Supplements for your Dogs and Cats

I have always had a great love for animals, domestic and wild alike. It is no surprise to my family that I have chosen to study Veterinarian Medicine in College. However, I must explain my blessing of first working at Food for Thought Inc. and of reading Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats. Working for the Foley family has opened up my eyes to a whole new world of health, holistically speaking. Working in the grocery, produce, vitamin and natural beauty sections, I have learned without hesitation that nutrition, or the lack there of, pays the most important role in our health. Our prescription drugs will not save us, only we can make the internal life changes needed to cure our ailments. There is no magic pill, sorry.

I came across Dr. Pitcairn's book the moment I started working at Food for Thought, but it wasn't a book I bought until here recently. Maybe it was a sort of fate, that I needed to first buy tons of books about Human health and nutrition (which I have) in order to see the truth of his words. This blog, however, is not meant to be a book review, as I would never be able to encompass all my gratitude towards the Doctor who wrote it, the wonderful teacher that he is.

However, I would like to focus on one aspect from his book at this time: supplements. Many people just buy pet food without ever reading labels or researching what exactly is in the "food" (if the companies even know, now that would be a miracle, but I will save that topic for another day). I do not believe I can convinence you to change your dog's or cat's diet at this point, but I would like to challenge you to try some additional measurements for their health. As follows is a basic but essential list:

Flower Remedies for You and Your Pets!

I know from experience that pets deal with stress and trauma in many different ways, and that although many of them have the ability to "live in the moment", their hardships can follow them for years on end. My family found my dog Snaps before she was even 8weeks. She had been stranded all alone in mid-April, which meant she had been facing our stormy Spring weather all alone until she came to us. Now, every time a storm starts to brew in any part of Kansas, Snaps finds her way in to a full on panic attack. Now after doing some research into Bach's Original Flower Remedies and their Rescue Remedy line, I feel as though Snaps may have the chance to stay clam and emotionally healthy the next time it starts to sprinkle in Olathe.

Rescue Remedy Pet is available in a 10ml (0.35 fl oz) bottle for $11.89 in Food For Thought's vitamin section. The #1 natural reliever of everyday stress is a blend of 5 of the 38 Bach Original Flower Remedies. The product can be used to help with such overwhelming situations as:

• visiting the vet
• loud noises (especially popular this time of year with fireworks from Fourth of July)
• shock, trauma or mistreatment (like with my dog Snaps)
• adapting to loss of companion
• separation anxiety
• adapting to new home, to a kennel or stable
• obsessive behaviors (like constant licking, nibbling of self, chasing shadows, excessive barking)

Rescue Remedy is formulated for humans and pets of all shapes and types; however, keep in mind that those sensitive to alcohol should first dilute the dosages before administration. And if you don't believe me, here is a list of just some of the types of animals it can be used with: reptiles, cats, fish (add to tank water), dogs, birds (dilute in water before administering), horses, rabbits, and much more.  It is recommended by veterinarians as an inexpensive, all natural way to keep your pets happy. However, I must include that for persistent conditions, it is recommended that a professional veterinarian examine your pet in order to prevent a misdiagnosis, as problems with mood and emotional stability can be symptoms of underlying health problems or nutritional deficiencies.
In order to use, the 4 drops or 2 sprays (depending on the bottle) can be applied directly by mouth, in their food, water, or on a treat. It can also be rubbed directly on their nose, ears or paws. Choose the easiest method for you and your pet that ensures they receive the correct dosage.


Remember, if you would rather use more specific flower remedies over the Rescue Remedy Pet, we currently carry a few of the 20ml bottles for a little over $14. For example, Aspen helps feelings of apprehension and anxiety, Star of Bethlehem helps with feelings of shock, trauma, or loss and Vervain helps with overpowering energy and tense feelings. These Original Flower Remedies are used by putting 2 drops at a time.

Come by Food for Thought to review the products and take one of our free pamphlets with a personal questionnaire (or use their online Remedy Chooser) to decide which one will work best for you and your furry family.

Fleas Be Gone!

Looking for natural and safe ways to protect your fur-children from the constant worry of fleas? We have plenty of simple, clean and natural solutions!

#1. Flea Free herbal flea powder from WiseWays™ Herbals.

This 3oz. bottle contains Diatomaceous Earth as its main ingredient, which is known as a mechanical insecticide. The fine powder absorbs lipids from the waxy outer layer of insects' exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate (see here for more detail). The product can be sprinkled on animals, their bedding and on the floors inside. You can find it in our Health and Beauty section for $5.89

#2. Diatomaceious Earth Outside Relief from Dr.Goodpet™.

The 1.5lbs container comes for $8.95, with each pound covering approx. 500 square feet. Outside Relief is a chemical free pesticide, making it environmentally friendly as well. The powder can be mixed with water to apply directly to the ground, yard, and around/under all plants (caution: avoid spraying or sprinkling on leaves, as it is not safe for beneficial insects like bees and lady bugs).

Interestly enough, this product can also be used internally by your pets when added to food as an anti-parasitic. Dogs digest 1tsp in each bowl of food daily for 90 days while cats can have 1/2 teaspoon in food daily for 90 days as well. This can be found in both our health and beauty section, as well as our pet area on Aisle 2 of our grocery room!

#3. PetGuard®'s Natural Cat and Dog Collars

Each box contains 1 non-reusable, herbal collar for insect/flea relief. The cat collar, at $4.99, contains Pennyroyal, Eucalyptus, Cedarwood, Citronella, and Rosemary. The dog collar, at $4.29, contains Pennyroyal, Eucalyptus, Cedarwood, Citronella, Rue, Rosemary and Lavendar. The essential oils used from tree and plant bases help keep fleas at bay. This can be found in both our health and beauty section, as well as our pet area on Aisle 2 of our grocery room!

#4. Make your own repellent using essential oils!

Here's an example for your pet dog

Mix the following ingredients into a clean, empty container that is easy to use:

--1/2 oz. of extra virgin, cold pressed Olive Oil (Don't use mineral oils!)

--10 drops of texas cedarwood essential oil (or Rosemary, Eucalyptus)

Apply to the region of their back between their shoulder blades.

Remember! Essential oils must be diluted, especially when being used on animal skin, which is much more sensitive than our human skin. That is why they should be mixed with the Olive Oil, or any other clean, cold pressed cooking oils.


I hope this information helps loving pet owners invest in chemical-free, nontoxic flea control. Stop by our store if you have any questions and have a happy Monday!