Turmeric Golden Paste Recipe

 Turmeric is well known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is important to choose your turmeric wisely and a good supplier will be able to tell you the curcumin percentage which ideally should between 3-5%. The two other important ingredients are coconut oil for better absorption and freshly ground black pepper which contains a substance called Piperine. Studies show that the inclusion of piperine increases the uptake of curcumin.

A blog on choosing turmeric powder can be found here : https://hedgerowhounds.co.uk/news/turmeric-how-to-choose-wisely

You will need:

Half a cup (65g) turmeric powder

One cup water

Quarter cup (30g) Coconut oil

Quarter teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

Saucepan

Clean glass jar

How to:

Place half a cup of turmeric powder into a saucepan and add one cup of water. Gently stir over a low heat for approximately 5 minutes until it forms a paste. Adding more water if necessary.

Take off the heat and add the coconut oil and freshly ground black pepper, stirring to combine the ingredients.

When cool, pour into a clean glass jar with a lid, store in the fridge, and use within 2-3 weeks or it will deteriorate.

Amount to feed:

Start with a small amount stirred into the food or offered from a spoon, then over a few days build up to a suggested dose of half a teaspoon a day per 10kg of bodyweight. It is possible to reduce the dosage over time and also recommended that it is not fed every day long term but rotated with other natural remedies.

Caution:

Consult a veterinary surgeon if your dog is on medication and remove from the diet 3 weeks before and one week after any surgical procedures as turmeric can affect blood clotting.  

Come and join us on Facebook @HedgerowHounds or Instagram hedgerow_hounds for more recipes and holistic healthcare advice.   

Your Dogs Dental Health

Keeping your dogs’ teeth clean and in good health is so important for their overall health and long-term wellbeing.

What is the difference between Plaque & Tartar? Plaque is a build-up of saliva, food, and bacteria that forms on the teeth, eventually turning into a brown hard substance, known as tartar. Tartar causes damage to the teeth and gums and can lead to gingivitis. The resulting bacteria can enter the bloodstream and damage the kidneys, liver, and heart.

Health dangers of a build-up of plaque, tartare, and gum disease. The bacteria that`s formed in an unhealthy mouth can travel via the bloodstream to the heart and circulatory system. This bacteria can cause heart and bowel disease and affect the immune system. There is also the added risk and expense of dogs having to receive a general anaesthetic for teeth cleaning, which is something we want to avoid if possible, particularly when caring for elderly dogs or those with other underlying health complications.

The Dental Hygiene blend has been made to improve oral health, loosen hardened tartar, prevent or greatly slow down the build-up of tartar and plaque, and assist in the maintenance of teeth and gums which is particularly useful in elderly dogs, that perhaps can no longer have a general anaesthetic.

The link to buy Hedgerow Hounds Dental Hygiene Blend is https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/products/dental-hygiene

There is also a blog all about dental hygiene blend here https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/news/dental-hygiene-formula

Other ways to speed up tartar removal and prevent further build-up.

• Feeding abrasive size-appropriate recreational raw bones and natural chews.

• Toothbrushing or cleaning with a lint cloth

Signs of tooth pain, gum disease, or mouth infection:

• Eating less, hesitancy to eat, favouring soft food over hard, dropping food and much slower eating than normal.

• Bad breath, red swollen gums, discoloured teeth.

• Inability or reluctance to open their mouth.

• Blood on gums, bedding, or toys.

• Scratching at their face or swelling and heat along the tooth line.

70% of dogs over 3 years of age have some form of dental disease. Small breeds such as toy Poodles, Cavalier King Charles, Schnauzers, and the Brachycephalic breeds are particularly prone and in larger breeds, the Greyhound is predisposed to tooth and gum disease.

Hedgerow Hounds makes veterinary-formulated supplements for dogs. The company was founded and is owned by a qualified holistic canine therapist with 30 years of experience in holistic dog care and nutrition.

Dental Hygiene Formula

The dental hygiene formula for dogs has been created to clean tartar and plaque from the teeth and to improve the overall health and hygiene of the mouth and gums. Although this blend’s main aim is to improve oral health there are so many benefits to feeding this supplement for improving all aspects of health and optimal wellbeing.

The blend is made up of ingredients of the highest human-grade food quality.

