Leaky Gut (or Intestinal Permeability)
This article will apply to other gut issues such as pancreas issues, allergies, acid reflux/GERD and more. Heal the gut and you heal the body!
Holistic And Organix Pet Shoppe ©
Many times when there is so much havoc going on in the body, it can also be blamed on leaky gut. Leaky Gut Syndrome is the inability of the intestinal lining to prevent undigested food or potentially toxic organisms from passing into the bloodstream. Leaky gut is caused by damage to the gut lining which allows abnormal absorption of bacteria, toxins and gut proteins, and leads to a large number of chronic conditions. Diseases that are said to be initiated or worsened by a leaky gut include environmental and food allergies, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatic disease and overgrowth of yeast. Your dogs pancreas produces protease, amylase, and lipase, but not enough to completely digest the foods. And if fed grains, the pancreas must produce large amounts of amylase to deal with the starches, cellulose, and carbohydrates and their body isn't designed to do this.
If your dog consumes mostly processed or cooked food, your dog doesn't receive the necessary enzymes from the food therefore are deficient in digestive enzymes.
This article will apply to other gut issues such as pancreas issues, allergies, acid reflux/GERD and more. Heal the gut and you heal the body!
Holistic And Organix Pet Shoppe ©
Many times when there is so much havoc going on in the body, it can also be blamed on leaky gut. Leaky Gut Syndrome is the inability of the intestinal lining to prevent undigested food or potentially toxic organisms from passing into the bloodstream. Leaky gut is caused by damage to the gut lining which allows abnormal absorption of bacteria, toxins and gut proteins, and leads to a large number of chronic conditions. Diseases that are said to be initiated or worsened by a leaky gut include environmental and food allergies, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatic disease and overgrowth of yeast. Your dogs pancreas produces protease, amylase, and lipase, but not enough to completely digest the foods. And if fed grains, the pancreas must produce large amounts of amylase to deal with the starches, cellulose, and carbohydrates and their body isn't designed to do this.
If your dog consumes mostly processed or cooked food, your dog doesn't receive the necessary enzymes from the food therefore are deficient in digestive enzymes.
It has been determined by holistic Drs that leaky gut is one of the causes of cancer. A connection has been found between the two. Leaky gut causes inflammation throughout the entire body wreaking havoc and causing different symptoms. This inflames all of the organs including weakening the immune system and allowing more disease and illness to attack.
Leaky gut starts out as allergy symptoms and progresses to malnutrition, and then it can create higher liver enzymes or other organ irregularities. Leaky gut should not be taken lightly and is one of the main causes in allergies. Chemicals and preservatives in foods can also contribute to leaky gut. Lack of digestive enzymes may result in incomplete digestion making partially digested food particles to enter the bloodstream from the large intestine.
Feeding your dog supplemental digestive enzymes will not only boost the digestion, but can also improve cellular function throughout your dogs body.
Supplemental enzymes can also help with tissue and cellular structure.
Raw food provides more digestive enzymes than processed (canned or kibble) pet food, but many animals consuming raw foods still can benefit from enzymes.
Leaky gut starts out as allergy symptoms and progresses to malnutrition, and then it can create higher liver enzymes or other organ irregularities. Leaky gut should not be taken lightly and is one of the main causes in allergies. Chemicals and preservatives in foods can also contribute to leaky gut. Lack of digestive enzymes may result in incomplete digestion making partially digested food particles to enter the bloodstream from the large intestine.
Feeding your dog supplemental digestive enzymes will not only boost the digestion, but can also improve cellular function throughout your dogs body.
Supplemental enzymes can also help with tissue and cellular structure.
Raw food provides more digestive enzymes than processed (canned or kibble) pet food, but many animals consuming raw foods still can benefit from enzymes.
When leaky gut occurs, nutrients from foods do not get absorbed into the body. It leaks throughout holes in the digestive lining causing the body to react. Therefore you get your allergy symptoms.
Some of these symptoms may include:
NSAIDs and steroids are also known to cause Leaky Gut Syndrome as well as antibiotics. Remember, 80% of the immune system lives in the large intestine.
