Natural Pet Way

Say the Word

2008-08-30T13:30:00.002-04:00

Maybe the key to successfully treating animals with alternative medicines is just to pass on the info.

That's the tack Portland's Ted Schenck is taking with a 3900 mile ride to raise money and awareness for Dog Cancer. Non-vet choices kept his own dog, Marty, living a year longer than the Vet had said was possible, but Schenck believes he just needed a bit more info and choices.

Maybe those choices are to be found in a couple week in Philadelphia among the products, info booths, author talks, etc. at The National Pet Expo, Sept. 7, at the Liberties Walk?

Or, maybe the info can only be found with an intensive self-eduction, such as that of Jeanie Marie Kraft, who studied at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in California, before beginning to acupuncture people and animals. The report on her prowess does include her own cat running off with needles in her back, but Kraft explains that is only testimony to how well she is now feeling.

Information. Unlike certain other treatments, it can't hurt.

Frankincense and Purr

2008-08-19T18:05:00.003-04:00

Science Daily reports that, "An enriched extract of the 'Indian Frankincense' herb Boswellia serrata has been proven to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis."

While this offers promise for suffering people, the original tests were done on animals, so it may be time for uncommon scents when your pet is suffering to the bone.

And if you're not sure how far down the suffering is, consider calling in Susan Archer or another animal communicator to get your friend's POV.

Nosing About

2008-08-10T16:42:00.002-04:00

Far ahead in offering benefits to employees, New Zealand's Accident Compensation Corporation (a government agency compensating injury victims within a "no-fault" context) offers its own employees the benefit of pet aromatherapy, although it is does seem to have gotten into some trouble for doing so.

If you can't get hired there, some interesting ideas for aromatherapy for dogs that you can take care of one your own are still available.

Surfs Up

2008-08-04T15:47:00.004-04:00

If you haven't already done so, immediately sign your pet up for their own credit card so they can take on the burden of shopping — or at least make sure to pick up something they'll really like.

Two new options provide info and options for alternative (pet) lifestyles. The Vitamin Shoppe chain now offers Optimal Pet, a line of "natural" supplements for dogs and cats. And to make sure your animal will be an informed consumer of the right supplement for whatever health concerns he, she (or you) may have, just log them into the new web site Web Vet, the self-described "first whole-pet resource that brings together, in one trusted place, veterinarian-approved pet health and wellness information, as well as lifestyle trends and pet-centric news from leading animal health experts and award-winning reporters."

Or do you need to teach your pet to use a QWERTY keyboard first?

Mucho Moola

2008-07-30T16:40:00.003-04:00

The American Pet Product Manufacturers' Association recently announced that of the $43 billion Americans will spend on pets, vets will get $10.9 billion and $10.3 billion will be paid for supplies and medicine.

Another $3 billion will be spent on services, presumably including such as dog massage at $40 an hour as practiced in the San Fran Bay area by Patti Moran. Food, grooming, vet bills, etc. It all adds up quickly although there are some things that can be done for free to create a more enjoyable environment for pets. Texas A&M Vet Bonnie Beaver says that (just like for people) it's all about the toys, which don't have to be expensive, just engaging and interactive and in some way a mirror for a life led outside the house.

For example, a well placed box for cats or plastic bottle with treats inside for dogs encourages the former to explore and the latter to play ... and keeps both of them from tearing up the furniture. Replacement of which — a regular event for many pet owners — is not even included in the $ figure above.

QuandaRay

2008-07-28T11:46:00.003-04:00

Would a dog naturally eat brown rice?

Thank Rachael Ray for raising the question as she — or at least folks acting in her name and on her behalf — release Rachael Ray Nutrish, with two varieties of all natural dog food featuring meat, chicken, vegetables and brown rice. (Actually, are dogs chasing broccoli and squash as well as cats and rabbits?)

Money made from the new line of super premium dog food and treats that let canines pursue these natural taste sensations is supposed to be headed to a good cause ... in case that helps convince pet owners who wouldn't naturally shell out for such fare.

Soon, the question of feline natural food preferences will be answered as, apparently cat food is next.

Fighting Fleas, Flies and Mites

2008-07-27T13:57:00.005-04:00

Probably the results can be replicated elsewhere, but a recently posted study was done only in Vancouver, B.C. Researchers from there posted conclusions and ethnoveterinary solutions to the problems in dogs and cats with fleas and flies.

A variety of plant and herb remedies were tried with results including Nootkatone, a compound in citrus helping to repel fleas; plant diversity helped repel fleas on and flies around pets; Carvacrol (an important component in wild oregano oil), which is used in some ear treatments, has potential as a flea repellent as well: and dried flower heads of chamomile was fund effective in fighting certain mites.

So flea flies and fly fleas and (again hopefully) goodbye not-so-mighty mites.

Feral Failure or Future?

2008-07-26T12:17:00.003-04:00

When the problem seems overwhelming, try a different alternative. See what happens.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is planning to kill feral cats on the isle of San Nicolas. The idea is that the cats — who, obviously, didn't swim 60 miles off coast and are the descendants of lost or misplaced kitties from the Navy folk who've live there — are great predators and are killing the "native" birds and other animals. To many, it seems a harsh solution. To others, it seems a great waste of money. Some don't see the point of killing one type of predator and not another.

