We offer the following alternative methods for pet parents who are looking for something else/better/ or natural in caring for their pets, rather, instead of mainstream care (*although there are still some mainstream care procedures, pet parents must/should use in certain illnesses). I am certified in Holistic Care for Companion Animals and practice hands on healing with my dogs. Hands on healing can be done over distance.
 I believe in alternative methods in rasing dogs/pets. I have been Holistic for 16 years, my dogs since I have adopted them.



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Detoxification Symptoms
Your pet may appear to be sick for a few days but you have to allow at least 30 days for the chemicals to leave their system and 120 days for their blood to completely rejuvenate.

What To Expect
Dogs: diarrhea, vomiting, disorientation, frequent urination, "accidents" with house-training, chewing no-no's

If You're Lucky
Some people tell me that their dogs jump right into the fresh prepared meals with both paws the moment they first smell it. I've never heard of a dog turning down a good home-cooked meal!

Changes You'll See
Natural instincts kick in, more positive energy and bigger ego, shiny coat, sweet breath, fresh body scent, stools stop smelling like toxic waste, no more hairballs for cats, no more fleas and ticks. Your dogs will treat you like the leader of the pack when they see you sharing your food!

The Truth About Pet Vaccinations

Most guardians have never been told the truth about vaccinations.  On the contrary, you are likely to get annual notices from your veterinarian that your companion is "due for their annual booster shots".  The evidence against vaccinating, however, is overwhelming.  Most veterinarians just choose to ignore the research because they don't want to lose the income from giving booster shots to all those animals each year.

Vaccinations represent a major stress to the immune system.  They can not only cause side-effects and allergic reactions, they also contribute significantly to long term chronic disease.  Chronic health problems frequently appear following vaccination including skin allergies, arthritis, leukemia, upper respiratory infections, irritable bowel syndromes, neurological conditions including aggressive behavior and epilepsy, auto-immune diseases and cancer. 

I have been practicing veterinary medicine for over 20 years and I see sicker animals at a younger age now than when I began.  It is more and more common to see cancer in dogs and cats under 5 years of age.  Autoimmune diseases are on the rise as well.  Our companions are suffering from generations of over-vaccination, which combined with inadequate nutrition, poor breeding practices and environmental stresses are leaving each generation more susceptible to congenital disorders and chronic disease. 

Vaccinations do help prevent serious illnesses, but they should be used with restraint.  Before vaccinating, consider the risk.  If your cat is indoor only and will never be exposed to unvaccinated animals, the risk of infection is low.  The decision about vaccinations is very individual and should be guided by your own research on the subject before you go to the veterinarian. 

Puppies and kittens should not be vaccinated until at least 12 weeks of age.  Their developing immune systems are especially vulnerable to the stress of vaccines.  Request individual vaccines and vaccinate at least three weeks apart if possible.  Until 12 weeks of age keep your companion safe by avoiding exposure to public areas such as parks and pet stores.  Keep them close to home and only expose them to animals you know are healthy.    For puppies consider parvovirus and distemper at 12-15 weeks, and not until after 6 months of age for rabies.   For kittens - consider one Panleukopenia combination (FRCP).  Again, if available, give the vaccine components separately spaced three to four weeks apart.  Feline leukemia and FIP vaccines may not be necessary for your cat.  Consider it's lifestyle and environment.  IF your cats go outside and you have rabies in your area, give a rabies vaccine at six months of age. (Legal requirements vary from state to state.) 

Vaccinations do not need "boosting".  Studies have shown that a single vaccination for parvovirus, distemper and panleukopenia results in long-term protection from disease. Simple blood tests can determine if your companion's antibody levels for parvovirus and distemper remain high enough to resist infection.  Next time your veterinarian suggests a booster shot, request the blood test first.  (Rabies may be required by law every three years.  Check the regulations in your state.) 

