When I think of dill, the first thing that comes to mind is sweet dill pickles or the seasoning on a grilled salmon fillet.
What may not quickly come to mind is dill as a stomach-soother and breath freshener – and certainly not as an antibacterial. But that’s the beauty of food, isn’t it? If you find the right one, it might just be the thing that fixes what ails your dog. Part of the parsley family, a sprinkle or drop of the oil of this fun little herb could benefit your dog in one or more of these three ways: Digestion If your dog is a living vacuum cleaner – picking up any food seconds after it falls on the ground – or if the garbage can is his idea of a buffet, it’s a good idea to keep some dill on hand. It’s known as an overall digestive aid, helping with gas, nausea, cramping and appetite. Breath Freshener Since dill is a member of the parsley family, it’s really not that surprising that dill would also work as a breath freshener. According to Herbs for Pets by Gregory L. Tilford and Mary L. Wulff, dill’s breath freshening action comes from its antibacterial powers that work well in the mouth for foul breath caused by bacteria and even gingivitis. Antioxidant Dill contains antioxidant flavonoids, including kaempferol and vicenin. Kaempferol has been linked to health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, cardio-protective, neuro-protective and anti-diabetic; whereas vicenin helps protect cells and chromosomes from oxygen-based damage, radiation and damage caused by free radicals. Free radical damage can lead to chronic disease like cancer, joint and organ diseases. And antioxidants are the antidote to out-of-control free radicals. Learn more about free radicals, antioxidants and how food can help, here. Dill also contains volatile oils like limonene that may help increase production of cancer-fighting enzymes (Herbs for Pets). How to Feed Dill Make dill seed tea with 1 tsp. of dill seed to 8 oz. of water and feed 2-8 oz. to your dog once it is cooled. If your dog isn’t fond of the taste, you can use unsalted broth instead of water (Herbs for Pets). As always, if you have any questions, check with your holistic vet, and use with caution in pregnant or lactating animals. If you’re a fan of dill and keep it handy in your kitchen, consider it the next time your dog gets gassy after garbage surfing or is in need of a little bit of breath freshening.
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HERE’S WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO ADD FRESH “HUMAN FOOD” TO YOUR PET’S KIBBLE Repost Written By Rodney Habib Pet Nutrition Blogger Today, ninety-six percent of pet owners around the globe are feeding dry commercial pet foods. Of those 96%, there is a large majority that believes dried commercial pet food is really all their pet needs and would never stop to consider the benefits of adding fresh “human food”. (“Human food” definition in this article: clean sources of meat-based proteins and some organic plant matter, not beer and nachos 😉) There are many reasons why some of these pet parents feel this way, however the most popular reason today seems to be the 50-year-old rumor that is in existence and still spreading. You know the one: “Giving your animal table scraps is bad!” How or when did this terrible rumor start? Well, if we go back in time, research shows that shortly after the invention of processed pet foods, manufacturers were having a hard time convincing pet parents to make the switch from foods in their refrigerators to their commercial pet foods. So in 1964, the pet food industry, along with the PFI, joined together with a whole bunch of marketing dollars and launched one of the most influential campaigns the pet world had ever seen: the “Ban All Table Scraps from your Pets’ Bowls” campaign! Through thousands of newspapers, magazines, and news stations, the public was warned about the dangers of table food scraps or “human food” and the importance of feeding “processed” commercial pet food. From there, the giant smear campaign took off! Not only did this clever campaign work, but it was so impactful that now, 50 years later, folks are still in fear of offering anything that is not labeled pet food. SO IS IT A GOOD THING TO ONLY OFFER YOUR PET DRIED KIBBLE? Not according to ongoing research it isn’t, especially with today’s cancer rates being 1 in 2 dogs! In a 2005 study conducted at Purdue University on Scottish Terriers, the results showed that adding fresh vegetables to dry commercial kibble actually prevented and/or slowed down the development of transitional cell carcinoma (aka bladder cancer)! In the study, dogs ate a diet of dry commercial pet food, while some got an assortment of vegetables added to the mix at least 3 times per week. When the study was concluded, according to the researchers, they weren’t really shocked by the results. Here’s what they found: Dogs that ate any green leafy vegetables, like broccoli, had reduced the risk of developing bladder cancer by 90% and the dogs that consumed any yellow – orange vegetables like carrots reduced the risk by 70%! Seriously! A lousy carrot helped smash the potential of cancer. ( http://ilarjournal.oxfordjournals.org/content/55/1/100.full ) (Raghavan, Knapp, Bonney, 2005) Yes, of course cats are obligated carnivores (must have meat to survive) and our dogs are facultative carnivores (carnivores with omnivorous potential if circumstances demand) so offering clean meat-based protein sources should always be top priority and essential. However, because today’s world is ever-so changing due to factory farmed livestock being fed genetically modified grains and our planet being contaminated with every type of pesticide, fungicide and larvicide, the importance of fresh, organic plant matter to help detox the body couldn’t be more crucial. So if the “cancer reducing benefit” doesn’t tickle your fancy enough to convince you to add any “human fresh foods” to your pet’s bowl, then maybe think of it this way: How bad would it suck if someone forced you to eat dry processed foods your whole life!? Rodney Habib - Pet Nutrition Blogger "An educated, informed and well-researched community of pet owners can only put more pressure on the pet food industry to be better! When pet owners know better, they will only do better!" A yeast infection, also known as Candida, is basically caused by a group of microscopic fungi or yeast called Candida albicans. It can affect the ears, paws but can also develop on the skin on the abdomen, and beneath skin folds on certain dog breeds. Factors that can increase the risk of getting a yeast infection are stress, chronic health conditions, diabetes, use of steroids and antibiotics. Some of the signs of a yeast infection are itching, burning or swelling in and around the affected area. The paws and ears can also have a foul smell. There are many simple home remedies that can eliminate the infection in a relatively short time. Here are some home remedies for yeast infections.
