Acupressure for Dogs, Cats and Horses

A Guide to Animal Acupressure

Acupressure is an non-invasive ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. Unlike veterinary acupuncture done with needles, acupressure treatments, can easily be done by the pet owner at home.

Disease in the body is a state of either excess or deficiency of one or more of the vital substances. The longer that the excess or deficiency, is present the more out-of-balance the animal becomes. A greater imbalance produces more advanced symptoms. The goal of acupressure is to reverse the pathological state and restore the normal flow of QI (energy within the animal). Treatment may involve several stages in which blockages are gradually removed and normal Qi flow is restored.

Indications of Use

Clinical trials and research indicate that acupuncture/acupressure therapy can be effective in treating numerous conditions. Acupressure provides pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and hormone regulation. These effects are helpful in treating a variety of conditions. Muscle soreness, back pain, disc disease, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint disease comprise the largest group of problems that can be treated with acupressure. Neurological disorders (e.g. seizures, radial nerve paralysis, and laryngeal paralysis) and gastrointestinal disorders may also be helped. Acupressure is very successful as an complimentary treatment in Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, infertility, asthma, cough, behavioral problems, geriatric weakness, irritable bowel syndrome and skin diseases. It can also be used in emergency first aid to resuscitate an animal who has collapsed.

In many cases, acupressure and Chinese or Western herbs are successfully used in medical conditions that have not responded to traditional western veterinary medical practices. However, acupressure is not an alternative to proper medical care. If your pet is suffering from an illness or injury, obtain veterinary care as soon as possible.

Acupressure should not be done on an area where the animal exhibits extreme sensitivity. If you inadvertently touch an area that is painful, release the pressure immediately. If you pet shies away from being touched in a certain spot, an injury, a localized infection, or a behavioral problem could cause this sensitivity. The sensitive area may relate to a meridian line and sometimes to a specific organ associated with that meridian. If you are able to pinpoint a specific area that is extremely uncomfortable when touched, consult a veterinary acupuncturist to have it checked.

Some health problems can be aggravated by acupressure if you are working around an injured area. Do not apply acupressure directly to wounds, bruises, cuts or surgical incisions, you could damage tissue and increase pain. However, it can be helpful to press points that are near an injury in order to increase circulation in the area. Use only the points that are not painful. If your pet indicates he is in pain when you touch a point, you are too close to the injury.

Preparing to Give an Acupressure Treatment

Before starting an acupressure treatment, wash and dry your hands thoroughly. If your hands are cold, run them under warm water. Both you and the animal to be treated should be calm and relaxed. Acupressure should not be preformed on an animal that has been traumatized, just exercised or has just eaten.

Locating Acupressure Points

Unlike acupuncture, acupressure doesn't have to be totally "on target" to be effective. If you are near the acupoint, you will be doing lots of good whether you've hit the precise point or not. By pressing in the vicinity of the point, you will still increasing energy flow in the associated meridian line. Correctly applied pressure should be placed in the valleys of muscle. You should never press into a major nerve, on bone, the spinal cord, or a body cavity.

Pressing the Points

Acupressure is done by exerting pressure with one finger on precise places on the body. Most often, you will use either the middle finger or the thumb. Sometimes, you will find it easier to use one or the other, depending on the exact spot you are treating.

To determine the amount of pressure to use, experiment on your own body, pressing your thumb or middle finger against various places on your face, chest, arm and on your other hand, for 10 to 15 seconds. The pressure should be firm enough so that you experience it as hard and steady, but it should not be painful or damaging to the skin. Always go into a point slowly, beginning with light pressure and increasing it to tolerance. Some animals are more sensitive and will need less pressure. Others will need more pressure for the treatment to be effective. Let the animal be your guide. The technique involves applying light to firm pressure, or circular massage over an acupoint. When holding the point maintain steady, firm pressure, this will help you to avoid angles that may cause you to slip or slide in to or out of a point over the animals fur.

