Agrimony“0 Comments”
admin | 10:18 am | March 29, 2008 | Flower Essences
An agrimony pet appears to be brave, but is in fact highly sensitive and deeply affected by what is going on around him. This is especially so if there is conflict or hostility between his humans. He will try to intervene, wagging his tail or brushing up against you but really unsure of himself. He may be restless, and prefers company rather than being alone. He may be the type of pet that doesn’t show pain, even though he is injured. He may be susceptible to developing vomiting or diarrhoea if upset, or urinary incontinence if older. He may also be prone to skin problems, parasites, arthritis or heart disease. This remedy is also useful during recuperation following surgery or wound healing.
Agrimony from the Natural Vet Company
Bach Flower Remedies for dogs, cats and other pets“0 Comments”
admin | 10:00 am | | Bach Flower, Flower Essences
The Bach Flower Remedies are based on the research and findings of an English doctor, Dr Edward Bach. Dr Bach was a medical pioneer in the early 1900s, who became aware of the link between stress, emotions and illness. He was also a specialist in the study of bacteria, and in particular the role of bacteria and chronic disease. Dr Bach sought to find a simple, safe way to restore harmony in the diseased body through emotional wellness. In his search, he discovered properties of flowers, trees and bushes that provided him with the remedies he was looking for.
Since his discovery many more flower essences have been discovered around the world, including
So how do they work? Essences are thought to work through the body’s energy system and may work in a similar way to homeopathy and acupuncture. Dr Bach proposed that the remedies work by the transfer of ‘life force energy’ from the plant to the patient’s ‘vital force’. They are usually considered a form of ‘energy’ medicine acting on the emotional and spiritual levels of the body. Use of the essences alters the emotional or mental state in a subtle way. They can also help healing due to the connection between emotional and physical well-being.
This connection is based on Dr Bach’s idea that negative emotional states can suppress the healing process. This is interesting because in the last decade there has been a great deal of interest in ‘psychoneuroimmunology’ or the study of the connection of the mind and its influence on disease. Connections between the immune, nervous system and endocrine (hormonal) system seem to support this concept.
So do pets have emotional states that can influence their health? Well you can probably answer that yourself. We know many pets have behavioural problems and we can even describe the personalities of our pets. Many pets suffer from stress either because of their temperament, because they haven’t been socialised appropriately as puppies, or because their environment is stressful, especially when their owners are stressed too. We know that stress can reduce our immunity, so it is not unreasonable to accept that stress and emotional stress can influence the health of our pets.
Even though Dr Bach developed his flower essences for people, they have been used in pets for over fifty years. There are currently no scientific studies to support their use, but many owners observe positive changes in their pets with use of these non-toxic, gentle remedies. Each Bach Flower Remedy helps deal with specific states of mind. These states include fear, terror, mental torture or worry, indecision, indifference or boredom, doubt or discouragement, over-concern, weakness, self-distrust, impatience, over-enthusiasm and pride or aloofness.
The difficulty with using Bach Flower Essences or other flower essences in pets is that we can’t ask how the pet is feeling. We have to rely on our judgment and observations and sometimes intuition to find the appropriate remedies.
Bach Flower Essences from the Natural Vet Company
Vaccination“0 Comments”
admin | 2:51 pm | March 8, 2008 | Vaccination
VACCINATION FACT SHEET[1]
Vaccinations as a Component of Comprehensive, Individualised Care
For many years, the practice of veterinary medicine has benefited from the annual administration of vaccines. By encouraging dog owners to bring their pets in yearly for vaccinations, veterinarians have been able to recognize and treat disease earlier than might otherwise have been the case. and to inform clients of important aspects of canine health care. They have also prevented epidemics of disease and so vaccination is a very important part of disease prevention and every dog should be vaccinated, but it is not essential to vaccinate every year.
However each dog’s vaccination needs should be assessed at least yearly and modified on the basis of changes in your dog’s age, health status, home and travel environment, and lifestyle. Your vet should explain the potential benefits and risks of vaccination and assess their suitability for your dog given its lifestyle and risk of exposure.
The Immune System as it Applies to Vaccination
Understanding the immune system provides a basis for understanding the nature of vaccine immunity. Two major types of immunity prevent or limit infectious diseases: nonspecific (innate) immunity and specific (adaptive) immunity.
In nature, it is innate immunity (including skin, hair, tears, normal microbial flora, and mucus and acidity of the gut) that prevents a majority of disease causing agents from infecting and/or causing disease in animals.
Adaptive immunity is characterised by being specific and having memory, and is the type of immunity stimulated when an animal receives a vaccine. This specific immune system response is comprised of:
1. Humoral (antibody) immunity, where B lymphocytes (plasma cells) produce the four immunoglobulin classes: IgG, IgM, IgA, and IgE; other cells (phagocytic cells and effector molecules) also play an important role.
2. Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) is comprised of T lymphocytes and their effector molecules, including T helper cells, T regulatory cells, T cytotoxic cells, macrophages, and a number of products of the cells called cytokines.