1. Kefir Lactobacillus acidophilus, a “friendly” strain of bacteria present in kefir, can control the growth of infection in the body. For treating a yeast infection, only use plain, unsweetened goat milk kefir. 2. Coconut Oil Organic unrefined coconut oil has effective antifungal properties that can kill the fungi responsible for yeast infections. · Externally apply the organic coconut oil on the affected areas three times a day. · You can also make a mixture of equal amounts of coconut oil and a few drops of either melaleuca essential oil, protective blend essential oil or cinnamon essential oil. Apply it on the affected skin area to control the growth of the infection. For information on the how to get the certified pure essential oils contact us. 3. Apple Cider Vinegar Organic Apple cider vinegar contain some distinctive components that can control a yeast infection and get rid of the fungi causing it. Use organic apple cider vinegar with the pet. · Mix two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar (apple cider vinegar should be murky brown in color) and put it on the dogs food twice daily for a few days. (Most dogs don’t mind.) · Make a natural dog shampoo with apple cider vinegar. Soon the skin irritation and itching will lessen. The recipe is on my site in the Recipe section. · You can dilute apple cider vinegar with plain water and then apply it externally on the affected skin area. Leave it on for half an hour and then rinse it off with water. I add in witch hazel for it is an astringent which will help control the yeast. 4. Cranberries Cranberries contain both antibacterial and antifungal properties and can be used to fight the fungi responsible for yeast infections. It can also treat urinary tract or any other kind of bladder infections. · You can take cranberry tablets daily. Cranberry tablets are readily available at a natural health store or at your holistic veterinarian’s office. From WebMD Veterinary Reference If you own a dog, you've heard this rule: 1 year for Fido equals 7 years for you. Turns out, the math isn't that simple. Dogs mature more quickly than we do early on. So the first year of your fuzzy friend’s life is equal to about 15 human years. Size and breed also play a role. Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger ones, but they may mature more quickly in the first few years of life. A huge pup might age more slowly at first, but be nearing middle age at 5. Tiny and toybreeds don't become "seniors" until around age 10. Medium-sized pooches are somewhere in the middle on both counts. Clues to Look For
If you’ve adopted a puppy or dog but don't know her history, you may not know how old she is. Even if you don’t know the birth date, you can still guess her age. Her teeth should give you a rough idea of her age. These guidelines will vary from dog to dog, and they also depend on the kind of dental care (if any) she had before you got her. · By 8 weeks: All baby teeth are in. · By 7 months: All permanent teeth are in and are white and clean. · By 1-2 years: Teeth are duller and the back teeth may have some yellowing. · By 3-5 years: All teeth may have tartar buildup and some tooth wear. · By 5-10 years: Teeth show more wear and signs of disease. · By 10-15 years: Teeth are worn, and heavy tartar buildup is likely. Some teeth may be missing. Your vet can also guess her age based on a complete physical exam or tests that look at bones, joints, muscles, and internal organs. Senior dogs might show some specific signs of aging. · Cloudy eyes · Gray hair. It starts around the muzzle then spreads to other areas of the face, head, and body. · Loose skin · Stiff legs WebMD Veterinary Reference While reverse sneezing is harmless in and of itself, it will probably be scary for your dog. Comfort and soothe him during the event and remain calm, knowing that it will soon be over.
Reverse sneezing, also known as Pharyngeal Gag Reflex or Paroxysmal Respiration, is a relatively widespread respiratory condition in dogs that is normally triggered off by a spasm in the pooch’s soft palate as well as laryngeal area. It is often referred to as “reverse sneeze” because during the event, the dog is gasping air heavily inward, instead of simply expelling it, like in a typical sneeze. Although harmless in and of itself, reverse sneezing can be rather alarming for dog owners to see and can be indicative of a more serious problem. What Happens During a Reverse Sneeze? · Usually, dogs extend their neck as they gasp with loud and strong grunting sound. They are likely to turn their elbows out and their eyes may even stick out during the occurrence. · Since the trachea becomes narrow, it’s even harder for dogs to get a sufficient amount of air into their lungs. As a result, their chest might expand as they try to inhale. · During the episode, most owners would think their pooch is suffocating, choking, or even suffering from a seizure. · Each occurrence of reverse sneezing only lasts for just a couple of minutes or less. The episode normally ends on its own without posing any threat to your dog’s health. Fortunately, dogs appear normal both before and right after the event, without after effects. Dogs don’t lose their consciousness, and this phenomenon is often harmless, and rarely requires medical treatment. Common Causes Reverse sneezing can be set off by a wide variety of irritants and some forms of dog allergies. Pollen, dust, mites, viruses, post-nasal drip, nasal inflammation, perfumes, and household cleaners or chemicals are some of the known triggering factors. Other causes include exercise intolerance, rapid drinking or eating, pulling on leashes, and even excitement. It’s also very likely that sinusitis and other kinds of respiratory problems can lead to episodes of reverse sneezing. Although any dog breed can experience this fairly common respiratory condition, it is more widespread in smaller pooches. Short-faced dogs like Boxers, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus are found to be more at risk of reverse sneezing. It has been suspected that a genetic factor is involved with such kind of breeds. Possible Treatments · Antihistamines. If allergies have been discovered to be the main cause of the problem, antihistamine medications can be administered. Your vet may prescribe drugs if mites are found in the dog’s laryngeal area. There are therapeutic grade essential oils that are also great antihistamines and they are natural so there isn’t any concern about side effects. · Massage. Another way to treat reverse sneezing is through massage. To help stop the spams, just rub Fido’s throat gently. · Others. You can also try to cover your pooch’s nostrils to help him swallow; clearing out whatever trigger is setting off the episode. In addition, if the occurrence doesn’t windup quickly, try depressing Fido’s tongue to open his mouth and help air to move through his nasal passages. If episodes of reverse sneezing become more frequent or severe, or are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to have your vet examine your dog’s throat and nasal passages. Whenever possible, try to record a video of your dog during a reverse sneezing episode to show to your veterinarian. This will help him/her determine if the event is truly a “reverse sneeze” or if it is something that needs attention. While reverse sneezing is harmless in and of itself, it will probably be scary for your dog. Comfort and soothe him during the event and remain calm, knowing that it will soon be over. By Dr. Becker
