How To Help Your Animal's Skin Health Naturally

Skin conditions affect many animals at some point during their life. In fact, research suggests: "Dermatological problems are one of the most commonly reported and hardest to resolve problems encountered by veterinarians in small animal medicine" (Scott et al., 2001).

There can be lots of different causes - including:

• Food allergies
• Allergies caused by the environment (e.g. smoke, pollen, dust, etc)
• Fleas and mites
• Ticks
• Fly bites
• Hormonal imbalance
• Injuries (e.g. wounds)
• Plus many others too!

If your animal has any kind of skin complaint, then you should seek professional veterinary advice. Some conditions can be easily confused with another. So it’s always essential to know what the problem is, which a veterinary surgeon can help you with.

How Will You Know Your Animal Has a Skin Condition That Needs Treating?

There can be many symptoms, such as:

• Itching and scratching
• Licking/over-cleaning the skin
• Raw, red or sore spots.
• Flaky skin
• Bald spots
• Bumps and spots

These can all be potentially distressing for your animal. Some animals are more sensitive than others. But even what looks like a mild symptom, can develop to be more serious if not identified and treated sooner rather than later.

How To Help Your Animal With a Skin Condition Holistically?

1. Immune health
My number one tip is to ensure your animal has a healthy immune system as possible. This can be overlooked, but is a basic of good health. As I talk about in my immune health for animals advice page here, “wounds that won't heal and repeated illness. All of these can be signs of an immune system that's being challenged, and needs some support.”

2. Herbal Health - Aloe Vera
My second tip, but is linked to the first one is use Aloe Vera daily as a part of overall health. Why you might ask? Well I’ve used Aloe Vera for myself and my animals for over 20 years, both as a supplement (to help promote good immunity) and also as topical skincare. Get more information at my aloe vera for animals here. And if you’d like to buy then as I sell a large range of pure aloe vera skin and health care please email me with any queries at info at taranet.co.uk.

3. Other Herbs for Your Animal's Skin Health
There's a large range of herbs to help your animals skin health. Read about 4 popular herbs in my Natural Pet Health Blog post here.

In choosing a herbal skincare product for your animal, check the ingredients. The quantities and composition can vary a lot. Some herbs can be taken as a supplement or a topical skincare lotion, or both.

4. Veterinary Homeopathy
There are many veterinary surgeons around the world who've completed additional training in homeopathy. So either ask your own vet for their advice or ask to be referred to a specialist homeopathic vet for a consultation. You'll find many different remedies that can be used to help with skin health, the most suitable will depend on the presentation of your animal, and what symptoms he or she has.

There are some specific conditions that manifest as serious skin ailments. These include:

• Equine Sweet Itch

So How Can A Holistic Approach Help Your Horse Pony or Donkey With Sweet Itch?

This is distressing condition can affect horses, donkeys and ponies. As I mention in my summer healthcare for animals advice page “Every equine is different - some will experience sweet itch more severely than another, and some will respond to a treatment more quickly and more effectively than how another horse, pony or donkey will.” There’s a range of holistic approaches to help manage sweet itch naturally which you can learn more about here.

• Ticks

These little critters can cause severe skin irritation and even srious illness. So must be taken seriously. Get advice on how to help manage ticks for your dog holistically, with my blog post here.

• Mud Fever

This can affect all kinds of horses, ponies and donkeys and can be extremely painful and distressing. Even causing apparent lameness if the irritation and soreness is such that putting the leg to the ground hurts. Get tips on how to help manage equine mud fever holistically here.

In conclusion - there are many ways a holistic approach can help your animal have healthy skin. Hopefully this has been helpful. You can find information on a large range of complementary therapies here at Taranet.

Even modalities such as massage can help with skin health, by removing toxins from the body. So please explore this website to learn more about how a holistic approach can help your animal, large or small.


Veterinary Skin Health Research

• Scott, D. W., Miller, W. H. and Griffin, C. E. (2001). Small Animal Dermatology. (6th edn.), W. B. Saunders, Philadelphia. cited Khurana et al
• Find information on other veterinary research looking at holistic approaches here - with my research page.

Finally….Please remember that if your horse, dog or other animal is unwell. Or on any kind of medication or other supplement. Then always speak to your Veterinary Surgeon first before using any supplement or therapy. Even natural ones. To avoid any possible issues.

And do you know someone who'd find this helpful? Please share, the more we can spread awareness of the benefits of natural therapies the better! :)

Find out more about other natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore!

