by Natalia

We Love | Best natural paw balms

We literally walked into the “issue”. Went for a walk tonight and found ourselves stomping through the remnants of the de-icing salt. I swiftly grabbed the boy and carried him away rumbling a few words that polite people do not put on the blog for all to see. Indeed, I was frustrated and very worried about Coop.

We had a bit of snow a couple of days ago, nothing major – we live in England, not Alaska, after all. At least that’s how most people feel about it. And clearly, there are a few others who do, indeed, sprinkle the pathetic “snow” with sand as if it’s going to make any difference.

The problem is that the only difference the rock salt makes is creating the risk of toxic exposure for the dogs. Yes, unfortunately, the little ones can suffer from it because the crystals can cause irritation and cracks on their paws and any residue – toxic poisoning if licked off.

So comes winter, we need to be prepared to deal with it by following a few simple rules.

First of all, make sure the neighbours are aware of the dangers because many people simply aren’t.

Secondly, wash your dogs paws as soon as you return after a walk and dry them properly with a hair dryer.

Thirdly, use protection and treatments. If you live in an area heavily covered with the salts and de-icers, consider booties (tiny dog boots or rubber pull-ons). If you don’t need to worry about the residue too much, treat the paws with some lovely balm once a day for the pleasure of it.

I have been using the Pawtection by the Natural Dog Company for as long as the balm became available in the UK. Made with combination of healing oils and essential oils, the balm is also free from beeswax (it contains candellila wax instead), so it can be used on puppies and young dogs under 12 months old.

It is very easy to apply because you can dispense just enough to spread over the paws before massaging it in. My boy loves it. It smells lovely, too.

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The other puppy-friendly paw balm I love is the Hemp Skin, Nose & Paw balm by HOWND.

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Style conscious dog parents would appreciate the goodness and look of the Dug & Bitch balm and Lila Loves It Little Paw Care. These are wonderfully nourishing and healing, but do contain beeswax, so not suitable for dogs under 12 months of age. On my wish list.

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For the travellers and dog mums who, like me, carry their dogs life essentials in a huge holdall, the tins of No. 1 Pawmade protecting balm and First Aid ointment by Loyal Canine Co. are just perfect.

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For the sceptics, we are not affiliated to not have been compensated by any of these companies and brands. We imply wanted to share the love and useful tips. You can shop these balms by following the links or visiting Maison Le Lou, Mungo & Maud, Dug & Bitch, Hownd, Healthful Pets  and Houndworthy.

by Natalia

New home, new chapter

It’s been over a month since we moved homes. I cannot even believe it was early autumn when we packed the rest of our belongings in a car, put Cooper’s comfy bed on the backseat, locked the door and left. It feels like we’ve been here, in our new home, forever.

It’s definitely a happy place. Spacious, toasty warm and, most importantly, perfect for a cocker spaniel (or two, or a bunch of them). We set our own times and learning to enjoy the life in slow motion.

We can finally step out and find ourselves walking down the country side, the fields and little villages. No traffic, no street mess, no pressure of getting out before the school run. Everything is just gone. Instead we get up in the morning, walk down the street and into the vastness of the fields, have a long, at times frosty, walk, and return home to a lovely breakfast.

The people are very “dog-friendly” and so are the dogs, to be honest. Admittedly, the anxiety of bumping into saliva-spitting bullies was brewing inside me during our first walk. Then we met a dog, and another one, and another… Big and small, they might bark at times, but were perfectly friendly and most of them – very well behaved. It felt like heaven!

Cooper loves meeting them and even found a few friends. I think he very much loves his new way of life – from having a big garden of his own to sniff and run around to walking down little streets and exploring the nature. He is so relaxed and happy these days, practically a different dog.

And sometimes I feel like a different person, too. Like the good old me, really.

We are looking forward to Christmas, holidays, snow if we are lucky, and the arrival of a little bundle of joy in a few months. It’s all very simple and down to Earth, but that’s exactly how I like it, how we all like it.

 

Dried cassia, toxicity of cassia plant food additive for dogs, cassia in dog food / Image by Fathima Shanas from Pixabay / first published on perfectcockerspaniel blog
by Natalia

Check your dog’s food for this ingredient

I couldn’t help noticing another ingredient that is added to more and more dog foods. It is called CASSIA and in simple terms, it’s a cheap alternative to cinnamon. In dog food cassia works as a gelling agent and preservative. It’s more likely to be a part of wet food but can be added to kibble also.

Nutritionally, dogs do not need cinnamon or cassia in their diet. While cinnamon can be beneficial for certain conditions when used in very small quantities and short period of time, cassia may cause or worsen liver disease, increase risk of allergies, skin inflammation and irritate digestive tract.

It can become toxic if used for a long period even if the amount it minute. It is approved in EU & a few other countries but as far as dog food research goes, the studies are still going and latest outcome specifies that only purified cassia can be used and in certain amounts (just over 1% of total food) . Considering that not enough research has been done and possibility of side-effects however minor, do check labels of your dog food just to be on a safe side. Cassia can be listed as cassia gum or E427 or E499.

Photo source: image by Fathima Shanas from Pixabay