Ann Marie Falk
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
The University of Illinois Companion Animal Rehabilitation Program has taken off running in its first year. The program is not only helping dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery; these dogs surprisingly only represent 40-50% of those undergoing therapy. Dogs with cancer, neurological problems, arthritis, and sport dogs are benefiting from therapy at the Rehabilitation Program.
"The program has become very broad spectrum. Close to 40% of the dogs we see have a neurological condition and oncologic (cancer) patients make up most of the remaining appointments. Both these groups often have long hospital stays. Working with us these dogs enjoy their stay more, are less depressed, and often have a better response to their main medical treatment!" says Dr. Dianne Dunning, an orthopedic surgeon heading up the Rehabilitation Program at the University of Illinois in Urbana.
The rehabilitation plan for dogs with cancer is centered on low intensity, exercise therapy. Play therapy is also included in the regime; play therapy has been shown to lessen the effects of radiation and chemotherapy in children. These sessions include nothing causes stress or strain. The underwater treadmill is a great tool for these low intensity workouts. The quality of life and general well being of these animals improves, this shows in their response to treatment and the shape they are in after treatment.
Dogs with intervertebral disc disease and spinal tumors are the most common neurological patients that pass through the rehab program's doors. These patients usually exhibit some type of paresis or paralysis; they are not able to move about on their own or are completely bed-ridden. Supportive care is given to improve blood supply to the limbs, stop edema (pooling of fluids in the limbs) via massage and deep healing done through ultrasound. Pain management and muscle re-education through electric stimulation is also incorporated into therapy.
"The cornerstone of therapy is the underwater treadmill/swimming for dogs not ambulating well on their own. The buoyancy of the water enables the animal to walk unassisted much earlier. Unencumbered by gravity, dogs can move their paralyzed limbs with greater ease in the water, any motor function they have becomes more pronounced; they can use their legs better. Muscle atrophy is less in these animals too. The underwater treadmill re-educates nerves and muscles by teaching them how to walk again. The belt initiates motion which is a big hurdle for these dogs," explains Dr. Dunning.
A land treadmill is also used with dogs that are weakly ambulatory. They want to use their injured leg but are tentative. These dogs don't need to be worried about propulsion or breaking. They just have to place their foot!
Dogs suffering from arthritis can also benefit from physical therapy. These dogs experience joint swelling, joint pain, and range of motion problems. Muscle wasting is a problem with these dogs as they become reluctant to move if painful. The goal with these dogs is to increase pain free range of motion and build muscle strength. The joint becomes better lubricated and less painful. The degree of improvement differs dog-to-dog depending upon initial loss of range of motion, how much you work with the dog, and the amount of muscle mass lost. The great thing is these exercises can be done at home with proper training!
Sport dogs are another group of dogs seen at the program. These dogs may be recovering from an injury or looking to improve performance. For example a good agility dog needs a combination of speed, cornering, and proprioception (knowing where all the parts of your body are). Resistance training, obstacle courses, and balancing exercises improve all three.
"We are currently trying to develop a new program to help cardiology patients. In people with heart conditions is has been documented that daily exercise and activity improves quality and quantity of life. The heart is a muscle too and conditioning it leads to a healthier and longer life! New protocols are being developed for our canine friends and hopefully we'll be integrating cardio patients into our appointment book soon!" comments Dr. Dunning.
Another target Dr. Dunning has in mind are obese dogs. Obesity is a growing problem in dogs as well as people. Doggie weight loss programs are being developed. Also ideas for seminars for dogs and their owners are being planned. These support groups would be both social and fun for everyone. It's a fact that dogs and owners who lose weight together keep it off!
Owners can be trained to do many of these exercises at home. So no matter what your dog's problem is you can help him at home with the right guidance. "We are working with owners closely, training them to do range of motion and strength exercises with their dogs at home. However, rehabilitation does not mean unrestricted ball playing or off-leash activity. If owners are not able to work with animals at home then traditional kennel confinement is recommended," states Dr. Dunning.
What the rehabilitation program offers is not an alternative to medical treatment. It is not meant to be the sole therapy. It is a tool to improve the medical therapy being done. Improved quality of life and improved response to treatment are the main goals of the program.
"The environment here is very warm and friendly. It's pretty amazing what you can ask animals to do if they are not frightened or stressed and calmly approached. They enjoy the activity and the challenge."
For more information about the Companion Animal Rehabilitation Program or to see if this therapy might be right for your dog contact Dr. Dunning at (217) 333-5300.
==================
For weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for improving the health of your dog by natural holistic methods, order your FREE Dog Health Report here.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Safe Holiday Fun for You and Your Pet!
Ann Marie Falk
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season with turkey, football, and family-and in most American households, "family" includes pets. The holiday season poses many hazards for pets, so follow these tips to ensure that you and your pets celebrate safely!
"One of the primary problems we see during the holidays, especially with dogs, is gastrointestinal upset from rich or too much food," says Dr. Steven Marks, head of small animal medicine at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana. "Food-related problems range from dogs running away with the Thanksgiving turkey to owners feeding their pets part of Christmas dinner."
Unlike your pet's typical fare, holiday food tends to be very rich and high in fat. Vomiting and diarrhea, the first signs of stomach upset, are the body's response to something it is not used to. Gorging can cause discomfort and a distended abdomen. Luckily these animals often return to normal after being fasted for 24 hours.
However, more serious concerns may arise from doggie overindulgence. Pancreatitis, a possible consequence to a fatty meal, can be quite serious. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which upsets many systems in the body. To avoid at trip to the emergency room, don't feed your dog people food.
"Parties are a time when you're busy socializing and being a good host. Your pet may not be at the front of your mind. In crowded rooms small dogs and cats can get stepped on and large dogs running around can cause damage to your house and guests," says Dr. Marks.
The front door opens frequently as more guests enter and exit the party. Spot could run outside between someone's legs and it may be several hours before you realize he is gone. Lost pets increase during the holidays and losing a pet can be very heartbreaking. For their safety, pets should be kept in their kennels or in a separate room during parties.
If there will be eggnog or other alcoholic beverages at your holiday parties, be sure your pets will not have access to the drinks. The same holds true for other recreational drugs. Upon accidental ingestion, contact a veterinarian.
Most pet owners are aware that chocolate is a hazard. Depending on the size of the dog and amount ingested, chocolate can cause life-threatening problems. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are more toxic to dogs.
"During the holidays, when people take time to relax at home, more time is spent with pets. Sometimes owners notice for the first time a problem that may have been going on for a while. If your pet is acting unusual, give your veterinarian a call," suggests Dr. Marks.
If a holiday hazard or concern befalls your pet, contacting your local veterinarian is a good first step. The emergency service at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital will be happy to offer advice; the number is 217/333-5300. The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center is another great resource for information and is staffed 24 hours a day by veterinary clinical toxicologists. The hotline number is 1-888-4ANI-HELP (1-888-426-4435), and there is a $45 consultation fee.
Happy holidays to you and your four-legged friends from the students and staff at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine!
===============
For information on keeping your dog healthy naturally, click on Natural Health for Dogs.
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season with turkey, football, and family-and in most American households, "family" includes pets. The holiday season poses many hazards for pets, so follow these tips to ensure that you and your pets celebrate safely!
"One of the primary problems we see during the holidays, especially with dogs, is gastrointestinal upset from rich or too much food," says Dr. Steven Marks, head of small animal medicine at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana. "Food-related problems range from dogs running away with the Thanksgiving turkey to owners feeding their pets part of Christmas dinner."
Unlike your pet's typical fare, holiday food tends to be very rich and high in fat. Vomiting and diarrhea, the first signs of stomach upset, are the body's response to something it is not used to. Gorging can cause discomfort and a distended abdomen. Luckily these animals often return to normal after being fasted for 24 hours.
However, more serious concerns may arise from doggie overindulgence. Pancreatitis, a possible consequence to a fatty meal, can be quite serious. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which upsets many systems in the body. To avoid at trip to the emergency room, don't feed your dog people food.
"Parties are a time when you're busy socializing and being a good host. Your pet may not be at the front of your mind. In crowded rooms small dogs and cats can get stepped on and large dogs running around can cause damage to your house and guests," says Dr. Marks.
The front door opens frequently as more guests enter and exit the party. Spot could run outside between someone's legs and it may be several hours before you realize he is gone. Lost pets increase during the holidays and losing a pet can be very heartbreaking. For their safety, pets should be kept in their kennels or in a separate room during parties.
If there will be eggnog or other alcoholic beverages at your holiday parties, be sure your pets will not have access to the drinks. The same holds true for other recreational drugs. Upon accidental ingestion, contact a veterinarian.
Most pet owners are aware that chocolate is a hazard. Depending on the size of the dog and amount ingested, chocolate can cause life-threatening problems. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are more toxic to dogs.
"During the holidays, when people take time to relax at home, more time is spent with pets. Sometimes owners notice for the first time a problem that may have been going on for a while. If your pet is acting unusual, give your veterinarian a call," suggests Dr. Marks.
If a holiday hazard or concern befalls your pet, contacting your local veterinarian is a good first step. The emergency service at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital will be happy to offer advice; the number is 217/333-5300. The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center is another great resource for information and is staffed 24 hours a day by veterinary clinical toxicologists. The hotline number is 1-888-4ANI-HELP (1-888-426-4435), and there is a $45 consultation fee.
Happy holidays to you and your four-legged friends from the students and staff at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine!
===============
For information on keeping your dog healthy naturally, click on Natural Health for Dogs.
Don't Lose Your Pet to Ethylene Glycol
Ann Marie Falk
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
With the cold, cold temperatures of winter come higher anti-freeze sales-and more ethylene glycol poisonings. Preventing exposure could mean life or death for your pet.
Ethylene glycol is a chemical that is very toxic to most mammals. It is most commonly used as anti-freeze: most of the commercial automobile radiator products are 95 percent ethylene glycol. Exposure to ethylene glycol anti-freeze is not only through products added to cars. Ethylene glycol anti-freeze may also be present in pipes and toilets in homes or cabins that have been "winterized" as well in the fluid that is present in the base of some portable basketball hoops. It is used to de-ice airplanes.
Ethylene glycol is also used at much lower concentrations in other products, including some latex and acrylic paints, inks, cosmetics, and snow globes. It's possible that exposure to these products could affect your pet, but it is unlikely. Animals would have to ingest large amounts for signs to occur.
"A lot of the toxicity depends upon the species," says Dr. Camilla Lieske, a veterinary toxicology resident at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. "People, cats, and rabbits are the most sensitive, but ethylene glycol is also a serious problem for dogs. Birds, horses, or cattle could also be affected. One teaspoon of 95 percent ethylene glycol can be lethal to an average 8-pound cat! One-and-a-half tablespoons can be lethal to a 10-pound dog."
"The sweet taste-it has been inappropriately used as an additive to sweeten wine-of ethylene glycol has been a problem with children as well as pets. To deter children or animals from drinking anti-freeze, companies have added compounds to try to make it less tasty. Unfortunately, this doesn't always stop dogs-they often are not picky about what they eat!"
The body breaks ethylene glycol down into other chemicals. Some of these chemicals form crystals in the kidney, causing it to stop functioning, which eventually brings death.
"Between 30 minutes to 2 hours after exposure animals start to act drunk. They have trouble walking and act depressed. Vomiting is often seen during this time frame. Animals may seem to recover but 12 to 24 hours later they start to have severe problems and are really sick. Unfortunately, this is the stage when veterinarians are often first asked to examine animals and a fair amount of damage may already be done. Owners may delay seeking treatment because they do not know the pet has been exposed or they think the pet has recovered," explains Dr. Lieske.
Several tests can be done at the veterinarian's office to see if your pet has been exposed to ethylene glycol and try to quantify how much. The best results from the ethylene glycol test occur within a few hours after exposure, but even at 12 hours post exposure the test may have value. This test was designed for dogs and does not work well in cats. Cats are more sensitive to ethylene glycol and so a negative result may be misleading. Changes seen in a blood chemistry profile can also be used to indicate exposure.
Anti-freeze contains dyes so it will glow under a black light or Wood's lamp to show a mechanic where leaks in the engine are located. Using a fluorescent lamp, veterinarians can see if any dye is on your pet's muzzle or paws or in the pet's vomit or urine.
"If the condition is caught early enough, treatment can be very effective. Vomiting can be induced if the exposure is caught within 30 minutes. If enough ethylene glycol was eaten, the animal will need veterinary attention. The goal of treatment is to block the metabolism to the harmful chemicals. This may be through an alcohol solution or other medication. Supportive therapy to protect the kidney is also done. Once the kidney is severely damaged, the prognosis is grave," states Dr. Lieske.
Prevention is the best medicine in this case. "Safe" anti-freeze products composed of propylene glycol are available. It takes larger quantities to cause problems, and these problems do not result in kidney failure. Place any car products on high shelves out of the reach of pets and children. If you winterize your home or cabin with anti-freeze, do not let your dog drink from the toilet!
"When changing auto fluids, use caution. Clean up the area well afterward and do not throw the rags in the trash. Dogs and cats love to dig through the garbage and can become exposed through contact with rags. Also radiators flushed outside put wildlife and roaming pets at risk," warns Dr. Lieske.
If your animal starts acting strange or drunk, act immediately. Take your pet to the veterinarian! Peace of mind is better than a lost pet. For more information about ethylene glycol poisoning, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-4ANI-HELP (1-888-426-4435; note: there is a $45 consultation fee).
==============
To discover how to remove toxic poisons from your dog naturally, click on Natural Toxicity Treatment for Dogs.
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
With the cold, cold temperatures of winter come higher anti-freeze sales-and more ethylene glycol poisonings. Preventing exposure could mean life or death for your pet.
Ethylene glycol is a chemical that is very toxic to most mammals. It is most commonly used as anti-freeze: most of the commercial automobile radiator products are 95 percent ethylene glycol. Exposure to ethylene glycol anti-freeze is not only through products added to cars. Ethylene glycol anti-freeze may also be present in pipes and toilets in homes or cabins that have been "winterized" as well in the fluid that is present in the base of some portable basketball hoops. It is used to de-ice airplanes.
Ethylene glycol is also used at much lower concentrations in other products, including some latex and acrylic paints, inks, cosmetics, and snow globes. It's possible that exposure to these products could affect your pet, but it is unlikely. Animals would have to ingest large amounts for signs to occur.
"A lot of the toxicity depends upon the species," says Dr. Camilla Lieske, a veterinary toxicology resident at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. "People, cats, and rabbits are the most sensitive, but ethylene glycol is also a serious problem for dogs. Birds, horses, or cattle could also be affected. One teaspoon of 95 percent ethylene glycol can be lethal to an average 8-pound cat! One-and-a-half tablespoons can be lethal to a 10-pound dog."
"The sweet taste-it has been inappropriately used as an additive to sweeten wine-of ethylene glycol has been a problem with children as well as pets. To deter children or animals from drinking anti-freeze, companies have added compounds to try to make it less tasty. Unfortunately, this doesn't always stop dogs-they often are not picky about what they eat!"
The body breaks ethylene glycol down into other chemicals. Some of these chemicals form crystals in the kidney, causing it to stop functioning, which eventually brings death.
"Between 30 minutes to 2 hours after exposure animals start to act drunk. They have trouble walking and act depressed. Vomiting is often seen during this time frame. Animals may seem to recover but 12 to 24 hours later they start to have severe problems and are really sick. Unfortunately, this is the stage when veterinarians are often first asked to examine animals and a fair amount of damage may already be done. Owners may delay seeking treatment because they do not know the pet has been exposed or they think the pet has recovered," explains Dr. Lieske.
Several tests can be done at the veterinarian's office to see if your pet has been exposed to ethylene glycol and try to quantify how much. The best results from the ethylene glycol test occur within a few hours after exposure, but even at 12 hours post exposure the test may have value. This test was designed for dogs and does not work well in cats. Cats are more sensitive to ethylene glycol and so a negative result may be misleading. Changes seen in a blood chemistry profile can also be used to indicate exposure.
Anti-freeze contains dyes so it will glow under a black light or Wood's lamp to show a mechanic where leaks in the engine are located. Using a fluorescent lamp, veterinarians can see if any dye is on your pet's muzzle or paws or in the pet's vomit or urine.
"If the condition is caught early enough, treatment can be very effective. Vomiting can be induced if the exposure is caught within 30 minutes. If enough ethylene glycol was eaten, the animal will need veterinary attention. The goal of treatment is to block the metabolism to the harmful chemicals. This may be through an alcohol solution or other medication. Supportive therapy to protect the kidney is also done. Once the kidney is severely damaged, the prognosis is grave," states Dr. Lieske.
Prevention is the best medicine in this case. "Safe" anti-freeze products composed of propylene glycol are available. It takes larger quantities to cause problems, and these problems do not result in kidney failure. Place any car products on high shelves out of the reach of pets and children. If you winterize your home or cabin with anti-freeze, do not let your dog drink from the toilet!
"When changing auto fluids, use caution. Clean up the area well afterward and do not throw the rags in the trash. Dogs and cats love to dig through the garbage and can become exposed through contact with rags. Also radiators flushed outside put wildlife and roaming pets at risk," warns Dr. Lieske.
