Natural Cures For Your Pet

Common Dog Health Problems

Here is a clear and simple guide to which alternative remedies and lifestyle changes are appropriate for several common canine medical conditions (Source: Natural Dog Magazine:

ALLERGIES:

Natural Remedy - herbs, homoeopathics, fatty acid, antioxidants

Diet Change – avoid grains, processing and byproducts

Lifestyle Change - frequent bathing with an organic anti-itch shampoo; keep off grass that has been treated with chemicals

ARTHRITIS:

Natural Remedy – Chondtoitin and glucosamine supplements, acupuncture, enzymes

Diet Change – Natural diet, restricted calories if needed, fewer treats or low-fat treats

Lifestyle Change – Weight loss, controlled exercise

BAD BREATH:

Natural Remedy – Coenzyme Q-10, fatty acids, antioxidants, herbs, homeopathics

Diet Change – none

Lifestyle change – Brush teeth at home, provide dental treats

CANCER:

Natural Remedy - Fatty acids, antioxidants, herbs, homeopathics

Diet Change - Improve diet: lowered carbohydrates and increased proteins and fats, especially omega-3s

Lifestyle change – No vaccines

DIABETES:

Natural Remedy – Herbs, supplements made of extracts from glands such as thyroid medication, homeopathics

Diet Change – Increased fiber

Lifestyle change - Increased exercise, small, frequent meals

DRY SKIN, COAT:

Natural Remedy – Fatty acids, antioxidants

Diet Change - Natural diet, increased omega 3s

Lifestyle change – Frequent baths with natural or organic hydrating shampoo

EAR INFECTIONS:

Natural Remedy – Herbal ear drops, antibacterial and antifungal herbs, olive leaf extract

Diet change – Natural diet

Lifestyle change – Clean ears regularly, limit swimming

EPILEPSY:

Natural remedy - Choline, B vitamins, herbs, homeopathics

Diet Change - Natural diet; reduced-protein diets help some pets

Lifestyle change – No vaccines, eliminate seizure triggers if possible

HIP DYSPLASIA:

Natural remedy – Joint supplements, acupuncture, magnetic therapy, herbs, homeopathics

Diet Change – Natural diet, reduced calories if needed.

Lifestyle change – Weight control, controlled exercise (especially swimming)

HOT SPOTS:

Natural remedy - herbs, homeopathic, fatty acids, antioxidants

Diet Change – Natural diet

Lifestyle change - Eliminate possible causes, such as fleas or allergies

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE:

Natural remedy - Enzymes, probiotics, glutamine, herbs, homeopathics

Diet change - Natural diet

Lifestyle change - Eliminate possible causes, such as food intolerance, food allergies, infections

KIDNEY OR LIVER DISEASE:

Natural remedy – Herbs, homeopathics, fatty acids, antioxidants, probiotics

Diet change – Natural diet, reduced phosphorus and protein if needed

Lifestyle change - Fluids administered at home as needed.

SEPARATION ANXIETY:

Natural remedy – Flower essences, herbs, theanine, homeopathics

Diet change – Natural diet

Lifestyle change – No vaccines; behavior modification

URINARY TRACT INFECTION:

Natural Remedy – Herbs, homeopathics, olive leaf extract

Diet change – Natural canned food or natural moistened dry food

Lifestyle change - Feed a moist diet to encourage frequent urination

Health Benefits of Magnet Therapy for your Pet

History of Magnet Therapy

Here is a summary of an interesting article I found in Natural Dog talking about benefits of magnet therapy for your pet.

Static or permanent magnets are the type of magnets used in magnet therapy. But for an even stronger healing effect, some veterinarians recommend pulsed electromagnetic field magnets, in which coils transmit a pulsing current to create a magnetic field.

The Food and Drug Administration approves pulsed electromagnetic field magnets for treating certain types of fractures in humans. Pulsed electromagnetic blankets have been popular for decades among horse owner but they are expensive. Some vets have pulsed electromagnetic equipment in the office and you can bring your pet in for treatments. Treatments for your pet can last up to one hour.

Apparently the major difference between static magnets and the pulsed electromagnets is strength.

Magnets also differ in their polarities.Some companies use bipolar designs, which alternate magnets with both north and south polarities on the same surface. Others use unipolar magnets, which are either negatively or positively charged. Holistic vets are not in agreement about which to use but there is some concern that south polarity magnets increase cancer growth.

