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Archive for the ‘Pet Health’ Category
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010
 A lot of people would love to feed their beloved pets healthy food alternatives but fail to do so due to its high price. What these pet owners do not realize is that an all natural and holistic pet food will actually save them money in the long run. How is it cheaper at $1.20 a pound? It is possible because you feed pets much less food (roughly 20% to 40% less) simply because the food is an all natural pet product with absolutely no fillers and by-products.
You also save a lot by avoiding unnecessary vet visits and the use of harmful synthetic medications to fix your pets’ allergies (the #1 reason pets go to the vet’s office) and immune disorders (which can lead to chronic and serious conditions).
Feeding all natural pet foods greatly reduces premature aging in our pets which is usually associated with poor nutrition. A number of degenerative diseases, such as cancer, kidney disease, heart disease, and even diabetes have been discovered to either be hurried or slowed by what is eaten. The exact same benefits that a properly put-together home-made diet will provide for your pet and more!
Scientists have proven that as pets and owners eat unhealthy and enormous amounts of food, they age much faster. At the same time, they are more prone to diseases and consequently, higher vet and doctor bills. So why hasn’t the vet changed my pet’s diet yet? This is because vets receive little education on pet nutrition while in school. Plus, many vets make a lot of money by offering the commercial pet foods.
Just like humans, pets are susceptible to a variety of diseases and illnesses because of a weakened immune system caused by poor nutrition and pesticides, some of which are permanent. These issues can be avoided with natural pet products. To give an example, pets are more susceptible to the following conditions by a weakened immune system:
· Parasites (e.g. fleas, mange) 
· Cancer & leukemia (in cats)
· Frequent colds or flu
· Recurrent bacterial infections & viruses
· Fungal disease
· Slow wound healing
· Frequent injury
· Allergies
· Respiratory inflammations
· Diabetes
· Aging dogs and cats
· Frequent vet visits for minor ailments
Pet owners now understand that treating their pet’s current illness is not the only way to deal with an animal’s health condition. Preventative care is critical for animals, just as it is for humans. Not only the proper pet grooming supplies are needed to properly care for your pet, observe the animal and distinguish between normal behavior and abnormal behavior. Pets reflect the emotions of their owners and the kind of environment they live in. Feelings like fear, anxiety, worry or depression can lead to disease because they deplete the body of its natural vitality and thereby compromising the immune system. What an animal eats and the amount of chemicals used, along with the peace of his environment forms the foundation of his overall well-being. By feeding all natural foods and using natural pet products, you are boosting your pet’s natural immune defenses, improving its health, increasing its athletic performance, and adding years to its life.
Posted in Pet Health, pets |
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Thursday, July 8th, 2010
I got a call today from a man named Frank. Retired, he lives in rural Ohio with his wife and 4 dogs. He wanted to talk about spot flea treatment. They live on a large property where the dogs can run free, but Max is usually with Frank. A few months ago Frank was injured. Through a series of tests, it was determined he would have to go into the hospital for surgery. He was there for weeks and hated the food. When Frank arrived home he was not mobile. He spent most of his days stuck in bed on pain killers he hated taking and Max was right beside him. A few weeks ago, Frank realized Max was acting strange. He was dragging his left rear leg and he looked like he was in pain. Frank asked his wife to take Max to the vet. He wanted to know what was going on with his 5 year young Doberman. He knew it couldn’t wait.
 Photo courtesy ilovedogs.com When Frank woke up from his groggy nap a few days ago, his wife stood before him in tears. She said, “there is nothing they could do”. Frank explained to me exactly as she explained to him, and in his voice I could hear him living it all over again. “They put Max through a series of tests. They did an MRI because they didn’t see anything on the X Ray. They found a tumor on his neck between his shoulder blades.” As Frank cried, he told me that it was his fault. Frank thinks he killed his best friend Max, who didn’t get to live long enough. Frank told me how he called the vet and cussed him out for selling him chemical flea treatment to put on his dog. Frank said the tumor was in the exact location where he applied spot flea treatment on Max’s neck for 5 years. The vet stood firm that there was no proof of that claim. The vet didn’t appreciate it or offer his condolences. The call ended and Frank is officially looking for a new vet. Frank ponders the notion that vets must love animals, but something is wrong if they can’t admit these pesticides are harmful. Sobbing, he asks how they can keep doing this to dogs like Max? He was so young. I told Frank that I didn’t know, but I was very sorry and very sad for him.