Exciting News About This Natural Pet HealthCare Blog
It's been selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 10 UK Animal Blogs on the web. Check out this here

About the Author
Suzanne Harris is an equestrian and canine entrepreneurial coach and consultant to veterinarians who want to help prevent animals being affected by domestic abuse

Puppy Portraits: Unleash Your Inner Photographer with These Doggone Good Tips

Pet photography has become a cherished pastime, with platforms like Instagram serving as the perfect stage to showcase our four-legged friends. Capturing stunning, memorable images of your dog that stand out in a crowded social media feed requires more than just a smartphone and a cute subject. A touch of expertise can elevate your photos from adorable yet amateur, to professional and truly captivating. In this article shared below by Taranet, we'll cover some essential tips to help you achieve just that.

Purchase Top-Quality Gear

When setting up to capture those perfect moments, don't overlook the tools of your trade. An adjustable tripod can provide the stability you need, ensuring that your shots are not compromised by unwanted shakes or tilts. Additionally, consider utilizing a remote shutter, which enables hands-free photography. This allows you to interact with your dog, drawing out those charming expressions without being tethered to the camera.

Turn Your Photo Into a Poster

Creating a stunning poster is another effective way to showcase your dog and make your photos truly unforgettable. An online poster maker offers an expansive platform for featuring your favorite photographs, allowing you to highlight your canine companion in a visually compelling format. Photoshop can be a huge help here – especially when you use Advanced AI features for image editing. This digital tool opens the door to endless creative possibilities – and the result is a personalized piece of art that not only amplifies the charm of your dog but also serves as a striking visual centerpiece for any setting.

Other Ways to Showcase Photos

To showcase photos of your dog creatively, consider creating a dedicated social media account that highlights their adventures and daily life, allowing you to share their charm with a wider audience. Another engaging way is to print your favorite images on high-quality paper or canvas, creating a personal gallery at home or custom gifts like calendars and greeting cards. Additionally, digital photo frames can offer a dynamic display, cycling through a curated selection of your dog's photographs, keeping the visuals fresh and engaging in your home.

Become a Master of Lighting

If photography is painting with light, then understanding how to use it is vital. Natural light, when harnessed appropriately, gives your photos a vibrant, organic look. However, direct sunlight can create harsh shadows, spoiling the overall effect. Opt for soft, diffused lighting, especially during the "golden hours" of early morning and late afternoon, to give your photos a professional, Instagram-ready sheen.

Choose Between Indoor or Outdoor Locations

Choosing between indoor and outdoor locations for photographing your dog hinges on several factors, including the dog's personality, the desired backdrop, and lighting conditions. Indoor settings offer a controlled environment where lighting and background can be manipulated, making it ideal for capturing detailed portraits without distractions. Conversely, outdoor locations provide a natural, dynamic setting that can capture your dog's adventurous spirit and interactions with the environment, though it requires more adaptability in terms of lighting and weather conditions.

Take Good Action Shots

To capture stunning action shots of your dog, it's crucial to use a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion, ensuring sharp images even when your pet is moving quickly. Pre-focusing on the area where you anticipate your dog will move through can help you capture the perfect moment, as it reduces the camera's lag time in focusing. Additionally, shooting in burst mode allows you to take multiple shots in quick succession, increasing the chances of getting that perfect, dynamic action shot amidst all the movement.

Pick the Right Spot

The setting in which you photograph your dog plays a significant role in the final product. A comfortable, familiar environment helps your pet relax, allowing their natural charm to shine through. Imagine a photo taken in a cozy room or a well-loved park; your dog’s expressions in such familiar settings are bound to make your photos more engaging and true to life.

Master the Right Angles

Capturing your dog from the right angle can make a world of difference. Different angles provide varying perspectives, making your photos unique and intriguing. Imagine a shot taken from ground level, capturing your dog's viewpoint; it offers a refreshing take compared to the standard overhead shots, making your Instagram feed all the more captivating.

Engage Your Dog's Attention

A great photograph requires the subject's engagement, and dogs are no exception. The use of toys can go a long way in drawing your dog's attention towards the camera. A well-timed squeak or a tempting treat can elicit that captivating gaze or cheerful smile that could become your next viral hit.

Practice Patience for Perfect Shots

Great shots often come to those who wait. Exercise plenty of patience and take multiple shots to widen your selection pool. The more photos you take, the better your chances of capturing that one perfect moment. Your patience will pay off, as sifting through various shots often reveals unexpected gems.
Capturing Instagram-worthy dog photos is achievable with the right blend of technique and creativity. From investing in quality equipment to mastering lighting and angles, these strategies lay the groundwork for extraordinary pet photography. So, why wait? Implement these tips and start sharing your stunning dog photos with the world.