Some of these symptoms may include:
- Gas, Bloating, Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Immune System Disorders
- Ear Infections
- Bad breath
- Gum disease
- Dry Eye
- Liver, Gallbladder and pancreatic disorders
- Joint pain
- Cancer
- Seizures
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Food Intolerances
- Inflamed bladder
- Hyperactivity
- Skin rash, hot spots, skin allergies
- Asthma
- Behavior Issues
NSAIDs and steroids are also known to cause Leaky Gut Syndrome as well as antibiotics. Remember, 80% of the immune system lives in the large intestine.
You will need to help cleanse and detox the body. You will need to use supplements to help it complete the detox process. This will need to be done slowly. Do not be giving any antibiotics, steroids or any other medications or vaccines during this treatment and change in diet. You also must get a water filter. You need to filter out as much as possible including Fluoride and Chlorine.
FYI- You might have to fast your dog for 24 hours before starting. Depends on severity of your issues.
FYI- You might have to fast your dog for 24 hours before starting. Depends on severity of your issues.
I would like to recommend some stronger digestive enzymes/probiotic mix. These are ones that I have taken and used with my dogs. One dog of mine has some acid reflux issues. I think anytime you have a gut that is causing issues of all sorts, you treat the gut much the same way for healing. So these supplements are for any gut issues such as Leaky Gut, digestive Issues, spitting up after eating, allergies, food intolerances, and Acid Reflux/GERD to name a few.
Dr. Mercola Whole Food Digestive Probiotic Dog & Cat Supplement, 3.17-oz jar
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Full list of PET Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes here
Protocol for Life Balance, Enzymes-HCI, 120 Capsules
(good for pancreas and acid reflux)
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Other Ingredients:
Cellulose‚ gelatin (capsule)‚ magnesium stearate (vegetable source) and silica. |
This Digestive Enzyme is stronger and contains a higher amount of pancreatin. works very well for pancreas issues as well as other digestive issues.
Dosage:
Small dogs: 1/2 capsule
Med dogs: 1/2 - 1 capsule
Large dogs: 1 - 2 capsules
You may give this amount for 2-4 weeks then cut back once your dog becomes more stable.
*Do not give if your dog has ulcers. Add to food when giving.
If feeding a raw diet, you may also feed bovine pancreas.
Small dogs may use this one for alternative as the amounts are lower if you prefer.
Dosage:
Small dogs: 1/2 capsule
Med dogs: 1/2 - 1 capsule
Large dogs: 1 - 2 capsules
You may give this amount for 2-4 weeks then cut back once your dog becomes more stable.
*Do not give if your dog has ulcers. Add to food when giving.
If feeding a raw diet, you may also feed bovine pancreas.
Small dogs may use this one for alternative as the amounts are lower if you prefer.
Probiotics/Digestive Enzymes (with added B Vitamins)
(Sold on amazon only)
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Strengthen your dog's digestive tract, while reducing gas, bloating and indigestion.
This combination is great for building the immune system as well as reducing any chronic or acute digestive issues.
For pancreatic enzymes, check out the ones below as well. These can be given together without issues. Remember, a weak immune system can cause inflammation in the body in which also creates inflamed joints and arthritis conditions.
Dosage:
small dogs: 1/2 capsule
Med dogs: 1/2 - 1 capsule
Large dogs: 1 - 2 capsules
You may give this amount for 2-4 weeks then cut back once your dog becomes more stable.
This combination is great for building the immune system as well as reducing any chronic or acute digestive issues.
For pancreatic enzymes, check out the ones below as well. These can be given together without issues. Remember, a weak immune system can cause inflammation in the body in which also creates inflamed joints and arthritis conditions.
Dosage:
small dogs: 1/2 capsule
Med dogs: 1/2 - 1 capsule
Large dogs: 1 - 2 capsules
You may give this amount for 2-4 weeks then cut back once your dog becomes more stable.
Slippery Elm
Add in Slippery Elm. Give this separately from other supplements (2 hours in between or 30 minutes before meals). May also effect medications if you are giving any.
Dosage:
Small dogs/cats: 1/4-1/2 teaspoon daily
Medium dogs: 1/2-1 teaspoon
Large dogs: 1-2 teaspoon
*Works for diarrhea as well.