Frank said, “I just called to tell you what happened to Max. I knew you would understand. I talked to you a few months ago before my surgery.” After a pause, “I’m sorry. I just needed to tell someone who cares as much as I do… that my Max is gone. I had to share his story… because I can’t bare to think of… other animals… being poisoned.” Frank told me he came across Wondercide last fall. He recalled being hesitant to “go green” at his age, but was tired of all the pesticides and thought it “just makes sense”. After our first conversation, Frank started using Wondercide on his property and 4 dogs. Now, Frank will use Wondercide on his 3 dogs.
Our thoughts and hearts are with you. Max the Doby & Frank the Man.
contributed by Wondercide Founder, Stephanie Boone
Posted in Fleas, Pet Health, Wondercide |
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Tuesday, June 29th, 2010
A pet adoption center inside a PetSmart in southwest Fort Worth is saving the city money, increasing business and most importantly, bringing hundreds of homeless dogs and cats to new loving families. The Fort Worth Adoption center, believed to be the first of its kind in the country, opened last April 25 along South Hulen Street. Since then, not one rejected pet has been put down in the city, according to Brandon Bennett, director of the Code Compliance Department. About 4,500 homeless pets end up in the city pound every year. 2,500 pets were put down in the local animal shelter when their time ran out, until now. 300 pets have been adopted since the center opened, a 100 percent increase from a year ago, says Bennett. In fact, he added, demand has been so high that pets from other cities’ shelters have been brought in.
What spelled success for this adoption center was definitely its location and setting, not to mention its being open 24/7. The city shelter is in an isolated area, and its atmosphere is not even inviting. Hence, pet lovers are usually found at the pet store, says Bennett. In contrast, the pet adoption center has clean open areas where people can easily interact with the animals. A similar facility in an attractive location would cost around $2 to $4 million and probably wouldn’t attract as many people compared to an adjacent pet store, added Bennett. The facility has been such a success, he said, that there have been talks about opening another center in north Fort Worth. They have been getting so many calls about this from all over the country. And the great thing about it is that everybody wins, not one government dollar has been spent, Bennett said. The groups supporting this cause, PetSmart and PetSmart Charities are similarly happy with the partnership.
The store is housed in a 1,800 square foot space and the nonprofit group donated $150,000 for the whole building. The structure has in-house kennels with “visiting rooms” – grooming areas for about 10 dogs and 10 cats. The center is a successful model for PetSmart Charities and for other communities as well, says Kim Noetzel, communications manager for the nonprofit group. People who want to rescue an animal in a pet shelter are usually intimidated because of the setting, which can be emotionally overwhelming, she added. Because of this, it has proved to be a very effective way to increase people’s interest in adopting a homeless pet. Noetzel said that even if the venture has become a great advertisement to both the business and the partnership, they did it purely for the love of the animals. The unsung heroes for this project are Bill Boecker and his wife Toni, who worked for months to make everything happen, Bennett said. Boecker co-founded the Fort Worth Pet Adoption Partners which funds the center.
 According to Boecker, the charity needs $200,000 a year to pay for supplies, a vehicle, advertising and the employees who work in the center. The group had raised $215,000 including $31,000 from 900 people who responded to an advertisement enclosed in their water bills. Boecker said that the wealthier people in the community helped out immediately but it was even more inspiring to note that 900 people answered their mailer.
The strong support from the community is necessary to the center’s survival, said Bennett. The city has made a 2 year commitment to the in-store center, after which, it will depend mostly on the level of donations. The center started out great, and the real challenge is on how to sustain it, Boecker said. All the pets in the center are checked for their temperament, spayed or neutered, examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated and licensed, and they even have microchip implants for identification, Bennett said.
 The increase in the number of adoptions has even lowered the total cost of adopting a pet from $80 to $39.Along with this, new owners get a pet toy and food and a free obedience class lesson. Blake Ovard, a technician in the animal center, said that the animals seem to know that they are being auditioned for a new home. The pets tend to quiet down when people get there and understand when someone is considering them, said Ovard, a dog trainer. Volunteers often come in to interact and even read to the animals. Noetzel said that it is not easy to pull off this partnership and is not realistic for every community. Aside from an agency dedicated to saving the lives of animals in their care, a great partner agency is also needed. Along with this, there must also be a store with some available space. The most important ingredient though is the support of the community. Noetzel said that Fort Worth was an ideal place to start off since it has all the necessary elements for a successful pet center. The implementation of the idea was complicated, said Boecker, but the objective was very simple, a shelter where no animal will be put down.
Wondercide Organics and natural pest control is a strong advocate for these causes. It just goes to show that small deeds can still make a big difference.
