Has your horse, dog or cat had an ailment which needed medication?

If they've had to have medication, then have they been happy to have it?

Despite trying to convince my animals that the medicine or supplement is going to help them. They don't always take any notice! But of course if they need to have medicine to help them get better, then they have to have it.

It's hard to argue with a horse prescribed with antibiotic powders though that they're a good idea. Usually there's a lot of it!

If your horse or pet is feeling unwell, they might not feel like eating. Which makes giving them medicine in their food even harder!

So what to help with this?

Trying to layer the medicine throughout the feed can help, rather than putting it one place. But this may not work. Especially if there's an aroma to the medicine.

Natural tempters include:

• Ginger Biscuits (broken up)
• Dried Ginger – just a small sprinkle
• Honey – just a drizzle (I use Forever Bee Honey – 100% natural mountain honey, which I also sell)

I've find these have made my horse's food smell tastier and more palatable.

Of course she also has lots of carrot in it to help it go down well too!

These tips can also help a dog who needs some tempting to eat his/her feed.

Other complementary therapies you can try are:

• Bach Flower Remedies. If your animal is upset, emotional, scared or not his or herself. Then there'll be one of the 38 remedies that can help. Learn more at my advice page here.
• Reiki is an energy therapy that can help with relaxation, (amongst other things). And if your horse or pet is stressed, then it maybe helpful. Learn more here.

What are your tips to help your horse, pony, or dog have their medicine go down? Share your ideas with me on social media (links by pressing the navigation button at the top right of the page!).

About the Author

Suzanne Harris is founder of the Taranet website at www.taranet.co.uk, and also provides business coaching to horse and dog care and veterinary professionals.

The Key To Prolonging The Life Of Your Pet

All loving pet parents want to know the best food to feed their pets, but the fact is, it’s a complicated question to answer. That’s because every animal has their own unique health needs, which the nutrition in their diets should address.

For instance, an older, less active dog may need a diet that’s lower in calories compared to a young, energetic puppy. There may also be food allergies to take into account, and with some symptoms and conditions, certain foods can make them better or worse.

That’s why it’s so important to consult with a pet nutritionist. They, along with your vet, can help you determine the most effective way to nourish your pet and keep him as healthy as possible! 

Common Conditions
Again, seeking the advice of a professional is key. However, certain foods and supplements can help ease common health conditions like skin issues, dry fur, and even stiff, achy joints. 

For instance, lots of pets develop food sensitivities that manifest in skin itchiness and rashes. Sometimes, a simple switch to grain-free pet food can alleviate symptoms because common grains, like wheat, are often the culprit. 

The addition of omega fatty acids in the diet can help remedy flaky skin and dry, brittle fur. This nutrient, which can be found in some fish and dietary supplements designed for pets, helps nourish and moisturize the skin and coat. 

Joint issues are another common ailment, especially in older dogs. For them, adding glucosamine and turmeric to the diet can help lubricate joints and reduce inflammation.

A Diet That Works For Your Pet … And For You

So what’s the best diet to feed your pet to help him live the healthiest, longest life possible? 

It’s one that addresses his or her individual needs. But more than that, it has to work for you, too, and that’s where an experienced pet nutritionist comes in. (After all, the healthiest diet plan in the world is useless if it’s too difficult to prepare or afford!)

And of course, you’ll want to talk with your vet, too!

There’s no one-size-fits all answer to the big pet food question, but that’s because our pals are unique inside and out. Luckily, that’s why we love them so much, making all this extra time and effort worth it!

About The Author
This is a guest blog post by Sandra Olsen at Homeoanimal. Visit their website at https://www.homeoanimal.com

What to do if your cat gets stressed?

It can be easy to get stressed yourself. Particularly if you want to take your cat to the vet. If you've any appointment there is a sense of urgency, as you don't want to be late. But you don't want your cat to get any more upset.

If you know you've a stressful experience is coming up. Prepare. Preparation is key! Think about what vet visits there are. Or what your cat is going to experience in the near future. What can you plan for? What can you do to help prevent problems arising? And to stop your cat getting stressed?

Why could your cat be anxious?

I've had several cats who've taken one look at the cat basket and run off! But is your cat scared of thunder? Or upset or stressed at moving home? There could be many reasons. So how can you help your cat to keep calm. Or to be calm?

What to do to help your cat?

Well luckily there are a range of complementary animal therapies that can help. 3 popular therapies include:

1. Bach Flower Remedies

There are 38 different remedies plus Rescue Remedy. So which will help your cat?

• Mimulus is great for known fears. So ideal if it is a case of your cat "knowing" that there is a car ride or visit to the vet.
• Aspen though is good for unknown fears.
• Rock Rose is ideal for cats who appear terrified and scared.
• Rescue Remedy can help with situations of terror. This is a combination of 5 different Bach Flower Remedies. Ideal for situations of crisis. So if you're not sure what to choose and it's an "emergency" choose this.

You can give your cat a Bach Flower Remedy, by putting a couple of drops of the remedy onto a treat or his or her food. Never put the pipette into your cat's mouth. This is dangerous. Get more information on this therapy at my advice page here.

2. Reiki

This is an energy therapy. Meaning it doesn't involve massage or taking any remedies or tablets. A trained reiki practitioner who understands how to apply reiki to animals, will be able to help calm.
Get more information here.

3. Radionics

This is another energy therapy. It's useful for helping to address behavioural problems. And may help you as a cat owner to both understand the problem. And work with your cat to restore confidence and wellbeing. Find out more here.

I hope you find this information helpful to calm your cat. If you'd like any more info on complementary animal therapies. Please visit my natural animal healthcare directory at www.taranet.co.uk

You can listen to more natural cat care advice with my podcast. Listen below

Regards,
Suzanne Harris
Director and Founder, Taranet