All Things Holistic

2009-04-16T06:40:00.000-07:00

So I was watching the dog whisperer today and it was really interresting. The feature was a dog who was basically afraid to be a dog. She didn't know how to act especially around other dogs, and didn't know how to be comfortable in her own home. Cecsar took her back to his dog rehabilitation center for a few months to rework her brain into a true dog brain.
So now your wondering why im giving you all this back story... ok so, this dog is full of nervous tension. Imagine that you were raised by wolves and now are suddenly asked to live in a house in the city. It could make you prety uncomfortable, right? So, the body is full of energy, and it flows throughout. With excess stress the body can trap energy in certian places which throws off your inner balance.
Inner ballance is very important for mental and physical function. With this particular dog, Cecsar did supplemental accupuncture treatments to help release some of her pent up nervous energy. It was amazing to watch how this dog, who had been such a nervous freak show was laying on the groud with her head in a therapists lap, just looking compleetely content. It really was amazing, and showed the power of accupuncture.

2009-04-13T18:41:00.000-07:00

When East Meets West

So Saturday I was working on an appointment who has chronic urinary track infections. She is a very sweet girl who has had multiple tests to analyze her urine, kidney function and bladder. She has had complete blood counts done to look for other means of infection and profiles run to check the integrity of her organs as well as x-rays done to look at her from another angle.
The owner was concerned for her pet, as would any one, and wanted to know what we could do for her girl at this point. This is when the doctor recommended acupuncture! Her explanation to the puzzled owner really summed it up for me in a way that I hadn't really thought about before.
She explained that there is a reason for both Western (holistic) and Eastern (tests/antibiotics ect). They both work together. Just like the sun and the moon. Where one stops the other takes over. What most doctors like to do is exhaust all possible means under Eastern treatment; run tests and take x-rays and give antibiots and NSAIDS.
Where the East ends the West can pick up. It focouses on blance. Which is perfect. The accupuncture tries to re-focous energy and create healthy levels in every area of the body .
Using both modalities in medecine is the best way! Where you stop getting answers, or reach a wall, the other modality steps in and supplements the other.

2009-04-08T15:42:00.001-07:00

Treats that don't Pack on Pounds pt. 2

Rice Cakes

Rice cakes are a perfect snack for any dog. Rice is relatively hypoallergenic so it works well for pets with the most sensitive stomachs.

Rice cakes are great for pet owners like myself, my terrier hound mix Booger has the sappiest face known to man, I’m sure that your dogs have also learned to make sad faces to coax you into giving them some snacks here and there too.

1 plain rice cake has about 40 calories. Regular medium size Milk Bones and other treats have the same, and a large has 115 calories!!! That’s about the same as a Halloween size Snickers Bar!

With rice cakes you can break them into multiple pieces (many more than u can a milk bone) and feed your dog about as many as you like during the day for relatively no calories.

The dog is satisfied and so are you, rice cakes are the perfect snack any time of day.

Any flavor is safe for your pet, excluding chocolate. I would recommend staying away from sugary caramel cakes however.

2009-04-08T15:41:00.001-07:00

Treats that don’t Pack on Pounds pt.1

Fruits and Veggies

There are many options available to owners who love to pamper their pets and show their affection with food.

Fresh fruits and veggies are the perfect treat for those of us owners who love to feed our pets.

I personally love to feed my dog:

Green Beans
Carrots
Cucumber
Squash/Zucchini
Tomatoes
Apple
Pear
Blueberries
Banana

There really is no limit to the fruits and veggies you can feed your dog. Well there is a couple that you shouldn’t feed…

· Grapes

· Raisins (dried grapes)

· Onion

· Avocado

You shouldn’t feed your pet these because they cause pretty severe kidney damage. This doesn’t mean that your pet will die if they eat 1 grape or raisin, however as a long term snack or if your dog goes on a grape eating bender it can be fatal. Avocado is not toxic in any way, it is just very fatty and can cause diarrhea.

2009-04-08T15:40:00.002-07:00

Obesity

I can’t even begin to express just how many FAT dogs I see on a daily basis. It makes me sad to say the least. Its great that owners love their dogs so much that they keep them “well fed” but obesity in dogs can lead to so many costly problems.

Obesity in dogs can cause:

Diabeties
Torn ligaments
Slipped spinal disks
Kidney failure
Lipomas (lump-like fat deposits that continue to grow and can cause mobility issues)

Overall obesity in dogs is not worth it. I am just as guilty as the next person when it comes to sharing my food with my dog. Booger (yes that’s my dogs name) gets the last bite of just about everything that I eat. However, if you’re going to share food with your pet, you need to take those calories from their kibble meals or add an extra walk to their daily exercise routine.