Don’t forget to click here and sign the petition. http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/06/21/2281818/new-pet-adoption-center-is-succeeding.html#article_photos
Posted in Dogs & Cats, Pet Health, pets |
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Friday, May 7th, 2010
#1) FICTION: A healthy pet doesn’t get fleas
FACT: Though healthy pets are much less attractive as hosts to fleas, this doesn’t ensure a pet won’t be affected. One of the many reasons to feed a natural, quality diet and use a natural flea repellent on at-risk pets, especially in heavily infested areas.
#2) FICTION: Fleas don’t live in the house, only on my pet
FACT: Pets are merely the transporters of fleas in the house. Once inside, a flea can take refuge in all areas of a home. Bedding, carpet, pet bedding, furniture, even cracks and crevices can house hundreds of egg, larval, and pupal stages of fleas. Quick action is needed to eradicate the population, and treating the pet, the home, and the yard will ensure successful flea elimination.
#3) FICTION: I only see a few fleas on my pet, there’s no need to worry
FACT: The fleas you SEE are only 5% of the population! Over 90% are in egg, larvae, and pupae form and live in/around the home, off the pet! That means in pet bedding, furniture, carpet, and shady areas of the yard where pets hang out. Certainly if you see a few fleas on the pet there are hundreds more in egg and other forms present in the environment. There is no quick fix to getting rid of infestations, as an adult flea can take weeks to mature, but diligence and perseverance will ensure that you can remedy even the most stubborn infestations.
#4) FICTION: Clean houses prevent fleas
FACT: Even the cleanliest of homes gets fleas. Though they usually hitch a ride on pets, fleas can get onto clothing or even jump into the house themselves. As noted above, fleas can get into all areas of a home, even cracks of hardwood floors and tiles. Therefore in areas affected by fleas, it is important to keep the pet treated at all times. Equally important is treating the yard with a natural insecticide to create a “flea-free” buffer zone around the entire house and prevent an infestation. Vacuum carpet and wash pet beds often.
#5) FICTION: The fleas are gone, my problems are solved
FACT: Fully solving the flea problem requires determination and attentiveness. Prevention is the best measure to keep fleas from affecting your life. A multi-step approach of treating the pet (before going to dog parks, dog  daycare), the home, and the yard (shady areas, under bushes and trees, under decks) is the best way to ensure a flea-free environment.
#6) FICTION: Fleas aren’t a problem during the winter
FACT: Although fleas may not survive the cold temperatures well, they can live quite comfortably in the home throughout the colder months. They also live on wildlife, so pets that have contact with squirrels, birds, or other animals may be exposed to fleas. More than likely, if you or your pet had fleas during the warmer months, you probably have them through the winter. And obviously people in warmer climates have a year-round battle, since fleas love warm tropical climates. Remember, the vacuum is your friend!
#7) FICTION: My vet has the best resources for treating fleas
FACT: Though it is important to consult your veterinarian about flea control, many prescription flea and tick products are harmful chemicals and substances. And veterinarians do not often know the best method for treating the environment. Holistic veterinarians are a good resource for finding the best natural flea control product.
#8) FICTION: SPOT-DROPS and flea dips are a safe and easy way to control fleas
FACT: Yes these methods are easy, but they are not safe. In fact, recently the EPA completed an in-depth assessment of the affects of these products in response to the thousands of reports of illness and death among household pets. In every one of the products tested, the EPA reported adverse effects and is now working to increase restrictions on their use.
#9) FICTION: Flea collars are a safe and easy way to prevent fleas
FACT: This is the least effective way to control fleas. Flea collars use harsh chemicals and may contain harmful residues that are transferred to pets’ fur, and then to pet owners who handle them (especially children who are at an increased risk). Some collars have been shown to contain cancer causing agents and poisons that persist on fur for weeks. And since fleas spend most of their time off the animal, they have very short lived results.
#10) FICTION: Natural products for flea control don’t work
FACT: While many organic pesticide products don’t have to go through EPA mandated testing because they are exempt from registration, it doesn’t mean they don’t work. People everywhere have found the natural approach to be effective in controlling fleas, and with the innovative technology of Wondercide it takes less time, costs less than pest control companies and you can rest easy knowing you are using a safe, effective product for the pet, home, and family.
Posted in Dogs & Cats, Fleas, Pet Health, epa |
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Thursday, March 18th, 2010
“Due to a significant increase in adverse incidents, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is taking a series of actions to increase the safety of spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control for cats and dogs. Immediately, EPA will begin reviewing labels to determine which ones need stronger and clearer labeling statements. Next, EPA will develop more stringent testing and evaluation requirements for both existing and new products. EPA expects these steps will help prevent adverse reactions in dogs and cats that can include skin effects, such as irritation, redness, or gastrointestinal problems that include vomiting or diarrhea, or effects to the nervous system, such as trembling, appearing depressed or seizures—from pet spot-on products.” Alternatively, STOP USING PESTICIDES and use non toxic, effective WONDERCIDE.
