Energy Medicine
With the higher frequency of side effects from many conventional medicines, alternative remedies are continuing to gain popularity, being more widely incorporated into holistic vets’ medicine bags.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a form of “energy medicine,” which uses remedies made from highly diluted natural compounds that undergo a series of dilutions in water, alternated with a process called succussion (vigorous shaking). Homeopathic remedies may be derived from animal, plant or mineral forms and range in type from snake venom to poison ivy to oyster shells.
Homeopathic medicine was developed by Samuel Hahnemann in the late 1700s. He discovered after many years of work that the more “potentized” (dilute) a remedy was, the more powerful its healing properties actually became. Homeopathy works on the principle of “like cures like,” meaning that the diluted, homeopathic form of a compound can be helpful in alleviating the symptoms that that compound would actually cause in its non-diluted form. For example, the homeopathic remedy Apis Mellifica is made from honeybee venom. In its crude form, bee venom can cause itching, burning and stinging pain. In its homeopathic form, Apis can help to alleviate the burning and stinging pain of hotspots, cystitis, conjunctivitis and insect bites.
Skeptics of homeopathy claim that it cannot possibly work because the remedies are so highly diluted that none of the original compound remains. However, a growing number of clinical trials have demonstrated both the safety and efficacy of homeopathic medicine, and many of these trials were conducted in Europe where homeopathy is more widely prescribed even by conventional and
“mainstream” doctors.
Homeopathic remedies usually come in quick-dissolving pellets, which can be placed directly on Fido’s tongue. Here are five homeopathic remedies that can be kept on hand for Fido’s basic needs.
As always, it’s recommended that dog guardians consult with a veterinarian who is familiar with the use of homeopathy when using this modality.
Arnica montana is one of the best-known homeopathic remedies. It is commonly used in humans, in both topical creams and oral pellets. Arnica is excellent for bruising, muscle aches, sprains and general injuries, especially where the animal is shocked. Animals who benefit from Arnica may be fearful of touch and restless, constantly moving from one spot to another because of their discomfort.
Apis mellifica, made from the honeybee, is used for insect bites and stings that produce sensitive swellings. Animals who can benefit from Apis are those who may be very hot but not thirsty as their pain is often alleviated by cold.
Arsenicum album is a great remedy for diarrhea, especially digestive upset caused by food poisoning, consumption of garbage, etc. The arsenicum patient often feels chilly, and their symptoms are alleviated by warmth. It’s especially useful in younger animals and for those who are anxious, restless and thirsty.
Carbo vegetabilis is made from charcoal and is used for the alleviation of gas. It is a great remedy to keep on hand for dogs who are prone to bloat. Weakness, shock and general exhaustion indicate the need for carbo veg.
Thuja occidentalis is indicated for the treatment of warts and skin complaints. It is also used to help with adverse vaccine reactions, especially those reactions that cause skin problems.
The Flower Essences
Flower essences are one of the most popular natural remedies. Like homeopathics, they’re widely available in health food stores. While
homeopathic remedies are most used for physical conditions (but may also be selected for emotional factors), the forte of the flower essences is in balancing emotional health. Flower essences are liquid extracts made from a variety of individual flowers, plants and trees.
The flower essence system was created by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s. The remedies are usually diluted and given orally or in drinking water, or applied to acupressure points.
Glass droppers should not be used to administer these remedies directly into Fido’s mouth. If needed, a remedy can instead be dropped onto the finger and rubbed onto the gums, ears or head.Animals often exhibit behavioral changes in response to underlying
emotional issues, stress, jealousy, aggression and worry. Flower essences can help Fido to feel calm and focused by enhancing and supporting emotional well-being.
The best known flower essence product is Dr Bach’s Rescue® Remedy, a combination of five flower essences. Rescue® Remedy is a
great choice to have on hand for both general and emergency use. Many people have used it successfully as a complement to conventional veterinary care, such as in emergency situations like heat stroke. A few popular individual flower essences that work really well for pets are as follows:
Jealousy: Holly, which is also suitable for those who show aggressiveness relating to past abuse.
