All Things Dog Blog

Showing posts with label dog homeopathy. Show all posts

Friday, June 15, 2012

Woofing Winners Get Mellowed Out

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

It seems we touched a high note when we began talking about behavioral issues. I found all your comments at the giveaway post quite fascinating. So many behaviors that may be helped with a homeopathic remedy--wow!

If you missed the beginning of this event, be sure to stop by the review post to learn more. There are many products in this line of flower essences, and lots of solutions to be provided.

Before I announce the winners, I'd like to remind you all that you can purchase the Arenus botanical of your choice at their site. Their shipping has been quick and efficient in my personal experience.

Now that the Rafflecopter entries have wrapped up, the winners get to learn that their lucky day has arrived: Casey D, Sandy W, and Catie R. You'll be notified by my AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com email account by Saturday evening. Check your spam or write to me if you don't receive an email.

Congratulations to our winners. Arenus will ship your prizes as soon as I receive all 3 winners' information. Thanks again for your terrific participation and we hope to see you this weekend at the #Gamma2Fresh Twitter Party.

The product for this giveaway is being provided by Arenus as a promotional courtesy. I have not been compensated to review this product or do the giveaway. The comments posted here are my own findings. There is no purchase necessary to enter and the giveaway is available to all North American addresses.

Monday, August 30, 2010

ASK THE VET: Natural Options for Dealing with Your Dog's Seizures

by Pat Bradley, DVM

(c) C.A., reader copyright on file

Molly is a Sweet, Happy Girl

Hi Dr. Pat,

I was wondering if you could give me some ideas or “natural” ways to assist with my 4 year old, lab-mix dog, Molly, with her seizures. I’ve been to two vets, and they have recommended that we continue to log Molly’s seizures before we decide on Phenobarbital. (They’ve informed me of possible liver damage from Phenobarbital as well.) Molly has had 3 seizures over 2 months ~ about 16 days apart.

Thanks,

C.A.

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Hi C.A.

Is there anything more frightening than seeing your dog have a grand mal seizure in front of you for the first time? It’s the stuff nightmares are made of! It’s comforting to remember that the animals aren’t aware or suffering. But we onlookers sure are: our eyes are popping out of their sockets and our hearts are beating out of our chests! We feel the need to DO something. And FAST!!

So I really appreciate the calm attitude of the vets you’ve seen so far. Anti-seizure medications can take away a dog’s fun-loving personality. We vets HATE that. But we also hate the possibility of the brain damage that can result from frequent seizures. If Molly’s seizures occur only once or twice a month, no medicine may be the best choice for now.

And, once your dog is on Phenobarb, it’s hard to track the frequency and triggers for the seizures. Sometimes you can pinpoint what triggers the seizures: flashing lights, over-excitement, loud bangs, vaccines and anesthetics are some I’ve seen, and these can be controlled. For instance, you could just move the loud July 4^th and New Year’s Eve parties to someone else’s house (and what better excuse to keep from having to spend the first day of the New Year cleaning up a huge party mess: “I’m only doing it for the well-being of my dog”.)

Some people are not satisfied with the choices that conventional medicine offers, so this is a great opportunity for me to introduce you to some of my favorite organizations:

· The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association

· The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy

· The National Institute of Health is currently sponsoring a 5-year study of popular herbs, examining, among other things, their effects on seizure disorders. I’d definitely recommend that you follow this study.

But hold onto your hat! These veterinarians not only have more options to offer you for Molly’s seizures, but also new ways to think about health and healing. You may find, like Dorothy, that you’re not in Kansas anymore! And you might just find that you like it there.

Pat

Write to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com with your question for Dr. Pat.

For a personal consultation about your pet's needs, visit Holistic Veterinary Services.
Dr. Pat's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian

* A NOTE FROM CARRIE: To make it easier for readers to find Dr. Pat's healthcare resources, I will start a sidebar list of these sites, with a picture of Dr. Pat to help you locate it. Can I help with anything else?

The books I share from Amazon can often be purchased in used form, making them much more affordable. For instance, the price for Natural Dog Care is less than $1, as I write this. Wow!

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Wednesday, August 11, 2010

ASK THE VET: Natural Remedies for Doggie Diarrhea

by Pat Bradley, DVM

No Pepto Bismol, Please!

Dear Dr. Pat:

On and off my dog seems to get into things that she shouldn't and the next thing I know she has diarrhea. My veterinarian always gives me a prescription for a bag of dog food that is very expensive. Can you give me any ideas on natural ways to firm up his little problem when it appears to be nothing more than something he ate? My neighbor says bananas. Really? What do you think?

Thanks Carol M.

P.S. Jagger is a BIG DOG, so I assume he will eat the same volume or amount of food?

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Dear Carol:

What’s the cheapest, most effective way to stop Jagger’s diarrhea? Fast! Don’t feed him! Especially since Jagger is a BIG DOG and eats a lot, this might be great news!

I can just imagine what some readers are thinking:

“I tried to fast my dog, Dr. Pat. I really did. It didn’t turn out to be cheaper at all. He not only ate through the refrigerator door but he ate our cat. And did you have any idea how much it costs to spend a week in a mental institution?”

But diarrhea in any size dog is no joking matter. I’ll cover some other options fast that can help with the common diarrhea that results from “dietary indiscretions” (don’t try this yourself with babies or teeny dogs!)

Lots of clear water and clear broths (home-made organic broth is both way more nutritious and has no chemicals that might be irritating, but canned will do in a pinch.) If Jagger doesn’t respond right away, take him off liquids, too, for at least 12 hours.

Here are some other things you can get from a health food store (or the links below) to use if fasting isn’t practical or you need something else:

Aloe vera liquid ¼ cup 1-3 times daily depending on the severity of the diarrhea. Serve straight or in the broth.

Slippery elm powder: Give one capsule twice daily in the broth

Nux vomica 6C: Give a couple of pellets twice daily for two days. Dogs usually lick this from your hand, or you can dissolve them in liquid.

When the worst is over, usually 12 to 24 hours, slowly introduce small amounts of easily-digestible foods:

Boiled white rice and hamburger, about half and half, is an easy on the tummy way to reintroduce solid food. Puree it for even easier digestibility (and keep that blender out – you’ll need it to make Margarita’s later!)

Jagger should be back to normal within a day or two. If he gets into snacking trouble often, consider getting him a basket-type muzzle to wear on walks. These allow him to smell and drink, but not to pick up “tasty treats” in the grass. Good luck.

Pat

Write to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com with your question for Dr. Pat.

For a personal consultation about your pet's needs, visit Holistic Veterinary Services.

Dr. Pat's opinion or advice does not replace an actual exam with a veterinarian

Don't forget to stop by 5 Minutes for Fido,where Xena is embarrassed about this whole topic. Her comments are all girl! Thank goodness it isn't her problem.