Saturday, July 4, 2015

Keep Fido Safe On The 4th of July!

By: Lori Blauert owner at IB Pet.

Many dogs are terrified of fireworks.  Here are a few tips for keeping your dog safe and happy this 4th of July.

1) Keep your dog indoors in a room they will feel safe. Be sure they can't escape as many dogs will attempt to flee the unsettling sounds.  This could mean jumping or digging out of your yard, breaking down the baby gate or through a screen. The crate is ultimately the safest place for an anxious dog.  A crate trained dog will actually feel pretty secure in his or her crate.

2) Exercise your dog during the day so he is good and tired by this evening.  A tired dog is a more relaxed dog.

3) Be sure your dog has a decent collar on with an ID tag with your current contact information.  Don't have time to get a tag made?  You can easily make one using an old key chain and permanent marker.

4) Crank up the music or television to help distract your dog from the outside noises.

5) If you will be home with your dog sit with him and offer a special treat during the fireworks. Your presence should help him feel more secure and by offering treats you will teach him to associate the frightening sounds with something more positive.  There are even treats you can offer with special ingredients that have calming effects on your pet.  Check out Pet Naturals Calming Chews and Canna-Biscuits!


Phone : 619-822-1610

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Combating Pet Odors in Your Home - 5 Things You Can Do

By: Lori Blauert owner at IB Pet


Lori explains some easy ways to keep your house full of animals smelling great!

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Old Wagon Dairy Raw Goat Milk - Herd Diet




We have had several questions about the diet of the goats at Old Wagon Dairy located in northern San Diego in the city of Escondido. I sent Mike an email asking for a quick breakdown of their diet. Here is what he sent me.

"The goats get pasture, alfalfa hay and various herbaceous plants. In addition the milkers get a ration of organic oats, organic sunflower seed and kelp meal. The goats eat lots of organic feed but they are not 100% organic. The milkers but seldom the bucks get pasture (they are too hard to get back into their pen. They are more interested in the girls and getting a 300# buck to go any where he does not want to go is difficult). The pasture is 100% organic. Organic hay is not available so we use the best alfalfa #1 dairy alfalfa."

Please let us know if you have any other questions about our locally sourced raw goat milk!




Phone : 619-822-1610

Monday, March 24, 2014

Coconut Oil Benefits For Pets

Coconut Oil Benefits For Pets

by Lori Blauert

If you pay attention to health trends you have probably heard the buzz about the many benefits of coconut oil. But did you know that coconut oil is not only healthy for you but has many health benefits for your pets?

I recently read, Real Food For Healthy Dogs and Cats, by Dr. Karen Becker and she highly recommends using coconut oil in your pet's diet. This got me interested to learn even more about coconut oil so I also read, The Coconut Oil Miracle, by Bruce Fife, C.N, N.D. I’ve started using coconut oil myself every day when cooking, for skin care and most definitely as a dietary supplement for my pets! I’m very excited to share with you the important things I learned about coconut oil and the health benefits for our pets.

What is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is a liquid extracted by pressing the “meat” of the coconut, which becomes a white semi-solid substance at or slightly below room temperature and liquefies at 76 degrees F. The “coconut oil” is the most nutritious part of the coconut. Coconut oil is over 90% saturated fat and has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It is an excellent source of essential fatty acids. Adding coconut oil to your pet’s diet will boost their immune system and their ability to fight bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Used topically coconut oil can sooth and heal cracked dry paws and noses. When applied to wounds, skin infections, hot spots, insect bites and warts, coconut oil will promote fast healing and reduce the spread of infection.  As if that wasnt enough coconut oils can also help your pet lose weight, rid themselves of parasites, and control diabetes.  But before I get into all that, it's important you understand what's in coconut oil that makes it so amazing!