Given the strength and adamance of the opposition — including the Humane Society of the United States — it's a situation that will be long and drawn out. [Look for particular protests to build around National Feral Cat Day, Oct. 16]

But maybe they should call a pyschic to help get the cats to behave. A Virginia pet psychic is helping clean up a local feral cat colony. And another pet psychic is being credited (somewhat begrudgingly) with help in cleaning up the behavior problems of kitty pets.

So, rather than fight ferally, call the pet psychics in. Maybe they can see the future?

Not Your Nature

2008-07-25T11:18:00.004-04:00

Not to go overboard, but the ground underneath is shaky when claiming that something is natural makes it safer, even better for animals. Sometimes doing what comes naturally doesn't end well.

For example, Cactus Flat (Nev.) mustangs suffered nitrate poisoning created out of natural combinations while drinking at a natural source. Also, thanks to UV rays, sending Fido (or another four-legger) out for some sun and air can be carcinogenic if their more exposed skin parts aren't slathered in some SPF-enhanced lotion.

And there are always the whims of nature manifesting in wildfires, floods, hurricanes and the like that always seem to surprise pet owners who forgot to take into account emergency preparations for the "entire" family.

But do use some sense and don't get distracted by the marketing concept of "au naturel." There isn't any excuse for a pet becoming harmfully obese because s/he doesn't get enough exercise outside or doesn't eat right. In short, it's not really natural or even an acceptable way to ease your conscience by using a eco-friendly pee-pad instead of taking care of a pet the way you should be taking care of yourself.

Children Know

2008-07-24T11:16:00.003-04:00

Inspiring a host of questions (and maybe a complaint or two of shortsightedness to the creators) THQ has built Nintendo a new electronic venue for "alternative medicine" for pets without actually having pets — or actually doing any justice at all the concept of alt med for pets.

Paws & Claws Pet Vet2: Healing Hands, child of P&CPVHH, adds a bunch of cute animals and new ways to customize your veterinary office to the original. Basically, a gamer gets to be a fake vet and make gamish decisions about what to stock and how to treat their clientele. What it doesn't do is take into account much real life vetting, including any approach at all that is not traditionally medical.

Are kids — presumably the audience — not actually ready for keeping electronic animals healthy except by fixing through drugs and surgery what has gone wrong with them? Seems kinda unlikely. Anyway, we look forward to V.3 with hopes they'll get it right.

Calling Dr. Sigmund Dolittle

2008-07-23T10:51:00.004-04:00

Can you say "it's all in your head" in animalese?

Probably not. And what good would it do you or your pet if you could? Instead, if you should believe that pets like people have the jumble in their head affecting the stumble in their body, then the answer may not be a medicinal cure or coverup.

Maybe it's time for Mumbai Mindbenders? Or, perhaps its worth considering a career or even avocation as a pet psychologist?

If it seems like a good idea, the 45th annual convention of the Animal Behavior Society is on tap for August 16-20 in Utah.

Sign of the Times

2008-07-22T11:22:00.004-04:00

Selling out sessions on alternative medicine for pets?

Such is the news from the just completed American Veterinary Medical Association convention held from July 14-18 in Washington, D.C. Sessions on animal chiropractory and acupuncture were booked solid a month before the event. (Yes, using "selling out" in the lede is misleading, but the rooms were full.)

The Association's press release notes that interest among vets in non-invasive approaches has been building for at least ten years, but the idea has gained much greater traction in just the last few years. According to the quoted Dr. Ava Frick, who presented on electromedicine, "Statistics tell us that 36 percent of the public is using some form of complementary care for themselves. It's a sign of the times."

BARF

2008-07-21T11:53:00.003-04:00

Visalia, Calif., resident Valinda Marston is a bit outspoken when it comes to what she feeds her pets. "If you find out what's in dog food, you wouldn't feed it to a rat. It's really bad." She not only makes her own food (various recipes here), but is also convinced her healthier pets actually scare away fleas, ticks and heartworm: "They would rather go to a dog with a weaker immune system, just like any other kind of parasite."

While Marston herself may not have yet registered on the economic indicator radar, she is certainly part of a trend. A recent report detailing the changing nature of pet diets and what it could mean in terms of money even takes special notice of how the "homemade wave" of people making pet food is and could continue to effect businesses.

So, whether you are interested in it for business or personal (?) consumption, remember BARF — a disgusting image, but a catchy acronym. When you want to know something, recipes or business taking advantage of "bones and raw food" or "biologically appropriate raw food" just stick BARF in your favorite internet search engine and see what it throws up.

First Response

2008-07-20T12:48:00.002-04:00

Should be a no-brainer.

Since you probably put your pet before almost everything else, you ought to learn how to give first aid to a pet in an emergency (Heimlich maneuver; mouth-muzzle resuscitation ...) and while on the way to a vet and also have on hand your own holistic first aid kit for pets — and a shoutout goes to Tracy Lord, DVM (and probably no relation to former porn star, mainstream actress, and Siamese cat owner Traci Lords)

Learn. Discern.