2009-04-08T15:40:00.001-07:00

Supplements pt.4

Forti-Flora

Forti-Flora is a product created by Purina Veterinary Diets to help with digestive health.

Contains probiotics that help intestinal health and balance
Has live active cultures
Promotes a healthy immune system
Contains high levels of antioxidant Vitamins A, E, and C

It works much like yogurt for balancing digestive health. It can be used before, during and after stressful situations such as boarding and surgery to help maintain proper bacteria in the digestive tract.

The supplement is in a powder form. You just sprinkle a packet over your pets food one meal a day.

It makes a wonderful everyday supplement or just an occasional use aid. At $3-4 for a box of 10 pouches it is relatively affordable.

2009-04-08T15:39:00.002-07:00

Supplements pt.3

Benefiber/Pumpkin/Metamucil

Ok, ok, ok, get your laughs out now. I know it may seem a little ridiculous to put your pet on Metamucil or Benefiber but it really can work wonders. There are a few reasons to use these supplements in your pets diet.

1. Chronic anal gland issues

2. Loose stools

3. Irregularity

4. Overall digestive health

For any owner who has a pet with chronic anal gland issues these supplements can work magic. Anal glands are located on either side of the rectum and fill with fluid typically used by wild dogs to mark their territory. As stool passes the glands a few drops should release from the sac, however many domestic animals no longer need to do this and loose the instinct to do so.

Pumpkin and other fiber additives bulk up stools so they push against these glands to release the pent up fluid.

Without bulking up stools, animals (yes, even cats) will find their anal glands swollen and over full with fluid. This can be painful, and occasionally can go un-noticed, even by the most observant owner.

Added fiber helps increase digestive health, animals need a good dose of fiber much like their human counterparts.

Dosing is a touch and go process, for dogs under 30lbs start by adding 1 teaspoon to their food once daily. For dogs over 30lbs start adding 1 tablespoon to food once daily. Over time increase until you find a level that works well for you and your pet.

2009-04-08T15:39:00.001-07:00

Supplements pt.2

Glucosamine and Chondroitin : C

Glucosamine and Chondroitin, I really can’t say enough about this one supplement. It really works wonders for old age problems.

However, this double whammy wonder can also be used as a preventative! There are many ways to go about using it as such.

A: Use it for puppies. I highly suggest starting any large breed puppy on it immediately. Large breed animals develop just as fast as small breeds but grow much larger much faster than their pint-size counterparts. And when your bones and joints are growing that fast your ligaments could use a little more support than what the body is offering.

B: Use it for highly active animals (Greyhounds, Whippets, Labradors and pretty much any terrier) to support healthy joints. These and many other breeds were born to wear and tear all day long. However, sometimes energy levels can exceeded the abuse that the body can take.

C: Use it for dogs that are known for terrible joints (German Shepherds, Great Danes, Mastiffs, etc). Knowing these dogs are born to have problems, do them a favor and help their joints stay at 100% for as long as possible.

Glucosamine/Chondroitin has no known long term use medical side effects. It truly is wonderful to use for any domestic pets (yes, even cats).

2009-04-08T15:38:00.001-07:00

Supplements pt.2

Glucosamine and Chondroitin : B

Glucosamine and Chondtoitin and I’ve said is amazing for joints. I had a boxer who tore his cruciate ligament slipping on ice about 5 years ago when he was 2. The surgery to fix the one knee was going to cost about $5,000 and being an active large breed dog the vet told me he would tear the other knee within 6 months of surgery. BUMMER! So then I was faced with a dog that needs $10,000 of surgery that may or may not work 100% and hold forever. I talked to the vet about non-surgical treatments we could pursue and he pointed to glucosamine&chondroitin along with fish oil twice daily. Toby (my dog) continued to live out the rest of his days happy and healthy. The supplements really did wonders for his knees.

2009-04-08T15:37:00.004-07:00

Supplements pt.2

Glucosamine and Chondroitin : A

First, what is glucosamine? Glucosamine is a combination of an amino acid and sugar. Glucosamine is found in cartilage and connective tissues.

Now, what is chondroitin? Chondroitin is much like glucosamine in that it is a naturally occurring enzyme that decreases the activity of enzymes that break down cartilage in a joint.

You can find these supplements most commonly together, if you prefer to use one or the other they can be found separately.

Glusocamine and Chondroitin are excellent supplements to use if you have a pet that is experiencing arthritis or any other joint/spine related issues.

