Alternatives to Pet Vaccinations - The Titer Test

For animals who previously experienced an adverse reaction to vaccination or are at genetic or physiological risk, one alternative is annual monitoring of serum antibody titers. If the test shows protective titers, the animal should not need re-vaccination until a later date. This quick and simple blood test for rechecking of antibody titers can be performed by your veterinarian at 6-month or yearly intervals thereafter.

What is titer testing? A titer test (pronounced TIGHT er) is a laboratory test measuring the existence and level of antibodies in blood. Antibodies are produced when an antigen (like a virus or bacteria) provokes an immune response. This response can come from natural exposure or from vaccination. (Note: titering is also called serum vaccine antibody titering and serologic vaccine titering.)

If you are one of many, who worry about vaccine safety or over vaccinating your dog, this affordable alternative can be asked for from your veterinarian.

Common sense dictates that sick, very old, and debilitated animals should not be vaccinated. Similarly, immunocompromised and febrile animals should not be immunologically challenged with vaccines until their physiologic state returns to normal. Animals of certain susceptible breeds or families (e.g., Akitas and Weimaraners) and including those with coat color dilutions (e.g., double-dilute Shetland sheepdogs, harlequin Great Danes, albinos) appear to be at increased risk for severe and lingering adverse reaction to vaccines.

A detailed veterinary medical study from Sweden examined the duration of serum antibody response to common dog diseases. The results reveled that vaccines are recognized to give longer-lasting immunity than what was thought and few animals actually benefit from annual boosters. Revaccination may be needed only every 3 to 5 years, if at all. In humans, once the series of vaccinations in preschool and school-aged children is completed and college students are revaccinated during disease outbreaks (e.g., measles), protection against these diseases is generally assumed to be lifelong.

To learn more about alternative pet health care visit our website - Pet Remedy Charts

Herbs to Treat Heart Disease in Dogs and Cats

Hawthorn and DandelionHawthorn berries and Dandelion root in combination can be used to provide heart support for pets who have cardiac disease. The two herbs work synergistically to strengthen the heart muscle, improve circulation and as a diuretic to help eliminate edema (excess fluid build up in the body).

Heart Disease in Dogs - Congestive Heart Failure

There are two common types of canine heart disease.
Type one - the dog's heart valves lose their ability to close properly, causing abnormal blood flow.
Type two - the muscular walls of the heart become thin and weak.

Both conditions develop gradually and result in congestive heart failure (CHF). Approximately 3.2 million dogs in the United States are diagnosed annually with an age related or congenital form of heart disease and may be in heart failure.

Heartworm

Administration of Hawthorn & Dandelion can be given throughout the duration of some HeartWorm treatments and beyond the HWF treatment to strengthen the heart and help heal the damage heartworm can cause (talk to your vet first).
Feline Heart Disease - HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy)
The most common type of heart disease in cats is HCM, it is a heart disorder in which the left wall of the heart grows and thickens.

Hawthorn Berries - Modern research has proven hawthorn to be a valuable herb in the treatment of cardiovascular problems and promotes a healthy heart. It causes more blood flow to reach the muscles of the heart. Hawthorn can also help to reduce the incidence of angina, which is a spasm of the blood vessels and improve the smooth muscle walls of the rest of the circulatory system, improve blood pressure, improving circulation and treating symptoms of mild heart failure and reduces atherosclerosis. Hawthorn works by widening blood vessels, especially heart blood vessels, which results in increased heart blood flow.Dandelion Root - Research has shown that Dandelion works very well as a diuretic. Research in Germany shows that it helps to detoxify the system and stimulate the production of bile by the gallbladder. Dandelion helps with water retention (edema), regulation of blood glucose, nausea, urinary tract infections, kidney and bladder stones, liver and gallbladder complaints, and loss of appetite. Unlike prescription drugs, dandelion is a natural diuretic that increases urine production by promoting the excretion of salts and water from the kidney, without depleting the body of precious minerals. It can also be used for pets with impaired kidney function.

