Uncategorized

by

Disease Causing Agents

There are many causes of disease and each individual is vulnerable to different things.  Toxins that negatively affect one person or animal may affect another completely different or not at all.  Also, the threshold of the accumulative effects of toxins and other stressors on the body also varies by individual.

A few of the most significant disease causing agents that are harmful to humans as well as our dogs and cats are listed below:

Vaccines – these can damage the immune system by overstimulating and weakening the body.  All too often pets have reactions shortly after receiving vaccinations, such as rashes, swellings, allergies, auto-immune diseases, and cancer.

Toxic Chemicals – these can be released into the air and absorbed into the body.  The list is many, but some common ones include household cleaners, yard chemicals such as fertilizers, weed killers and pest repellents and certain plastics used in bowls, toys, and beds.  As well as additives and coloring agents often found in processed foods.

Heavy Metals – these are found in the environment, our foods, and used in vaccinations and have been proven to damage the nervous system.

The following is just some of the ways in which we can help our pets and reduce our exposure to these disease causing agents which have been proven to cause harm:

•   Reduce the use of vaccinations in your dog or cat.  Evaluate your risks based on your exposure and give only the core vaccinations needed.  When you do vaccinate, never do more than one at a time and wait at least two weeks between vaccinations to give the body a chance to recover.  Run titers annually thereafter to verify immunity.  Additional booster shots will not protect your pet any further.

•   Eliminate chemical insecticides and replace with nontoxic alternatives.  There are many natural insect repellents for home use and for topical use on humans as well as dogs and cats.

•   Stop using herbicides altogether, not only are you putting your own family at risk, you are also putting everyone around you at risk.  There are natural alternatives to help eliminate weeds and turn your grass green.

•   Avoid products that contain BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, GMOs and others.  Start eating and providing your pets with fresh foods instead of processed.  Use organic and locally sourced products whenever possible.

As general good practice you should increase your intake and provide your pets with detoxifying foods (appropriate amounts based on species, size, age, health condition,… of course) such as raw leafy greens, apples, garlic, and fresh herbs.

by

Benefits of coconut oil for pets

There has been a lot of talk lately about the use of coconut oil for pets. Not only is this safe and healthy for people, our dogs and cats can benefit from it as well. It can be used both orally and topically. Dogs generally will eagerly eat the hardened oil from a spoon or mixed in their food. Cats may not be so eager to eat it unless its well disguised but, its still worth a try at least as an occasional addition in the meal.

Some of the benefits of coconut oil are due to its lubricating and healing properties. Its considered anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, its a natural probiotic, it helps provide energy, strengthens the immune system, may help with weight loss, and it tastes good! Its also helpful when used topically to improve coat condition, reduce dry and itchy skin, and reduce discomfort of mild abrasions.

It’s best to start off with a small amount and slowly increase to about 1/4 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight. It can be given once or twice a day and should be rotated into the diet along with other healthy supplements and a well balanced, species appropriate diet. Too much coconut oil too fast, can cause diarrhea so its best to go slow and increase over time. Watch how your pet is doing and adjust as needed.

As with all things, quality matters. Organic, raw, extra virgin coconut oil is the best and should be the only one used internally. Buy from high quality, USA manufacturers and use the product well within its “best used by” date. Extremely high temperatures can cause the oil to go rancid so it should be purchased in smaller containers and used regularly until its gone. Store at room temperature in a cool, dark location.

by

The Importance of The Digestive System:

Overall wellbeing and immune system health start with the digestive systems of the body for both ourselves and our animal companions.  The quality and digestibility of the diet, the functioning of the digestive tract, and the body’s ability to utilize the energy it’s been provided, will all contribute to either great health or poor health.

Illness and disease can be traced back to how well the digestive system is working.  When it’s functioning at its peak, minimal disease should occur and when a problem does arise, the body is able to resolve it on its own.  On the other hand, when the digestive system is functioning poorly, the body is unable to resolve problems that it’s faced with, and instead small issues can turn into much more serious health problems.

