Pet Digest

🐾 Natural Tick Remedies for Dogs (and Why They’re Worth Trying) Ticks are more than just a nuisance—they can transmit serious diseases like Lyme, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis to dogs and humans. Before turning to chemical treatments, consider these gentle, natural remedies: 1. Essential Oils Spray A DIY tick repellent can be made using: Witch hazel or aloe vera as a skin-safe base Coconut oil as a carrier Turmeric essential oil, shown by recent studies to repel ticks effectively   Simply mix (e.g., 2 Twitch hazel, 2 T coconut oil, ~50 drops turmeric oil), shake, and spray lightly on your dog's coat 2–3 times weekly. 2. Cedarwood-Based Products Cedarwood oil contains cedrol, which has been demonstrated to kill ticks effectively . Look for sprays or collars formulated with this ingredient for a natural barrier. 3. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse A diluted apple cider vinegar and salt rinse can alter your dog’s skin pH, making it less inviting for ticks and fleas . 4. Neem Oil an...

How Your Local Pet Store Can Help You Avoid Prescription Diets How Your Local Pet Store Can Help You Avoid Prescription Diets Part 4 of the Natural Wellness Series When a veterinarian prescribes a special diet, most pet owners don't hesitate. But what if there's a better way? Local pet stores—especially independent, holistic ones—often carry nutritional alternatives that are more bioavailable, less processed, and potentially more effective than prescription diets. In this post, we’ll explore why these alternatives matter and how to navigate them. The Problem with Prescription Diets Veterinary prescription foods are formulated to target specific conditions like urinary crystals, kidney disease, or food sensitivities. But many of these formulas rely heavily on by-products, corn, soy, or hydrolyzed ingredients that are poorly digestible and nutrient-poor. Despite being marketed as specialized care, they’re often not made with the same quality control you might expect from their...