Orion Healthy Pet

Have you ever wondered what your pet is thinking? When they look at you with questioning eyes, does it make you wish they could voice their concerns, their problems, and let you know exactly what it is that bothers them? Now, you can reach into your pet’s soul, with the assistance of Laura, Pet Psychic, and discover everything they have ever wanted to tell you.

Laura is a 3^rd generation psychic clairvoyant and clairaudient who discovered her abilities to communicate with the spirit world as a teenager, and has been exercising and perfecting her craft for years. She has worked hard to learn and understand a variety of religions, and she is dedicated to giving spiritual assistance to those who seek it. Now part of the Michigan psychic group The Best Psychics in Town, Laura’s specialty is in life readings, giving her patrons guidance on topics such as career, love, money, family, and the betterment of their souls.

While your pet has no need for advice on money and careers, Laura can give them the voice they have always wanted in communicating with you. She is a qualified animal communicator and pet psychic, and is willing to offer clarity and accuracy in divining your pets’ wants and needs. Laura is also a psychic medium, and can often unite with those who have passed to bring insightful information to those they have left behind. This is your opportunity to meet with Laura and get answers to questions you have been too afraid to ask.

And the best part is that Laura will be in the Lake Orion area very soon! On March 24, Laura the Pet Psychic will be at Healthy Dogma’s Big Benefit! This is your perfect opportunity to meet with Laura and divine your pets’ inner thoughts. For only $20, you can get a 15-minute session to learn about your dog or cat. Call Healthy Dogma at 248-690-7796 to make your appointment with Laura today! Money raised at the event will go Canine Companions Rescue Center, so come on by and give a little something for our local dogs!

Corn gluten meal (CGM) is an organic herbicide that was patented for use as a weed killer in 1991. It will naturally kill small-seeded annuals and perennial herbs, and is used primarily on lawns to fertilize the grass and prevent weeds. Companies that produce corn gluten meal suggest that when applying the product to a lawn, be sure to wear a mask to prevent dust particles from entering your body. Because it is derived from corn, you should not use it if you or a family member has an allergy to corn.

Corn gluten meal is also a major ingredient in the most well-known brands of dog food. While humans are warned not to ingest or breathe in this organic herbicide, it is being added to their pet’s food. Companies choose corn gluten meal as a main ingredient (listed in the top ten) because it is inexpensive, and can be used to replace higher quality products such as proteins, fruits, or vegetables. Frequent ingestion of corn gluten meal also causes allergic reactions, which is why corn and wheat are the top allergens for canines.

So next time you buy dog food, take a quick glance at the ingredients label. If you see corn gluten meal listed anywhere, it might be time to switch to a higher-quality food; your dog will thank you.

Dog Foods Containing Corn Gluten Meal:

-Purina Dog Chow (CGM listed as #4)

-Beneful (CGM listed as #2)

-Science Diet (CGM listed as #6)

-Alpo (CGM listed as #9)

-Pedigree (CGM listed as #3)

Whether to kennel your dog or not is an important decision that every owner faces at some point. The decision is one not to be taken lightly, and important factors must be considered: how your dog will react to being away from home, how long you will be away, and, of course, the cost involved with boarding a dog. Kenneling is not for every dog, but many people find it a convenient way to ensure that their dog is taken care of while they are out of town. There are many things you should look for, though, when finding a kennel that is right for you and your dog.

The most important thing to do when deciding on a boarding facility is to check out the grounds. If any kennel refuses to let you see where your dog will be kept, that is not the place for you; you could be placing your dog in danger by not ensuring the quality of the facility.

When inspecting the kennel, check for the cleanliness of the whole building, especially where the dogs play and sleep. You should also make sure the kennel is temperature controlled, to keep your dog comfortable and healthy, as well as well-lit and ventilated. Find out whether proof of vaccinations are necessary for boarding, as well, as that could keep your dog safe from unvaccinated animals.

You should also check the areas where the dogs will be exercising; make sure there is an indoor and outdoor facility, or ask if they dogs will be properly exercised in the case of no outdoor track. You also need to find out if the dogs are able to play with other dogs, and if so, if they are separated by size to ensure safety.

Questions about the employees should be your next step. Are they experienced with dog training and recognizing behaviors? Is there a vet or a vet tech on the staff to take control in case of emergencies? If your dog has medical problems and needs to be treated on a regular basis (such as with diabetes) or in an emergency, it is good to know that there is someone who knows how to take care of them.

Security should also be a high priority. Be sure to examine walls in any outdoor area, as well as any other barricades used to keep dogs in a safe area. Many kennels also have webcams set up, so you can check up on your dog and ensure he is being cared for.

Also ask about what can or needs to be provided. Some kennels use their own food and bedding for dogs, but you can usually bring a bed, food, a favorite toy, or an item of clothing that smells like you to make your dog more comfortable in a strange place. Feeding schedule is also important to most owners, so be sure that the kennel has a similar or adaptable schedule to accommodate what your dog is used to.