The Immune Response to Vaccination or Infection
When an animal is vaccinated or infected, the immune response includes cloning of antigen-specific T and B cells that serve as effector cells for immediate protection and memory cells that provide long-term immunity.
The effector cells themselves are usually short lived, dying in days or weeks after stimulation.
Memory cells, on the other hand, survive for years, often for the life of an animal for some vaccines and infections. Memory T and B cells and the antibodies produced by long-lived memory effector B cells cooperate to provide protection from challenge at a later time in life for the vaccinated animals that come in contact with the disease causing agent.
Available information suggests that vaccine protection from infection and/or disease in the dog is regulated primarily by humoral immunity and secondarily by cell-mediated immunity. This finding is particularly true when vaccination is known to prevent reinfection (sterilising immunity). This is the ultimate form of immunity because disease cannot develop when infection is blocked or infection is significantly limited. Sterilising immunity occurs after effective vaccination (protection) against certain pathogens such as distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, and canine parvovirus.
However, when vaccination fails to protect against infection and instead protects against the development of clinical disease (as is the case for Canine parainfluenza “kennel cough” vaccination), cell mediated immunity and humoral immunity both play a critical role in preventing or reducing the severity of disease—not by preventing infection but by limiting its effects or keeping the infection localised.
It is essential to note that the mechanism of protective immunity in a vaccinated dog is very different from immunity in an unvaccinated naive dog. Antibody is usually present in a vaccinated dog and functions to limit or prevent infection. It is never present at the time of infection in an unvaccinated, naive animal. Furthermore, cell mediated and humoral immunity due to memory cells is stimulated in minutes to hours when a vaccinated animal is infected (called an anamnestic response); whereas it takes days or weeks (primary response) to be stimulated in a nonvaccinated, immunologically naive dog.
Antibody Titre Tests to Monitor Immunity
In a vaccinated animal, antibody plays the primary role, because it prevents infection (sterilizing immunity) or limits the infection, and CMI plays a minor role. If infection occurs, antibody increases rapidly and restricts infection .
The presence of serum antibodies to an infectious agent-even if detected months or years after vaccination, indicates that the animal has the memory cells required for a rapid anamnestic cell-mediated and antibody response if the animal is exposed to the same infectious agent at a later time.
How then should antibody titers be used to monitor vaccine immunity? They can be helpful in the following ways:
• to determine if there has been an immune response following vaccination
• to determine the duration of immunity
• to ensure the vaccine is immunogenic
• to know precisely when to vaccinate a puppy
• to determine whether the animal is a “low or nonresponder” to certain vaccines
Although the Canine Vaccination Task Force committee does not feel it is necessary to determine titers to core viruses on an annual basis because of the long minimum duration of immunity, titers can be used for your assurance that an animal has immunity.
Experience with postvaccination titers for Canine Disteper Virus, Canine Adenovirus, and Canine Parvovirus shows that sterile immunity lasts for years; thus, if the test is positive 1 year after vaccination, it is likely to be positive >3 years after vaccination.
PUPPIES
If the test is negative, then you should revaccinate again immediately. If the test is not positive shortly (>2 weeks) after the final vaccination, it suggests that the animal was not immunised. If you waited until 1 year of age, as we do now, the animal would potentially be susceptible during the most critical time in its life, the time when the animal needs to have vaccine immunity. Experience with the Titre test demonstrates greater than 90% of the dogs tested after the puppy series and up to 3 years after vaccination are positive, an indication they have sterile immunity and don’t need to be revaccinated with core vaccines.
[1] Report of the
Arthritis pain and its effect on pets“0 Comments”
admin | 2:33 pm | | Arthritis
Many conditions causing long term pain have a marked effect on your pet’s health and good spirits. Signs your pet may be in pain include: stiffness/lameness after exercise or when rising, difficulty managing stairs or steep slopes, the inability to jump into the car, altered gait, swelling around the joints, crunching or cracking when joints are manipulated and a decreased range of motion. It is important to work out what is causing your pet pain and any possible underlying factors that can be contributory.Consult a veterinarian to assist you and to suggest a possible course of treatment.
One of the most important things that you can do to improve your pet’s health is to help them maintain a normal, healthy weight. Dietary changes are often beneficial. Long term use of pain / inflammation relieving drugs such as prednisolone and other corticoid-steroids should be avoided unless they are the last resort as there are many known side effects associated with these drugs. Care should also be taken with the use of non steroidal anti inflammatories such as Rimadyl, Metacam, Ibuprofen etc. That said, these drugs are very effective and it is better to treat with such medications than to leave your pet suffer pain. Animals often do not show us that they are in pain in the same way as we would. They can become quiet and withdrawn and sleep a lot, reducing/relieving pain in such pets must be your primary consideration. Sometimes it is necessary to provide quick relief to your pet with such treatments while a longer term strategy can be implemented. Never disregard veterinary advice where pain management is concerned. In regard to exercise, short bursts of activity throughout the day is preferable to long walks, swimming and walking on flat ground are excellent forms of exercise for your pet. Massage, acupuncture, chiropractic and physiotherapy may help your pet feel more comfortable.
