Alternative Therapies for Pets

Home Made Flea Collar

2012-02-15T19:36:00.000-08:00

Commercial type flea collars with chemicals like cyphenothrin and permethrin are synthetic toxic poisons that can weaken our pet’s immune systems. Beside skin irritations and hair loss, flea dips have been shown to cause cancer. The popular spot-in products may be convenient but there were over 40,000 reported cases of side effects in just the US. The problems affected their coat, digestion and nervous system and some dogs died; the smaller the dog the more problems naturally. Do we really want our pets to be exposed to these chemicals? Would you?

Home made flea collar for dogs: Do NOT use on cats.

2 tablespoons peppermint essential oil

1/2 cup rosemary essential oil

2 tablespoons white cedar essential oil

1/4 cup citronella essential oil

2 tablespoons eucalyptus essential oil

Soak a natural fibre rope in mixture and let dry for several hours. Tie around pet's neck.

natural flea and tick collars online

Vegan Pet Food for Dogs?

2012-02-13T20:54:00.000-08:00

Helen DeGeneres, part owner of the new pet food "Halo" may not be making the right recommendations concerning this line of dog food.

Dr. Becker has the full story at her healthy pets site.

Natural Remedy for Dog Aggression

2012-01-23T11:04:00.000-08:00

Diseases’ like diabetes and thyroid problems, among others, can cause behavior issues in our pets. Either they aren’t feeling well or their energy levels can be affected. They can even feel threatened. If there isn’t any physical cause it’s time to find out what sets the negative behavior off.

Is your dog aggressive towards guests or other dogs? Is your dog aggressive during play; is your dog destructive or chews up everything in sight? Every one of these problems can be dealt with by removing the cause. If they jump on guests, remove the dog from the room before letting the guests in, if they bark and go crazy at the mail person; use something to block the dog’s view, or move them to another area.

Behavior modification is the trick not punishment. Punishment will increase anxiety and Aggression. At the same time you don’t want to reassure them of their bad misdeeds, because they may continue to be aggressive, thinking it’s ok. Do not try to train them in the heat of the moment, do it when your dog is calm. Much like a child your dog will continue the negative behavior and it will probably only get worse, its negative attention. When your dog is no longer aroused by the situation, they can then learn positive behaviors to replace the negative.

Make sure your dog is not bored, gets enough exercise and has plenty of play toys. If they are inside all day with no outlet the frustration will show itself in other ways like aggressive and boredom, when a dog is bored the will become destructive.

If you can’t seem to get a handle on your dog's aggression you may need to see an animal behavior specialist. Also worth a shot are natural remedies which can help maintain the nervous system, calm his anxiety and give you the opportunity to help him.

One of These Reasons May Be the Cause of Puppy Diarrhea

2011-04-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

Younger dogs can become ill with diarrhea much more quickly than older dogs mainly because of dehydration which can occur within 24 hours.

Many times when you first bring your puppy home they are under a great deal of stress. Even though she is moving into a loving family she has undergone, in one day more than she has in her short lifespan so far. She will miss her mother and perhaps some littermates, the smells she has been used to since birth are gone, the trip in the car can create stress, even though loving the overstimulation can cause your puppy to become overwhelmed.

After your puppy settles in to the new home the diarrhea should subside, usually within a couple of days. In the mean time supply fresh water and make sure she drinks water often. Try to avoid overstimulation at first. It’s natural that everyone wants to pet and pick up the puppy; everyone loves the cute and cuddly little guy or gal. It may be hard to resist but provide a quiet space where your new puppy can rest certain times of the day. There are natural remedies also available that can help your puppy during the change in diet and environment. Holistic remedies for diarrhea in puppies like plantain can help the digestive system and mucous membranes or lady's mantle which can firm stools. These remedies are also excellent for use when the puppy has been dewormed as harsh medicines destroy the good bacteria.

