Angel Rock Staffords

Be HEALTH WISE:

Guard GOOD HEALTH through PREVENTION

Tips for caring for your canine family member

by Cheryl Ellicott

I've heard it said a dog owner (or breeder) is only as good as the vet they choose.  Most shelters and many breeders will not put an animal into your care without proof that you have a business relationship with a doctor of veterinarian medicine.

Great!!

Right??

Maybe.

Maybe not.

Statistically, the greatest yearly expense for pet owners is veterinary care. In 2004 Americans spent 8.3 BILLION DOLLARS on veterinarian care and another 7.9 BILLION on supplies & medicine (this number does not include food).

Sure we love our animals. But was it all necessary? Does the health of the modern pet so far exceed that of the "less-vetted" population of decades ago?

I think not.

Take another look at the dollar amount spent yearly on vet care.  During that same time period, only 1.6 billion was spent purchasing animals. This shows that most vet expenditure is spent on return trips (and return and return and return). This is not indicative of a healthy pet population!

We live in an age when technology and knowledge have reached astronomical proportions. And sadly, so have our egos. Yes, the civilized world has a huge amount of knowledge. We understand many things about the world we live in. But not nearly as much as many people believe!

Nowhere is this thinking more evident than in our attitude toward the medical profession.

Health is a complicated thing, not easily understood. Your veterinarian is only human, probably no more intelligent than the next person, and certainly doesn't know everything. This is not a crime.

However, many veterinarians aren't honest enough to admit when they don't have the answer or a cure. In many situations, the best they can offer is a series of expensive "experiments", but they fail to explain that to the trusting (paying) pet owner.

Or, in some cases, they actually DO believe they know everything (these are the ones you really want to avoid). When their "experiments" fail, they claim that poor breeding is totally to blame.

It's hard to pinpoint just how closely the veterinarian field of medicine parallels modern human medical practices - but they're quite similar. Studies very clearly show that when medical doctors go on strike, the death rate falls (this is true in every country). Why is this?

The fundamental approach is incorrect.

To illustrate: Visualize . . . a drug addict with a tendency to get cut with knives. Can you see him?

Is he healthy?

No? Then how ludicrous is a medical profession whose axis is the belief that sick individuals will be made healthy through drug use and frequently being cut open?

OK, so there's that.

Also, most veterinarians treat a myriad of different species - each needing a slightly different approach. They have a very limited amount of time with each patient, and it's only in their best interest (financially) if they DON'T cure your pet on the first visit. Of course there are scrupulous veterinarians, just as there are unscrupulous.

You can blindly take your chances, rush your dog to the vet each time it burps - OR - you can do your homework and help your canine companion avoid health problems.

Will you be able to learn everything? NO. But then, neither has your vet!

Certainly there's a time for veterinarian care. But more often, prevention is the answer.

As I said before, health is a complicated thing - not nearly understood. But if you have a working brain and can read, then you can learn what's known so far. And an ounce of prevention is worth ten thousand pounds of cure.

If you're going to care for a dog, I highly recommend owning a book such as "Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats" by Richard H. Pitcairn. It will quickly give you a foundation of information to build upon. And if you really want to keep your dog healthy, seek the knowledge of experienced, reputable breeders!

Why breeders?

Because they're experts on one species. It's in their best interest (financially, emotionally, practically in regards to time and trouble etc.) to know how to keep their dogs healthy! A breeder who accumulates no personal knowledge but relies totally on veterinarians for their animal's health quickly bankrupts their hobby. It's not practical, and not common.

Most seasoned (conscientious) breeders are a wellspring of knowledge. Don't overlook this resource, even though we live in a time and society that bashes the breeder and worships the vet.

Am I saying you should not take your dog to the vet?

Not at all! Please choose a veterinarian and use him/her as ONE resource. But choose wisely.

 When choosing a doctor of veterinarian medicine, pay attention to the following/ask these questions:

1. Do you support PETA.

(If he/she says yes, then this vet is probably biased against purebred animals. He may be tempted to use your dog as an example of the weakness of "purebreds" - because PETA and ANIMAL RIGHTS activists are strongly opposed to the breeding of purebred animals, as well as opposing any ownership of domesticated pets. This type of veterinarian may make rude or slanderous comments about your dog's breeder and blame every hiccup and stray hair on "bad breeding." Remember, people with an agenda may put that agenda above the welfare of your canine friend.)

2. What vaccination protocol do you believe is healthiest?

(If this vet says they recommend yearly boosters, something is wrong. Either they've been too busy to keep up with new studies and knowledge, or they simply don't care about your pet's welfare. It's commonly known now that yearly "boosters" are unnecessary, and provide no benefit if given (will not increase immunity). Thus boosters are either a legal issue (Rabies) or a manipulation issue (inducing clients to come in for examination rather than directly suggesting an examination).