Sunday, June 21st is the first day of summer this year, and after a particularly long cold winter in many parts of the US, I know we’re all looking forward to sunshine, warmer temperatures, and getting outdoors. As enjoyable as this time of year is though, it’s important to play it safe when it comes to fun in the sun for furry family members. Our dogs have a higher body temp than we do, and less ability to cool down. Humans are covered with sweat glands, but a dog's are confined to her nose and the pads of her feet. An overheating dog can only regulate her body temperature through panting, which isn’t terribly efficient in hot weather. In a very short period of time, an overheated dog can suffer critical damage to her brain, heart, liver and nervous system. Recognizing the Signs of Overheating in Your Pet Heatstroke -- the ultimate and often deadly result of overheating -- is caused by a dangerous elevation in an animal's body temperature. While it most often occurs in dogs left in cars during the summer months, it can also happen in late spring and the first weeks of summer if a pet is exposed to high temperatures before he or she has acclimated to the heat. Symptoms of overheating include: Heavy panting or rapid breathing Elevated body temperature Excessive thirst Weakness, collapse Glazed eyes Increased pulse and heartbeat Vomiting, bloody diarrhea Seizures Bright or dark red tongue, gums Excessive drooling Staggering, stumbling Unconsciousness In addition to hot vehicles, other contributors to pet overheating include humid conditions, lack of drinking water, obesity, and overexertion. Some pets are at higher risk for heat-related illness than others, including brachycephalic breeds (dogs and cats with flat faces and short noses), older pets, puppies and kittens, animals that are ill or have a chronic health condition, pets not used to warm weather, and any pet left outside in hot weather. Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe in the Heat 1. Never, ever leave your pet alone in a parked car on a warm day. Not even for a minute. On a warm day, the temperature inside your vehicle can rise quickly into the danger zone. For example, on an 85-degree day it takes only 10 minutes for the temperature inside your parked car to climb to 102 degrees. In a half hour, it can hit 120 degrees. Leaving windows cracked doesn’t drop the temperature inside the vehicle. Leaving your car running with the air conditioner on is dangerous for a whole host of reasons. Leaving a pet unattended in a vehicle in extreme heat or cold is a criminal act in several states and municipalities. Most statutes have rescue provisions that allow certain individuals – for example police officers, firefighters, animal control officers, store employees -- to do whatever is necessary to rescue an animal trapped in a vehicle in extreme temperatures. On summer days, it’s best to leave your pet home where she can stay cool, hydrated, and safe. 2. Don't walk or exercise your pet on hot pavement. This can be a tricky one to remember (unless you’re in the habit of walking your dog barefoot), but it’s extremely important. Not only can pavement on a hot day burn your dog’s paws, but the heat rising from concrete or asphalt can quickly overheat an animal that lives close to the ground. Also don't allow your pet to stand, walk or rest on hot outdoor surfaces like sidewalks or parking lots. 3. Exercise your dog during the coolest parts of the day. In most locations, this means early in the morning or after sunset. Try to stay in the shade during daylight hours, and no matter the time of day, don't overdo outdoor exercise or play sessions. Even on an overcast day or in the evening, a long period of physical exertion in hot weather can cause heatstroke in your dog. A good rule of thumb is if outdoor temps hit 90 degrees, your pet should be indoors where it's cool. 4. Provide plenty of fresh clean drinking water at all times. In addition to overheating, your pet can become dehydrated very rapidly in warm weather. A good general guideline is that a healthy dog should drink between ½ and 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. And if she’ll be outside for any length of time, she should have access to complete shade. Periodically encourage her to play in the sprinkler or gently hose her down with cool water to prevent overheating. Attention City Dwellers with Cats: Beware of Feline High Rise Syndrome While overheating is less of a problem for cats than dogs (because kitties tend to find a nice cool napping spot on hot days), during the warmer months of the year more than a few city dwelling cats fall from open windows and fire escapes to the ground below. This is known as Feline High Rise Syndrome, and it can have devastating consequences. Well-intentioned cat guardians who live in tall buildings often allow their kitties to sun themselves in open windows and on fire escapes. It sounds safe enough, however, the feline prey drive can lead a cat to try to pounce on moving birds or insects. Falls from tall buildings often result in shattered jaws, punctured lungs, broken limbs, and even death. A few facts about High Rise Syndrome: · When a cat falls from a high perch it's unintentional, not deliberate. Cats are smart. They don't leap from high places because they know it's dangerous. · The reason cats fall is usually because they are intensely focused on something outside, perhaps a bird, and either lose their balance or their prey instinct sends them out the window before they realize what they're doing. Another cause of falls is normal muscle twitching and other movement during deep sleep. A kitty can roll off a windowsill while changing sleep positions. · While cats won't intentionally jump from a high perch, they also don't realize they can't dig their claws into brick, concrete, or steel surfaces to help prevent a fall if they lose their balance. · When a cat falls from a high perch, he doesn't land squarely on all fours. He lands with his feet slightly apart, which is how serious head and pelvic injuries occur. And falling shorter distances can actually be more dangerous, because kitty doesn't have enough time to adjust his body to land correctly. · Even if your cat survives a fall in relatively good condition, she'll land in an unfamiliar, frightening place on a sidewalk or street and can easily run away before you can get to her. The "Cute" Little Habit That Can Sicken Your Pet - Or Worse
By Dr. Becker For some reason, many dogs and even cats enjoy licking lotions and other types of topical products off their human’s skin. In fact, one of my dogs tends to wait by the bathroom door, hoping he’ll get a chance to sample whatever I’ve applied to my skin after my shower. (That’s one of the reasons I use all organic body products.) And dogs seem especially intent on having a lick if the product has a yummy smell, for example, vanilla scented body lotion or coconut oil-based products. Unfortunately, this seemingly harmless little habit so many pets indulge in can be cause for concern depending on what you’ve put on your skin. The following are products you definitely don’t want your dog, cat, bird, or other animal companion licking off you and ingesting. Over-the-Counter Topical Products Dangerous to Pets · Personal care products. The majority of personal care products, including soaps and body washes, toothpastes, moisturizing lotions, sunscreens, self-tanners, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, antiperspirants, make-up, and other cosmetics, contain potentially toxic chemicals. Not only can they cause GI upset if ingested by your pet, they can also affect your own health. Creams containing hydrocortisone. These are steroid-based formulations typically used to control itching. If your pet ingests a product containing hydrocortisone, it can cause increased thirst and urination, panting, vomiting and diarrhea. Ointments, lotions and creams containing antibiotics. Commonly called “triple-antibiotic” products, these are applied to cuts, scrapes, scratches, and other types of breaks in the skin. If ingested by your pet, they can cause stomach upset. Antifungal creams. These are used to treat athlete’s foot, vaginal yeast infections, “jock itch,” and nail fungus. They can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested by your pet. Products containing zinc oxide. These are typically diaper rash ointments and creams, and calamine lotion used to treat poison ivy. Zinc oxide can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Bloody vomit or diarrhea should prompt a call to your veterinarian, since it indicates the zinc oxide has damaged your pet’s GI tract, potentially requiring treatment. Muscle rub creams. Many