Dosage:
Small dogs/cats: 1/4-1/2 teaspoon daily
Medium dogs: 1/2-1 teaspoon
Large dogs: 1-2 teaspoon
*Works for diarrhea as well.
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Calcium Bentonite/Calcium Montmorillonite Clay (food grade)
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For Leaky Gut, Acid Reflux:
Small dogs: 1/4 tsp
Med dogs: 3/4 tsp
Large dogs: 1 tsp
Daily for 14-30 days. Give plenty of water along with this as well.
Note: There is also a sodium based clay. I recommend the calcium for first pick.
Keep the clay away from metal and use glass bowl and wooden spoon when mixing clay with water to keep the clay’s electrical charge intact. Stainless steel is fine.
Small dogs: 1/4 tsp
Med dogs: 3/4 tsp
Large dogs: 1 tsp
Daily for 14-30 days. Give plenty of water along with this as well.
Note: There is also a sodium based clay. I recommend the calcium for first pick.
Keep the clay away from metal and use glass bowl and wooden spoon when mixing clay with water to keep the clay’s electrical charge intact. Stainless steel is fine.
Organic Psyllium Husk Powder
Small dogs: 1/4 tsp
Med dogs: 3/4 tsp
Large dogs: 1 tsp
Daily for 14-30 days. Give plenty of water along with this as well.
Med dogs: 3/4 tsp
Large dogs: 1 tsp
Daily for 14-30 days. Give plenty of water along with this as well.
L-Glutamine Powder
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Add in Glutamine or L-Glutamine.
Dosage:
Small dogs: 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon
Med dogs: 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon
Large dogs: 1/2 teaspoon - 3/4 teaspoon
Dosage:
Small dogs: 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon
Med dogs: 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon
Large dogs: 1/2 teaspoon - 3/4 teaspoon
Amla
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Amla fruit (Emblica officinalis), also known as Indian Gooseberry or Amalaki, is one of the richest sources of bioflavonoids and vitamin C. This plum-sized fruit is admired for its anti-aging and immune system-enhancing properties. Each Amla fruit contains up to 700mg of vitamin C. Amla also acts as an antacid and anti-tumorigenic agent. In addition, it increases protein synthesis and is useful in cases of hypoglycemia. Amla powder is also rich in fiber, which helps support digestion and prevents constipation. Amla may also help reduce acidity in the gut, protect from gallbladder infections, treat diabetes, and reduce the risk for gastrointestinal cancer and cancer of the respiratory tract.
Dosage:
Small dogs: 500mg
Medium dogs: 750mg
Large dogs: 1000mg
Dosage:
Small dogs: 500mg
Medium dogs: 750mg
Large dogs: 1000mg
Calcium Carbonate (what you find in antacids such as Tums or Rolaids in human products)
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Dosage:
Small dogs: 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon
Med dogs: 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon
Large dogs: 1/2 teaspoon - 3/4 teaspoon
Small dogs: 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon
Med dogs: 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon
Large dogs: 1/2 teaspoon - 3/4 teaspoon
Magnesium Hydroxide (acts like milk of magnesia) Do not give both this and calcium carbonate due to this containing calcium also)
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Magnesium hydroxide is a mineral also known as milk of magnesia. It’s a gentle laxative and a natural antacid for heartburn relief.
This powder contains 42% magnesium, meaning a 1000 mg serving is roughly equivalent to the 420 mg daily.
Wait two hours after you take this supplement before taking any other medication; magnesium hydroxide may prevent the absorption of other substances until it is digested.
Studies suggest taking magnesium with calcium could enhance magnesium’s benefits.
Dosage:
Small dogs: 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon
Med dogs: 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon
Large dogs: 1/2 teaspoon - 3/4 teaspoon
Use this only when an episode arises such as acid reflux, regurgitating, sensitive tummies having issues. Use it like you would with humans as a Milk of Magnesia product.
This powder contains 42% magnesium, meaning a 1000 mg serving is roughly equivalent to the 420 mg daily.