Stimulation of an acupoint is generally around 10 to 15 seconds. Acupoints are the same on both sides of the animal. If you work a point on the right side you should also work the corresponding point on the left side of the body.

The session should not be painful and is well-tolerated by most animals. The entire acupressure treatment should always be comfortable for patients. However, in cases of pregnancy (certain points may cause abortion), open wounds, or infectious diseases, acupressure is contraindicated.

Closing the Session

After an acupressure session you should preform The Closing. This has two functions: one, is to strengthen the energy flow between the points on the same meridians stimulated during your point work; and second, it establishes a healthy cellular memory pattern. Cellular memory is the cell's learned response to a chronic stimulus such as pain. The Closing phase helps the body to maintain the state achieved during point work.

Flat Hand Closing Technique

To perform the Closing, position your hand flat with your palm and fingers in full contact with the animal your working on. Using light pressure slide your hand over your pet from front to rear and top to bottom. Start at the neck, then go over the shoulder, across the back and over the hips. Proceed down the back leg, passing over the hock and terminate the Closing at the end of the rear foot/paw/hoof. Do this on both sides of the body.

Post Treatment

Allow your pet to rest for several hours before resuming work or strenuous exercise.

Resource
 
An excellent source for beautifully illustrated acupressure charts and in depth information on the location of acu-points for dogs, cats, horses and birds can be found at Pet Remedy Charts.

Is it safe to give garlic to dogs?

Medical science says garlic is poisonous to dogs, but are they referring to the same garlic remedy that’s been used in treating dogs by holistic vets for decades? In ancient India's Sanskrit records its medicinal use dates back to about 5,000 years ago, and it has been used for at least 3,000 years in Chinese medicine. The Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, and Babylonians, were known to have harnessed the healing properties of garlic as well.

How can an herb with so much medicinal history suddenly develop such a bad reputation?

Despite its healing qualities, Garlic contains a compound named thiosulphate. In extremely high levels thiosulphate can be a dangerous toxin that can cause hemolytic anemia in dogs. In the research studies the animals were given large concentrations of the isolated substance to produce the effect. This is not a reference to normal ingestion or moderate dosing.

In yet another scientific study the effects of garlic products, including dehydrated raw garlic powder, dehydrated boiled garlic powder and aged garlic extract, on the gastric mucosa of dogs were determined using three commonly sold preparations, raw capsule garlic powder caused severe mucosal damage, including erosion. Boiled garlic powder also caused inflammation and reddening of the mucosa, whereas aged garlic powder did not cause any undesirable effects. Among the garlic preparations, Aged Garlic Extract could be the most suitable form, particularly for long-term use. Aging in particular may be the most effective method to eliminate the toxic effects of raw garlic. The safety of enteric-coated garlic products was also studied. Direct administration of pulverized enteric-coated products on the gastric mucosa caused reddening of the mucosa in test animals (dogs). When an enteric-coated tablet was administered orally, it caused loss of epithelial cells at the top of crypts in the ileum in the intestinal tract. Enteric-coated garlic products by pass the stomach and deliver garlic directly into the intestine, which is not a traditional route for garlic intake in any species!

When used in moderation, garlic can be a healthy supplement. Garlic has been used to stimulate and support immune function, trigger gastric juices for better digestion, encourage the growth of friendly bacteria, and prevent infections. Garlic reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer as well as improves blood sugar regulation and promotes detoxification.

Historic use of garlic as a condiment and herb has always been via oral ingestion and not via direct delivery into the stomach or intestines, in the form of a concentrated, standardized surprise! The safety of such delivery systems for garlic is unknown not to mention totally unnatural!

For centuries, garlic has been a primary remedy relied upon in a majority of cases. For as long as people have been using garlic, they have also been feeding it to their animal companions. Empirically, its medicinal properties have been relied upon, along with its safety of use.

