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Inflammation of the joints is a condition normally associated with age. It can also occur prematurely as a result of injury to joints or as an immune mediated condition. It is generally progressive but it can also be caused by infection, this is a serious acute condition. Late Autumn and winter months bring the cold temperatures which seem to exacerbate arthritic symptoms. Circulation slows, energy dwindles as it is spent in maintaining body temperature.

Symptoms can include a stiff gait, difficulty climbing stairs or manoeuvring onto furniture (beds or couches) etc. reluctance to do normal physical exercise or activities. They are usually more pronounced in the morning . Difficulty in rising and moving from sleep/ rest and normally improving with consistent movement. The pain of arthritis is caused by the loss of joint fluid within the capsule and the breakdown of bone protecting cartilage within the joint. The cartilage surface becomes roughened causing friction. Bone can become exposed and spurs are sometimes formed. The resulting inflammation can cause debilitating pain.

Of utmost importance is controlling the weight that the joints have to carry. Lessening the load will reduce the burden, making movement less restricted. Check that your pets body weight is within acceptable limits for their breed. Veterinary treatment historically has concentrated on reducing inflammation and pain, however new medications which focus on joint lubrication and nutrition are now also available.

The holistic approach begins with nutrition. Ideally a whole food diet containing supplemental essential fatty acids (natural anti-inflammatories). Sometimes this can be enough, when caught in the early stages, however as the condition progresses additional treatment may be necessary. Supplements like glucosamine, MSM (methyl sulphonyl methane), chondroitin, anti oxidant vitamins and minerals can be very beneficial. Anti inflammatory and analgesic herbs like devils claw & baical skullcap may be useful. There are homeobotanical formulas available for the treatment of arthritis. Homoeopathic Rhus Tox is an excellent remedy for the arthritis condition, however, there are also others. The best form of treatment must be ascertained by taking a complete case history of the individual.

Other beneficial therapies are Bowen and massage. I have not met an animal yet (particularly dogs) who does not enjoy a gentle massage. It is important to continue with gentle exercise, walking and swimming are ideal (remember to dry off properly after swimming).

During the winter months ensure that your animals are kept warm, dry and cosy. Overcoats are available for the elderly animals. Give your older pals some extra attention during the cooler seasons, they will thank you.

FLEA AND WORM CONTROL

For chemical free flea control be prepared to do the hard yards, fleas are very determined little parasites and most natural methods only work to repel and control them not completely remove them from your life.

Diet: A healthy dog is unlikely to attract fleas to the same extent as an unhealthy one, and even less likely to develop severe over reactions such as flea allergy dermatitis when bitten by them. A raw natural diet, free from preservatives and additives, salt and sugar, and made with quality ingredients is considered best for optimum nutrition, as well as an adequate supply of clean, fresh water.

Additions to the diet considered helpful in repelling fleas and improving health include small quantities of raw garlic, and vitamin B complex. Brewers yeast (available from health food shops) may be a good source of vitamin B for an animal that is not sensitive to yeast, and Flee Flea (available from natural product shops) is a product that contains garlic, Vitamin B, sulphur and Vitamin C.

Aromatherapy: Essential oils may be useful in repelling fleas, flea oil is available in many pet stores and natural product shops. Essential oils are not suitable for use on cats, and should not be used on animals that are pregnant or prone to seizures.Consider eucalyptus, lavender, citronella, and pennyroyal for dogs, mix with a carrier oil

Other: Shampoos do not have to contain chemicals to be effective, just lather them up and leave them on for around 10 minutes to kill fleas, follow up with a rinse of lemon water, essential oils or vinegar.

Environment: To have any chance of being effective any flea control program must involve treating the environment as well. You should groom your pet daily with a flea comb, and vacuum as often as possible, making sure to get into all the corners, under furniture and under cushions. Your pets bedding should be washed regularly.

Use a hose to flood areas in your garden where your pet spends a lot of time lying. Your Holistic Animal Therapist may provide a suitable treatment plan using herbs and/or homeopathy for animals that are suffering from flea allergy dermatitis.

Worms:Prevention is the best cure for worms. Additions to the diet that help prevent or remove worms include raw finely grated carrot, ground up pumpkin seeds and raw coconut, raw garlic, wheat germ or wheat germ oil may also help remove worms.

Herbs and homeopathy also address worm problems and can be supplied by your Holistic Animal Therapist.