The Seaweed used is a certified Organic Fucus vesiculosus Seaweed. It is traceable to the precise location of harvest, from remote areas of the British Isles and Nordic region, so you can thoroughly trust the purity and source.

High quality, pollution-free seaweed is highly nutritious and offers your dog the following benefits:

• An effective prebiotic, high in antioxidants.

• High levels of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, antioxidants & omega fatty acids.

• Iodine for optimum thyroid function.

• Improves skin, coat, and nail health and loss of pigmentation.

• Improved oral health by preventing or aiding in the removal of tartar and plaque formation. Seaweed has antibacterial properties to act against harmful bacteria in the mouth and alongside the other ingredients used greatly aid in disease prevention of teeth and gums.

Fennel is added for its ability to inhibit the build-up of plaque due to its high levels of polyphenols. Fennel can also reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast. It has good levels of manganese, magnesium, Iron, calcium, and fibre. It also helps ease any intestinal gas and aids in digestion.

Oregano has powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial actions. All these properties assist in creating good oral health and helping to ease issues such as gingivitis. Due to Oregano’s high levels of antioxidants, it is also effective at balancing the gut bacteria.

What is it good for? This dental hygiene for dogs has been specifically created with oral health in mind. It can help remove the build-up of plaque and tartar, and create a healthier environment in the mouth so issues are less likely to occur. If your dog has a serious dental issue that requires veterinary intervention the blend can be used afterwards to aid in the prevention of further disease and hopefully eliminate the need for another tooth clean under anaesthetic, which is particularly important when caring for senior dogs or those with other health problems.

How to use: There are several options for using this dental blend depending on the current health of your dogs mouth and the amount of tartar you are aiming to reduce.

As with any new supplement, it is recommended that you gradually introduce the blend over 5 days. If your dog has a visible build-up of tartare, stained teeth, bad breath, and inflamed gums then it is suggested that the suggested amount is fed over the space of approximately 15 weeks, although you may see a marked improvement well before then. All the amounts to feed are dependent on your dog’s body weight and are stated on the labelling of the product.

If your dog already has clean teeth and good oral health and you would like to keep it that way as they age, then the initial “loading” amount over several weeks isn`t necessary. It is suggested that you feed the full amount for 6 weeks and then drop down to half that amount for maintenance. As an example, a 35kg Labrador would have half a teaspoon (approx. 2g of the powder) daily for 6 weeks, after this time the amount given can be halved if required to a quarter teaspoon (1g) for 5-7 days a week.

If at any time you see discolouring of the teeth, the amount can then of course be increased again to the maximum amount of half a teaspoon for that particular body weight. Each dog is an individual and the rate of plaque formation will vary depending on breed, age, diet and lifestyle so initially it may take a little while to find the exact amount that is suited to your dog.

Can I speed up the removal of hard tartar? Yes, you can speed up the process if there is hard tartare or a build-up in certain areas. Abrasive natural chews or size-appropriate recreational raw bones will help lift the tartar. Teeth cleaning with a toothbrush or lint cloth to ease any loosening tartar away. You may find there is often a stained area at the very top of the canine tooth nearest to the gum line which bones and chews can`t reach. This can be removed with a lint cloth or toothbrush once the supplement has been used for a couple of months.

Important message for certain health concerns:

Due to seaweed’s naturally occurring iodine content, it is not suitable for dogs that are undergoing veterinary treatment for hyperthyroidism or on thyroid medication. Also, avoid feeding this blend to pregnant and lactating females until the litter is weaned.

Hedgerow Hounds makes veterinary-formulated supplements for dogs. The company was founded and is owned by a qualified holistic canine therapist with 30 years of experience in holistic dog care and nutrition.

Holistic Dog Care Consultation

Sometimes we encounter a problem with our dog that requires additional expert help. These can be age-related, caused by anxiety or hyperactivity, dietary or a combination of factors which your dog is struggling with.

Caroline is a qualified canine therapist, with 30 years of experience in holistic healthcare, complementary therapies and feeding a fresh food diet.

These are some of the areas that will be covered in the consultation:

Diet. Is your dog thriving on their current diet, or would they benefit from a few changes?

Exercise. Is the exercise that your dog gets suitable for their age, fitness or mobility?

Holistic Lifestyle. This would include your dog’s daily routine & the things they find challenging.

Medication. If your dog is on medication, this may need to be taken into account, so as not to interfere with its effectiveness.