Studies have proven that PEMF units (electromagnetic field magnets in which coils transmit a pulsing current to create a magnetic field) have helped heal nonhealing fractures and poorly healing wounds in humans and animals.

The article recommends you ask your holistic vet what is best for your pet. Because dogs all respond differently to treatments be prepared for some trial and error. The type of problem your dog has will dictate what type of product you buy. Magnet-embedded cuffs or bands are available for joint injuries, but getting them to stay on an active dog can be difficult. In the case of an active dog you might want to just hold the magnets over the affected area while you pet him and have quiet time together.

The article concludes that the biggest advantage of magnets is that they are convenient, relatively inexpensive, work well with other therapies, and have no known side effects.

Benefits of Alternative Medicine for Pets

Integrative Complementary Medicine for Pets

Alternative medicine also called integrative, natural and complementary medicine, holistic medicine takes a broader approach to health than allopathic.

The conventional medical model focuses on x-rays, blood panel results, and other lab test. Allopathic veterinarians look for path ology – a detectable physical change in the tissues that signals disease and forms the basis for a diagnosis. But this approach looks at only a very small part of the picture.

Holistic treatment methods, also known as modalities include homeopathy, chiropractic, nutritional consulting, massage, flower essences, traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture, herbs)

A holistic practitioner studies the whole patient, taking into account not just pathological symptoms (say changes in blood chemistry) but also alterations in normal function (such as bowel changes), emotional state, sensation, prior illness and more.

Holistic vets consider the whole body. Holistic vets incorporate more than one type of treatment, including the best of conventional medicine, to make a more inclusive ‘whole’ system of wellness. Holistic medicine puts a bigger emphasis on having the body heal itself.

For example an allopathic veterinarian would likely prescribe an antibiotic to fight a bacterial infection, while a holistic vet might prescribe nutritional supplements to boost the body’s natural defenses.

With a holistic vet you get the best of both worlds, knowledge of conventional medicine but also possible alternatives to convention that are less harmful to your pet.

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Pet Food Nutrition Labels

Pet Food and Ingredients

I just read this in Dr. Fox’s column and thought this information would be worth passing on:

A pet owner wrote to Dr. Fox that when he gives his 12 year old Aussie mix a bit of cheese, the dog has a seizure. Apparently the culprit is the additive annato. Though annato is a natural food coloring it has been linked with many cases of food-related allergies and is the only natural food coloring known to cause as many or more reactions than artificial food coloring.

Because annato is a natural colorant (from the seed pulp of a tropical tree, the Aciote or lipstick tree), companies may label their products “all natural, no artificial colors,” and this can lend a false sense of security to consumers who suffer from dye allergies.

Dr Fox advises not to feed cheese or cheese spread that is bright yellow or orange in color to dogs. He says there are too many reasons why dogs have seizures, and this one more to add to the list.

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Nature’s Herbs for Pets

Essential oils and Pets

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has cataloged more than 80,000 herbs, many of which are thought to have healing powers. For the majority of health problems, you only need to use a few. Here are the herbs veterinarians often recommend. You should though check with your vet before using them.

Aloe (Aloe vera) – used to treat constipation and skin irritation

Calendula (calendula officinalis) – used to treat skin injuries

Chamomile (matricaria recuitia) – used to treat skin irritation (topical), stomach problems, mild stress

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – used to treat water retention

Echinacea (echinacea angustifolia or echinacea purpurea) – used to treat nasal congestion

Ginger (zingiber officinales) – used to treat nausea, motion sickness

Gingko (ginko biloba – used to treat old age, mental dullness

Goldenseal (hydrastis canadensis) – used to treat infections, bronchial inflammation

Hawthorn (crataegus laevigata) – used to treat heart irregularities

Milk thistle (silybum marianum) – used to treat liver problems

Red Clover (trifolium pratense) – used to treat bronchitis

Slippery elm (ulmus rubra) – used to treat diarrhea, constipation, coughs

Valarian (valeriana officinalis) – used to treat stress and aggression.

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Pet Behavior Problems and the Holidays

Pet Safety and Entertaining at Home

During the holidays it is more likely you will be having people visit your home. As much fun as this is for you, it can be upsetting for your pet. Dogs and cats are creatures of routines (as are some of us humans) and when your home gets topsy turvy, they tend to get stressed out. Here are few suggestions from experts on how to prepare your pet for the holidays:

Prepare your guests - Before you have guests in your home, tell them you have a pet. Ask them if they have any issues with your pet. Some people have allergies and some people are afraid of animals. For example, my daughter used to be terrified of large dogs.