If you purchased your new puppy from a breeder they will give you the diet best suited for the breed and also it is what they have been used to eating so their tummies won’t get upset. A change in diet is the next reason for puppy diarrhea. If you obtained your puppy from the Humane Society the diet may not be optimal. If the puppy had been eating something different before the Humane Society or the pound, the food gets changed again when they arrive and then again after they are adopted out. No wonder they get puppy diarrhea! In the future always change their diet gradually so you can avoid further outbreaks.

Other reasons for puppy diarrhea could be something they ate lying around the house; string, plastic, etc., but it’s not just the diarrhea you would have to worry about. Depending on the object swallowed they could also experience a blockage in the GI tract. Certain flowers can get eaten which cause poisoning. A list of toxic plants can be found at the ASPCA site.

Other reasons for diarrhea are parasites or a viral infection which need to be taken care of. However, if your puppy otherwise seems happy, is eating and drinking water it is probably the new environment or diet change. Sometimes fasting over night and then feeding plain chicken broth along with some cooked sweet potato can improve diarrhea. If he or she is doing better try cooked ground chicken or turkey with no bones and again the sweet potato. If the diarrhea continues it may be time for the vet.

Rebecca Shelly is a regular contributor to Natural Pet Health a site concerning the health of our pets. To find a product to help your pets with digestive disorders or diarrhea that is natural, gentle and effective, visit Bowel and Digestive Healthfor Healthy bowel functioning and ways to prevent diarrhea.

2010-10-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

Articles Using Alternative Treatments

2010-09-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

Natural Prescription Drug Alternative for Pets

2010-05-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

If you need information for herbal pet health visit Prescription Drug Alternative for Pets

Supplemental Antioxidants for Dogs

2009-06-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

In today’s world, life for our pets is not as it used to be. They must deal with contaminants, a poor diet and lack of exercise just as we must. Commercial products for pets haven’t been around that long; pets used to roam and eat more grasses and herbs with their instinctual drive to search out natural remedies if they didn’t feel well, they were injured, or for digestive purposes.

Certain antioxidants for dogs such as the following listed can be beneficial for maintaining or restoring the health of your pet.

•Astragalus membranaceous (Huang Qi) supports the immune system and keeps blood sugar, blood pressure, energy, and appetite regulated.
•Viscum album (Mistletoe) is also used to sustain blood pressure and a healthy immune system.
•Echinacea purpurea is an exceptional immune booster especially for the lymphatic system.
•Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) helps keep the blood healthy and supports the immune system.
•Sylibum marianus (Milk Thistle) is an antioxidant used as a dog antioxidant and for restoring the liver. It has been used in many studies and it contains a flavanoid called silymarin. Silymarin contains properties that protect liver cells against toxins and has proven to have anti-cancer affects.
•Uncaria tormentosa (Cat's Claw) strengthens the immune system and supports healthy cell function.

All of these selected herbs are known for their immune properties as antioxidants for dogs, they support energy and health, and can cleanse and purify.

These herbs can support health in all cells, tissues, and organs in the body; many have been used for centuries in conventional medicine and used and proven in clinical research.

If you are using dog antioxidants for your pet, let your veterinarian know what you are using so they can observe any resulting results. It’s always a good idea to take the bottle into the office visit or write down exactly what is on the label.

Discover Natural ways to boost your pets
immune system. I have researched the best antioxidant remedies which can keep your dog healthy.

Equine Horse Calm

2009-06-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

Do you Need Something to Calm Your Horse?

If you need something to calm your horse that is not a strong sedative, look for natural products which can calm without making them seem lethargic or slow.

Natural products can reduce anxiety and skittishness without making your horse drowsy. They can reduce irritability and improve their disposition, help them to relax, concentrate, perform better in competition, adjust to a new home or surroundings and are safe for nursing, pregnant mares and foals.

A horse can develop anxiety, suffer a lack of confidence in the rider or have been in a traumatic situation with another owner, all of which can cause him to develop a nervous or skittish demeanor. They can panic when being led into a trailer or nervous when in competition. Horses show distress by having an elevated heart rate, shaking or breathing very rapidly, sweating excessively, pacing or becoming easily spooked.