Food choices, toxins within the body, and environmental exposures all impact digestion.  We must first start off with foods that are species appropriate and are of high quality to provide the necessary nourishment the body requires.  We must also minimize our toxin exposure through the foods we eat, the medications or supplements we take, and the environment in which we live.  Lastly it is necessary to support the body’s detoxification process because it is impossible to avoid toxin exposure completely.

When the toxin exposure is especially high, such as when medications are taken, we need to provide extra support to the body to overcome and reverse the negative side effects.  Probiotics supply good bacteria to the intestinal system and digestive enzymes help in digesting foods.  These are two supplements that are crucial for replenishing and rebuilding the digestive system and can be used all the time, however it’s especially important when extra support is needed.

In a desperate quest to address symptoms of illness, often times the choices we make temporarily provide relief but, the symptoms come back quickly and many times worse than before.  Suppressing symptoms without addressing the root cause of the problem generally drives the illness deeper into the body.  Many times the suffering could be avoided completely if everyone understood the importance of the digestive system and how the things we choose either support or destroy its performance.

The good thing is, it’s not too late to make changes for ourselves and our animal companions.  Start with a high quality, easily digestible – preferably a fresh, home prepared, species appropriate diet.  Minimize toxin exposures and support the body’s natural detoxification process.

by

Why do we need to supplement the diet?

Most commercial pet foods provide the minimum amount of nutrition to maintain adequate health.  Factor in the contamination of our environment along with the chemical additives in many commercial products and it is clear that excellent health cannot be sustained with minimal nutrition.  Many home prepared diets are not well-balanced and the amount of nutrition the body requires is hard to get through food alone.  In addition, our soils are not as fertile as they once were.  Thanks to commercial farming and agrochemicals the soils have degraded over time.

Many recent studies show that individual nutrients at supplemental dosages (higher than those found through diet alone) have significant effects on the prevention and treatment of a number of diseases and even serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.

A supplemental program should be based on the individual needs of the animal and it’s always best to get input from a qualified practitioner because it is possible to create health problems due to over supplementation.  The breed, overall health, age, activity level, diet, stress and other factors must be considered when designing the program.  Supplements come in powders, capsules, and tablets.  The easiest way to give supplements to animals is to mix it into the food at the time of feeding.  Powders are mixed directly into the food at the time of feeding.  Capsules can be opened and mixed into the food, and tablets can be crushed and mixed into the food.  In addition, if the animal will take it, they can be given directly by mouth.

Remember, when thinking about making changes to improve health, the first step is to improve the diet because high quality, wholesome foods are the basis of nutrition and overall health.  A healthy, balanced diet is the foundation which will be supported by everything else.

by

Herbs Can Work Wonders for Chronic Disease

Chronic diseases (those that continue past several months or those that cannot be cured by the traditional medical system) can affect animals just as they can affect humans.  In traditional medicine, medications and/or surgery are often recommended to help manage the disease symptoms.  Generally this approach requires long term use of pharmaceutical drugs and often times the drugs have side effects that are equally as bad, and sometimes worse, than the original symptoms.  This form of treatment addresses the symptoms, but not necessarily the cause of the problem and is temporary at best.  When it comes to surgery, it’s my opinion that once you cut the body open, it’s never quite the same.  So unless it’s required, such as in the case of a life or death emergency, the pros and cons as well as alternatives should be carefully considered before moving forward.  Just remember once you go forward with surgery, you can never go back.

Holistic healthcare focuses on diet, nutrition, and supplements to build a strong immune system and a healthy body, with the goal of minimizing disease.  With a solid foundation and the help of herbal remedies as needed, the body can heal itself in amazing ways if disease does occur.  When the root cause of the problem is correctly identified and addressed properly, true healing from within can take place.

Over the years, I have experienced how herbs can reduce and often eliminate the symptoms of chronic disease where man-made medications have failed and how they help the body to heal itself, all while others said it was not possible.  You can do your own research and you will find incredible stories of those who have cured debilitating diseases, cancer, and other life threatening conditions by nourishing the body and using natural treatments appropriately.

I think it’s important for us all to remember, our animals depend on us to provide for them.  If you think something isn’t quite right, it probably isn’t.  If your dog or cat is behaving out of character or shows signs of discomfort (restlessness, hiding, panting, not eating, growling, going to the bathroom in the house or outside the litterbox,….) something is probably not right.  Even if your veterinarian cannot find anything specific or if the tests don’t indicate a particular problem, you should be persistent and follow your instincts until you can pinpoint the issue.

