Fear of Car Rides

Lots of dogs love the opportunity to jump into a car and go for a road trip. In fact, in many cases you barely get the car door open and they’re already inside, just waiting for you to turn that ignition key and open the windows so that they can enjoy the great breeze. On the other hand however, there are those pets who are not quite as crazy about the idea of taking a car ride. Many pets associate the car ride with a visit to the dreaded veterinarian, or in general are just very uneasy with the whole situation.

Wouldn’t it be great if there was some way that you could alleviate the fear and anxiety that your pet experiences during long car rides? Well, this is your lucky day because there just happens to be such a remedy that works like a charm in this type of situation. Aconitum Napellus is a homeopathic treatment that will help your pet deal with their fear of traveling. For dogs, administer one tablet an hour prior to leaving on your trip and another one just before you get into the car. (Dosages will need to be adjusted accordingly and based on body weight for cats.)

The other problem that pets sometimes have with traveling is that of motion sickness. Whether you are traveling by planes, trains or automobile, make sure you treat your pet with a dosage of Cocculus before you leave.

Frantic howling, bolting, mad running also have a dietary link. Servings of rosehip syrup, strong brews of rosemary or poppy seed tea, two tablespoons three times a day is recommended. The herbs skullcap and garlic are also to be consumed and bathing the animal's head with a "cool brew of dock leaves" is also mentioned. Internal cleansing followed by a two day period of fasting is also helpful.

The Ears
Olive or almond oil may help to clear residual wax after an ear infection or infestation. Damage to the ear flap may be cleaned with witch hazel. For white dogs, prone to sunburn to their ear tips, aloe vera may be soothing. Marigold is used for cleaning inflamed ear canals. Ginger, and ginkgo biloba are said by some to reduce deafness by improving circulation to the ear. Commercially produced herbal gels are available for controlling external ear canal conditions and infestations.

Car Sickness (Dog)

If your dog is miserable from a ride in the car. What can you do, short of doping the animal up?? Here are just a few suggestions -

1. One of the best herbs for nausea of any kind is ginger - be it a couple of ginger snap cookies ginger ale/beer, crystallized ginger, or a 500 mg capsule of the powder. Just give it about 30 minutes before any car trip. Good for people, too. Even for seasickness.Try powdered ginger root capsules. Ginger root does help calm the stomach. Ginger can be given in tea, too, if the animal prefers it. Ginger root raw is a little strong, and most animals don't like it. Scale down the human dosage for animals, and give a little before the car ride as well as during the trip if needed. You can buy Hofel's High Strength Ginger 'Pearles' (a fancy name for capsules!) for the dogs and their car sickness. Each capsule contains the same as 12grams of fresh ginger and you only need one per day, given about half an hour before traveling. They have found that it really does help in reducing salivation and nausea.

Aconitum Napellus is a homeopathic treatment that will help your pet deal with their fear of traveling. For dogs, administer one tablet an hour prior to leaving on your trip and another one just before you get into the car. (Dosages will need to be adjusted accordingly and based on body weight for cats.)

PEPPERMINT
Motion sickness, restore appetites in dogs.

While perhaps not the most desirable of all subject matter, constipation can at times be a fact of life for our pets. Constipation can occur in pets for any number of various reasons and might result from pets that have ingested clumps of grass, as a result of swallowing bones, or could be due to a hairball blockage.

Constipation can be a very serious issue regardless of whether it occurs on just an occasional basis, or perhaps on a more regular one for those pets who may be more prone to the problem. Did you know that certain breeds of dogs could experience more difficulty when defecating than others will? It may sound strange but it’s true. Dogs that have corkscrew like tails often have anatomical characteristics that interfere with the normal defecation process, which can mean chronic constipation problems. Remember that the longer the waste sits in the body without being passed, the more water that will be pulled out of it by the colon. This means that the stool will become more and more dry, making it yet even more difficult to pass.

One of the best ways to deal with constipation is to prevent it. A very healthy and easy way to do that is to incorporate pumpkin into your pet’s food. Yes, that’s right – I said PUMPKIN. The simple fact is that pumpkin is a great source of fiber and has a high water content. Both of which contribute to keeping your pet’s bowl movements regular. You’ll want to make sure that you use the pureed canned pumpkin, or you can puree your own using a fresh pumpkin. Either way however don’t buy pumpkin pie filling by mistake; it’s definitely not the same thing. The following scale will help you determine how much you should mix into every meal.