If you would like to discuss the problems you are experiencing with your dog, then a consultation with Caroline can help put you and your dog back on the right track. The consultation also comes with the option of a bespoke herbal blend and a discount code for use on the shop.

Here is the link: https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/products/consultation

Caroline Hearn

MICHT. IIHHT. Dip.ICAT. ISCP.Dip.Canine Nutrition

Canine Enrichment Herb Garden

A book celebrating the love of dogs, the beauty of herbs, and the wonders of nature.

 

My first book is about a topic I am deeply passionate about and that has been an interest of mine for many years. It is written from a holistic approach to creating an enrichment space, using knowledge gained over the past 35 years and given to me by my greatest teachers: the dogs themselves. 

So, what exactly is an enrichment garden, and why should we create one?

An enrichment garden offers dogs the freedom to move and explore at their own pace, without human interference or direction. This can be a dedicated space or incorporated into our existing garden. It encourages natural behaviours and curiosity, rather than learned responses, allowing dogs to be themselves without pressure to respond to our expectations of what they should be doing. The space will include herbs, textures underfoot, and aromas for the dog to interact with, as well as to move their body in a therapeutic way to calm the nervous system and improve mobility.

There is a section on providing enrichment for dogs with specific needs, such as the elderly, blind, or disabled dogs, as well as puppies.

Importantly, there is a chapter on ways we can benefit from this beautiful space, too.

The area we are going to create for our dogs can provide the following:

•  An outlet for instinctual behaviours such as sniffing, foraging, grazing, problem solving, digging, and exploring; all fantastic for reducing stress, frustration, and lowering anxiety.

•  Mental stimulation with scent from the environment and additional items such as snuffle mats and interactive toys.

•  A sensory experience with scent, sound, and texture underfoot. The garden will constantly change because of plant growth, weather conditions, seasonal changes, and what wildlife has visited the garden. Every day will offer something a little different.

•  Encouragement of natural movement without our influence or expectations.  

•  Building confidence in themselves as the effects of sniffing and exploring lower the stress hormones and make the world seem a less scary place.

•  By going through a natural range of movements over varying textures and terrains, we are encouraging the dog to work all their body systems.

• Enhanced well-being and quality of life.

• A space that is appealing to look at, and that we enjoy spending time in with our dog.

We explore the many herbs that are suitable and safe for the herb garden, whether you choose to plant them in pots or directly into the ground.

With so many dog-friendly herbs to choose from, there is an extensive list in the book, as well as plants to avoid. Many are hardy and evergreen, so will provide interest all year round. If you have a small space and want to create an enrichment area in pots, then that is covered too.

Providing texture and varying terrain is also important, and how the dog’s body adapts and processes the information that is being fed back to them as they travel over hard and soft ground, slopes, and step over small obstacles.

Adding in texture, such as shingle, wood chippings, moss, mat-forming herbs, textured pathways, and sand, all add to the sensory experience.

Everything is covered to help you easily build your own enrichment garden. Important topics such as the choice of herbs, adding interactive items like snuffle mats, choosing planters and pots, soil health, the importance of a chemical-free lawn, and ways to embrace nature with your dog throughout the seasons.

Learn how simple adaptations in your garden can provide a sensory experience as well as therapeutic movement.

The book is available on Amazon as an e-Book or paperback on the link below: Here is the link https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FHKYK5T9

Or there are often paperbacks on the shop to buy. https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/products/canine-enrichment-herb-garden-book

Hedgerow Hounds handmakes veterinary-formulated supplements for dogs. The company is run by a qualified canine therapist with 30 years of experience in holistic dog care & nutrition.

Digest and Rest

What does Digest & Rest help with? Digest & Rest was created to help dogs that suffer from digestive upset, constipation, and nausea. It is also ideal for managing anal gland problems. If your dog has a very sensitive digestion, then this blend is ideal if you are intending to make any changes to the diet and will make any transitions much smoother.

It has a very neutral taste and smell, so it will not be off-putting to even the fussiest dog and can be “hidden” in tasty food for the really suspicious, picky eater.

Here are a list of some of the ingredients in Digest & Rest and why they were specially chosen.