Finally, once you think you have settled on a boarding facility, test it out. Board your dog for a few days prior to you leaving, to make sure that there will not be any major problems with the kennel. If your dog still seems happy and healthy when you pick them up, this is the kennel for you!

Finding a kennel that works for you and your dog is important, so be sure to find one you like before you need it, and keep their number on hand in case of emergencies (such as an out-of-state funeral). Remember that kennels fill up fast around the holidays, so make plans to board your dog several months in advance.

Not everyone considers the dangers that lie in choosing the wrong dog food. Lately we have had many scares when it comes to products whose ingredients originate in China, containing contaminated meat products, or, even more frightening, no meat at all in products labeled as “beef.” Here are some simple things to look for when checking the ingredients on a potential food for your dog, in order to assure that you are feeding the very best to your faithful pooch.

Meat Content

Every food of quality will list a specific meat source as the first ingredient, and many list several specific meat sources in the first ten ingredients. While more meat is always better when it comes to feeding your dog or cat, be sure that your ingredients list a meal, as opposed to just the meat. This is because ingredients are listed according to weight, and meat is listed as its precooked weight, which includes about 70% water.

You should also be sure that a specific meat is listed. Things such as animal digest, meat meal, or meat and bone meal, can contain any sort of meat, including diseased animals, roadkill, or euthanized animals from shelters. With a specific meat, such as turkey meal, you know exactly what is put into your pet’s food.

Byproducts

If any ingredient is listed as a byproduct, that is a clear sign to stay away from that food. Byproducts can include feet, feathers, and hooves; all in all, not ingredients that can be easily broken down by your pet’s digestive system, and not something you would knowingly feed your dog or cat.

“Organic” Ingredients

Ingredients listed as organic sound like a good idea – free of chemicals and pesticides, that should be a sign that you are feeding your pet the very best. Unfortunately, these “organic” ingredients are usually corn, wheat, or soy – the top canine allergens. These grains are not a natural food for your dog or kitty, and can lead to health problems in the future. Of course, the word “organic” is not always bad – organic meats are a great way to feed your pet. It all depends on what the ingredient is.

Marketing and Packaging Scares

We have all seen them – the beautiful commercials listing dog and cat foods as “all-natural” and “filler-free.” Unfortunately, the happy dog running through the field is not necessarily an example of dogs that eat these foods. Don’t be fooled by commercials and expensive packaging, because that is exactly what you will be paying for. Be sure to check the ingredients, and determine for yourself if that particular food is safe for your pet.

Celebrity Endorsements

Going hand in hand with the high-priced marketing and packaging schemes is celebrity endorsements. Knowing a certain celebrity’s personal health mantra or the fact that they are a celebrity chef may not cross over to a product that they endorse or whose company they have a personal stake in. Recognizing the face on the bag should not be enough to prove that it is healthy for your cat and dog; be sure to read the ingredients list to ensure the quality of the food.

Old and Well-Known Foods

These are the foods that are fed by habit, the brands that you or your parents have fed your dogs or cats for years, without any noticeable health defects. Just because those animals have survived on grocery store food does not mean that they have thrived on them. There is a physical difference between dogs and cats fed high-quality food and those fed the old standby’s, including less dander, shinier coats, and smaller stools. Don’t automatically reach for that same old bag. Check the ingredients list for the healthier options, without unnecessary fillers found so frequently in grocery and box store foods.

Don’t Forget the Treats!

Many people will check multiple ingredients lists for their dog or cat food, but what about the treats? Several brands include ingredients – such as wheat, corn, and soy – that are not healthy for pets to eat. There are also preservatives and sugars in many treats that will diminish the health of your pet.

When it comes to treats and food, it is best to check the sources of the products. Many dog treats are made in China, creating issues of poor quality leading to poor health. Be just as vigilant with your pet’s treats as you are with their food, and you will be able to get them the healthiest snacks available.

In the upcoming weeks, you might notice some changes around Orion Healthy Pet – other than the constant rearranging of our shelves and products! To compliment our newest line of healthy pet products, we will be changing the name of the store – introducing Healthy Dogma!

Healthy Dogma is the name of our newest line of kelp-based supplements and healthy treats for dogs, and will soon be the name of the store, the newsletter (formerly Paw Print News), and our homemade dog food (formerly BirkDale PetMIx, it will now be Healthy Dogma PetMix). So keep an eye open for our new sign, and come in to check out our new kelp-based supplements, which include Itchin’ for Nirvana: Skin and Coat supplement, Chasing Karma: Joint Health Supplement, and Perfect Dharma: Health Care Supplement. There will also be new additions to the PetMix family in the upcoming weeks, including complete formulas (where no meat is necessary to add to the dehydrated mix).

There’s no need to worry about a change in quality, though, as we are still dedicated to bringing you the healthiest food, treats, and supplements for your dogs and cats. So stop on by the store and talk to us about our newest products, and check out the ways in which Healthy Dogma can help your pet!

