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Gimme Shelter
I’m not a big fan of the Rolling Stones song “Gimme Shelter,” but it’s a good notion. We all need it, right? The safety of a roof, or a tent, or a cave. A warm radiator or open (and controlled!) fire. My version of shelter includes plumbing and snacks, but the more primal and necessary need that shelter affords us is safety. Safety from the elements. Safety from predators. A kind of sanctuary. This is the time of year when we need to think about the strays and feral colonies out there, of which there are plenty. People often feed strays but they can’t welcome every stray cat into their…
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Respiratory Virus Update from Palisades Veterinary Clinic
Dr. Shillito is one of our favorite veterinarians, and we appreciate his updates on this mystery disease that is spreading across the country. In response we are not leaving out communal dog bowls, so please ask us if your pup needs a drink and we will serve one up just for them! Stay healthy and well this holiday season!
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November is National Senior Pet Month
November is National Senior Pet Month. This is the first I’ve heard of it, which makes sense because it’s a very new thing, but it’s a great idea. Just like our human elders, our longtime fur buddies deserve celebration and comfort in their old age. Pets can develop a lot of chronic issues like dementia, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and so many other conditions that require specialized care and broader awareness. Very often good diet and supplementation can alleviate or delay the onset of many of these issues. Basic things like using the proper amounts of fish oil can combat joint and cardiac issues, and goat’s milk is great for kidney…
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Chonk v. Obesity
I have five roommates. The married couple from whom I rent, and I’ve been close with for decades, and their three rescue cats: Shuri is our new bleppy baby, and the sister act of Moxie and Josie. Josie is a pistol. She is also a tripod. She needed her front right leg amputated as a kitten due to an injury while living on the streets of Baltimore, MD. She gives me lots of belly and is very vocal when she feels she is owed treats, which is often. Moxie is the epitome of a scaredy cat, and that’s probably why she still has all her limbs. She has these dainty…
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Much Ado About Raw Food
This isn’t an attempt to boost sales of a particular product. This is an appreciation post. Per the AAFCO website “ Uncommon, but well-publicized, events have occurred when a pet food was to blame for a pet’s illness or death, or when a pet owner may have become ill handling contaminated pet food or treats…. The best defense consumers have is understanding what they are feeding animals in the first place, how to handle pet food products safely and how to use them correctly in feeding companion animals.” I’ve been a pet person my whole life so I took it for granted that I was up to date on pet…
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Summer PetCare Safety Tips
The Summer is great time to enjoy the outdoors but can present challenges in terms of high heat, smoke from wildfires, and how to protect special categories like seniors, and animals with short snouts. In general, temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can quickly get extra risky, so try to avoid going outdoors if it’s anything hotter than that. Walking in the Summer should be planned for early morning or evening when the sun is not so intense. If you live in an area with a park, that is ideal and the trees can provide welcome relief from direct sunlight. This is especially important if you are exercising as heat stroke can occur…
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Suncare for Pups
Several years ago I spoke to Rita Hogan about developing a suncare product for dogs that would be safe, effective and all natural. I am so pleased that she published this recipe in Dogs Naturally Magazine as a wonderful DIY solution for pups that have very short hair or are all white in color, like our failed foster pup, Pooka. Natural SPF For Dogs “Carrot Seed Oil: Carrot seed oil has an average SPF of 35. Note: I’m not referring to carrot seed essential oil – don’t use this. Make sure you buy a cold-pressed carrot seed oil made from carrot seeds. Red Raspberry Seed Oil: Yes, another reason to love raspberries. This oil has a…
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Fireworks & Loud Noises
Many animals find holidays with loud noises and especially fireworks frightening, and worse. Guardians will often see their pets struggling, either frozen with fear or, in the most dangerous circumstances – bolting, rearing up or charging fences. In situations like these, it’s hard to know how to react or what to do. Especially if you’re a new pet parent, it may not be something you’ve even considered in advance of firework season. We cannot stress enough the importance of making sure your animals have tags that are up to date and secure, microchip information is accurate, and your property is secure as well. Having an airtag accessory on the collar can…
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Empty the Fridge Ice Treats
Our friend, Danielle at Farmina Pet Food shared this ice treat recipe with us and she literally empties the fridge to make these for her pups. Start with a mixture of raw goat’s milk or cow kefir and bone broth in a 2:1 ratio, add in fresh berries, banana, oats, and other yummy items from the fridge, lightly stir the mix and put it in an ice mold or ice tray, freeze and you are all ready with healthy pupcicles for your favorite companionI Remember – grapes are deadly to so do not include them in this mix!
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Blessed are the Veggies
While not all families are lucky enough to live near a local farmer’s market, I feel very fortunate that we have one of DC’s longest running markets just 2 blocks from our store and our home. We get to enjoy the benefit of fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, meats, cheeses and eggs year round! On top of that, my partner is an avid urban farmer so we are reaping the benefits of her passion and hard work throughout the year as well. So what does this have to do with animal nutrition? A lot it turns out. Did you know that just adding 20% of fresh food to your dog’s diet…