Beneficial for Heart and Circulatory System
The root of the dandelion makes mannitol, which is beneficial in the treatment of heart conditions such as high blood pressure as well as promoting healthy circulation. Dandelion root also contains high levels of sodium that help balance electrolytes in the blood, uric acid levels and cholesterol levels.

Other Uses

Detoxification
The root of the dandelion has a rich concentration of sodium, which can eliminate toxins that have been acclimated in the body. Dandelion root works quickly to eliminate toxins from the body, by stimulating the kidneys. This removes toxins, purifies the blood and replaces any potassium that was lost.

Skin Diseases
Dandelion root has numerous healing benefits to the skin, which includes cleansing and improving the skin's texture. The root can also be used to treat skin conditions such as fungal infections, dermatitis, acne and migrant growths.

Gallbladder
Dandelion root is beneficial for strengthening the gallbladder. When taken on a regular basis, its root may prevent gallstones from forming in the gallbladder. Its root is also beneficial for existing gallstones as it may help to aid in dissolving them, so they may be more easily eliminated out of the body.

Forms
You can use Hawthorn berry and Dandelion root in tincture form. Purchase an herbal combination formula. If you can not find a combined product, you can buy a bottle of each tincture and mix them together yourself. Dandelion root has a bitter taste so you will need to mask its flavor in an appealing treat. Right after dosing, feed the animal a regular meal.

Warnings
Dandelion root increases the flow of bile, and should not be given to animals with an inflamed or infected gallbladder or blocked bile ducts.

Suggestions for Dosing -
Hawthorne/Dandelion Herbal Tincture

Under 3 lbs. 2 drops
3-10 lbs. 5 drops
11-20 lbs. 10 drops
21-150 lbs. 15 drops
151-250 lbs. 20 drops
251-300 lbs. 25 drops

Suggested Use: Administer the appropriate dose in number of drops as determined by the animal's weight. Given two to three times daily. Frequency of Use: 5 days on, 2 days off. This gives the body a chance to clear and work on its own.

Note: It is a good idea to introduce any herb slowly. Begin with half the recommended dose then over a few days increase the amount accordingly. This will allow your pet to adjust to the herb, while you monitor the results. This way, there are fewer if any adverse effects, such as tummy upsets or loose stools.

For the ultimate guide to using herbs for pets, visit Pet Remedy Charts. Developed to enable anyone to quickly and confidently treat their pet naturally at home. The charts are beautifully illustrated, double sided and packed with healing treatment strategies.

Natural Pain Relief for Pets

Pharmaceutical drugs may not be your pets only path to pain relief. Below you will find a list of homeopathic remedies to help you manage your pets pain at home. These remedies can be safely used without running the risk of unwanted side effects, allergic reactions, and undesirable interactions with other medications.
ARNICA - For all physical trauma, use Arnica. After an injury or surgery, Arnica will reduce pain, reduce inflammation and help control bleeding. It is a good idea to pretreat with Arnica before surgery. Dental extractions will benefit tremendously from Arnica. Spinal injuries - arnica 30c, can be given every 5 minutes (STOP dosing as soon as the animal shows marked improvement) for up to ten doses.

HYPERICUM - a great remedy for injuries to nerves, or parts of the body rich in nerves. Use Hypericum for injuries to feet, toes, claws, tongue, etc, especially crushed toe tips. Helps relieve surgical pain and may be used intermittently with Arnica. Relieves pain from lacerated wounds. Prolonged sensitivity in an amputated digit and painful lacerated wounds are relieved by Hypericum. Use for nerve pain, shooting pains. After dental or oral surgery, rinse with a strong tea solution of Hypericum and Calendula. Or herbal tinctures of both herbs diluted in water can be used to irrigate the mouth (mix 1 part Hypericum tincture, 1 part Calendula tincture and 9 parts distilled water). Calendula will help to heal and rapidly close the wound. Spinal injuries: after treating with Arnica, Hypericum 30c, can be used every 4 hours for up to 3 days.

