Skip to content
Previous article
Now Reading:
Thai dogs want to be loved too


Thai dogs want to be loved too


What creature causes Thai dogs the most suffering?

About 4 days ago, I arrived in Chiang Mai, Thailand after about 28 hours in transit. Three flights from Vancouver, one long day and a sleepless night on the planes, crossing the international dateline, we are finally here.

This is my first real holiday in 5 years since I started my holistic natural healing experiment.

Looking back, I have had the best time helping you and others in healing your dogs naturally, making as much free info available as possible. At the same time, I have been challenged with obstacles on daily basis, realizing that sustaining a company from creating health is much more difficult than the conventional practice of treating a disease, selling drugs, vaccines and junky processed food.

I have stubbornly refused to accept that vets need disease to stay in business. I feel that our profession’s most important task is to provide you with knowledge on how to keep your animal friend healthy and do it at the lowest cost possible.

Some people say that I am an idealist. They may be correct. The idea of proprietary medical knowledge has never felt right. In my mind, healthcare should be in the public domain - available to everyone who needs it and vets and doctors should be rewarded mostly for creating health through prevention.

So here I am, 5 years later, turning fifty in a few weeks, looking back, and exploring the beautiful kingdom of Thailand and visiting elephants and dogs to learn more about animal problems.

I find travel essential because staying at home in Vancouver, “the world of dogs” could seem a pretty cushy paradise. Raw food, all natural supplements, dog walkers, dog nannies, doggy raincoats, doggy seat belts, harnesses and more...

In other words, being a lucky dog in the Western world often means a pretty privileged and pampered life. Of course, there are problems but the situation in 3rd world countries is much more serious.

Thailand is a country where a dog’s life goes from one extreme to another.

Some dogs are molly-coddled too much. They are carried in carriers that are similar to a baby snugli, dress in jackets (at 25 degrees C) and are not allowed to walk.

On the other hand there are the street dogs. They often do not trust people. They are scruffy, mangy creatures who may be respected according to the Buddhist tradition, but their needs are far from being met. They look sad and depressed almost as if they were missing the most important ingredient in life - ‘being loved’.

One of the places I really wanted to visit here in Thailand was the Elephant Nature Park. 

A rescue non-profit organization that has transformed the lives of 36 abused or neglected elephants and also four hundred dogs.

These dogs were brought up to Chiang Mai, the second largest Thai city aside from Bangkok when it was flooded a few years ago.

In comparison with other dogs, these dogs are pretty lucky. They have food, shelter and some attention from the people visiting the park. They appear to have made a respectful arrangement with the largest dry land mammals, the elephants.  But the biggest challenge they face is from one of the smallest creatures in the world - fleas.

I felt so helpless seeing how much agony these dogs go through itching and scratching all day long. The problem is that so far, no one has really come up with flea treatment that is natural and effective. I have tried many different approaches. It seems that everyone has an idea. The problem is that none of them seem to work. The most effective way to prevent fleas is to feed fresh raw food, which is unrealistic in place that is a home to 400 stray dogs...

I asked our community members on Facebook and Twitter what they thought and it became clear that most people agreed that conventional flea meds may be the best option.

That is what gave birth to the “Feel Good Buy” project.

The idea is that if you would like to help us and chip in to buy flea meds for homeless Thai dogs, you will receive a jar of GreenMin as a token of appreciation ($40 dollar value for free - excludes shipping). We also need people who will help us with this campaign so email us if you would like to volunteer.

I have included some pictures of rescue Thai dogs here.

 

Stay tuned for next blog - “Elephant stories...”

© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM

 

About the author

Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM is an Integrative veterinarian, nutritionist and creator of natural supplements for dogs and people. Helping you and your dog prevent disease, treat nutritional deficiencies, and enjoy happier, healthier, and longer lives together.