of these products contain salicylates, which are aspirin-like compounds that if ingested by your pet can cause vomiting with or without blood, as well as stomach ulcers. Some muscle rub products may contain other problem ingredients, like menthol or capsaicin, which is an active component of chili peppers. Minoxidil, brand name Rogaine. This is a hair regrowth product, but its original use was as a blood pressure medication. Pets who ingest minoxidil can show initial symptoms of vomiting and lethargy, progressing to a build-up of fluid in the lungs, and ultimately, heart failure. Certainly you’ll want to keep your pet a safe distance away if you have this product in your home. Prescription Topical Products Dangerous to Pets · Prescription steroid-based creams. These are typically prescribed for itchy skin conditions when over-the-counter products aren’t working. Common topical steroids include betamethasone, clobetasone, clobetasol, hydrocortisone, methylprednisone, mometasone, and triamcinolone. If ingested, these products can cause the same symptoms in your pet as OTC preparations (increased thirst and urination, panting, vomiting, and diarrhea), but for a longer period of time. Hormone creams. Topical creams containing hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone can be absorbed through your pet’s skin in addition to being ingested. These compounds are endocrine disruptors that can cause changes such as mammary gland enlargement, and in sterilized females, signs of estrus and false pregnancy. Anti-inflammatory pain medication creams. These compounded creams (Flurbiprofen is a common one) are typically prescribed for topical relief of arthritis. Just a tiny ingested amount of Flurbiprofen can cause kidney failure in cats. Vitamin A compounds. These are called retinoids, and they’re prescribed to treat acne. Ingestion by a pet can cause stomach upset and in pregnant animals, birth defects in developing fetuses. Calcipotriene, brand name Dovonex. This is a prescription ointment containing vitamin D used to treat psoriasis. Just a small amount of this ointment can be fatal to both dogs and cats; it also causes vomiting and kidney failure. 5-fluorouracil, brand names 5-FU and Efudex. This prescription lotion is used to treat a condition called solar keratosis, which is precancerous sun damage, as well as skin cancer in humans. If ingested by your pet, it can cause uncontrollable seizures, bloody vomiting, and diarrhea, and bone marrow suppression. This is an incredibly dangerous product to use around animals, as the majority who ingest it cannot be saved. 5 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe from Topical Products 1. Prevent your pet from licking after you’ve applied any product to your skin. Even if you use primarily organic, non-toxic products, it’s best to consistently discourage licking to keep your pet safe in all situations. 2. Allow all topical products to dry or soak in completely – or cover the area of application --- before having contact with your pet. 3. Never apply a topical product meant for humans to your pet without first talking with your veterinarian. 4. After applying any topical drug, over-the-counter or prescription, wash your hands thoroughly before handling your pet. Store all such products well away from your pet. 5. Contact your vet or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately if you suspect your pet may have ingested or come in contact with a potentially harmful topical product. I have used Colloidal Silver in the past. I now use essential oils because I haven’t had the problem of reducing the natural beneficial flora in the gut as regular antibiotics and colloidal silver does. There are many essential oils that also work like an antibiotic but do not affect the flora of the pets gut. I do still use Colloidal Silver if I have a major concern to help boost the immune system.
By Jessica Peralta in Holistic Care from Dogs Naturally. Even the healthiest of dogs gets a little bloody here and again. In fact, we would argue, the healthier the dog, the more trouble he might be getting into when roaming free in the yard. He runs out, chases a rabbit behind the shed… and here he comes with a nice little gash along his muzzle. Ouch. Dogs are troopers – it’s us who freak out. So, before you go running to your medicine cabinet for an antibiotic ointment or calling your vet for an oral antibiotic – which are immune system suppressors by nature and can lead to antibiotic resistance – consider this powerful alternative… Colloidal silver is a liquid antibiotic, anti-viral and anti-fungal that has been touted as treating and preventing an assortment of conditions in both humans and animals. Colloidal silver, as opposed to just plain silver, means that submicroscopic silver particles are suspended in a liquid base. Because the silver particles are so tiny, they are thought to penetrate cells and kill pathogens. Learn about natural antibiotics for your dog, here. There are so many ways colloidal silver can be used for the immune system, we’ve narrowed it down to five to help get you started: Infection Since colloidal silver is an all-around pathogen fighter, it’s a great one to keep in your medicine cabinet for any disease – whether it’s bacterial, fungal (yeast!) or viral in nature (it can even be used to help treat parvovirus). Plus, it can be used as a preventative when exposure to sick people or animals is unavoidable, and as a regular household cleaner to disinfect surfaces and areas. Skin Colloidal silver can also be used topically for skin infections like ringworm, wounds and burns. It is soothing and repairs tissue damage. Ears For those unfortunate dogs suffering from ear infections, colloidal silver might offer some relief. The liquid can be dropped directly into the ears to help fight off bacteria and yeast. Eyes Colloidal silver can also help treat eye problems like infections, allergies, inflammation and tear staining, according to Wolf Creek Ranch’s website. Because it doesn’t sting, it can be dropped directly into the eyes. Lungs Colloidal silver has to be one of the most versatile natural immune system boosters – not only can it be used in an incredibly sensitive area such as the eyes, but it can be turned into mist with a nebulizer and used to treat respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia, according to Wolf Creek Ranch. How to Use Now that you know some of the major conditions colloidal silver can help, it’s time to learn how exactly this multitasking liquid can be used: Oral: A general guideline for oral dosing is five to 10 drops, two to three times per day. Many conditions are helped by both oral and direct application (for instance, use as ear drops AND orally). Because it basically tastes like water, oral dosing shouldn’t be a problem. Topical: As a wound cleaner, use to clean out affected area with a cotton swab. For skin conditions, spray onto area or use as a compress several times a day. Ears: Apply a few drops daily into affected ear or ears for up to 10 days. Eyes: Apply a drop three times a day into the affected eye or eyes. Inhalant: Use nebulizer with colloidal silver at least three times daily for at least 15 minutes each time (according to Wolf Creek Ranch). Note: Colloidal silver works just like an antibiotic, except without real negative effects. But there is one – it will reduce the natural beneficial flora in the gut as regular antibiotics do. So it’s important to follow up with probiotics and prebiotics to help build up the good bacteria back to normal levels in your dog. Also, since colloidal silver is sold at varying degrees of quality, do your research and/or work with an expert when selecting a brand. Honey, bee pollen, beeswax, propolis . . . all bee products have special gifts for dogs, especially dogs with allergies Photo by Joel Hollenberg. Honey, bee pollen, beeswax, propolis . . . all bee products have special gifts for dogs, especially dogs with allergies By CJ Puotinen Bees may sting, but they create some of the world’s most valuable, versatile products. Honey, bee pollen, royal jelly, beeswax, propolis, and