If your animal starts acting strange or drunk, act immediately. Take your pet to the veterinarian! Peace of mind is better than a lost pet. For more information about ethylene glycol poisoning, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-4ANI-HELP (1-888-426-4435; note: there is a $45 consultation fee).
==============
To discover how to remove toxic poisons from your dog naturally, click on Natural Toxicity Treatment for Dogs.
Tips for Happy Holidays With Your Pet
Ann Marie Falk
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
With Thanksgiving over, many people are hauling out seasonal decorations. Pet owners should be aware that some of these can cause problems for Felix or Fido.
"Dogs and cats are like young children: on the move but not completely aware of the dangers surrounding them. It's best if possible to keep pets away from the Christmas tree, unless they are supervised," says Dr. Steven Marks, head of small animal medicine at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana.
If your dog is the type to chew up your favorite slippers and the side of your couch, then he may decide to chew on the electrical cord connected to your Christmas tree or yard light display. Biting an electrical cord can cause burns on the face and tongue. Receiving a shock can also cause pulmonary edema (fluid collecting in the lungs), a potentially life-threatening problem. This type of respiratory problem is an emergency requiring immediate attention!
"Cats like to play with feathery, shiny things. Does that sound like many of your ornaments? Cats also love string, so tinsel, popcorn on a string, and beaded string are all potential hazards. Cats that eat these things may develop symptoms that require surgical correction," warns Dr. Marks.
Hang ornaments less likely to cause problems on lower branches. Placing your tree on a pedestal is one way to try to prevent your cat from playing with ornaments. Cats are known to be very acrobatic and will try to jump on trees. Pets have tipped over Christmas trees, resulting in a potential fire hazard. Don't leave lights plugged in or candles lit unless someone is nearby.
Dogs, cats, and children have a much lower line of sight than do adults. To them, the Christmas trees stand looks like a water bowl or a fun toy to play with. If you have pets or small children, avoid using Christmas tree preservatives and chemicals, most of which have some toxicity.
"A good rule of thumb is if you think something would be a problem for your child, then it will be a problem for your pets," warns Dr. Marks.
"Around the holidays people like to give gifts to their pets. Be careful what you choose for your animal. Toys that can be chewed into little pieces are choking and obstructive hazards. Hard rubber toys are your best bet. Even things like rawhides and biscuits can become lodged in the intestinal tract," says Dr. Marks.
Treats should be given in moderation. Obesity is a huge problem in pets. Especially during the holidays when activity shifts indoors, pets are less active and people tend to give them more treats. Pets do not need to gain a few extra holiday pounds. Many pets would prefer more attention from you as a gift instead of food and toys.
If you're concerned about your pet, contact your veterinarian. The University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital is open 24 hours every day of the year and can be contacted at 217-333-5300 if your veterinarian is not available.
Season's greetings and happy new year from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine!
==========
For your free report: "How to Improve Your Dog's Health Within 30 Days - Maybe Even Lengthen Your Dog's Life!", as well as weekly tips and information on holistic dog health, click on Dog Health Newsletter. It's free!
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
With Thanksgiving over, many people are hauling out seasonal decorations. Pet owners should be aware that some of these can cause problems for Felix or Fido.
"Dogs and cats are like young children: on the move but not completely aware of the dangers surrounding them. It's best if possible to keep pets away from the Christmas tree, unless they are supervised," says Dr. Steven Marks, head of small animal medicine at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana.
If your dog is the type to chew up your favorite slippers and the side of your couch, then he may decide to chew on the electrical cord connected to your Christmas tree or yard light display. Biting an electrical cord can cause burns on the face and tongue. Receiving a shock can also cause pulmonary edema (fluid collecting in the lungs), a potentially life-threatening problem. This type of respiratory problem is an emergency requiring immediate attention!
"Cats like to play with feathery, shiny things. Does that sound like many of your ornaments? Cats also love string, so tinsel, popcorn on a string, and beaded string are all potential hazards. Cats that eat these things may develop symptoms that require surgical correction," warns Dr. Marks.
Hang ornaments less likely to cause problems on lower branches. Placing your tree on a pedestal is one way to try to prevent your cat from playing with ornaments. Cats are known to be very acrobatic and will try to jump on trees. Pets have tipped over Christmas trees, resulting in a potential fire hazard. Don't leave lights plugged in or candles lit unless someone is nearby.
Dogs, cats, and children have a much lower line of sight than do adults. To them, the Christmas trees stand looks like a water bowl or a fun toy to play with. If you have pets or small children, avoid using Christmas tree preservatives and chemicals, most of which have some toxicity.
"A good rule of thumb is if you think something would be a problem for your child, then it will be a problem for your pets," warns Dr. Marks.
"Around the holidays people like to give gifts to their pets. Be careful what you choose for your animal. Toys that can be chewed into little pieces are choking and obstructive hazards. Hard rubber toys are your best bet. Even things like rawhides and biscuits can become lodged in the intestinal tract," says Dr. Marks.
Treats should be given in moderation. Obesity is a huge problem in pets. Especially during the holidays when activity shifts indoors, pets are less active and people tend to give them more treats. Pets do not need to gain a few extra holiday pounds. Many pets would prefer more attention from you as a gift instead of food and toys.
If you're concerned about your pet, contact your veterinarian. The University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital is open 24 hours every day of the year and can be contacted at 217-333-5300 if your veterinarian is not available.
Season's greetings and happy new year from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine!
==========
For your free report: "How to Improve Your Dog's Health Within 30 Days - Maybe Even Lengthen Your Dog's Life!", as well as weekly tips and information on holistic dog health, click on Dog Health Newsletter. It's free!
Ringworm: A Persistent Fungus
Ann Marie Falk
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
"Ringworm is very badly named because it is caused by a fungus not a worm," says Dr. John Angus, a veterinary dermatologist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana. "Ringworm makes its home on the hair and skin, and it affects both people and pets. In humans, ringworm forms a ring-shaped, raised red rash, but this presentation is not common in animals. Ringworm can look like anything!"
Dogs and cats are susceptible to three forms of ringworm. Our feline friends are the reservoir for the most common form of ringworm in pets. Second in line is carried by rodents and picked up by nosy dogs digging through rodent burrows. The third form is a soil fungus.
It is possible to contract ringworm from your kitty. Studies show that in 30 percent to 70 percent of households where the cat has ringworm, at least one person will get it. However, humans have our own forms of ringworm. Athlete's foot is the classic example. Only 3.3 percent of all human cases are caused by the same fungus that infects dogs and cats, so you are far more likely to get ringworm from the playground or weight room than from your furry friends.
"People with the highest risk for catching ringworm from their pet are young children who have never been exposed, the elderly, or people with a depressed immune system," comments Dr. Angus. Once humans have been exposed to a strain of ringworm, most people develop immunity and rarely get the same strain again.
"It's important to know you have ringworm in your home. If your pet has patchy hair loss or any crusty bumps, take it to your veterinarian for a fungal screen. It is a good idea to screen all new pets, particularly strays, before introducing them to your current animals."
Your veterinarian performs a culture by plucking hair, growing the fungus, and identifying it under a microscope. Treatment needs to be aggressive. Generally a concert of topical dips or shampoos, clipping the pet's hair, and oral anti-fungals is prescribed.
"The anti-fungal drug of choice in dogs is Ketoconazole and in cats Itraconazole. Recently, the flea medication Program has been used to combat ringworm; however, current research shows that it is not effective against ringworm and should not be used as sole therapy," says Dr. Angus.
Treatment must continue until the culture results are negative, even though the animal may look better. Hair re-grows long before the fungus is exterminated. In a single-cat household, treatment can last 3 to 8 weeks and may be needed for longer periods in a multi-pet household.
Treating your home is also important. Fungal spores can persist in your carpet for up to 2 years, so re-infection is a concern. The more animals in the house, the longer the treatment must go on before the environment is clear.
"Hair is the enemy! Getting rid of the hair in your house is the best way to rid the fungus from your home. That's why we recommend that owners clip their animals' hair (making sure to warn the groomer). The only reliable killer of the ringworm spores is a 1:10 dilution of bleach in water. Use this with care because it is a harsh mix and will stain. Sunlight will kill ringworm too. Anything that can't be thrown away can be left outside to try to get rid of ringworm contamination," suggests Dr. Angus.
Fungus likes to grow in dark spaces on hair and debris. Your vacuum is a fungal mansion. If your pet has ringworm, change the bag each time you vacuum. The parts of a bagless vacuum can be soaked in diluted bleach water between uses.
If your pet has skin problems or you have questions about ringworm, please contact your local veterinarian.
==================
For information on a healthy, drug-free, holistic approach to eliminating worms, click here, or for information on removing toxins from your dog, go to Toxicity in Pets.
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
"Ringworm is very badly named because it is caused by a fungus not a worm," says Dr. John Angus, a veterinary dermatologist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana. "Ringworm makes its home on the hair and skin, and it affects both people and pets. In humans, ringworm forms a ring-shaped, raised red rash, but this presentation is not common in animals. Ringworm can look like anything!"
Dogs and cats are susceptible to three forms of ringworm. Our feline friends are the reservoir for the most common form of ringworm in pets. Second in line is carried by rodents and picked up by nosy dogs digging through rodent burrows. The third form is a soil fungus.
It is possible to contract ringworm from your kitty. Studies show that in 30 percent to 70 percent of households where the cat has ringworm, at least one person will get it. However, humans have our own forms of ringworm. Athlete's foot is the classic example. Only 3.3 percent of all human cases are caused by the same fungus that infects dogs and cats, so you are far more likely to get ringworm from the playground or weight room than from your furry friends.
"People with the highest risk for catching ringworm from their pet are young children who have never been exposed, the elderly, or people with a depressed immune system," comments Dr. Angus. Once humans have been exposed to a strain of ringworm, most people develop immunity and rarely get the same strain again.
"It's important to know you have ringworm in your home. If your pet has patchy hair loss or any crusty bumps, take it to your veterinarian for a fungal screen. It is a good idea to screen all new pets, particularly strays, before introducing them to your current animals."
Your veterinarian performs a culture by plucking hair, growing the fungus, and identifying it under a microscope. Treatment needs to be aggressive. Generally a concert of topical dips or shampoos, clipping the pet's hair, and oral anti-fungals is prescribed.
"The anti-fungal drug of choice in dogs is Ketoconazole and in cats Itraconazole. Recently, the flea medication Program has been used to combat ringworm; however, current research shows that it is not effective against ringworm and should not be used as sole therapy," says Dr. Angus.
Treatment must continue until the culture results are negative, even though the animal may look better. Hair re-grows long before the fungus is exterminated. In a single-cat household, treatment can last 3 to 8 weeks and may be needed for longer periods in a multi-pet household.
Treating your home is also important. Fungal spores can persist in your carpet for up to 2 years, so re-infection is a concern. The more animals in the house, the longer the treatment must go on before the environment is clear.
"Hair is the enemy! Getting rid of the hair in your house is the best way to rid the fungus from your home. That's why we recommend that owners clip their animals' hair (making sure to warn the groomer). The only reliable killer of the ringworm spores is a 1:10 dilution of bleach in water. Use this with care because it is a harsh mix and will stain. Sunlight will kill ringworm too. Anything that can't be thrown away can be left outside to try to get rid of ringworm contamination," suggests Dr. Angus.
Fungus likes to grow in dark spaces on hair and debris. Your vacuum is a fungal mansion. If your pet has ringworm, change the bag each time you vacuum. The parts of a bagless vacuum can be soaked in diluted bleach water between uses.
If your pet has skin problems or you have questions about ringworm, please contact your local veterinarian.
==================
For information on a healthy, drug-free, holistic approach to eliminating worms, click here, or for information on removing toxins from your dog, go to Toxicity in Pets.
Pet Obesity is a Growing Concern
Ann Marie Falk
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
Obesity is not just a problem in people; pets are packing on the pounds too! A recent report from the National Academy of Science shows that one in four pets is overweight or obese. This problem can no longer be ignored!
How much does a fat pet weigh?
"Putting your pet on the scale is not the best way to evaluate if the pet is overweight," explains Dr. Christine Merle, a small animal Extension veterinarian at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana. "There is a tremendous amount of individual variation in an animal's ideal weight. It is better to look at the appearance of each animal rather than at a weight that this breed or type of animal 'should' be. Looking at the animal's body condition is the best way to judge where your pet falls on the obesity spectrum."
Body condition scores are most commonly rated on a 5- or 9-point scale, with the middle of the scale designated ideal. The pet is scored by looking at its build, the amount of fat overlying its ribs, and its "waist." Breed, age, sex, and type of lifestyle are minor factors noted.
You should be able to feel your pet's ribs easily without pressing, but you should not be able to see the ribs through the coat. There should be a "tuck in" in the abdominal area. Your pet's torso, viewed from above, should resemble an hourglass. You can conduct these quick checks, but since it's hard for owners to be objective, it's best to seek your veterinarian's advice.
"Since more pets are overweight, we have become accustomed to seeing pets who weigh more than is ideal. The norm now seems to be several pounds overweight. Often if a pet is lean, owners think the pet is starving. However, studies show that lean pets have fewer health problems and an increased life span of up to 2 years!" states Dr. Merle.
An overweight pet is not a healthy pet. Owners need to recognize that they are putting their pet's health at risk by allowing that extra weight. Obesity commonly leads to diabetes, heart problems, and arthritis. An overweight pet does not age well, either. Overweight pets are more prone to hip dysplasia, back and joint pain, and endocrine diseases. Extra weight also decreases a veterinarian's ability to manage these conditions both medically and surgically. Keeping Fluffy at a healthy weight can literally add years to her life.
Why are more pets overweight? The answer is the same for pets as well as people: too many calories and not enough exercise. "The most common reason for overfeeding is that owners want to show their pet they care and one way is to give a treat. One extra treat can turn into 5 and then 10. Be aware exactly how much you are feeding your pets," advises Dr. Merle.
It can be a challenge deciding how much is the right amount to feed your pet. What's listed on the bag is for the average pet, but lifestyle, activity level, and age also affect how much food a pet needs. If your pet is overweight, feed less than what the bag says and adjust from there. Remember that treats reduce the amount of food required at each meal.
If given the chance most animals will eat more than they need. Talk to your veterinarian to figure out the ideal weight for your pet, then monitor your pet's weight with weekly or monthly "rib checks" or weigh ins. Never start your pet on a diet without consulting your veterinarian.
"Prevention is really the key. It is very hard to get pets to lose weight, especially if it is an arthritic pet that cannot exercise. Keeping animals at a steady weight is a much easier task. If you are faced with an obese pet, first rule out medical reasons for being overweight. Then simply decrease calories in the diet and increase exercise. An extra motivation is that people who lose weight together with their pet are more likely to keep it off," notes Dr. Merle.
Working with a veterinarian is the best way to formulate a healthy diet for you pet, determine your pet's ideal weight, and create a weight loss plan. Contact your local veterinarian if your pet is overweight.
==========
For information on holistic diets for pets which will contribute greatly to keeping your pet at a healthy weight, go to Dietary Health for Dogs.
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
Obesity is not just a problem in people; pets are packing on the pounds too! A recent report from the National Academy of Science shows that one in four pets is overweight or obese. This problem can no longer be ignored!
How much does a fat pet weigh?
"Putting your pet on the scale is not the best way to evaluate if the pet is overweight," explains Dr. Christine Merle, a small animal Extension veterinarian at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana. "There is a tremendous amount of individual variation in an animal's ideal weight. It is better to look at the appearance of each animal rather than at a weight that this breed or type of animal 'should' be. Looking at the animal's body condition is the best way to judge where your pet falls on the obesity spectrum."
Body condition scores are most commonly rated on a 5- or 9-point scale, with the middle of the scale designated ideal. The pet is scored by looking at its build, the amount of fat overlying its ribs, and its "waist." Breed, age, sex, and type of lifestyle are minor factors noted.
You should be able to feel your pet's ribs easily without pressing, but you should not be able to see the ribs through the coat. There should be a "tuck in" in the abdominal area. Your pet's torso, viewed from above, should resemble an hourglass. You can conduct these quick checks, but since it's hard for owners to be objective, it's best to seek your veterinarian's advice.
"Since more pets are overweight, we have become accustomed to seeing pets who weigh more than is ideal. The norm now seems to be several pounds overweight. Often if a pet is lean, owners think the pet is starving. However, studies show that lean pets have fewer health problems and an increased life span of up to 2 years!" states Dr. Merle.
An overweight pet is not a healthy pet. Owners need to recognize that they are putting their pet's health at risk by allowing that extra weight. Obesity commonly leads to diabetes, heart problems, and arthritis. An overweight pet does not age well, either. Overweight pets are more prone to hip dysplasia, back and joint pain, and endocrine diseases. Extra weight also decreases a veterinarian's ability to manage these conditions both medically and surgically. Keeping Fluffy at a healthy weight can literally add years to her life.
Why are more pets overweight? The answer is the same for pets as well as people: too many calories and not enough exercise. "The most common reason for overfeeding is that owners want to show their pet they care and one way is to give a treat. One extra treat can turn into 5 and then 10. Be aware exactly how much you are feeding your pets," advises Dr. Merle.