60 mg per 10 pounds is the proper twice-daily dosage for your pet.

125 mg per 10 pounds is the proper once-daily dosage for your pet.

2009-04-08T15:37:00.003-07:00

Supplements pt.1

Fish Oil

Many animals, seasonally and with age develop dry and flaky coats. Fish Oil is an amazing little supplement you can add to your pets diet morning and evening.

This little pill does more than just give your pet a pedigree sleek coat but also helps to keep eyes healthy and moist. Fish oil is also a great joint supplement. It aids in keeping the cartilage in the hips and knees nice and supple and acts as an anti-inflammatory.

On average you can start your pet on 1500 mg of Fish or Cod Liver oil twice daily.

2009-04-08T15:37:00.001-07:00

Yeast Infections Pt. 3

what caused this problem?

Ear yeast infections can be caused by a number of problems.

1. Weather Changes

This refers mostly to seasonal changes. Ears tend to flare up when our allergies do, spring/summer. Pollen and other factors play into ear infections. Also, dry to wet seasons push ears into a frenzy.

2. Water

Water is the #1 culprit of ear infections in pets. Most commonly the water is introduced from baths. There is nothing wrong with bathing your pet, its healthy and normal. It may also be due to your dog being a swimmer.

To keep water out of the ears:

· Put cotton into the canal to absorb moisture. If you have no cotton, use a tampon (applicator removed).

· Don’t wash your pet’s head. Don’t get water anywhere near the ears. If you want to wash the face, use a baby wipe or damp washcloth.

3. Diet

Many animals experience allergic reactions in the ears from a diet change. Main food, new treats and table scraps count as a diet change when it comes to ears.

4. Thyroid

Normally we think of thyroid imbalances as meaning your have a hippo for a Chihuahua or a skeleton of a lab. Ie, a fat or skinny dog. Thyroid also causes ear infections, skin infections and organ function issues.

2009-04-08T15:36:00.001-07:00

Yeast Infections Pt 2

treating bread in the ears.

Once your pets ear infection has been diagnosed as yeast you can start treating. Of course, ask your veterinarian if they feel holistic treatment would work for your pet. Remember, yeast infections, especially ones that have gone on a long time, are PAINFUL! It can be explained as a burning itch.

Holistic ear treatment is a course of white or apple cider vinegar and water.

1. Make a mixture of 50% vinegar and 50% water.

2. taking roll cotton (found at most stores) and rip long thin strips.

3. soak strips in mixture and stuff into ear canals. (remember your pets ear canals are MUCH longer than yours.)

4. While grasping the entire ear, rub vigorously.

5. Remove and repeat with new cotton until your strip comes out mostly clean.

6. Finish with one last dry strip to remove most excess liquid (which is what caused it in the first place)

Repeat once daily for 7 days. If not improved, see your vet again and seek other treatment.

2009-04-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

Yeast Infections Pt 1

understanding the problem

Many dogs (and cats) get ear infections. Some are chronic and extremely painful. Many veterinarians will treat ear infections with antibiotic or anti-fungal ointments. In some cases this is necessary, but not always.

Any ear infection will present with the following symptoms:

1. Odd smell, cheesy/bread-like/foul

2. Debris or Wax filling the ear canal and the inner part of the ear.

3. Persistent ear shaking and/or scratching.

4. A minor to severe head tilt.

It is irresponsible for any owner to treat an assumed problem without having it tested first!

If you suspect your pet has an ear infection, take it to the vet. They will do a Ear Cytology in which they take a sample of wax from deep in each ear canal, place that wax on a slide and look at it under a microscope.

Most likely, your pet has a yeast infection. Once diagnosed you can start treating!

2009-03-02T19:59:00.001-08:00

Raw Diets or Raw Deal? Pt 2

Pros & Cons

Ok, so now that you know what you’re getting into let’s delve into the pros and cons of cooking for your dog.

Pros:

1. You have known quality control over what your pet consumes.

2. It allows for further bonding between you and your pet. As Cesar teaches, if your dog sees it coming from you, it further establishes you as the pack leader.

Cons:

1. First and foremost, it is NOT a sound diet unless you get the recipe from a trained animal dietician.

· Animals who are fed a diet that is not structurally sound are set up for serious health issues.

*Anemia, severe weight loss, GI upset, diabetes, pancreatitis (painful inflammation of the pancreas and gallbladder) among other issues.

2. Cost

· Feeding your pet for one week can easily surpass what you spend on yourself in one week.

