Author: Mariangie
This is not my first blogging experience, however it is the first time I create a blog for MindBodyAndPaw.com.
I decided to do it, because I have exciting news to share and I thought a blog was going to be the perfect forum to talk about anything related to Paws & Hooves.
You see, when I started MindBodyAndPaw.com in October of 2004 it only targeted dogs. 2 years later, in 2006, I decided to expand the product line and include cat products. In October of 2009 I decided to expand the product line again and this time I’m offering to the public Horse products and that is why I decided to call this blog: ”Paws & Hooves”.
In addition to the Equine products, I’m working on adding 13 additional products for cats and dogs… I expect to have these additional products up in the product catalog by Wednesday of this week. I can’t wait to start serving the Horse owners too!
I’ll be using this blog to share informative holistic pet care articles and to provide more information about all the product and how they can help you give your pet a healthy and longer life, the natural way!
About the Author - Mariangie has a degree in Animal Science and loves cows, cats and dogs (especially pitbulls)... she's not really a fan of lizards. In 2004, she founded www.MindBodyAndPaw.com, an online store that offers herbal remedies for cats, dogs and horses.
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Author: Mariangie
What is the Immune System?
The immune system is the “defense army” of your pet, it is a group of cells and organs that are designed and programmed to defend your pet’s body from viruses, bacteria, toxins and other material that make their way into your pet’s body.
These cells and organs are distributed along your pet’s body, some of them are:
- Lymph Nodes – These are the structures that can be felt through the skin in the groin, armpits and neck (if you’ve ever been to the doctor with a sore throat, you know what I mean) they serve as filters trapping the portion of a virus or bacteria that cause and immune response.
- Lymphocytes – There are 2 types of lymphocytes, T cells and B cells. T-lymphocytes, are responsible of “recruiting” white blood cells to fight an infection. B-Lymphocytes, are responsible of creating antibodies.
- Antibodies – Proteins that respond to antigens and that the body use to fight infections and foreign material in the body.
- Spleen – The spleen serves the function of another filter, it traps the antigens present in the blood stream.
- Thymus – It’s a gland that produces the hormones necessary for the production of certain infection-fighting cells.
- Bone Marrow – This is mostly where white blood cells are produced.
- White Blood Cells – There are several types and each type has a function, some are responsible for fighting bacteria, others parasites, other inflammation, etc.
What are the 2 principal tasks of the Immune System?
- To recognize antigens (substances foreign to the body).
- To protect the body from infection or foreign matter.
There are several types of diseases of the immune system.
- Immuno deficiencies: These can be inherited or carried since birth or acquired during the life of the individual.
- Immune-mediated diseases: These are diseases that indirectly affect the immune system.
- Cancer of the immune system: It is characterized by the over production of immune cells.
When the immune system is working properly, the animal has a powerful weapon to fight disease, from a sinus infection to cancer. Too often, the immune system’s balance is altered by poor nutrition or injuries and the animal becomes vulnerable to illness.
That is why it’s so important to protect the balance of a healthy immune system, it is our pet’s first illness fighting mechanism. Combining a healthy diet with holistic remedies and nutritional supplements, you are contributing in creating a strong immune system for your pet, in other words you are helping to protect your pet from disease.
Recommmended Products
© 2008. Mariangie Gonzalez has a major in Animal Science and runs the day-to-day operations of her home-based business and website www.MindBodyAndPaw.com. Visit to learn how holistic dog care products and homeopathic remedies could prolong and improve your dog’s life.
Author: Mariangie
Cushings disease show some signs that are usually associated with “old pets” like loss of hair, thin skin and calcified or crusty lumps in the skin, but if your pet is older than 6 years old and is presenting some of these signs a veterinarian should perform the necessary laboratory tests to determine if it’s Cushings disease.
What is Cushings Disease?
Cushings disease consists in the overproduction of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is more common in dogs than in cats, but cats can be affected too.
It generally affects older dogs, usually after they are 6 years old, but Cushings disease has been reported to affect younger dogs too.
Cats with Cushings often have very fragile skin, thinner than normal, they may show fragile blood vessels and may bruise easily.
There are 2 types of Cushings disease:
What are the signs of Cushings disease?
Some less common signs of Cushings disease are:
Because Cushings signs are not “Cushings specific” and can be found in other ailments, a veterinarian should perform several laboratory tests to diagnose the disease and rule out other causes.