In the United States for the last 50 years, garlic has remained in the forefront of holistic medicine. Every text written by the founding fathers of holistic veterinary medicine recommended it, and revere its incredible anti-parasitic and anti-bacterial properties. Research shows, garlic has also benefited animals with cancer, diabetes, liver, heart and kidney disease, skin/staph infections, ear infections and a myriad of other conditions. It has grown to be a staple in preventative protocols for pets. For years it has been safely used by thousands of companion animal owners with no reports of negative side-effects - up until now. All of a sudden; garlic is an offending "suspect," without being proven the offender. The majority of people are allowing mass hysteria to determine a holistic care program for their dog.

There are over 51,000 sites on the web devoted to warnings about the "toxicity" of garlic, even though there is little scientific data to back the claim other than the fact that thiosulphate is found in garlic. Yet, there are also upward of 4000,000 internet sites, many of which are reputable holistic veterinarians who have widely used garlic in their practice for many years! In regard to this miracle herb and its hundreds of years of "proven use" I would recommend common sense in its use.


How To Safely Give Garlic To Dogs

If your dog is healthy and has no history of anemia and your planning to give your dog garlic in its natural raw garlic (I prefer this method) the dose is 1/2 to 1 small minced/pressed clove daily, mixed into a meal and given on a schedule of 5 days on and 2 days off (this gives the body a chance to clear and work on its own). Remember always introduce anything new slowly and work up to the desired amount. This gives you the chance to monitor the animal's reaction to the substance and allows the animal's body to gently adjust.

Contraindications of Use

Do Not Give Garlic to a dog who has a blood disorder or anemia. Garlic can thin the blood so dogs who are scheduled for surgery should not be given garlic for 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after the procedure. Do Not Give Garlic to puppies.  The young don't start to reproduce new blood cells until after 6-8 weeks of age, so they should not be fed garlic.

However, there are some individual reports of dogs experiencing toxic effects at much lower doses, so while the risks are low for the home supplement level of exposure, they will never be zero since some individuals might respond differently than most others.

Overall, I don’t think it’s a big concern when garlic is used sparingly as part of the diet as a food supplement.

Ironically, garlic is approved as a flavoring, spice or seasoning for use in pet food, yet the FDA has listed garlic in its poisonous plant database. That’s because a study suggested that when garlic 'extract' is fed in excessive quantities equaling (5 grams of whole garlic per kilogram of the dog’s body weight), it has the potential to cause damage to the red blood cells of dogs (hemolytic anemia).

Considering the data presented in this study, the average 75 pound dog would need to eat five full heads of garlic or about 75 cloves of garlic in each meal before there would be any adverse effect on the red blood cells! Similarly, a dog weighing a mere 10 lbs would need to eat 25 grams of garlic – about half an entire head of garlic, or about 6 to 8 garlic cloves in every meal to experience any adverse effects. However, no dog in this test study actually developed hemolytic anemia.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11108195
  


RESOURCE

Pet Remedy Charts are tools that help you easily learn to use safe herbs, homeopathy, flower remedies and acupressure for dogs, cats, horses and birds. Developed by Lorelei Whitney, M.H., D.Hom. to enable anyone to treat their pets at home. To find out more about natural healing strategies for pets go here: https://www.petremedycharts.com

Heartworm Treatments (Dirofilaria immitis)

Heartworm prevention and treatment is big business and a cash cow for veterinarians and pharmaceutical companies.

If you have read, heard or been told that you cannot give a preventative (such as Heartgard®), to an already infected dog, remember this: The American Heartworm Society (AHS), recommends giving Heartgard® (Ivermectin) monthly for the first several months as TREATMENT for a heartworm infected dog. This sterilizes the female worms which reduces them in size. This results in far less lung damage when the worm dies and deposits in the lungs. Then, the Heartworm Society wants you to take the dog back to your vet so he/she can treat the animal but the Society reluctantly admits that 12 more months of monthly Heartguard would probably CURE the infected canine. This would obviously be a huge savings to the pet owner and MUCH safer treatment for the pet compared to the standard veterinary approach (arsenic injections). Although most vets will disagree!! To review the AHS veterinary guidelines click here.

