We are very close to our Spring Specialty (February 4, 2017)!

Very few people realize how much work goes into putting on the shows. I would like thank all of our members for everything they do; from taking a judge out on a nice day in Atlanta, ordering ribbons, picking out and purchasing our wonderful prizes, taking our minutes, doing our newsletter, hosting our Christmas party, Hosting and working at our fun day, keeping our books in order, and there is so much more I’m not mentioning. It takes everyone to make our club successful. Right now we have so many committees of one but if push comes to shove - we will all be there to help each other.

This is the last newsletter before our specialty. Brenda and I plan to be at the show site Friday after BIS to skirt the tables and get ready for our Special Day Saturday February 4th. Brenda and I will be back early Saturday morning to set up the auction tables and get ready for the show. Anyone that plans to help us set up please email me at Playerscav@aol.com or call me at 770-905-5622.

Please note that the next meeting will be held on February, 7th at 7pm. Sharon will send out a notice prior to the meeting. Don’t forget you need to attend 6 functions to remain eligible for Breeder Referral – this is the beginning of the year get your 6 functions in before you have to scramble at the end of the year. Reminder - we will not have a show in October as the show site is being renovated.

If you have any suggestions for a speaker please let me know and we will reach out to set up a time that they can share with us at a meeting.

If you have not sent in your 2017 dues please go online (www.ckcscatlanta.org) and pay them through PayPal or mail them to Sharon Utych.

You can always reach me at 770-905-5622 – if I don’t answer leave a message or text me and I will get back with you just as quick as I can.

Paula Ayers, President

Membership & Breeder Referral Renewal

This month, you received in the mail a renewal package and year-end information from the club. Included in the package will be a 2017 renewal form, 2017 breeder referral renewal form, and a Trophy Donation form. If you are a current associate member, you must renew as an associate member. If you are a current regular member (voting member), you can renew as a regular member.

If you are renewing your breeder referral, please make sure you have qualified by attending 6 club functions this past year, which you need to indicate on the renewal form.

If you have not yet renewed your 2017 membership with the club, please send it in via mail or you can renew online on our website at: http://www.ckcscatlanta.org/2017-membership-renewal

When you're feeling under the weather, you might find that the perfect thing for treating what ails you is something you already have in the kitchen. Did you know that you can use similar, simple home remedies to treat allergies in dogs, ailments in dogs, and other canine annoyances, too? with some simple home remedies too? Below you will find seven great natural remedies for making your dog happy and healthy again, whether they are suffering from allergies, dehydration, fleas, and more.

1. Vitamin E for Dogs with Dry Skin

Have you ever wondered how to treat dry skin on dogs? Vitamin E is good for preventing those pesky age lines on your face, and it's also great for your dog's dry skin. You can give your pup a doggy massage by applying vitamin E oil directly to the skin, a soaking bath with vitamin E added to the water, or you can go all "Hollywood" and pop your dog a pill (of vitamin E, that is).

If you give the vitamin orally, check with your vet on the recommended dosage for your specific dog breed.

2. Electrolyte-Replacing Liquids for Diarrhea and Vomiting

Flavorless electrolyte-replacing liquids, such as sports waters or pediatric drinks, not only help athletes to replenish fluids, and babies to re-hydrate after an illness, they can also supply your sick pooch's body with much needed fluids after a bout of diarrhea or vomiting.

Consult your veterinarian as to the appropriate dosage amounts when giving these types of liquids to your dog.

3. Yogurt and Acidophilus for Dogs

Deliciously plain yogurt is a healthy treat for your dog. Just as with humans, the live acidophilus in the yogurt keeps the good bacteria in your dog's intestines in balance, so that bad bacteria is swiftly knocked out. If your dog is on antibiotics, a little yogurt will also help keep yeast infections at bay (a common side-effect of antibiotic treatment). You can also give your dog acidophilus pills -- wrapping the pills in bacon is strictly optional.

Puppies are especially prone to yeast infections, so a little plain yogurt as a snack (or even dessert) can help keep things in balance; especially useful while the intestinal system is building immunities.

4. Chamomile Tea for Dogs

Chamomile tea uses the natural disinfecting effects of the chamomile plant to settle upset doggy tummies. It is recommended for colic, gas, and anxiety. It can also alleviate minor skin irritations. Just chill in the fridge and spray onto the affected area on the dog's raw skin. Your dog should feel an immediate soothing effect as the chilled tea kills the yeast and/or bacteria on the skin. A warm (not hot) tea bag can also be used for soothing infected or irritated eyes.

5. Oatmeal to Stop Your Dog from Itching

An itchy dog can be quite an annoyance, especially as it goes around scratching itself on any piece of furniture it can reach. But don't blame your dog, sometimes they're itchy because of allergies and can't help but to scratch. If your pup is itchy, forget the backscratcher! Finely ground oatmeal is a time-honored remedy for irritated skin. You can use baby oatmeal cereal or grind it yourself in a food processor. Stir the oatmeal into a bath of warm water and let your dog soak in the healing goodness. Your dog will thank you, trust us. Dogs with skin allergies, infections, and other diseases which cause itchiness have been shown to gain immediate relief with this approach, too.

6. Epsom Salt Bath for Dogs' Wounds

Dogs can be like kids at times, and as such they are bound to suffer from wounds and the occasional unexplained swelling. Try treating these ailments with Epsom salt soaks and heat packs next time. A bath consisting of Epsom salt and warm water can help reduce the swelling and the healing time, especially when combined with prescribed antibiotics and veterinary supervision. Be sure that your pet does not ingest Epsom salt, however, as it can be very harmful. Also, do not bathe your pet in Epsom salt if there are open wounds.

If soaking your dog in an Epsom salt bath twice a day for five minutes isn't convenient or practical, a homemade heat pack using a clean towel drenched in the same warm-water solution can be applied to wounds for the same effect.

7. Flea Home Remedies

Does your dog have fleas? Some dogs are allergic to flea bites and just one can cause them to itch for days. Never fear. Before turning to the big guns, try some borax powder. The standard stuff at the store will work wonders on fleas by poking holes in their crunchy insect exoskeletons. A good way to make sure those parasitic suckers get annihilated is to sprinkle the borax on your floor, and then sweep or vacuum up the excess. The invisible borax crystals left behind will kill the fleas and you won't even have to lift a finger. It's inexpensive and practically non-toxic compared to an appointment with the exterminator, just make sure that your dog does not ingest any borax.

To relieve the dog's allergies and repel fleas in its fur, try a simple solution of lemon water. Fleas are repelled by citrus, so this can work both as a flea preventive, and for making your dog smell clean and refreshing. A useful solution can be made by pouring boiled water over lemons and allowing them to steep over night. This solution can then be applied all over your dog's skin using a fresh spray bottle. And, the tried and true Brewer's yeast method cannot be left out. Brewer's yeast can be given as part of a regular diet in powdered form, sprinkled over the dog food, or in tablet form, perhaps wrapped in a small slice of bacon or cheese.

Home (or holistic) remedies aren't just for tree huggers anymore. It's important to take care of your dog from day to day, not just when it's feeling a little under the weather, and the best way to maintain the best health is often the most natural way. But most of all, it'll help keeping your "baby" from crying like a hound dog.

www.petmed.com

Our next meeting will be Tuesday Feb. 6, 2017 at the Holiday Inn - Northlake at 7:30pm.