Taranet is here to help you provide the care your pets deserve. Feel free to check out our Animals Naturally podcast, as well!

About The Author

This is a guest post by Cindy Aldridge

How To Help Your Dog Travel Happier In The Car

If you have a car and a dog, chances are you will either need or want to take your dog out in the car with you. This could be to go for walks, to go to the vets, taking your dog to work with you. Or seeing friends and family or even taking your dog on holiday. But for some dogs travelling can be very stressful. This can mean you have to change your plans, and you may get stressed yourself. As the last thing you want to do as a loving dog owner is create stress for your dog.

How will you know if your dog finds travelling stressful?

There can be several signs including:

• Not wanting to get into the car
• Panting or drooling
• Being sick
• Barking or whining

There can be other signs too. So what can you do to help your dog? The good news is that there are a range of ways to help.

Here are 4 ways to help your dog to be happier travelling:

1. Consider how your dog travels. Does he or she go into the luggage compartment (boot) of your car? Or does he or she sit on the car seats? How are they restrained? Are they in a cage? If they are is it tailor made for your car and is it the right size for your dog? Whatever they sit in or on, is it comfortable? Some dogs prefer to 'nest' and like lots of blankets. A cheap duvet can be a great inexpensive item for your dog to sit on. Despite best efforts, car travel can be bumpy and some dogs dislike getting jolted about. So think about how they are travelling and if it could be more comfortable. Read this Natural Pet Health Blog post on travel safe tips for your dog.
2. How does your dog get in and out of the car? For some dogs getting in and out can be stressful and even painful. Often there is some kind of jump up required. This can be difficult if your dog has any kind of arthritis, joint problem or other health condition. So the number one tip is to get your dog checked by your veterinary surgeon. To help ensure your dog has any ailments diagnosed and treatment organised. Also you could buy either a ramp for your dog to get in and out of the car easily, or one of my favourite items for my dog when he had arthritis was a special dog sling that supported his hind end so he could get in the car easily. If it is difficult due to your dog's mobility, then there are a range of complementary therapies you can use to help. Check out these other Natural Pet Health blog posts for some ideas.
• How to help your dog with hip dysplasia holistically
• Stop effects of arthritis for your dog with a holistic approach

3. Give your dog variety. For some dogs they may get bored going to the same place every time. They may not even like where they are going to (definitely can be the case if they only go to the vets when they have a car trip!). Research (Svendsen, 2019) suggests that boredom isn't restricted to humans, and animals can get bored. Or in contrast, your dog may get scared of the unknown of where he or she is going. Bach Flower Remedies are a complementary therapy that can be useful for a range of emotions. So whatever emotion your dog feels due to travelling, then a Bach Flower Remedy could help. Read more at my Bach Flower Remedies for Animals advice page here.
4. Linking to point 1, if your dog finds car travelling nauseous and is sick. Then what can you do to help? There's several complementary therapies that can be useful for your dog, including:
• Herbal health - Ginger biscuits are a top and inexpensive tip! Ginger is an excellent herb for digestive issues, and a few titbits of ginger biscuits can be useful to try. This can be better than giving your dog food or an ordinary dog treat before travelling. Which can be too much for a dog who gets car sick. V
• Homeopathy - Veterinary homeopathy can also help with several remedies able to help. You can get advice from a veterinary surgeon who has specialised in homeopathy. There are many around the world. Please email info at taranet.co.uk if you'd like help finding one near you.
• Zoopharmacognosy - there are many essential oils that can make a big difference to your dog. Read more at this Taranet advice page.

Other complementary therapies to help your dog travelling?

There's a range of ways to help your dog feel happier and less stressed travelling. Many energy therapies can be worth trying. These include Reiki, Crystal Healing, Radionics. Explore the Taranet Directory for information on lots of therapies.

You could also consider Animal Communication as way to understand why your dog finds travelling difficult. Check out these insights from leading international animal communicator Annie Bourke - with this guest blog post here and my podcast interview with Annie below

Finally….Please remember that if your horse, dog or other animal is unwell. Or on any kind of medication or other supplement. Then always speak to your Veterinary Surgeon first before using any supplement or therapy. Even natural ones. To avoid any possible issues.