Understanding Saturated Fats & Medium-Chain Triglycerides
Cococut oil is a edible oil high in saturated fat.  For years saturated fats have been considered to be unhealthy and doctors recommend limiting saturated fats in your diet. Studies on Pacific Islanders who get 30-60% of their calories from coconut oil found that cardiovascular disease is almost nonexistent and the population is healthy and trim. This is because coconut oil is a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) saturated fat, which is very different from the long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), which make up about 98% the saturated fats we eat. MCTs are broken down immediately by enzymes in saliva and stomach acid. Pancreatic enzyme secretion is not needed for digestion putting much less strain on the pancreas and digestive system. Since the body can assimilate MCTs so easily, eating coconut oil is an excellent way to get vital nutrients and calories into the body with little strain on the digestive system. MCTs from coconut oil are used in many hospital formulas to feed the young, very sick, and those who suffer from digestive problems. Coconut oil is even used as the main source of fatty acids in baby formula.

The Rare Beauty of Lauric Acid
Coconut oil is an excellent source of lauric acid, which is not readily available in nature. Lauric acid makes up about half of the fatty acid content in coconut oil. The body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, which has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-protozoa properties. The monolaurin is what makes coconut oil a disease destroyer. In nature lauric acid can only be found in coconut oil, laurel oil, palm kernel oil, human breast milk (6.2% of total fat), cow's milk (2.9%), and goat's milk (3.1%).

Coconut Oil for Skin and Coat
Coconut oil can be applied topically to treat many skin conditions in dogs such as dermatitis from flea allergies and yeast. It speeds healing, disinfects cuts, hydrates dry skin, reduce flaking and it’s antifungal properties will also eliminate yeast. It is also a natural deodorant and will reduce shedding. Coconut oil is naturally a SPF of 4 and can be used as sun protection. The best part about using coconut oil topically on your pet is that it is completely safe. You don’t have to worry about your dog or cat ingesting chemicals when they lick themselves. 

Coconut Oil for Digestive Issues
Feeding coconut oil to your pet promotes a healthy balance of organisms in the gut, because of it’s antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It improves digestion and absorption of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.  It promotes healing of digestive disorders like IBS, dysbiosis and colitis.  It can even rid your pet of tapeworms, giardia, and other parasites when fed regularly.

Coconut Oil for Ringworm, Giardia, Tapeworms and other Parasites
When coconut oil is fed to your pet it’s body converts lauric acid to monolaurin, which has been effective in the treatment of tapeworms, giardia and other parasites. The unique thing about treating these gut-dwelling pathogens with monolaurin is that it does not kill the beneficial bacteria that maintain digestive tract health. In one study it was reported that treatment with dried coconut, followed by a laxative, resulted in more than 90% parasite removal after twelve hours. Your pet can easily get tapeworms by simply biting at himself and ingesting a flea. Feeding coconut oil daily will help your pet rid themselves of tapeworms and other harmful parasites naturally without the use of harsh toxic drugs.

Coconut Oil for Fleas, Ticks, Mites and Lice
Coconut oil can be used as an insect repellant for fleas and ticks! The lauric acid in the oils keeps the pests away. Simply rub about a tablespoon of coconut oil in the palm of your hands and apply it to your pet’s back, legs and belly. The oil will make your pets coat soft and shiny while keep pests away. It can also be applied to your pets skin and coat to kill mites and lice. 

Coconut Oil for Hairballs in Cats
No matter how often your cat gets hairballs, coconut oil is a completely natural remedy to prevent them. Like most over the counter hairball remedies, coconut oil helps hairballs easily pass through the digestive system. Giving your cat a daily dose of coconut oil will condition the skin and coat to reduce shedding and prevent hairballs. Most cats like the taste of coconut oil and will eat it right off a spoon or in a bowl. If your kitty refuses to eat it dab a little on her paw and she will lick it off. You can also mix it in with their favorite food.

Coconut Oil for Weight Loss
Coconut oil is a fast energy source and will boost your pet’s energy and metabolism. The more energized and active your pet is, the more calories it will burn. In dogs, the MCTs in coconut oil balance the thyroid helping overweight dogs lose weight and helping sedentary dogs feel energetic. Feeding coconut oil with meals will also help your pet feel more full so he will want to eat less helping him reach and maintain a healthy weight.

