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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.