It can be a challenge deciding how much is the right amount to feed your pet. What's listed on the bag is for the average pet, but lifestyle, activity level, and age also affect how much food a pet needs. If your pet is overweight, feed less than what the bag says and adjust from there. Remember that treats reduce the amount of food required at each meal.
If given the chance most animals will eat more than they need. Talk to your veterinarian to figure out the ideal weight for your pet, then monitor your pet's weight with weekly or monthly "rib checks" or weigh ins. Never start your pet on a diet without consulting your veterinarian.
"Prevention is really the key. It is very hard to get pets to lose weight, especially if it is an arthritic pet that cannot exercise. Keeping animals at a steady weight is a much easier task. If you are faced with an obese pet, first rule out medical reasons for being overweight. Then simply decrease calories in the diet and increase exercise. An extra motivation is that people who lose weight together with their pet are more likely to keep it off," notes Dr. Merle.
Working with a veterinarian is the best way to formulate a healthy diet for you pet, determine your pet's ideal weight, and create a weight loss plan. Contact your local veterinarian if your pet is overweight.
==========
For information on holistic diets for pets which will contribute greatly to keeping your pet at a healthy weight, go to Dietary Health for Dogs.
What Pet Owners-And Other People-Should Know About BSE
Ann Marie Falk
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
BSE, which stands for bovine spongiform encephalopathy and has been nicknamed "mad cow disease," has made a lot of headlines since its recent discovery in North America. While the disease is fatal in cattle and there are forms of spongiform encephalopathies in other species, including humans, cats, and deer, BSE poses an extremely low health risk in the United States because of the way it is transmitted.
"This disease was first described in England in 1986. The epidemic peaked in 1993 with 1,000 new cases every week, but is currently expected to be eradicated from Great Britain within 5 years. Most European countries as well as Japan, Israel, and Oman have diagnosed positive cases," explains Dr. Peter Constable, a large animal veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana.
The current theory is that BSE is caused by a modified infectious protein, called a "prion." BSE prions are found mainly in the brain, spinal cord, and ileum (a segment of the intestines). It is thought that the BSE outbreak in England occurred because brains from infected cows were fed to uninfected cattle as a source of protein.
"Since BSE affects the brain, many of the clinical signs in cattle are neurological. Infected cows have trouble standing and walking. They tend to lose weight, exhibit alterations in their behavior, and may appear frenzied in the late stages of the disease, leading to the nickname 'mad cow disease,' "says Dr. Constable.
There is no effective treatment for BSE. Euthanasia of infected cows is the best option. Unfortunately, there is no way to test live cows for this disease yet. It can be definitively diagnosed only by examining post-mortem samples.
A number of mammalian species has its own form of a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. In cows it is BSE, in deer it is Chronic Wasting Disease, and in people it is Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. What is unusual about BSE is that it appears to have crossed the species barrier from cattle into cats (causing about 100 cases of feline spongiform encephalopathy in Great Britain) and also into humans, where the disease is called variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease.
"Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease has some similarities, but important differences, to the more commonly occurring Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease. Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease causes neurological problems in people and was first diagnosed in England in 1996. a Like BSE, variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease is fatal and there is no treatment. It is widely believed that variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease resulted when humans ate BSE contaminated beef," explains Dr. Constable.
Since 1996, only 153 cases of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease have been identified worldwide, with the vast majority of cases in Great Britain. The most infectious tissues of cattlw with BSE-the brain, spinal cord, and ileum-are now removed at slaughter and are not in meat for human consumption. Thus, the chance of contracting this disease is very, very low in North America. The experience in Great Britain would suggest that pigs, horses, sheep, and dogs are resistant to BSE infection, whereas domestic cats are at a very low risk of developing a spongiform encephalopathy.
Commercial pet food poses a very small risk to pets of contracting BSE. Dogs are resistant to the disease. Cats have been diagnosed with Feline spongiform encephalopathy but new evidence suggests this is related to raw meat not pet food. Many pet food companies use chicken as their source of protein not beef. Also in 1989 the FDA increased regulations on what is allowable in pet food to decrease the risk of companion animals being exposed.
In North America the first case of BSE-positive cow was found in Canada in April 2003. On December 23, 2003, BSE was diagnosed in Washington State in a cow originating from a Canadian herd. Officials have tracked down 81 cows in the US from the same Canadian herd. While BSE is not contagious between live cows, there is some concern that these cows may have been infected through a common feed source in Canada.
Steps are being taken to quarantine herds and test additional cows. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service is being extremely cautious. At this point there is no need to avoid beef in the United States. The human health risk has been classified as extremely low.
If you have further questions or concerns about BSE and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, please contact your local veterinarian or physician.
==========
For comprehensive information on holistic dog health, click here.
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
BSE, which stands for bovine spongiform encephalopathy and has been nicknamed "mad cow disease," has made a lot of headlines since its recent discovery in North America. While the disease is fatal in cattle and there are forms of spongiform encephalopathies in other species, including humans, cats, and deer, BSE poses an extremely low health risk in the United States because of the way it is transmitted.
"This disease was first described in England in 1986. The epidemic peaked in 1993 with 1,000 new cases every week, but is currently expected to be eradicated from Great Britain within 5 years. Most European countries as well as Japan, Israel, and Oman have diagnosed positive cases," explains Dr. Peter Constable, a large animal veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana.
The current theory is that BSE is caused by a modified infectious protein, called a "prion." BSE prions are found mainly in the brain, spinal cord, and ileum (a segment of the intestines). It is thought that the BSE outbreak in England occurred because brains from infected cows were fed to uninfected cattle as a source of protein.
"Since BSE affects the brain, many of the clinical signs in cattle are neurological. Infected cows have trouble standing and walking. They tend to lose weight, exhibit alterations in their behavior, and may appear frenzied in the late stages of the disease, leading to the nickname 'mad cow disease,' "says Dr. Constable.
There is no effective treatment for BSE. Euthanasia of infected cows is the best option. Unfortunately, there is no way to test live cows for this disease yet. It can be definitively diagnosed only by examining post-mortem samples.
A number of mammalian species has its own form of a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. In cows it is BSE, in deer it is Chronic Wasting Disease, and in people it is Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. What is unusual about BSE is that it appears to have crossed the species barrier from cattle into cats (causing about 100 cases of feline spongiform encephalopathy in Great Britain) and also into humans, where the disease is called variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease.
"Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease has some similarities, but important differences, to the more commonly occurring Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease. Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease causes neurological problems in people and was first diagnosed in England in 1996. a Like BSE, variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease is fatal and there is no treatment. It is widely believed that variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease resulted when humans ate BSE contaminated beef," explains Dr. Constable.
Since 1996, only 153 cases of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease have been identified worldwide, with the vast majority of cases in Great Britain. The most infectious tissues of cattlw with BSE-the brain, spinal cord, and ileum-are now removed at slaughter and are not in meat for human consumption. Thus, the chance of contracting this disease is very, very low in North America. The experience in Great Britain would suggest that pigs, horses, sheep, and dogs are resistant to BSE infection, whereas domestic cats are at a very low risk of developing a spongiform encephalopathy.
Commercial pet food poses a very small risk to pets of contracting BSE. Dogs are resistant to the disease. Cats have been diagnosed with Feline spongiform encephalopathy but new evidence suggests this is related to raw meat not pet food. Many pet food companies use chicken as their source of protein not beef. Also in 1989 the FDA increased regulations on what is allowable in pet food to decrease the risk of companion animals being exposed.
In North America the first case of BSE-positive cow was found in Canada in April 2003. On December 23, 2003, BSE was diagnosed in Washington State in a cow originating from a Canadian herd. Officials have tracked down 81 cows in the US from the same Canadian herd. While BSE is not contagious between live cows, there is some concern that these cows may have been infected through a common feed source in Canada.
Steps are being taken to quarantine herds and test additional cows. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service is being extremely cautious. At this point there is no need to avoid beef in the United States. The human health risk has been classified as extremely low.
If you have further questions or concerns about BSE and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, please contact your local veterinarian or physician.
==========
For comprehensive information on holistic dog health, click here.
Chemical Sterilization a New Option for Male Puppies
Ann Marie Falk
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
Sterilization helps combat the pet overpopulation problem and also curbs unwanted behaviors in dogs not selected for breeding. In the past the only way to stop a dog from fathering litter after litter of unwanted puppies was surgical castration. Now a new option exists: Neutersol, an injected chemical sterilization product.
Neutersol is currently labeled for use only in male dogs between the ages of 3 and 10 months with an appropriate testicle size. It is available by prescription from a veterinarian and should be given only by a veterinarian or other person trained in giving these injections.
"One advantage of using Neutersol is avoiding the hassle of surgery," says Dr. Cliff Shipley, a veterinary theriogenologist (reproduction specialist) at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana. "Dogs do not need to be anesthetized or to stay at the clinic afterward for observation. They do not face the risks, such as bleeding, that accompany anesthesia and surgery. Giving an injection is easier than surgery any day!"
As with any medication there are possible side effects, however. Testicular swelling is a common reaction to the injection. Some dogs will experience a short painful period and may vomit. Other possible reactions include biting or licking the scrotum, swelling of surrounding tissue, skin irritation, and rarely infection.
"The complication rate is very, very low, and most problems are due to inappropriate injection," says Dr. Shipley. It is important that the person administering the injection be trained.
Studies show that Neutersol gets an "A+" in effectiveness for birth control: in a study 99.6 percent of dogs became sterile after an injection. It takes at least 60 days for the product to work, however. Neutersol does not kill sperm already in the body at the time of injection.
"Owners' No. 1 reason for neutering their male dogs is behavior, and the close second is unwanted puppies," says Dr. Shipley. "Testosterone, which may trigger these negative behaviors, is not completely eliminated by Neutersol in all dogs. Testosterone levels were decreased an average of 41 to 52% in the treated versus control subjects in the company's clinical trials."
"If Neutersol does not bring about the desired behavioral changes, owners can decide to have the testicles taken out," he says. "But even with surgical castration, when the source of testosterone is removed, behavior is not always altered. There is no guarantee that any form of castration will always change behavior."
Neutersol may be a good choice for dog owners who do not want the testicles removed. Some owners view castration as taking their dog's "manhood," while others like male dogs to look like male dogs. Dogs sterilized with Neutersol are no longer able to have puppies yet still have testicles and look like intact dogs.
"Neutersol is still a very new product and may not be the best choice in every situation," says Dr. Shipley. "It may have a more prominent role in animal shelters than in private practice. It will allow shelter veterinarians to sterilize more dogs is a much shorter period."
At this time Neutersol is still expensive, costing about the same as a surgical neuter. Your veterinarian can help you decide whether this product is best for you and your dog.
For now there is no product comparable to Neutersol for female dogs; the surgical spay procedure is the best option for female pets not being bred. Nor has Neutersol been approved in cats; similar doses to those given in dogs do not cause sterilization in cats. Studies are looking at the use of this product in large animals.
For more information on Neutersol or castration, contact your local veterinarian.
==========
For your FREE special report "How to Improve Your Dog's Health Within 30 Days - Maybe Even Lengthen Your Dog's Life!" - go to Dog Health Report - it's free and will be delivered to you by email!
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
Sterilization helps combat the pet overpopulation problem and also curbs unwanted behaviors in dogs not selected for breeding. In the past the only way to stop a dog from fathering litter after litter of unwanted puppies was surgical castration. Now a new option exists: Neutersol, an injected chemical sterilization product.
Neutersol is currently labeled for use only in male dogs between the ages of 3 and 10 months with an appropriate testicle size. It is available by prescription from a veterinarian and should be given only by a veterinarian or other person trained in giving these injections.
"One advantage of using Neutersol is avoiding the hassle of surgery," says Dr. Cliff Shipley, a veterinary theriogenologist (reproduction specialist) at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana. "Dogs do not need to be anesthetized or to stay at the clinic afterward for observation. They do not face the risks, such as bleeding, that accompany anesthesia and surgery. Giving an injection is easier than surgery any day!"
As with any medication there are possible side effects, however. Testicular swelling is a common reaction to the injection. Some dogs will experience a short painful period and may vomit. Other possible reactions include biting or licking the scrotum, swelling of surrounding tissue, skin irritation, and rarely infection.
"The complication rate is very, very low, and most problems are due to inappropriate injection," says Dr. Shipley. It is important that the person administering the injection be trained.
Studies show that Neutersol gets an "A+" in effectiveness for birth control: in a study 99.6 percent of dogs became sterile after an injection. It takes at least 60 days for the product to work, however. Neutersol does not kill sperm already in the body at the time of injection.
"Owners' No. 1 reason for neutering their male dogs is behavior, and the close second is unwanted puppies," says Dr. Shipley. "Testosterone, which may trigger these negative behaviors, is not completely eliminated by Neutersol in all dogs. Testosterone levels were decreased an average of 41 to 52% in the treated versus control subjects in the company's clinical trials."
"If Neutersol does not bring about the desired behavioral changes, owners can decide to have the testicles taken out," he says. "But even with surgical castration, when the source of testosterone is removed, behavior is not always altered. There is no guarantee that any form of castration will always change behavior."
Neutersol may be a good choice for dog owners who do not want the testicles removed. Some owners view castration as taking their dog's "manhood," while others like male dogs to look like male dogs. Dogs sterilized with Neutersol are no longer able to have puppies yet still have testicles and look like intact dogs.
"Neutersol is still a very new product and may not be the best choice in every situation," says Dr. Shipley. "It may have a more prominent role in animal shelters than in private practice. It will allow shelter veterinarians to sterilize more dogs is a much shorter period."
At this time Neutersol is still expensive, costing about the same as a surgical neuter. Your veterinarian can help you decide whether this product is best for you and your dog.
For now there is no product comparable to Neutersol for female dogs; the surgical spay procedure is the best option for female pets not being bred. Nor has Neutersol been approved in cats; similar doses to those given in dogs do not cause sterilization in cats. Studies are looking at the use of this product in large animals.
For more information on Neutersol or castration, contact your local veterinarian.
==========
For your FREE special report "How to Improve Your Dog's Health Within 30 Days - Maybe Even Lengthen Your Dog's Life!" - go to Dog Health Report - it's free and will be delivered to you by email!
Animals and Domestic Abuse: A Sobering Connection
Ann Marie Falk
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
Interpersonal violence is more pervasive than many people realize. Statistics show that 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her life. In recent years, a strong and surprising connection has been documented linking animal abuse and domestic violence: in 85 percent of homes where women or children are being abused, a pet is also suffering abuse.
This connection is an important one because the repercussions of animal abuse affect humans in a multitude of ways.
"Sixty percent of women who are the victims of domestic violence have had a pet killed by violence. Also startling is the fact that up to 40 percent of battered women delay going to a shelter because they fear what will happen to their pet left behind," states Dr. Rhonda Schulman, a small animal internist at the University of Illinois Teaching Hospital in Urbana.
Dr. Schulman helped organize "Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse: The Cruel Connection," an April 24 conference for veterinarians, law enforcement officers, and domestic violence and social workers. The conference will address topics such as intentional abuse, the perspective of an animal investigations officer, laws against animal violence, and how veterinarians can help in situations of suspected animal or domestic violence.
"Many people have the attitude 'it could never happen to me.' However, domestic violence crosses all socioeconomic boundaries. It is something that can happen to any woman: your mother, sister, friend, or you. Understanding the dynamics of domestic and animal violence can help us recognize a problem situation and intervene," says Dr. Schulman.
Pets may be used as a means to establish dominance. Abusers may send the message "I can do this to the pet and I can do it to you," or "If you don't do as I say, then this will happen to you." Pets are also used as a means of control: "If you don't do this, I'll hurt your animal." Pets are a way of buying silence from children, too: "If you tell anyone, then I'll hurt your dog!"
Animal violence has a very serious negative impact on this nation's children. People who abused pets as children are far more likely to commit murder or other violent crimes as an adult. In fact the most reliable predictors of adult violence is animal abuse as a child, even as young as 6 years old. Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy are infamous examples of this sad statistic.
"Another concern is the impact on children of observing violence," explains Dr. Schulman. "Young children are very impressionable. A child who watches his pet or his mother being abused grows up thinking this is the norm. Unfortunately children are often spectators at dogfights, an illegal practice that is on the rise. Children can become de-sensitized to violence. They learn that you demonstrate that you are more powerful than another creature by hitting and kicking."
The link between animal and domestic violence means that animal cruelty is being taken more seriously. Animal abuse laws are getting stricter. Social workers are learning that women may hesitate to leave an abuser because of concerns about a pet. Therefore, offering a solution to the pet's endangerment may enable more women to leave abusive homes.
Veterinarians, whose main concern is for animal health, are becoming aware that they are on the front line of defense against domestic violence. More veterinarians are receiving training, such as at the Urbana conference, to deal with suspected cases of domestic violence.
By working together veterinarians, social workers, and law enforcement officers can combat the problems of animal abuse and domestic violence. For more information, see the U.S. Humane Society's Web site: www.animalcrueltyisfamilyviolence.org.
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
Interpersonal violence is more pervasive than many people realize. Statistics show that 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her life. In recent years, a strong and surprising connection has been documented linking animal abuse and domestic violence: in 85 percent of homes where women or children are being abused, a pet is also suffering abuse.