Summary of Benefits of Coconut Oil

Skin & Coat Benefits
  • Promotes a healthy skin and coat when fed and when used topically
  • Treats skin conditions such as dermatitis, flea allergies, and itchy dry skin
  • Kills yeast and other fungal infections including ring worm and candidaWhen applied to the skin it speeds healing and disinfects cuts, wounds, hot spots, insect bites, dry skin, etc.
  • Apply coconut oil to your pet’s coat to keep fleas and ticks awayReduces shedding and promotes thicker coats
  • Rub coconut oil into your pet’s dry flaky skin to moisturize and stop dandruff

Digestive Benefits:
  • Promotes a healthy balance of organisms in the gut, because of it’s antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties.
  • Improves digestion and absorption of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
  • Promotes healing of digestive disorders like IBS, dysbiosis and colitis
  • Can rid your pet of tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites when fed regularly.
  • Helps eliminate hairballs in cats. 

Metabolic and Other Health Benefits:
  • Boost your pet’s immune system to help prevent and fight infections and disease.
  • Improves energy, increases metabolism and promotes a healthy weight
  • Can reduce bad breath and promote good oral health.
  • Regulates insulin promoting normal thyroid function.
  • Prevents and control diabetes.

Choosing a Coconut Oil
Not all coconut oil are created equal. When purchasing coconut oil look for an unrefined virgin or extra virgin coconut oil made from 100% raw coconuts. Purchasing a USDA certified organic coconut oil will ensure that the product doesn’t contain pesticides or other toxins. Read the package and select a product that is not refined. Refined coconut oil is more processed and used mostly for cooking. It lacks the light coconut flavor and aroma that makes it so yummy and appealing to your pet. We currently sell Artisana 100% Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil at IB Pet.

Feeding Suggestions
Most dogs and some cats love the taste and will eat it right off a spoon. If your pet is not excited about the taste of coconut oil it can be simply mixed in with food. It is recommended to feed 1 teaspoon of coconut oil for every 10-20 pounds of body weight per day. When first introducing coconut oil to your pets diet, introduce it slowly to see how you pets digestive systems reacts to it. Because coconut oil kills bacteria, viruses, parasites, yeasts, and fungi, your pet may begin to detox as soon as you start feeding it. Detoxing too rapidly can cause lethargy, fatigue and diarrhea as the toxins and other bad stuff leave the body.

Recommended Serving Size: 1 teaspoon per 10-20 pounds per day
Real Food For Healthy Dogs & Cats by Dr. Karen Becker DVM


References:
  1. Becker, K. DVM (2013) Real Food For Healthy Dogs & Cats. USA, First Printing
  2. Fife, B. C.N., N.D. (2013) The Coconut Oil Miracle. New York, NY, Penguin Publishing
  3. Coconut Oil and Medium-Chain Triglycerides by Bruce Fife, N.D. Retrieved from http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/article10612.htm
  4. Coconut Oil: This Cooking Oil Is a Powerful Virus-Destroyer and Antibiotic by Dr. Mercola. Retrieved from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/10/22/coconut-oil-and-saturated-fats-can-make-you-healthy.aspx

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Pet Dental Care And Health - 5 Things You Can Do

PET DENTAL CARE AND HEALTH
Written By: Lori Blauert
Owner: IB Pet

Caring for our pet's teeth should be a no-brainer.  We humans brush and floss regularly and visit our dentist for cleanings - so why are we not this diligent with our pet's oral care? 

