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January Sale: Koha & Earthborn

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Save big on not one, but two brands this month at Brookside Barkery & Bath!

Koha Super Premium Dog & Cat Food  is moisture-rich canned food that provides the best nutrition for your pet. Now is a great time to try Koha’s new Limited Ingredient Formulas, because all Koha cans are Buy 2, get 1 free through the end of January.

Earthborn Holistic Pet Food is also on sale in January! Earthborn’s unique formulas are made using exceptional ingredients, and your dog or cat is sure to thrive on this wholesome, balanced, nutritious diet. This month only, get:

  • $5 Off Large Bags
  • $3 Off Medium Bags
  • $2 Off Small Bags

Brookside Barkery – Why We’re Here

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We are so thankful to Brookside Barkery’s loyal customers for understanding our owners Larry and Delena Stout’s mission – better health through better nutrition. For over 15 years, Brookside Barkery has successfully educated Kansas City pet owners on how diet and nutrition can affect pet health.

Founded in 2003, we’re proud have provided our customers with a variety of superb all-natural pet products and a strong desire to educate our customers about each one of them. “Once people realized that diet did play a big difference in their pet’s health, it took off,” said Delena.

Find out more about how Brookside Barkery came to be by watching the video below!

Include Your Pet in Your Thanksgiving Gathering

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Thanksgiving is just around the corner and that means we’ll all be sitting down to enjoy a delicious feast soon! If you’re like us, you never want to leave your furry friends out of the celebration.  While you and your family enjoy a Thanksgiving meal, give your pets a little feast of their own. Brookside Barkery has a couple of turkey tips to be sure that everyone enjoys a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

Avoid giving your four-legged friend any of the turkey carcass. The bones can be problematic to the digestive tract. Instead, give them the turkey neck – they are a great and cost-effective way to add variety and nutrition to your dog’s diet. Fresh turkey neck is a great natural source of protein, fat and calcium. It’s also used for tooth and gum nourishment. Just be sure to monitor them while they’re eating it to avoid any choking – especially for smaller dogs

Another great way to promote a healthy gut for your dog is turkey bone broth. All you need is a turkey carcass and a few other ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen! Start by putting the turkey carcass and other bones in a pot and fill with water. You can also add garlic or other spices for flavor. Top it off with 3-4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and let it cook for 24 hours. Be sure to strain all of the bone out of broth once it’s cooked, your pup will love it – and the best part is it’s chock full of minerals and nutrients that taste great and promotes healthy gut and joints! Click here to learn more about making turkey bone broth for your dog.

If you’re thinking your pets need some Thanksgiving flavor in their diets right away, Brookside Barkery has several pumpkin treats and foods by Lotus, OC Raw, and Plato that are sure to get you (and your pup!) in the Thanksgiving mood this holiday season! Stop by our Brookside or Lee’s Summit locations today – your one stop shop for all your pet food and treat needs!

Rad Cat Stops Production, Closes Company

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Brookside Barkery is sad to announce the closing of one of our favorite raw food vendors for cats – Rad Cat. They’ve tried incredibly hard to prevent this from happening, but due to FDA regulations and a couple of recent recalls, the losses piled up quickly and they are no longer able to keep the factory open that produces lifesaving foods for our favorite felines.

Although Rad Cat (and Brookside Barkery!) is hoping that this is only temporary, if your cats love the raw Rad Cat food, we wanted to suggest a couple of alternatives that Brookside Barkery carries to keep your kitties naturally happy and healthy!

Primal Pet Foods: They specialize in superior nutrition for your cat with a variety of raw and freeze dried recipes. Pets experience better digestion and absorb nutrients more easily when fed a diet based on natural eating habits in the wild: muscle meat, meaty bones, organs, and raw fruits and vegetables.

Stella & Chewy’s:Their raw and frozen food contains organic fruits and vegetables, and is minimally processed which makes it easy for your furry friend to digest. They believe that cats deserve to thrive on pure, simple, minimally processed food – the way nature intended. All of their food is made with select organic produce and raw, USDA-inspected meat.