PREVENTATIVE TREATMENT

What if you can't afford the bloated veterinary cost of expensive name brand heartworm medications? You still have options! For many years kennel owners and dog breeders have used at home treatment programs that cost as little as .30 cents a month per dog! This gives people who want to protect their dogs but can't due to their present budget, the advantage to do so.

The good news is that heartworms can be prevented for less than one cent per day for a 20 pound dog (Beagle size). Yes, I said less than one cent per day (30 cents monthly). Many breeders and kennel owners along with myself have used the prevention described in this article since the early 1980's, with no heartworm infestation. However, I want to remind everyone that I am not prescribing, but rather, sharing information with you as to what I use and do. You can use your own judgment whether you want to follow in my footsteps. This article is presented only as a documentation of how I prevent heartworms in my dogs at a fraction of the cost that a Veterinarian will charge for the Merck Heartgard ™ (Ivermectin), chewable tablets. Also, the law restricts Heartgard to use by or on the order of a licensed Veterinarian; therefore, if you use the prescription tablets you will be paying $15 - $45 for a box of 6 tablets (six month supply) plus the cost of office visits.

I use the same chemical that is in the expensive (prescription only) pills at a fraction of the cost. The prevention that I use is given once every 30 days (monthly) the same as the pills.

Also, if you are giving your dog a year-round preventative in areas of the country with a harsh winter climate it would be a waste of money. If it’s too cold for mosquitoes, there can be no danger of your dog catching heartworm. You should be able to safely discontinue the preventative dosing during the freezing months.

If you suspect a dog may already have heartworms, before putting a dog on the following prevention it should be checked by a Vet to be sure it has no heartworms. The cost of this exam is generally between $5 - $15. It is a lot cheaper to have the exam to make sure your dog is not already infected, than it is to have a Vet save an infected dog during the advanced stages of heartworm infestation. This prevention (describe below) is only good to prevent an infection from ever occurring, once a dog is already infected then it must be seen by a veterinarian.

The exam consists of a vet drawing a small amount of blood, putting a smear of it on a slide and looking at it through a microscope. The microfilariae look like tiny wiggler fishing worms. This prevention is not to be given to collies or part collies. What I use is Ivermectin. It is a 1% injectible cattle wormer with the trade name of Ivomec ™ . You can purchase it (without a prescription) for $40 - $50 at your Veterinarian Supply Store or through a catalog from a Vaccine Wholesale Supplier. The bottle comes in a 50cc size. I give it orally which means by the mouth. I use 1/10th of 1cc for each 10 pounds of body weight. The syringes I use are 3cc and are marked off in tenths of 1cc.

The way I do it is to draw out 2cc of Ivomec. Then I inject what is needed into an empty syringe (without a needle) with the plunger pulled down on the 1cc mark. I dribble it into the empty one until I have the proper amount. I will have a few ounces of soft drink or orange juice in an open container. I will draw in 1½ - 2cc of the juice to mix with the Ivomec. I put my finger over the end of the syringe and shake up the mixture. The reason for this is to give me more volume to work with and to make it taste better for the dog. I put my hand across the dog's nose with my thumb on one side and my fingers on the other side. Then I put pressure on my thumb and fingers to force open the dog's mouth. I then tip its head up and squirt the contents of the syringe in the roof of its mouth. Finally, I close the mouth and hold it closed until the dog swallows. This is the only correct way to orally administer all types of liquid medications to dogs so that you do not accidentally squirt the liquid into the dog's windpipe and/or lungs.

