Water for Pets

You would not think of water as medicine but holistic vets do. They believe it is one of the best “drugs” for protecting your pet’s health. Water does much more than just quench thirst. It regulates body temperature, aids in digestion,and lubricates tissue. Water constantly transports oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body and carries away the waste.

Water is an essential part of many treatment plans. Pets with constipation are often encourages to drink more because water lubricates the digestive tract and helps stools move more smoothly. Water can also flush away bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, and a high-water diet is often recommended for pets with urinary stones.

So, most animal experts will agree that pets should be given the same quality water as humans: bottled and/or filtered. Municipal and well water can contain many things harmful to pets and people. One of these things is the parasite Giardia, a single-celled organism that ends up living in the mucous lining of the intestines. This parasite can cause diarrhea in animals as well as humans. If a puppy or kitten is suffering malnutrition, the effects of Giardia can be worse.

Your pet will probably like bottled water better than tap and therefore will drink more water which is beneficial to their health. Many pets dislike the taste and smell of chlorine and other substances in tap water. Bottled spring water is cheap and readily available.

If you want to encourage your pet to drink more water, add some flavoring. You can add clam juice or some of the water that is left from boiling meat or chicken.

You can also help them get more water in their diet by moistening their dry food with a little water or give them moist or canned foods, which contain a lot more water than dry kibble.

Dogs are very sensitive to odors, and plastic water bowls may develop “off” smells that discourage your pet from drinking. Switch to glass or ceramic.

Make sure your pet stays properly hydrated and know the signs of dehydration. See our post Dog Dehydration and Feline Dehydration
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How To Treat A Dog That Itches and Chews Skin

Dogs and cats spend a lot of time grooming but when their skin is itchy or irritated, they won’t leave it alone. Eventually they chew away the hair and leave a red splotchy area that vets sometime call a “hot spot.”

Chewing usually begins when pets are sensitive to something in the environment, like pollen, fleas or chemicals in their food. Even when the original problem is gone they may keep chewing out of habit, especially when they are stressed or bored.

Skin problems can be complicated to treat, so talk to your vet if the condition persists. Here are some natural ways on how to treat a dog that itches:

Apply a soothing ointment – Hypericum, the active ingredient in St. John’s wort, may help reduce itching that causes skin chewing. Apply it to your pet’s skin twice a day. You can get this ointment at a health food store. We also like a product called Wound Dr. made by Native Remedies. Wound Dr. contains a blend of natural ingredients in a soothing herbal cream especially formulated to support skin health and soothe the skin. Wound Dr is formulated to be quickly absorbed into the skin and surrounding area, meaning that it can get to work quickly – before your pet licks it off! You can also use Wound Dr. for minor cuts and abrasions. It is a good first aid product to have in your medicine cabinet.

Rinse away the problems – Another way on how to treat a dog that itches is rinsing with cool water once a day will wash away dust, pollen and other substances that may cause itching and skin chewing. You can gently spray dogs with a garden hose or a spray nozzle in the bath tub. Holistic vets say it is especially helpful to wash their feet after they have been outside.

Use a natural shampoo - If a plain water rinse doesn’t stop the itch, you want to try a soothing all-natural shampoo. We like BeFree Flea Shampoo Not only does it have as its main ingredient rosemary oil which is known to soothe skin but it also contains citronella oil which helps deter fleas.

Use a natural pet food - Sometime artificial dyes and flavoring in commercial food cause itchy skin. You can buy all natural foods at some pet supply stores or online. Also your vet can probably recommend a good one.

Soothe skin with fish oil supplements - A final way on how to treat a dog that itches is with fish oil supplement. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help relieve irritation that can lead to skin chewing. Give cats and dogs weighing under 20 pounds 500 milligrams a day. Pets 20 to 50 pounds can take 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams a day. Dogs 51 to 80 pounds can take 3,000 milligrams. Larger dogs can have 4,,000 milligrams.