This connection is an important one because the repercussions of animal abuse affect humans in a multitude of ways.
"Sixty percent of women who are the victims of domestic violence have had a pet killed by violence. Also startling is the fact that up to 40 percent of battered women delay going to a shelter because they fear what will happen to their pet left behind," states Dr. Rhonda Schulman, a small animal internist at the University of Illinois Teaching Hospital in Urbana.
Dr. Schulman helped organize "Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse: The Cruel Connection," an April 24 conference for veterinarians, law enforcement officers, and domestic violence and social workers. The conference will address topics such as intentional abuse, the perspective of an animal investigations officer, laws against animal violence, and how veterinarians can help in situations of suspected animal or domestic violence.
"Many people have the attitude 'it could never happen to me.' However, domestic violence crosses all socioeconomic boundaries. It is something that can happen to any woman: your mother, sister, friend, or you. Understanding the dynamics of domestic and animal violence can help us recognize a problem situation and intervene," says Dr. Schulman.
Pets may be used as a means to establish dominance. Abusers may send the message "I can do this to the pet and I can do it to you," or "If you don't do as I say, then this will happen to you." Pets are also used as a means of control: "If you don't do this, I'll hurt your animal." Pets are a way of buying silence from children, too: "If you tell anyone, then I'll hurt your dog!"
Animal violence has a very serious negative impact on this nation's children. People who abused pets as children are far more likely to commit murder or other violent crimes as an adult. In fact the most reliable predictors of adult violence is animal abuse as a child, even as young as 6 years old. Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy are infamous examples of this sad statistic.
"Another concern is the impact on children of observing violence," explains Dr. Schulman. "Young children are very impressionable. A child who watches his pet or his mother being abused grows up thinking this is the norm. Unfortunately children are often spectators at dogfights, an illegal practice that is on the rise. Children can become de-sensitized to violence. They learn that you demonstrate that you are more powerful than another creature by hitting and kicking."
The link between animal and domestic violence means that animal cruelty is being taken more seriously. Animal abuse laws are getting stricter. Social workers are learning that women may hesitate to leave an abuser because of concerns about a pet. Therefore, offering a solution to the pet's endangerment may enable more women to leave abusive homes.
Veterinarians, whose main concern is for animal health, are becoming aware that they are on the front line of defense against domestic violence. More veterinarians are receiving training, such as at the Urbana conference, to deal with suspected cases of domestic violence.
By working together veterinarians, social workers, and law enforcement officers can combat the problems of animal abuse and domestic violence. For more information, see the U.S. Humane Society's Web site: www.animalcrueltyisfamilyviolence.org.
Heartworm Prevention Can Prevent Future Heartache
Ann Marie Falk
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
April showers bring not only May flowers but unfortunately mosquitoes as well. Pesky mosquitoes are the official airline of a blood-borne parasite that causes heartworm disease, a potentially deadly illness in dogs and cats.
"Heartworm disease is definitely easier and cheaper to prevent than to treat. Most heartworm preventatives are pills given once a month. If you're a forgetful sort of person, there is an injection that is given once every 6 months to prevent heartworm," explains Dr. Allan Paul, a veterinary parasitologist at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana.
Heartworm's fancy name is Dirofilaria immitis, and the adult worms can reach over 12 inches in length. Mosquitoes pick up the immature worms (also known as microfilaria) when they bite an infected animal. When the mosquito bites another animal, heartworm is spread.
Spring begins the time animals are at risk of becoming infected with heartworm. The immature worms need to incubate for several weeks inside the mosquito and can only do this when the weather is nice. Once the weather has been nice for several weeks in a row, the danger of infection increases dramatically.
Heartworm, as its name implies, likes to set up house near and potentially in the heart. The adult worms sit mainly in the pulmonary artery-the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs. The eventual result of an untreated heartworm infection is death due to heart failure.
"It's important to have your pet tested yearly for heartworm because sometimes signs do not develop for several years after infection. Treatment can be risky," warns Dr. Paul.
Animals with a heartworm infection will often have a cough and difficulty breathing. Fainting and fatigue are other signs that go along with a heartworm infection. As the infection progresses, symptoms of heart failure progressively worsen.
Once an animal has heartworm the treatment is aimed at killing the adult worms. This is accomplished by administering a form of arsenic in a dose deadly to the worms but not to the dog. The medication is not the dangerous part of treatment; the danger depends on the number of adult worms present. When large numbers of worms are killed at one time, widespread destruction of arteries can occur, along with severe lung damage.
"Cats are not as susceptible to heartworm as dogs. But where heartworm is very prevalent, for example, here in the Midwest, cats can become infected too. The theory is that cats are better able to fight off heartworm infection than dogs. On the flip side heartworm is harder to detect in cats," states Dr. Paul.
The number of adult heartworms in cats is much lower than in dogs. Cats have several adult heartworms at a time. Cats also mask their disease better than dogs. Signs may be non-existent or very generic. Within two years of infection many cats will die suddenly from heartworm disease. Especially if your cat is outdoors putting it on preventive medication may be a good idea.
Heartworm preventative is available at your veterinarian's office. Some of these medications also combat intestinal parasites as well.
Have your dog or cat heartworm tested. Contact your local veterinarian for an appointment to discuss the preventative that is right for you and your pet.
===========
There are also natural alternatives available - with no nasty potential side effects - for more information on natural heartworm prevention, click here.
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
April showers bring not only May flowers but unfortunately mosquitoes as well. Pesky mosquitoes are the official airline of a blood-borne parasite that causes heartworm disease, a potentially deadly illness in dogs and cats.
"Heartworm disease is definitely easier and cheaper to prevent than to treat. Most heartworm preventatives are pills given once a month. If you're a forgetful sort of person, there is an injection that is given once every 6 months to prevent heartworm," explains Dr. Allan Paul, a veterinary parasitologist at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana.
Heartworm's fancy name is Dirofilaria immitis, and the adult worms can reach over 12 inches in length. Mosquitoes pick up the immature worms (also known as microfilaria) when they bite an infected animal. When the mosquito bites another animal, heartworm is spread.
Spring begins the time animals are at risk of becoming infected with heartworm. The immature worms need to incubate for several weeks inside the mosquito and can only do this when the weather is nice. Once the weather has been nice for several weeks in a row, the danger of infection increases dramatically.
Heartworm, as its name implies, likes to set up house near and potentially in the heart. The adult worms sit mainly in the pulmonary artery-the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs. The eventual result of an untreated heartworm infection is death due to heart failure.
"It's important to have your pet tested yearly for heartworm because sometimes signs do not develop for several years after infection. Treatment can be risky," warns Dr. Paul.
Animals with a heartworm infection will often have a cough and difficulty breathing. Fainting and fatigue are other signs that go along with a heartworm infection. As the infection progresses, symptoms of heart failure progressively worsen.
Once an animal has heartworm the treatment is aimed at killing the adult worms. This is accomplished by administering a form of arsenic in a dose deadly to the worms but not to the dog. The medication is not the dangerous part of treatment; the danger depends on the number of adult worms present. When large numbers of worms are killed at one time, widespread destruction of arteries can occur, along with severe lung damage.
"Cats are not as susceptible to heartworm as dogs. But where heartworm is very prevalent, for example, here in the Midwest, cats can become infected too. The theory is that cats are better able to fight off heartworm infection than dogs. On the flip side heartworm is harder to detect in cats," states Dr. Paul.
The number of adult heartworms in cats is much lower than in dogs. Cats have several adult heartworms at a time. Cats also mask their disease better than dogs. Signs may be non-existent or very generic. Within two years of infection many cats will die suddenly from heartworm disease. Especially if your cat is outdoors putting it on preventive medication may be a good idea.
Heartworm preventative is available at your veterinarian's office. Some of these medications also combat intestinal parasites as well.
Have your dog or cat heartworm tested. Contact your local veterinarian for an appointment to discuss the preventative that is right for you and your pet.
===========
There are also natural alternatives available - with no nasty potential side effects - for more information on natural heartworm prevention, click here.
Hypothyroidism, Or Just Plain Obesity?
Kim Marie Labak
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
Hypothyroidism is a disease suffered by both humans and dogs. In dogs, the disease is seen most commonly in middle-aged females. Some dog breeds, such as Cocker spaniels, Golden and Labrador retrievers, Dachshunds, and Doberman pinschers, are predisposed to hypothyroidism, but this condition is extremely uncommon in cats.
In humans and dogs, the hormone T4, produced by the thyroid gland, plays an essential role in regulating growth, metabolism, immune function, and heart function. Deficiency of this hormone, or hypothyroidism, can lead to obesity, decreased energy, and poor skin and hair or coat condition.
According to Dr. Thomas Graves, veterinarian and endocrine specialist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, most canine cases are caused by Lyphoplasmocytic thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease in which the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland.
According to Dr. Graves, "Canine hypothyroidism is one of the most misdiagnosed dog diseases, and is not as common as we think." In humans, hypothyroidism is quite common and can be diagnosed with 95% accuracy using a simple blood test that has been used since 1965. However, no gold standard test, or group of tests, for canine hypothyroidism currently exists, so hypothyroidism may be difficult to differentiate from other disorders, especially obesity.
Some of the test results associated with hypothyroidism, such as decreased T4 level, increased blood cholesterol, and anemia, can also result from other diseases, making diagnoses complicated. A dog that is simply obese due to overfeeding or lack of exercise will also have a decreased metabolic rate, displaying signs very similar to those of a hypothyroid dog. The only way to get a definitive diagnosis of hypothyroidism is to biopsy the thyroid, but this procedure requires general anesthesia and surgery.
An accurate diagnosis without biopsy requires a skilled, experienced clinician to combine information from a detailed history, a thorough examination, and a strategic combination of tests. Accurate diagnosis is important, since administering T4 treatment to a dog that does not have hypothyroidism may disrupt hormonal balance, and the long-term consequences of this currently remain unknown.
Fortunately, once diagnosed, canine hypothyroidism is simple and inexpensive to treat. Dogs are treated with the same orally administered, synthetic form of T4 as humans. This treatment is very effective, helping a dog regain its energy, and causes no long-term side effects.
To prevent misdiagnosis, Dr. Graves suggests that pet owners prevent obesity, the disease most commonly misdiagnosed as hypothyroidism. "Limiting fattening treats, taking long walks, and playing fetch are good ways to increase and maintain a dog's metabolism and vitality. Any extremely overweight dog needs evaluation by a veterinarian to rule out hypothyroidism or other serious diseases."
==========
For weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for improving the health of your dog naturally, just go to Healthy Happy Dog Health Tips - it's free!
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine
Hypothyroidism is a disease suffered by both humans and dogs. In dogs, the disease is seen most commonly in middle-aged females. Some dog breeds, such as Cocker spaniels, Golden and Labrador retrievers, Dachshunds, and Doberman pinschers, are predisposed to hypothyroidism, but this condition is extremely uncommon in cats.
In humans and dogs, the hormone T4, produced by the thyroid gland, plays an essential role in regulating growth, metabolism, immune function, and heart function. Deficiency of this hormone, or hypothyroidism, can lead to obesity, decreased energy, and poor skin and hair or coat condition.
According to Dr. Thomas Graves, veterinarian and endocrine specialist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, most canine cases are caused by Lyphoplasmocytic thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease in which the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland.
According to Dr. Graves, "Canine hypothyroidism is one of the most misdiagnosed dog diseases, and is not as common as we think." In humans, hypothyroidism is quite common and can be diagnosed with 95% accuracy using a simple blood test that has been used since 1965. However, no gold standard test, or group of tests, for canine hypothyroidism currently exists, so hypothyroidism may be difficult to differentiate from other disorders, especially obesity.
Some of the test results associated with hypothyroidism, such as decreased T4 level, increased blood cholesterol, and anemia, can also result from other diseases, making diagnoses complicated. A dog that is simply obese due to overfeeding or lack of exercise will also have a decreased metabolic rate, displaying signs very similar to those of a hypothyroid dog. The only way to get a definitive diagnosis of hypothyroidism is to biopsy the thyroid, but this procedure requires general anesthesia and surgery.
An accurate diagnosis without biopsy requires a skilled, experienced clinician to combine information from a detailed history, a thorough examination, and a strategic combination of tests. Accurate diagnosis is important, since administering T4 treatment to a dog that does not have hypothyroidism may disrupt hormonal balance, and the long-term consequences of this currently remain unknown.
Fortunately, once diagnosed, canine hypothyroidism is simple and inexpensive to treat. Dogs are treated with the same orally administered, synthetic form of T4 as humans. This treatment is very effective, helping a dog regain its energy, and causes no long-term side effects.
To prevent misdiagnosis, Dr. Graves suggests that pet owners prevent obesity, the disease most commonly misdiagnosed as hypothyroidism. "Limiting fattening treats, taking long walks, and playing fetch are good ways to increase and maintain a dog's metabolism and vitality. Any extremely overweight dog needs evaluation by a veterinarian to rule out hypothyroidism or other serious diseases."
==========
For weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for improving the health of your dog naturally, just go to Healthy Happy Dog Health Tips - it's free!
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Why Does My Pet Eat Grass?
Are you concerned when your dog or cat eats grass, then throws up afterwards? You’ll probably feel relieved to know that pets eat grass because their bodies need it.
Dogs and cats have been eating grass for a long time. In fact, grass is so popular among dogs that one species, dog grass, is named after them. Dog grass is also known as couch grass and quackweed, and it grows in all but the southern-most states.
You can think of grass as an herbal medicine. It acts as an internal cleanser, expelling excess mucus, bile, and other impurities. It also cleanses the bowels and expels worms. Cereal grasses contain enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Grass also contains chlorophyll, which was used for relieving pain, treating infections, ulcers, skin diseases, and anemia prior to the use of antibiotics.
Some pet owners grow grass specifically to give to their pets to prevent or treat diarrhea, anemia, cataracts, fleas, tumors excessive shedding, and other pet health problems. Pets that are fed grass on a regular basis are less likely to crave outdoor grass. So, if you don’t feel comfortable with your pet eating the grass in your lawn, you may want to grow your own grass for them to eat.
Try growing rye or barley sprouts. These sprouts are preferred over wheat grass because some animals are sensitive to wheat.
Follow these instructions to grow rye or barley grass. Soak one cup organically grown grain in one quart water for 8 to 10 hours. Then drain the container and leave it on its side in a warm place, away from direct sunlight. A tiny white rootlet will sprout from each grain within 24 to 48 hours. Caution: If you don’t see these rootlets, your grain isn’t viable and should be thrown away.
Next, spread the sprouting grain on one inch of moist potting soil or top soil in a plastic garden tray. For drainage create a one inch channel around the soil.
For two days, cover the tray. Then uncover it, and water thoroughly. Place the tray in direct sunlight or under grow lights. Keep the soil moist by watering when needed.
When the grass is 6-8” tall, cut it with scissors or a sharp knife. Place grasses in a ziploc bag, along with a damp paper towel. Be sure to expel air from the bag before sealing. Then store the grass in the refrigerator.
When feeding the grass to your pet, cut or mince it into tiny pieces, or place a small amount in a blender or food processor with other foods. To be sure your cat or dog will accept the grass, begin feeding just a fraction of a teaspoon. Increase the amount gradually to approximately one tablespoon per 50 lbs. of body weight.
Once your pet is given the amount of grass his body needs, you probably won’t be seeing him eating the grass in your lawn. And you can feel relieved knowing that you’re feeding him something that he craves and that his body needs.
Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet products Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets. To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to: http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com
deecaruso@cox.net Ph: 760/758-7963, 877/877-0665
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
===============
And for Brigitte Smith's Healthy Happy Dogs newsletter, all you need to do is click and fill in your details. You'll receive a free special dog health report in 3 parts, as well as weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier happier dog! - And it's all FREE!
Dogs and cats have been eating grass for a long time. In fact, grass is so popular among dogs that one species, dog grass, is named after them. Dog grass is also known as couch grass and quackweed, and it grows in all but the southern-most states.
You can think of grass as an herbal medicine. It acts as an internal cleanser, expelling excess mucus, bile, and other impurities. It also cleanses the bowels and expels worms. Cereal grasses contain enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Grass also contains chlorophyll, which was used for relieving pain, treating infections, ulcers, skin diseases, and anemia prior to the use of antibiotics.
Some pet owners grow grass specifically to give to their pets to prevent or treat diarrhea, anemia, cataracts, fleas, tumors excessive shedding, and other pet health problems. Pets that are fed grass on a regular basis are less likely to crave outdoor grass. So, if you don’t feel comfortable with your pet eating the grass in your lawn, you may want to grow your own grass for them to eat.
Try growing rye or barley sprouts. These sprouts are preferred over wheat grass because some animals are sensitive to wheat.
Follow these instructions to grow rye or barley grass. Soak one cup organically grown grain in one quart water for 8 to 10 hours. Then drain the container and leave it on its side in a warm place, away from direct sunlight. A tiny white rootlet will sprout from each grain within 24 to 48 hours. Caution: If you don’t see these rootlets, your grain isn’t viable and should be thrown away.
Next, spread the sprouting grain on one inch of moist potting soil or top soil in a plastic garden tray. For drainage create a one inch channel around the soil.