Have an obedience review – Making sure your pet responds to commands such as “stay”, “down” and “drop it” will prevent your dog from rushing at visitors, jumping on guests and eating harmful foods.

Clean for allergies - Clean and vacuum your entire home. If you have a guest with allergies make sure their room is aired out and don’t let your pet in that room after you clean it.

Rearrange furniture a few days before event - If you are going to move the furniture around do it a few days early so your pet can get used to it. Pets do not like changes and yours will need some time to get acclimated to the new setting.

Maintain normal walking and feeding schedules – Take your dog for a walk before guests arrive. Try to keep the regular routine of exercise and eating as normal as possible.

Tell small children how to treat your pet - Children who have no pets at home need to be shown how your dog or cat likes to be petted and what is good behavior around pets. Make an adult is always with a child when he or she is interacting with your pet.

Have a safe retreat for your pet – Pets may need to chill out in a quiet place. Have one available for your pet.

Monitor treats – Don’t let your guests give your pets any food other than dog treats. Many people do not understand that many everyday foods are toxic to dogs and cats so just give them some dog or cat treats to feed your pet.

Door policy – Tell guests how to keep your pet from making a break for it when the door opens. It may be helpful to make a sign saying “Keep dog/cat inside” and post it on the door. Also, make sure your pet is wearing a collar.

Stay relaxed - Good advice at all times but during the holidays you may tend to be more tense. Your pet picks up on your emotions so you need to stay calm.

Want to know more about Pet Safety for the Holidays read our post on Top Holiday Dangers for Pets

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Causes of Itchy Skin – My Dog Has Allergies

Symptoms of Cat Allergies

With increase in chemical pesticides and additives in our foods sources and general environment there has been a steady increase in dog allergies and immune-system problems. According Dr. John Heinerman writing in his book Natural Pet Cures > says most vets concur that there are basically three reasons for this trend: poor diet (quality of food), vaccinations (multiple vaccinations) and inbreeding (cosmetic breeding practices).

Dog’s allergic reaction is different from cats. Dogs have a general itchiness of skin and rash or sores. Dog’s will allergies will have redness (inflammation) in ears, toes, and genitals. Gastrointestinal disturbance is common also (gas).

Cats also have skin problems but they more frequently have bladder inflammation and digestive upset. Cats may display no symptoms at all except erratic behavior caused by their discomfort such as fidgeting, licking and biting themselves.

To discover natural cures for pet allergies see our post Home Remedies for Dog Skin Allergies and Cat Allergies

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Tags: cat allergies, cat health problems, dog allergies, Dog health, dog health problems, dog health questions, dog itchy skin, dog skin allergies, native remedies, natural pet allergy treatments, pet allergies

Home Remedies for Dog Skin Allergies and Cat Allergies

November 4, 2009 by admin · 1 Comment
Filed under: pet allergies 

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How to Treat Dog Allergies

There are many ways to treat itchy skin in dogs and cats. Here are three suggestion for natural cures and one specific natural cure for cats itchy skin.

1. Give your pet a gentle bath - Don’t use tap water, use distilled , purified or spring water. Water should be lukewarm. Use mild soap such as baby shampoo or use Pet Alive Skin and Coat Tonic. After shampooing rinse your pets coat (again use distilled, purified or spring water) with equal parts cool water and a tincture of witch hazel (you can buy it at the grocery store in the first aid aisle or skin care aisle) or use cooled strained peppermint tea.

After the bath, sponge affected or red areas with a rag (that has not been washed in soap) dipped in cool peppermint tea. Wring out the rag and hold the compress in place for several minutes.

2. If affected area is your pets hindquarters – Spray hindquarters with a solution of witch hazel combined with peppermint tea (8 oz. of cool tea combined with 4 oz. of witch hazel).

3. Apply aloe-vera gel - Before applying mix with two drops of wormwood or some valerian tea. Add no more than one-half teaspoon of wormwood or valerian tea mixed in one half cup of boiling water for ten minutes. You will probably have an easier time finding valerian tea since it is available at your grocery store (Celestial Seasons brand Sleepytime Tea). Both herbs have a bad taste and will prevent your pet from licking off the aloe-vera gel.