If you want to see know more about How to treat a dog that itches see our postHome Remedies for Dog Skin Allergies and Cat Skin Allergies

Did Your Vet Say You Have An Overweight Pet

If you can’t feel your dogs ribs then your dog is probably an overweight pet. Some pets have an inherited tendency to gain weight but in most cases pets gain weight for the same reason their owners do – too much food and not enough exercise.

One of the reasons your pet may be overeating is because of additives in their food. Many commercial pet foods have been enhanced with artificial flavors to make them more appetizing to your pet. Your pet may continue eating even though he/she is full because the food just tastes so good.

Also dogs and cats are genetically programed to hunt but they don’t have do that anymore. Their bodies like ours are designed to work – run, jump and move to find their food. Current lifestyles for pets though don’t involve a great deal of physical activity.

Vets say the best way to help pets lose weight is to reduce the amount of calories they take in and encourage them to exercise more. Some veterinarians have recommended that overweight pets be given the so called “diet” dog foods but they are not beneficial for all pets. Some off these “diet” dog foods are low in certain fatty acids and so they have a tendency to cause dry, flaky skin and a dull coat.

One vet commented that “some of the fattest” animals she has seen are on low-calorie diets.” Low-cal diets may cause your pet to become intolerant to fat which may cause pancreatic problems if they are switched back to a regular diet. Natural pets foods are better than the commercial brands but holistic vets suggest homemade diets or at least adding vegetables to your dogs diet.

Want to get more idea about how to help your dog lose weight? See our post ==>

Overweight Pets – How To Avoid This

Cure Dry Itchy Dog Skin

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are a requirement in both human’s and canine’s diet. EFAs are not produced by the body so it must be added to the diet as a supplement. The two most commonly known fatty acids are omega 3 (linoleic acid) and omega 6 (alpha-linoleic acid). The diets of our pets, like people, tend to include more omega 6 fatty acids rather than omega 3. This imbalance can be remedied by the addition of omega 3 supplements.

Omega 3 fatty acids are good for us and our pets because they help with the proper formation of cell membranes, cardiovascular functions, nourish the lining of the digestive tract, and work to keep your pet’s skin and coat smooth, soft and shiny.

Omega 3 fatty acids also help decrease inflammatory problems in the body. You may notice that your pet’s coat is dull and brittle or if he/she tends to have dry itchy dog skin. It is possible this may caused by lack of this particular fatty acid. Using omega 3 fatty acids for dogs and omega-6 in the right ratio can reverse skin problems like dandruff and reduce itching caused by allergies.

Nearly all holistic veterinarians and an increasing number of mainstream vets are now recommending that dogs and cats be given vitamin C and E supplements. Both of the nutrients are powerful antioxidants that help decrease the effects of free radicals, harmful oxygen molecules which are bodies produce. Omega 3 supplements for dogs and vitamin C supplements can help slow the aging process so that our pets can live longer better quality lives.

Studies show though that omega 3 supplements for dogs don’t give quick results. Fatty-acid supplements may take a month or more before they cause significant improvements in dry itchy dog skin. Other supplements such as vitamin C work very slowly. You won’t really notice any big change in your pet but at the cellular level things will be happening. Changes will be happening in your pet’s body that will help keep your pet strong and healthy for their whole life.

Though omega 3 supplements for dogs are quite safe, they shouldn’t be used without consulting your vet. You, the pet owner may not be aware of the interaction between the supplement and other medications your dog or cat may be taking. Also, every dog and cat will have different needs and may require different amounts of the supplement. Don’t assume human doses are the right ones for your dog or cat.

Does your pet have dry itchy dog skin? 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. Want to know the symptoms of dog allergies? Read our post Signs of Pet Allergies and find out if your pet has allergies.

Core Vaccines for Dogs

When it comes to core vaccines for dogs most pet owners automatically take their dogs and cats in for their annual dog vaccines. That is what we always did with our pets when I was growing up and many vets still follow this protocol.