Wait two hours after you take this supplement before taking any other medication; magnesium hydroxide may prevent the absorption of other substances until it is digested.
Studies suggest taking magnesium with calcium could enhance magnesium’s benefits.
Dosage:
Small dogs: 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon
Med dogs: 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon
Large dogs: 1/2 teaspoon - 3/4 teaspoon
Use this only when an episode arises such as acid reflux, regurgitating, sensitive tummies having issues. Use it like you would with humans as a Milk of Magnesia product.
Fulvic / Humic Minerals
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Two weeks later..add in Humic/Fulvic acid. (Give away from other supplements)
Dosing:
Small dogs: 1 teaspoon
Medium dogs: 2 teaspoons
Large dogs: 1 TBSP
Start with very small amounts. Can cause diarrhea.
Dosing:
Small dogs: 1 teaspoon
Medium dogs: 2 teaspoons
Large dogs: 1 TBSP
Start with very small amounts. Can cause diarrhea.
CBD oil
Follow dosing instructions on bottle.
I found that giving CBD oil while in the midst of an acid reflux attack, that this has stopped the vomiting and eating grass and lip licking. Give it a try. I gave a full dropper to my 50 lb dog and it worked. In the past I used half a dropper, which helped for a little while then I would have to give more later. ~ HOPS
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice
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powder form-click image
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Calcium (eggshell or seaweed)
If your diet does not include bones, then you need to add calcium at the rate of around 1,000 mg per pound of food (1/2 teaspoon of ground eggshell yields about 1,000 mg of calcium). If allergic to seaweed or eggs, exclude these for the time being until you make full diet change over without issues. You WILL need to add calcium for a balanced diet in the near future.
Buy a Calcium Supplement-eggshell calcium
or seaweed calcium here
Buy a Calcium Supplement-eggshell calcium
or seaweed calcium here
Natrum Phosphoricum (Nat Phos)
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Relief of Indigestion, Gas, and Hyperacidity
Among the twelve essential cell salt medications, Nat. Phos. (Natrum Phosphoricum) stands out for its ability to relieve a range of symptoms related to acidity in the body. When excessive or disturbed acidity in the digestive tract results in symptoms of hyperacidity, indigestion, or gas, Nat. Phos. can stimulate the body’s ability to break down the acids and restore a natural balance without slowing digestion or neutralizing the acids needed to digest food. Tablets are flavorless and dissolve immediately without water for no upset stomach.
One of the 12 Mineral Homeopathic Cell Salts*
Cell salts satisfy mineral imbalances in the body, stimulating the body’s natural healing process. When your body lacks these important cell salts, you are more vulnerable to common health concerns. By replenishing them, your body is better prepared to treat illnesses and enjoy better overall wellness. Nat. Phos. offers gentle, soothing relief and supports the body’s efforts to break down acids and balance acid levels.
Among the twelve essential cell salt medications, Nat. Phos. (Natrum Phosphoricum) stands out for its ability to relieve a range of symptoms related to acidity in the body. When excessive or disturbed acidity in the digestive tract results in symptoms of hyperacidity, indigestion, or gas, Nat. Phos. can stimulate the body’s ability to break down the acids and restore a natural balance without slowing digestion or neutralizing the acids needed to digest food. Tablets are flavorless and dissolve immediately without water for no upset stomach.
One of the 12 Mineral Homeopathic Cell Salts*
Cell salts satisfy mineral imbalances in the body, stimulating the body’s natural healing process. When your body lacks these important cell salts, you are more vulnerable to common health concerns. By replenishing them, your body is better prepared to treat illnesses and enjoy better overall wellness. Nat. Phos. offers gentle, soothing relief and supports the body’s efforts to break down acids and balance acid levels.
I found these to not work so well on acid reflux ~ HOPS
Once you have these added into the diet without making a diet change and all is going ok and the body has adapted to these and you have given them at least 2-4 weeks, let start changing the diet.
You will need to start with home cooked or raw meals. You will probably see some reactions so take this very slow as well. You will transition to this new diet slowly. Feed old food and new food. Start with like 10% of new food included with old. Do this 3 days,, if no reactions, add another 10% for the next 3 days. Do this until you get to the full change over. IF you see any moderate to severe type reactions, cut back to what you were feeding (like 10%) before the mod-severe reactions started showing. You want to do this slowly. Take 2 weeks to adjust at that amount..and try again.