I do not recommend vaccinations for Bordetella, corona virus, leptospirosis or Lyme vaccines unless these diseases are endemic locally or at a specific kennel.  The currently licensed leptospira bacterins do not contain the serovars causing the majority of clinical leptospirosis today, so it is generally not a useful vaccine. 

Homeopathic Nosodes are an alternative some guardians are using when choosing not to vaccinate.  They can also be used before three months of age if an animal is at risk.  Many guardians use these homeopathic medicines to help protect their companions against Parvovirus, Distemper, Kennel Cough, Panleukopenia and FIP.  Some nosodes seem to work more effectively than others.  Homeopathic nosodes are not vaccinations.  They do not produce titers against these diseases like a vaccination.  They do seem to offer some protection by reducing the severity of illness if the animal is exposed, even if they don't prevent it.

Never vaccinate a sick or weakened animal.  If your puppy or kitten is showing signs of allergies or skin problems, WAIT.  Vaccinating an already compromised immune system is almost sure to compound the problem!

Educate yourself.  Your veterinarian cannot make this decision for you, nor should they.  You are your companion's guardian.  It is your responsibility to give them the best care you can by researching and carefully weighing your decisions about their healthcare.
*reprint from healthypetjournal.com

Homeopathy for Pet Health

Homeopathy is a natural alternative for healing that works by eliminating the underlying imbalance in a pet's body that is causing the symptoms.  Much of modern conventional medical and veterinary practice has become a system of suppressing the symptoms of disease, not curing its cause.  Symptoms are an indication of illness; signs that the body is fighting to return to a state of balance.  Suppressing the symptoms of disease frequently causes the disease to go deeper, resulting in a different, and often more serious set of symptoms to crop up while the underlying imbalance goes unchecked.

One of the most common places we see this is in treating allergy symptoms with steroid drugs such as prednisone.  Relief from the symptoms such as itching and hot spots may be swift, but once the course of steroids is complete, frequently a new problem will appear, such as asthma or digestive disorders, for example.  Meanwhile, the immune system has been suppressed, the liver and kidneys stressed, and the overall health of the animal diminished.  Homeopathy offers a valuable alternative to conventional medical and veterinary treatment.

Homeopathy is an over 200 year old system of medical science based on the principle of "like cures like."  Homeopathic remedies consist of micro doses of substances from plant, mineral and animal sources that, in large doses, create the symptoms of the disease being treated.  The homeopathic dose in the remedies, however, is so small that in some cases no molecule of the original substance remains.  Homeopathic remedies come in liquid or pellet form and each dose consists of only a few drops or pellets.  The remedy works with the "vital force" (immune system) and stimulates a return to balance in the individual's system - treating the root cause of disease.  Homeopathic remedies do not produce harmful side effects because the correct remedy will not suppress symptoms - it will gently stimulate healing from within.  In most cases, once the disease is resolved with the correct remedy, symptoms will not return provided any lifestyle or diet issues that led to the disease state have been addressed.  However in some cases, such as seasonal allergies, periodic treatment may be beneficial and necessary.

Combination Remedies vs. Classical Homeopathy

Combination remedies, such as the HomeoPet and Newton Homeopathics remedies sold by Only Natural Pet Store, are formulations designed to treat "symptoms" by combining several different remedies that are most commonly prescribed for specific symptoms.  The assumption here is that one of the remedies in the formula is likely to work on the individual being treated; the rest of the remedies in the formula will have no effect.  Combination remedies work quite well in many individuals when treating mild to moderate acute conditions.  Mild to moderate acute, self limiting diseases are safe to self treat with combination or single remedies.  Chronic conditions or more serious disease needs the guidance of a veterinarian trained in classical homeopathic medicine.