Try the following suggestions to calm your horse;

•Remove the reason for the distress or use desensitizing methods with the horse.
•Move and speak slowly and calmly.
•Build trust by walking & spending time with your horse.
•Help your horse feel secure by stroking and speaking reassuringly.
•Rub your horses’ withers with your hand and gently reassure him.
•Rub the horse as if grooming.
•Give the horse something to eat.
•Allow the horse examine surroundings.
•Allow the horse some movement, by walking or release him into an enclosed area.
•Use blinders if necessary when leading in or out of a trailer or stall.
•If you are nervous, uncomfortable, or upset your horse will feel it also, relax.

If these suggestions don’t work, there are products to calm your horse that contain natural ingredients and can alleviate any distress your horse has. Look for ingredients which can support a calm mood and soothe their disposition. Homeopathic ingredients in horse products are available and much less harsh than prescription medicines. They work gently and are very effective.

Rebecca Shelly is a regular contributor to Natural Pet Health a site concerning the health of our pets. To find a something to calm your horse that is natural, gentle and effective, visit
Equine Horse Calm.

Monthly Specials

2009-03-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

How To Cure Cat Bladder Stones

2008-12-18T10:35:00.000-08:00

A cat bladder stone (technical name urolith) is a stone-like object that can be found in the bladder and sometimes in the kidneys of cats. The cat bladder stones can be present without causing any symptoms but they are very often linked with blood in the urine or increased frequency of urination and your cat may have a difficult time passing urine.

One sign of a cat bladder stone is the cat urinating outside of the litter box. Sometimes the stones are so large it obstructs the tube leading from the bladder so that very little or no urine can pass. Get to the vet right away as this can endanger the cats life.
You can prevent cat bladder stones from forming again, because once a cat has had a bladder stone they are going to be at risk for more in the future. Struvite and Calcium oxalate bladder stones can be prevented by altering the diet. Struvite diets help to produce acidified urine and calcium oxalate diets produce slightly alkaline urine. Commercially prepared diets are on the market for cat bladder stones. Canned diets help prevent future bladder stones because the moisture helps to aid the bladder rather than dry food diets which do not have much, if any moisture, causing the cat to become dehydrated, leading to irritation and more bacteria. The diets are very helpful but if your cat has a kidney disease they should not be placed on this type of diet.
Antibiotics are used if a bacterial infection was part of the problem or if the cat required catheterization to ease an obstruction. Cats with calcium oxalate stones may need other procedures in addition to prescription diets such as prescription drugs to prevent a recurrence.

You can supplement your cat’s diet with alternative remedies that will work together with your cat’s natural biology. Natural supplements are an over the counter product that supports the function as a whole of the bladder and urinary tract. It can be used for both prevention and treatment. Some of the herbal tonics to support immunity contain Echinacea, Indian ginseng, milk thistle and dandelion. All of these herbs are known to support healthy immune system function and help with your cat bladder stones.

Visit us now to learn more about Cat Bladder Stone Help and why we choose this natural remedy above all others after extensive product research.

A Guide to Determine Canine Urinary Incontinence and the Treatments Available

2008-10-27T19:24:00.001-07:00

Is your dog urinating while sleeping or urinating during the day when they are awake?

It could be a bladder infection or canine urinary incontinence. If left untreated a bladder infection can damage the bladder so that the dog can not hold urine when needed. In most cases of urinary problems in dogs, they are unaware of dribbling or urine leakage. If the cause is due to a bladder infection, the dog is aware of the urination, usually because of pain, but unable to control the urge to urinate.