For two days, cover the tray. Then uncover it, and water thoroughly. Place the tray in direct sunlight or under grow lights. Keep the soil moist by watering when needed.
When the grass is 6-8” tall, cut it with scissors or a sharp knife. Place grasses in a ziploc bag, along with a damp paper towel. Be sure to expel air from the bag before sealing. Then store the grass in the refrigerator.
When feeding the grass to your pet, cut or mince it into tiny pieces, or place a small amount in a blender or food processor with other foods. To be sure your cat or dog will accept the grass, begin feeding just a fraction of a teaspoon. Increase the amount gradually to approximately one tablespoon per 50 lbs. of body weight.
Once your pet is given the amount of grass his body needs, you probably won’t be seeing him eating the grass in your lawn. And you can feel relieved knowing that you’re feeding him something that he craves and that his body needs.
Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet products Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets. To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to: http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com
deecaruso@cox.net Ph: 760/758-7963, 877/877-0665
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
===============
And for Brigitte Smith's Healthy Happy Dogs newsletter, all you need to do is click and fill in your details. You'll receive a free special dog health report in 3 parts, as well as weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier happier dog! - And it's all FREE!
Tired of Vet Bills?
Do you make a lot of trips to the vet's office? Do you spend your hard-earned money on vet bills because your dog suffers from chronic ailments? Give your dog or cat the nutrition he needs, and chances are you can spend your money on other things rather than giving it to your veterinarian.
Nutritional deficiencies are often the cause of chronic ailments in pets. Most holistic vets believe that improving a pet's diet will boost health and vitality and often restore chronically ill dogs to health.
Pets need to eat a variety of fresh, whole foods. A balanced, raw, home-made diet provides the nutrients pets need to heal from the inside out.
If you don't have time to feed a home-made diet, buy the best commercial pet food you can find, one made with human-grade ingredients and without chemical preservatives, byproducts, and fillers. (These foods may be difficult to find in grocery stores and pet stores, but are easy to find and purchase on web sites.) Then improve on it. Fresh juice and raw liver are two of the healthiest foods you can add to your pet's diet:
**Fresh Juice (for dogs only):
Use a juicer if you have one. Most dogs love carrot juice, and it contains zinc, vitamin E, beta carotene, copper, and other ingredients that strengthen the immune system. It's best to use organic carrots, and you can add celery, parsley, or apple. Feed directly or mix with your dog's food. Try to feed 1/2 cup juice per 25-30 pounds of weight each day.
**Raw Liver (for both dogs and cats):
Some vets consider liver a miracle food because of its ability to save lives and improve health. Raw beef and chicken liver are rich in amino acids, protein, phosphorous, potassium, copper, and Vitamin A & B-complex.
Feed liver only from organically raised cattle and poultry because the liver stores toxins. You can add raw liver to the fresh juice you make or add it to your dog's food. To help sick pets, feed small amounts of organic calf or chicken liver once or twice per day (one teaspoon per 10 to 20 pounds of body weight).
If your dog has multiple health problems, supplements can also help:
**Digestive Enzymes such as pancreatin and bromelain help to replace enzymes destroyed by heat. Give enzyme supplements between meals.
**Probiotics and Prebiotics contain bacteria that help with digestion and fight infection. They replace bacteria destroyed by an inadequate diet or antibiotics.
**Colostrum and Lactoferrin enhance immune function.
**Vitamins and Minerals are especially helpful when pets have multiple infections. Choose a vitamin/mineral supplement made from whole-food sources. Pets can easily assimilate these.
**Amino Acids are the building blocks of proteins, and proteins are needed to construct every cell in the body.
**Garlic fights infection, helps prevent cancer, expels tapeworms, prevents blood clotting, and makes pets less attractive to parasites such as fleas.
If you provide your pet with the nutrients he needs, you should see a much healthier and happier pet. And maybe that money that used to be spent on vet bills can now go towards a new car, home improvements, a vacation, or even a savings account!
Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet products Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets. To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to: http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com deecaruso@cox.net Ph: 760/758-7963, 877/877-0665
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
=================
And for the best weekly tips and information on holistic health for your dog, and keeping your dog healthy, click here - it's FREE!
Nutritional deficiencies are often the cause of chronic ailments in pets. Most holistic vets believe that improving a pet's diet will boost health and vitality and often restore chronically ill dogs to health.
Pets need to eat a variety of fresh, whole foods. A balanced, raw, home-made diet provides the nutrients pets need to heal from the inside out.
If you don't have time to feed a home-made diet, buy the best commercial pet food you can find, one made with human-grade ingredients and without chemical preservatives, byproducts, and fillers. (These foods may be difficult to find in grocery stores and pet stores, but are easy to find and purchase on web sites.) Then improve on it. Fresh juice and raw liver are two of the healthiest foods you can add to your pet's diet:
**Fresh Juice (for dogs only):
Use a juicer if you have one. Most dogs love carrot juice, and it contains zinc, vitamin E, beta carotene, copper, and other ingredients that strengthen the immune system. It's best to use organic carrots, and you can add celery, parsley, or apple. Feed directly or mix with your dog's food. Try to feed 1/2 cup juice per 25-30 pounds of weight each day.
**Raw Liver (for both dogs and cats):
Some vets consider liver a miracle food because of its ability to save lives and improve health. Raw beef and chicken liver are rich in amino acids, protein, phosphorous, potassium, copper, and Vitamin A & B-complex.
Feed liver only from organically raised cattle and poultry because the liver stores toxins. You can add raw liver to the fresh juice you make or add it to your dog's food. To help sick pets, feed small amounts of organic calf or chicken liver once or twice per day (one teaspoon per 10 to 20 pounds of body weight).
If your dog has multiple health problems, supplements can also help:
**Digestive Enzymes such as pancreatin and bromelain help to replace enzymes destroyed by heat. Give enzyme supplements between meals.
**Probiotics and Prebiotics contain bacteria that help with digestion and fight infection. They replace bacteria destroyed by an inadequate diet or antibiotics.
**Colostrum and Lactoferrin enhance immune function.
**Vitamins and Minerals are especially helpful when pets have multiple infections. Choose a vitamin/mineral supplement made from whole-food sources. Pets can easily assimilate these.
**Amino Acids are the building blocks of proteins, and proteins are needed to construct every cell in the body.
**Garlic fights infection, helps prevent cancer, expels tapeworms, prevents blood clotting, and makes pets less attractive to parasites such as fleas.
If you provide your pet with the nutrients he needs, you should see a much healthier and happier pet. And maybe that money that used to be spent on vet bills can now go towards a new car, home improvements, a vacation, or even a savings account!
Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet products Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets. To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to: http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com deecaruso@cox.net Ph: 760/758-7963, 877/877-0665
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
=================
And for the best weekly tips and information on holistic health for your dog, and keeping your dog healthy, click here - it's FREE!
Seizures in Pets
Witnessing your precious dog or cat having a seizure can be a most frightening experience. During seizures pets often lose control, fall over, chomp their teeth, salivate or drool, whine, paddle with their feet, and begin to urinate or deficate on themselves. Their eyes become large (dilated) and unresponsive. A pet caregiver feels panicked and helpless while watching it all happen.
Hopefully, you and your pet have never, and will never, have to experience this shocking event. But, if you have, or if you experience it in the future, this article will help you to understand what causes seizures, what you can do while your pet is having a seizure, and the various treatment options available.
What causes seizures? Epilepsy is one cause. Certain dog breeds are more susceptible to epilepsy. These include: cocker spaniels; poodles; collies; german shepherds; irish setters; golden retrievers; dachshunds, labrador retrievers, saint bernards, miniature schnauzers, siberian huskies, and wire-haired terriers. Veterinarians are not sure what causes this “hereditary” epilepsy.
In cats hereditary epilepsy is unusual. Vets can normally find the cause of seizures. These include chemical toxins (which includes chemical preservatives used in many pet foods), brain tumors, feline leukemia, feline infections, peritonitis, feline AIDS, head trauma, and problems with the liver and kidneys.
In dogs there are many causes of seizures besides hereditary epilepsy. Allergies to food and the chemicals, preservatives, and artificial flavors put into the foods can cause seizures. Other causes include liver and kidney disease, tumors, poisonings, and low blood sugars.
What can you do while your pet is having a seizure? Try to stay calm. This is hard to do, but using a calm, reassuring quiet voice will comfort your dog or cat. Move any furniture or other objects on which your pet could hurt itself. If you’re unable to move the object, place pillows or wrap blankets between the pet and the object. Slide something soft under your pet’s head, but be sure to keep your hands and face away from his head so that you don’t risk a possible bite. You can gently stroke his hip or side, but position yourself opposite the side of the feet and toenails as the muscle spasms make the feet curl into claws that can gouge or rake your skin. Dim the lights, and keep the environment as quiet as possible by turning off the TV and loud music.
If possible take notes about the seizure so that you can give details to your vet. Jot down the time of day it occurred, the length of each seizure, and the time in between each seizure if they are recurrent. Your vet will also want to know whether your pet urinated or deficated, if the seizure hit suddenly or progressed from mere body twitching, whether your pet regained consciousness, and how long it took before your pet appeared normal again. In addition, you’ll need to figure out whether there were any possible triggering events. These include loud noises such as fireworks, unusual items that were eaten, and excessive playing or exercise.
After the seizure, pets usually appear lost or drugged. This drugged state can last a few minutes to several hours depending on the severity of the seizure. Your pet may respond to you, but do so in a very slow manner. Since seizures are exhausting for your pet, he will probably want to sleep afterwards. It is best to allow him to sleep, but check in on him occasionally without disturbing his rest.
If this is your pet’s first seizure, call your vet as soon as possible. Some vets will want to see if another seizure occurs, while others will perform a variet of blood tests to check for anemia, liver & heart functions, calcium, glucose, & electrolyte levels. Your vet may even run a screen for possible toxins, take x-rays, or perform an electroencephalogram.
The test results may not indicate the specific reason for the seizure. In this case, your vet may wait to see if another seizure occurs or he/she may suggest medications. If the diagnosis is epilepsy, pets have an excellent chance to live a normal life as long as proper medical care and follow-up are provided.
If you discover the cause of the seizure, you may be able to eliminate future seizures by eliminating the seizure’s source. For instance, if the seizure is due to chemcial toxins, make sure your pet remains as free of toxins as possible. Provide human grade food and treats that do not contain chemical preservatives, fillers, or byproducts. Clean your house with chemical-free products. Also, use more natural flea, tick, & heartworm prevention products as some of these products may lower your pet’s seizure threshold and make seizures more difficult to control. Avoid products containing organophosphate insecticides. For safer heartworm prevention, use products containing interceptor and filaribits.
What can you do if your pet’s seizure condition cannot be cured and you realize you and your pet may have to live with the seizures? In the past, the only treatment options available were strong anticonvulsants that could have serious side effects. These still may be your only option. But, more natural approaches have been found to help some pets, either prior to stronger medications or in addition to them so that you may be able to lower the dose. There are a variety of treatment options that include a natural diet, acupuncture, nutritional supplements, homeopathy, herbs, and conventional medications.
As mentioned above, give your pet a human grade diet, free of chemicals and additives. Also, remove other toxins from your pet’s environment. Clean with natural products and use more natural flea, tick, and heartworm prevention measures.
Minimize stress in your pet’s life. Try to avoid sudden changes in his environment, loud noises, and other stressful situations.
You can also try herbs that act as sedatives. These include valerian root, kava, skullcap and oatstraw. Note that when using herbs and supplements, you may need to lower the dosage of other anticonvulsants.
Several supplements appear to help in preventing seizures. Try an antioxidant combination of Vitamin C, E, B-6, and selenium. Your vet can recommend the dosage for your pet. Magnesium and DMG (dimethyl glycine) are other helpful supplements.
Acupuncture is another helpful option which has helped to control seizures in many pets. Sometimes just placing an ear acupuncture tack in a dog’s ear will stop seizures, and this only requires one acupuncture visit.
If the ear tack doesn’t work, gold implants can be placed in different locations under a pet’s head. Or your pet can be treated with traditional chinese acupuncture.
As you can see, there are many natural approaches to treating seizures in pets. These should help your beloved pet to live a normal and comfortable life.
Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet products Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets. To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to: http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com deecaruso@cox.net Ph: 760/758-7963, 877/877-0665
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
=============
For more information on keeping your pet so healthy, seizures will be much less likely to occur, check out Pet Vitamins, and information on Removing Toxins from Your Pet.
Hopefully, you and your pet have never, and will never, have to experience this shocking event. But, if you have, or if you experience it in the future, this article will help you to understand what causes seizures, what you can do while your pet is having a seizure, and the various treatment options available.
What causes seizures? Epilepsy is one cause. Certain dog breeds are more susceptible to epilepsy. These include: cocker spaniels; poodles; collies; german shepherds; irish setters; golden retrievers; dachshunds, labrador retrievers, saint bernards, miniature schnauzers, siberian huskies, and wire-haired terriers. Veterinarians are not sure what causes this “hereditary” epilepsy.
In cats hereditary epilepsy is unusual. Vets can normally find the cause of seizures. These include chemical toxins (which includes chemical preservatives used in many pet foods), brain tumors, feline leukemia, feline infections, peritonitis, feline AIDS, head trauma, and problems with the liver and kidneys.
In dogs there are many causes of seizures besides hereditary epilepsy. Allergies to food and the chemicals, preservatives, and artificial flavors put into the foods can cause seizures. Other causes include liver and kidney disease, tumors, poisonings, and low blood sugars.
What can you do while your pet is having a seizure? Try to stay calm. This is hard to do, but using a calm, reassuring quiet voice will comfort your dog or cat. Move any furniture or other objects on which your pet could hurt itself. If you’re unable to move the object, place pillows or wrap blankets between the pet and the object. Slide something soft under your pet’s head, but be sure to keep your hands and face away from his head so that you don’t risk a possible bite. You can gently stroke his hip or side, but position yourself opposite the side of the feet and toenails as the muscle spasms make the feet curl into claws that can gouge or rake your skin. Dim the lights, and keep the environment as quiet as possible by turning off the TV and loud music.
If possible take notes about the seizure so that you can give details to your vet. Jot down the time of day it occurred, the length of each seizure, and the time in between each seizure if they are recurrent. Your vet will also want to know whether your pet urinated or deficated, if the seizure hit suddenly or progressed from mere body twitching, whether your pet regained consciousness, and how long it took before your pet appeared normal again. In addition, you’ll need to figure out whether there were any possible triggering events. These include loud noises such as fireworks, unusual items that were eaten, and excessive playing or exercise.
After the seizure, pets usually appear lost or drugged. This drugged state can last a few minutes to several hours depending on the severity of the seizure. Your pet may respond to you, but do so in a very slow manner. Since seizures are exhausting for your pet, he will probably want to sleep afterwards. It is best to allow him to sleep, but check in on him occasionally without disturbing his rest.
If this is your pet’s first seizure, call your vet as soon as possible. Some vets will want to see if another seizure occurs, while others will perform a variet of blood tests to check for anemia, liver & heart functions, calcium, glucose, & electrolyte levels. Your vet may even run a screen for possible toxins, take x-rays, or perform an electroencephalogram.
The test results may not indicate the specific reason for the seizure. In this case, your vet may wait to see if another seizure occurs or he/she may suggest medications. If the diagnosis is epilepsy, pets have an excellent chance to live a normal life as long as proper medical care and follow-up are provided.
If you discover the cause of the seizure, you may be able to eliminate future seizures by eliminating the seizure’s source. For instance, if the seizure is due to chemcial toxins, make sure your pet remains as free of toxins as possible. Provide human grade food and treats that do not contain chemical preservatives, fillers, or byproducts. Clean your house with chemical-free products. Also, use more natural flea, tick, & heartworm prevention products as some of these products may lower your pet’s seizure threshold and make seizures more difficult to control. Avoid products containing organophosphate insecticides. For safer heartworm prevention, use products containing interceptor and filaribits.
What can you do if your pet’s seizure condition cannot be cured and you realize you and your pet may have to live with the seizures? In the past, the only treatment options available were strong anticonvulsants that could have serious side effects. These still may be your only option. But, more natural approaches have been found to help some pets, either prior to stronger medications or in addition to them so that you may be able to lower the dose. There are a variety of treatment options that include a natural diet, acupuncture, nutritional supplements, homeopathy, herbs, and conventional medications.
As mentioned above, give your pet a human grade diet, free of chemicals and additives. Also, remove other toxins from your pet’s environment. Clean with natural products and use more natural flea, tick, and heartworm prevention measures.
Minimize stress in your pet’s life. Try to avoid sudden changes in his environment, loud noises, and other stressful situations.
You can also try herbs that act as sedatives. These include valerian root, kava, skullcap and oatstraw. Note that when using herbs and supplements, you may need to lower the dosage of other anticonvulsants.
Several supplements appear to help in preventing seizures. Try an antioxidant combination of Vitamin C, E, B-6, and selenium. Your vet can recommend the dosage for your pet. Magnesium and DMG (dimethyl glycine) are other helpful supplements.
Acupuncture is another helpful option which has helped to control seizures in many pets. Sometimes just placing an ear acupuncture tack in a dog’s ear will stop seizures, and this only requires one acupuncture visit.