3. E-Coil and Salmonella i.e. BACTERIA!!!

· Raw food = raw bacteria. These bacteria, especially for a dog with a sensitive digestive tract can prove to be a big issue. Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common side effects.

· Concern of these bacteria is not over once your pet consumes the food. These bacteria are not digested and pass on through the stool.

*You should wash your hands thoroughly after picking up after your dog.

* Keep pet waste out of communal areas where children will be playing.

* Dogs will harbor these bacteria in their mouth; keep your pet from licking you in the face and especially children.

Raw diets do have their place in the world of dog food, however you may want to consider if you are prepared for the serious responsibilities that come along with cooking for your pet.

2009-03-02T19:56:00.000-08:00

Raw Diets or Raw Deal? Pt 1

B.A.R.F.- what is it?

Since the great dog food scare of 2007 many concerned pet owners have turned to raw food diets otherwise known as BARF diets. BARF stands for Bones And Raw Food. First lets look at what makes up a raw food diet.

· A raw protein (beef, chicken, lamb, fish etc.) & Egg

· Bones from said protein

· Vegetables (no onion, avocado)

· Fruits (no grapes/raisins)

Some recipes call for extra ingredients.

· Yogurt

· Garlic

· Rice/grains

· Herbs

Essentially you mix all the ingredients together and dish out in weight appropriate portions to your pooch 2-3 times daily, depending on your feeding schedule.

Remember, raw dog food is just like raw human food. It’s only good for 5-7 days (refrigerated) after preparing.

2009-02-19T12:30:00.000-08:00

Honey - Nature’s Sweet Deal Pt 1

Honey is an excellent resource for any holistic household.

Honey is a natural healing agent that is best used for holistic purposes in its rawest form.
It has been used for centuries to heal wounds and treat autoimmune issues. Honey works like an upgraded version of tissue glue. It works much like Neosporin in that it has natural bacteria in it that helps fight unwanted bacteria. It can be used as a bonding agent for large open wounds. Honey covers wounds and prevents bacteria from entering the body at a weak point.

Although honey is not a cure-all for every wound or disease, it is a sweet option.

2009-02-15T15:28:00.001-08:00

Animal Massage Therapy pt. 2

Animal Massage Therapy can be traced back to the earliest Egyptian empires. Hieroglyphics give convincing evidence that the royal canines received regular rubdowns.

The royal horses throughout history have received regular massage treatments, especially after long journeys or strenuous work.

Modern-day horse jockeys use massage therapy to keep their horses in tip-top shape.

AMT did not begin to have a backing in the United States until the last 20 years.

There are now approximately 50 certified trade schools in the United States to train hopefuls in the art of massage therapy.

Hopefully in the next 20 years massage therapy will have a full backing in the veterinary community.

2009-02-15T15:23:00.000-08:00

Animal Massage Therapy pt. 1

Animal Massage Therapy is an excellent option to manage an animal’s pain. Massage therapy provides relaxation of the muscles and promotes proper circulation. Circulation is an integral part of health.

The circulatory system works in conjunction with the body’s lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps circulate and store lymph, which is a main part of the immune system. Lymph aids in healing many diseases.

When muscles become tense or knotted it impairs the circulatory systems job. Western treatments would include steroids, muscle relaxants, and strict rest; in extreme cases it may call for surgical correction.

Massage therapy aids in cases of: arthritis, disk slips, cruciate tears, and pulled muscles.

AMT is also an excellent form of physical therapy after a corrective surgery.

Massage therapy does not help skin ailments and broken bones.

Before starting any animal with massage therapy it is extremely important to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that AMT is a good option.

2009-02-12T13:03:00.000-08:00

Honey - Natures Sweet Deal Pt. 2

Valenteen is a seven-year-old chow chow mix. She injured her left hind leg, traumatizing the skin to such an extent that the tendons and ligaments of her hock were exposed.
Due to Valenteen's health she was not a safe candidate for anestestised surgical closure of the wound.
Her treatments began as a routine clip and clean of the affected area, followed by a thorough washing with a mild - detergent less soap. After cleaning the wound a bandage was applied (sterile absorbent telfa pad, cast padding, gauze and Vet Wrap)
Valenteen was then put on a general antibiotic (cephalexin) for two weeks to prevent infection in the wound.
Bandage changes were done every other day to keep the wound clean while it was healing.
After two weeks the wound had not healed as anticipated. At this point a Veterinarian at the practice decided to try a holistic approach to heal the wound.
Honey!
Using all natural honey with the above bandaging method and schedule, the leg slowly began to make progress. Over the course of four weeks Valenteens leg was back to normal