I'm a self-taught raw feeder. When I started this journey, the courses available today weren't an option, so I learned through raw feeding groups, blogs, and books. As a result, I have an extensive library of raw feeding and canine nutrition books that I still...
We have hardwood and tiled floors throughout our home that require sweeping and mopping several days a week. And blankets and bedding are washed once weekly. Not long ago, I began cleaning the floors and counters with a mixture of white vinegar and warm...
When I was new to essential oils, Ylang Ylang essential oil was a favorite in the EO community. So, when I began building my collection of essential oils, Ylang Ylang was on the list as one to diffuse in our home for the dogs and us. Ylang Ylang smells amazing and...
One of the first “natural” products I purchased for my dogs was a flea and tick repellent made with lavender essential oil and other ingredients. Today, more than ten years later, lavender is still one of my favorite scents and I use it regularly with my...
Plai, also known as Thai Ginger, essential oil has a rich, earthy ginger-like scent that I love. It's used to ease discomfort, support clear airways, and balance our emotions – basically, I diffuse this oil to create a calming environment in the house,...
Sometimes I wonder if all pet parents suffered from some form of anxiety or depression because it seems that many of us relate to the statement “I love my dogs more than people.” I'm fortunate to be in a place where I can treat my anxiety naturally through...
Regarding anxious dogs, I've found that exercise is the best cure. They say a tired dog is a well-behaved dog, and I don't disagree. With the upcoming shorter days, I may be unable to squeeze out that last bit of ‘bouncing off the walls' energy from the dogs. I...
If you live with dogs, then there are times when your home could use a bit of a refresh. I clean our house daily, sweeping and vacuuming up all of the dog hair from the floors and furniture, and we still occasionally have that pet smell. When the house needs more...
Have you heard of Seresto collars? They're flea and tick collars for dogs and sound like the perfect alternatives to the chemicals we put on our dogs. I was interested when I first learned about them but didn't bother looking further because my dogs didn't wear...
What are Healing Paw Balms? A healing paw balm is a solid-ish product (think vaseline consistency or a little thicker) that soothes dry, chapped, or cracked skin. I was introduced to them when Rodrigo used to lick his paws incessantly. And someone recommended Bag Balm...
animalEO is an essential oil brand founded by Dr. Melissa Shelton, a veterinarian who educates pet parents about how to safely use essential oils. From Dr. Shelton, our community has learned that not all essential oils are created equal and after what she's seen in...
I am not a veterinarian nor am I an expert in using essential oils. There is a ton of information online about using essential oils with pets. Please be sure to do your research. I've learned that every dog is different and I've learned to go slowly as I find the...
Christmas decorations go up in the stores right as the Halloween decorations are being put on clearance. Thanksgiving gets no love – maybe a couple of shelves in an aisle. The first person to put up Christmas lights joined in on the fun, lighting up their corner...
Clary Sage is a flowering plant that looks similar to lavender, but it's not the same. I like to diffuse this Clary Sage essential oil to add a fresh scent to a room, but when I reading up on this oil recently, I realized that I wasn't taking advantage of all of the...
It's spring here in the Pacific Northwest (although it feels like summer) and Rodrigo has been licking his paws a lot. It's the grass, especially wet grass, that makes his paws itchy and I've learned how to help him naturally. His paws also bother him in the fall...
I'm a passionate writer in the Pacific Northwest who loves all things dogs. I share what I'm learning as I attempt to crack the code to longevity. Keep the Tail Wagging is a blog dedicated to the dog who inspired this journey: Rodrigo Gauthier - March 2010 - September 2023.
