about the things we leave round our homes and plants we grow in our gardens as some can be toxic to pets.

01/02/10: Weekly Tips

Natural Therapies

• If your pet is unwell with chronic illness, make sure they are worm tested every three months to see whether worming is necessary. Sometimes ill animals miss out on their regular worming.
• Co enzyme Q10 can be used to help treat gum disease. It may also be useful in nerve regeneration after spinal trauma eg; disc prolapse.

Nutrition

• Barley grass is a potent ‘green food’ that contains high levels of vitamins, minerals and powerful anti-oxidants. Plant some barley in your garden.
• Don’t feed raw offal straight from the farm. Feed only human quality offal, to prevent transmission of hydatids. All rural pets should be wormed monthly with a tapewormer.

Behaviour

• Excessive scratching by your pet could be indicative of fleas. Even one flea can cause this reaction in an overly sensitive or allergic pet.
• Obesity and overweight pets are common nowadays. As well as feeding a quality and nutritious diet, it is essential that your pet is exercised for weight loss and optimum health.

25/01/10: Weekly Tips

Natural Therapies

• Plant based digestive enzymes such as bromelain and papain may help reduce inflammation in some types of immune mediated diseases such as polyarthritis, and some types of kidney disease in dogs. Use under veterinary supervision, and avoid if there is any possible gastric ulceration.
• Milk Thistle can be used to support liver function for anaesthetics. Begin five days before surgery, and carry on five days after. Have the dose prescribed by your veterinarian.

Nutrition

• Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is a natural source of antioxidants which can be added to your dog or cat’s diet. Begin with a dilute tea, and gradually increase the strength until it is a twenty minute brew. Tip one teaspoon- one tablespoon into food daily.
• Pets on prescription diets need to be checked regularly, because their dietary needs may change.

Behaviour

• If you see your dog rubbing his bottom long the ground, this may be a sign that he needs worming. It can, however, indicter other conditions, such as impacted anal glands, so do see your vet.
• External parasites such as fleas and ticks can be removed by regular medication but also by grooming and manually checking your pet’s coat daily.

18/01/10: Weekly Tips

Natural Therapies

• Veterinary acupuncturists can assist with many painful conditions. Ask your veterinarian for a referral.
• Flax seeds can help with mild constipation if they are soaked in water first then mixed with food.

Nutrition

• Avoid vaccinations, worm tablets and heartworm prevention on the same day if possible, especially for very young pets.
• Cooked cabbage may cause flatulence in dogs.

Behaviour

• Changes in your pet’s behaviour can indicate illness. It is wise to have a vet check if your pet’s behaviour suddenly changes.
• Make worming a positive event for your pet by pairing it up with a treat or using a tasty worming tablet.

11/01/10: Weekly Tips

Natural Therapies

• Take your dog to the vet when a problem arises to get a diagnosis and consider all the options. Sometimes a conventional approach will work more quickly than natural therapies to relieve discomfort.
• Avoid human creams or linaments with strong scents as they can cause salivation and vomiting if licked.

Nutrition

• Obesity in pets can lead to many health problems, including diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, liver disease and respiratory problems. Ask your vet for dietary advice to assist with weight loss for your pet.
• Organ meat (liver, kidney, thymus, spleen and heart) can be fed as a small part of your dog’s diet.

Behaviour

• Grooming, including brushing and nail clipping, is important to your pet’s health and well being. If your pet dislikes grooming, you should gradually get him used to the process, making it as positive an event as possible or outsource it to a professional.
• Older pets may require less exercise but they may need more assistance with grooming and moving round the home.

04/01/10: Weekly Tips

Natural Therapies

• Dogs can’t tell us how much pain they’re in, which makes it difficult to prescribe a home remedy, if you think your dog is uncomfortable make sure you seek veterinary advice.
• Dilute chamomile tea can be used as a gentle sedation at night for dogs that are restless. Some dogs, however, may be allergic to chamomile, which is a member of the daisy family.

Nutrition

• Green Lipped Sea Mussels are a New Zealand shellfish containing high levels of natural glycosaminolglycans, which can help treat arthritis in dogs and cats. Ask your vet for a suitable product and dose.
• Tumeric can be added to food as an anti-iflammatory for arthritis. Use 1/4 teaspoon for cats and small dogs, up to one heaped teaspoon for large dogs once or twice daily.

Behaviour

• Border Collies and Poodles are considered to be the most intelligent breeds of dogs but intelligence can make a pet more difficult to live with (they work out how to escape quickly!)
• All pets need space to get away from one another or from the family occasionally. Owners need to provide quiet and undisturbed spaces for their pets. This especially applies to households with children.

21/12/09: Weekly Tips

Natural Therapies

• Skin conditions will respond to a better diet and supplementation with omega-3 essential oils, flax seed and fish oils and evening primrose.
• Fish oil capsules can assist joint , skin and heart health, give 1000mg per 20kg.