even the venom from bee stings are all touted for their human health benefits – and many experts say that dogs derive the same advantages. Feeding honey to dogs is nothing new. Juliette de Bairacli Levy, whose Natural Rearing philosophy has offered alternatives to conventional treatment for over 60 years recommends honey in all of her animal care books. New Jersey beekeeper Joe Dallon, who uses organic methods and feeds essential oils to his bees, introduces Chloe, the author’s Lab, to honey straight from the hive. Like most dogs, she loves the taste. “I believe I could not successfully rear domestic dogs without this remarkable antiseptic food,” she says in The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat. She adds that while honey is not a normal item of diet for carnivores, lions in the wild enjoy honey and it is considered a staple food of the omnivorous bear. “Honey is the greatest of the natural energizers,” Levy writes, “a nerve tonic and a supreme heart tonic . . . Predigested by its makers, the bees, it is absorbed immediately into the bloodstream of the consumer. A diet of only milk and honey can sustain life for months in humans and animals. It has been well and longtime proved that honey is also highly medicinal and will inhibit growth of harmful bacteria in the entire digestive tract and destroy those of a toxic nature.” Levy recommends fasting animals who are ill to let their digestive organs rest and the body to heal quickly. In addition to water, the only food she recommends for fasting animals is honey. An invert sugar, honey contains mostly glucose and fructose, which are monosaccharides or simple sugars. Monosaccharides are more easily assimilated than the disaccharides and polysaccharides found in table sugar, milk, grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables. A tablespoon of honey supplies 63 calories. Honey does not require refrigeration but keeps best in tightly sealed containers stored away from heat and light. Honey thickens when refrigerated. Depending on the flowers harvested by the bees, honey is light or dark in color, and its flavors vary from delicate to complex. Raw honey contains vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, E, and K, plus calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, silicon, sulfur, potassium, manganese, copper, and iodine, with darker varieties such as buckwheat containing higher mineral levels. Vitamin C levels vary; some honey contains up to 300 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams (about 3½ ounces or 7 tablespoons). Honey has been a medicine as well as a food for millennia. Ancient Greek, Assyrian, Chinese, and Roman physicians routinely prescribed it for health and longevity and for conditions such as indigestion, diarrhea, fevers, coughs, colds, flu, asthma, allergies, and ulcers, and as a revitalizing food for athletes, soldiers, and those recovering from illness or injury. Honey is said to increase the absorption of calcium consumed at the same time, help treat or prevent anemia, reduce arthritis pain, and work as a gentle laxative to help prevent constipation. It was also applied topically to treat open wounds, burns, cuts, abrasions, and skin infections. Honey for dogs Most dogs love the taste of honey, so it’s usually easy to feed. Some dogs eat it right off the spoon, some get it in their dinner, and quite a few enjoy their daily honey on toast with butter. In Denison, Texas, 50 miles north of Dallas, beekeeper and companion dog trainer Michele Crouse considers honey the best medicine for her dogs Bonnie, a four-year-old Staffordshire Terrier, and Cracker, a five-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever. “Bonnie has always had a hard time with allergies,” Crouse says. “Her symptoms used to be worst in the spring and early summer, but they continued through the fall ragweed season. She rubbed her face, licked herself, especially on her feet and the inside of her thighs, and scratched on her stomach like crazy, creating dime-sized sores. She itched so much that the vet prescribed Benadryl and prednisone.” To prevent these attacks, Crouse feeds her dogs a tablespoon of honey twice a day. “I mix it with their food or feed it directly,” she says. “Sometimes I’ll give them berries as a snack, with the honey mixed in. Both Bonnie and Cracker love the taste. Otis, our mixed-breed, isn’t interested in honey or anything sweet. Fortunately, he doesn’t have allergy symptoms.” Crouse uses raw honey which she strains through a single filter to remove debris. “Otherwise,” she says, “it’s straight out of the hive.” As long as Bonnie receives her daily honey, she remains free of allergy symptoms. “But if I forget for a week or so,” says Crouse, “the symptoms come right back. I know several other dogs who have had the same response. They react to seasonal allergens until their owners put them on honey, and then they’re fine.” Crouse agrees with beekeepers and health experts who have observed that local raw honey works best on allergy symptoms. “It makes sense,” she explains. “When you eat the honey, you ingest minute amounts of local pollen, and after your body adjusts so that it doesn’t react to the pollen, you can be exposed to larger amounts, such as when plants or trees are in bloom, without being affected.” Savannah’s cyst healed quickly with topical honey. In addition to using honey as a food, Crouse washes her dogs with it. “I start with a clear, natural shampoo base from an organic supplier,” she says, “and mix it with an equal amount of honey to which I’ve added aloe vera and essential oils like lemon grass, orange, lemon, lavender, tea tree, citronella, and the Asian herb May Chang (Litsea cubeba). All of these plants have disinfecting, deodorizing, or insect-repelling properties. The essential oils make up about 5 percent of the formula, so it’s safe for adult dogs and older puppies. To dilute the shampoo and make it easier to use, I add about 25 percent water.” Crouse says that the resulting shampoo doesn’t lather much, but it cleans the dog well and soothes the skin. “I let it stand for a minute or so, rinse it off, reapply, and then give a final rinse. I board dogs, and if a visiting dog is scratching and itching, I’ll give him a bath in honey shampoo, and that always helps.” In Jacksonville, Oregon, Natural Rearing consultant Marina Zacharias feeds her dogs honey and applies it topically to cuts and wounds. “The high sugar content of honey is one of the factors that makes it such an excellent infection fighter and wound healer,” says Zacharias. “Glucose oxidase, an enzyme in honey, produces hydrogen peroxide, which helps kill harmful bacteria. In addition, there are yet-unidentified substances which bees collect from flowers that give their honey antibacterial properties. For best results, it’s important to use raw honey that hasn’t had its effectiveness destroyed by processing.” Clinical trials of burn and injury patients show that the application of honey as a wound dressing rapidly clears infection, inflammation, swelling, pain, and odor while speeding the sloughing off of necrotic tissue (dead skin) and the growth of new skin cells. It remains moist, seals wounds – including skin grafts – and protects them from exposure to air, absorbs pus, reduces scarring, and prevents wounds from sticking to bandages. Unlike other topical antiseptics, honey prevents microbial growth without causing tissue damage. Raw honey eventually crystallizes or solidifies, making it difficult to apply. In addition, honey crystals can feel sharp on tender or inflamed skin. For best results, apply soft or liquid honey. To liquify crystallized honey, stand the jar in hot water until it can be stirred or poured. Microwaving is not recommended because in addition to destroying enzymes and other nutrients, heating honey in a microwave increases its hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content, which adversely affects its flavor. In addition to applying honey to wounds, Zacharias has successfully treated wart-like growths with honey. “When honey is applied daily, they eventually