Tea for cat allergies – Add one teaspoon each eyebright herb, red raspberry leaves, and stinging nettle herb (You can probably find all these in a tea form at a health food store) and steep in 12 oz of boiling distilled water for 15 minutes. Strain the tea and let cool. Put in a spray bottle and spray affected area. Can be sprayed on cat’s face which your cat probably won’t like. Try using a cotton swab for ears, nose and eyes if spraying is too difficult.

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Tags: all natural pet allergy treatments, cat allergies, cat health problems, dog skin allergies, native remedies, pet allergies

Beach Safety for your Pet

October 14, 2009 by Jodi · 1 Comment
Filed under: Pet Safety 

Beach Safety Tips

Here are some beach/water safety tips from the American Kennel Club and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:

Check daily water conditions – Ask your lifeguard about the water conditions. Dogs are easy targets for jellyfish and sea lice.

Limit running if your dog is not in shape – Running on a beach is strenuous exercise, and if your dog is not in good physical condition he/she could easily pull a tendon or ligament.

Provide fresh water – The salt in seawater can make your dog ill. Freshwater streams and lakes can contain parasites and unhealthy bacteria. Make sure your dog stays hydrated. See our post on Dog Dehydration

Check if pets are allowed - Not all beaches or lakes permit dogs.

Stay away from currents – Don’t let your dog get over tired and keep the dog away from currents.

Don’t get in over your head – If you and your dog swim together don’t let the water get over your heads. Many dogs will try to climb on their guardian’s head or shoulders when they tire.

Use a canine life vest for boating – For boating or swimming in lakes, get your dog a well-fitted canine life vest. To keep your dog from swimming too far away use a long nylon lead. Keep a close watch to make sure your dog doesn’t get tangled in the lead.

Keep fishing gear and fish away from pets -If you take your dog fishing make sure they can not get close to fishing lines, lures, hooks or bait. Keep your dog away from feces, dead fish and shellfish washed up on the shore. They can contain toxins and parasites.

Rinse your pet at the end of your visit to the beach – Salt and other minerals found in the ocean can damage your dog’s coat. When you are ready to leave for the day, rinse him with fresh water. Don’t forget to rinse the paws. You might also consider giving your pet PetAlive Skin & Coat Tonic which will act as a preventative to keep their coat healthy. Also if your dog has a heavy or soft coat, brush her thoroughly after she’s dried following a swim. Soft coats can mat when wet and trap bacteria that can create local areas of infection called “hot spots.”

Tags: beach safety, beach safety tips, Pet Safety

Natural Flea Control Recipes

October 5, 2009 by admin · 1 Comment
Filed under: Dog health, Flea control 

Natural remedies for fleas

Flea control is a constant problem for all pet owners. Here are some natural flea control recipes I found:

Citronella Oil Recipe for Natural Flea Shampoo

Citronella has been found to repel insects. You can actually buy this in the essential oil form. You simply add 1 to 2 drops, depending on your pet’s size of Citronella oil to their shampoo and then shampoo.

Natural Flea Collar Recipe

Purchase a soft material collar and soak it in the following solution:

1/2 Tsp Alcohol

1 drop Cedarwood essential oil

1 drop Lavender essential oil

1 drop Citronella essential oil

1 drop Thyme essential oil

4 Garlic Capsules

Break open the garlic capsules and add the liquid to you alcohol and essential oil mixture and mix it all together. Pour the solution all over the collar until all the liquid is absorbed. Let the collar dry completely before using it. The collar is effective for about 30 days. To boost your pet’s flea immunity you may add 1 to 2 capsules of garlic to your pets food.

If you don’t want to mix up a natural remedy yourself consider using a natural flea shampoo with a residual effect. PetAlive BeFree Flea Shampoo helps deter fleas, flies and mosquitoes for dogs BeFree Flea Shampoo is a natural cleansing herbal shampoo for dogs using only tested, natural ingredients, supporting a residual mosquito, flea and fly deterrent effect while encouraging healthy, clear skin and coats.

In other words this product keeps on working even after you rinse it out to repel fleas. Plus it keeps your pet’s skin clear and healthy. BeFree Flea Shampoo contains absolutely no parabens, sodium laurel sulphate or harmful petrochemicals.

To get more information about PetAlive Befree Flea Shampoo click on the ad below

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