If you are giving your pet medication and you are not seeing improvements, you need to challenge why it’s a good idea to continue.  If you are told surgery is the only option, but you are not sure it makes sense, challenge this thought process.  If all else fails and the veterinarian cannot offer you anything but medications and/or surgery and you are not comfortable with those ideas, seek help from a “true” holistic veterinarian or a pet nutritionist.  There are always natural alternatives, and if we are persistent enough, we will find a successful solution.  Herbal treatments are often disregarded by the mainstream as “unproven” or “unsafe”, but those of us who use them on a daily basis know that when used correctly the results are nothing short of amazing.

by

Optimal diets for dogs and cats

I’m continually asked about my opinion on the best diet for dogs and cats so I summarized a few of my thoughts regarding the pros and cons of each.  The lists for each are long and this is only a few things on the top of my mind at the moment.

I am and will always be an advocate for a balanced, raw diet for both cats and dogs.  Preferably a home prepared so you can select the ingredients and customize the diet to the needs of your animals.  There are however, many commercially available raw foods that make this easier for those who cannot prepare their own for one reason or another.

Raw foods are what nature intended for carnivores and this will always be the optimal diet for our dogs and cats, unless health issues require foods to be lightly cooked.

Balanced Raw Diet:

Pros:

  • Natural diet of carnivores
  • Provides the necessary enzymes for proper digestion
  • When properly balanced, it provides the necessary vitamins and minerals needed in a healthy diet
  • When preparing your own, you control the ingredients and can customize for your animals
  • Highly palatable
  • Builds a strong immune system, strong healthy bones, proper muscle growth and so much more (most dogs and cats thrive on this diet)
  • Eliminates or reduces common issues such as food sensitivities, skin issues, digestive problems, weight concerns, infections, and many other common health problems
  • Can be very cost effective depending on what ingredients/sources are used
  • Plenty of commercial sources available for those who want this, although purchasing a balanced, raw diet can be expensive especially for large dogs

Cons:

  • Can be time consuming if preparing your own
  • You need to understand how to balance the diet
  • Some thought required for storage, handling, and clean-up

Balanced Home Cooked Diet:

Pros:

  • A better alternative than processed, commercial foods for those animals who require it
  • Palatable
  • You control the ingredients and can customize to your animals

Cons:

  • Can be more time consuming than feeding raw because of the cooking process
  • You need to understand how to balance the diet
  • More supplements are needed to compensate for the lost enzymes, vitamins, and minerals from the cooking process
  • Some thought required for storage, handling, and clean-up

Commercial kibble:

Pros:

  • Readily available in all price ranges and varieties
  • Easy for the pet owner to store, handle, and clean up after
  • Most are balanced to ensure minimum nutritional requirements are met

Cons:

  • Highly processed so all natural nutritional value is lost and must be added back in through synthetic vitamins/minerals
  • Lack of control in the quality and ingredients used
  • Highly processed foods as a majority of the overall diet, are not natural and not healthy for animals or humans
  • You must pay attention to the ingredient lists because many include substandard ingredients and adders that should not be included in the diets of dogs or cats
  • Highly susceptible to toxins, contamination, and spoilage
  • Various health conditions are escalated in some animals

There are always many factors to consider and sometimes what is possible for one person may be out of reach for another.  Each animal is different and has their own needs so what may work great for one may not be so good for another.  For those who cannot commit to 100% home prepared, there are alternatives that can increase the palatability and the nutritional value of the overall diet.

by

Tick borne diseases can affect our pets

It’s that time of year when tick borne diseases are prevalent and everyone is talking about the dangers that exist to both humans and animals.  Since these can be very serious, it’s worth reminding everyone to be diligent, use some method of protection (herbals work fairly well), and do your best to avoid exposure.

Quite a few people state they did not remove a tick from their dog/cat prior to the animal being diagnosed with a tick borne disease.  Many ticks are so small they are barely visible.  Also a tick may feed on an animal (or person) and leave its host without ever being detected.