3. What food should I feed?

(A good, well-informed veterinarian will know that MOST commercial dog foods have the potential to cause serious health problems. But they'll also know that many GOOD, holistic dog foods exist! (my favorites: Far More, Solid Gold & Eagle Pack) They should be able to recommend a few good choices --- and these choices should NOT be limited to "the brand that they sell"!!!)

4. Does this vet talk TO your pet?

(They don't necessarily have to walk into the room, pull up a chair, shake hands and introduce themselves to your dog - but it wouldn't hurt! Beware of the vet who talks about your dog as if he/she isn't in the room, and as if he/she doesn't have feelings and isn't wondering, "Who are you, why do you smell so funny, what's that in your hand, what are you going to do to me?" Your pet is an intelligent being with just as many thoughts and feelings as anyone else. Your dog needs to be included in the interaction and reassured by this "stranger" that vet trips need not be a cold, impersonal, scary or traumatic experience.)

5. How does my dog look?

(If you've brought a healthy dog in for a checkup, the vet should have something positive to say about his/her condition. Maybe they'll commend you for your excellent care of your dog, or make a remark about how wonderful he/she is doing. But if they brush this off, like good health is a nuisance (How's he look? Oh... oh, well, he looks fine. No problems.") then maybe this vet is disappointed. Maybe your pet's good health is not his/her main objective.)

6. How do purebreds compare to mixed breed dogs?

(Again, if your vet launches into a tirade against purebred dogs, beware. A truly informed vet will understand that careful breeding of quality purebred dogs does not produce any more weak animals than carelessly allowing family mutts to breed with each other, thus producing mutts of often incompatible and dangerous combinations.)

Remember how the media is spreading false beliefs about our beloved breed. Use your head - there are other things we (and others) have been brainwashed about as well!

The following is a sampling of natural, preventative type approaches to dog health. While I believe that these are very effective things to try, and I personally will use these methods, I am not a trained veterinarian and am NOT offering you medical advice. The following is for informational purposes alone. You must do your own research, take responsibility for your own pets and when in doubt, consult a good veterinarian.

Natural Health for Dogs

The core of health is the immune system. A living body is a small ecosystem, primarily made of water. Keep the whole environment healthy and you will avoid health problems.

An ALKALINE body is believed to resist ALL disease.

NUTRITION

Proper nutrition (combined with a healthy environment) is the backbone of health.

Healthy digestion and a properly functioning stomach depend on PROPER NUTRITION and clean water. Feed a HIGH QUALITY, HOLISTIC dog food (or a carefully prepared BARF diet) ONLY.

Have clean water available at ALL TIMES. Living bodies are primarily water-based. They require large amounts of clean water to stay healthy.

Do not overfeed. Avoid human food, table scraps, junky snack foods, pigs-ears, rawhide chews (these absorb enzymes when consumed) etc. 

For training etc. feed only a limited amount of treats - always choose high quality holistic dog treats - many great varieties and recipes are available!

THESE herbs strengthen the IMMUNE SYSTEM:

Garlic. Astragalus Root, Astragalus Membranaceus, Purple Coneflower, Echinacea Purpurea,  Berberis and Aloe Vera.

Ideas for HEALTHY SKIN

Cleanliness is absolutely imperative for healthy skin!

Wash your dog OFTEN (at least 2 x monthly) but DO NOT use harsh chemicals such as dish soap or "human" shampoo. Choose a mild shampoo PH balanced for DOGS.

RINSE EXTREMELY WELL.

Use the shampoo no more than 1 x monthly. Use pure water for more frequent bathing. Keep his bedding and yard CLEAN - but do not expose him to toxic cleaners/chemicals. If they are used, rinse well and wait until they dry to let him make contact with those areas. Do not use heavily perfumed detergents on his bedding.

For skin problems: Hot spots can be shaved, then cleaned with diluted cider vinegar. Aloe Vera cream or Vitamin E oil can then be applied. Otherwise irritated skin should be washed in warm, water with mild DOG shampoo.  On any sores or wounds, or abraded areas antifungal creams or herbs can be applied.  Over the counter creams with antifungal properties are labeled for treating Athlete's Foot, Ringworm etc. Also, creams which treat Vaginal Yeast Infections are similarly used. Herbs with antifungal properties include Tea Tree Oil, Thyme and others. Garlic taken internally (1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon in dog's food daily) has powerful antifungal and healing properties.

Ideas for NATURAL PARASITE CONTROL

Fresh, crushed Garlic taken internally (1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon in dog's food daily) will repel many parasites and insects by making the dog an unpalatable host.