And do you know someone who'd find this helpful? Please share, the more we can spread awareness of the benefits of natural therapies the better! :)

Find out more about other natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore!

Exciting News About This Natural Pet HealthCare Blog
It's been selected by Feedspot as one of the Top 10 UK Animal Blogs on the web. Check out this here

About the Author
Suzanne Harris is an equestrian and canine entrepreneurial coach and consultant to veterinarians who want to help prevent animals being affected by domestic abuse

Why Feed Your Cat A Raw Meaty Bones Diet?

The following is an excerpt from The Pet Food Con, written by veterinarian Dr Tom Lonsdale and reprinted with permission.

Your furry feline is a direct descendant of the wild cats roaming the deserts and oases of North Africa and the Highlands of Scotland.

For optimum health your pet needs a diet of whole carcasses of other animals, fish, birds and insects. Fortunately, the pragmatic, available, affordable option – raw meaty bones – comes to the rescue. Pet ferrets, descendants of European polecats, can be fed a raw meaty bones diet too.

60% of cats are considered to be overweight or obese

Obesity is a prevalent health issue among cats, with an estimated 60% of cats in the United States considered to be overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). This number has been steadily increasing in recent years, and it’s expected that this trend will continue.

Obesity in cats can lead to a number of health problems, such as diabetes, joint issues, and decreased life expectancy. It’s important for cat owners to monitor their cat’s weight and provide them with a healthy raw meaty bones-based diet. Feeding junk food, especially kibble made available 24 hrs, and lack of physical activity are the main factors that contribute to feline obesity.

85% of cats have some form of dental disease

Dental disease, including periodontal disease, is a common health issue among cats, with an estimated 70-85% of cats over the age of three having some form of dental disease. According to the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) dental disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem in cats. Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support the teeth, and if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and damage to other parts of the body, such as the heart and kidneys.

This is a serious concern. If your cat has been fed commercial products, whether cooked or raw, it’s likely affected by gum disease. A raw meaty bones diet prevents the condition. However, before commencing a raw meaty bones diet, it may be beneficial to have a prior dental examination and treatment.

Starting Cats On A Raw Meaty Bones Diet

Kittens and some adult cats instinctively recognise wholesome natural food the first time it’s offered to them. Unfortunately, the great majority of adult cats when first started on a raw meaty bones diet tend to be less than enthusiastic and need some coaxing.

Making the change can be a tricky business and we need to get a good grasp of the task at hand. Do you rattle the packet before pouring the fishy pellets into a bowl? What do you say to Kitty as she comes running? Maybe your feline seldom stirs except to nibble on the kibble sitting in the bowl 24 hours per day? Maybe the furry feline entwined round your legs signals the need for you to open the refrigerator and, with a tap on the tin, serve up the pungent canned food.

Feeding rituals differ, but timing, taste, texture, sight, sound and smell all play a part. Kitty is quite likely addicted to these powerful stimuli and you, as the carer, have likely grown accustomed to the ways that worked best for you.

You have literally fed the addiction.

Now imagine the future with your lithe feline crouched low as she tucks into chicken necks, quail and whole raw fish. That’s the successful end point.

If your cat is young and healthy you can start making the change.

However, if your cat is overweight, suffers from dental or other medical problems, then you will likely first need to consult your vet before you embark on the diet changes. (Fat cats should not be starved, as it can lead to liver failure.)

Useful Change Techniques

Work with your cat, not with her addiction. Stopping 24-hour access to food is the essential first step. Instead, start a once-a-day routine at, say, 6 pm. Kitty’s biological clock will soon synchronise, and her anatomy, physiology and behaviour will all line up, on time, in the kitchen. (Remember Pavlov’s dogs with the ‘conditioned reflex’? They salivated to order at the sound of a bell.)

Once the new routine is established, the switch to natural food can get under way.There are several ‘tricks’ either singly or in combination that should help.

Hungry cats are always more willing to sniff, lick and ultimately eat new foods. So, reduce the amount of commercial canned or dry food offered. (Do not fast or starve your cat for more than 24 hours.)

Settle on one meat, for instance chicken, that you wish your cat to become accustomed to.

Taste and texture of raw meat are the two things you need your cat to accept. (Gnawing on bones comes later.) So, chop a few strips of chicken meat and cover with commercial food in a bowl.

Over successive days feed less commercial food and more raw meat.

When raw meat is accepted, try increasing the size of the pieces until chicken necks and wings replace the chopped chicken.

