So you want your pet to be a vegan?

 

If you're going to put your pet on a vegan diet, there are some things you need to know.

• Some people who are vegan want to put their pets on vegan diets too.
• It's easier for dogs to be vegans than cats.
• Cats only eat meat, so they require strict supplements to sustain their nutritional needs.
• There are companies that make vegan pet food, and you can even make your own.
• But it's a lot of work to make sure your pet is getting what it needs, so make sure it's worth it for you.

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In recent years, there's been an uptick in interest around putting dogs and cats on a vegetarian or vegan diet.But not everyone is in agreement about whether vegan diets are acceptable for cats and dogs, especially since both species have very specific nutritional needs. If you want your pet to go vegan, here's what you need to know.

Vegan diets affect cats and dogs differently.

Cats are strict carnivores. Cats could live on meat only; dogs actually need both.

Because of the differences in diet, it's a lot more challenging for a cat to eat a vegan diet than a dog. 
Dogs may not get all the nutrients that they need. For cats, a vegan diet does not actually have everything that they need to stay healthy. Making your pet go began is just not a good idea.

The ASPCA agrees with this sentiment, and its website states, "It is possible — though challenging — to keep dogs healthy on a plant-based diet, [but] a vegan diet is not appropriate for cats at all." 

This is because cats can develop heart issues if they're not eating enough taurine, which is only found in animal by-products and not in plants, according to the ASPCA.

There are some advocates for vegan pet diets.

PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch told INSIDER in a statement:

"A nutritionally balanced vegan diet can offer dogs and cats health benefits, such as healthier skin and coats, cleaner teeth, better digestion, easier weight management, and better protection against diseases."
There have also been studies that show the benefits of veganism for pets. A 2014 Austrian study of 174 dog owners reported that 38 owners said their pets had healthier and shinier coats after eating vegan food. A blood test of 20 dogs found that their vitals were all normal even on a vegan diet.

Just a FYI.....DO NOT TRUST PETA!!!

You'll need to know your supplements.

Both species need supplements to maintain a vegan diet. Notably, dogs need taurine and L-carnitine and cats need vitamin A, taurine, and arachidonic acid, according to PETA. (PETA is actually right on this fact.) CNN also reported that dogs require higher protein intake than humans. And since cats subsist only on meat, they also require high levels of protein. 

FAILURE TO SUPPLY YOUR PETS WITH ALL THEIR REQUIRED NUTRIENTS CAN LEAD TO FATAL DISEASES! IN TURN YOU CAN BE CHARGED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY IF YOUR PET GETS INADEQUATE NUTRITION!

If you're considering a vegan diet for your pet, it's important to consult your veterinarian and purchase powder supplements or vegan pet food supplements. Also make sure you do extensive research on any and all supplements.

There are several vegan pet food brands on the market.

In addition to supplements, you can cook vegan food for your pets yourself or purchase them from vendors. PETA recommends brands like Amì, F & O Alternative Pet Products, and V-dog, Be sure to check the ingredient list closely to see which nutrients your pet still may need to have a balanced diet.
PETA recommends you add small amounts of the new vegan food to their normal diet and slowly scaling back on the meat until they're eating only vegan foods.

Do your research before trusting anything that PETA says.........

There are better alternatives for your pet than a fully vegan diet.

You do not have to use commercial dog or cat food. You can make do with homemade diets that you can make that are balanced … There are veterinarians that do nutrition that can put together a recipe for you that is nutritionally sound. Always ask advice from your veterinarian before starting your pet on a new diet. 
Contact your vet to ask if they provide that service or if they can recommend someone who does.

Pet owners need to know that healthy eating requires effort and attention to detail to make sure your animal is getting the proper nutrients and isn't developing dietary issues.

Article Credit:  ThisIsInsider

Unhealthy Air Quality: How to keep your pets safe from smog and fire haze

Do you live in a city with a high amount of smog (city toxins) and/or poor air quality? Limit outside exposure especially on days where air quality is measured to be at its poorest. Pet owners should also limit animals’ outdoor time if there are nearby wildfires. Wild fire smoke can spread rapidly and hang around for days if not weeks. Smoke inhalation can cause disorientation and confusion, fainting, lethargy and seizures.

Both dogs and cats are at risk of respiratory issues, and doctors say certain animals are at heightened risk, especially puppies and older dogs, pets with asthma and bronchitis, and dogs with rounder faces and shorter noses (like bulldogs and Boston terriers).

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Tips to keep your pets safe:

• Keep pets indoors with the windows closed.
• Use air conditioning to further filter the air, if possible.
• Outdoor bathroom breaks should be kept short.
• Avoid prolonged exercise.
• Keep pets well hydrated.
• Look for signs of respiratory stress and eye inflammation. If pets show symptoms, see a veterinarian immediately.
• Urban farm animals (goats, chickens, rabbits) are less likely to become ill, as they are used to dusty conditions. However, it’s important to monitor them for abnormal behavior or symptoms of illness. Be sure to keep them sheltered from heat.
• For homes that are smoky indoors due to the proximity to fires, consider keeping pets at a doggy day care or with a trusted friend who lives away from the area.

