The dog food recall of 2007 could be considered a “blessing in disguise,” with America’s domestic animals catapulted to even higher levels of pampering thanks to the recall by Menu Foods. It appears that many Baltimore dog owners have resorted to feeding their pets organic pet food, homemade pet food, leftovers from the table or a raw diet.
Many have witnessed an overall improvement in their pet’s health with fewer allergies resulting in better skin and coat appearance. In the words of famed astronaut Neil Armstrong, “That’s one small step for man.” The recall was just a starting point in recognizing the numerous factors that contribute to a dog’s overall health.
Over the past twenty years the number of people suffering from chronic diseases has increased considerably. Proper functioning of the body can be hindered by toxins that originate from a variety of sources including chemicals found in our everyday lives. They can be found in cleaning products we use in our homes, products we use on our pets and ourselves, insecticides we use around the house, and the drugs that we ingest.
A dog’s body and their excretion pathway may be able to counteract these negative influences over a period of time, but may become overwhelmed by long-term exposure.
When not properly eliminated, the toxins will build up and negatively affect the body’s metabolism in a variety of ways, such as weakening the immune system, nervous system, hormonal system, vital organs, cellular respiration, antioxidant system and mucosal surfaces. Many diseases are directly related to the body’s incapacity to rid itself of toxins.
Have you ever noticed the strong smell as you walk down the cleaning aisle of your local super¬market? Lurking in the boxes and plastic bottles are unexpected caustic and carcinogenic agents. Catherine Baker of Millersville noticed symptoms of wheezing and shortness of breath in her Toy Poodle, Jasmine, shortly after sprinkling a carpet deodorizer on her rugs. She rushed her dog to the vet’s office. “I was never so scared; the reaction was almost immediate,” says Catherine, now a devout user of organic cleaning products. “Before, I never thought how close a dog comes to these products, but when you think about it, they are always sniffing the ground.”
I know you have seen this yourself. You’ve just finished cleaning your home (with a product that instructs you to open a window for ventilation while using it) and you
feel lightheaded. These fumes produced are indoor air pollution, lingering long after you’ve finished cleaning. And where do these particles fall? They fall on the floor and can be inhaled, as your dog’s nose is always in close contact with the floor; or ingested, as he may lick his paws after walking on the floor.
Specialty markets like Whole Foods, Roots Market and The Fresh Market have long stocked cleaning products that are pet safe, cruelty free and environmentally friendly. One natural product line, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Pet Products, makes all of their pet products with the organic and essential oils of Clary Sage and Chamomile, to calm and soothe Fido. We all know some dogs use the toilet as the occasional water bowl, but do we think about the residuals from chemicals found in toxic cleaners? BioKleen makes a soy-based toilet cleanser that works like a dream and does no harm to the waterways or your pet.
One might not think that something as simple as the detergent we use to launder our dog’s bedding can be an irritant. Sleeping on a bed that had been washed with a traditional detergent can trigger allergies in dogs. Even the fragrances and gases that are produced from dryer sheets can contribute to allergies and irritations. Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder (my personal favorite) is made with a unique blend of biodegradable coconut-based detergents and high-grade, completely soluble, Green River washing soda.
Wendy Steele, Keys Soap founder and CEO, is no stranger to the problems that can be caused by the chemicals used in skin care products. As a skin cancer survivor, Wendy believes the “Dirty Dozen ” chemicals found in most products age, dry and disfigure.
She and co-founder husband, Bob Root, state that 50 percent of all pet skin disorders are misdiagnosed and are caused by chemicals in the environment. Unfortunately, these are chemicals that can be found in pet care and house¬hold products.
Keys began as an all-natural therapeutic skin health product line five years ago, but a near tragedy for Wendy and her Bichon Frise led to the formulation of the Keys Pet Care line of products.
Upon returning from a groomer in Florida, her dog Disney was white and fluffy. A few minutes later she noticed him scratching. It escalated to pulling out his fur to a point where he began bleeding. She put him in a tub and wet him down. Wendy was shocked to see his skin bright red and inflamed. She thought it had something to do with some product that the groomer used, going back to find out what they had used on Disney. It was an experimental whitening (or bluing) shampoo designed to make dogs look whiter. No label and no ingredients prompted Wendy to ask for a sample.
Wendy then had the product analyzed and found it contained a 35 percent solution of a surfactant known as Sodium Laureth Sulfate (number one on the Dirty Dozen list). According to a National Institutes of Health document, a concentration of 18 percent could “kill a small animal.” This was the impetus for the birth of the Keys Pet Care product family.
In Linthicum, Keys makes a full line of pet care products that are all natural, chemical-free and designed to help pets with skin allergies, disorders and hot spots. Keys pet products contain pharmaceutical grade herbs and ingredients like healing Neem and Karanja oil.