LEDUM - can be given for pain from puncture wounds. Injuries from nails, barbed wire, fish hooks, talons, liver biopsy, or animal bites will benefit from Ledum. Ledum is also known to help prevent tetanus.


NUX VOMICA - for spinal injuries, 1m, one dose every other day for two doses if there is disc involvement.



SYMPHYTUM - for wounds penetrating to the perineum and bones. Symphytum stimulates callus formation in fractures and helps with bones that will not fuse. Should not be used until the bone is set. For pain in the eye after a blow from a blunt object and for all traumatic injuries of the eye, no remedy equals Symphytum.

RHUS TOXICODENDRON - for pain and injuries to joints, tendons, ligaments and fibrous tissue. If movement relieves some of the stiffness and pain, Rhus Tox is the correct remedy.



STAPHYSAGRIA - Think penetration and laceration. This remedy will reduce pain and sensitivity from torn or deeply cut tissue, especially severe pain following abdominal surgery, pain and nervousness after extraction of teeth (connective tissue enveloping the bone and socket enveloping the upper teeth). Another symptom calling for this homeopathic remedy would be any sphincter (ring of muscle) that has been torn, lacerated or stretched (anal lacerations or surgery). To reduce pain after a surgical removal of calculus (stone) from the bladder, kidney, or urinary tract. To reduce pain and inflammation from insertion or removal of a catheter through the urethra into the bladder. In humans this remedy is often prescribed after rape. In veterinary cases it could be used for animals who have been over-bred, urinary tract sensitivity and painful, irritable bladder, burning in the urethra when not urinating, urging and pain after urinating, prolapse, pain in pelvic region.

DOSE AND POTENCY

CHRONIC PAIN: A potency like 6C can be given three times a day, 9C twice a day, 12C once or twice a day; but, if at any time you see a striking improvement, stop the remedy and observe; resume when the improvement stops. If at any time the animal seems to be getting worse, stop the remedy and wait, an improvement may follow. If it doesn't, you probably need to change to a different remedy.

ACUTE PAIN: In acute cases, you'll want to match the potency to the power of the complaint. A severe acute should be met with a 200C or possibly with a 1M if it's very severe. Here's where you need your high potencies! (but if all you have on hand is a 30c by all means use it).

If it is pain that is minor or it is chronic and of long standing the lower potencies should always be used.

Dosing Suggestions:

1. Put 1 or 2 pills of the remedy in 8 ounces of distilled or purified water and *succuss the bottle five to eight times before each dose.

2. The dose for any size animal is 1 teaspoon of the liquid remedy. However, if the animal is very small, mouse, tiny bird, etc. you can adjust the amount to what will comfortably fit in the subject's mouth, or into a treat that will be eaten right away.

* Succuss means to strike the bottom of the bottle on a hard padded surface (book or a folded towel).

To learn more about using homeopathic remedies, herbal medicine, flower essences and acupressure for dogs, cats, horses and birds, be sure to visit Pet Remedy Charts the professional guide to using natural healing methods to treat your pet at home.
If you would like to learn Veterinary Homeopathy please visit Fast Forward to the Cure. 

Human Products Can Be Unsafe for Dogs

Our culture has come to accept that some foods and products not intended for dogs are nonetheless safe, and in adopting this way of thinking we expose our four legged family members to more consumer goodies that have the potential to cause great harm (whether accidentally or on purpose).

Despite the outcry of the ASPCA’s poison control unit, more and more manufacturers continue to accept Xylitol’s (a so called natural sweetener) luring charms. Recently two companies changed their formulations to include Xylitol in several of their products. Flintstones in some of their kids’ vitamins and Starbucks in some of their mints. Neither company went out of its way to warn its unsuspecting customers of their addition of Xylitol.