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Signs of respiratory stress include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Unusual or excessive coughing, sneezing, vomiting or loss of appetite
• Swelling or inflammation of the mouth, eyes, skin or upper airway
• Open-mouthed breathing, especially in cats
• Weakness/lethargy
• Uncoordinated walking/unable to stand
• Increased salivation

Owners should seek immediate veterinary care for their pets if they show any of the above symptoms.

Pot for Pets

CBD Oil For Dogs: What You Might Not Know

The results seem to be in … researchers are turning their attention to this herb and, so far, they’re finding there’s lots to like. And just as CBD has helped humans, your dog can reap the same health-boosting (and even life-saving) benefits.

Let’s look at the 10 things you might not know about this often misunderstood herb and the research that shows its promise in helping dogs with a variety of common health issues …

1. CBD Is Not Psychoactive

CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound found in cannabis and hemp. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) can also be found in cannabis and it’s this compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties. Most CBD oils are just that … the beneficial CBD without the THC. And they typically come from hemp, not marijuana. In short, your dog won’t get “high” from CBD oil … he’ll get the relaxation without the intoxication.

And speaking of relaxation …

2. CBD Oil Reduces Anxiety

Does your dog suffer from separation anxiety or noise phobias? CBD has been extensively studied for its effect on stress and anxiety. In humans, it’s been found to:
•Reduce anxiety caused by public speaking
•Reduce anxiety in both healthy people and people with anxiety disorders
•Be effective for panic disorders and post-traumatic stress disorders

3. CBD Can Fights Cancer

CBD and other substances found in hemp and cannabis have been found to have an anti-tumor effect. CBD has even been shown to stop cancer cells from growing and increased tumor cell death.
•CBD helps the immune system’s killer cells to cause cancer cell death.
•CBD kills cancer cells by blocking their ability to produce energy.
•CBD’s anti-tumor properties slow and inhibit glioma cell growth.
•CBD can help increase the efficacy of conventional cancer treatment.

4. CBD Can Treat Seizures And Epilepsy

It’s estimated that up to 5% of dogs suffer from seizures. Most dogs with seizures are put on drugs such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide. While they may help control the seizures, they can be extremely harmful to your dog’s liver and other organs. And the drugs don’t work in all cases.

CBD has been shown to work well in drug-resistant epilepsy. In one study, 7 of 8 patients with epilepsy that was resistant to drugs saw a definite improvement within 4 to 5 months of taking CBD.

And a survey of children with treatment-resistant epilepsy found that 84% of the children taking CBD had a reduction in the frequency of seizures.

CBD for dogs

5. CBD Relieves Pain

The cannabinoids in CBD work so well for pain that scientists are considering it as a new class of drug for the treatment of chronic pain. Studies show CBD to be very effective for:
•Decreasing pain (including neuropathy and nerve-related pain)
•Decreasing the impact of inflammation on oxidative stress (which causes degeneration and premature aging)
•Decreasing inflammation in acute pancreatitis
•Reducing inflammation
•Reducing intestinal inflammation (associated with irritable bowel disease)

6. CBD Can Help With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Animal studies show that CBD can prevent colitis (IBD) and restore normal gut motility in inflammatory bowel disease.

CBD also has antibiotic properties, including Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA).

7. CBD Reduces Chronic Inflammation And Autoimmune Disease

CBD has been shown to decrease the production and release of inflammatory cytokines that can cause allergies, hypersensitivities and autoimmunity. It can also suppress something called Th17 dominance, which is a major cause of autoimmune diseases.

CBD also inhibits the production of inflammatory macrophages and decreases chronic inflammation.

CBD is also a powerful antioxidant that’s shown to be more powerful than vitamins C and E.


Research shows CBD can help relieve seizures, pain, anxiety and even inhibit cancerous growths.


8. CBD Can Protect The Nervous System And Help With Neurodegenerative Diseases

For dogs suffering from degenerative myelopathy and other spine and nerve issues, CBD shows a lot of promise. It’s been shown to help patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease by protecting the brain cells from toxicity.

For senior dogs, CBD has been shown to protect the brain from cell death caused by free radicals and toxins.

9. CBD Increases Appetite And Helps With Nausea

If you have trouble getting your dog to eat, CBD may help. The National Cancer Institute reports that CBD increases appetite and carries this extra benefit, in addition to controlling cancer.

In animal studies, CBD has also been shown to help with vomiting and nausea, even when they’re the result of toxins and drugs.

10. CBD Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Just as veterinarian Dr Bassingthwaighte discovered, CBD has been linked to heart health. Studies show it can reduce the damage from damaged blood vessels and irregular heart rates, protect blood vessels from damage and dilate the arteries, and reduce heart rate and blood pressure associated with stress and anxiety.