Due to the successful adoption of several puppies at the last Pizza and Puppies event, Orion Healthy Pet and Chicago Brothers Pizza have decided to bring it back for the holidays!

They contacted Canine Companions Rescue Center, an Orion-based shelter whose purpose is to work with the community to promote the adoption of dogs without families. Canine Companions had been involved with Pizza and Puppies before, and loved the idea of giving puppies a home for the holidays.

The Pizza and Puppies event is scheduled for Saturday, December 17, and will be hosted at Orion Healthy Pet, located on Lapeer Road. This will be the fourth charitable event for Orion Healthy Pet this year, having raised thousands of dollars previously for Great Dane Rescue and been a part of getting eight puppies adopted last November. Orion Healthy Pet has also decided to give away a free 5 lbs. bag of Fromm Puppy Food to every family that takes home a loving new pet that day.

Canine Companions will be bringing the puppies for adoption. They are a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation founded in 2004 with the goal of rescuing dogs with good family potential who have been given a bad lot in life.

Chicago Brothers Pizza, serving Lake Orion and Oxford areas since January of 1989, will supply the delicious food for the Pizza and Puppies event, dishing up plenty of warm – and free – pizza to those who attend. The event is open to the public, and all three organizations welcome walk-ins to play with the puppies and take one home.

For more information, contact Orion Healthy Pet: 1472 S Lapeer Rd, Lake Orion, 248-690-7796.

Holiday season is here, and with it comes snow, family, and decorations. While you may be having a blast catching up with cousins and eating your aunt’s famous dessert, your dog or cat could be in serious danger from Christmas lights, strange foods, and people he does not know. Here are some tips to make your holidays safe and fun for you and your pets.

1. Table scraps– If you are hosting the festivities, be sure to tell yourguests not to feed the animals. You never know how much they are eating, or what their little snacks consist of. Be on the watch 
   especially for these foods:
   1. Chocolate
   2. Onions
   3. Grapes/raisins
   4. Cooked bones
   5. Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
   6. Alcohol
2. Garbage – Be sure to keep the garbage in a cupboard or other place that is out of reach of the animals, and be sure to take it outside immediately to avoid any accidents.
3. Antifreeze – even a little bit is toxic to cats and dogs, so be sure that there is no chance of your pets coming into contact with it.
4. Decorations– Christmas lights and tinsel may be beautiful, but they are dangerous attractions for your pet. Dogs and cats will chew on electric cords and suffer electrical shock, and tinsel can get stuck in intestinal tracts, causing some serious vet bills. You should also be aware of where you are placing other decorations, such as:
   1. Candles
   2. Artificial snow
   3. Fasteners (staples, glue, hooks, etc.)
   4. Poisonous plants (holly, ivy, Christmas Cactus, mistletoe, poinsettia)
5. Tree – There can be several dangers on your Christmas tree. Be aware of where you are placing ornaments and other decorations, keeping lights and glass pieces away from the bottom of the tree. Be sure to securely anchor your tree, so kitty cannot climb into it and knock it over, and stay away from edible ornaments such as popcorn or cranberry strands. You should also be sure to keep dogs and cats away from the water feeding your tree, as it can contain harmful pesticides, fertilizers, and antifreeze.
6. Travel – If you are planning on celebrating the holidays at someone else’s house, be sure to have your dog secured in the car, either in a crate or with a buckling leash. If your dog does not travel well or youare going someplace that is not dog friendly, consider boarding. Be sure to investigate your options carefully before choosing a boarder.

Orion Healthy Pet is having a Black Friday Sale! This Friday through Saturday, we are having some outrageous deals to help you stock up for the holidays! This is only for a limited time, so be sure to make it by on Friday or Saturday to get the best dog food around!

Sales only valid Friday and Saturday, November 25-26.

Churpi Chews are long-lasting, natural dog chews that are made in the Himalayas. Originally made by the people of Nepal as a snack for humans, it has been discovered by the canine community, and they cannot get enough of it.

Made from organic ingredients, Churpi Chews are derived from boiling yak or cow milk with a citric-acid additive (such as lime juice) that will separate the curds. These curds are then tightly packed into a stick form, and dried for several weeks. This makes the curds hard, creating a dog chew that lasts for a long time and tastes delicious.

Knowing about the need for healthier dog treats in America, they decided to start up a company, based around the ideal of bringing natural treats to dogs. They struck up a deal with the farmers who have been making Chiurpi for years, and help them make the same amount of money in one year that they would have made in five.

Himalayan Dog Chew prides themselves in the quality treat that they provide, being sure to test it in American laboratories to ensure that it does not include harmful bacteria or bacterial growth. The end result is a treat that you can feel good about giving your dog.

As with any new toy or treat, be sure to watch your dog when first giving them a Churpi Chew. These treats should provide hours of entertainment, and if your dog is quickly going through it, it may be best to take it away for a while. Because it is made with milk products, Himalayan Churpi Chews may not be good for dogs with sensitive stomachs, such as lactose intolerance.