The latest research has been showing that many annual dog vaccine are not needed on an annual basis. While vaccines are important, vets often overdo it and pet owners are wasting millions of dollars every year and endangering their pets.

Ron Schultz, PhD. chair of the department of pathobiological sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, has studied canine vaccines for more than 30 years. Much of Schultz’s research has concentrated on how long a dog is protected from a disease once he has been vaccinated.

Schulz’ research demonstrates that immunity for the core vaccines for dogs (canine distemper, canine parvovirus, and canine adenovirus type 2)lasts at least seven years. Yet many clinics still promote annual booster vaccinations even though most guidelines for canine vaccinations recommend boosters of adult pets every three years, and rabies as required by law, typically, also every 3 years. Annual dog vaccines may be unnecessary and harmful.

If you are interested in a safe alternative to annual dog vaccines read our post

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Nosodes – Homeopathic Dog Vaccines

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Why Dogs Drool

Dogs that drool can be really messy and ruin car upholstery and furniture. Why dogs drool is very simple and it is a natural function. All dogs drool some and some breeds, especially those with heavy lips, drool a lot because skin around their mouths traps saliva and overflows and even cats drool a little.

Drooling isn’t a medical problems but vets tell us that when drooling changes it is usually because of a problem. Dogs and cats drool more when they are nauseous or when something is lodged in their gums or between their teeth. Liver disease, tonsillitis or other infections can also cause increased drooling.

For regular drooling, the vets writing in New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats, say tie a bandana around your dog’s neck to soak up the moisture. Dogs that drool look cute with the bandana and most dogs are not bothered by fabric tied loosely around their neck. This way dogs that drool won’t ruin the carpet or your car’s interior.

Here are some things holistic vets tell you to check out if your dog is drooling excessively:

Do a mouth check – If your dog or cat has something caught in their teeth they will drool quite a bit. They will also drool if they have gum disease. Check your dogs mouth for foreign objects first. To check for gum disease, smell their breath. If it smells really bad there may be an infection and you should see your vet.

This happened with our pet only I thought the smell was coming from her skin and I kept giving her baths. Finally I took her to the vet and he explained she had an infection in her mouth.

Try A Chinese Cure – Many cats and dog drools in car because the motion makes them nauseated. You can get a Chinese herbal remedy called Pill Curing at any health food store to help prevent nausea and its associated drooling. Give 10 pills to dogs that drool weighing under 15 pounds, and one vial of pills to pets 15 to 50 pounds. Give about 20 minutes before travel. This may also prevent your pet from vomiting in the car and making a mess which is unpleasant for everyone.

Give homeopathic cure - Ipecacuanha and Cocculus are often recommended for helping nausea. The remedy Tabacum may also help dogs that drool. Use 30C tables and give your pet three to five pellets, or two or three drops, up to two hours before travel.

Have you ever wondered what can I give my dog for an upset stomach? There are many items that are already in your kitchen that can help make your dog feel better fast. Check out our post What Can I Give My Dog for an Upset Stomach

Natural flea control for dogs is actually a three part plan. The first part as described in our previous post Natural Flea Control For Dogs is just the first part – keeping the fleas off the dog or cat. The second stage of the plan is to treat the inside of your house, especially the places where your dog spends a time, such as his/her bed, rugs and sofas. Here is what Natural Dog magazine recommends:

Frequent washing - Regular laundering of your dog’s bed and cleaning area rugs at least once a week can remove fleas and ticks that have made their way from your pet to these surfaces.

Frequent vacuuming – To treat areas that can’t be laundered, such as sofas and floor cushions, wielding the vacuum at least weekly can help. Make sure you have a vacuum cleaner with a disposable bag for this job. Dispose of the bag after each vacuuming because any flea eggs inside the bag can hatch and start the flea infestation process all over again.

Treat surfaces - Applying borate-type powders on carpets and citronella sprays on baseboards can also help keep fleas out of your house.