Many ticks carry multiple disease causing pathogens and we currently do not have blood tests for all of them, so an animal may be infected and we are not aware there is a problem unless obvious symptoms develop.  Standard blood testing that does exist is not 100% accurate.

Lyme disease and other tick borne diseases can cause a variety of symptoms, it affects each animal/person differently and it’s often misdiagnosed.  Some animals have positive test results and show no obvious symptoms.  Other animals have symptoms that have not been diagnosed as a specific disease.  Some of the more common symptoms in animals include joint pain and stiffness, shifting leg lameness, general discomfort, and behavioral changes.  Again, the symptoms are many and each animal is different.  If your animal doesn’t fit within the “typical symptom scenario” for a tick borne disease it doesn’t mean they don’t have one.

The typical course of 30 days of antibiotics does not eradicate the disease.  When treated early the symptoms for many infected animals subside, but the pathogens are still in the body and often cause problems at a later date.  Late treatments generally do not respond as well to antibiotics and if left untreated it can lead to more severe problems including organ failure.

Lyme disease is the tick borne disease we hear the most about, especially in the North East.  It is caused by the Borrelia bacteria and this bacteria has multiple strains.  Each strain causes different symptoms and some strains are not sensitive to antibiotics.  There are other diseases carried by ticks and some are sensitive to antibiotics and some are not.  Viral and fungal infections which are often carried by these same ticks are not sensitive to antibiotics at all.  So, if antibiotics are not providing relief, start considering if something else or in addition may be causing the issues.  Sometimes you have to be very persistent with your veterinarian or you may need to get a second opinion.  You know your animals better than anyone else, and they rely on us for their basic care so if they are not feeling well it’s worth pursuing further so they don’t suffer needlessly.

Research has shown that in addition to ticks, Lyme may be carried and transmitted by fleas, mosquitoes, and possibly mites.  It has also been determined that this is not exclusively a vector-borne disease and it could be transmitted by blood, breast milk, the placenta, and possibly other means as well.

Lastly, there is more unknown than known when it comes to tick borne diseases and while research is ongoing, not all information is being provided to the public.  If your animal is suffering from pain or when you know there is something that just isn’t right, don’t give up or settle with “I don’t know” from your veterinarian.  Often time’s veterinarians are unable to determine a specific cause, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pursue a means of relief for our animals.  When medications are not working, there are other options.  Herbs and homeopathy can be used to treat many diseases.  When used properly, they are very safe and effective and may just be what makes the difference for your animal.

by

Herbs and supplements for pets

From time to time I will briefly discuss some herbs and supplements that I believe are helpful for pets.  Below are a couple which have many benefits (too many to list).  This is not meant to be all inclusive, its just a brief summary of a couple uses and benefits for you to consider looking into further if you are interested.

I am always available for consultation as needed.  You may call me or e-mail me at the contact information provided on my Website.

ANITOXIDANTS

Antioxidants are commonly used as an anti-inflammatory and to treat arthritis, allergies, asthma, and cancer.  They work by eliminating or reducing chemical oxidation that occurs within the cells.  The most common antioxidants used for pets are vitamins A, C, and E and minerals such as selenium, manganese, and zinc.

ASTRAGALUS

Astragalus is used to strengthen the immune system and acts as an anti-inflammatory.  In pets it’s commonly used to treat infections, chronic illnesses including cancer, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism in cats.

Astragalus membranaceous is safe, however many other species can be toxic.  It is an immune stimulant so it’s best when used early in the course of disease to stimulate the immune system.  It should not be used to treat hyper-immune disorders or disorders with diminished immune systems with low white blood cell counts.

BILBERRY

Bilberry is most often used to treat disorders of the eyes, including macular degeneration and cataract formation.  The flavonoid complexes in bilberry have several effects including collagen stabilization, which my help pets with arthritis.  Other possible benefits include; improved capillary strength, increased platelet clumping, lowering of blood sugar, and protective effects against gastric ulcers.

In humans, rare side effects such as mild digestive distress, skin rashes, and drowsiness have occurred.