Bonus: CBD Oil For Dogs Is Legal And Safe

With so many studies showing the health benefits of CBD, the most encouraging result is that CBD appears to be safe, even when taken in high doses and over extended periods of time. It can decrease the activity of liver enzymes used to metabolize many prescription drugs, so if your dog is on medication, you might want to check with your holistic vet before using CBD.

Most CBD oil for dogs and other pets is derived from hemp oil, so it contains no or very small traces of THC. Because of this, all 50 states have approved the use of hemp-based CBD for human and animal products.

The bottom line is, CBD oil could be a healthy (or even life-saving) herb for your dog. More and more pet owners and holistic vets are drawn to its diverse and marked health benefits and they feel good knowing the side effects are mild and animals don’t appear to build up a tolerance.

Choosing A Good CBD Oil For Your Dog

Not all CBD oils are the same … you’ll want a high quality CBD oil that works, so here are a few things to look for:
•Make sure the product is organic: If it isn’t organic, your CBD oil contains pesticides, fungicides or solvents.
•Don’t cheap out: The higher the quality and purity, the higher the cost. Don’t price shop … make sure your CBD oil is free of additives and has a good amount of CBD.
•Get the analysis: Ask for a lab analysis of the amount of CBD in the product. Many CBD oils contain only small amounts of CBD. The manufacturer should provide a certificate of analysis. You’ll also want to make sure there is little or no THC in the product.
•Buy CBD as a tincture: You can buy CBD in treats but the best form is in a tincture. This way, you can adjust your dog’s dose drop by drop to make sure he gets the most benefit.

Start your dog off slowly but don’t let the naysayers tell you CBD isn’t a good option for your dog … the research is being done and the results are very promising.

Article Credit: Things You Didn’t Know About CBD Oil For Dogs

Other Links About CBD for Pets

Pot for Pets: U.S. Federal Law Puts Vets Into a Quandary

Canada's largest cannabis company is testing CBD for pets

Pot-loving dogs: why cannabis extract is the new trend for our pets

Tips That Will Benefit You, Your Pet And Your Wallet

Choose Healthier Pet Food
By choosing pet foods with less by-products, preservatives and fillers your pet will be healthier and will have less visits to the veterinarian in the long run. Which means less money your spending on pet medical bills. By-products, preservatives and fillers can make your pet obese, sluggish and activate other health issues like allergies. Go for pet foods with whole ingrediants that you can understand i.e chicken, rice, etc. Also consider a raw food diet for your pet.

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Opt for Enviroment Friendly Toys, Pet Accessories and Kitty Litter
Look for pet stuff made from hemp and organic cotton. Use biodegradbale kitty liiter paper shreds or grains from plant origins. Use organic shampoos or go diy and use vinegar and baking soda to clean your pets.

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Pick Up Your Dog's Doo With Biodegradable Waste Bags
Always pick up your dog's do it's called being courteous to your neighbors and friends. No one likes stepping in dog poop period! Use baggies that deteriate quickly that way your not contributing to overflowing landfills filled with plastic bags that do not break down.    

BE RESPONSIBLE!

If You Have a Pet Be Responsible
Ensure your pet is fixed and fully vaccinated. Pet overpopulation and spreading pet disease is not good for your pet, the planet or your wallet. When you get a pet plan on that being a forever pet. Know what you can afford petwise. If you cannot find room in your budget for at least $100or more in monthly pet expenses please just do not get a pet. Take care of yourself and your family first.

Sit. Stay. Heel.

Invest in Training for Your Pet and Yourself
Sure its fine and dandy to train your pet yourself. Far less expensive and you have the option of training your pet in anyway you want. Having your pet trained by a professional is highly reccomended. A professional animal trainer can point out any and all behavior problems your pet may exibit and can teach you how to deal with it. After all who wants to be responsible emotionally and financially  for owning a aggressive dog that ends up biting a child?

Why You Should Never Pet A Dog On Its Head or Hug A Dog

The worst way a person can approach a dog is walk up to them head on and lean over them to pet them specifically near the facial region i.e pat the top of the head or embrace around the neck.
Dogs do not like you hovering over them. This is a dominant, threatening gesture and/or posturing for a dog. 

A person should approach a dog in the most non-threatening way possible which means crouching down to the dog's level and turning your body sideways. Whatever you do do not stand or bend over the dog or approach directly.

Let the dog come to you always. Squat down, extend you hand out and let the dog approach you at his own pace. Try to be laid back and not nervous as the dog will pick up on this. If the dog just stands there away from you or back off or pulls his head away after initial sniffing you are best to leave the dog be. If you observe any of the following dog body language:

• Stiff or tightly tucked tail
• Ears pinned back
• Hair raised on the center of his back
• Posturing dominantly 

The dog maybe aggressive fearful, anxious or uncomfortable if any of these signs are visible.

These steps should be taken no matter if the dog is familiar and known to be friendly or if the dog is an unknown stray. 

A dog can be unpredictable just like any other animal. 

However once you know the dog is calm, friendly and laid back let the affection and petting begin.