Nutrition

• Human nutrition products aren’t always appropriate for dogs, in small dogs and cats, there is a greater possibility for adverse effects due to overdosing.
• Use this quick check list to assess your pet’s nutrition: energy levels, body condition score, clean teeth, skin and coat condition, bowel motions, appetite, and behavior. If any of these are not ideal, diet change may help.

Behaviour

• Dogs learn by trial and error and by repeating behaviours. Ensure you train regularly, reward your dog when he performs the desired command and always finish on a positive note to ensure your dog wants to train next time.
• If your pet is fearful of certain situations, for example noises or other dogs, the remedy is to gradually expose to pet to the situation in a positive manner. If this is difficult or dangerous it should be carried out under expert guidance.

14/12/09: Weekly Tips

Natural Therapies

• A herbal cough elixir can be used to help treat kennel cough. Marshmallow and echinacea can be diluted with warm water and honey, and mixed into food. Have any cough checked by your vet first.
• Natural therapies and antioxidants can be used to support pets undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. However, they may interfere with some treatments. A veterinarian trained in natural medicine can help put together a treatment protocol for your pet.

Nutrition

• Yoghurt containing active cultures of “good bacteria” like acidophilus lactobacillus and bifidus may be helpful for dogs and cats with recurring bowel problems.
• Worm infestations can cause diarrhoea in dogs and cats. Treatment includes using a safe and effective worm product, and feeding a diet which is easily digestible until the diarrhoea has stopped.

Behaviour

• Deaf dogs need special care when exercising near roads as they cannot hear the approach of cars. Always keep them on a leash.
• Prevent startling sleeping or deaf animals when approaching by ensuring they can see your approach, by flicking light switches on and off or by creating vibrations on the floor.

07/12/09: Weekly Tips

Natural Therapies

• Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) can be used to help treat gut problems like colitis or constipation. Holistic veterinarians can help advise on doses and how to use.
• Some natural therapies may increase the bleeding during surgery. Fish oil should be stopped three to seven days (low to high dose) before any surgical procedure.

Nutrition

• Raw meat can transmit parasites, so its important to worm regularly and avoid feeding raw meat in animals with poor immunity.
• Bonito flakes are dried shavings of tuna and make an excellent treat for small dogs and cats.

Behaviour

• Dogs should never be left in hot cars. They very quickly dehydrate and death my result. Tragic when you only needed to pop into the shops for a few minutes. Leave the dog at home on hot days.
• Dogs can hurt the pads of their paws in hot weather when out waking on hot pavements. Walk your dog on grass or better still, walk at cooler times of the day such as early morning or late evening.

30/11/09: Weekly Tips

Natural Therapies

• Chamomile tea cooled down, can make a cool eyebath that soothes inflamed or itchy eyes.
• Chamomile tea cooled down can relieve minor tummy upsets, especially when stress related, try 1 tablespoon per 5 kilograms, avoid in cats. It wont help tummy upsets caused by worms though.

Nutrition

• Zinc is important for skin health- spinach, yoghurt, beef, turkey, fish, poultry, wholegrains and vegetables are all sources of zinc.
• Fennel may be useful for reducing flatulence in dogs.

Behaviour

• If there is a special behaviour you wish to train in your pet, keep the most motivating treats or toys for this command.
• Training is easiest where you are comfortable, for example, in your lounge room. Start there and progress to more difficult areas, such as the street or the park, once your dog is reliably responding to your commands.

23/11/09: Weekly Tips

Natural Therapies

• Rescue Remedy drops rubbed onto the inside of your pet’s ears, or licked off your fingers, can be used to alleviate the stress associated with car trips and visits to the vet.
• Paw paw ointment can be used to treat skin fold irritations eg; lip folds, tail folds. Clean the area gently with green tea. Pat dry and apply the papaw. Papaw may also be used to settle itchiness under the tail caused by worms. Avoid sore bottoms by worming regularly.

Nutrition

• Make any diet changed for your pet slowly, to avoid gut upset, and to ensure they will accept the change.
• Shitake mushrooms can be used for immune support. Crumble up dried mushroom into food twice daily.

Behaviour

• Protect your family by preventing pups licking your face or if they do, wash face and hands frequently.
• Children should be taught to wash their hands after stroking their pets. Adults should model this behaviour.

16/11/09: Weekly Tips

Natural Therapies

• Use a tissue with a little almond oil to clean the grease from the inside of the ear.
• Tumeric, also known as curry powder can be made into a paste with water and applied to minor wounds and skin infections.

Nutrition

• Treats make handy rewards, but too many treats make pets fat. Use alternative rewards like playtime or grooming.
• Avoid high carbohydrate treats such as toast, weet-bix or biscuits. Small pieces of fruit, or dried treats like liver, heart or animal tendons make better treats for your pet.