2008-07-19T13:32:00.002-04:00

Doug Knueven offers an interesting alternative for pet owners. Consider health care, not just treating an animal's sickness.

In his new book, The Holistic Health Guide: Natural Care for the Whole Dog, he discusses ways to to integrate western and other approaches to animal well being. As he explained to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "The more you learn, the more you realize what you don't know ... I got into [a holistic approach to practicing veterinary medicine] because I think the whole Western approach is flawed," he said. "It just looks at the problem that is in your face right now, that the animal is having. ... They don't really address the overall health of the pet. Western medicine is more disease care than health care."

As a vet who has studied a variety of approaches to working with animals, Knueven is on a mission: "...many conventional vets totally ignore alternative therapies. I want to get the word out that these things are out there."

What's In a Name

2008-07-18T10:27:00.003-04:00

Face it. Except possibly in music, "alternative" as a category name is almost always a poor branding choice.

Certainly, the immediate reaction is to blame the writer for perpetuating prejudice, when she scribbles in an article on a South Carolina vet helping patients with both traditional and alternative medicine that "some [people] are finding the pros [of alternative medicine for pets] far outweigh the cons" (as if the "cons" were self evident). But maybe the fault really is in the naming.

Maybe it's time to call a marketing guru and come up with something that doesn't suggest a non-traditional, non-western way of treatment is second best. On KP's Dog Blog, bloggette suggests "handy home remedies" instead of alternative or homeopathic. And that might work on some level, but the question of watchamacallit medicine for pets still does seem open.

Suggestions?

TF and Away

2008-07-17T10:35:00.003-04:00

Transfer Factor, with its vaguely superheroish sound, is a something-something that plays an important part of the immune system. Not surprisingly, after 50 years of looking at their place in improving the health of people, there is more and more work being done on looking into their applications by vets.

The basic idea is to take some immunity gained by another infectee and provide it as support to the just- or not-yet-infected subject. A feline aficionado, Kurt Schmitt, has recently gone on about how they can help cats through use in supplements, but he does note that they can be used in other animals as well.

The key seems to be to identify the likely villain and target the supplement along with a pet's other diet supplements.

If you can stand a bit of company hype — some explanations for people (and pets):

Answer Please

2008-07-16T13:35:00.000-04:00

Dangerous thing or goes a long way? Which is the answer for pet owners learning about alternative medicines to the question of what is "a little knowledge ...?"

Best Friend Nutrition store owner Hope Williams is empowering Carlsborg/Sequim (Wa.) area residents with a “Talented Friends of Animals” series of talks. But will the students take away a new appreciation for the possibilities of the the preventive and healing benefits of nutrition, homeopathy and acupuncture (the most recent lecture), or will they decide they know enough to ignore conventional medicine?

And when you can answer the questions, "Is Your Pet In Pain," as the upcoming lecture at the Colorado State University's Animal Cancer Center poses are you going to know what to do ... including leaving the answers to the experts?

What is absolutely not needed, is a bunch of people who recognize the uses of acupuncture (in horses, say) and start needling equines themselves.

Lining Up

2008-07-15T14:16:00.000-04:00

Spain is resolving to grant great apes the "right to life, freedom from arbitrary captivity and protection from torture." Italy, on the other hand, is taking away rights from its Roma (Gypsys) — whether they're citizens or not — responding to them as a sorta "sub-human" species.

So, with certain animals elevated and specific ethnicities downgraded, where again is the line in how different to treat people and animals? In a posting to "Michael's Blog," on whether or not alternative therapies work for pets, there is the logical, validated observation that as people have changed the way they treat themselves, they have changed the choices they make for their pets as well.

It also brings to mind the recent Time article on Stem-Cell Treatments for Pets, which wasn't completely clear whether the stem cell in old Blue's hip (a better choice than hip replacement for the 3+ year old) was there because dog's can get more advanced treatments for what ails them than their human companions, or because people can experiment on animals and consider what happens to them when examining the efficacy in support of a future, similar treatment on people.

Now, will Italy take away the Roma's medical care and Spain provide free care for the great apes?

Flowers of Couth

2008-07-14T17:04:00.000-04:00

If you are sure you know what stress looks like (or will look like) in your pet, then the Eddie Bach folks offer of a Rescue Remedy Pet formula might provide you both some extra calm. Clematis, Impatiens,Cherry Plum,Star of Bethlehem and Rock Rose are all there — same as the classic recipe &mdash but other than the removal of alcohol from this melange of tinctures it is not clear what &mash; except for marketing purposes — is different about the RRP (which also doesn't have alcohol) from kids RR.

You Did What to Your Pet?!

2008-07-14T14:02:00.001-04:00

Millions of dollars are being spent on mood-altering or weight loss or bladder control or mind-bending PET DRUGS. So, one either starts counting down on the end of the world or swiveling about looking for an alternative.

Consider that maybe it's not your (or his, her or my) God's plan that you treat your pet as badly (unnaturally) as you treat yourself? It goes against nature. Which makes it time for other solutions, or at least offer suggestions.

And thus, we begin the Natural Pet Way.