Start with a protein such as goat, rabbit, venison, quail, moose, wild boar or elk. These are low in fat. Do not start with chicken, turkey, pork, beef, lamb or duck. You want what the dog has not had in its past. These proteins are common in dog foods. Do NOT feed anything else to your dog. Just the meat. No organ meat. Just raw bone and meat to start. TRY to buy organic if at all possible in anything you purchase. Some products and foods are hard to find that are organic but, it will help tremendously especially in a dog with Leaky gut.
You will need to start with home cooked or raw meals. You will probably see some reactions so take this very slow as well. You will transition to this new diet slowly. Feed old food and new food. Start with like 10% of new food included with old. Do this 3 days,, if no reactions, add another 10% for the next 3 days. Do this until you get to the full change over. IF you see any moderate to severe type reactions, cut back to what you were feeding (like 10%) before the mod-severe reactions started showing. You want to do this slowly. Take 2 weeks to adjust at that amount..and try again.
Start with a protein such as goat, rabbit, venison, quail, moose, wild boar or elk. These are low in fat. Do not start with chicken, turkey, pork, beef, lamb or duck. You want what the dog has not had in its past. These proteins are common in dog foods. Do NOT feed anything else to your dog. Just the meat. No organ meat. Just raw bone and meat to start. TRY to buy organic if at all possible in anything you purchase. Some products and foods are hard to find that are organic but, it will help tremendously especially in a dog with Leaky gut.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND purchasing my book (click banner above) if you do not know how to feed a homemade diet. I want you to keep diet to meat and bone/calcium only at this time. ONCE you are not seeing any reactions, then you will add in more things slowly. This entire process could and should take months to do so be patient. Rome wasn't built in a day.
The diet will be the hardest part because you need to balance it but also keep any reactions from happening. So it is important at first to stay with the meat only. Once the digestive system is adjusting to the new diet, I want you to add in Apple Cider Vinegar. This will help combat yeast and fungus in the body as well as adjust the PH. You may see reactions each time you add a new ingredient whether it is a supplement or food. If this occurs..stop that ingredient and wait 7 days, then try again in small amounts. ALWAYS start with smaller amounts than what dosage is. Work into the recommended dosage. If it take weeks to do it, then so be it. Remember..slow is the goal. Wait 7-14 days in between each of these when adding into diet and add in minute/small amounts and work up to recommended dosage over a week or so.
The diet will be the hardest part because you need to balance it but also keep any reactions from happening. So it is important at first to stay with the meat only. Once the digestive system is adjusting to the new diet, I want you to add in Apple Cider Vinegar. This will help combat yeast and fungus in the body as well as adjust the PH. You may see reactions each time you add a new ingredient whether it is a supplement or food. If this occurs..stop that ingredient and wait 7 days, then try again in small amounts. ALWAYS start with smaller amounts than what dosage is. Work into the recommended dosage. If it take weeks to do it, then so be it. Remember..slow is the goal. Wait 7-14 days in between each of these when adding into diet and add in minute/small amounts and work up to recommended dosage over a week or so.
Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar
This is another one of those things that work great for PH levels, yeast, allergies, indigestion, immune systems, arthritis and more. You can find this in most any grocery store.
Amount to be given (can add to foods) or added into water:
Dosage:
0-25 lbs: 1 teaspoon
25-50 lbs: 2 teaspoon
50-75 lbs: 1 TBSP
75+ lbs: 1 1/2-2 TBSP
Amount to be given (can add to foods) or added into water:
Dosage:
0-25 lbs: 1 teaspoon
25-50 lbs: 2 teaspoon
50-75 lbs: 1 TBSP
75+ lbs: 1 1/2-2 TBSP
Pasture Fed/Organic Colostrum
Now add colostrum. This won't be cheap, but it's worth it.
Dosage:
Small dogs/cats: 1/4-1/2 teaspoon daily
Medium dogs: 1/2-1 teaspoon
Large dogs: 1-2 teaspoon
Also Antler Farms makes a really good one as well.