Pets who weigh less than 15 pounds = 1 – 2 teaspoons Pets who weigh 15 – 35 pounds = 1 – 2 tablespoons
Pets who weigh 35 pounds and up = 2 – 5 tablespoons depending on size

(Monitor your pet’s stool, if the consistency of the feces is pudding- like, then just cut back on the amount of pumpkin a bit.)

Here’s a great trick so that none of that canned or fresh pumpkin goes to waste before you use it all. Use ice-cube trays to freeze individual portions of pumpkin. Once each portion is set, dump them out into a freezer bag so that each day you can remove and thaw out the amount that you require.

One of the most popular herbs in America today is the Native American medicinal plant known as echinacea. The herb is named for the prickly scales in its large conical seed head, which resemble the spines of an angry hedgehog (echinos is Greek for hedgehog).

Results of archeological digs indicate that Native Americans may have used echinacea for over 400 years to treat infections and wounds and as a general "cure-all." Echinacea has also been used throughout history to treat scarlet fever, syphilis, malaria, blood poisoning, and diphtheria. Although this herb was popular during the 18th and 19th centuries, its use began to decline in the United States after the introduction of antibiotics. Echinacea preparations became increasingly popular in Germany throughout the 20th century -- in fact, almost all of the scientific research on this herb has been conducted in this country.

General Uses
Several laboratory and animal studies suggest that echinacea contains active substances that enhance the activity of the immune system, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and have hormonal, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. For this reason, professional herbalists may also recommend echinacea to treat urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast (candida) infections, ear infections (also known as otitits media), athlete's foot, sinusitis, hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis), as well as slow-healing wounds.

Common cold
Two groups of researchers recently conducted a review of the scientific literature to determine whether echinacea is safe and effective in preventing or treating the common cold. Both groups of researchers identified 13 high-quality European studies including a variety of different echinacea preparations. Nine looked at the effectiveness of echinacea to treat the common cold and four examined whether echinacea helps prevent this familiar health problem.

Most studies found that echinacea (when taken at the first sign of a cold for 8 to 10 days) reduced cold symptoms or shortened their duration. For example, in a study of 95 people with early symptoms of cold and flu (such as runny nose, scratchy throat, and fever), those who drank 5 to 6 cups of echinacea tea every day for 5 days felt better sooner than those who drank tea without echinacea. Other studies have found that echinacea reduces cold symptoms by roughly 34 percent.

One popular way that echinacea is used is to try prevent a cold or flu by taking the herb throughout cold and flu season or just after exposure to an infection via a friend or loved one. Despite the popularity of this approach, several studies suggest that it does not work. Three out of four well-designed studies found that echinacea was only "marginally" better than placebo in preventing the common cold. The last study revealed that echinacea was, in fact, no better than placebo at all in 117 healthy volunteers treated with one or the other for two weeks after being exposed to rhinovirus (a virus that often causes colds). An equal number of men and women in the placebo and echinacea groups developed a cold. The consensus seems to be that echinacea may help treat but not prevent the common cold.

In earlier times, this herb was known as "Kansas snakeroot" and Missouri "snakeroot". Native American Indian Medicine Men first introduced echinacea to the fur traders and pioneers. The medicinal uses of echinacea have since been passed down from generation to
generation.

The flowers, leaves, oils and roots are all used in various medicinal preparations. This wonderful herb has nine species native to North America. Systemajuv uses two--Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea augustifolia and these are certified organic.

Liver Problems:
Apparently healthy older dogs commonly have elevated liver enzymes. In some cases this is due to drugs the dog received such as Prednisolone, Ibuprofen or Phenobarbital. In others, two types of chronic hepatitis are to blame.

Signs of liver, gall bladder, and pancreas problems are: loss of appetite, weight loss, listlessness or lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea or soft stools, gray stools, swollen abdomens, fluid retention, increased thirst, yellowed mucous membranes, weakness, confusion, and poor coat condition. Your dog may have convulsions or delirium if the disease is advanced.

