How to give your dog a ‘Spring Clean’ naturally – from the inside, out!
After a long, dark, cold and muddy winter, we’re all starting to get into that spring spirit. And it wouldn’t be spring without a traditional ‘spring clean’. We recently highlighted ways to spring clean the home in a pet-safe way, and so it’s only right that we now look at ways that we can give our beloved pups a good spring clean, both on the inside and out.
Keep your dog clean is not only essential for their own health and happiness, but it’s beneficial to you (and your home!) as the owner, and it’s a great way to bond with your dog and show that you really care.
A good spring clean for the inside
1) Raw food for optimal digestion
As we well know, raw dog food is naturally biologically appropriate and supportive of optimal digestion, detoxification, and other bodily functions. The high-quality protein and natural, nutritional ingredients found in Nutriment recipes are perfect for supporting canine health and keeping their ‘insides’ in tip-top condition.
Expert formulations and carefully selected ingredients in Nutriment recipes mean that there is much less waste due to the omission of inappropriate ingredients, and so dogs’ digestive tracts remain in good, clean shape.
Check out our 3 most popular starter packs below:
2) Mineral moor mud
Nutriment’s Leo & Wolf Mineral Moor Mud supplement is designed specifically to support digestive and immune health.
Mineral Moor Mud is one of nature's oldest products and a traditional household remedy. It naturally contains humic and fulvic acids which support gastrointestinal activity by binding and flushing out harmful substances in the intestines. In addition, humic acids form a protective barrier to the intestinal mucosa and have appetite-stimulating properties.
Humic acids can also be used to support the digestive tract in animals and optimise faecal texture and consistency.
Simply add to your dog's meal!
3) Fresh water
It might seem obvious, but we couldn’t talk about keeping your dog in ideal health without talking about hydration
Just like humans, dogs need to stay well hydrated to support the metabolic processes and chemical reactions that take place inside their bodies, including their natural detoxification process. To support their kidneys to dispose of waste and toxins, make sure your dog has 24/7 access to fresh, cool water.
It's important to note that raw dog food is naturally higher in moisture level than dry kibble alternatives (approximately 70%:20% respectively), so dogs will automatically be better hydrated from food when fed a raw diet. Because of this, you will notice that your dog drinks less water when fed a raw diet. This is absolutely normal, but they will still need access to fresh water as standard.
Doggy spring cleaning for the outside
Regular grooming and external maintenance is often necessary for most dogs, especially those with complex coat requirements, and those who have a soft spot for swimming and mud diving!
Are you being thorough enough with your dog’s hygiene habits though? Perhaps springtime is the best time to sharpen up on your cleaning skills and ensure your combatting all areas of your dog’s external health to keep them in best shape.
Skin & coat
Using a gentle, natural and effective shampoo on your dog’s coat is essential for maintaining its health, as well as keeping it looking and smelling great. We recommend a brand such as For All Dogkind, which specialises in natural ingredients with additional benefits and absolutely no nasties such as sulphates, parabens and petrochemicals.
Ears
Ears can be very sensitive parts of the body, and can easily become blocked with wax and dirt that can be difficult for a dog to remove himself. Gentle products are essential for dealing with doggy ears that need cleaning. We recommend AniForte Ear Cleaning Pads, which contain soothing aloe vera, for the gentle removal of wax and dirt from the outer ear canal.
Eyes
Some breeds of dog are prone to ‘streaming’ eyes and eyes that are sensitive and easily clogged with dirt. Ensuring your dog’s eyes are clean and tidy is essential for a happy and healthy pup. We recommend AniForte Cleaning Pads for Eyes which contain soothing aloe vera and are ideal for gentle cleansing of the eye area.
Teeth
Raw dog food and raw meaty bones (like marrow bones) both contribute to optimal oral health (and teeth hygiene!) due to the presence of bone and other natural abrasive materials that keep nasty plaque at bay. Additionally, cleaning products such as AniForte Denta Clean Care Fingerpads provide extra cleaning power to keep teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
Paws
Unsurprisingly, our dogs’ paws can easily become dirty, smelly and sometimes sore. Ensuring that they are well groomed and clean is essential for them to exercise and use up energy comfortably. As well as regular cleaning with dog-safe cleaning products, we recommend AniForte Paw Protection Balm. This deep-acting nourishing treatment helps cracked and dry paw pads get back to ideal condition.
Given your pup a pamper and spring cleaned them this month? We’d love to see! Share on social media and tag us @NutrimentRaw!