The last part of the plan for natural flea control for dogs is keeping the fleas and ticks out of the yard. If you have a few chickens and some guinea fowl they will gobble up your flea and tick problem. Since not all of us are zoned to raise chickens your other option is to keep the grass cut. There are also certain nematodes that can help control flea populations in the yard. These microscopic worms, available from garden-supply stores, consume not only young fleas but other insects. You must apply nematodes monthly.

Keeping your dog healthy is one of the best defenses against flea infestation. Some vets say animals who eat a minimally processed, wholesome diet are less susceptible to parasites.

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A product we recommend is PetAlive BeFree Flea Shampoo BeFree Flea Shampoo is natural product containing no parabens, sodium laurel sulphate or harmful petrochemicals. The shampoo is made with citronella oil, rosemary oil, tea trea oil and niaoli oil.

Between baths use a citronella collar, a natural insecticide spray, or an herbal powder. Still use a flea comb daily also.

If your pet has itching in their ears they might have ear mites. Check out our postEar Mites Dog Natural

Serving Size Homemade Dog Food

Do you get tired of preparing your dogs food every day? Here is a way you can prepare the food ahead of time and keep it in the freezer until you need it.

I found this great recipe in Natural Dog magazine. This recipe homemade pet food is actually a muffin recipe. Muffins are a great way to prepare and store meals, especially for small breed dogs. If you want to make these for dog snacks instead of dog food use mini muffin pans but make sure to adjust the baking time. The baking time for mini muffins will be about half the time of the regular muffins.

You can use this recipe homemade pet food in many different ways. Use the muffins for a meal, a snack or crumble them over dog food for an extra treat. Bake a couple dozen, freeze them and defrost as needed. That is so convenient and works well when you travel too. Just keep your pet’s food in the cooler with your own stuff. The ingredients are not expensive and are easy too find.

Recipe Homemade Pet Food – Oat and Chicken Muffins
Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups oats
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 cup olive oil
3 beaten eggs (shells optional; you can put whole eggs with shells in blender – egg shells have a lot of calcium)
2 1/2 cups yogurt or buttermilk
1 cup grated cooked chicken

Instructions:

Mix together oats, flour and baking soda. Blend the olive oil, yogurt or buttermilk, and eggs. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir in the grated chicken. Pour into oiled muffin tins and bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out dry. Yields 12 medium-size muffins. Extra muffins can be frozen for six weeks.

We don’t have recipes just for dogs. If you need a easy homemade recipe for your kitty? See our post Homemade Pet Treats for Cats

Feline Holistic Medicine

If you are interested in canine holistic medicine or feline holistic medicine for your pet, you need to look for a holistic vet. The following holistic veterinary organizations and teaching center websites offer practitioner referral lists to search:

Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy: www.theavh.org

American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture: www.aava.rog

American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association: www.ahvma.org

American Veterinary Chiropractic Association: www.animalchiropractic.org/

Animal Natural Health Center: www.drpitcarin.com/referrals/anhc-referrals.html

Chi Institute (traditional Chinese veterinary medicine): www.tcvm.com

Healing Oasis Wellness Center: www.the healingoasis.com (click on graduates)

International Veterinary Acupucture Society: www.ivas.org

Veterinary Institute of Integrative Medicine: www.vim.org

When you talk to vets who specialize in canine holistic medicine or feline holistic medicine here are some questions you can ask:

What types of holistic treatments does the vet offer?

What kind, and how much, holistic training has the vet completed?

How holistic is the veterinarian? Some vet schools only offer introductory classes in canine holistic medicine and feline holistic medicine. Find out the extent of your vets training.

Do you foresee any conflicts? Vaccinations and diet are often a source of disagreements among vets and pet owners. Make sure you know where the veterinarian stands on these issues and any others you feel strongly about.

If you need a better understanding about

Canine Holistic Medicine or feline holistic medicine see our post

Holistic Pet Health for a more detailed explanation of holistic medicine for pets.