This is a major concern because for years many breeders and pet owners have given or recommended Flintstones as an inexpensive multivitamin alternative for canines. Many have relied on children's chewable vitamins as a safe and effective product for their pets.

The problem with Xylitol is not merely its existence in products (gums, candies, Jello, cupcakes, cookies, muffins, toothpaste, mouthwash etc.). The predicament it causes also lies in the cunning nature of its exposure when pet owners don’t realize that human products they used to use safely for their pets (or exposed their pets to accidentally) are no longer safe.

Awhile back if Rover scarfed up a couple of Tic-Tacs that dropped on the rug, who'd care, right? You certainly didn’t call a veterinary emergency clinic to determine the lethal dose of Tic-Tacs and whether immediate medical treatment was impending. But now that Tic-Tacs harbor Xylitol, would you even know to worry? Here's a fact you should know, the ASPCA’s poison control reports that Tic-Tacs poison more dogs than any other product, partly as a consequence of their extra-high Xylitol levels and partly the result of manufactures adding it to almost everything on the market.

Who's the newest loser to adopt Xylitol -
Bach's Rescue Remedy, yep, ya heard that right. The highly recommended flower remedy product that calms our dogs’ hyper anxiety comes from a company who can't seem to resist the temptation to add to the Xylitol dog-pile.

Rescue Remedy 'pastilles' product contains this deadly-for-dogs ingredient. However, the good news is that its other products are safe and have not been tainted by this sweetener’s potential canine-toxic effects. Bach advocates its flower essences safe for veterinary use and even has a pamphlet for pets. I am inclined to think Bach should halt its use of Xylitol or at least apply appropriate information on their website and product warning labels (ones you can read without a magnifying glass). Store owners who sell their products should also be educated and informed so they can give reliable product recommendations. Or at least warn the unsuspecting public that Rescue Remedy 'pastilles' have the potential to seriously harm or cause death to dogs.

Beware And Be Informed
The real responsibility lies with the people who own the pets. It is our duty to keep informed so that we can protect them and keep them safe. The best way to do this is to read the labels (even if it says ALL NATURAL) on EVERYTHING. Not just once, but EVERY TIME you purchase ANY product. The product or food that is safe today could change it formula and become deadly tomorrow!

What other names is Xylitol known by?
Birch Sugar, E967, Xylit, Meso-Xylitol, Xylite, and xylo-pentane-1,2,3,4,5-pentol. Today, using corn sources, most world supplies of Xylitol reportedly come primarily from China.

How Much Xylitol Is Dangerous for Dogs?
The hypoglycemic dose of xylitol for dogs is considered to be approximately 0.1 grams per kilogram of body weight (about 0.045 grams per pound). A typical stick of gum contains 0.3 to 0.4 grams of xylitol, which means that a 10 lb dog could be poisoned by as little as a stick and a half of gum.

The dose to cause hepatic necrosis (liver failure) is 1 gram per kilogram of body weight, about ten times more than the above dose. In the example above, the 10 lb dog would have to find an unopened package of gum and eat it for liver destruction to occur.

Visit our website Pet Remedy Charts

Organic Gardening Tips and Tricks

A Safe Non-Toxic Repellent for Snails and Slugs

Organic gardening uses no poisonous insecticides or pesticides - Agra-Homeopathy is an inexpensive and totally safe way to get rid of garden pests on your favorite plants without drenching your kids, pets, wildlife and the environment with harmful chemicals. That means no trips to the emergency room if your child or pet eats or comes in contact with it. It also means that the plant is healthier, stronger and safer to eat.

Slugs and Snails

These relentless munchers are hard to get rid of and can destroy a garden or flowering plant in nothing flat. Homeopathic Helix tosta in a 6c potency can and will send them packing. Think about how popular you'll be when you share you're gardening secret with your neighbors!