What is the relationship between Cushings and Diabetes?
One of the normal functions of cortisol is to raise blood sugar, so the high cortisol levels keep the blood glucose levels high causing in some cases, a form of secondary diabetes. If this problem persists, it could cause permanent diabetes.
About 80% of cats and 10% of dogs with Cushings are diabetic.
What is the relationship between Cushings and Urinary Tract Infections?
The large amount of cortisol suppresses the immune system and the pet is more susceptible to get bacterial infections in the bladder.
Are there any breeds predisposed to Cushings?
Any dog or cat can be diagnosed with Cushings disease, but in dogs there are certain breeds that seem to be predisposed to Cushings, these are:
Recommended Product for Cushings disease
© 2007. Mariangie Gonzalez has a major in Animal Science and runs the day-to-day operations of her business www.MindBodyAndPaw.com. Visit to learn how natural remedies and herbal supplements could prolong and improve your pet’s life.
Author: Mariangie
Ahh, Valentine’s Day! For someone this year is going to be extra especial, it it you?
I always look forward to this day as an excuse to eat massive amounts of chocolate (I’m a serious chocoholic) but if you are a dog owner you must be really careful.
Chocolate can be toxic to your dog because it contains a substance called theobromine for which dogs (and cats, by the way) don’t have the enzyme necessary to break it down.
Maybe some dogs can tolerate if they consume a small amount of milk chocolate, but the darker the chocolate (baking chocolate is the worst) the more serious the reactions which can range from:
It is important to note that the smaller the dog, the more affected it is by the same amount than a larger dog.
Here’s a table that will give you an idea of the dangerous quantities of chocolate depending on dog’s size and type of chocolate consumed.
| Amount of Dog’s Weight | Amount of Milk Chocolate | Amount of Unsweetened Chocolate |
| 5 lbs. | 4 oz. | 1/2 oz. |
| 10 lbs. | 8 oz. | 1 oz. |
| 20 lbs. | 16 oz. | 2 1/2 oz. |
| 30 lbs. | 1 3/4 lbs. | 3 1/4 oz. |
| 40 lbs. | 2 1/2 lbs. | 4 1/2 oz. |
| 50 lbs. | 3 lbs. | 5 1/2 oz. |
| 60 lbs. | 3 3/4 lbs. | 6 3/4 oz. |
| 75 lbs. | 4 3/4 lbs. | 8 1/2 oz. |
So if this Valentine’s Day (or anyday, if you’re like me) you have lots of chocolate around the house and you are indulging yourself, do Fido and me a favor, don’t feed him chocolate no matter how much he begs for it. You don’t want this Valentine’s Day to be extra especial for the wrong reasons, like a trip to the ER with your dog.
I could say: “don’t have any chocolate and your dog and waist are going to thank you for it”, but it would be hypocritical of me to say, I don’t mess with chocolate. If you don’t know how to properly dispose of the chocolate, you can send it to me, I’ll take care of it (that’s my part of the favor, LOL)
Happy Valentines Day!
© 2007. Mariangie Gonzalez has a major in Animal Science and runs the day-to-day operations of her home-based business www.MindBodyAndPaw.com. Visit to learn how natural remedies and herbal supplements could prolong and improve your pet’s life.
Author: Mariangie
- A heart murmur occurs when there is a turbulence to the normal flow of blood through the chambers of the heart.
There are two main causes of a murmurs:
- Incomplete closing of the heart valves- This the murmur most often found in puppies or in older dogs. Some puppies are born with congenital heart problems and a murmur is detected during a veterinarian check up or in some cases, it can be so loud that is easily felt when you touch your puppy’s chest.
- Anemia- Anemic pets must breath faster to keep their bodies oxygenated and their heart beats faster. They often have low energy levels and pale or yellowish gums. Because animals with anemia have fewer red blood cells, their blood is thinner.
In older pets, a poor dental hygiene can lead to calculus which is a haven for bacteria. These bacteria can not only cause abscesses and tooth loss but can have effects further afield – even resulting in organ damage as the bacteria are carried from the mouth, through the bloodstream, and can accumulate on the valves.
A regular dental hygiene routine and the use of a dental disease remedy could help you prevent this situation.