Grief and Homesickness : Honeysuckle, for feelings of abandonment when left alone or at a kennel, and in combination with Star of Bethlehem for mourning an owner who has passed away.
Exhaustion and Trauma: Olive and Star of Bethlehem as well as Rescue® Remedy.
Fear: Aspen is especially great for very submissive pets who show nervousness in new situations; Mimulus for fear of known things such as thunder or vet visits; Rock Rose for terror and Red Chestnut for worry that something bad is going to happen.
Neediness : Chicory works especially for those who demand attention, easily feel jealousy and when being left alone causes excessive upset.
Both homeopathy and flower essences have an extremely high safety record, and few if any side-effects, even when used in conjunction with conventional medicine. For those who are open to the possibilities of healing that can take place with these complementary therapies, they are certainly worth a try.
Top Tips that could Save your Dog’s Life this Holiday Weekend
1. PUT THE TAGS ON – Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with his tags securely attached, all weekend. Is the contact info on the tag up to date? If you’re staying away from home, consider sticking a strong piece of adhesive tape on the tag, with a LOCAL phone number (perhaps the person you’re staying with), and / or your cell written on it. It could save valuable time and prevent an unwanted overnight stay in the shelter.
2. GET THE CRATE OUT – If your dog is crate trained but you don’t use it full time, consider pulling it out this weekend. The crate can ensure she’s extra safe, and unable to bolt, due to fear of the fireworks. A crate is especially useful if you’re taking your dog somewhere unfamiliar. If the crate’s not an option, make sure every door and window is very securely closed, with drapes drawn. Getting loose is one of the biggest dangers for a pet on July 4th.
3. STOCK UP ON BONES – A raw, juicy marrow bone can provide a couple of hours of contentment and much needed distraction for a dogs who’s being left alone, or getting stressed by firecrackers and other July 4th noises. If you aren’t comfortable with raw bones, consider an interactive toy such as those made by our friends at Planet Dog – you can stuff it with treats, cream cheese, peanut butter or even an Honest Kitchen meal.
4. THINK TWICE ABOUT PARTIES – Many of us feel better if our pooch is by our side, especially on a holiday weekend. But it’s worth thinking twice about whether to take him along to every party. He might feel more secure left at home in his own surroundings. Maybe a fellow party-goer has a dog who could come for a puppy play-date and keep yours company? If they get along well, two’s company – and they’ll likely provide some comfort to each other at an otherwise lonely or anxiety-inducing time.
5. CONSIDER CHAMOMILE – This tried and true herb can calm a s stressed pet, just as it does a person. Add a little chamomile tea to a meal before you leave, to help her relax amid the noise of fireworks and revelers in the street outside. Leaving a TV or radio on can also help to alleviate anxiety, by drowning out the sounds of firework displays.
6. MONITOR MEALS – Make sure you know what your dog’s being fed by others (or stealing for himself). Parties can be a treasure trove of meat on dangerous cooked bones, scalding hot grills, poisonous alcohol and candies with the lethal sweetener, Xylitol.
7. HYDRATION ‘S VITAL- If you’re leaving your pet for a period of time, make sure there is PLENTY of fresh clean water available for the duration, so she doesn’t dehydrate. Adding ice cubes to the water bowl will keep it cooler, longer (our Ice Pups will make it extra special). Shade is equally important and of course, don’t expect Fido to spend time in a car.
Beating the Summer Heat
Summer is full of fun for most dogs, but there are some risks to our hottest time of year. Read on to learn how to keep your dog safe, and enjoy summer to its full potential.
Heat stroke is a major risk for dogs, because they don’t have the ability to cool themselves through sweating; they rely primarily on panting as well as some heat loss through the paws. If you suspect your dog has heat stroke (indicated by excessive panting or difficulty breathing, pale gums, bright red tongue, disorientation or confusion, increased heart rate, thickened saliva, vomiting, or collapse), the first thing to do, is get the animal out of the heat; wet them completely down with cool (not freezing cold) water if possible, and apply cold water continuously. Place ice packs around the dog if you can, but not in direct contact with his body, as this can actually restrict capillaries in the skin, and get to a veterinarian immediately – with the car’s air conditioning running.