Cider vinegar is a repellent to some insects.

Hair loss & rashes caused by Demodex Mange can be treated at home. A mixture of powdered garlic, goldenseal and olive oil can be applied LIBERALLY daily until skin is clear and hair begins to grow back. Large amounts of other oils (Bag Balm, Corona Salve) can have the same effect when rubbed into the skin - they starve demodex mites of oxygen. Garlic taken internally fights against mite infestation. Antifungal creams or antifungal herbs are applied to any red skin areas to prevent infections or yeast.

Ear Mites can be treated in similar fashion. I keep a mixture on hand of Olive Oil & Tea Tree Oil (5 parts olive, one part tea tree oil). Treat ears just before bedtime (mite's active phase is nighttime). Approximately five drops in each ear, massage around - every 3rd evening for six weeks. Six weeks are necessary because mite eggs hatch over this period.

Garlic taken internally (as above) can be effective flea control. Keep environment clean and vacuumed. Natural Pyrethrin powder, from chrysanthemums, is an effective external natural insecticide. Eucalyptus leaves can be placed under furniture and rugs. Fennel foliage can be rubbed into your dog's coat. Nematodes (purchased through garden supply stores) are bugs that eat fleas. They can be used in your yard or garden for outdoor control.

Internal Parasites (worms) are a normal thing for dogs, and a heavy infestation will not occur unless the immune system's functioning is lowered. Puppies are more susceptible to infestation, as are elderly or sick animals or animals on a poor diet. The following herbs will keep parasites under control: Wormwood, Black Walnut Hull, Quassia Bark, Cloves. Parsley is also given to avoid overstressing the kidneys while parasites die off. For natural worm control, it's easiest to simply buy the prepared holistic herbal combination from a health food store or homeopathic vet supply store. I use "Azmira Giardia and Parasitic Cleanse." Another good one, which comes with an instructional booklet is,  "Hulda Clark's Parasite Cleansing Protocol."

Healthy TEETH and MOUTH

For healthy teeth and mouth, NEVER GIVE SWEETS or human food. AVOID all low quality dog foods or low quality snack-foods, even those intended for canines. Feed a high-quality dog food, in a proper amount for your dog's size. Do not give table scraps. Do not use food for combating boredom. Use fun games, toys and affection instead. For "training" times, use pieces of a high quality dog food as rewards (different variety from dog's "mealtime") or a natural, holistic, high quality dog treat.

Garlic in diet keeps mouth healthy and clean. Marshmallow root is believed to soothe sore gums. Purple Coneflower decoction is recommended as a mouthwash both for oral health and for general condition. Vinegar added to water can help avoid tartar buildup on teeth.

 Healthy EARS

Clean ears with vitamin E oil, olive or almond oil or marigold if inflamed - especially after an ear infection or mite infestation. Any irritation to ear tips can be soothed with Vitamin E oil, Aloe Vera gel or Witch Hazel.

Healthy EYES

Eye infections may be a symptom of low immune system functioning. Boost immune system with herbs and higher quality dog food, feed garlic, give more fresh water. Eyes can be safely treated with colloidal silver to kill bacteria that causes infections.

Never get shampoo in eyes or in the mucous membranes.

Do not expose your pet to strong perfumes, cigarette smoke, weed killer on his yard, bug killer or other toxic chemicals - the fumes can irritate dog's eyes.

If your pet is sensitive, but you like to wear perfume, purchase natural scents from a health-food store. For cleaning/killing germs without chemicals, try a "steamer".

Remember, nothing is set in stone. Study, test everything, learn all you can from others and then expect to learn much more from living with your beloved dog.

"Over the past 40 years and 17 generations of dogs and, cats we are seeing tremendous increases in chronic ill health in our pets that was rare back in the early 1960's. Most of these illnesses revolve around breakdown in our pets' immune systems, and include chronic skin/ear allergies, digestive upset, thyroid/adrenal/pancreatic disorders, seizures, gum/ teeth problems, degenerative arthritis, kidney/liver failure, and cancer across all ages and breeds. We are also seeing a record number of behavioral and emotional disorders including alarming and unexplained fears/aggression., as well as difficulty focusing/training and paying attention. The analogy of these compared with escalating immune/behavioral diseases in children is quite disturbing. The two biggest factors in our pets' population health decline over these generations has been the severe overuse of multiple vaccines and nutrient poor and toxin filled commercial pet foods. We have also failed to address the underlying cause of disease by only suppressing symptoms with antibiotics, cortisone and related drugs, so the disease progresses and goes deeper. Homeopathy offers a viable alternative in truly curing pets and making their bodies healthier."     Michael Dym D.V.M.

Be HEALTH WISE, be happy and enjoy long life with your canine friend!

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