I do this treatment to each dog once every 30 days. The Ivomec kills all the microfilariae (larva) in the bloodstream so they never have a chance to mature into heartworms. Microfilariae will circulate in the blood for more than 30 days before attaching to the heart, so if you give this prevention on schedule there is "NO POSSIBLE WAY" for your dog to get heartworms. Even if a drug is labeled as safe for pregnant and/or lactating bitches. Personally, I don't recommend you give any kind of medications to a pregnant bitch unless the life of the bitch is in grave danger.

The cost is minimal for each dog. If the 50cc bottle of Ivomec costs you $40.00, this comes to 80 cents per cc. Given 12 months in a row, a 20 lb. dog will take 2½cc per year. That is a cost of $2.00 for a one year prevention! The shelf life for the Ivomec is about 3 years if kept refrigerated. Therefore, this method is feasible to use even if you only have one dog, and it is by far the cheapest and most effective prevention against heartworms. If you have two or more dogs this can save you hundreds of dollars per year.

DISEASE TREATMENT

What if your dog has heartworm disease and you can't afford the expense of conventional veterinary treatment? There are options, there is a very effective and low cost treatment available using a combination of oral Ivermectin (about $40 for a one-year supply) and Doxycycline (an affordable antibiotic). This 'soft-kill' treatment option gradually kills the heartworms over a period of approximately one year, in which time the dog's physical activities must be kept to a minimum. For for young dogs who are hyperactive this treatment approach may even be a safer option compared to conventional protocol which calls for the use of, Melarsomine (Immiticide®), a drug containing arsenic and as you might expect from the ingredient name alone, it can cause problems. Preliminary observations suggest that administration of DOXY + IVM for several months prior to (or without) MEL, will eliminate adult HW with less potential for severe thromboembolism than MEL alone. MEL is the abbreviation for melarsomine, an arsenic-containing compound used to kill immature (4+ month old) and adult heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) in dogs. More detailed information from the scientific abstract can be found here: Ivermectin and Doxycycline Heartworm Treatment

Please be sure to visit your vet for warranted tests and treatment information to help ensure proper dosing of Ivermectin. Ivermectin can be purchased over the counter at most feed stores or online, but it can be very deadly if given in an improper dose, or to certain breeds of dogs (see collie reference at bottom of page). But it is considered extremely safe when it is given at the correct dose. Doxycycline is a pharmaceutical antibiotic and to obtain it you will need a prescription from your vet.

The dosages used by the Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA are: Treatment with ivermectin (IVM; 6 μg/kg - by mouth, weekly) combined with doxycycline (DOXY; 10 mg/kg/day orally from Weeks 0–6, 10–12, 16–18, 22–26 and 28–34).

If your vet is not familiar with this economical form of treatment, consider printing the scientific abstract from the International Journal for Parasitology Volume 38, Issue 12 and giving it to your vet. If your veterinarian refuses to help you with this approach, try calling another vet in your area who may be more receptive.

Breed Toxicity to Ivermectin: Dr. Katrina Mealey at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine pinpointed the mechanism and its gene that cause Collies and potentially other breeds to react so erratically when administered ivermectin.

Her medical evidence validated the presence or absence of a single protein, Pglycoprotein (P-gp). When P-gp is present and functional, ivermectin cannot remain in the brain, and a dog can tolerate the heartworm preventive. When P-gp is absent, ivermectin penetrates the brain and stays there, thus setting in motion the circumstances for toxic reaction.

The breeds most affected are closely related herding breeds. Along with the Collie, anecdotal statistics claim Australian Shepherds, Bearded Collies, Border Collies, Old English Sheepdogs, and Shetland Sheepdogs as those breeds at high risk for ivermectin toxicity. Similar suspicious events have added a variety of other breeds to this list from Whippets to Irish Water Spaniels to Bullmastiffs. Many of these breeds were already documented in veterinary journals as either proven or suspected to be hypersensitive to or intolerant of an assortment of medications including particular anesthesia and wormers. Toxicosis appears to be dose-dependent in Collies with a demonstrated sensitivity to ivermectin. Dr. Mealey agrees that ivermectin is safe for Collies at the six mcg per kg heartworm preventive dose, administered once a month. Mealey adds, “Even a large number of sensitive Collies do not show signs of toxicity at that dosage.”