Dosage:
Small dogs/cats: 1/4-1/2 teaspoon daily
Medium dogs: 1/2-1 teaspoon
Large dogs: 1-2 teaspoon
Also Antler Farms makes a really good one as well.
Unrefined Organic Coconut oil or MCT Oil
Coconut oil will have a flavor, MCT oil will not.
Look for it in glass jars if possible.
Dosage: 1/4-1/2 teaspoon per 10 lbs.
Start with smaller amounts and work up to recommended dosage.
Look for it in glass jars if possible.
Dosage: 1/4-1/2 teaspoon per 10 lbs.
Start with smaller amounts and work up to recommended dosage.
Organic Greens/Fruit Blend
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I would like for you to add in this Amazing Grass Powder mix. It contains organic ingredients such as greens, fruits and a little bit of probiotic, prebiotic and digestive enzymes mix with a little added fiber. This will be a daily supplement.
Do not follow label for your dog. Use this dosage instead.
Dosage:
Small dogs: 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon
Medium/Large dogs: 1/2 - 1 teaspoon
Giant dogs: 1 - 1 1/2 teaspoons
If your dog has had oxalate stones previously, do not give spinach to them. It does have a tendency to cause oxalate stones in some.
Do not follow label for your dog. Use this dosage instead.
Dosage:
Small dogs: 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon
Medium/Large dogs: 1/2 - 1 teaspoon
Giant dogs: 1 - 1 1/2 teaspoons
If your dog has had oxalate stones previously, do not give spinach to them. It does have a tendency to cause oxalate stones in some.
Vibrant Health Organic Digestive Greens
(Another greens product, except this one is for pets specifically)
Now you have several good choices for green mix
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Alternate website you can find it on.
Other supplements that are good for leaky gut:
Bee Pollen
Cat's Claw
Oregon Grape
Amino acids or powder
Bee Pollen
Cat's Claw
Oregon Grape
Amino acids or powder
This is the beginning of your mission in helping your dog heal. This diet can heal much more than just leaky gut. It can work wonders for your dog. More supplements will need to be added to the diet as your homemade diet progresses. With a dog that has many issues such as listed above, everything will need to be taken very slow. We must avoid all chemicals, vaccines, medications, flea and tick and heartworm preventatives, unfiltered water, chemical ridden homes and lawns. All of this can be changed. Just a fabric softener sheet such as Bounce can wreak havoc on the body. It's loaded with chemicals. Also your laundry soaps, shampoos, carpet cleaners, floor cleaning products, air fresheners, cleaning products such as Windex etc.
You can use diffusers for air fresheners. Dryer balls and chemical free fabric softener sheets, organic laundry soaps, chemical free lawn fertilizers and products. We can use Heartworm nosodes or other safe products for heartworm preventative, natural products for fleas and ticks. Vinegar and water for floors and carpets. A mix of alcohol and vinegar to clean windows. Think how much you can save using these cheap products. Baking soda and vinegar is a great cleaner for garbage disposals. You want to avoid toxic fumes from chemicals. The mix of vinegar and baking soda will create a foaming action without chemicals. Use the internet to your advantage to find safe products.
Once you have cleared your home of toxins and done all mentioned above, please look into purchasing my book on how to care for your dog naturally and to continue on this mission of never letting your dog suffer again.
You can use diffusers for air fresheners. Dryer balls and chemical free fabric softener sheets, organic laundry soaps, chemical free lawn fertilizers and products. We can use Heartworm nosodes or other safe products for heartworm preventative, natural products for fleas and ticks. Vinegar and water for floors and carpets. A mix of alcohol and vinegar to clean windows. Think how much you can save using these cheap products. Baking soda and vinegar is a great cleaner for garbage disposals. You want to avoid toxic fumes from chemicals. The mix of vinegar and baking soda will create a foaming action without chemicals. Use the internet to your advantage to find safe products.
Once you have cleared your home of toxins and done all mentioned above, please look into purchasing my book on how to care for your dog naturally and to continue on this mission of never letting your dog suffer again.