Steve’s Real Food: The frozen nuggets allow you to simply pour and serve without defrosting, cutting up meat, or mixing foods. It’s 100% complete and balanced, and made from only the most superior ingredients on the market. Steve’s makes it easier to provide raw nutrition for all of your pets.

While we are incredibly sad to hear about Rad Cat closing down for now, Brookside Barkery is still just as dedicated as always to help you do what’s best for your best friend! Whether you’re needing to make the switch over from Rad Cat, or just getting started on a raw diet for your furry friend, our pet food experts at Brookside Barkery are here to help you find the perfect, well-balanced diet for all of your pets! Stop by either of our Brookside Barkery stores in Brookside or our newly expanded store in Lee’s Summit (It’s now double in size!) and speak to one of our all-natural and holistic pet food experts today!

*To learn more about Rad Cat’s experience with the FDA, click here.

October Special: Farmina

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Brookside Barkery and Bath is running a special on Farmina dog and cat food all month long! Here at the Barkery, we pride ourselves in only carrying the highest quality of food for your best friend. Farmina dog & cat food is all-natural, nutritious, and scientifically validated. Using only the finest raw ingredients and following strict guidelines set by nutritional experts, Farmina is nature and science in perfect harmony. With nutrition as the basis of your pet’s well-being, all of Farmina’s recipes are scientifically designed according to nature.

Through the month of October, save big on Farmina dog and cat food:

  • $5 off large bags
  • $3 off medium bags
  • $2 off small bags

This all-natural food for your best friend contains only natural antioxidants, is 100% GMO-free, and grain and gluten-free. It’s also rich in high quality vitamins and has a low glycemic index. Stored in a protective atmosphere, Farmina food is exactly what your pet needs to feel happy and healthy.

Stop by either of our Barkery locations in Brookside or our newly expanded Lee’s Summit location and take advantage of this deal! Your furry friend will love you for it!

Special available October 1-31, 2018 only.

Dr. Dodson on Grain-Free Foods & Heart Disease

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If you feed grain-free kibble, chances are you’ve seen recent headlines suggesting that feeding grain-free kibble is linked to heart disease in dogs. With these stories swarming madly all over the internet, you’ve probably questioned if the grain-free diet you’ve been feeding your dog is better or worse for his or her health.

This week, we met with our friend Dr. Dodson at Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center to get her professional opinion on the whole debate.

Nontoxic Flea Prevention

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Spring is quickly approaching, which means all kinds of insects start to appear around us and our pets. Here are some great tips to safely keep the biggest dog pest away: fleas.

When your dog ends up with fleas, it may seem easy to grab flea treatment suck as Frontline for your dog. You know the name, but do you know what’s in the product? If you’ve tried these products before, it’s very likely you’ve seen the dangerous effects the harmful chemicals can have on your pet, and possibly you. Children are especially at risk due to proximity and age. So what safe treatments are out there? We have a few here at the Barkery that are both safe and effective.

  • Seresto Flea Collars are our number one recommendation for an effective flea preventative. Whether you’re preventing or treating fleas, Seresto’s unique technology provides your pet continuous protection from fleas for 8 months in the safest way possible.
  • Diatomaceous Earth is a powder for your garden or outdoors. If an insect with an exoskeleton comes in contact with diatomaceous earth, they die. At the same time, humans and dogs can rub it all over our skin, rub it in our hair, and even eat it – and we are unharmed.
  • Cedarcide  is a 100% organic cedar oil product that both kills and repels bugs. It’s great for spraying directly on your pet or around the house.
  • Biopel naturally repels fleas, flies, ants and mosquitos with no harsh chemicals and is safe for use around pets and children.

The National Resources Defense Council has also published a list of safe flea and tick treatments for your dog. Click here for more info.

So keep your pets happy, healthy and flea-free this spring! Stop in the Barkery for 10% off all flea & tick products during the month of March!

Canine Flu Vaccine: Is It Necessary?

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Veterinarians across the country are encouraging pet owners to vaccinate their canine companions for the flu. Is your dog at risk? And if so, is the vaccine going to prevent that risk? We’re here with help from Dogs Naturally to cover this popular topic to help you decide what is best for your best friend.

What is Canine Influenza Virus and What Are the Symptoms?

The first US strain of canine influenza virus (CIV), H3N8, was identified in racing greyhounds in Florida in January 2004. In 2015, a second strain, H3N2, was identified in Chicago. Since that time, cases have been reported across the States and a few, more recently, in Canada.

Symptoms include:

  • sneezing
  • dry coughing
  • lethargy
  • loss of appetite
  • restlessness
  • watery eyes, runny nose
  • fever (one of the things that makes it different from kennel cough)

Is Your Dog at Risk for Canine Flu?

The media, many conventional vets and especially vaccine manufacturers would love for us to believe that the canine flu is a major epidemic, that our dogs are seriously at risk at that every dog needs the canine flu vaccine.

This is not the case!

The canine flu is not widespread. In fact, most dogs never come in contact with the virus. While the number of dogs exposed to the virus who will get canine flu is around 80%, the mortality rate is very low. And those dogs that do become critically ill from it are typically those who have other health issues to begin with.

There’s more.

According to the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University, the first strain of canine influenza virus (H3N8) isn’t common among household pets in the US, with studies showing the level of the virus in the population at less than 5%. In some areas, exposure rates have been low even in pets who participate in high risk environments such as training or agility events.

So maybe its the second strain, H3N2, that’s the problem? Here are some numbers from Dogs Naturally to help put it into perspective:

So, on the extremely off-chance your dog gets the flu, what can you do?

How to Treat the Canine Flu if Your Dog Gets It

Just as with humans, the treatment for a dog with the flu is largely supportive. Because it’s a viral infection and not bacterial, antibiotics won’t help. Here are some of the best things you can do to nurse him back to health:

  1. Keep a close eye on him to make sure he’s eating and drinking. Fluids are important to avoid dehydration.
  2. Check his diet. A fresh, raw diet packed with vitamins and nutrients will help your dog fight back against the flu.
  3. Add some immune boosting supplements like turmeric, Echinacea, goldenseal, oregano, and garlic to his food.
  4. Give him lots of rest. Exertion causes the cough to become more intense, so limit it.
  5. Clean up. The virus can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours, and hands for 12 hours, so do a thorough cleaning using white vinegar, which is an effective bacteria and germ killer.

Most healthy dogs get over the flu easily within 2-3 weeks. Since symptoms are generally mild, it’s usually best to let nature run its course. This will also help your dog build up a natural immunity to this and future strains.

Remember – the virus is contagious, so keep your dog away from other dogs to prevent the virus from spreading.

 

What You Need to Know About the Canine Flu Vaccine

So, you understand it’s highly unlikely that your dog will get the canine flu, and if he does, the symptoms will probably be mild, but just in case you’re still thinking about giving your dog the vaccine, there are a few more things you should know.

The canine flu vaccine is a killed vaccine.

The worst vaccine you can give your dog, rabies, is also a killed vaccines. Leptospirosis and Lyme are also killed vaccines. There are countless studies showing the adverse reactions caused by these vaccines, from allergic reactions to death.

A killed vaccine contains a killed form of the virus. Manufacturers do this because they don’t want the live virus to spread.

Supporters of killed vaccines say they’re safer because the virus isn’t live. What these supporters don’t mention is the fact that this also makes it hard for these vaccines to trigger an immune response. So, to make them more effective and longer lasting, manufacturers have to add adjuvants (added chemicals) to them.

Adjuvants are dangerous for your dog. Here are some of the most common ones and why they’re so dangerous:

  • Aluminum is the most commonly used adjuvant in vaccines and it’s a neurotoxin. It messes with your dog’s brain and nervous system, and can cause inflammation in the brain, as well as dementia and seizures. It’s also a known carcinogen.
  • Formaldehyde. Yes, one of the chemicals used to preserve dead bodies is a common vaccine ingredient and also a known carcinogen.
  • Thimerosal is a mercury-based additive that’s meant to preserve a vaccine. It has been proven to cause tissue cell death and neurological disorders. It’s especially toxic to your dog when combined with aluminum.
  • Phenol is another preservative commonly used in vaccines. It’s a highly poisonous, corrosive substance that comes from coal tar.
  • Animal tissue. Most disease micro-organisms are cultured on animal tissue, and when manufacturers make a vaccine, it becomes impossible to divide the two. This tissue is put into the bloodstream, where the white blood cells have to fight it, making it harder for them to fight the other, more dangerous foreign substances.

Not only is the canine flue vaccine a killed vaccine, it hasn’t even been proven to prevent an infection. So you’re risking your dog’s health with something that may not even prevent it! Another risk is that, as manufacturers modify these vaccines to fit different strains, the viruses become resistant, making it so that your dog needs to keep getting these toxic drugs because the old ones won’t work (even though they may not work to begin with!).

So, what are the most important things you need to know about the canine flu vaccine?

  1. It isn’t widespread and your dog is unlikely to come into contact with it.
  2. If he does get it, the symptoms are usually mild and it’s best treated with supportive care at home.
  3. The canine flu vaccine is not the answer. It’s a killed vaccine, it’s toxic, may not work, and is causing the flu to become resistant. Skip it!

 

Essential Oils for Skin Care

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Most abnormal skin conditions include some amount of inflammation or infection. Veterinarians are trained to utilize anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressives to manage these conditions, but essential oils, some of which have been revered since biblical times, can be very effective and safe if utilized properly. Essential oil usage is often a choice now requested by many natural-minded pet parents, and this article by Integrative Veterinary Care explains why.

What is an Essential Oil?

These oils are not the lipid or fatty oils from the plant, but rather the life blood of the plant. An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid which contains the volatile aromatic compounds from the plant.

Using oils to manage skin conditions is where essential oils shine the most. Many skin conditions produce an odor, so what could be better than using a treatment that smells good, too? It’s the volatility of the essential oils which makes them aromatic.

The aromatic oil carries the components which protect the plant form adversaries. A natural chemical might repel an insect or kill a fungus. These same plant constituents can be used protect us or our animal patients.

It is also these same constituents that can be analyzed with tools such as gas chromatography to identify the specific “finger print” of an essential oil. The combination of these natural chemical constituents is what gives particular oils their unique properties for use, effectiveness, safety or danger.

Do They Work?

Natural product producers cannot make claims that their products are used to prevent, manage, or cure disease. The FDA only allows that these claims be made by drug manufacturers. But many holistic veterinarians practice with essential oils and maintain testimonials that support the efficacy of essential oils.

Top 12 Essential Oils For Skin

These top twelve essential oils support healthy skin and have been found in research to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, or immune supportive properties. Indeed, pharmaceutical companies have isolated some of these constituents in order to manufacture drugs. Further study of each chemical constituent can guide you toward additional uses of the oil.

1. Lavender

Almost every essential oil discussion begins with lavender because its applications are so universal. It is soothing emotionally and physically. It does not burn irritated skin when applied topically, even if the skin is burned, chafed, or rashy. It can help to relax a pet that is frenzied due to chronic itching. It has been used internally, but make sure that it is pure and not perfume grade.

Methods of Application:

When applied “neat” (undiluted) to the skin, the smell and taste of lavender can deter licking. Pet owners love this feature, as they may not need to use an E-collar. Lavender on a pet has calming effects, and both the pet and owner can benefit from the aroma. Lavender not only penetrates the skin, but also the nasal passages and the blood brain barrier. Fur is a wick to the effectiveness, and can be diffused actively with a cold air diffuser or passively through the air when applied topically. You should never use heat with essential oils, it will damage the natural chemistry.

You can also dilute lavender with coconut oil, almond oil, avocado oil, or well-shaken water to disperse and cover a  larger body surface area. Another option is to add essential oils to your pet’s shampoo. This can be soothing and provide immediate relief. The skin is a huge surface area which allows for the transfer of chemical constituents into the body and toxins out of the body.

2. Frankincense

Frankincense is distilled from resin and includes several varieties such as Boswellia carteri or Boswellia sacra. It is high in alpha-pinene and limonene. This has been used for centuries to support healthy skin and immune systems.

3. Copaiba

Copaiba is sold as an essential oil, but is essentially a sap from a tree in an Amazonian culture where this is their anti-inflammatory medicine. It is very high in beta-caryophyllene.

4. Chamomile (Roman)

Chamomile is ideally steam distilled from its flowers/ Roman chamomile is very high in isobutyl angelate and isomyl methacrylate. These have anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and skin regenerative properties in addition to being calming.

5. Citronella

Citronella is also steam distilled, but from its leaves. It is high in geraniol and limonene. Citronella is antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, an insect repellent and a deodorant.

6. Tea Tree

Also called Melaleuca alternifolia, this oil is commonly used and commonly feared. It is very high in terpinene and terpinenol. It is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, immunostimulant, analgesic, a neurotonic and protects against radiation. Fears may be unfounded and due to negative experiences with contaminated or poorly distilled product.

7-11. A Blend of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary

This popular combination contains oils which are antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and can numb tissues on contact. Clove can be as high as 87% eugenol. Cinnamon is also high in eugenol, but approximately 50% trans-cinnamaldehyde. These natural chemicals make this a “hot” oil, which can burn skin, but at the same time be antimicrobial and increase blood flow. It’s best used diluted or with a blend.

Eucalyptus radiate, also distilled from leaves, is antiinfectious and anti-inflammatory. Rosemary is another antimicrobial agent, and both can help decrease hair loss. Avoid using if a pet is epileptic.

12. Neem

Neem oil is highly revered as a natural skin care product, but it is not an essential oil. It is a cold pressed vegetable oil which contains essential fatty acids (EFAs), triglycerides, vitamin E, calcium, steroids and some essential oil constituents. Neem oil penetrates deep into the skin to moisturize and heal.

Dosing:

The amount of water and number of drops of oil will depend on the species, size, and age of the pet, and the oil. It would be difficult to do a full body soak on a horse or a mastiff, but easier to soak a hoof or a paw. Horses respond well to essential oil, but we must be cognizant of a potential sensitivity to an oil when it comes to dogs and cats. One drop of oil can go a long way, and it’s best to see your pet responds first. Roughly, we suggest beginning with one drop per ten pounds into the soak water. Multiple oils can be combined.

If essential oils have peaked your interest, consider adding an essential oil treatment to your next grooming or bath appointment. Brookside Barkery has specially formulated essential oil blends for achy joints, nerves, or dry and itchy skin that can bring your pet relief.

The Benefits of Coconut Oil

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People everywhere are discovering the wonders that coconut oil can create. From hair and skincare to digestive and immune health, coconut oil’s popularity is continuing to grow. You may be wondering – if coconut oil is good for me, is it just as good for my pet? Holistic Veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker explains the benefits coconut oil can have for your animal.

The Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs

Coconut oil is a concentrated source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may have positive effects on your pet’s cognitive function. This oil is also a rich source of lauric acid, which is a powerful antimicrobial agent. Coconut oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties as well.

Dogster provides a list of reasons why coconut oil benefits your dogs, which include:

  1. Coconut oil improves overall skin health, and clears up skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis, and itchy skin.
  2. Coconut oil helps moisturize the driest skin and makes a dog’s coat gleam with health, whether you add it to her diet, shampoo, or both!
  3. Applied topically to the skin, coconut oil promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, bites, and stings.
  4. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of coconut oil help reduce doggy odor and doggy breath.
  5. It helps prevent yeast infections, particularly candida.
  6. Dogs suffering from kennel cough may recover faster with coconut oil.
  7. It improves nutrient absorption and digestion (but may case loose stools, so moderation is crucial).
  8. It can help reduce your dog’s risk of diabetes by regulating your pet’s insulin levels. It may also moderate thyroid function and keep infections and heart disease at bay.
  9. Coconut oil promotes motility in arthritic dogs and those with joint issues.
  10. It can benefit brain health and may be helpful for senior dogs whose minds are starting to become “cloudy.”

Dr. Karen Becker recommends feeding one-quarter teaspoon for of 100% organic, cold-pressed, human-grade coconut oil for every 10 pounds of body weight twice daily for dogs (and cats). This can be added at meal time. It can also be applied topically for animals with flaky and itchy skin.

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