HOW TO RAISE YOUR DOGS NATURALLY

Hi friends! While this is a website about travelling with dogs, we thought we should talk about how we try to raise our dogs naturally. This affects most our decision making when it comes to where, when and how we travel too.

OUR HISTORY

I (mummy) studied to become a vet in the 90s but soon I realised that I didn’t have what it takes to practice it – I just couldn’t take it emotionally to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

Although I haven’t practiced veterinary medicine, over the years I’ve always tried to keep clued up on all health matters concerning all my pets by following not only modern medical sources but also canine herbalists and holistic veterinarians. My background in veterinary medicine enabled me to understand how things work better.

But please note that all dogs are different, they have special needs unique to them and you should always consult with your vet if your dogs have underlying health issues. Please note that this website is all about advice and what works for us. It should not replace vetinary advice when it comes to caring for your dogs.

First let’s take a quick look at Daisy and Lucy’s needs so we can make a start on what we mean by raising dogs naturally.

LUCY – A NERVOUS RESCUE DOG

For the first 4 years of her life, Lucy has been kept in a cage to eat, sleep and go to toilet. She was used for breeding over and over, her puppies taken away from her prematurely – probably to be sold on dodgy websites. She had been spayed by the time she came to live with us.

How she’s been treated in the past does infuriate me however this is not our subject here… We adopted Lucy almost a year ago and although she has flourished and came out of her shell day by day, she still has ongoing problems. 

Sadly we didn’t get to raise Lucy from puppyhood and she had been fed a mixture of cheap kibble, if anything. But it’s never too late to improve her health naturally with supplements and good quality food. I dedicated myself to making sure she gets the best care to spend the rest of her life in good health.

Lucy

Lucy needed or still needs care for:

  • Nerves and anxiety, especially around men
  • Chronic yeast infection in right ear
  • Lumpy mammary tissue
  • Malnutrition (due to her past)

DAISY – AN ALLERGIC DOG

Even though Daisy is a Kennel Club registered, pedigree dog with health checked parents and that she has been with us since she was a tiny pup, her pristine lineage doesn’t guarantee her health.

Being a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, she is prone to heart disease, joint problems and CM/SM (Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia) to name a few. That’s why it’s very important for breeders to health test Cavaliers which reduces the chances of developing these serious conditions significantly.

Luckily, she has none of those issues as of 2 years of age and I made it my mission to raise her as naturally as possible to provide her the healthiest conditions to thrive in. Unfortunately she does suffer from a sensitive tummy and allergies.

Daisy
Daisy needs care for:
  • Picky eater with a sensitive tummy
  • Seasonal and environmental allergies
  • Food allergies
  • Plaque build up on teeth

SO WHAT DO WE MEAN BY “RAISING DOGS NATURALLY”?

We mean a natural and holistic approach to the way we feed, supplement, enhance and enrich our dogs lives, minimising harmful chemicals and avoiding over-vaccinating to ensure healthy, happy and longer lives. Here’s what we do and don’t:
  • Feed fresh food and spring or filtered water at all times. We feed a complete raw diet with added vegetables and superfoods and keep away from overly processed commercial foods. Kibble is an absolute no no. Same as chicken – highly allergic for Daisy.
  • Only use ceramic, glass, stainless stell or food-grade TPR for feeding and drinking, avoid plastic.
  • Feed natural treats – mostly air dried, suitable for raw-fed dogs.
  • We don’t vaccinate but titre test.
  • Stick to natural de-wormers and flea and tick preventatives and treatment as much as possible.
  • Avoid early spaying / neutering before the dogs develop fully. Daisy is 2 and hasn’t been spayed yet and I haven’t decided if we will get her spayed or not. We didn’t have a choice with Lucy.
  • Supplement with bone broth, omega 3, pre and probiotics and other superfoods.

KEEP IN TOUCH

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