Flower Essences

Calendula - for cuts and burns;

Aloe Vera - Gel or juice topically to relieve itching and skin irritations, internally can improve digestion;

Valerian, Chamomile, Skullcap and Passionflower - can all help to calm nervous animal during stress or fear situation.

Natural Arthritis Supplements:

Yucca and Boswella - Anti-inflammatory and natural pain relievers are very useful for arthritis.

Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and shark cartilage - relieve arthritis by helping to repair cartilage and increasing beneficial fluid in the joints (much like oiling a rusty hinge).

Worms:

Fresh garlic, unrefined D.E., ground pumpkin seeds and black walnut can help repel and expel worms.

Holistic Alternative Therapies:

Kineosiology - "Muscle Testing" - The bodies energies are tested through the muscle system to answer questions pertaining to health, nutrition and facilitate healing. The latest form of this is called "Animal Links" or "Body Talk" for animals in a book by Anthony Artus.

Chiropractic - Spinal mis-alignments can create disorders with internal organs causing many illnesses. Manipulation of the spine and joints can remove blockages of nerves and allow the body to heal itself.

Homeopathy - Based on the principle of "Like Cures Like" and first discovered in 1790 by Samuel Hahneman in Germany. This is still commonly used in Europe and is becoming more popular in the states. Remedies are made from natural substances using a diluting process. The remedies, so surprisingly small, very powerfully stimulate the body to heal itself. Remedies for minor problems are easy and safe for a novice to use and helpful for a variety of uses like bruises, bug bites, stings, colic and even emotions like grief and fear.

The more serious and deep illness should be left to the professional homeopath.

Flower Essence Therapy - Dr. Edward Bach originally developed 38 different essences to treat negative emotions. His belief was that fears, worry and anxiety opened the door to illness and that by treating those emotions it would facilitate healing. The most commonly known is "Rescue Remedy" for fear, anxiety and shock.

Acupuncture and Acupressure - Chinese medicine practitioners view the body as a whole (rather than parts) and seek to treat the root of the problem rather than treating symptoms. Using acupressure or needles to stimulate specific points along the meridians to clear blockages, the "CHI" or "Life Force Energy" can flow freely and the body can balance and heal.

Recommended Reading -

"Natural Health for Dogs and Cats" by Richard Pitcairn, D.V.M., Rodale Press 1995

"The Holistic Guide For A Healthy Dog" by Wendy Volhard & Kerry Brown, D.V.M.

Compliments of Holistic Animal Nutrition Center (941) 378-2627.