Most Popular

  • Flying with dogs
    In my article, I share the personal story of how I'm able to fly with my dog, Pax, thanks to overcoming challenges with sleepwalking and night terrors. This unique experience not only allowed me to travel with my service dog but also serves as a reminder that even difficult situations can have positive outcomes.
  • dog and pony
    Successful communication is essential for building healthier and more fulfilling relationships and happier lives. In this article, I'll share with you 8 communication hacks to help you avoid unnecessary drama, prioritize active listening and address conflicts effectively.
  • Dalmatian eating fruit
    Can dogs eat bananas, apples, strawberries and other fruit? What about grapes? Find out what fruits are safe, toxic, and healthy for dogs. Learn about the potential health benefits and risks of feeding fruit to your canine companion, and get tips on the ideal time to feed it.
  • Illustration of the anatomy of a heart
    As dog lovers, we all want our beloved pups to live long and healthy lives. Protecting your dog's heart from potential health issues is important, and in this blog Dr. Dobias shares some key points that you might not yet be aware of, read on to find out what you can do to keep your dog's heart safe. 

Dog Health

  • Husky lying on blanket with heart toy
    Dogs have our hearts and that is why we need to protect their heart. Dog’s as they age often face muscle problems and spinal misalignment and you might be surprised to know how that can hurt their heart. Learn how to protect your dog’s spine and by extension their heart.
  • The secret ingredient for a perfect No. 2
    Dogs and humans have evolved side-by-side but they are still quite different when it comes to their digestive tracts and dietary habits. We have studied their original environments such as the soils of the African savanna and consulted with top experts in the field of probiotics and microbiology to come up with a combination that reflects healthy bacterial flora of canines.
  • Man being pointed at
    Criticism can hurt a brand, but constructive feedback can help it grow. In this blog Dr. Dobias talks about the differences between these approaches, and how to handle the power of influence and opinion with care. 
  • Broccoli with vitamins and minerals
    Are you worried that your and your dog's diet is missing something? Maybe you're worried about toxin levels in food, the environment, or flea and tick products. Let's face it; we can't remove ourselves entirely from our toxin-filled world, but we can do things to reduce our exposure to harmful substances. 

Human health

  • Dr. Dobias with Pax
    How do you navigate the seas of life? How do you deal with disappointment? Whatever life throws at us, we can always rely on our dogs to bring joy into our days. In this blog I share my thoughts on the support our dogs provide during the difficult moments in life. 
  • Why 1 in 4 Americans suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
    Learn more about the alarming prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affecting 1 in 4 Americans. Discover its main risk factors, diagnosis methods, and treatment options to better manage or prevent this silent yet severe condition. 
  • A new perspective on brain health, memory loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and dementia in people and dogs
    The Science of DHA and the Brain: Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily DHA, are the unsung heroes of brain health. They play crucial roles in brain physiology and biological activities, with exciting links between Omega-3 levels and cognitive function. Higher DHA levels have been shown to preserve the integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), your brain's security system
  • Dr. Dobias and Pax
    It appears that most of the world is ready for change, but whenever I think about the solutions to any of the problems that plague our world, I can’t prevent myself from thinking that we humans are acting like little toddlers who have broken a toy and do not know how to fix it. Despite my generally optimistic attitude, I have had a hard time staying positive at times because I know how complex this all is. Read here for some tools that make me feel good about the world, which I would like to share with you.

News, stories and good life

  • Dr. Peter Dobias with his dog Pax on his lap
    Do you have trouble staying positive during difficult times? These days we are surrounded by a lot of negative messaging, and it's easy to let that get you down. Here are some of my tips for remaining positive, and don't forget to share your tips with me!
  • Man raising fist on a mountain
    Most of us have been exposed to panic-inducing information about the virus spread, however, I have noticed the general absence of one piece of information, how to make your immune system stronger and body more resilient. (It will definitely not happen by stockpiling toilet paper!) I have always loved immunology and the current situation has prompted me to put together two simple lists on how to increase your dog’s and your own immunity.
  • Man with dog wearing a collar
    Does your dog have ear problems, nasal or oral tumors, reverse sneezing or an  itchy head or hair loss on their head? Learn how you can address some of these problems and save thousands in vet care costs.
  • Terrier eating raw food
    Now there is no need to guess if there is something missing in your dogs diet.  The HairQ Test is a highly accurate test for mineral deficiencies, toxins and heavy metals in dogs to finely tune your dog’s diet and supplement schedule.

By clicking "Continue" or continuing to use our site, you acknowledge that you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. We also use cookies to provide you with the best possible experience on our website. You can find out more about the cookies we use and learn how to manage them here. Feel free to check out our policies anytime for more information.

Continue

Cart

Close

Your cart is currently empty.

Start Shopping
Close