SUPPLEMENTS / HERBS / FORMULAS
Providing a source of glycosaminoglycans is one of the most important things you can do for a pet with pain associated with joint inflammation. These substances have been proven to reduce joint degeneration and to reduce inflammation. They do not stop pain though so additional pain relief may be necessary. Glycosaminoglycans can be obtained from one of the following:
- Chondroitin sulphate
- Green Lipped Sea Mussel
- Bovine or Shark Cartilage
- Glucosamine combinations
- Pentosan polysulfate (ask your vet – may be contraindicated in pets with kidney or liver weakness)
- Manganese, Magnesium and Zinc
- Omega 3 fatty acids / fish oil
- Vitamin C & E
There are a number of herbs available that are thought to help the pain of conditions like arthritis. It may be beneficial to combine use of a formula indicated as an adjunct for anti-inflammation medications and one indicated as a support treatment for pain.
The Natural Vet Company provide a factsheet online to deal with the specifics of a structured supplementation plan online.Phytoarth does not provide any glycosaminoglycans.
What is Homeopathy?“0 Comments”
admin | 4:07 am | March 30, 2008 | Homeopathy
Homeopathy uses substances to treat a disease when the same substance, in a more concentrated form, could cause symptoms similar to those seen in the patient.[i] For example Apis mel is a homoeopathic remedy derived from the stinger of a bee. It is used to antidote bee stings or symptoms of localised pain, swelling and redness.
Dr Samuel Hahnemann (a doctor and chemist) began the medical system of homeopathy in Germany in the early 1800s. Since then it has been used extensively by doctors and homoeopaths in many countries such as Germany, France, the UK and India,[ii] it is only now becoming available for pets as more veterinarians are becoming qualified in the practice of homeopathy.
Dr Hahnemann came upon the idea that a substance that can produce symptoms in a normal person can cure them in a sick person. He used dilutions of plants, minerals and body substances and tested them on healthy volunteers to conduct what he termed ‘provings’. These provings were the reactions to these substances, which were observed and recorded, including emotional responses, physical symptoms and even mental symptoms.[iii] A compilation of the symptoms produced by these substances is a book called the Materia Medica.[iv] More than 2000 such homeopathic remedies exist and are recorded in such books. Each homoeopathic remedy imitates the signs and symptoms of various illnesses. Just as these ‘provings’ provide a list of all the symptoms produced by each remedy, the best remedy to treat an illness is the one which exactly or most closely matches the whole range of symptoms that an individual shows. This is the homeopathic principle of ‘like cures like’.[v]
[i] Day C. 1990, The Homoeopathic Treatment of Small Animals: Principles and Practice, The C. W. Daniel Company Ltd, UK.
[ii] 25 per cent of German physicians use homeopathy, 32 per cent of French doctors use it, 42 per cent of UK doctors refer patients to homoeopaths and in India it is practised in the National Health Service. Micozzi M. S. (MD) 1996, Fundamentals of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Churchill Livingston, Melbourne.
[iii] Vithoulkas G. 1980, The Science of Homeopathy, Grove Weidenfeld, New York.
[iv] Boericke W. (MD) 1993, Materia Medica with Repertory B, Jain Publishers Ltd, New Delhi.
[v] Also called the Law of Similars, Vithoulkas G., The Science of Homeopathy.
taken from Dr Barbara Fougere, Healthy Dogs - all rights reserved.
Willow“0 Comments”
admin | 11:42 am | March 29, 2008 | Flower Essences
Willow is the remedy for resentment. While it is difficult to know if a pet is resentful it might be a useful remedy for pets which seem to urinate or deposit a stool in an inappropriate place, or that may be destructive and seemingly willful.
Wild Rose“0 Comments”
admin | 11:42 am | | Flower Essences
Wild rose is appropriate for pets that are apathetic, such as pets confined to small spaces; they have gone beyond boredom and have no zest. This remedy helps pep them up.
Wild Oat“0 Comments”
admin | 11:42 am | | Flower Essences
Wild oat is a remedy to assist boredom. This pet might chew on things or destroy things from boredom. He may also be a pet that suffers separation anxiety by focusing on a particular piece of furniture or one door, chewing or scratching away.
White Chestnut“0 Comments”
admin | 11:42 am | | Flower Essences
White chestnut is a useful remedy for pets which are always restless, that never seem to settle but they are not hyperactive. Older pets that have disturbed sleep, getting up in the middle of the night to wake their people, or pets that seem restless before competition or showing may benefit. This remedy helps settle them and encourages calm and better rest.
Water Violet“0 Comments”
admin | 11:41 am | | Flower Essences
Water violet is an essence for aloof pets. This is the type of pet who prefers to be alone, avoiding contact with strangers and other pets. It is also an appropriate remedy for grief.
Walnut“0 Comments”
admin | 11:41 am | | Flower Essences
Walnut is the remedy for change. It helps pets to let go of one set of circumstances and more readily accept another. This might be when there is a new pet in the family, or family member, a move to a new home, travel, a new owner and following surgery. It can also be used in training to help the pet learn new things. Walnut helps protect from outside influences and may also be useful where there are allergies or skin irritations.
Vine“0 Comments”
admin | 11:41 am | | Flower Essences
Vine pets can be very dominant. They may be very stubborn and strong-willed. They may even try to dominate their people. This remedy can be used along with appropriate behaviour management.
Vervain“0 Comments”
admin | 11:41 am | | Flower Essences
Vervain pets are highly-strung pets. They tend to be hyperactive and exhausting for their people to be around. Constantly panting, moving, jumping, barking, on the go. This remedy may assist to calm these pets. It may also be a useful remedy for pets that have a tendency to escape or roam when given the opportunity.
Sweet Chestnut“0 Comments”
admin | 11:40 am | | Flower Essences
Sweet chestnut is for extreme anguish, a pet that has reached its limits of endurance. It can be used in conjunction with conventional drugs used for pain control following particular surgery, or in conjunction with medicines, when the condition is known to be painful. Pets that are absolutely exhausted physically and mentally may benefit from this remedy.
Star of Bethlehem“0 Comments”
admin | 11:40 am | | Flower Essences
This remedy is another of the flowers used in Rescue Remedy, a comforter, used to aid in recovery from traumas experienced in the past that still influence behaviour and health now. This pet is quiet, perhaps withdrawn, resigned. Rescue pets and adopted pets may benefit, particularly if the past history is unknown. Pets that suffer separation anxiety may also benefit from remedy.
Scleranthus“0 Comments”
admin | 11:40 am | | Flower Essences
Scleranthus is the remedy for imbalance, and one-sided problems, be they mood changes, hormonal imbalances, neurological problems such as strokes, hind limb incoordination, head tilt or vestibular disease. It might also be used for travel sickness.
Rock Water“0 Comments”
admin | 11:39 am | | Flower Essences
This remedy is the only one not derived from flowers. Nevertheless it is a remedy for stiffness, rigidity and inflexibility. Pets that are very stubborn, that refuse to cooperate or who reject newcomers may benefit from this remedy. Pets that have a very fixed pattern of behaviour, always taking the same path, or doing the same things at the same time might benefit from this. It might also be useful for pets with arthritis and muscular stiffness.
Rock Rose“0 Comments”
admin | 11:39 am | | Flower Essences
Rock rose is another essence in Rescue Remedy. It is a remedy for extreme terror, fright, panic or shock. Pets that tremble and shake when they are frightened or that damage furniture or knock things over in a panic should be given this essence. It is useful in storms, thunder, lightning, or when loud noises are expected such as fireworks.
Red Chestnut“0 Comments”
admin | 11:39 am | | Flower Essences
This remedy is for pets that show too much concern for others, either their people, their pups or other pets. They are often quite apprehensive about their owners, and while not overly protective, they will worry. This pet is the type to fret after her owner, perhaps suffering from mild separation anxiety. She might also wait at the door for her owner’s return or if tied up outside a shop, pull on her lead to be nearer her owner.
Pine“0 Comments”
admin | 11:38 am | | Flower Essences
Pine is for the pet that assumes guilt—although guilt is hard to define in pets. Often what is taken for guilt is submission because the pet has been reprimanded when his owner has been upset. This remedy may be appropriate where the pet tries to please even though he may be mistreated or rejected by someone in the house. He would be the type of pet that would be submissive and try very hard to please, only to be knocked back because he is all over someone.
Olive“0 Comments”
admin | 11:38 am | | Flower Essences
Olive is one step further than oak; it is for complete and utter exhaustion. Like oak it can be used in endurance activities, extra long walks and runs, and for pets that are lethargic and tired following trauma or physical stress. Where there has been a lot of stress the adrenal glands can become depleted, these pets sometimes suffer from allergies. Olive may also be useful where a pet has lost some particular function such as the use of its bladder, or paralysis of the legs.
Oak“0 Comments”
admin | 11:38 am | | Flower Essences
Oak is a remedy for struggling, where a pet might be injured or debilitated but still keeps on trying. She may be a pet that has lost the use of one leg for example, but she struggles to keep up all the same. She may be a pet who has suffered from malnutrition and is weak. Also pets that compete in endurance trials or long competitions might benefit from this remedy. Oak may be used where there is physical exertion or stress.
Mustard“0 Comments”
admin | 11:38 am | | Flower Essences
Mustard is an appropriate remedy for a melancholy pet or a pet that is depressed on and off. It may be because of a chronic illness, or perhaps grief over a lost loved one. This pet prefers to be on his own. Mustard may also be useful where the pet is suffering hormone imbalances as an adjunct to treatment.
Mimulus“0 Comments”
admin | 11:38 am | | Flower Essences
Mimulus is suitable for pets that are afraid of certain things. It may be another pet, a type of person, black socks, perhaps thunder or loud noises. This pet may urinate if frightened, or hide under the bed. Mimulus can be used with
Larch“0 Comments”
admin | 11:37 am | | Flower Essences
This is the remedy for any pet lacking in confidence. It may be unsure of itself in the show ring and competition or the type of pet that is very submissive; rolling over in front of people and other pets or cowering if approached. Pets which have been in shelters or that have been abused may benefit from this remedy.
Impatiens“0 Comments”
admin | 11:37 am | | Flower Essences
As the name implies, this remedy is for pets that are impatient, irritable, constantly on the go. It is another of the five flowers used in Rescue Remedy, as it may help to alleviate discomfort and pain (caution, do not rely on this remedy as a cure for pain—seek veterinary attention). This pet is typically anxious, she will be fidgety around feeding time, or when trying to work with her. Pets with nervous symptoms such as tremors, shaking, twitches or seizures may benefit from this remedy.
Hornbeam“0 Comments”
admin | 11:37 am | | Flower Essences
This is a remedy for tiredness and exhaustion. It may be after a competition or show, or a strenuous weekend walking and running. It is also useful for pets that seem to be disinterested in playing with other pets.
Honeysuckle“0 Comments”
admin | 11:36 am | | Flower Essences
Honeysuckle is useful when there are changed circumstances, when the pet is re-housed, its owner has left, the pet is kennelled or he is staying at the veterinary hospital. It is a remedy for homesickness. It helps calm anxiety and helps the pet to settle down.
Holly“0 Comments”
admin | 11:35 am | | Flower Essences
Holly is an appropriate remedy for aggression, particularly where the pet is suspicious, unsure of itself, appears angry or vengeful towards other pets. This pet will attack to bite, but under different circumstances may be quite a pleasant pet. Holly can be given for most forms of aggression along with appropriate professional advice and behaviour modifying techniques.
Heather“0 Comments”
admin | 11:35 am | | Flower Essences
Heather is a useful remedy for separation anxiety, for the pet that constantly vocalises to gain your attention, and the pet that is constantly nudging you for attention. This is the pet that loves to be the center of attention. His behaviour may border on obsessive. He may whine and cry when left alone or bark for attention. This pet is usually very friendly and is lonely by himself.
Gorse“0 Comments”
admin | 11:34 am | | Flower Essences
Gorse is the remedy for despair and hopelessness. This may be a pet that is refusing to eat following sickness or surgery or loss of her person. She prefers to isolate herself or hide away from everything. She may be a pet that is taking much longer than normal to recover from an illness or surgery. She may be a pet that has lost her way and seems to have given up. Gorse will help to give added motivation and encouragement.
Gentian“0 Comments”
admin | 11:34 am | | Flower Essences
Gentian is a good remedy for pets that seem depressed or easily discouraged. Depression can arise from debilitation, following recovery from major surgery or trauma, if your pet loses his friend or is grieving either because of a death in the household, or somebody leaving the household. Sometimes pets can also become depressed if left alone all day. Some older pets may also be depressed especially if suffering from obesity or pain such as with chronic arthritis, bad teeth or back pain. Any setback may benefit from this remedy.
Elm“0 Comments”
admin | 11:34 am | | Flower Essences
Elm is a remedy that might be useful when a pet is feeling overwhelmed. He may be attending a pet show, obedience trial or agility trial or grooming salon, where his preference is to sit under the table or behind you. He may also be ill at ease, but not afraid, when travelling, or visiting the vet. This is also useful for pets that have seen their people in need of help, but they have been unable to assist. There is perhaps a feeling of inadequacy.
Crab Apple“0 Comments”
admin | 11:34 am | | Flower Essences
Crab-apple is an excellent cleansing remedy. Pets that have smelly skin, discharging wounds or incontinence, and pets after poisoning, general anaesthetics, infections or rubbish eating, will benefit from this remedy. It can be used externally as well in baths, by simply adding a few drops to the water. It can also be used as a detoxifying remedy at the start of any program for the treatment of long-term chronic disease. This pet may seem to be ashamed (poor self-image), slinking around with her head held low, her tail between her legs, particularly if she has been reprimanded for something she has done, such as leaving a pool of urine on the floor if she is incontinent.
Clematis“0 Comments”
admin | 11:33 am | | Flower Essences
Clematis is one of the five flowers used in Rescue Remedy. It is especially useful when pets are ungrounded or lethargic such as after surgery, following a shock or trauma, exhaustion, long whelping or period of illness. The remedy can help recovery from unconsciousness. The pet may be absent minded, or dreamy. Many old pets benefit from this remedy. It is also useful for those pets that have a very short attention span during training, similar to the effect of cerato. In this case though the pet is almost preoccupied in its own world and even indifferent. Pets that have central nervous system disorders, poor balance (such as vestibular disease) or that may be senile may benefit from Clematis.
Chicory“0 Comments”
admin | 11:33 am | | Flower Essences
Chicory is for the possessive and jealous pet, the pet that is constantly underfoot or demanding attention. She wants to be either sitting in your lap, under your chair, or may have her head always touching you whenever she is able. She is likely to be over-protective towards family members, an excellent watchpet. She may try to dominate other pets in the family, and even family members if she is allowed. She is the sort of pet that will growl at other pets in the household and may even attack other pets.
Chestnut Bud“0 Comments”
admin | 11:33 am | | Flower Essences
Chestnut bud is a great remedy for training, obedience and breaking bad habits. The pet that is slow to learn from experience or keeps making the same mistakes or who repeats the same bad habit over and over again may benefit from Chestnut bud. It is a useful remedy to add to any blend for modifying behaviour in conjunction with conventional behavioural modification techniques.
Cherry Plum“0 Comments”
admin | 11:32 am | | Flower Essences
Cherry plum is one of the five flowers used in Rescue Remedy. This remedy is for pets that lose control. The pet who hates been restrained and struggles furiously to be let go, or the pet who becomes aggressive or hysterical when he is scared, lifting his lips and snarling to warn you, even though he may be a nice pet normally. Fear aggression may benefit from this remedy. Pets that are very aggressive and difficult to control may benefit from cherry plum but professional advice is absolutely essential for safety. Some pets who chew their feet constantly, or that have lick granulomas may also benefit, as can pets that have incontinence.
Cerato“0 Comments”
admin | 11:32 am | | Flower Essences
This remedy is useful for the pet that is difficult to train because he is easily distracted and/or he learns very slowly. When you go walking with him, he is likely to dawdle and run towards you, then perhaps change his mind as he is distracted by something else he smells. He may be the pet who is restless, underfoot and who vocalises for attention, but then is distracted. This remedy may also be useful for the pet that barks constantly for no apparent reason.
Centaury“0 Comments”
admin | 11:32 am | | Flower Essences
The centaury pet is the one who rolls over at your feet, wanting to please. She is generally quiet, shy, and even timid at times. She is the type of pet who will show her submission to other pets she meets, by rolling over and crouching before them. She might also be the pet who urinates when she is afraid of other pets. If she is a puppy she is the type who is easily pushed out of the way, unwilling to defend her position. This remedy is also useful for pets when fighting an illness or injury.
Beech“0 Comments”
admin | 11:31 am | | Flower Essences
Beech is for the pet that is critical, fussy and intolerant. He may be fine with his own person, but may show tension or aggression towards other people or other pets. He is the pet who patrols the front yard, keeping an eye on all who pass by, giving them a snarl and a bark ‘keep away’. He might be the sort of pet that really resents the introduction of a new pup into the household. Territorial aggression may benefit from Beech. Pets who suffer allergies (intolerance) to pollens, grasses, insects and foods or who are intolerant to cold (arthritis worsens) or environmental change may also benefit from Beech. Pets that are particularly fussy or picky eaters may also benefit.
Aspen“0 Comments”
admin | 11:31 am | | Flower Essences
Preparing Bach Flower Essences for Pets“0 Comments”
admin | 10:28 am | | Bach Flower, Flower Essences
Guidelines
One of the exciting aspects of Bach Flowers is that they are readily available and safe to use. The remedies are purchased as a stock bottle, which contains the concentrated essence.
Essences are generally diluted before use although they can be given straight from the bottle in emergencies.Stock strength essences contain about 2/3 brandy, which most pets hate. So usually 2-6 drops of the stock is diluted in spring water, with about 1/4 brandy as a natural preservative. If the remedy is to be used in one week, it does not need added brandy.
Preparation
Buy a properly mixed combination from the Natural Vet Company
The remedies are selected and prepared either singularly or in combination (up to six remedies can be mixed together).
2–6 drops are taken directly from each stock bottle.
When preparing and giving the remedies it is important not to touch the tip of the dropper to avoid contamination.
Protect the remedies from computers, microwaves and electrical power points. The remedies are ‘energy’ or ‘vibrational’ medicines and may be affected by other forms of energy.
To prepare a Bach Flower Remedy place 2–6 drops of each selected essence (or 4 drops of Rescue Remedy) into a 1-oz or 25-ml bottle. Fill the bottle 3/4 of the way with spring water and then add brandy, vodka or organic vinegar to fill (so that water to alcohol is 3 parts to 1 part). This dilution bottle should be thumped against the palm of one hand to thoroughly mix the remedies.
The dilution bottle should be shaken before each dose.
The remedy is then given by mouth or applied to the ears or head area. It can also be diluted into a spray bottle and sprayed into a room.
While the remedies are safe and non-toxic, if symptoms worsen, stop using the remedy. Some animals may be affected by the alcohol or preservative. When your pet has settled, you can repeat the dosage by applying the remedy to the top of the head or between the shoulders rather than by mouth.
Dosage depends on the pet’s individual response. Try 3–4 drops every 10 to 15 minutes in emergency situations and 3–4drops one to four times daily depending on how severe the problem is. Importantly there is no wrong way to give the remedies, and it is not necessary to be accurate with counting the drops. If you choose the wrong remedy there are no side-effects or toxicities and pets cannot be overdosed. The only error is not selecting the right remedy and it not working at all.
Pets can be given drops directly into mouth either at the corner of the lips or on the tongue. Wash the dropper if it touches the mouth. The drops can be added to drinking water (6 to 8 drops) each day. Drops can also be applied to the skin and ears with equal success, and if necessary mixed in with the food (although this is not preferable). A dropperful can be added to the bath water, as soaking in an essence can be beneficial. A dropperful can also be added to a mister or spray pack so that a kennel, room, cage or pet can be sprayed with the remedy.
Choosing the Remedies
Perhaps the easiest way to choose remedies is to firstly familarise yourself with the different essences that are available and see how closely they fit the description of your pet. The following descriptions are derived from human behaviours and emotions that are matched to remedies and are therefore highly anthropomorphic. You should select the most appropriate remedy, but there may be more than one that matches your pet’s circumstances or behaviour. You can select up to six remedies, although the fewer the better. You can count ‘Rescue Remedy’ as one essence, even though it consists of five separate flower essences.
Remember Bach Flower essences work best in conjunction with appropriate behavioural modification advice from your veterinarian or behavioural advisor.
Buy a properly mixed combination from the Natural Vet Company
Vaccination Protocol Dogs - a holistic viewpoint“0 Comments”
admin | 2:53 pm | March 8, 2008 | Vaccination
Canine Vaccination Protocol
Revised 10/03 (Adapted from protocol of Dr Jean Dodds)
Our schedule is the one we recommend however it should NOT be interpreted to mean that other protocols are not suitable. We believe it is important to weigh up the risks and benefits for the individual animal and this can only be done in the context of understanding the complete health status of the animal.
For dogs susceptible to or affected with immune dysfunction, immune-mediated disease, immune-reactions associated with vaccinations, or autoimmune endocrine disease (e.g., thyroiditis,
| Age of Pups |
Vaccine Type |
| 9 weeks |
MLV Distemper/Parvovirus/ Adenovirus only |
| 12 weeks |
MLV Distemper/Parvovirus/Adenovirus only |
| 16-20 weeks |
MLV Distemper/Parvovirus/Adenovirus only |
| 1 year |
MLV Distemper/Parvovirus/Adenovirus only booster |
After 1 year, annually measure serum antibody titers against specific canine infectious agents such as distemper and parvovirus. This can be done on a rotating basis. This is especially recommended for animals previously experiencing adverse vaccine reactions or breeds at higher risk for such reactions (e.g., Weimaraner,
Turmeric“0 Comments”
admin | 2:31 pm | | Herbs
Turmeric is also known as Haridra, Haldi, Indian Saffron, Yellow Ginger, Jiang Huang (rhizome) and Yu Jin (root tuber).
Turmeric is often used as a medicinal plant for humans. It is well recognised for its anti inflammatory properties, as an antioxidant, for its help in discharging bile, for its anti cancer qualities and in treatments to reduce cholesterol. It can help prevent blood clots, is an antiplatelet, hepatoprotective and is used for pain, inflammation, arthritis, epilepsy, diarrhea, skin disease and is a general tonic
In holistic veterinary medicine its uses extend to external application for abscesses, ulcers, ticks, castration wounds, bleeding, eye disorders, and fungal disease. It is also used to treat patients with diarrhea and rheumatism; for worms in poultry; for constipation, udder infection, swollen teats, and sprains; for cough and colds in ruminants and poultry; and for jaundice and swinepox. The rhizome is used for gastrointestinal tract disorders, glossitis, Escherichia coli bacillosis, threadworm, irregular growth of teeth, loss of appetite, and colic. Respiratory disease, asthma, pneumonia, swelling of the throat, tonsillitis, leeches in the nostrils, and renal disease are other uses. Other indications include lumbar and compound fractures, hemorrhagic septicemia, rinderpest, hematuria, anthrax, and baldness.
Withania somnifera (Ashwaganda)“0 Comments”
admin | 1:17 pm | March 7, 2008 | Herbs
Withania is extremely important in Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine. It is a small woody shrub, plain in appearance except for its bright red fruit.
It is also commonly referred to as Ashwaganda and less commonly as Winter Cherry, Indian Ginseng, Asgandh, Ashvagandha, Hayahvaya and Vajigandha.
Withania is traditionally used in herbal medicine in wellness tonics and in products aimed to increase the body’s resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue. It is thought of as having beneficial properties to the nervous system, to be a sedative, to have anti tumor properties (research has shown effectiveness for its use in high doses), to be anti-inflammatory and to relieve pain. It is also a natural aphrodisiac and is claimed to improve reproductive function, to reduce inflammation, help combat the signs of aging, help asthmatics and treat constipation. Withania is very safe to use and is often found in treatments for babies and pregnant women
Numerous studies have proven Withania’s effectiveness and the huge health benefits that it possesses. Withania helps to promote calm and has been shown to be a great stress reliever and a mild tranquiliser. Withania has been researched for use in pets and showed particular use in the treatment of pets being medicated with
Natural Vet Company Products containing Withania
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)“0 Comments”
admin | 12:57 pm | | Herbs
Ginger can also be known as African Ginger, Common Ginger, Ginger Root, Jamaica Ginger, Ardraka (fresh rhizome), Shunthi (dried rhizome), Jiang, Sheng Jiang (fresh rhizome), Gan Jiang (dried rhizome), Pao Jiang (prepared rhizome) and Jiang Pi (peel).