You can administer Rescue Remedy every 10 minutes as well, to help calm the animal. Rescue Remedy is a great tool to have for any stressful situation and is incredibly safe to use. The most common cause of heat stroke is from being left in a parked car, or over-exertion such as hiking or other exercise in very hot weather without sufficient rest in the shade and cool drinks. Always plan ahead and take water with you. It may be better to leave your dog at home, rather than risk his health by letting him stay in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
Dehydration involves a loss of body fluid (water and electrolytes) can be potentially fatal, and usually results from GI upset (diarrhea and vomiting), lack of water or food intake, fever or over-exposure to heat. Severe dehydration leads to organ failure. Signs and symptoms include Lack of skin elasticity & sunken eyes, dry mouth, scant (or sometimes excessive) urination, lethargy, and delayed capillary refill time (a delay in the amount of time it takes for the normal pink color to return, after the gum goes white when it is pressed).
Sun Burn Many animals, especially those with lighter hair and skin, can get sunburn and skin cancers as well. As you apply and reapply sun block to yourself, don’t forget to add some to pink, thin furred noses and ears as well as exposed tummies.
There are many good quality canine sun blocks on the market but if necessary, a child’s hypoallergenic, natural sunblock (ideally one without parabens) will do. Particular care should be taken for dogs who have had their fur trimmed for summer. This can expose the delicate skin underneath, which doesn’t usually get much contact with the sun.
Paw Pads Use caution during the hot months when walking your dog. Black top and other hard surfaces like concrete as well as the sand at the beach, can get scorching hot. Parking lots, leather seats, and truck beds can also burn and blister your dog’s pads. It’s sometimes tempting to wet the paws to cool them down but this can actually make matters worse, becuase wet feet will sizzle even more when they come back in contact with a hot surface. Paw pad booties are a wise investment if you plan to be out and about in summertime. A torn up towel and tape will work in an emergency situation, to protect the paws until you can get home. Calendula and Aloe creams or gels are helpful for soothing blistered, sore paws.
Snakes For those who live in rattlesnake territory, be aware that snakes love to sun themselves and will lie out on in the middle of a trail to catch some rays. There are rattlesnake avoidance classes for dogs available in many areas, and a rattlesnake vaccine has now been developed but its reliability and safety have been questioned by some vets.
Food for Thought: The Humble Potato
Potatoes are considered to be one of the most important foods in the world. They provide a good source of Vitamins B3 and B6, Vitamin C, Potassium, Iron, Copper and Fiber. Significant quantities of manganese, molybdenum, chromium and selenium can be found just beneath the potato’s skin.
Rebecca Wood’s New Whole Foods Encyclopedia notes that potatoes have a number of medicinal properties, including being anti-inflammatory (except in some arthritic conditions), as well as being able to neutralize body acids and benefit stomach ulcers.
In Ayurvedic medicine, potatoes are considered ‘beneficial in function for the spleen-pancreas and reduce Pitta and Kapha.’ In Traditional Chinese Medicine, potatoes are considered neutral, with a propensity for the spleen, stomach and large intestine meridians. Potatoes calm and heal the digestive mucosa as well as work as an antispasmodic, diuretic and emollient.
This seemingly trivial vegetable helps to fight against toxins and due to its rich potassium content it helps to eliminate uric acid.
Potatoes have been associated with some adverse publicity in the past due to their content of glycoalkaloids. These nerve toxins can develop in the stems, shoots and green parts of the skin of potatoes that are improperly stored and where the skin is subjected to excessive or prolonged exposure to light. The shoots and green parts of potatoes should not be consumed by people or animals for this reason and should be removed before serving.
Puppy’s Nutritional Needs
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, and for many people, there is a lot to learn. It can take a huge amount of dedication to ensure that a puppy is raised to be a healthy, polite adult dog. Along with choosing a puppy from a responsible, ethical breeder (or a shelter/reputable rescue organization), there is a great deal you can do to promote your new family member’s optimal long-term health.