As a result, anemic animals can develop heart murmurs. The noise a heart murmur makes comes from the turbulent sound thinner blood makes as it flows through the heart.
Learn more about our heart murmur and anemia remedy that can help you prevent this situation.
It is very important to have your dog examined every six months. This is to help detect hidden health problems (such as a heart murmur or dental tartar) so that they may be treated and controlled before your pet develops a serious condition.
Ensure your pet is eating a balanced, high quality diet with plenty of raw and unprocessed food (preferably organic). Stay away from onions and garlic because they can cause anemia in dogs.
Recommended products for dog heart murmur
- Gumz-n-Teeth- Internal formula for preventing gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay and general dental health in dogs.
- Heart and Circulation Tonic- For pets with heart murmur and other heart and circulation problems associated with a range of problems.
© 2006. Mariangie Gonzalez has a major in Animal Science and runs the day-to-day operations of her home-based business and website www.MindBodyAndPaw.com. Visit to learn how holistic pet care products and homeopathic remedies could prolong and improve your pet’s life.
Author: Mariangie
There are a number of reasons for choosing natural pet foods, treats and supplies. First, use of natural products is consistent with a holistic view. A holistic approach considers all factors regarding your pet’s health, not just individual symptoms.
The top 10 benefits of choosing natural and holistic pet care are listed below.
- Better nutrition- a natural diet reduces contact with unnecessary chemicals and preservatives while increasing the intake of quality nutrients and vitamins.
- Less probability of developing disease- Quality natural foods can reduce the onset of a variety of health problems, including allergies, digestive disorders and more.
- Treats source of disease not just symptoms- Holistic care also looks at an animal’s surroundings for ways to improve health. Lowering potential causes of stress, such as loneliness or territorial conflicts, can be helpful in improving overall health. Sufficient exercise and grooming are also elements of good holistic care.
- Longer lifespan- natural pet care will help pets live a long life and give you many years of faithful companionship.
- Enhanced quality of life- there’s no use on living longer if the quality of life is not good, holistic pet care, will provide a better quality of life for your pet.
- Faster healing- Holistic treatment of existing conditions by use of natural products will promote faster healing as natural ingredients are generally absorbed better by your pet and thus speeds the healing process.
- Human safety- another reason for using natural pet products is the reduction in human exposure to toxins. Most pets are in frequent contact with people, especially children. Contact with a pet can mean risk of exposure to whatever is on your pet, whereas natural treatments avoid these risks.
- Protects the environment- also, natural products breakdown and are absorbed into the environment better than chemical agents and, consequently, are more earth friendly.
- Saves time- you won’t be wasting your time dragging your pets to the vet’s office to treat different illnesses as the holistic approach targets the individual as a whole entity, treating existing conditions from their source, not just their symptoms, and preventing new ones from developing.
- Saves money- you won’t be wasting your money on cheaper products that ultimately can be a contributor to declining health in your pets and thereby creating more vet visit and bills.
© 2004. Mariangie Gonzalez has a major in Animal Science and runs the day-to-day operations of her home-based business and website www.MindBodyAndPaw.com. Visit to learn how holistic pet care products and homeopathic remedies could prolong and improve your pet’s life.
Author: Mariangie
(Even though this article was written for dog owners, it suits both cats and dogs)
Did you know that February is the “National Pet Dental Health Month”? Well, now you know. The most common complaint among dog owners is:
“My dog has bad breath”
Let’s talk about dog’s bad breath. The proper name for dog bad breath is Halitosis and it’s very embarrasing, some dogs have a bigger bad breath problem than others, but it can be solved.
Let’s start with the posible causes:
What can I do to solve my dog’s bad breath problem?
- First, make sure your dog’s teeth are professionaly cleaned by a veterinarian, at least once a year.
- Brush your dog’s teeth regularly, at least once a day.
- Prevent your dog from eating crap. It’s not only bad for his breath but bad for his health too.
- A combination of natural medicine, healthy diet and regular exercise will help your pet to return to digestive health.
- Use an internal dental supplement formula for preventing gingivitis (gum disease) and tooth decay as well as improving general dental health in pets.