If the ear tack doesn’t work, gold implants can be placed in different locations under a pet’s head. Or your pet can be treated with traditional chinese acupuncture.
As you can see, there are many natural approaches to treating seizures in pets. These should help your beloved pet to live a normal and comfortable life.
Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet products Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets. To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to: http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com deecaruso@cox.net Ph: 760/758-7963, 877/877-0665
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
=============
For more information on keeping your pet so healthy, seizures will be much less likely to occur, check out Pet Vitamins, and information on Removing Toxins from Your Pet.
Natural Approaches to Dealing With Pesky Fleas
Problems with Commercial Flea Killers & Traditional
Flea Bite Treatments
***Chemicals that act as poisons are strong enough to
kill fleas, but the long term effects on pets are
unknown, although they are probably not safe to
use. (Employees manufacturing these products must
wear protective clothing and use respirators.
Plus, the product labels warn against skin contact.
So,if the chemicals are potentially harmful to
humans,they are probably not the most healthy
product for pets. )
***Prednisone & other corticosteroid drugs used to
give relief from flea bites help to stop itching &
inflammation. But, they also suppress a pet's
immune system and have possible long-term side
effects: water retention, liver or thyroid damage,
hypertension, obesity, & heart attack.
Healthy Alternatives
***Strengthen your pet's immune system:
Eliminate food allergens from the diet, and
supplement the diet with a well-balanced
essential fatty acid (EFA), probiotics (bifidus
& acidophilus) & digestive enzyme supplements.
EFAs help to make your pet less attractive to
fleas, and digestive supplements carry nutrients
throughout the body & help to breakdown & remove
waste materials that may lead to food allergies.
***Herbs
-Add a pinch of garlic powder to food.
-Add apple cider vinegar to your pet's water.
-Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon dried Nettle onto your
pet's food (helps to reduce allergic response).
-Add to food or squirt into pet's mouth a low-
alcohol liquid tincture of Dandelion Root,
Burdock Root, or Red Clover (helps eliminate
wastes & supports immune system).
-For severe flea bite allergies (red, inflamed,
itchy skin), licorice serves as an anti-
infammatory. Also, an aloe juice can help to
heal & to relieve itching. Directions: Add
one cup aloe juice to 4 parts water. Pour the
cool liquid onto affected areas of your pet's
coat.
***Environment Treatment
Since fleas spend 80% of their time in the
pet's environment, not on the pet, apply herbal
products to your pet's environmental areas
(bedding, etc.). Look for products that contain
extracts and/or oils of eucalyptus, citronella,
juniper, cedar, citrus oil, or Canadian fleabane.
(Citrus oil & Canadian fleabane contain d-
Limonine which can kill fleas.)
***Bathing
Bathe with a good, mild herbal pet shampoo
formulated to bring relief and remove fleas and
body wastes from the skin.
Only use shampoos meant for pets, not humans.
(Human shampoos are often too harsh and may
contain allergens that worsen a pet's allergic
condition.)
Also, don't shampoo too often or irritation &
dryness may occur.
Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet products Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets. To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to: http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com deecaruso@cox.net Ph: 760/758-7963, 877/877-0665
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
============
For more information on preventing fleas naturally, click here.
Flea Bite Treatments
***Chemicals that act as poisons are strong enough to
kill fleas, but the long term effects on pets are
unknown, although they are probably not safe to
use. (Employees manufacturing these products must
wear protective clothing and use respirators.
Plus, the product labels warn against skin contact.
So,if the chemicals are potentially harmful to
humans,they are probably not the most healthy
product for pets. )
***Prednisone & other corticosteroid drugs used to
give relief from flea bites help to stop itching &
inflammation. But, they also suppress a pet's
immune system and have possible long-term side
effects: water retention, liver or thyroid damage,
hypertension, obesity, & heart attack.
Healthy Alternatives
***Strengthen your pet's immune system:
Eliminate food allergens from the diet, and
supplement the diet with a well-balanced
essential fatty acid (EFA), probiotics (bifidus
& acidophilus) & digestive enzyme supplements.
EFAs help to make your pet less attractive to
fleas, and digestive supplements carry nutrients
throughout the body & help to breakdown & remove
waste materials that may lead to food allergies.
***Herbs
-Add a pinch of garlic powder to food.
-Add apple cider vinegar to your pet's water.
-Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon dried Nettle onto your
pet's food (helps to reduce allergic response).
-Add to food or squirt into pet's mouth a low-
alcohol liquid tincture of Dandelion Root,
Burdock Root, or Red Clover (helps eliminate
wastes & supports immune system).
-For severe flea bite allergies (red, inflamed,
itchy skin), licorice serves as an anti-
infammatory. Also, an aloe juice can help to
heal & to relieve itching. Directions: Add
one cup aloe juice to 4 parts water. Pour the
cool liquid onto affected areas of your pet's
coat.
***Environment Treatment
Since fleas spend 80% of their time in the
pet's environment, not on the pet, apply herbal
products to your pet's environmental areas
(bedding, etc.). Look for products that contain
extracts and/or oils of eucalyptus, citronella,
juniper, cedar, citrus oil, or Canadian fleabane.
(Citrus oil & Canadian fleabane contain d-
Limonine which can kill fleas.)
***Bathing
Bathe with a good, mild herbal pet shampoo
formulated to bring relief and remove fleas and
body wastes from the skin.
Only use shampoos meant for pets, not humans.
(Human shampoos are often too harsh and may
contain allergens that worsen a pet's allergic
condition.)
Also, don't shampoo too often or irritation &
dryness may occur.
Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet products Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets. To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to: http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com deecaruso@cox.net Ph: 760/758-7963, 877/877-0665
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
============
For more information on preventing fleas naturally, click here.
Probiotics - The Good Bacteria
PROBIOTICS - The Good Bacteria - Does your pet have digestion problems, diarrhea, skin problems, food intolerances, or other chronic health problems? Supplement with a high quality pet probiotic to restore your pet’s healthy gut, and chances are you’ll improve your pet’s health.
A probiotic, sometimes referred to as good or friendly bacteria, is a microorganism necessary for a healthy and balanced intestinal tract. There are two types of bacteria found in the intestinal tract, good and harmful bacteria. Good bacteria, or probiotics, ensure good health as they are absolutely vital to help:
1. Produce natural antibiotics, which can fight harmful bactera.
2. Regulate and increase hormone levels.
3. Manufacture B group vitamins, biotin and folic acid.
4. Stimulate the immune system.
5. Reduce food intolerance.
6. Increase energy levels.
7. Inhibit the growth of some yeast.
8. Absorb nutrients, antioxidants and iron from food that is
eaten.
9. Reduce inflammation.
10. Increase digestibility of food.
Several things can destroy the intestinal bacterial balance in a pet’s gut. Overuse of antibiotics destroys good bacteria as well as bad. Moreover, stress, poor diet, pollutants, environmental changes, and prescription drugs can also deplete beneficial bacteria.
Other culprits of good bacteria include chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and soil sterilizers in agriculture which damage the soil ecosystem and the natural flow of bacteria found in the food chain. These chemicals, as well as chemicals in the water supply, reduce the good bacteria in the gut. This allows harmful bacteria to multiply and produce large amounts of toxins and carcinogenic agents. These toxins inhibit the normal function of the digestive system and increase the demands placed on the liver and kidneys. Consequently, this speeds up the aging process and leads to various diseases and digestion problems.
Pets with large amounts of beneficial bacteria are better equipped to fight the growth of unhealthy organisms. So, if pets are to maintain a healthy body, they need large quantities of friendly bacteria. Supplement a well-balanced diet with a high quality pet probiotic and give your pet the health that he most certainly deserves.
Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet products Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets. To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to: http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com
deecaruso@cox.net Ph: 760/758-7963, 877/877-0665
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
=============
Also for your Dog Health Information newsletter - Healthy Happy Dogs - click here!
A probiotic, sometimes referred to as good or friendly bacteria, is a microorganism necessary for a healthy and balanced intestinal tract. There are two types of bacteria found in the intestinal tract, good and harmful bacteria. Good bacteria, or probiotics, ensure good health as they are absolutely vital to help:
1. Produce natural antibiotics, which can fight harmful bactera.
2. Regulate and increase hormone levels.
3. Manufacture B group vitamins, biotin and folic acid.
4. Stimulate the immune system.
5. Reduce food intolerance.
6. Increase energy levels.
7. Inhibit the growth of some yeast.
8. Absorb nutrients, antioxidants and iron from food that is
eaten.
9. Reduce inflammation.
10. Increase digestibility of food.
Several things can destroy the intestinal bacterial balance in a pet’s gut. Overuse of antibiotics destroys good bacteria as well as bad. Moreover, stress, poor diet, pollutants, environmental changes, and prescription drugs can also deplete beneficial bacteria.
Other culprits of good bacteria include chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and soil sterilizers in agriculture which damage the soil ecosystem and the natural flow of bacteria found in the food chain. These chemicals, as well as chemicals in the water supply, reduce the good bacteria in the gut. This allows harmful bacteria to multiply and produce large amounts of toxins and carcinogenic agents. These toxins inhibit the normal function of the digestive system and increase the demands placed on the liver and kidneys. Consequently, this speeds up the aging process and leads to various diseases and digestion problems.
Pets with large amounts of beneficial bacteria are better equipped to fight the growth of unhealthy organisms. So, if pets are to maintain a healthy body, they need large quantities of friendly bacteria. Supplement a well-balanced diet with a high quality pet probiotic and give your pet the health that he most certainly deserves.
Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet products Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets. To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to: http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com
deecaruso@cox.net Ph: 760/758-7963, 877/877-0665
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
=============
Also for your Dog Health Information newsletter - Healthy Happy Dogs - click here!
Ten Important Things Your Dog Wants You To Know
If your dog could talk, these are some of most important things she would like to tell you...
1 - My life will probably only last 7 to 14 years. It will hurt me more than you know if I have to be away from you for longer than a day or two.
2 - If you have patience with me and give me time to learn what you would like from me, I can promise you, you will never be disappointed.
3 - Trust me with your life and have faith in our future together. If I don't feel that you honestly believe in me, I will suffer great emotional stress. My sense of self-worth is totally dependent upon your confidence in me.
4 - Don’t stay mad at me for long or confine me to a cage to punish me. You have your friends, your job, and your recreation. I HAVE ONLY YOU!
5 - Talk to me about anything you want as frequently as possible. Even if I can’t comprehend your precise words, I can understand the meaning of what you’re telling me by the tone of your voice.
6 - Remember no matter how you treat me, I will NEVER forget it.
7 - When you consider raising your hand to hit me, remember I have teeth that could break the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8 - Before you scream at me for failing to respond to your commands as I usually do, take time to think about what might be wrong with me that would cause me to treat you differently. Maybe I haven’t been eating right or drinking enough water. Or maybe my age is catching up with me and I just can’t do what I used to do.
9 - Take good care of me when I get old. Someday you will be as old as me and you will see how it feels.
10 - Be there for me through good times and bad. Never say you can’t handle taking me to the vets for stitches or surgery. Nothing could make me feel worse. Everything in my life is easier for me to deal with when I have you standing by my side. Remember my love for you is unconditional and it will last for your entire life.
Resource Box - © Danielle Hollister (2004) Danielle Hollister is the Quotations Editor at BellaOnline and Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8364.asp
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
==========
Don't forget to visit the Healthy Happy Dogs site for everything concerning dog health and dog care.
1 - My life will probably only last 7 to 14 years. It will hurt me more than you know if I have to be away from you for longer than a day or two.
2 - If you have patience with me and give me time to learn what you would like from me, I can promise you, you will never be disappointed.
3 - Trust me with your life and have faith in our future together. If I don't feel that you honestly believe in me, I will suffer great emotional stress. My sense of self-worth is totally dependent upon your confidence in me.
4 - Don’t stay mad at me for long or confine me to a cage to punish me. You have your friends, your job, and your recreation. I HAVE ONLY YOU!
5 - Talk to me about anything you want as frequently as possible. Even if I can’t comprehend your precise words, I can understand the meaning of what you’re telling me by the tone of your voice.
6 - Remember no matter how you treat me, I will NEVER forget it.
7 - When you consider raising your hand to hit me, remember I have teeth that could break the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8 - Before you scream at me for failing to respond to your commands as I usually do, take time to think about what might be wrong with me that would cause me to treat you differently. Maybe I haven’t been eating right or drinking enough water. Or maybe my age is catching up with me and I just can’t do what I used to do.
9 - Take good care of me when I get old. Someday you will be as old as me and you will see how it feels.
10 - Be there for me through good times and bad. Never say you can’t handle taking me to the vets for stitches or surgery. Nothing could make me feel worse. Everything in my life is easier for me to deal with when I have you standing by my side. Remember my love for you is unconditional and it will last for your entire life.
Resource Box - © Danielle Hollister (2004) Danielle Hollister is the Quotations Editor at BellaOnline and Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8364.asp
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
==========
Don't forget to visit the Healthy Happy Dogs site for everything concerning dog health and dog care.
Pet Ear Infections
Is your dog or cat tormented by ear infections? Do you spend time and money at the veterinarian's office trying to bring relief to your beloved pet, only to find that another infection appears over time? If so, you may want to try some more natural approaches to preventing and treating your pet's ear infections.
Dogs and cats have an incredible sense of hearing. To protect their hearing and prevent damage to the ear drum, their ear canals are L-shaped. The problem with this design is that it allows the ears to trap parasites, moisture, debris, and earwax, and any of these can lead to ear infections. Up to 80 percent of ear problems in dogs are linked to allergies, and earmites are often the cause of infection in cats.
The traditional treatment for ear infections is to give antibiotics, antifungal medications or other drugs. The problem with this approach is that drugs upset the normal chemistry inside the ear and can possibly turn a simple infection into a long-term problem. It makes more sense to deal with underlying allergies and strengthen the immune system so that it is able to fight bacteria and other germs BEFORE they cause infection. Also, there are many natural treatments for cleaning the ears and stopping infections without using drugs.
These are the Signs of an Ear Infection:
*Pet shakes head or holds it to one side.
*Pet scratches or rubs ears, or rubs head against furniture or carpet.
*There is a yellow, brown or black discharge in one or both ears.
*Ears smell bad or are tender or red.
The Solutions
*Clean the ears with vinegar - If your pet's ears are filled with brownish-pink wax, there is a good chance that allergies have caused a yeast infection. To clear up yeast infections, clean the ears thoroughly. Veterinarians often recommend using white vinegar, also called acetic acid, because it removes dirt and debris and helps restore a healthy chemical balance in the ears.
Diluted vinegar works well. When using vinegar, pour a small amount into the ear canal, massage the area, then gently wipe the inside of the ear with a cotton ball. Do this once a day until the ear is better.
*Stop infections with pau d'arco - The herb pau d'arco, which comes from the inner bark of a South American tree, is a natural antibiotic that quickly kills fungi and bacteria. At the first sign of infection, mix equal parts pau d'arco tincture and mineral oil and put several drops in your pet's ears. Give the drops two or three times a day for several days.
*Reduce inflammation with vitamin C - The adrenal glands produce a natural steroid that can help reduce inflammation when ears get infected. Giving pets vitamin C can help the adrenal glands work more efficiently. Pets weighing under 15 pounds can take between 100 and 250 milligrams of vitamin C a day. Cats and dogs 15 to 50 pounds can take 250 to 500 milligrams a day, and larger dogs can take 500 milligrams two or three times a day. Vitamin C can cause diarrhea, so you may have to cut back the dose until you find an amount that your pet will tolerate.
*Eliminate toxins with a healthy, all natural diet - Giving your pet a healthy, homemade diet or high quality commercial food that doesn't contain corn, additives or preservatives can greatly reduce the amount of wax that the ears produce, while also helping to boost the immune system.
*Air out the ears - Increasing air circulation inside the ears can control the growth of bacteria, yeast and fungi. Trim or pluck hair inside the ears periodically to allow more air to get inside.
*Strengthen the digestive tract - Supplements such as bromelain and quercetin (with bromelain) can help prevent an allergic response in the gastrointestinal tract, making food allergies less of a problem.
*Stop ear mites with oil - When an infection is caused by ear mites, putting a few drops of almond oil or olive oil in each ear will smother the mites and may allow the infection to heal. You usually need to continue the oil treatments for three to four weeks, putting three to seven drops of oil into the ear canals each day. To help the treatment work more efficiently, clean wax and other debris from the ears before using oil.
*Try an over-the-counter remedy - One of the best ways to stop ear mites is with over-the-counter products containing pyrethrins. Made from chrysanthemums, pyrethrins are natural insecticides that are very safe to use. Just follow the instructions on the label.
When to Call the Vet
Ear infections can look and smell awful, but they usually affect only the outer part of the ear and aren't too serious. If you're unable to get to the source of the problem (especially if your pet is still scratching a lot), you will want to see your veterinarian to find out what is causing the problem. Vigorous scratching can break blood vessels in the earflap, causing the entire ear to swell like a balloon. This condition is called hematoma and must be drained by a veterinarian to prevent permanent damage.
Other symptoms to watch out for include head tilting, clumsiness, walking in circles or drooping eyes. These are signs of an inner-ear infection, and must be treated by a vet. Your pet will probably need antibiotics to knock out the infection. In addition, your vet may need to drain pus and other fluids from inside the ear!
Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet products Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets. To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to: http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com deecaruso@cox.net Ph: 760/758-7963, 877/877-0665
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
===========
And for your FREE Healthy Happy Dogs newsletter, just go to the Dog Health Article website and fill in your details.
Also, don't miss the information on one of the healthiest pet food mixes available on the planet - Sojos.
Or click here for more info on dog dental health and dog ear health.
Dogs and cats have an incredible sense of hearing. To protect their hearing and prevent damage to the ear drum, their ear canals are L-shaped. The problem with this design is that it allows the ears to trap parasites, moisture, debris, and earwax, and any of these can lead to ear infections. Up to 80 percent of ear problems in dogs are linked to allergies, and earmites are often the cause of infection in cats.
The traditional treatment for ear infections is to give antibiotics, antifungal medications or other drugs. The problem with this approach is that drugs upset the normal chemistry inside the ear and can possibly turn a simple infection into a long-term problem. It makes more sense to deal with underlying allergies and strengthen the immune system so that it is able to fight bacteria and other germs BEFORE they cause infection. Also, there are many natural treatments for cleaning the ears and stopping infections without using drugs.
These are the Signs of an Ear Infection:
*Pet shakes head or holds it to one side.
*Pet scratches or rubs ears, or rubs head against furniture or carpet.
*There is a yellow, brown or black discharge in one or both ears.
*Ears smell bad or are tender or red.
The Solutions
*Clean the ears with vinegar - If your pet's ears are filled with brownish-pink wax, there is a good chance that allergies have caused a yeast infection. To clear up yeast infections, clean the ears thoroughly. Veterinarians often recommend using white vinegar, also called acetic acid, because it removes dirt and debris and helps restore a healthy chemical balance in the ears.
Diluted vinegar works well. When using vinegar, pour a small amount into the ear canal, massage the area, then gently wipe the inside of the ear with a cotton ball. Do this once a day until the ear is better.
*Stop infections with pau d'arco - The herb pau d'arco, which comes from the inner bark of a South American tree, is a natural antibiotic that quickly kills fungi and bacteria. At the first sign of infection, mix equal parts pau d'arco tincture and mineral oil and put several drops in your pet's ears. Give the drops two or three times a day for several days.
*Reduce inflammation with vitamin C - The adrenal glands produce a natural steroid that can help reduce inflammation when ears get infected. Giving pets vitamin C can help the adrenal glands work more efficiently. Pets weighing under 15 pounds can take between 100 and 250 milligrams of vitamin C a day. Cats and dogs 15 to 50 pounds can take 250 to 500 milligrams a day, and larger dogs can take 500 milligrams two or three times a day. Vitamin C can cause diarrhea, so you may have to cut back the dose until you find an amount that your pet will tolerate.
*Eliminate toxins with a healthy, all natural diet - Giving your pet a healthy, homemade diet or high quality commercial food that doesn't contain corn, additives or preservatives can greatly reduce the amount of wax that the ears produce, while also helping to boost the immune system.
*Air out the ears - Increasing air circulation inside the ears can control the growth of bacteria, yeast and fungi. Trim or pluck hair inside the ears periodically to allow more air to get inside.
*Strengthen the digestive tract - Supplements such as bromelain and quercetin (with bromelain) can help prevent an allergic response in the gastrointestinal tract, making food allergies less of a problem.
*Stop ear mites with oil - When an infection is caused by ear mites, putting a few drops of almond oil or olive oil in each ear will smother the mites and may allow the infection to heal. You usually need to continue the oil treatments for three to four weeks, putting three to seven drops of oil into the ear canals each day. To help the treatment work more efficiently, clean wax and other debris from the ears before using oil.
*Try an over-the-counter remedy - One of the best ways to stop ear mites is with over-the-counter products containing pyrethrins. Made from chrysanthemums, pyrethrins are natural insecticides that are very safe to use. Just follow the instructions on the label.
When to Call the Vet
Ear infections can look and smell awful, but they usually affect only the outer part of the ear and aren't too serious. If you're unable to get to the source of the problem (especially if your pet is still scratching a lot), you will want to see your veterinarian to find out what is causing the problem. Vigorous scratching can break blood vessels in the earflap, causing the entire ear to swell like a balloon. This condition is called hematoma and must be drained by a veterinarian to prevent permanent damage.
Other symptoms to watch out for include head tilting, clumsiness, walking in circles or drooping eyes. These are signs of an inner-ear infection, and must be treated by a vet. Your pet will probably need antibiotics to knock out the infection. In addition, your vet may need to drain pus and other fluids from inside the ear!
Deena Caruso, author, teacher, & distributor of natural pet products Helps pet owners create healthy, happy pets. To receive FREE "Pet Pointers" Newsletter, go to: http://www.healthyfoodforpets.com deecaruso@cox.net Ph: 760/758-7963, 877/877-0665
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
===========
And for your FREE Healthy Happy Dogs newsletter, just go to the Dog Health Article website and fill in your details.
Also, don't miss the information on one of the healthiest pet food mixes available on the planet - Sojos.
Or click here for more info on dog dental health and dog ear health.
Tips for Toys
Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky for us there are endless choices.
But did you know how important toys are for your dogs - puppies especially.
Toys play a great role in the emotional and mental development of puppies. They also act as solutions for inappropriate chewing, boredom, and separation anxiety. In fact most dog trainers recommend that new puppy owners buy lots of toys for the newest member of the family.
Variety is the spice of life. Most experts recommend buying different kinds of toys for your dog so that you can discover which ones he really likes.
You might be surprised with the answers. Berry, my 95 pound German Shepherd just loves cuddling up his stuffed animals. Who would have thought!
Trainers and behaviorists recommend that their clients have three sets of toys.
Primary toys are your dog's favorite. Leave these out for your dog when your not around. This helps reduce separation anxiety because your dog associates you leaving with his getting his favorite toy.
Secondary toys are the toys to have out when you are home. Be sure to pick up the primary toys.
And finally the third set of toys is used to rotate with the the first set. Trainers recommend swapping toys every 3 days or so. This helps keep your dog interested in all his toys.
And always choose toys wisely. Try to buy toys that match your dog's size. And always make sure there are no dangerous small pieces that your dog can chew loose and swallow or worse yet - choke on.
Margaret Svete, best-selling author, television and radio personality, and dog rescuer helps dog owners discover easy dog care tips. Subscribe to the premiere dog care ezine, The Dog Enquirer, at http://www.allaboutdogcare.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
===============
Also, don't miss the Healthy Happy Dogs ezine - for weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier dog! - and it's completely FREE!
But did you know how important toys are for your dogs - puppies especially.
Toys play a great role in the emotional and mental development of puppies. They also act as solutions for inappropriate chewing, boredom, and separation anxiety. In fact most dog trainers recommend that new puppy owners buy lots of toys for the newest member of the family.
Variety is the spice of life. Most experts recommend buying different kinds of toys for your dog so that you can discover which ones he really likes.
You might be surprised with the answers. Berry, my 95 pound German Shepherd just loves cuddling up his stuffed animals. Who would have thought!
Trainers and behaviorists recommend that their clients have three sets of toys.
Primary toys are your dog's favorite. Leave these out for your dog when your not around. This helps reduce separation anxiety because your dog associates you leaving with his getting his favorite toy.
Secondary toys are the toys to have out when you are home. Be sure to pick up the primary toys.
And finally the third set of toys is used to rotate with the the first set. Trainers recommend swapping toys every 3 days or so. This helps keep your dog interested in all his toys.
And always choose toys wisely. Try to buy toys that match your dog's size. And always make sure there are no dangerous small pieces that your dog can chew loose and swallow or worse yet - choke on.
Margaret Svete, best-selling author, television and radio personality, and dog rescuer helps dog owners discover easy dog care tips. Subscribe to the premiere dog care ezine, The Dog Enquirer, at http://www.allaboutdogcare.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
===============
Also, don't miss the Healthy Happy Dogs ezine - for weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier dog! - and it's completely FREE!
Brushing Up On Dog Grooming
Is your dog due for a makeover? Has she been enjoying the great outdoors a little too much? Here are some simple tips for helping your dog put her best paw forward.
It all begins with the brushing:
- Brush your dog regularly. Daily is best. Be sure to also
brush against hair growth direction to check for fleas and
ticks.
- The right tools. For short-haired dogs, most groomers
recommend stainless-steel combs because they slide through
coats very easily.
For medium to long haired dogs start with a slicker brush and
then follow with a stainless steel comb.
In hot months consider investing in a flea comb to make sure
your dog has not become a flea hotel.
To make your dog's coat really shine, finish with a soft
bristle brush.
- If your dog hates being brushed it sometimes helps to brush
after play time. Start by brushing in the hair growth
direction. When you are finished, reward your dog with a
treat. Each day brush your dog a little longer. And if you
are lucky, your dog may even begin to like being brushed.
Now for the bath:
- Brush your dog from head to toe making sure all mats are gone.
For small dogs a sink works great. For medium to large dogs,
a tub or shower works best. Use only warm water and a good
shampoo made for dogs. People shampoo is too harsh and can
irritate your dog's skin. Most groomers recommend working
from the back end forward, lathering the head last.
- Rinse, rinse, and rinse again to make sure you have removed
all shampoo.
- Short-haired dogs dry quickly and only need to be dried off
with a towel. If your dog has long hair, you may need to
brush him while he's drying to avoid tangles.
The Grand Finale:
- Finish by giving your dog a treat.
- Then celebrate! You and your dog survived the bath, and you
have a clean dog.
Margaret Svete, best-selling author, television and radio personality, and dog rescuer helps dog owners discover easy dog care tips. Subscribe to the premiere dog care ezine, The Dog Enquirer, at http://www.allaboutdogcare.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
=============
Also, don't miss the Healthy Happy Dogs ezine - for weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier happier dog - it's FREE!
And for more information on dog grooming and health, see http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com/SkinAndCoat
It all begins with the brushing:
- Brush your dog regularly. Daily is best. Be sure to also
brush against hair growth direction to check for fleas and
ticks.
- The right tools. For short-haired dogs, most groomers
recommend stainless-steel combs because they slide through
coats very easily.
For medium to long haired dogs start with a slicker brush and
then follow with a stainless steel comb.
In hot months consider investing in a flea comb to make sure
your dog has not become a flea hotel.
To make your dog's coat really shine, finish with a soft
bristle brush.
- If your dog hates being brushed it sometimes helps to brush
after play time. Start by brushing in the hair growth
direction. When you are finished, reward your dog with a
treat. Each day brush your dog a little longer. And if you
are lucky, your dog may even begin to like being brushed.
Now for the bath:
- Brush your dog from head to toe making sure all mats are gone.
For small dogs a sink works great. For medium to large dogs,
a tub or shower works best. Use only warm water and a good
shampoo made for dogs. People shampoo is too harsh and can
irritate your dog's skin. Most groomers recommend working
from the back end forward, lathering the head last.
- Rinse, rinse, and rinse again to make sure you have removed
all shampoo.
- Short-haired dogs dry quickly and only need to be dried off
with a towel. If your dog has long hair, you may need to
brush him while he's drying to avoid tangles.
The Grand Finale:
- Finish by giving your dog a treat.
- Then celebrate! You and your dog survived the bath, and you
have a clean dog.
Margaret Svete, best-selling author, television and radio personality, and dog rescuer helps dog owners discover easy dog care tips. Subscribe to the premiere dog care ezine, The Dog Enquirer, at http://www.allaboutdogcare.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
=============
Also, don't miss the Healthy Happy Dogs ezine - for weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier happier dog - it's FREE!
And for more information on dog grooming and health, see http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com/SkinAndCoat
Frustrated Over High Veterinary Bills?
Over the past 30 years we have learned so much about taking good care of our pets, right? We feed them “premium” high dollar pets foods, give them tasty packaged treats, vaccinate them yearly, bathe them with expensive shampoos, give them heartworm preventative, use flea collars or flea and tick preventative, brush their teeth, and get yearly checkups with our vets.
Then why are our pets not healthier? Why, instead, are they getting more and more humanlike diseases such as allergies, diabetes, thyroid problems, cancer, and on and on? Why are their coats not so shiny anymore, and they seem to scratch and itch all the time? Why are they so lazy and sleep all the time? Why do they still smell bad, have waxy ears, and bad plaque on their teeth?
The biggest problem points to nutrition, or lack thereof. But I feed my pet a high premium pet food recommended by my vet you might say. Exactly – that, however, is the problem. These so-called premium foods are full of “byproducts”, corn meal, and many other things our pets were never designed to eat nor utilize in their bodies. The preservatives alone are not allowed in human products so how could our pets be expected to digest these toxins without repercussions to their health? The “byproducts” are things that should just be destroyed and not used for anything let alone pet food.
Another problem is exactly the thing you thought were protecting them: yearly vaccinations. This is a huge problem because the rabies vaccine is the one that is mandated by law and it the very worst one for your pets. These yearly vaccinations are not only not necessary but could be a major contributor to the diseases that are plaguing our pets. Vaccinosis is the result of all this over vaccinating and possibly even the culprit behind all the diagnosed diseases resulting in the decline of the health of pets.
Combine poor food, over vaccinating, with the toxins from flea collars, pet toothpaste, packaged treats, and preventative medicines and you’ve got unhealthy, immune suppressed pets that lack the energy to do much more than sleep.
Okay, so now what? Fortunately there are solutions and the best one to start with is food; preferably raw. If that doesn’t appeal to you there are other solutions and answers to help you help your pets on the road to wellness. There are now pet foods on the market that have human grade ingredients without all the toxic preservatives and byproducts. Here are a few to get you started:
http://www.canidae.com
http://www.pets4life.com/
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/petfood.htm
http://www.holistichorse.com
http://www.herbsnbirds.com
There are solutions to protect your pet in lieu of vaccinations and still comply with the law. Holistic veterinarians have alternatives to help you in this area: http://www.altvetmed.com, http://ahvma.org
When a pet has a healthy immune system, they won’t smell bad, have waxy ears, and cruddy teeth. There are alternatives to using toxic flea collars and preventative medicines for your pet. Use the resources provided in this article and you will find the best solutions for you and your pets. You can lower your vet bills and your pets can live longer, healthier lives.
Kim Bloomer operates a home and internet business in wellness for both people and pets! She also publishes a pet wellness newsletter, Aspenbloom-WellPet. Go to http://KimBloomer.com for details on all her business ventures.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
=============
See also, for REALLY healthy petfood for your dog - Sojos and Life's Abundance - both the best products in my view - Brigitte Smith http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com
Then why are our pets not healthier? Why, instead, are they getting more and more humanlike diseases such as allergies, diabetes, thyroid problems, cancer, and on and on? Why are their coats not so shiny anymore, and they seem to scratch and itch all the time? Why are they so lazy and sleep all the time? Why do they still smell bad, have waxy ears, and bad plaque on their teeth?
The biggest problem points to nutrition, or lack thereof. But I feed my pet a high premium pet food recommended by my vet you might say. Exactly – that, however, is the problem. These so-called premium foods are full of “byproducts”, corn meal, and many other things our pets were never designed to eat nor utilize in their bodies. The preservatives alone are not allowed in human products so how could our pets be expected to digest these toxins without repercussions to their health? The “byproducts” are things that should just be destroyed and not used for anything let alone pet food.
Another problem is exactly the thing you thought were protecting them: yearly vaccinations. This is a huge problem because the rabies vaccine is the one that is mandated by law and it the very worst one for your pets. These yearly vaccinations are not only not necessary but could be a major contributor to the diseases that are plaguing our pets. Vaccinosis is the result of all this over vaccinating and possibly even the culprit behind all the diagnosed diseases resulting in the decline of the health of pets.
Combine poor food, over vaccinating, with the toxins from flea collars, pet toothpaste, packaged treats, and preventative medicines and you’ve got unhealthy, immune suppressed pets that lack the energy to do much more than sleep.
Okay, so now what? Fortunately there are solutions and the best one to start with is food; preferably raw. If that doesn’t appeal to you there are other solutions and answers to help you help your pets on the road to wellness. There are now pet foods on the market that have human grade ingredients without all the toxic preservatives and byproducts. Here are a few to get you started:
http://www.canidae.com
http://www.pets4life.com/
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/petfood.htm
http://www.holistichorse.com
http://www.herbsnbirds.com
There are solutions to protect your pet in lieu of vaccinations and still comply with the law. Holistic veterinarians have alternatives to help you in this area: http://www.altvetmed.com, http://ahvma.org
When a pet has a healthy immune system, they won’t smell bad, have waxy ears, and cruddy teeth. There are alternatives to using toxic flea collars and preventative medicines for your pet. Use the resources provided in this article and you will find the best solutions for you and your pets. You can lower your vet bills and your pets can live longer, healthier lives.