Good nutrition from day one is a cornerstone to total health, and it’s important to understand how a growing puppy’s needs differ from that of an adult dog. Puppies require proportionately more calories to support proper growth and development. Ideally, most of those calories should come from protein and fat. But puppies shouldn’t be over-fed to the point of gaining excess bodyweight. They should be fed a sufficient amount to retain a lean figure and maintain a visible ‘waist’ as they develop and mature.
For large and giant-breed puppies, it’s particularly important not to over-feed or provide too many calories, especially during rapid growth periods, because this can lead the pup to grow too fast, which may result in developmental bone and joint problems later in life. Your veterinarian or breeder can provide guidelines for this.
It’s important to remember that each animal is an individual, and your puppy may have quite different needs (or appetite) from his littermates. Also, for larger breeds in particular who can appear to have grown half an inch after a simple afternoon nap, their requirements may adjust from day to day. The key is to allow your puppy to guide you. Keep a close eye on his bodyweight and feed enough to keep him lean but not ‘ribby’, and certainly not too plump.
Puppies also need to eat more frequently than adult dogs. Four meals a day are often necessary for very young pups and even an eight-week-old puppy will likely consume three daily meals at least for the first few weeks in his new home. It’s important to ensure your schedule can accommodate this lunch time meal for the first few weeks, or make alternative arrangements if needed.
Puppies also have slightly different mineral needs from those of adult dogs. Calcium and Phosphorus levels are especially important. Not only are the actual amounts important, but also the ratios of one to the other. The diet should contain between 1:1 and 2:1 parts Calcium to Phosphorus. Excessive amounts of calcium should be avoided in large and giant breed pups because of their increased propensity to develop bone and joint problems. That said, it’s important not to get too obsessed with the minute percentages of minerals your pet consumes. A little piece of banana, a scoop of yogurt, or a hard boiled egg, here and there, will not throw off your pet’s nutrient balance!
Unfortunately many of the big-industry pet food companies caution against mixing any sort of ‘people food’ (also known as real food) with their commercial products. The reason? They want pet guardians to feed as much of their product as possible. If you supplement with your own ingredients, you’ll likely feed less of their food, which means less money in their pockets.
In addition to feeding a healthy diet, it’s important to feed only good quality natural treats to your puppy, for rewards and training. Extra nutritional supplements are not usually necessary unless your vet or breeder recommends them for your particular dog. Raw beef marrow bones (also called ‘soup bones’) make an excellent treat between meals. Your puppy will not actually eat these, but gnaw on them in delight! These are available from many supermarkets and will help with teething and also keep adult dogs’ teeth clean and sparkling white, as well as helping to reduce the risk of periodontal disease.
Larger breeds tend to be able to transition to adult food sooner (some breeders of large and giant breed dogs recommend phasing in adult food for their puppies at around four to five months of age) whereas small breeders typically have a faster metabolic rate and can benefit from staying on a more calorie-dense, puppy formula for much longer, up to one or even two years of age. Decisions about this will be based in part on breeder recommendations and the individual dog’s specific requirements, which also vary according to his lifestyle.
It’s important to have a holistic pet partner in your pet’s first years. Natural rearing breeders and holistic veterinarians are usually just a quick phone call away. Resources that The Honest Kitchen trusts are:
- The Whole Dog Journal Magazine
- Dogs Naturally Magazine
- Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats by Kymythy Schultze
- Natural Health for Dogs & Cats by Dr Richard Pitcairn & Susan Hubble Pitcairn
- Natural Healing For Dogs & Cats by Cheryl Schwartz DVM
- The Dog Bible by Tracie Hotchner
The benefits of a good, wholesome, natural diet are numerous. The consumption of a minimally processed diet is commonly associated with increased strength and vitality, ‘happy’ eyes and freedom from chronic skin health problems such as dry skin, excessive scratching, ear infections and digestive problems. Starting your puppy off right, with common sense approach to nutrition and a nourishing, biologically appropriate diet can set her up for a lifetime of great health.
The Honest Kitchen’s Embark, and Thrive are suitable for puppies, and dogs of all life stages.
For additional holistic pet care tips, please visit our article on Holistic pet health for puppies.