With regular attention to your dog’s oral health you can say dog’s bad breath goodbye and feel the joy of getting closer to your dog without having to use a gas mask ;o)
Recommended products:
© 2006. Mariangie Gonzalez has a major in Animal Science and runs the day-to-day operations of her home-based business and website www.MindBodyAndPaw.com. Visit to learn how holistic pet care products and homeopathic remedies could prolong and improve your pet’s life.
Author: Mariangie
Parvoviruses are a large group; almost every mammal species seems to have its own parvovirus.
Fortunately, each virus is pretty specific about what animals it can infect. For example, the canine parvovirus will not infect cats, but it could and most likely will affect most members of the dog family (wolves, coyotes, foxes etc.)
The disease is highly infectious and is spread by physical contact and contact with feces. Areas infected with canine parvovirus or “feline parvo” (water and food bowls, bedding, floors, crates, etc) need to be disinfected with a bleach solution (1:30 ratio. 4 oz of chlorine per each gallon of water). Be careful when using it on carpets or fabrics.
Canine Parvo
The virus is very similar to feline distemper; in fact, they are almost identical, except for two amino acids. The origin of canine parvovirus is unknown, but it has been theorized that it is a mutation of feline panleukopenia (feline distemper) virus.
One of the difference among them is that canine parvovirus is not enveloped in fat the way the distemper virus is, so canine parvovirus is especially resistant in the environment.
Parvovisuses are not airborne, they spread in saliva, urine, and feces, but some people find that their pet contracted the disease without ever leaving their property or having contact with other infected dogs. This is because if other individual, (animal or human) steps in the infected feces, can “bring home” the virus.
Feline Distemper (”Feline Parvo” or Panleukopenia Virus)
The feline distemper virus is a “parvovirus”. Many people are familiar with this term as parvovirus infection is a very real concern for dogs, especially puppies.
This virus is similar in nature to the dog’s parvo virus, however is only infectious to cats. Most cats affected are young and unvaccinated. In vaccinated cats, the disease is virtually non-existent.
The virus is spread in saliva, urine, and feces. Areas infected with feline panleukopenia need to be disinfected with a bleach solution (1:30 ratio. 4 oz of chlorine per each gallon of water).
Prevention through routine vaccination is extremely effective.
Canine Parvo Symptoms vs. Feline Parvo (F. Panleukopenia) Symptoms
Both diseases show similar symptoms:
These are serious diseases that could lead to death. They must be treated immediately and your pet must receive supportive therapy to avoid the shut down of your pet’s body systems due to dehydration.
What is the Treatment for Parvo?
If your cat or dog presents diahrrea or the symptoms listed above, you must take him to their veterinarian immediately.
Treatment usually consists of IV fluids, antibiotics, but when it comes to a virus there is no cure. The key is to prevent your dog or cat from dehydrating and administer therapy to support your pet’s body until it finally overcomes the infection.
Ask your veterinarian about a natural remedy for parvo that not only helps your pet cope with the symptoms but also serves as an oral homeopathic vaccine to immunize your dog against Parvovirus.
Recommended Product for Parvo
© 2006. Mariangie Gonzalez has a major in Animal Science and runs the day-to-day operations of her business www.MindBodyAndPaw.com. Visit to learn how natural remedies and herbal supplements could prolong and improve your pet’s life.
Author: Mariangie
What is a flea allergy?
When a flea bites your dog, usually the dog’s only reaction is minor irritation, sometimes without any itching. However, some dogs experience flea allergy. Now, it’s not like the dog is actually allergic to the flea itself, the dog has an allergic reaction to the flea’s saliva, and it’s called flea-bite dermatitis.
Allergy to flea’s saliva often triggers an itching cycle so intense, that your dog may scratch or chew himself to the point of bleeding and/or removing large amounts of hair; that in turn will leave exposed sores that may be susceptible to other bacterial infections.
Now you may be wondering: How do I protect myself and my family from a flea infestation?
Flea Prevention
Controlling and eliminating an existing flea infestation requires a lot of time, effort and money. You will need to set up a system of pest control that is effective for flea control, be sure to cover these areas:
Flea Removal
To mechanically remove all stages of fleas, vacuum thoroughly, especially where your pet sleeps. You can also use pesticides for outdoor flea control, fleas tend to like it where it is moist, warm, shady, and where there is organic debris. They will also tend to be where pets spend more of their outdoor time. So be sure to concentrate on areas such as patios, under porches, dog houses, etc.