Other tricks involve slightly searing the meat in a pan or under the grill. You can try mixing canned fish juices with the meat or dusting it with powdered kibble.
Slitting the skin and making deep cuts into the meat of chicken wings or drumsticks and stuffing canned food inside may tempt your finicky feline.

You can try tying a chicken wing on a string and playing a game of pounce and catch.

If you own several cats they can compete with and learn from each other.

Perseverance pays and ten days is usually sufficient time to switch the diet of a difficult cat. It’s best to let your cat become an accomplished chicken eater before introducing quail, rabbit, fish, day-old chicks or similar food items to the diet.

A further round of patience and trickery may then be needed.

Get more information online at Dr Tom Lonsdale's website https://www.thepetfoodcon.com/raw-meaty-bones-diet-for-cats/

About The Author

A leader in his field, ‘whistleblower’ veterinarian Dr Tom Lonsdale has been campaigning tirelessly for over 30 years to hold pet food companies accountable for their actions and to raise awareness about the importance of feeding pets high-quality, healthy raw meaty bones.

Discover These Reasons Why Your Dog Needs A Raw Meaty Bones Diet

The following is an excerpt from The Pet Food Con, written by veterinarian Dr Tom Lonsdale and reprinted with permission.

Switching From Kibble Or Canned Food And Its Benefits for Your Dog

Congratulations. You are about to embark on a wonderful voyage of discovery. Switching your pets’ diet from industrial food to wholesome, raw, natural food akin to the diet of wild animals will bring innumerable benefits for you and your pets.

Unlearn conventional dogma. Initially you may be feeling a bit apprehensive and wanting a smooth transition. How, then, to make the process as easy and enjoyable as possible? Perhaps the best advice I can give you is to make strenuous efforts to ‘unlearn’ the beliefs and assumptions you’ve depended on these past years — or at the very least, keep your beliefs and assumptions in suspense until you’ve experienced the multiple benefits of a natural diet.

When I first made the transition to feeding my own animals a natural diet and recommending a natural diet for my clients’ animals I was wracked with conflicting beliefs and ideas. At the vet school I’d been conditioned (brainwashed) to believe that pets were best fed industrial food formulated by so-called experts in white coats. The supermarket shelves were packed with products that must be good for animals — otherwise they would not be there — I thought. And after five years at vet school and several years in vet practice I rather thought I was in a key position to diagnose and treat pets. Vet text books, vet associations and veterinary regulatory authorities all reinforced these attitudes and assumptions.

By even contemplating rejection of the industrial offerings and acceptance of raw food set up all sorts of internal conflicts and contradictions. Fear (False Expectations Appearing Real) set in. I was concerned lest my recommendations led to pets choking, suffering serious metabolic disease or bacterial infection. By going against conventional wisdom I was risking the ire of clients, colleagues and maybe even risking disciplinary action.

Building a new paradigm about nutrition, health and disease is a bit like building a new house. First clear the rubbish, level the ground and lay firm foundations. We want our house to stand the test of time without cracks opening up revealing poor construction on shaky ground. Same with our new way of seeing our pets, their nutritional and health needs. Make sure to avoid rubbishy old ways of thinking and unsound foundations.

Getting Started
In an ideal world puppies and kittens would be first introduced to large pieces of natural food whilst still in the nest. They gain the skills to tackle tough chewy food and learn to eat communally. It’s a fun time for the animals as they tug and compete for food.

Getting started with a new puppy or kitten when it’s already eating junk food poses a problem. Do you introduce changes gradually or switch the diet abruptly? I recommend that, if possible, you make a complete change without any lead-up. Simply stop the old diet and start the new. At first it’s best to choose and stick with one food type until the changeover has been completed successfully. Whole chickens or chicken backs and frames make a good initial meal for all sizes cats and dogs.

Simply throw the items on the ground and watch your pet sniff, lick and finally seize the morsels. You may feel the urge to hover for the first few feeding sessions. Try to hover at a distance and so avoid crowding your pet. After about a week feeding chicken or other chosen food and providing there are no digestive upsets, you can introduce a variety of other large raw meaty bones and carcasses.

Allow a week or so to introduce each new food item before moving on to the next.

Get more information online at Dr Tom Lonsdale's website https://www.thepetfoodcon.com/why-a-raw-meaty-bones-diet/

About The Author

A leader in his field, ‘whistleblower’ veterinarian Dr Tom Lonsdale has been campaigning tirelessly for over 30 years to hold pet food companies accountable for their actions and to raise awareness about the importance of feeding pets high-quality, healthy raw meaty bones.