EPA to Increase Restrictions on Flea and Tick Products Cautions consumers to use products with extra care – News release 3/17/2010
The EPA has said it is committed to monitoring the labels of these products to ensure they are used properly. They also state,”these are toxic pesticides that should be used with caution”. We pose the question..why use them at all?
“Following the 2008 increase in incident reports, EPA received additional information from the pet spot-on pesticide registrants and others and began an intensive evaluation of these products. Today, EPA is reporting the results of this evaluation, and taking steps to address the spike in reported incidents.
Among immediate actions that EPA will pursue are:
· Requiring manufacturers of spot-on pesticide products to improve labeling.
· Requiring more precise label instructions to ensure proper dosage per pet weight.
· Requiring clear markings to differentiate between dog and cat products, and disallowing similar brand names for dog and cat products. Similar names may have led to misuse.
· Requiring additional changes for specific products, as needed, based on product-specific evaluations.
· When new products are registered, granting only conditional, time-limited registrations to allow for post-marketing product surveillance. If there are incidents of concern associated with the product, EPA will take appropriate regulatory action.
· Restricting the use of certain inert ingredients that EPA finds may contribute to the incidents.
· Launching a consumer information campaign to explain new label directions and to help users avoid making medication errors.
In addition, to improve the regulatory oversight of pet products, EPA will require more standardized post-market surveillance reporting on adverse effects, require submission of more sales information so the agency can better evaluate incident rates, and bring up-to-date the scientific data requirements on pre- and post-market testing so they are more in line with the Food and Drug Administration’s requirements.”
The EPA argues that “Flea and tick products can be appropriate treatments for protecting pets and public health because fleas and ticks can transmit disease to animals and humans.” While this is true, TOXIC products are not the answer.
The EPA also warns not to use pesticides “on weak, aged, young, medicated, sick, pregnant or nursing pets, or on pets that have previously shown signs of sensitivity to pesticide products” which seems to be most of the pet population doesn’t it?
“The agency is inviting public comment on how best to implement these new measures. A Federal Register notice announcing the opening of a docket will be published on March 19, 2010. The docket number is EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0229.” We encourage our readers and customers to share their experiences! You may also report incidents at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/petproductseval.html
Source: EPA News Release 3/17/10
Posted in Dogs & Cats, Fleas, Pet Health |
1 Comment »
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Are spot on Flea Controls Safe? Absolutely NOT! Says author, Kathleen Dudley, despite what the commercials say. This is part 1 of our series: Are spot on flea and tick treatments safe? : Easy isn’t Simple
Tempting as it may be to simply consider fleas as horrible insects, the bane of dogs everywhere, poisoning your dog in a vain attempt to wipe fleas out of existence really doesn’t make sense. Most often a recommendation of their trusted vet, Americans spend over $500 Billion dollars a year doing just that.
Of course fleas can make life miserable for your dogs and cats. Your entire home feels like a battleground. But using toxic flea killing chemicals is not the only way to control fleas and ticks on your pet. These spot on or squeeze on flea treatments utilize chemicals that are toxic the the brain and nervous system in an effort to “prevent” fleas. Many reports now indicate the chemicals used in products such as BioSpot, Frontline, Advantage, K9 Advantix, Adams, Zodiac, Defend, Sentry, Sergeant, Hartz, Promeric, Cutter, and numerous other brands and products are toxic to animals and humans. The simple fact that these products are registered with the EPA reflects their toxicity to some degree. Pesticide products that aren’t toxic are FIFRA exempt because they are known to cause little or no risk to humans, animals or the environment. Fortunately, brands like Wondercide offer non toxic flea treatments for pets and the property where they live!
“Light Bulb Moment” of the Day:
If Ishouldn’ t touch it or get it on my skin, why would I put it on my dog? If it’s supposed to work for a month, how does that happen? Nothing stays on my skin for 30 days and still works. Hmmmmm.
Don’t feel bad. They lied to you. They lied to me too, and millions of others who thought they were protecting their loved one(s). But the answer is simple if you think about it. The chemicals enter your dog or cats bloodstream and spreads throughout their body. When a flea of tick bites them, it ingests the toxic blood of your pet and dies. So let’s sum up. Toxic to humans…check. Toxic to insects…check. Toxic to your dog and cat…check.