Behaviour

• Everyone in your community appreciates a well behaved dog so teach your dog manners like walking on a lead, sitting to be greeted and not barking at or rushing up to people.
• One of the most common problems in society is barking dogs. Ensure your dog is not annoying your neighbours and if he is, try to address the cause of the barking.

09/11/09: Weekly Tips

Natural Therapies

• Eucalptus oil can be used to wash bedding and to help remove dust mites a common cause of skin irritations. Add a few drops to the washing water.
• Ginger is a good digestive aid and can be used to settle digestive upsets, nausea and travel sickness. Try candied ginger for dogs before and during car travel.

Nutrition

• Cooked bones are too hard and sharp, and may cause gut perforation or obstruction. If feeding bones use raw fresh bones only, and thaw out naturally, not in the microwave oven.
• Dogs can have vegetables added to their diet. As a rule of thumb, root vegetables like sweet potato should be cooked mashed, and above ground vegetables like Asian greens should be or finely grated or chopped.

Behaviour

• One of the most common forms of anxiety in our pets is separation related distress. Teach your pet to cope with being alone by gradually building up separation times and leave your pet with a fun activity to do when alone.
• Shouting at your pet when they misbehave or pushing them away when they jump up is actually giving them attention thus reinforcing unwanted behaviour. Better to reward the behavior you do want.

02/11/09: Weekly Tips

Natural Therapies

• Garlic is often suggested as a natural worming agent. While it can be useful, too much can cause anemia in dogs, and can also cause irritation of the stomach. It is safer to use veterinary prescribed wormers.
• Essential oils, eucalyptus and tea tree oils are potentially deadly to dogs if take orally. Avoid essential oils unless you are working with a qualified practitioner, even topical use of undiluted oils can cause problems.

Nutrition

• A healthy diet supports a healthy immune system which makes it harder for worms to cause problems in between worming.
• Avoid high carbohydrate treats such as toast, weet-bix or biscuits. Small pieces of fruit, or dried treats like liver, heart or animal tendons make better treats for your pet.

Behaviour

• Old dogs can learn new tricks. It is easier to teach younger dogs but older dogs never stop learning.
• The simplest way to encourage a behaviour is to reward it. Find out what motivates your pet – food, treats, toys, pats and praise- and use these often.

26/10/09: Weekly Tips

Natural Therapies

• Garlic doesn’t work well for flea control and it has had no effect against fleas when given topically or orally. Don’t forget that fleas can spread tapeworms to your pet. So if your pet has fleas they need to be wormed as well.
• 2-3 drops of lavender oil sprinkled around the bedding will assist in repelling fleas and also provide a calming effect.

Nutrition

• Wheat germ is a natural source of Vitamin E
• Dogs make their own vitamin C but may need more in times of stress and disease. Use a supplement or add fresh cooked vegetables to the diet.

Behaviour

• While aggression is a normal behaviour in the animal kingdom, it is unwanted in our pets. Seek expert help if your pet becomes aggressive towards you or other animals.
• Like humans, pets can become stressed. Treat the cause of your pet’s anxiety to relieve symptoms of stress which include toilet accidents, barking, escaping and destructive behaviours.

19/10/09: Weekly Tips

Natural Therapies

• For bites and stings first remove the stinger and apply ice for three to five minutes to the area. This can help reducing the sting.
• For minor skin irritations, the inside gel from an aloe leaf can help soothe and relieve the heat.

Nutrition

• Don’t feed the following people foods to dogs and cats: onions, garlic (unless under veterinary supervision), raisins and grapes, chocolate, processed meats such as salami or ham, milk, macadamia nuts, rising bread dough, products containing the artificial sweetener xylitol, and foods that are mouldy.
• Dairy products containing lactose such as milk, cheese and cream can cause diarrhoea in dogs and cats.

Behaviour

• Common causes of barking include boredom, anxiety, disturbances, excitement and pain. Address the cause and the barking may reduce.
• If your pet likes to lick you and you would rather he didn’t, try putting a toy or a chew in his mouth instead.

14/10/09: Weekly Tips

Natural Therapies

• Minor wounds can be cleaned with cool green tea.
• Medical grade honey can help with wound healing and preventing infection.

Nutrition

• Bones are an excellent source of calcium and provide behavioural enrichment, but can cause damage to teeth, ask your vet about the best bones for your dog.
• Green leaf vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and can be added to any dog’s diet.

Behaviour

• A dog with tail high in the air, hackles raised, ears pointing forward and staring at us is telling us that he is angry. We should stay away and avoid contact, even eye contact, as this may be a threat.
• A dog with tail down between his legs, ears flattened and eyes averted is scared. If we approach this dog he may bite.