Marshmallow - Marshmallow root contains around 35% mucilage, which is a slippery substance to ease irritation of the mucous membranes. This makes it ideal to soothe an irritated throat, gut discomfort or tummy troubles. It is also invaluable for managing reflux and hunger nausea, which can occur just after eating or in the early hours of the morning when the dog’s stomach is empty. Marshmallows’ strongest affinities are with the digestive system, respiratory and urinary tracts.

Chamomile - Chamomile is chosen for its antispasmodic properties as well stimulating digestion as it is quite bitter tasting. Chamomile is also relaxing, so helps if the upset tummy is caused by an anxious, excitable, stressed mind.

Fennel - Fennel is useful for expelling intestinal gas and helping to ease stomach cramps.

Psyllium husks - Psyllium are husks from the Plantago ovata species. They provide a form of soluble fibre which when in contact with water, forms a soothing gel which passes through the digestive tract. The husks add bulk to the stools and help with constipation, diarrhoea and aids in the correct emptying of anal glands. Psyllium is also a useful prebiotic to encourage good gut bacteria.

How to use: Digest & Rest is a very versatile blend to use and you can adapt it to suit your specific dog’s needs. The measured amount can be added to wet food and stirred in, and for dried food, it is recommended that you add a splash of water to the powder and stir it into a paste before incorporating it into the food.

For supporting nausea. If your main reason for choosing this blend is to support reflux or perhaps your dog is recovering from a cough, there are several ways to use this blend for maximum effect. If the powder is made into a thick paste with a little warm water, this starts to release the mucilage, which will coat the mouth and oesophagus as it is consumed. You can try adding this paste to the food, or alternatively, some dogs benefit from a tiny meal or snack with Digest & Rest shortly before the main meal is given, so experiment with this to see what most benefits your dog. Small snacks could include a raw egg, plain cottage cheese, natural live yoghurt or a splash of goats’ milk.

For support with hunger pukes. Some dogs can experience hunger nausea in the early hours of the morning and may bring up some frothy, slimy vomit or start to retch as they experience an uncomfortable nausea. As long as they are well in themselves and have no other symptoms to suggest something more serious is going on, then feeding a very small meal or snack in the evening, which contains the Digest & Rest, can often ease these symptoms overnight and into the early hours. Small snacks can be those listed above or a tiny portion of their main meal set aside for this purpose.

Happy Customer Review

“Our French bulldog now sleeps all night, without the constant air licking, coughing, retching and regurgitation. I never want to be without Digest & Rest” Happy dog and happy owner.

A beautiful blend of herbs, roots, and seeds specifically to soothe the gut, aid digestion, and help anal gland issues.

All our products are veterinary formulated, but should not be used instead of consulting your vet should your dog have a health problem.

Hedgerow Hounds is owned by a qualified holistic canine therapist with 30 years of experience in healthcare and nutrition, and the blends are formulated by a veterinarian.

TURKEY TERRINE

This recipe can be made as a raw or cooked terrine.

A recipe that can be used as a celebratory treat for your dog on Christmas day.

Choose lean meat, as any fats will be released whilst cooking and make the terrine oily and only cook with a bone-free mince.

Ingredients

1lb raw minced bone free turkey or free range chicken.                

 2 free range eggs, beaten                                                                                                                      

200g of cooked, well drained, seasonal vegetables  (parsnip, carrot, broccoli, kale etc)                                                                                     

50g of  boiled, sweet potato (mashed or thinly sliced)                                                                                        

1 tablespoon of Hedgerow Hounds herbal blend.                                                    

Optional- 150g of chopped chicken livers

How to make

Line a loaf tin with baking parchment or lightly grease with coconut oil.

Transfer the meat and optional liver into a large mixing bowl and stir in the beaten eggs to combine.

Pour half the mixture into the tin, levelling off and pressing down firmly with the back of a large spoon. Place a layer of chopped vegetables, then pour in the remaining meat mix, firming down as before.

Bake in the centre of a preheated oven at 180c for approximately 45 minutes.

Remove from the oven and leave for a few minutes. While still warm, gently drain off any excess oil that may be trapped in the tin. Set aside for 30 minutes until cool. It is easier to divide into individual portions if the loaf is placed in the fridge before slicing.

The loaf will keep in the fridge for 5-7 days or you could make it in advance, pop it in the freezer and defrost the day before use.  

It will provide a nutritious, tasty, moist meal for your dogs to enjoy.

www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk