Natural Dog Health - Keeping Spot HappyI am one of those people who believe whole-heartedly that natural dog health starts with wellness through nutrition. What you feed your pets affects their overall daily health. Reconsidering natural dog health and what you feed your pet can do more to improve their physical and mental well being and prevent future disease. According to pet expert and author CJ Puotinen, most holistic veterinarians and animal health care professions list annual vaccinations and commercial pet foods as the major contributory cause in the rising rates of chronic illness in pets today which makes natural dog health that much more important.
Using herbs as a component of your regime for natural dog health can support and compliment your dogs’ diet as well as traditional or holistic medical needs. I myself have implemented herb usage with wonderful results (I currently have 4 dogs). I've found that promoting natural dog health is easy because herbs are very versatile and can be prepared in a number of different ways. As when using herbs for yourself, check to see that they are as pure as possible - that is, organically grown and naturally harvested. There are also pre-made natural herbal remedies for different ailments or preventative treatments available. I like these, because there is no work involved on your part. You simply purchase the remedy for whatever specific area you are working on and administer as instructed. Natural dog health has never been easier. I use Pet Herbs Direct to purchase all my herbal pet supplies. I've grown to really love their products. When life gets busy, I appreciate them being there even more. If you'd prefer to work with individual herbs, we've outlined some of the various herbs below and their usages. Another fantastic idea is supplements. I highly recommend adding thorvin kelp to your dog's diet. As always, be sure to check with your veterinarian or a holistic practitioner before using any herb, especially one that can have side effects. Aloe The aloe vera herb is soothing to skin irritations such as insect bites, minor burns, lick granulomas and hot spots. Because aloe has antibacterial qualities, it can be used on surgical incisions, where it will stimulate healing. Most animals will avoid licking the area, because of the juice's bitter taste. Burdock Burdock is the deep cleaner of the herb world, and when used over time, it can help clear the body of toxic elements - hence its reputation as a "blood cleaner." If you live in an area where pesticide and chemical use is high, consider adding burdock as a nutritional supplement to your dog's diet, as it can help filter those dangerous environmental toxins from your animal's system. Burdock is also useful in treating chronic skin conditions such as eczema. Burdock is an extremely safe herb, and can be used without fear of toxicity or side effects. Many dogs also like the taste of it and will eat it readily. As part of my natural dog health regime, my dogs get burdock as a treat. You can buy fresh burdock root and grate it atop your dog's food, or buy the dried root. Calendula The pot marigold is good for skin conditions, healing and reducing inflammation in the area as it inhibits infection. Use it in cream form on irritations such as insect bites, poison ivy, small cuts, lesions and minor burns. Because calendula heals and closes skin rapidly, make sure wounds are clean and free of infection before applying. Coltsfoot This herb's Latin name means "cough dispeller," and it has been used for centuries as an expectorant and antispasmodic. It is useful for respiratory infections and deep coughs, including kennel cough and pneumonia. Coltsfoot does not just suppress cough symptoms, but actually aids the body in flushing out what caused them in the first place. Because coltsfoot contains potentially dangerous alkaloids, some countries have restricted its use. If you plan to use this herb for any length of time, consult with an herbal practitioner. Dandelion Another detoxifier, this common lawn weed cleans the blood-stream and liver, and improves the workings of the kidneys and stomach. It helps regulate bowel movements and aids in moving toxins and poisons out of the body. A valuable diuretic, dandelion improves elimination efforts by the kidneys and liver, all the while helping the body maintain its potassium levels. Provided you do not garden with pesticides or chemicals, the nutrient-rich leaves can be plucked right from your lawn, pulped and added to your dog's food bowl. Garlic Garlic stimulates liver function, flushes out toxins, reduces free radicals that can cause cancer, boosts the immune system and acts as a germicide. In addition to helping stave off and treat viruses, tumors, parasites and fungus, garlic lowers high blood pressure and improves digestion. It is also often used as a natural flea preventive. Like burdock, this is another good herb to add to your dog's meals several times a week. It can be fed fresh or as a powder. As with most herbs, more is not better - it has been suggested that prolonged use might cause anemia - so feed garlic in moderation. Ginger Ginger's nausea-relieving properties are well known, and it is often used as a remedy for vomiting and motion sickness. A dog who tends to be carsick might benefit from powdered gingerroot capsules given a half hour before the excursion. Because of its properties as a stomach soother, this herb also helps treat indigestion. Hawthorn Traditionally, hawthorn was used as an astringent to treat diarrhea, among other conditions. Today, we regard it primarily as a heart tonic, helping stimulate the circulatory system, normalize blood pressure and reduce arrhythmia. Its restorative effects on heart muscle make it a candidate for dogs with cardiovascular problems and congestive heart failure. Licorice This anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-viral herb is called the "great detoxifier." It can help boost the adrenal and endocrine systems. Because licorice soothes inflammation and mucous membranes, consider it for colitis, diverticular disease and gastritis. These same properties make it a good choice for coughs and respiratory ailments. This herb should be avoided in animals with heart problems, especially rapid heartbeats or high blood pressure. Milk Thistle This herb, a member of the sunflower family, is synonymous with the liver. Charged with the demanding job of eliminating toxins from the body, the liver sometimes needs a helping hand during times of stress - for example, when a dog is given a potentially toxic drug or treatment such as chemotherapy, or after vaccination or anesthesia. Milk thistle helps safeguard the liver when toxicity is high. Most herbalists recommend giving this herb only when it is needed, not as a general liver tonic, because it can negatively affect liver function if given indiscriminately. Also, avoid this herb if your dog is pregnant. Parsley Here's another great addition to your dog's food bowl. Parsley is a cancer inhibitor and tonic-meaning it helps boost the body's overall functioning, clearing the bloodstream and liver of toxins. As it does in humans, parsley can help improve bad breath in dogs. Raspberry This herb has always been regarded as a female tonic, strengthening the uterine walls and relaxing spasms. This is a popular supplement for bitches who are going to be bred, and is often used throughout their pregnancy to tone the uterus and encourage adequate milk production. Slippery Elm Herbalists know this tree bark to be a first-line treatment for diarrhea, colitis and most any inflammation of the intestinal tract. It soothes the mucous membranes of the intestines, as well as the respiratory and urinary tracts. This is the herb to try for dogs with sensitive stomachs, who have extreme reactions to even the slightest variation in diet. Valerian Valerian is a natural sedative, reducing pain, muscle spasms and palpitations. It has been used for centuries for its tranquilizing properties, and small, frequent doses can help calm a panic-stricken or anxious dog. Try giving this herb before any stress-inducing situation - a visit to the vet, a long road trip. There is some evidence that valerian can help minimize seizures in epileptic animals. Giving too high a dosage may cause intestinal upset, and use of this herb is contraindicated in pregnant animals. Yarrow This common roadside flower has many qualities to recommend it. It is a good diuretic, helping the body flush out wastes and toxins. It reduces inflammation and has a healing effect on mucous membranes. Useful for treating fevers and infections, yarrow can also help in blood clotting.
Neutering or Spaying Your Dog Studies have indicated that having your female dog spayed before she matures can significantly reduce the risk of mammary gland cancer. This also eliminates her chance of uterine infections. "Spayed" means the dog has had her ovaries and uterus removed. Neutering your male dog prevents testicular cancer and can prevent dog health problems of the prostate. This also can help reduce some behavioral problems. "Neutered" means the dog has had his testicles removed. If possible, for optimal natural pet health, both procedures should be performed by six months of age. Dental Care You don’t want to forget about your dog’s dental care. Taking care of your dog's teeth offers many health benefits. An estimated 80% of all dogs suffer from oral disease. Keep your pooch's teeth and gums healthy by scheduling annual dental visits and cleaning your dog's teeth a few times per week at home. If you are feeding your dog a raw food diet you will notice the benefits related to their teeth as well. They won’t have near the same amount of tartar and they shouldn’t have “doggie breath”. Skip the rawhide treats and go for
natural dog treats.
Depending on how many treats a day your dog is receiving, be sure to account for that when determining how much you’re feeding them at meal times.
We only ever give our dogs natural pet products now and I can see an amazing difference in their overall health, their coats and their teeth. We took the time to investigate natural dog health and now we rarely need to visit our vet. Their coats are all beautiful and in great condition and all of them have great teeth with very little visible tartar. That wasn’t always the case. I know that these differences are attributed to the changes we have made and our commitment to not only natural dog health but natural pet health in general.
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