It originated in Southeast Asia but is cultivated worldwide due to its popularity as a herb used in cooking and for natural medications. Ginger is used clinically in human treatments for a large number of complaints. It is claimed in Chinese medicine to warm the body, increase pulse rate, boost pale complexions and strengthen the body after blood loss or significant stress. Uses in modern times include dyspepsia (recurrent pain in the upper abdomen), flatulence, colic, vomiting, diarrhea, spasms, and other stomach complaints, colds and flu, to stimulate the appetite, as a narcotic antagonist, as an anti-inflammatory agent for migraine headache and rheumatic and muscular disorders, for travel sickness; for tapeworm prevention; to repel mosquitoes, for retained placenta and the prevention of mastitis, eye disease, for sprains, for the treatment of wounds, hemorrhagic septicemia, pneumonia, asthma, cough, swelling of nasal mucosa, tympanitis, loss of appetite, for lumbar fracture, and stoppage of urination and as an all round tonic.
There have been a large number of clinical studies based around the medicinal properties of ginger showing good results for gastrointestinal treatments, pain reduction, reduction of inflammation. Animal studies on dogs and pigs have also shown good results for sickness, arthritis, parasitic worms and for inflammation.
Products from the Natural Vet Company containing Ginger
Devil’s Claw“0 Comments”
admin | 12:29 pm | | Herbs
Devils Claw is a herb found in many of the African regions. The secondary tubers of the plant are used in herbal formulations and are typically used by herbalists as an anti inflammatory, antirheumatic analgesic. Has been traditionally used in treatment plans for Rheumatism, arthritis, digestive complaints, anorexia, labor pains, fever, kidney and bladder ailments.
Devil’s Claw has been researched extensively for human treatment with good evidence indicating that extracts provide effective pain relief. There have also been successful trials on treating lameness in horses. For detailed research information, consult Dr Fougere’s veterinary text book.
Natural Vet Company Products containing Devil’s Claw
Pain and its effect on your pet“0 Comments”
admin | 12:26 pm | | Arthritis, Pain
Many conditions causing long term pain have a marked effect on your pet’s health and good spirits. Signs your pet may be in pain include: stiffness/lameness after exercise or when rising, difficulty managing stairs or steep slopes, the inability to jump into the car, altered gait, swelling around the joints, crunching or cracking when joints are manipulated and a decreased range of motion.
It is important to work out what is causing your pet pain and any possible underlying factors that can be contributory. Consult a veterinarian to assist you and to suggest a possible course of treatment.
One of the most important things that you can do to improve your pet’s health is to help them maintain a normal, healthy weight. Dietary changes are often beneficial. Long term use of pain / inflammation relieving drugs such as prednisolone and other corticoid-steroids should be avoided unless they are the last resort as there are many known side effects associated with these drugs. Care should also be taken with the use of non steroidal anti inflammatories such as Rimadyl, Metacam, Ibuprofen etc. That said, these drugs are very effective and it is better to treat with such medications than to leave your pet suffer pain.
Animals often do not show us that they are in pain in the same way as we would. They can become quiet and withdrawn and sleep a lot, reducing/relieving pain in such pets must be your primary consideration. Sometimes it is necessary to provide quick relief to your pet with such treatments while a longer term strategy can be implemented. Never disregard veterinary advice where pain management is concerned.
In regard to exercise, short bursts of activity throughout the day is preferable to long walks, swimming and walking on flat ground are excellent forms of exercise for your pet. Massage, acupuncture, chiropractic and physiotherapy may help your pet feel more comfortable.
Providing a source of glycosaminoglycans is one of the most important things you can do for a pet with pain associated with joint inflammation. These substances have been proven to reduce joint degeneration and to reduce inflammation. They do not stop pain though so additional pain relief may be necessary. Glycosaminoglycans can be obtained from one of the following:
- Chondroitin sulphate
- Green Lipped Sea Mussel
- Bovine or Shark Cartilage
- Glucosamine combinations
- Pentosan polysulfate (ask your vet – may be contraindicated in pets with kidney or liver weakness)
- Manganese, Magnesium and Zinc
- Omega 3 fatty acids / fish oil
- Vitamin C & E
There are a number of herbs available that are thought to help the pain of arthritis. It may be beneficial to combine use of a formula indicated as an adjunct for anti-inflammation medications and one indicated as a support treatment for pain.
The Natural Vet Company provide a factsheet online to deal with the specifics of a structured supplementation plan online. Phytoarth does not provide any glycosaminoglycans.