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Join us as we review and discuss more of the 2002 article, “Are Spot on Flea Killers Safe” by Kathleen Dudley at the Whole Dog Journal. In part 2 of our series we will discuss Advertising Claims and the chemical effects of ”easy”.
Posted in Pet Health |
2 Comments »
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
A letter to the EPA from a Wondercide customer:
Docket # EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0207 – Ban tetrachlorvinphos and propoxur in pet products
Dear Administrator Jackson and EPA staff,
I urge you to cancel the pet uses of the pesticides tetrachlorvinphos and propoxur. Chemical residues from these products left on pet fur can damage the human brain and nervous system and cause cancer. Children are particularly at risk from these pesticides because their neurological and metabolic systems are still developing. They are also more likely than adults to put their hands in their mouths after petting an animal, and so are more likely to ingest the hazardous residues.
New testing by the Natural Resources Defense Council reveals that the EPA’s decision to leave these products on the market may create a significant health risk to pet owners, most notably young children. I am therefore extremely disturbed to learn that the EPA still permits the use of these products on pets. The availability of many safer alternatives for flea and tick control renders the continued use of these pesticides in pet products an unnecessary risk. The EPA must reconsider the safety of these products and remove them from the market.
I urge you to protect the health of our children as well as our pets by immediately ordering the removal of products containing tetrachlorvinphos and propoxur from the market.
_______________________________________
Thanks for sharing with us! We appreciate your continued support of our effort to provide truly safe, non toxic, vet approved products for your pets flea and tick control.
Posted in Pet Health |
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Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009
Recently, Wondercide has received many calls and questions regarding mosquitoes. ’Why can’t I get rid of them this year?’, ’Nothing is working to repel them.’ With these questions and concerns, Wondercide was prompted to do some extensive research regarding this pesky flying insect. Our results concluded that these aren’t your typical mosquitoes, they are in many cases, an invasive species that is extremely difficult to eradicate.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Organic Lawn & Garden, Pet Health, Wondercide |
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Friday, March 6th, 2009
Question:
A portable chicken coop builder and chicken farm owner recently told me that Cedar Shavings were toxic to chickens. He pulled it up from the US poultry website so I could read the information, which was limited. Do you know if its true? I thought EcoTreat Outdoor Pest Control and Exodust Cedar Granules were safe for use on and around chickens?
Answer:
To my knowledge, that is only Western Red Cedar, which is even toxic to humans. We get that questions all the time from people who think that all cedar is alike. All Cedar is not alike. All Wondercide products are made with Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus Virginiana) and it is perfectly safe for chickens. EcoTreat and Exoduct Cedar Granules are included.
Posted in Pet Health, QUESTION OF THE DAY?! |
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Monday, November 24th, 2008
Dog & Cat dry skin is quite common, and occurs more often during colder months due to exposure to heat indoors. Winter is also a time when humans experience dry hands and feet, and as such we require extra treatment during this time to keep our skin moisturized and healthy.
There are several steps you can take to minimize dry skin: Don’t overbathe so essential oils are not removed because they keep your pets skin lubricated, Brush your dog or cat regularly to improve blood flow to the skin, & Use a moisturizing shampoo and rinse specially formulated for pets that is Chemical Free, Non-Toxic. This means NO PERMETHRINS!
Spray them often with Wondercide EVOLV to relieve itching and scratching caused by dry skin. This solution wicks the hide, penetrating deep into the dermal layer without putting toxins into their bloodstream. It promotes skin health and generates hair growth in the areas where they have licked or chewed excessively.
What are the best natural treatments for dog dry skin?
Many pet owners try various dry skin therapies & home remedies, but oftentimes they are ineffective in treating the problem. However, there are many natural supplements that have been proven effective for promoting skin health, relieve itching, dryness, eczema and other skin problems that pets commonly face.
There are a number of supplements on the market that claim to treat your furry friends dry skin, but many of them are subpar, unable to provide any therapeutic benefits due to inactive ingredients. As such it is crucial to find a high quality remedy, one that contains a balance of specially blended herbal and homeopathic ingredients.
Wondercide is the answer. The all in one Treatment for control of Fleas, Ticks & Mosquitoes in the Spring & Summer and Dry Skin in the Fall & Winter. By using this product year around, your Dogs and Cats will experience vast improvement in overall skin health. The skin will stay moisturized and protected all year! Learn more and Buy Wondercide EVOLV online or at a retailer near you.
PROTECT THE ONES YOU LOVE. BUY THEM WONDERCIDE™
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Posted in Dogs & Cats, Pet Health |
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