Remember worms can cause health problems for your pet and your family, so act quickly if you suspect an infestation.

Book Review: Herbs for Pets

By Mary L. Wulff-Tilford and Gregory L. Tilford

Herbs for Pets, by Mary Wulff-Tilford and Gregory Tilford, was published in 1999 by BowTie Press, California, and is a large book consisting of 416 pages. The authors are both experienced herbalists as well as holistic animal care consultants.

This book is an attractive and comprehensive guide to the holistic care of animals, the bulk of which is an extensive materia medica covering over 60 herbs. The entry on each herb is 2-3 pages long, in addition to a beautiful, clear photo. A plant description is given, as well as cultivation and habitat, parts of herb used, preparation and dosage for animals, and, if appropriate, contraindications and possible side-effects. There is also information on any scientific research relevant to the use of the herb in animals.

Herbs for Pets focuses mainly on the treatment of cats, dogs, and horses but also mentions other animals such as rabbits, birds, and reptiles. There is a large section on natural nutrition which includes recipes for raw, homemade food for dogs and cats, as well as advice on supplemental feeding. In addition there is information on nutrition for horses, birds, and reptiles.

The book also contains a large herbal repertory for animals covering common ailments which are categorised by the different body systems. It also includes many formulations, with appropriate dosages, that the reader can make up for their pet. Advice is given on when a veterinary should be consulted. Finally, there is a chapter on other complementary and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and flower remedies.

I own many books on herbs but very few specialising in herbs for animals. I have been searching for a book like this for a long time and Herbs for Pets exceeded my highest expectations. It is suitable for both professional holistic animal therapists and pet owners. This book is not only a valuable resource that is well-researched, but a beautifully written and illustrated book.

Jan Smith

INTRODUCING THE BARF DIET

“Bones and Raw Food”

This is a diet designed around what your dog or cat would eat if it were still a wild animal. Physiologically our pets have not changed since the days when their ancestors roamed the woods and plains, and therefore a diet based around their natural prey inclinations is best for providing optimum nutrition.

Optimum nutrition is the foundation of life long good health. Quality nutrition, clean fresh water and regular exercise are key factors in preventing degenerative disease as our pets age, problems such as heart conditions, diabetes, cancer, skin conditions, arthritis and kidney problems may all be avoided with a good sound nutritional base. (and not just for our dogs and cats….!)

Diet doesn’t just help in disease prevention but can be a key factor in healing. Correct nutrition with healing herbs, spices and supplements can play an integral role in a holistic treatment plan.

Many commercial foods are over processed and are high in salt, sugar and fat, with additives and preservatives and are made from low grade ingredients and meat by products. None of these things are conducive to a life of good health.

Did you know that a raw meaty bone provides a meal containing high quality protein, with all of the essential amino acids, key minerals in the correct ratios, essential fatty acids (chicken or pork), fat soluble vitamins A, D and E, blood forming components from the bone marrow including iron and copper, together with health enhancing anti oxidants and enzymes. Not only that but eating a raw meaty bone helps maintain your pets teeth, and provides exercise for the jaw, neck, shoulders, and front and hind legs

For dogs a barf diet generally consists of 60% raw meaty bones, 20% raw meat, 15% raw fruit and vegetables, and about 5% grains and oils.

With cats who are obligate carnivores the percentage of meat can be higher.

Supplements that help guard against parasites and also help with optimum digestive health may be added and some of these include garlic, brewers yeast, kelp powder, and omega oils.

Some points to remember when feeding raw food:

Bones should always be raw, well covered in meat and too large to be swallowed whole, they must be chewed before swallowing.

Hygiene should be carefully maintained when handling raw food.

Some common concerns:

Bacterial infections from raw meat can sometimes affect dogs, this is not common, and often milder than those infections in people.

Worms such as hydatids can be found in animal offal, buying human grade products reduces this risk as does freezing for several days before feeding.

If you want to consider a BARF diet for your pet then you need a lot more information than is provided here. For further information and a general diet sheet or one tailored for the health of your pet you can contact your Holistic Animal Therapist.

For more information about the benefits of a natural diet check out the following references:

Books:

‘Give Your Dog a Bone’ and ‘Grow Your Pup with Bones’ by Dr Ian Billinghurst.

Raw Meaty Bones Dr Tom Lonsdale