Classical Homeopathy takes into consideration the whole patient, the totality of all symptoms including physical, mental and emotional states.  A classically trained homeopath will ask many detailed questions in order to obtain a complete picture of the individual and match this to the most appropriate remedy.  With classical homeopathy, one dog with itchy skin and hot spots may be prescribed a remedy such as Rhus Toxicodendron, while another dog with the same symptoms would be prescribed Staphysagria.  The larger picture of the dog's physical and mental being would determine the remedy.  Many holistic veterinarians that utilize homeopathy will prescribe a remedy along with other treatments such as diet and supplements as needed.  Although, in some cases a single dose of the proper remedy is all that is needed to resolve a problem. 

The length of time a disease takes to resolve with homeopathic treatment is generally related to the length of time the disease has been present in the individual's system and the severity of the symptoms.  Diseases such as chronic skin problems would take longer to respond than a runny nose or a cough. 

Administering Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathic remedies are best given at least 20 minutes before or after a meal.  Ideally there should be no food residue in the mouth.  Drop the liquid directly into the animal's mouth or on the gums.  Liquid remedies are preserved with alcohol and some animals, especially cats, can be sensitive to the odor or taste.  To remove the alcohol you can drop the dosage into a small vial or shot glass and let it sit out for 15-20 minutes for the alcohol to evaporate.  Alternatively, drop the dosage into a small amount of heated water to speed the evaporation of the alcohol, and then use a dropper to administer the diluted remedy.  This will not affect the potency of the remedy.  Pellets can be crushed and emptied into the animal's mouth with a small piece of paper rolled like a funnel or folded into a small envelope.  Avoid feeding raw garlic during homeopathic treatment. 

Some animals may be resistant and not accept the remedy.  In this case you can give the dose in a small amount of food, water or milk.  It is best to evaporate the alcohol before putting it in the food or liquid.  This may affect the potency of the remedy, but will not necessarily render it ineffective.

For acute injuries, trauma, and illnesses the remedy can be given every 15 minutes for the first hour, reducing to every 30 minutes for the next hour, then to once in the third hour.  This may be all that is needed to stimulate the healing process and resolve the imbalance.  If needed, subsequent doses can be administered 1 to 3 times daily.  In non-acute illnesses administration 3 times daily is the general recommendation.  Once the symptoms resolve, reduce the frequency of the dosage to twice per day and then to once per day.  If symptoms reappear, increase the dosage again and maintain at 2-3 times per day for another 10 to 20 days and gradually reduce the dosage again.  If symptoms reappear again, then the remedy being used may not be the proper choice or there may be diet or environmental issues that have not yet been properly addressed. 

Individual remedies prescribed by a veterinarian may be dosed differently and instructions should be followed carefully.

Homeopathy is rapidly growing in popularity because of its safety and effectiveness.  It is gentle enough for use in small puppies and kittens and can be used along with other holistic or conventional treatments.  Combination remedies can be an economical and effective way to help our companions heal from periodic injuries or illnesses.  They can also be beneficial in supporting the healing process from more chronic conditions when used along with any needed changes in diet and lifestyle and in conjunction with proper herbal or supplemental treatments.  You will find Homeopathy a welcome addition to providing natural health care for your companions. 

Using Herbs for Pet Health

As the prevalence of chronic disease and immune deficiency continue to rise in our companion animals, more and more guardians are looking for more effective and safer methods of treating disease than are offered by conventional medicine.  Herbal remedies are a valuable tool in both preventing and treating the issues that plague many of today's pets. 

The ancestors of our companion animals had inherent instincts that guided them in foraging for plants and herbs to aid with healing of wounds or illness or for discomfort such as digestive troubles, as well as sources of important vitamins, minerals and trace elements needed in their diet.  Native peoples around the world learned about the use of plants and herbs from watching wild animals.  Though our companions are rarely able to forage for the herbs they may be in need of any longer, with education and the guidance of a holistically trained veterinarian, we can still help them obtain optimal health and heal from discomfort and disease through the proper use of herbs.