Diet for dogs with liver disease is controversial. I have often seen low protein diets recommended, but recent studies indicate that too little protein can actually make liver problems worse. Low fat is also often recommended, but is only needed for dogs having problems with fat malabsorption. Dogs need fat for energy, and again, too little can cause problems.

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is the name given to neurological problems caused by the build-up of ammonia in the dog's system due to liver failure. Symptoms may include seizures, tremors, head pressing, blindness, and behavioral changes.

If your dog is showing signs of Hepatic Encephalopathy, it is important to reduce the amount of ammonia in the system. This is when protein restriction may become necessary. Red meat produces more ammonia and should only be used in very limited amounts or not at all. Cottage cheese and eggs are good sources of low ammonia-producing protein. Even in dogs with HE, you must be careful not to reduce protein too much, as protein malnutrition can result, leading to ascites and other problems.

Lactulose is a prescription supplement usually recommended to help reduce ammonia if signs of Hepatic Encephalopathy are present. Neomycin, an antibiotic that kills ammonia-producing bacteria, lessening the amount of ammonia exposure, is also given to dogs with HE.

Herbal and homeopathic remedies have a long history of successful use in the treatment of liver conditions and the promotion of liver, gallbladder and pancreatic functioning. PetAlive LiverAid can be used preventatively or as part of a broader treatment program. LiverAid is 100% All Natural, and it eliminates toxins, purifies your dog's blood, improves and stimulates liver functioning, and strengthens resistance against disease and infection.

Grab a Dry Bar of Soap and gently rake the nail across the soap to block the blood flow
OR

Fill the palm of your hand with Baby Powder, Baking Soda or Flour and dip the nail into the powder, making sure to coat it well so that the nail stops bleeding
The trick after you have stopped the bleeding is to keep the animal lying or sitting still for a good period of time so that the bleeding does not begin again.

Another way to stop bleeding is with black pepper! It doesn't hurt and won't injure a pet (or human) if ingested. Small packets from fast food restaurants are great tucked into first aid kits, glove compartments and grooming supplies. "

Epsom salts have been used to treat abscessed nail beds and paws that are itchy due to allergies. Use 1/2 cup of Epsom salts per 1 gallon of water. Soak the affected paw(s) for 5-10 minutes, 2-4 times a day. It will help 'draw out' the infection in case of a nail bed abscess. It will also give the pet temporary relief from the itchy feet secondary to allergies.
Do not allow pets to drink an Epsom salt solution since it can cause diarrhoea.

Apple Cider Vinegar in a Spray Bottle

Apply to the chewed area, and the taste deters from chewing...

What exactly is an Aural Haematoma? Well, essentially it is a blood blister that forms on your pet’s earflap. These can often occur as a result of your pet having an ear infection, fleas or mites. When your pet scratches it’s ear or shakes it’s head in an effort to rid itself of an itch caused by the pesky mite, flea or irritation, the pet may unknowingly cause some damage. The strong and vigorous action can cause a blood blister, which can be extremely painful for the animal.

The blister forms by building an accumulation of fluid in between the skin layers and the earflap. You may see or feel the lump underneath the skin on the animal’s ear. When treatment is delayed this type of problem will continue to worsen and the blister will increase in size making it even more difficult to treat.

This condition can occur in both cats and dogs, however there are certain breeds, which may be more prone to the problem. Those breeds that have large ears such as retrievers or spaniels may be more susceptible than those dogs with smaller ears.

This can be a very difficult problem to treat and therefore the sooner you take action, the better. If the animal continues to scratch and bother with the affected ear the blister will bleed and further damage the surrounding tissue. Depending on the severity of the situation it may be necessary to have the blister drained or operated on in an effort to eliminate the contents of the haematoma. Use a treatment of Arnica (or otherwise known as Leopard’s Bane) to help control and reduce the blood loss and tissue damage. In order to manage the pain that the animal is experiencing, use a treatment of Hamamelis (otherwise known as Witch Hazel).