soften and disappear,” she says. “Juliette recommends honey as a treatment for burns. I have personally seen this work, and the healing is remarkable. In one case, a young mixed-breed toy dog tripped his owner and the scalding hot coffee she was carrying burned his back. The skin did not blister but it was very painful and angry looking. Thanks to honey, the dog healed very well, and his hair grew back beautifully.” The procedure Zacharias recommends is to wash the burned area with vinegar and apply honey thickly every 10 minutes until the pain subsides, then apply light bandages over the area. “Unfortunately, the hair will need to be clipped away,” she says, “and if the dog wants to bother the bandage, you will need to use an Elizabethan or cervical collar.” On other wounds, Zacharias says, you can apply honey directly without bandaging. If the dog wants to lick it off, try distracting him for 20 minutes or so and give the honey time to be absorbed by the skin. You can reapply it this way three or four times a day. “Honey applied twice a day healed an open cyst that wouldn’t close in one of my older Basset Hounds, Savannah. As soon as I started applying honey, her skin closed over the wound, it healed fast, and we avoided surgery.” Honey and herbs Most dogs enjoy the taste of honey, which simplifies the administration of fresh or dried medicinal herbs. “Canine Allergies and Your Dog’s Health” (May 2007) described how the herb cleavers (Galium aparine) helped cured a dog’s allergy-related sores on its legs. Several readers who began feeding their dogs cleavers tea reported that the strategy worked for them as well. Brewing tea is one way to add cleavers to your dog’s diet, but another is to make an herbal honey. Start by coarsely chopping enough fresh lemon balm, thyme, sage, oregano, lavender, basil, or other herbs to loosely fill a glass jar. Alternatively, fill the jar half full with loosely packed dried herbs. Fill the jar with honey, covering the herbs. If the honey is too thick to pour easily, warm it by placing the honey jar in hot water or heat the honey gently in a saucepan or double boiler just until it is liquid. My comments: I use essential oils to make the honey for they are easier to add and much more powerful so you only need to use a few drops of the oils. By the way lemon balm is melissa essential oil. Make sure you use Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils for they can be taken internally. Most less expensive essential oils are not certified pure and are only for external use. You don’t have to let the honey mixture set or filter it because the oils mix in easily and don’t leave any residue to filter out. Melissa Essential Oil is an expensive oil but it is very effective for use with dogs. Seal the jar of herbs and honey and leave it in a warm location, such as a sunny window, for at least two weeks. For a double-strength herbal honey, wait a month or more, then fill another glass jar with herbs, pour the contents of the first jar into the second jar, and let the honey stand another month. If you’re in a hurry, heat the honey until it’s almost boiling and the pour it over the herbs. The honey won’t be raw any more, but it will still contain significant healing properties, and it can be strained and used the same day. Before using herbal honey, filter it through cheesecloth or a strainer to remove plant material and store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Add the medicated honey to your dog’s food. In addition, keep a small jar of honey (herbal or plain) in your first-aid kit or backpack for use in emergencies. Honey infused with the herbs mentioned above is an effective dressing for cuts, surgical wounds, burns, lick granulomas, abrasions, hot spots, and infected wounds. It can be given orally to prevent infection from viruses or bacteria, soothe a sore throat, help an anxious dog relax, improve sleep, and speed recovery from illness. Added to food, herbal honey helps reduce gas and other symptoms of indigestion. Another way to feed herbs is to mix them with thick raw honey (refrigerate honey for a thicker consistency if necessary) and shape it into small balls that are easy for the dog to swallow. Use the same technique you would to pill a dog. All honey, especially organic raw honey, has medicinal benefits, but the honey best known for its antimicrobial properties is manuka honey from New Zealand. More than 20 years of research have shown it to naturally destroy harmful bacteria such as Staphaureus and Streptococcus (including drug-resistant strains); Helicobacter pylori bacteria associated with stomach ulcers; vancomycin-resistant Enterococci; and Pseudomonas. The veterinary use of manuka honey includes its application as a dressing for burns, amputations, and wounds, and its internal use for gastrointestinal and digestive problems. Can honey be given to dogs with diabetes? Experts disagree as to whether honey has all of white sugar’s harmful effects or has a slower blood sugar absorption rate, putting it lower on the glycemic index and making it less likely to disrupt the patient’s blood sugar levels. Some tests have shown honey to cause a significantly lower rise in blood sugar, but results vary according to the type of honey used. Discuss this with your holistic veterinarian. Also, consider feeding dark raw local honey or raw organic honey. The safest way to feed a therapeutic tablespoon once or twice a day to dogs with diabetes is to start with smaller amounts and always feed it in combination with fats, which by itself lowers a food’s glycemic index. Coconut oil and butter are excellent honey partners. Observe your dog’s reaction before increasing the amount and discontinue use if he displays any adverse symptoms. Bee pollen As they collect nectar from flower blossoms, bees also gather pollen, a high-protein food, to carry back to the hive. While doing so, they spread pollen from flower to flower, fertilizing plants so that they produce berries, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. More than 100 crops grown in the US are pollinated by honeybees. Bee pollen, which is collected from hives and sold as a health supplement, has long been prized for its proteins, amino acids, vitamins, enzymes, and other nutrients. Approximately half of its protein is made up of free-form amino acids, which require no digestion; they are immediately absorbed and utilized by the body. It is unusually high in the bioflavonoid rutin, which strengthens capillaries, protects against free radical damage and has anti-inflammatory effects. Proponents claim that bee pollen improves energy, endurance, and vitality, speeds recovery from illness or injury, helps convalescents gain weight, helps the overweight lose weight, reduces cravings and addictions, fights infectious diseases, boosts immunity, improves intestinal function, increases fertility, and helps prevent cancer. Bee pollen is also a widely used remedy for hay fever and allergies. As with raw honey, which contains small amounts of bee pollen, it is said to be most effective when derived from local hives and taken for several weeks prior to allergy season, then continued through the year. This desensitization process begins with tiny amounts, such as a single pollen grain or pellet, and continues in gradually increasing amounts until the maintenance dose, as much as a tablespoon per day for human adults, is reached. Some canine athletes are fed bee pollen to improve their strength and stamina; some owners give it to their dogs as an all-purpose supplement or to prevent allergy symptoms. For best results, avoid inexpensive imported heat-processed pollen in favor of raw, unprocessed pollen from local beekeepers. Fresh bee pollen is slightly moist and requires refrigeration. Like people, dogs can have allergic reactions to bee pollen, including wheezing, breathing problems, and even anaphylactic shock. Start with a single grain of bee pollen and carefully check your dog’s response. If he shows no symptoms of discomfort, give two grains the next day, and slowly increase the amount over several weeks to a maintenance