There are three main philosophies of herbal medicine; Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Western Herbalism.  Ayurvedic Medicine originated in India and the Middle East.  Herbal remedies are chosen based on an individual's metabolic type or "dosha", as well as the symptoms or disease present.  Traditional Chinese Medicine addresses the body and healing in terms of the flow of energy or "qi" - which is the life force of the individual.  You may see references to dampness or dryness or heat or cold involved in different conditions, as well as yin and yang when studying Chinese herbal formulas.  Western Herbalism is the youngest of the three and has origins in the use of medicinal plants in Eruope.  Like both Ayurvedic Medicine and TCM, the body is viewed as a whole and the herbs are used to stimulate healing from within, rather than simply suppressing symptoms (although herbs can be used in this way). 

Herbs come in a variety of forms including tinctures, capsules and tablets administered orally, as well as tinctures and salves for topical use.  Herbs are also brewed into teas for administration both orally and topically.  Tinctures may be alcohol or glycerin based.  Alcohol is generally the best extractive, meaning that more of the beneficial properties of the herb are removed, but glycerin tastes better so is easier to get down an animal.  Some small dogs and cats can be sensitive to alcohol, so a glycerin base is sometimes preferred.  Most herbal tinctures made for pets will have a very small amount of alcohol, if any, and it can be evaporated out before administration by either putting the dose into a small shot glass and leaving it in the open air for 15-30 minutes or adding the dose to a small amount of very hot water and then administering this dilution after it cools.  Tinctures are often preferred for cats and dogs as they tend to be better absorbed.  Some herbal formulas, however, cannot be practically formulated in this way and are more easily dosed as capsules or tablets.

Herbs can be used to treat specific illnesses or dysfunctions, somewhat similar to conventional medication; matching the diagnosis or symptoms to the herbal treatment.  An example of this would be the use of milk thistle for detoxification of the liver - a specific herb used for a specific purpose.  Some herbs are more valuable as adaptogens - having a tonic effect that helps stimulate the individual's intrinsic health and vitality.  Siberian ginseng is a frequently utilized adaptogen for older or weakened animals.  In many cases I will utilize both types of herbs in treating a patient with chronic or acute illness.  Adaptogens are also frequently administered to help prevent degenerative conditions, illness or immune deficiencies. 

Many herbal formulas are available that clearly state the intended use, taking some of the guess work out of choosing herbal remedies for your companion.  The variety of choices however, can be confusing, so when in doubt seek assistance.  Many holistic veterinarians offer phone consultations which can save you a lot of trial and error, lost time in the healing process and money in the long run by helping you choose the right remedies initially and administering proper dosages.  Also keep in mind that the source of the herbs is important.  Use herbs and formulas from reputable companies only since the potency of herbal remedies can vary greatly.

A few things to keep in mind when using herbal remedies:

• Herbs take time to build in the system, so do not expect immediate results.  It can take from several days up to a week or more to know if the herbal remedy is effective depending upon the severity of the issue being treated and the overall vitality of the animal.
  More frequent dosage - say 3 times per day, is typically more effective than a large dose once per day.  The herbs need to remain and build in the animal's system.
• Suggested dosages may need to be adjusted depending on the individual's response.  If vomiting, diarrhea or other signs of intolerance occur; a remedy should be stopped for two days, and then ½ the original dose can be administered to see if the lower dose can be tolerated.  If the animal does not respond to the initial dose, a larger dose may be necessary.  A VERY GRADUAL increase to up to 50% above the original dose can be tried to see if results are improved.  This should be done with the guidance of a trained veterinarian or with a good knowledge of the herbs you are using.
• Begin only one remedy or medication of any kind at a time.  Do not add another remedy until you have well established if there is a response or are signs of intolerance from any other remedy being used.  (Unless you are working with a holistic veterinarian familiar with the remedies prescribed).
• Herbs and natural remedies work best on an individual whose system is given the best possible conditions for health and healing including the healthiest and freshest diet possible along with proper nutritional and digestive supplements such as digestive enzymes, essential fatty acids and adequate levels of essential vitamins and minerals.
• Check with a knowledgeable veterinarian if your companion is on any conventional medications that herbal remedies could interact with.