Maybe it's because dogs and cats in the wild don't brush and visit the vet for check ups so we just assume they just don't need it.  The problem with this thinking is that many of our pets don't eat the same diet as they would eat in the wild. They are not using their teeth to tear flesh and gnaw on bones like they would in nature. Also the live enzymes present in a raw meats which help keep our pets teeth healthy are absent in the cooked kibble and canned foods that many of us feed our pets today.
What causes dental disease?
When you feed a kibble and canned food diet, food particles and plaque will accumulate on your pets teeth at the gum line.  As plaque builds up it will eventually harden to form tartar.  Your pet's body initially reacts to this build up of tartar by displaying inflamed gums which then leads to an infection known as periodontal disease.  Dental disease can have a negative impact your pet's major organs as the infections spreads to the bloodstream through the gums. This is why it is very important to take care of your pet's teeth. 
Here are 5 things you can do to help prevent dental disease in your pet:  
  1. Feed a raw diet
    • Dogs and cats are carnivores designed to eat a raw diet in nature. Uncooked raw meat and vegetables contain live enzymes that naturally break down plaque build up and fight bacteria in your pet's mouth. Kibble and canned food diets are heat processed and lack these essential enzymes.  Frozen and freeze-dried raw diets have become more popular over the past 10 years and are available for cats and dogs at many independent pet retailer.  Many of these diets contain raw ground meat, bones, organs and veggies which contain the live enzymes that will work to keep your pets oral health in check. It is important to remember that when your pet consumes ground raw meat they still don't have to use their teeth to tear and chew like they would when consuming a raw diet in nature so it is very important to also offer raw meaty bones such as poultry necks and meaty bones.
  2. Use an enzymatic water additive, gel or spay 
    • There are a number of enzymatic dental products available which when used regularly will break down plaque and fight bacteria in your pet's mouth.  If you do not feed a raw diet, using enzymatic products is imperative to maintain good oral health in your pet.     
  3. Brush your pets teeth
    • Regular brushing is an excellent way to prevent oral diseases. Select a toothbrush designed best for your pet's size mouth and use a enzyme toothpaste. If your dog or cat will not let you brush his teeth start with just wiping your pets teeth with a wash cloth or using a soft dental finger brush.  If you make teeth cleaning a positive experience by using a tasty toothpaste, giving lots of pets and praise, teeth brushing will eventually become a more enjoyable experience for you both.  

  4. Give your pet dental chews, raw bones and toys designed to help clean your pet's teeth

    • The action of chewing removes plaque build up.  Offering a raw meaty bone to your dog and cat will not only help remove the plaque from chewing action but the enzymes present in the raw bone work at breaking down build up and keeping bacteria in your pets mouth in check. There are a variety of creative toys on the market specifically designed to be entertaining for your pet and serve the purpose of cleaning their teeth. One of our favorites it the Busy Buddy Bristle Bone!   
  5. Visit your veterinarian
    • Take your pet to the vet and have their teeth examined.  Your pets teeth may require medical attention to get them back on a healthy track.  Animals with compromised immune systems and senior pets are far more susceptible to dental diseases because their body is unable to fight infections and heal itself.  Click here to learn more about what you can protect and improve your pet's immune system and health.  

Check out Cody working on keeping his teeth and gums healthy!



Saturday, November 9, 2013

Pet Adoption Event at IB Pet Nov 16th!




Pet Adoption Event at IB Pet!

Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013 2-5pm     


Ferdinand's Familia Rescue Ranch
IB Pet is hosting an adoption event on November 16, 2013 for Ferdinand's Familia Rescue Ranch!  There will be dogs and cats that are in need of new homes available for adoption at the event! Ferdinand's is also bringing a few of their sanctuary animals which include a cute pair of friendly ducks and a lamb! Bring the kids out to meet the animals and help support this great local rescue group!!
Click here to learn more info about the Ferdinand's.

Raffles & Prizes! 

IB Pet will be offering raffles and prizes the day of the event to raise money and awareness for the rescue! Nature's Variety will also be there helping out and have made generous contributions to the gifts baskets we are raffling!  

EVENT DETAILS:
When:
Saturday, November 17th 2-5PM
Where: 
IB PET
600 Palm Ave #127
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
619-822-1610

Thursday, October 24, 2013

The Furminator does work!

Cali is feeling great after a quick groom this morning.  This hair pile is the result of 3 minutes of combing!

Cali and Cali's hair pile!