Young or middle aged dogs may not have incontinence, so you must have the vet rule out other urinary problems in dogs such as bladder or UTI infections or other ailments that can cause urine leakage such as bladder stones, kidney failure, neurologic disorders, hormonal disorders and diseases that increase urine output, such as diabetes. A urine sample, a culture and other lab tests will determine the cause of the urinary problem. There are various treatments for canine urinary incontinence which can help to control the dilemma. Neurologic and hormonal disorders are the most common causes of incontinence in dogs. If the tests come back negative for infection or disease the vet will inquire and investigate the following issues.

1. Maybe the dog urinates because he can’t get outside
2. Other medications the dog is using can cause incontinence
3. Is the dog drinking more water and urinating more
4. Neurologic disorders affecting the nerve supply to the bladder can cause incontinence
5. Behavioral causes such as stress or excitement can lead to incontinence

If none of the above issues seem to be the source of the problem the vet will more than likely want to place the dog on either a decongestant or hormones. A common therapy for urinary problems in dogs (both male and female) is a decongestant that works by causing the sphincter muscle from the bladder to tighten. Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) or (Proin) works best for dogs that have an occasional problem with canine urinary incontinence. If your pet experiences restlessness, increased heart rate, weakness, pale gums, seizures, or difficulty urinating while being treated with Phenylpropanolamine call your vet immediately. This drug should not be given to dogs with high blood pressure or heart disease as there have been reports of serious fatal side effects.

Another treatment, DES (diethylstilbestrol), a synthetic form of estrogen, can be used to treat canine urinary incontinence in spayed females. Estrogen supplements are considered fairly safe, but in rare cases they can cause bone marrow suppression leading to anemia that does not go away when the treatment is stopped. Natural estrogen supplements are available for treating spay incontinence, as are ovarian glandular products.

For dogs that do not respond to other medications PPA is sometimes combined with DES but only to control difficult cases. Imipramine (Tofranil) is an antidepressant that causes urine retention in some patients, is also occasionally combined with PPA for dogs that do not respond to other medications.

There is help for an alternative to prescription medicine if it is not working for you and your dog. While prescription hormones and decongestants work to treat the symptoms of canine urinary incontinence, natural medicine strives to create balance in the body to support complete health, relieve ailments, and help prevent future disease. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, the natural ingredients in alternative remedies support overall health and functioning and have had great success with stabilizing and preventing canine incontinence.

How Has UTI-Free Helped Others

2007-03-03T15:41:00.000-08:00

Want to hear what Pamela has to say about UTI-Free?

“… I found your web site and ordered the UTI-Free product out of desperation, and I am AMAZED how quickly and effectively it works. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm an old woman and my cat is my best friend...”

—Pamela, USA

“Thank you so much for making your wonderful products. Your UTI-Free and Digestive Support herbal medicines have really helped my dog. Now she can get back to doing what she does best, playing and barking! Again, thank you so very much!!”

—Christie

“I am totally amazed! We went to a holistic vet and I found this product. He told us it was safe to try it for our five year old bloodhound mix. Thank you so much for helping my sweet girl!”

—Paula, Oregon

“I found your product online while frantically searching for a natural remedy for my 8 year old cat Lucky. After reading your testimonials, I ordered UTI-Free and had it shipped overnight so I could start giving it to her right away. Within 3 days, I could tell that she was feeling better-- she had stopped howling and dragging her back legs along the floor and was beginning to use her litterbox normally again. She is now back to her normal, playful self! Thank you so much for this product; I will recommend it to anyone who is worried about their cat…!”

—Patti, NC, USA

“My 8 lb. baby, Miss Kitty (20 yrs), was diagnosed …I watched her lose muscle mass and energy. She really didn't feel good. Since giving her UTI Free for 2 weeks, her frequency of urination is up to once every 2 hours, and the amount of urine finally seems normal. This medicine is tasteless, I guarantee it! I mix it in a small amount of food 3 times a day, and then feed her the rest. She has added weight since being on her favored fresh meat diet, and seems frisky and happy again. I will stay with UTI Free until she blissfully passes on, a happy, well fed kitty. Thank you for this product.”

—Shelley, CA, USA