dose of 1 teaspoon per 30 pounds of body weight per day, mixed with food. Bee pollen is often blended with honey. Royal Jelly To appreciate the nutritional value of royal jelly – for bees, at least – consider that all queen bees begin life as worker bees. It is only because they are fed royal jelly and nothing else that they grow larger than worker bees and live far longer. While the average worker bee lives for five to six weeks during summer, queens live for three to six years, laying 2,000 eggs per day. The queen bee’s longevity and fertility gave rise to royal jelly’s reputation as a miraculous rejuvenator, fountain of youth, and energy enhancer. Modern researchers have substantiated at least some of these claims, describing royal jelly as a metabolic catalyst, a substance that combats fatigue, increases energy, and supports the adrenal glands. Some of royal jelly’s components are natural antidepressants. Royal Jelly has become a popular supplement for humans and for some canine athletes and breeding dogs. Organic royal jelly is available in natural foods markets. Highly perishable, it requires refrigeration. Most labels recommend taking small amounts, such as ¼ to ½ teaspoon once or twice per day between meals on an empty stomach. Adjust the label dose for your dog’s weight, dividing it in half for dogs weighing 60 to 80 pounds. Because of its slightly sharp, bitter, biting taste, dogs may not care for royal jelly. Blends of royal jelly and honey, which are also popular, may be more to their liking. Try mixing your own by blending 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) organic royal jelly with 6 ounces (¾ cup) of local raw honey. Keep refrigerated. Give your dog ½ to 1 teaspoon of this blend twice per day, morning and night. Some manufacturers of human and canine grooming products add royal jelly to their shampoos and conditioners, claiming that it enhances hair color and increases volume. Those claims have not been scientifically tested, but royal jelly is certainly a luxury ingredient. Propolis from Bees By CJ Puotinen Propolis Few substances are as antiseptic as propolis, a sticky, resinous material also known as “bee glue,” which is gathered from the buds, bark, and leaves of deciduous trees. Bees seal cracks and holes in their hives with propolis to prevent the entrance of intruders and to disinfect or sterilize bees brushing against it. When a mouse or other invader is stung to death in the hive, bees seal the body in propolis, preserving it while keeping the inside of the hive sanitary. Although propolis has been used for millennia to fight infection and improve health, it is unfamiliar to most Americans. However, it’s gaining popularity as a natural antibiotic that doesn’t disrupt beneficial bacteria or cause other side effects. Propolis, which is rich in bioflavonoids, is effective against viruses, harmful bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, helps prevent allergies, and speeds the healing of ulcers and skin problems such as acne, eczema, wounds, cuts, and burns. The only down side of propolis, especially when it comes to treating dogs, is its awful taste. Freeze-dried propolis is sold in capsules, which can be hidden in food, and small amounts of propolis tincture (liquid extract) can be placed in empty two-part gel caps, which are sold in health food stores, just before using. Propolis tincture can help protect dogs from canine flu, kennel cough, and other infectious illnesses. It can be applied to cuts, wounds, burns, bites, stings, hot spots, and lick granulomas (its bitter taste helps deter licking). However, its stickiness can complicate topical application. Mix propolis with a small amount of olive oil to create a less sticky disinfecting salve. Mix it with honey to help heal gum disorders. Beeswax Bees produce wax to construct the combs that store honey. Beeswax contains more than 300 different chemicals. It’s best known for its use in candles and as an ingredient in cosmetics, floor wax, furniture polish, and salves. The makers of herbal salves often use beeswax as a thickener. Michele Crouse makes body bars by combining beeswax from her hives with coconut oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter, and mango butter. “They’re the consistency of a ChapStick,” she says, “and they do a great job of healing sores, moisturizing dry skin, and soothing cracked paw pads.” Bee venom Some people pay to get stung by bees or injected with bee venom in medical clinics. Apitherapy, or bee sting therapy, is common in China and gaining popularity in Europe and the US. It is said to alleviate arthritis, other symptoms of inflammation, and allergic reactions to bee stings. Now dried bee venom is being added to some New Zealand honeys and topical creams to provide the benefits of apitherapy without the pain. The theory is that venom that is ingested or applied externally has the same health benefits as venom that’s injected. Large-scale venom collection is made possible by a technology developed in Russia and New Zealand in which a bee venom frame is mounted on top of a hive’s honey frame. Bees receive a mild shock from the frame’s electro-stimulator and in response sting a glass collection sheet. Venom dries on the glass, which is taken to a nearby laboratory for processing. The dried venom is removed from the glass and mixed with honey or used in other bee products. Arthritis is the human condition for which bee venom honey is said to be most effective, but bee venom honey success stories include the treatment of auto-immune disorders, shingles, tennis elbow, bursitis, lower back pain, ligament injuries, premenstrual syndrome, and other conditions. Bee venom honey is said to support the body’s natural coritsol levels, increase blood flow through affected joints, and inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that increase inflammation. New Zealand honey producers have received testimonials describing dogs whose arthritis, hind end weakness, torn ligaments, and even hip dysplasia improved as a result of using bee venom honey. Bees are in danger For the past two decades, Juliette de Bairacli Levy has asked her followers not to use honey or other products from honeybees because these helpful insects are under so much environmental stress. Between pesticides, mite infestations, foulbrood disease, hive-damaging moths, and other problems, bee populations have dramatically fallen across North America. Now Colony Collapse Disorder is destroying entire hives. Bees look healthy one day and disappear the next, becoming too weak to return to their hives. In most cases, the victims have been raised for commercial crop pollination, given supplemental feedings containing white sugar, and exposed to chemical pesticides. At the same time, organic beekeepers and beekeepers who feed their bees disinfecting essential oils report that their hives stay healthy even in areas where Colony Collapse Disorder has become common. In her many years as a beekeeper, Levy prevented bee diseases by growing disinfecting herbs near her hives. “The bees themselves are natural herbalists,” she wrote, “and will gorge themselves on bitter rue or pungent lavender and rosemary. My bees enjoyed excellent health and possessed complete resistance to the many diseases afflicting the local white-sugar-fed bees.” Local organic honey, if you can find it, can be an excellent addition to your dog’s diet and health care. A good second choice is organic honey from nearby states. I have used herbs but I have found that the essential oils are more powerful and therefore you need to use much less . . . usually a few drops just costing pennies per drop. I have had better results using essential oils when I can substitute them for herbs. Most of the conditions below also can be treated with essential oils. Actually Boswellia tree is where Frankincense oil comes from. There are different qualities but if you use therapeutic grade essential oils they are 50 to 70% more powerful than herbs and most can be taken internally if that is the best way to use the oil. My recommendations will be italicized in the article.