Homeopathic remedies aren't just being used in people and pet healthcare. Organic farmer's all over the world rely on Agrahomeopathy (a form of homeopathy for farm and garden) to eradicate plant pests as well as botanical diseases. Heavy rain doesn't seem to reduce it's effectiveness either. The repellent properties may last as long as 4 weeks! Some farmers spray the remedy right on the plants (being sure to get the upper and lower sides of the leaves), others find it easier to water it into the soil below the plants (this is our favorite method) with equally good results. A dose of Helix tosta will have the snails moving right along before they can manage to nibble your garden to the ground.

What is Helix Tosta?

It's a homeopathic remedy made from toasted snail shell. Originally this remedy was used by homeopaths to treat respiratory illnesses and tuberculosis, especially if the patient was coughing up blood. Only recently has this remedy found new fame as a snail and slug repellent.

How to Make a Spray or Watering Solution

Step 1. Put 2 pellets/pills of Helix tosta 6c into 1 liter (4 1/2 cups) of distilled or purified water. Succuss this bottle 50 times. That means, strike the bottom of the bottle straight up and down, hitting the bottom of it hard on a padded surface (phone book, towel, etc.). This liter of the liquid remedy will make many bottles (about 15 liters) of spray or watering solution.

Step 2. To make your spray or watering solution put 3 Tablespoons from the remedy bottle you've made into an empty 1 liter bottle, then fill the bottle up with water. This 2nd dilution is what you will use to spray or water the plants.

To make additional bottles just repeat Step 2. above.

Note: Discard any unused liquid solution (it is not harmful so there are no special handling instructions). It will not remain potent for future use. The repellent effects of a spray or watering application should last up to 4 weeks.

Where to Find the Remedy

Helix tosta 6c is not an easy remedy to find. But it can be purchased online from Heilos Homeopathy. Their lab is located in the UK and their shipping is exceptionally quick - the remedy usually arrives in the U.S. in under a week. This is often faster than ordering a remedy locally in the states.

Check Back and Bookmark This Page -

In our up coming articles we'll be telling you how to affordably and safely treat plant diseases, dissuade pests, richen the soil, increase your fruit, vegetable and flower yield, all in an Eco-safe manner, using homeopathy.

Resources

To learn about more plant remedies click here Organic Home & Garden.

Be sure to visit Pet Remedy Charts for dogs, cats, horses and birds. The ultimate guides to help you easily learn to use herbs, homeopathy, flower remedies and acupressure for dogs, cats, horses and birds. Developed to enable anyone to confidently treat their companion animal at home.

Alternative Non-Toxic Treatment for Fleas

The nosode, PSORINUM can be given to a dog to repel those fleas that are so hard to get rid of during the summer. Even better, it also makes attacks by ticks less likely to happen; this helps the dog to fight more effectively against "tick sickness". We often recommend its use in the treatment of intolerance to flea/tick collar insecticides, or ineffectiveness. Hardy fleas will brave a flea collar.

If your dog suffers intollerable itching and skin inflammation due to flea allergies, Psorinum may offer your pet a safe, side effect free solution to corticosteroid shots, toxic sprays, shampoos, dips and drop on chemicals.

Suggested Dosage for Dogs: PSORINUM 30C, dose 1 pellet, once weekly.

What Is A Homeopathic Nosode

Nosodes are homeopathic remedies that are made from the specific products of a particular disease. This can be tissue containing the actual disease agents or tissue affected by those agents. A nosode is prepared in a diluted and potentized form just like any homeopathic medicine. There is no potential for an animal or person to become infected with a given disease agent from a nosode because of the pharmaceutical process that occurs which dilutes and inactivates any viable organisms. Nosodes seem to work most effectively, homeopathically, when they are given near or at the time of exposure.

Where to find the remedy: Psorinum 30c can be purchased here online for under $9.00. Or you can do a google search for the remedy name and you will find additional links to where you can order the nosode.