Kim Bloomer operates a home and internet business in wellness for both people and pets! She also publishes a pet wellness newsletter, Aspenbloom-WellPet. Go to http://KimBloomer.com for details on all her business ventures.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
=============
See also, for REALLY healthy petfood for your dog - Sojos and Life's Abundance - both the best products in my view - Brigitte Smith http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com
Identifying and Treating Health Problems in Your Dog
by Brigitte Smith
An essential to your dog’s health is his/her regular annual checkup with the vet. The vaccinations* which are given to your dog each year ensure your dog’s immunity to some common infectious diseases. And when the vet gives the vaccinations*, it’s also an excellent opportunity for a thorough physical examination to be carried out, and a time to discuss any minor problems or issues which you feel may be affecting your dog’s health or wellbeing. This is a time when your vet may pick up inherited diseases and the like (when your dog is young) so they can be treated early, or just kept an eye on. And as your dog gets older, the vet may find the early signs of more sinister illnesses.
I recently took my dogs for their annual checkup, and for the first time alarms were raised about matters of significant concern - it was thought that Kara might have early stages of lymphoma (cancer) - which, fortunately, tests then proved to be not the case. And Jet apparently has something akin to the early stages of cataracts in humans in her eyes, and according to the vet, Jet is likely to go progressively blind over the next several years. At least knowing this in advance gives me the opportunity to watch for any developing signs and, if and when necessary, adapt her outings and home environment to take into account any sight loss, and most importantly, it has made me realise that vitamin and mineral supplementation in dogs is actually a very wise idea.
Worming and “de-flea-ing” your dog are the commonest forms of health measures which you probably undertake yourself for your dog. Fleas infest almost every dog at some time. Sometimes a lot of the time. Dogs which socialise with other dogs outside the home tend to become infested the most often. Fleas can carry disease and parasites, including tapeworm.
But fleas are extremely irritating for your dog. They often cause intense itching, which in turn can cause your dog to damage his/her skin by vigorous scratching. Some dogs are allergic to flea bites. Even after the fleas have been doused with flea poison and killed, the cycle of itch, scratch, itch, scratch, can remain.
My Rottweiler has been terribly affected two or three times now by this self-perpetuating cycle caused by her allergy to flea bites. Most of the skin damage has been caused by Kara incessantly scratching and injuring herself.
A dog with an infestation of fleas is neither a healthy nor a happy dog. So at the first sign of a flea, it's important to treat your dog for this very common problem. And those pesky fleas don't always readily show themselves. So if your dog is scratching more than usual, the first thing to do is a thorough search through your dog's coat. If you sight even one flea, treat your dog immediately. Some people treat routinely just because it's flea season, and still others actually treat throughout the year. And of course, it goes without saying that if you have more than one animal, you must treat them all at the same time.
This way, you'll ensure that your dog is as healthy and happy as can be!
* There are natural alternatives to vaccinations. For further information, subscribe to the Healthy Happy Dogs newsletter.
(c) 2004, Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs
Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with a special interest in natural health for dogs. For your free special report, as well as weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier happier dog, go to http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com and submit your name and email address. Take a look around the site - http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com - while you're there - you'll find lots of useful information.
An essential to your dog’s health is his/her regular annual checkup with the vet. The vaccinations* which are given to your dog each year ensure your dog’s immunity to some common infectious diseases. And when the vet gives the vaccinations*, it’s also an excellent opportunity for a thorough physical examination to be carried out, and a time to discuss any minor problems or issues which you feel may be affecting your dog’s health or wellbeing. This is a time when your vet may pick up inherited diseases and the like (when your dog is young) so they can be treated early, or just kept an eye on. And as your dog gets older, the vet may find the early signs of more sinister illnesses.
I recently took my dogs for their annual checkup, and for the first time alarms were raised about matters of significant concern - it was thought that Kara might have early stages of lymphoma (cancer) - which, fortunately, tests then proved to be not the case. And Jet apparently has something akin to the early stages of cataracts in humans in her eyes, and according to the vet, Jet is likely to go progressively blind over the next several years. At least knowing this in advance gives me the opportunity to watch for any developing signs and, if and when necessary, adapt her outings and home environment to take into account any sight loss, and most importantly, it has made me realise that vitamin and mineral supplementation in dogs is actually a very wise idea.
Worming and “de-flea-ing” your dog are the commonest forms of health measures which you probably undertake yourself for your dog. Fleas infest almost every dog at some time. Sometimes a lot of the time. Dogs which socialise with other dogs outside the home tend to become infested the most often. Fleas can carry disease and parasites, including tapeworm.
But fleas are extremely irritating for your dog. They often cause intense itching, which in turn can cause your dog to damage his/her skin by vigorous scratching. Some dogs are allergic to flea bites. Even after the fleas have been doused with flea poison and killed, the cycle of itch, scratch, itch, scratch, can remain.
My Rottweiler has been terribly affected two or three times now by this self-perpetuating cycle caused by her allergy to flea bites. Most of the skin damage has been caused by Kara incessantly scratching and injuring herself.
A dog with an infestation of fleas is neither a healthy nor a happy dog. So at the first sign of a flea, it's important to treat your dog for this very common problem. And those pesky fleas don't always readily show themselves. So if your dog is scratching more than usual, the first thing to do is a thorough search through your dog's coat. If you sight even one flea, treat your dog immediately. Some people treat routinely just because it's flea season, and still others actually treat throughout the year. And of course, it goes without saying that if you have more than one animal, you must treat them all at the same time.
This way, you'll ensure that your dog is as healthy and happy as can be!
* There are natural alternatives to vaccinations. For further information, subscribe to the Healthy Happy Dogs newsletter.
(c) 2004, Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs
Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with a special interest in natural health for dogs. For your free special report, as well as weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier happier dog, go to http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com and submit your name and email address. Take a look around the site - http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com - while you're there - you'll find lots of useful information.
Improve Your Dog's Health With a Natural Diet
by Brigitte Smith
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition to remain healthy. Vets and pet food manufacturers often have differing views on appropriate nutrition for your dog. Although commercial pet food manufacturers are motivated in large part by profits, commercially prepared foods are routinely recommended as part of an adequate, or good, diet for your dog. Sometimes your vet or dog breeder may approve of commercially prepared foods as your dog’s sole diet. Many experts, however, tend to prefer a largely natural diet which for dogs is invariably comprised of meat and bones. Raw is preferable to cooked, as some of the minerals are definitely lost in the cooking process.
The reason why the commercially prepared pet food is so often fed to our dogs, is because, apart from the convenience, it can (depending upon the quality) actually contain many of the nutrients which are essential to your dog’s wellbeing. The key word here is quality. There are in fact very, very few commercial manufacturers which produce nutrient-rich food. And they're not the brands you find in your supermarket, or even in most pet stores or vetinarians.
Raw bones with a little dry food as well as occasional rice or pasta, and perhaps the odd quality food scrap from your table, will generally contain most of the nutrients which your dog needs.
All dogs must obtain reasonable nutrition from their food to maintain excellent health and performance. The main nutrients required by your dog are water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Vitamin or mineral deficiency in dogs fed a commercially manufactured diet today is not widely publicised. But then again, the slosh and dried formulae which are readily available from your vet or the local supermarket are not your dog’s natural diet. If your dog was left to fend for itself in the wild (assuming it could manage to adapt, that is), would choose raw meat. And one of the reasons why meat, and especially bones, are so good, is the chewing action and the teeth cleaning function which the bones perform. Of course, there are also commercially prepared substitutes which can also effectively clean your dog‘s teeth and satisfy his/her need to chew.
A lesser known fact is that to feed your dog only meat (with no bones and no cereals or other carbohydrate source) can cause severe deficiencies: your dog is likely to become lethargic, sick, and even death has been known to occur from an all meat diet. But what about dogs in the wild, I hear you ask? Isn’t meat a dog’s natural diet? Isn’t that what you just said, Brigitte? Well, yes and no: in the wild dogs eat the whole of their prey, not simply muscle meat - they thus obtain vegetable matter from the digestive tract of their prey, and calcium from the bones. As well, wild dogs occasionally, but routinely, add to their diet with plants, fruit and berries.
Most dogs relish some raw fruit and vegetables in their diet, so long as that's what they're used to. A dog who has been fed commercially prepared dog food all of its life won't be used to the taste of fresh food, so may well turn up his/her nose if you introduce such healthy food later in life. But persevere - try hand feeding pieces of carrot or apple to begin with. And if your dog is still very young, all the better. Start as you mean to go on and feed him/her some raw fruit and vegetables from time to time. Your dog's health will benefit!
(c) 2004, Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs
Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with a special interest in natural health for dogs. For your free special report, as well as weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier happier dog, go to http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com and submit your name and email address.
And for information on the BEST dog food (ALL human grade, fresh, and yummy), take a look at Sojos Dog Food and Life's Abundance Dog Food - both excellent - see which one takes your fancy! You can order both online, for the ultimate convenience!
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition to remain healthy. Vets and pet food manufacturers often have differing views on appropriate nutrition for your dog. Although commercial pet food manufacturers are motivated in large part by profits, commercially prepared foods are routinely recommended as part of an adequate, or good, diet for your dog. Sometimes your vet or dog breeder may approve of commercially prepared foods as your dog’s sole diet. Many experts, however, tend to prefer a largely natural diet which for dogs is invariably comprised of meat and bones. Raw is preferable to cooked, as some of the minerals are definitely lost in the cooking process.
The reason why the commercially prepared pet food is so often fed to our dogs, is because, apart from the convenience, it can (depending upon the quality) actually contain many of the nutrients which are essential to your dog’s wellbeing. The key word here is quality. There are in fact very, very few commercial manufacturers which produce nutrient-rich food. And they're not the brands you find in your supermarket, or even in most pet stores or vetinarians.
Raw bones with a little dry food as well as occasional rice or pasta, and perhaps the odd quality food scrap from your table, will generally contain most of the nutrients which your dog needs.
All dogs must obtain reasonable nutrition from their food to maintain excellent health and performance. The main nutrients required by your dog are water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Vitamin or mineral deficiency in dogs fed a commercially manufactured diet today is not widely publicised. But then again, the slosh and dried formulae which are readily available from your vet or the local supermarket are not your dog’s natural diet. If your dog was left to fend for itself in the wild (assuming it could manage to adapt, that is), would choose raw meat. And one of the reasons why meat, and especially bones, are so good, is the chewing action and the teeth cleaning function which the bones perform. Of course, there are also commercially prepared substitutes which can also effectively clean your dog‘s teeth and satisfy his/her need to chew.
A lesser known fact is that to feed your dog only meat (with no bones and no cereals or other carbohydrate source) can cause severe deficiencies: your dog is likely to become lethargic, sick, and even death has been known to occur from an all meat diet. But what about dogs in the wild, I hear you ask? Isn’t meat a dog’s natural diet? Isn’t that what you just said, Brigitte? Well, yes and no: in the wild dogs eat the whole of their prey, not simply muscle meat - they thus obtain vegetable matter from the digestive tract of their prey, and calcium from the bones. As well, wild dogs occasionally, but routinely, add to their diet with plants, fruit and berries.
Most dogs relish some raw fruit and vegetables in their diet, so long as that's what they're used to. A dog who has been fed commercially prepared dog food all of its life won't be used to the taste of fresh food, so may well turn up his/her nose if you introduce such healthy food later in life. But persevere - try hand feeding pieces of carrot or apple to begin with. And if your dog is still very young, all the better. Start as you mean to go on and feed him/her some raw fruit and vegetables from time to time. Your dog's health will benefit!
(c) 2004, Brigitte Smith, Healthy Happy Dogs
Brigitte Smith is a dog lover with a special interest in natural health for dogs. For your free special report, as well as weekly tips, information, strategies and resources for a healthier happier dog, go to http://www.HealthyHappyDogs.com and submit your name and email address.
And for information on the BEST dog food (ALL human grade, fresh, and yummy), take a look at Sojos Dog Food and Life's Abundance Dog Food - both excellent - see which one takes your fancy! You can order both online, for the ultimate convenience!
A Dog's Tale
My name is Shadrach, and I am a dog - a BIG, handsome, elegant, and intelligent dog. No, I am not vain at all, that is just what my mom always tells me so I assume it’s true. I am now 4 ½ years old and live a great dog’s life! I get exceptional quality food – my mom and dad believe in giving me organic food, with fresh vegetables and meat every day – so I can’t complain. They’re always buying me toys which I LOVE to terrorize, because that’s what dogs do. I have my own big bed in my own bedroom and I love that. I have a big yard and I like to bark at and chase the pigeons and cats who dare to tread into my space.
The only thing I don’t like is having to take a bath UNLESS it with the garden hose in the yard – that is great fun! The best thing is I get LOTS and LOTS of love with hugs and kisses from my mom everyday. My favorite games are tug-o-war and chase. I am the champion of tug-o-war in my house. Chase is so much fun because I am very fast and my people rarely can catch me!
The best part of my day is going to the park where I can meet up with my dog friends and people friends.
However, this great dog’s life wasn’t always mine. My mom and dad have no idea who my dog mom was or how I came to be with the bad people. My mom’s cousin (whatever that is) rescued me from the bad people. She found out I was left alone in a dark garage to just die. The bad people didn’t want to feed me or care for me anymore – not that they ever gave me much food to begin with.
Mostly, they left me alone in the yard, garage, or even a dark bathroom sometimes. My mom’s cousin knows them and that is how my mom and dad know all this. The bad man hit and kicked me a lot and I don’t even know why. I guess that’s why I still don’t like very many men. I LOVE my dad though and some other men I know from the park that live with my girlfriends. My mom’s cousin took me home and fed me but I had to live with her other dogs. They didn’t like me very much and beat me up every chance they got – which was usually every day! I was so skinny and little that I just couldn’t fight back and it was too cold for me to be outside all the time. Thank God, my new mom and dad came and got me the week before Christmas four years ago.
They spoiled me right away. They gave me good food several times a day. My mom wouldn’t let me eat a lot at once because my stomach was too little to handle a lot of food at once. I wanted to though! I kept my tail tucked between my legs while eating for a long time because I was always scared. After a while though, I knew I could just eat and it would be safe. I got my own little bed in a kennel where I could stay and feel safe at night – in the house!
Now, life is so good. I am big and strong now and tough. Men are more afraid of me now since I am so big and tough-looking. My coat is shiny and clean and not dull and dirty like before. My mom even gives me a special supplement that I suspect is a treat really. She puts it in a bowl and I drink every single drop because it is so good. My mom and dad really love me and I’m happy now. My only wish is that when people get a dog that they would take care of them and love them. Otherwise, it’s better if they don’t take us home with them. We depend on our people to love us and take care of us and not to hurt us. We want to live with our people forever – not just until they get bored of us. So, please, only take us home if we can always stay with just you.
Thank you, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Kim Bloomer is a natural pet care consultant. She publishes several RSS channels including, http://www.Aspenbloom-WellPet.com and http://www.natural-pet-care-products.com For an all inclusive look at her business ventures go to http://KimBloomer.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
============
For your FREE Special Report: "How to Improve Your Dog's Health Within 30 Days - Maybe Even Lengthen Your Dog's Life!" - Click here for your Free Dog Health Report.
The only thing I don’t like is having to take a bath UNLESS it with the garden hose in the yard – that is great fun! The best thing is I get LOTS and LOTS of love with hugs and kisses from my mom everyday. My favorite games are tug-o-war and chase. I am the champion of tug-o-war in my house. Chase is so much fun because I am very fast and my people rarely can catch me!
The best part of my day is going to the park where I can meet up with my dog friends and people friends.
However, this great dog’s life wasn’t always mine. My mom and dad have no idea who my dog mom was or how I came to be with the bad people. My mom’s cousin (whatever that is) rescued me from the bad people. She found out I was left alone in a dark garage to just die. The bad people didn’t want to feed me or care for me anymore – not that they ever gave me much food to begin with.
Mostly, they left me alone in the yard, garage, or even a dark bathroom sometimes. My mom’s cousin knows them and that is how my mom and dad know all this. The bad man hit and kicked me a lot and I don’t even know why. I guess that’s why I still don’t like very many men. I LOVE my dad though and some other men I know from the park that live with my girlfriends. My mom’s cousin took me home and fed me but I had to live with her other dogs. They didn’t like me very much and beat me up every chance they got – which was usually every day! I was so skinny and little that I just couldn’t fight back and it was too cold for me to be outside all the time. Thank God, my new mom and dad came and got me the week before Christmas four years ago.
They spoiled me right away. They gave me good food several times a day. My mom wouldn’t let me eat a lot at once because my stomach was too little to handle a lot of food at once. I wanted to though! I kept my tail tucked between my legs while eating for a long time because I was always scared. After a while though, I knew I could just eat and it would be safe. I got my own little bed in a kennel where I could stay and feel safe at night – in the house!
Now, life is so good. I am big and strong now and tough. Men are more afraid of me now since I am so big and tough-looking. My coat is shiny and clean and not dull and dirty like before. My mom even gives me a special supplement that I suspect is a treat really. She puts it in a bowl and I drink every single drop because it is so good. My mom and dad really love me and I’m happy now. My only wish is that when people get a dog that they would take care of them and love them. Otherwise, it’s better if they don’t take us home with them. We depend on our people to love us and take care of us and not to hurt us. We want to live with our people forever – not just until they get bored of us. So, please, only take us home if we can always stay with just you.
Thank you, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Kim Bloomer is a natural pet care consultant. She publishes several RSS channels including, http://www.Aspenbloom-WellPet.com and http://www.natural-pet-care-products.com For an all inclusive look at her business ventures go to http://KimBloomer.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
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