Original Article written by Julia Szabo Herbs offer cures for many common canine ailments. I've been using them for years, with the blessing of my homeopathic vet, and my dogs have all lived long and remarkably healthy lives. Just because they're natural doesn't mean they're not powerful. Herbs are nothing to sneeze at. What may look like a mere weed or homely root can, in fact, be a very potent medicine. Here's a list of the top ten herbs no dog lover's cupboard should be without. It's a pharmacopeia for dogs - call it a bark-acopeia! But before you try them, ask your vet about dosages, and if any of these are contraindicated for your pet's existing medications. Neem What: Azadirachta indica, an extract of the Neem tree, is nature's non-toxic insecticide, plus it heals burns and soothes dry, irritated skin. Why: Applied topically and absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, Neem makes your dog naturally repellent to mosquitoes and fleas. Parasite preventatives work by filling your dog's blood with poison; in order to be eliminated, the pest has to take a bite out of your best friend. With Neem, Spot won't even get bitten! Suggested Use: During the warm months (high mosquito season), bathe once weekly in TheraNeem Pet Shampoo, to which you add several drops of Neem oil; both are available at Whole Foods stores. For extra protection from within, administer Neem Plus supplements orally once daily, hidden in food. Yarrow What: Achillea millefolium - a.k.a. stanchweed, soldier's woundwort, and sanguinary - helps stop bleeding. Why: If your dog sustains a cut or laceration, you can administer first aid by flushing the wound with povidone iodine, then treating it with yarrow. Suggested Use: Wound Balm for Animals contains yarrow (along with echinacea and goldenseal); it speeds healing and is a first-rate addition to Fido's first-aid kit. Helichrysum oil is excellent to help control bleeding as well and great for bruising and cleansing wounds along with other essential oils. I had many chances to use Helichrysum oil and it worked exceptionally well. I follow a holistic veterinarian who feels that Helichrysum is very effective for use with our animals. I have used many herbs before using the essential oils and I have had better results with the essential oils. They are 50-70% more powerful, therefore more effective. Arnica What: Arnica montana, a.k.a. Leopard's Bane, has long been prized for its astonishing bruise-healing property. Why: Has Spot sustained a bruise or muscle injury? Arnica does double duty, easing the pain and promoting healing. Suggested Use: Arnica pellets. Administer 3 pellets 3 times daily, in the inside pocket of your dog's lower lip. It's OK if he spits it out; healing begins when the pellets make contact with the gum. Valerian What: This effective - if highly malodorous - herb (Valeriana officinalis L.) is nature's time-trusted sedative and sleep-inducer. Why: For dogs who experience high anxiety during thunderstorms or on the 4th of July, Valerian will put them out for several hours of stress-free slumber. It's also great for long car trips, to help Spot snooze through the ride. Suggested Use: Valerian comes in capsules, available at any health food store. To dose your dog, you'll need to hide the capsules in a piece of meat or cheese with peanut butter on top - anything to mask that awful smell! (Editor's Note: Again, talk to your vet about dosages.) Therapeutic grade essential oils are very effective for calming your pets for mild and more severe conditions. One of the reasons I started using essential oils for pets is because I have a dog that has major issues with fireworks and thunderstorms. I have found many oils to be effective depending on the severity of the fear. Contact Us for your individual need and recommendations. Olive Leaf Extract What: The extract of crushed-up olive leaves (oleuropein) is nature's antibiotic. Why: If your dog experiences diarrhea from, say, scarfing something rancid on the sidewalk, the antifungal property of Olive Leaf will help set his digestion right. Suggested Use: Available at health food stores, Olive Leaf capsules smell and taste exactly like olive oil (i.e. delicious), so there's no need to hide or mask them. Just sprinkle over your dog's food like a spice! A protective blend and digestive blend are great to help support the immune system. They are also great for your human family members. Milk Thistle What: A flowering plant whose extract, Silymarin, is one of nature's most potent antioxidants for people and pets. Why: Boosting and protecting the liver, milk thistle is a must if you want to extend the life of your dog. Everything passes through the liver, so it welcomes the support - and because eye and liver health are linked, milk thistle also prevents and reverses cloudy eyes (nuclear sclerosis) in dogs. Suggested Use: Sold at health foods stores in capsule form, this herb tastes somewhat bitter; very finicky dogs will need to have it hidden in something tasty, but most dogs will eat it sprinkled over their food (cinnamon helps sweeten the deal). Milk Thistle is great to detox the liver. I have used it for years. Milk thiste is great for humans as well as for our furry friends to build their immune system and detox the body. Hawthorn What: Crataegus is a berry that's used to treat cardiac insufficiency. Why: Strengthening the heart muscle and improving circulation, hawthorn helps stave off congestive heart failure in senior dogs (and people), and tones the tickers of younger dogs who've survived heartworm disease. Young, healthy dogs don't need it yet - wait until they're older. Suggested Use: One capsule in your dog's food (available at health food stores); most dogs don't mind the taste. Boswellia What: The resin of the Boswellia tree has many medicinal uses. Why: Another senior-dog staple, Boswellia reduces inflammation and improves mobility in arthritic K9s. Suggested Use: Available in tablet form, it's called "Boswelya Plus." Frankincense oil comes from the Boswellia tree and it is excellent to help support the immune system of your pets especially older dogs who tend to have a weakened immune system. This can cause inflammation which is the main cause of most disease. It is all excellent for skin issues and for many more uses. Eyebright What: As its name implies, the flowering plant Euphrasia officinalis has long been used to treat eye infections. Why: If your dog comes back from the dog park or doggie daycare with goopy eyes, try eyebright first before consulting the vet; you may be able to clear up the problem yourself. Suggested Use: Euphrasia pellets. Administer 3 pellets 3 times daily, in the inside pocket of your dog's lower lip. As with Arnica (above), it's OK if he spits it out; healing begins when the pellets make contact with the gum. I have used Eyebright personally for dry eye and other eye issues and have had much more relief from a blend of essential oils I use. I no longer need to use any eye drops or medication. I didn’t get that relief from using Eyebright. Burdock What: A thistle in the genus Arctium, its root has long been prized for its blood-purifying, hair-regrowing, and cancer-fighting powers. Why: Use it regularly as a preventative, especially if you have a breed of dog that's prone to cancer (such as a Boxer). Suggested Use: Add cooked burdock root (found in the produce section of health food stores and Asian markets) to your dog's food, or give him a piece of raw burdock to chew on, like a carrot. Or you can steep one teaspoon of burdock in a cup of hot water; let cool and pour over your dog's food. There are essential oils that can be used for all of the herbs listed for different health conditions. The essential oils have much longer shelf life if stored in their dark glass bottles. They are much easier to administrator. Many can be applied to the animal externally by dilluting the oil or diffused. You should only used therapeutic grade essential oils. Quality essential oils test every batch of essential oils to guarantee purity of the oils oils for our safety. It is very important to only use therapeutic grade essential oils with your pets. If they aren’t pure they can have additives and other environmental impurities. Contact PWC if you would like more information on which oils to use with your pets. Because essential oils are so concentrated they are also much less expensive. With animals and humans using essential oils “less is more effective”. One drop diluted with a few drops of carrier oil is usually all that the animal needs. |
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