Wendy has become an advocate, lobbying the pet care industry and even facing Congress to require that pet care manufacturers fully disclose their ingredients on their labels. Check out the Dirty Dozen (below ) to see what dangers lurk in the products you may be using on yourself and your pet. Also, when going to your
groomer, make sure you know what they are using or take your pet’s own shampoo.
Our quest for a greener clean takes us outdoors where our family dog spends much time romping through our flowerbeds and rolling on our lawns. Most yard and garden pesticides available today are synthesized chemicals. Dog owners should become aware of the identity and toxic nature of pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides and disinfectants) that may be applied in or around their homes. Owners must realize that these chemical products can be as deadly to your dogs as they are to pests. Many of these pesticides have been associated with health and environmental hazards.
A botanical insecticide made from canola oil and pyrethrum offers a broad spectrum of coverage — meaning it kills both good and bad bugs. Among the all-natural fungicide options, Bacillus subtilis packs a lot of bang for your buck. Not only does the bacterium prevent fungal disease, but it also controls existing plant diseases. The newest of botanical insecticides are those derived from the seeds of the Neem tree. Recently, Neem has received a lot of attention because it is so safe for humans and pets.
You can now pamper your lawn without the poisons typically associated with lawn services, thanks to Maryland companies like NaturaLawn of America and Lawn Wright Organic Lawns. Both companies’ IPM (Integrated Pest Management) systems start deep in the soil, using organic elements that steadily restore your soil, making it fertile again. All products used are safe for humans, pets and the environment, while still being effective.
Just remember, one small, green step taken can make a difference in the overall health of you, your dog and the environment.
THE ‘DIRTY DOZEN’ CHEMICALS
An enemy of skin health is chemicals present in everyday skin care and household products. This ‘Dirty Dozen’ was developed in Marin County, California because they had the highest cancer rates in the United States. These chemicals are found in more than 85 percent of all pet care products and are believed to contribute to many skin disorders and elevated cancer rates among people and pets. We believe that more than 50 percent of pet skin disorders are caused by one or more of these chemicals. We support the advocacy who seek to have them banned. Keys products contain none of these or any other man-made chemicals.
CHEMICAL: Sodium/Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
PRESENT IN: Shampoo, conditioner, whiteners, laundry detergents and carpet cleaner
HEALTH CONCERN: Alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin
CHEMICAL: Parabens
PRESENT IN: Shampoos, conditioners, whiteners, lotions, insect repellents — most skin care products
HEALTH CONCERN: May cause skin irritation, rash or
dermatitis or allergic skin reactions
CHEMICAL: Propylene Glycol
PRESENT IN: Shampoos, conditioners, whiteners, lotions, insect repellents and most liquid skin/hair care products
HEALTH CONCERN: Alters skin structure, skin irritant, causes allergic reactions
CHEMICAL: Phthalates
PRESENT IN: Fragrance, hair spray, hair gel, lotions
HEALTH CONCERN: Damage the liver, kidneys, lungs
CHEMICAL: Cocamide DEA/Lauramide DEA
PRESENT IN: Shampoo, body wash, cleansers, bath oils, liquid soap, bar soap, moisturizer
HEALTH CONCERN: May form carcinogenic compounds called nitrosamines
CHEMICAL: Diazolidinyl Urea
PRESENT IN: Fragrances, shampoo, conditioner, pain relief rubs and ointments
HEALTH CONCERN: Impurities linked to cancer or other significant health problems
CHEMICAL: Butyl Acetate
PRESENT IN: Nail polish and nail treatments
HEALTH CONCERN: Repeated exposure causes skin dryness and cracking
CHEMICAL: Butylated Hydroxytoluene
PRESENT IN: Fragrances, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizers and lotions.
HEALTH CONCERN: Eye and skin irritant
CHEMICAL: Ethyl Acetate
PRESENT IN: Perfume, fragrance and whiteners
HEALTH CONCERN: Eye and skin irritant
CHEMICAL: Toluene
PRESENT IN: Nail polish and hair dyes
HEALTH CONCERN: Potentially cancer causing, liver damage, irritating to the skin and respiratory tract
CHEMICAL: Triethanolamine
PRESENT IN: Shampoos, lotions, creams, soaps
HEALTH CONCERN: May form carcinogenic compounds called nitrosamines on the skin or in the body after absorption — among the most potent cancer-causing agents found
Many have witnessed an overall improvement in their pet’s health with fewer allergies resulting in better skin and coat appearance. In the words of famed astronaut Neil Armstrong, “That’s one small step for man.” The recall was just a starting point in recognizing the numerous factors that contribute to a dog’s overall health.