Maintenance for a Flea-free environment
Once you have eliminated your flea problem, set up a system to keep those fleas away! There are holistic solutions to prevent and control fleas and flea allergies.
Holistic dog products present an option to traditional, and frequently, toxic treatments. However, that does not mean that you can use holistic products recklessly. You need to carefully read the labels, product descriptions, and method of use as well as dosage, and I recommend that you find and work with a holistic veterinarian in your area. Used properly, holistic dog products can improve the overall health of your dog, as the word implies “holistic” comes from “whole”.
NOTE: It is very important that you NEVER use on you cat holistic products that have been formulated only for dogs.
Recommended product for flea-bite dermatitis:
© 2006. Mariangie Gonzalez has a major in Animal Science and runs the day-to-day operations of her home-based business and website www.MindBodyAndPaw.com. Visit to learn how holistic dog care products and homeopathic remedies could prolong and improve your dog’s life.
Author: Mariangie
These may all be symptoms of dog allergies. Dog allergies can be divided into several categories:
Food Allergies
Food Related Dermatitis causes scratching of the entire body especially the sides and neck area. Chewing on the base of the tail and feet are common. Also a dull and greasy coat are good indication.
Many food allergies appear as smelly foul ears. The most common cause for this condition is feeding your pet a “supermarket food”. Despite the fact that the labels indicate natural and with vegetables, many times you are just feeding your dog a diet rich in preservatives, dyes and low quality by-products; a diet full of empty carbohydrates and fats.
Many pet owners will be surprised at the rapid skin and coat improvements once you switch to a truly natural balanced diet.
Also administrating a Herbal Detoxifer will speed the diet change. Remember changing your dogs diet should be done slowly by mixing a small amount of the new food with the existing food. Gradually increasing the ratio. This will lessen the chance of a stomach upset.
Flea Allergies
The most common form of canine allergy is flea allergy dermatitis. The flea itself is not the culprit in canine flea allergies. It is their saliva that causes the allergic reaction. A skin allergy test can be preformed to determine if a dog is allergic to flea saliva.
If it is, then a strict flea control regimen is required to reduce symptoms. Caution must be used however to make sure the chemicals in the flea preparations are not harmful to the dog.
A common misconception with this problem is that to have flea dermatitis the dog must be infested with the parasites. But sometimes there will be no sign of fleas, and your dog will be scratching.
Some dogs are hypersensitive due to repeated exposure to fleas and a single bite can cause a flare up. Symptoms are usually bumps and blisters, continuous licking and scratching of the area and hair loss. Other tell tale signs are a small brown dust when combing or brushing.
Inhalant Allergies
Also known as “atopy”, Just as inhalant allergy is common in people; it is also common in the dog and cat. Common allergens are pollens, dander, grasses, trees, and fabrics; any airborne particle can potentially become an allergen.
As most of the allergic reactions in pets, you can detect the symptoms through your pet’s skin, not the respiratory tract as humans.
This type of allergy can be difficult to treat and many times a daily log is needed in which the pet owner can use a process of elimination in determining the substance that is triggering the allergic reaction.
Your dog may be allergic to mold spores in the air, pollen, plastic food dishes, dust mites, carpets, chemicals used around the house, grasses and furniture stuffing (to name a few) Keep in mind the a truly allergic dog is far more sensitive than one with environmental dermatitis as the dog will appear fine one minute and can chew itself raw the next.
Infectious Allergies
This kind of dermatitis usually manifests itself as hot spots and rashes and can usually be treated quickly.
Swimming is the number #1 offender in this area. The dog’s coat holds moisture on the skin which can cause yeast, bacterial or fungal organisms to contaminate the skin, grow and if left untreated it will erupt as a hot spot.
The areas most affected by these allergies are the feet and belly of the allergic dog. Around the neck area and back. Symptoms are inflamed and stressed skin. Signs of a yeast infection are a greasy coat and odor.
Recommended products for dog allergies:
- Detoxification dog allergy remedy
- Flea-bite dermatitis remedy
- Skin and coat irritation and itching remedy
© 2006. Mariangie Gonzalez has a major in Animal Science and runs the day-to-day operations of her home-based business and website www.MindBodyAndPaw.com. Visit to learn how holistic pet care products and homeopathic remedies could prolong and improve your pet’s life.