BURDOCK ROOT

Burdock root is commonly used to treat allergies, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, and liver disease.  Its diuretic action removes toxins and wastes from the body and can be helpful for pets who eat a poor, processed food diet.  It also contains chemicals that remove environmental toxins from the body by removing harmful, free radicals.

Precautions should be taken when giving this to the young, nursing, or those with severe liver or kidney disease.

Note, it may increase the effectiveness of insulin in pets.

CARNITINE

Carnitine is an amino acid that the body uses to turn fat into energy.  It’s required for transporting long-chain fatty acids into the cells, which is essential to the conversion of fatty acids into energy, especially the heart muscles.

Dietary sources are meat and dairy products, but to obtain therapeutic dosages a supplement is necessary.

Pets taking anti-seizure medications (particularly phenytoin or phenobarbital) may require extra carnitine, especially those with heart disease.

by

Healthy Sea Vegetables

Sea Vegetables are considered power foods, they offer many health benefits for both humans as well as our animal companions.  They support the immune system, provide iodine, help prevent tumor growth, prevent heavy metal accumulations, support the thyroid and offer a host of other benefits when rotated into a healthy, balanced diet.

Here are just a few of the more common and readily available ones that can be used safely.  This is just a brief summary and more information can be obtained on each of these.  As with most things, more is not better.  Rotation of vitamins and supplements is important to ensure a proper balance is maintained.

Kelp – high in vitamins A, B, E, D, and K.  Helpful in removing heavy metals.

Blue-green algae – high in iodine and good for the digestive system

Spirulina – provides protein, chlorophyll, essential fatty acids,…supports thyroid function

Irish Moss – minerals, enzymes, vitamins,…supports immune function

Dulce – protein, calcium, magnesium, trace minerals, iron,…supports endurance, reduces inflammation, helps with digestion, high in iron and so much more.

These can be purchased individually or purchased as a blend.  Several companies offer pet supplements called “super green foods”.  Just be sure when you purchase a product you know what you are buying.  It should not contain fillers or other non-essential ingredients.  The purer the product, the better.

by

Holistic and herbal treatments for pets

The main difference between holistic treatments for animals and Western medicine is how diseases and/or symptoms are viewed.

Veterinarians who follow Western medicine solely, tend to look at a disease in isolation, and a “cure” is geared towards the removal or suppression of its symptoms as quickly as possible.  In other words, a “quick-fix” is usually the approach.  Very often antibiotics are given and these tend to be overprescribed.  Some veterinarians prescribe them to treat not only bacterial infections, but also for viral infections, digestive issues, skin irritations, and a variety of other illnesses as well.  The problem with this approach is unless the antibiotic prescribed is actually known to be affective against the illness, the problem is not likely to be resolved and if it is, it’s probably coincidental.  More than likely the symptoms may subside for a while but they generally return, and often much worse than before treatment.  Frequent use of antibiotics can greatly weaken our pet’s immune system, which will lead to more health problems in the future.

Holistic practitioners look at the animal as a whole which includes body, mind and “life spirit” in order to determine the underlying cause of disease.  Treatments are aimed at strengthening the diseased organ system, regulating and boosting the immune system, and returning the body functions to a state of normalcy for long lasting health.

Many illnesses, including cancer, are a result of a breakdown in the immune system.  Herbs are often a good choice because they contain numerous chemical constituents which can have medicinal effects when used properly.  The medicinal properties of specific herbs can regulate and normalize specific activities of the organ systems.  Often times when herbs are used in combination, they have synergistic effects and can offer long term benefits.

Precautions when using herbs:

  • Herbs usually act much slower than Western medicine and can take at least 60-90 days before any significant improvements are seen.
  • While herbs can be better and gentler than conventional medicines, it is not advisable to use herbs in the place of veterinary consultation, particularly in the event of a serious or life-threatening condition.
  • Herbs are best used to support and improve the general physical wellbeing of our pets.  They are best used for treating chronic diseases and are not the preferred means of treatment in emergency situations.
  • It is important that we obtain the best quality herbs from reputable and trustworthy sources.
  • While there are lots of safe herbs for use in our pets, there are also some that are not safe for dogs and cats so it’s best to work with a knowledgeable and experienced holistic practitioner.