The Methods we use to support and balance the good health of our pets:
Clean, pure water is the most important nutrient an animal receives – in a safe container, available at all times.
Start with a truly healthy pet food made with human grade ingredients and of organic origin when possible. Look at labels – avoid products such as meat meals, meat by-products, chemical preservatives, all artificial colors, fiber products (the word product is used instead of describing the origin such as feathers or sawdust).
Offer only uncooked bones (soak in apple cider vinegar & rinse to kill bacteria) that are large and smooth. Cooked bones will splinter. Instead of bones, we feed raw carrots for chewing fun.
Provide daily exercise. Avoid chemical cleansers (especially on floor and carpets!) – instead, use vinegar, Dr. Bronners liquid soap, baking soda, salt water, etc. to clean surfaces. AVOID flea collars, spot on insecticides, tick dips and the like – use powdered rosemary/thyme/sage combination as a flea and tick repellent for dogs (sage and lavender powder for cats to avoid the phenol that is toxic to cats). Around the house, avoid pesticides! Use natural pyrethrin compounds for insect problems (still be cautious with its application), neem oil mixed with water as an ant/insect repellent (it is safe enough to brush your teeth with!), instead of moth balls use cedar pieces, rosemary and lavender to repel moths, scrub stains with lemon juice, remove blood with hydrogen peroxide, make safe and inexpensive air freshener with 40 drops of essential oil of lavender in 4 ounces of water to shake well and spray into the air (it will also calm everyone!).
Support a healthy immune system with supplementation of Colostrum, Co-enzymeQ 10 (ubiquinone, a Bcomplex that also supports heart health on a cellular level). Feed dogs a pinch of powdered Thyme daily to aid digestion and discourage worms (it contains Thymol which is anti-heartworm).
Never, ever feed animals artificial sweeteners – Aspartame will poison the muscles and harm the eyes; Sucralose damages the renal system; Xylatol is toxic to animals (but not to humans) – foods like yogurt (plain, real yogurt is super healthy) that have hidden chemicals are quite dangerous. Labels can be sneaky, read them carefully. Artificial colors are dangerous – they compromise the nervous system and brain function. Chemical preservatives have a cumulative effect and can be deadly (especially ethoxyquin).
We use Colloidal Silver as an antibiotic substitute orally and on wounds, etc. Then, if an infection strikes that needs an antibiotic, resistance is less likely.
We keep activated charcoal tablets handy for any digestive disturbances and possible poisoning (call the Veterinarian immediately if poisons are suspected – and she may tell you to dose charcoal).
We feed dogs Dolomite daily to support the bones and heart with calcium and magnesium in proper ratios. Brewer’s yeast provides B complex vitamins and, with garlic, repels fleas from the inside. Garlic should be fed in moderation and for 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off, etc. because it can be a liver stimulant/toxin in excess.
Anything in excess can be detrimental. Always use the herbalist’s wisdom ways by giving a new product in a small amount and watch for reactions. All animals are unique and can have individual sensitivities to foods, herbs, scents or chemicals.
Toxic foods to dogs are: Chocolate (can cause seizures and death), Onions (can cause liver damage), Grapes/raisins (can damage kidneys), Black licorice (causes blood sugar, pressure imbalances). Aspirin and all phenol containing products are toxic to cats. Acetaminophen is poisonous to all animals.
Use stainless steel containers for food and water – pottery must be lead free if used, plastics can have chemical structures and out gasses – soft, rubbery containers may have ethoxyquin in them to stabilize the rubber!
Some Herbs we use for pets as infusions (teas that are brewed) or decoctions (simmered):
Hawthorn berry for heart health – is an adaptogenic herb that balances heart functions
Red clover blossoms – are anti-cancer
Burdock root – is a liver cleanser and blood tonic (detoxes)
Dandelion leaf and root – support liver function
Fennel seed – aids digestion and relieves gassiness
Mullein – (well strained through muslin) for coughs orally as tea; infused in warm oil with garlic as an ear oil
Asparagus – steamed and fed to support and cleanse the renal system
Goldenseal leaf (root is too strong) and rose petals – as an infusion strained through muslin as an eye wash for irritation/infection