As pet owners we all dread having the day arrive when we must deal with the unavoidable fact that our pet is aging, and as a result is unfortunately more prone to a number of health related problems. Just like humans, one of the common issues to affect our pets as they age involves vision problems, and more specifically, cataracts. However, cataracts in pets can develop as a result of issues other than merely old age. Factors such as poor diet during the pregnancy stages of the animal’s mother, hereditary issues and diabetes mellitus can all play a part in your pet developing cataracts.

Cataracts in your pet affect the actual lens inside the eye, causing cloudiness and making it difficult for the animal to see things the way they normally would. The onset of cataracts in your pet may be evident if you notice a slight grayish color to the eyes, which will progress as the animal ages or as the disease progresses. Animals who develop the problem as a result of their parent’s nutritionally lacking diet may begin to show signs as early as a few weeks of age and could lead to complete blindness within two or three years.

There are a number of homeopathic treatments available for different stages of the disease. If you have been fortunate enough to catch the problem very early on it is suggested that you try adding Sulphur to the pets diet in order to treat and slow the progression of the cloudy lens. For pets that have had cataract surgery and yet the condition continues to worsen, try using a treatment of Senega, and for long-term use try Silicea.

The common cause of black spots on dogs, at least from where I live, is a fungus issue. Therefore, hydrogen peroxide 1% with saturated borax applied to skin, or 2% copper chloride helps. Again it is quite deep, so several applications may be needed

A dog owner enters into this pet owning relationship knowing full well that there will be times and situations that must be endured that will prove to be some of the most difficult of their entire life. One of those particular events occurs, when a loving dog owner must watch helplessly as their best friend suffers through an epileptic seizure and is forced to accept the fact that they can do nothing to stop it, and can only help by making the animal a bit more comfortable during the whole ordeal.

It is not fully known why epilepsy occurs in a dog, but it is known that hereditary factors can play a part, as there are a number of different breeds who are predisposed to developing the condition. Some of those breeds include, Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Beagle, Collie breeds, Daschund, Setter breeds, Springer Spaniel, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Greyhound, Keeshond, Labrador Retriever, Poodle breeds, Corgi, Pointer, Pug, Saint Bernard and Vizsla.

Additionally, it is believed that many dogs suffering from seizures have a magnesium deficiency and/or a low thyroid. Talk to your vet about having your pet tested for thyroid problems and the possibility of decreasing seizure medication and adding more Magnesium to the dog’s diet.

Doses of magnesium should start off as follows…

Small dogs 10mg
Medium dogs 20mg
Large dogs 50mg
Giant dogs 75mg

If your dog experiences diarrhea or gas, then cut back on the dosages slightly until the problem stops and then slowly increase them again.

Did you know that some cats are afflicted by compulsive eating disorders? Sounds like it would be simple enough to treat by simply limiting their food intake and making sure any other food items are kept locked up and out of their reach, right? Well no, it’s not exactly that easy. As a result of this disorder they will chew up and attempt to eat literally anything they can get their teeth on, including inedible objects. And, it’s not as though you can explain to the cat they have a problem and tell them like you would a human, what they can and cannot eat.

This may sound very strange to those of you whose cats prefer to stick to actual food items rather than those non-food alternatives. But for those of you who have Oriental-breed cats this might give you the answer to what you thought was just very strange behavior. The reason that Oriental-breed cats are specified is because this condition is more likely to affect those particular breeds.

Cats with this condition might often choose to eat objects such as string, fabric, ponytail ties etc, and it would not be uncommon for them to swallow up to ten or more small objects at a time. A situation of this severity would ultimately require surgery to remove the objects. It is believed that this condition may be somehow related to another similar one called Wool Sucking, which affects many Siamese cats. A cat with this condition can often be caught sucking on and eating soft fabrics such as wool, therefore sweaters and afghan blankets are primary targets.

Aside from the obvious solution of hiding every single small, soft object and piece of clothing from your cat, there are a couple of tricks that you can try implementing to help cut back on the compulsive eating or sucking habit. Increase the amount of fiber in your pet’s diet by adding 1 – 2 teaspoons of either Canned Pumpkin or Shredded Lettuce to every meal. Hopefully this will help to curb the out of control, non-food item cravings.

KELP
Mineral of Iodine, natural thyroid gland assistance for hypothyroid pets.
1 teaspoon in med size dogs daily meals of a home prepared one.