To learn more about homeopathic remedies for dogs, be sure to visit Pet Remedy Charts Homeopathy to the Rescue, the professional guide to using homeopathy to treat your pet at
home.

Recommended Reading: For professionals or serious students - This is the gold standard in books for Veterinary Homeopathy. 'Fast Forward to the Cure', is a digital publication in PDF format that you can download and start using now. Learn advanced veterinary homeopathy, LM dosing techniques and the methods of 'Dynamic Dosing' for animals which can speed a pets healing time by 1/4 to 1/2 or more! Veterinary Medica, Therapeutic Repertories, printable Case Taking Forms, Observation Sheets and full color Anatomy Charts for dogs, cats horses and birds are included in 14 Chapters and 872 pages. To see complete details and excerpts from the book CLICK HERE.

Homeopathic Remedy to Repel Mosquitos

Do you have bad reactions to mosquito bites? Try taking the homeopathic remedy, Staphysagria 30C once a week. It is reputed to prevent the bites of mosquitos in those who are extremely susceptible to them. It actually repels mosquitos, even in Africa and the Dominican Republic.

Staphysagria can be so effective in repelling mosquitoes and preventing bites that it is often taken on vacations to third world countries because of the concern about Malaria. There are no side effects and it can be taken by adults, or given to children or pets (such as unprotected dogs visiting in areas where heartworm is endemic).

Instructions

Put two pellets in a clean bottle containing 8 oz. of distilled water then add 1 teaspoon of unflavored brandy or vodka to preserve it.

Dose: Succuss the bottle once before each dose and take one teaspoon weekly. Succuss means to strike the bottom of the bottle on a hard padded surface (like a phone book on a countertop, you will do this each time you take the remedy). The dose is the same for adults, children or any size dog. If you would rather not use alcohol as a preservative you can add 2 teaspoons of food grade glycerine instead.

In case you do get bit, and are uncomfortable take 2 pellets of Ledum 30c, when required. It can give instant relief to most sufferers from allergic reactions to mosquito bites.

Note: Keep homeopathic remedies out of sunlight in a cool dark place. Do not store near perfumes, aromatic spices, computers, T.V. or microwave ovens. If you are an avid (more than 1 or 2 cups a day) coffee drinker this remedy may not work for you. Caffeine has the potential to antidote or negate the positive effects of homeopathic medicines.

When taking a remedy it is best to take the dose into a clean mouth. This means 20 to 30 minutes apart from food, drinks or brushing your teeth.

Giving the remedy to dogs: If your dog is not on conventional heartworm medication and is unprotected, this is not a preventative but may help temporarily to ward off biting mosquitos and the transmission of heartworms if you are visiting an area that is having the problem. The dosing procedure is the same as for people. Give the remedy at least 30 minutes apart from a meal. If need be the remedy may be mixed with a small amount of cream, unflavored yogurt, or rice milk to help you more easily administer the dose.

Where to find the remedy: Staphysagria 30c can be purchased online, or from most health food stores that stock homeopathy. Some progressive pharmacies (like CVS) carry homeopathy. Call ahead though just to make sure they have it on hand.

To learn more about holistic treatments and natural healing strategies for dogs, cats, horses and birds, be sure to visit Pet Remedy Charts the companion animal guide to using herbs, homeopathy, flower remedies and acupressure at home.

Recommended Reading: For professionals or serious students - This is the gold standard in books for Veterinary Homeopathy. 'Fast Forward to the Cure Pro-Version, 2.0', is a digital publication in PDF format that you can download and start using now. Learn advanced veterinary homeopathy, LM dosing techniques and the methods of 'Dynamic Dosing' for animals which can speed a pets healing time by 1/4 to 1/2 or more! Veterinary Medica, Therapeutic Repertories, printable Case Taking Forms, Observation Sheets and full color Anatomy Charts for dogs, cats horses and birds are included in 14 Chapters and 872 pages. To see complete details and excerpts from the book CLICK HERE.