For more information on pet healthcare we invite you to visit Pet Remedy Charts.

Heart Disease in Dog and Cats

SIGNS

Your pet has been diagnosed with a heart murmur. He regularly coughs,

especially at night. He can only exercise for a short time and has labored

breathing after moving. He may collapse or faint. His tongue and gums appear blue (cyanotic).

CAUSES

The most common cause of congestive heart disease is from a heart valve

(mitral Valve), that doesn’t close properly. This is often diagnosed early in life, and progresses to heart failure later. This is common in small breeds. In some dogs the heart muscle fails and can get very thin, a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy. This is more common in Spaniels, Dobermans and other large breeds. All dogs, and occasionally cats, can get heartworm. This is an infectious disease spread by mosquitoes, but shows up as heart disease.

Cats also get heart disease, but it is primarily from the heart muscle enlarging (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). Heart problems are often genetic, so they can’t always be prevented, but they are more likely to occur with poor diets, dental, obesity, lack of exercise, and by not being on a heartworm prevention medication.

SOLUTIONS - SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN. If your pet is displaying signs of heart disease (the coughing and exercise intolerance), then you must have an examination and work up to determine the root of the problem. If your pet is in obvious distress (heavy breathing, blue gums), then go right away. I always begin by treating pets with conventional medication, and add in holistic treatment. If your pet is diagnosed with heartworm then he/she can be treated with medication (Immiticide) to kill the adults immediately.

PREVENTIVE MEDICATION. If you live in a heartworm area then ensure that your pet is on heartworm prevention. The monthly tablets are very safe and effective.

FATTY ACIDS. The omega 3 fatty acids are effective in strengthening a failing heart. They make it easier for the heart to beat and decrease the severity of arrhythmias. They lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of blood clots. The best canine source is found in ground flax, at a dose of 1 tsp/cup of dog food. For cats use fish oil available in pet supply stores; give one 250mg capsule daily.

TEETH AND GUMS. Keep your pet’s teeth clean. Bacteria in the mouth will circulate in the blood stream and land on the heart valves. This alone can lead to heart failure. Clean your pet’s teeth by brushing and by being on an appropriate diet. Consider a dental cleaning if there is dental disease. This is most important for small breeds.

FIT AND TRIM. Inactive overweight pets are more likely to have heart problems. Exercise your pet twice daily and ensure that she is on a high-quality diet. The exercise will help the heart beat more efficiently, and tone the blood vessels.

ANTIOXIDANTS. These will prevent further damage to the heart muscle. The most recommended often include Vitamin E (100IU per 10 lbs), Vitamin C (100mg per 10 lbs) and Selenium (20ug per 10 lbs).

COENZYME Q. This supplement has been effective in people as an antioxidant and in decreasing damage to the heart muscle. The dose is 5mg per 10 lbs of body weight.

MAGNESIUM. It helps prevent arrhythmias and improves the ability of the heart to contract. The dose is 25mg per 10 lbs daily of body weight.

TAURINE. A supplement that can dramatically reverse cardiomyopathy in Cocker Spaniels is Taurine. The dose is 500mg three times daily.

CARNITINE. Effective in Cocker Spaniels and Boxers with dilated cardiomyopathy. The dose is 1000mg twice daily.

HERBAL HELP. Hawthorn has been shown to increase the ability of the heart to contract, as well as causing the outside blood vessels to dilate, making heart contraction easier. The dose is 2 drops per lb of body weight twice daily of the tincture.

DIRURETICS. In heart disease, fluid will accumulate in the lungs and abdomen. DANDELION is a very safe diuretic herb; give 2 drops per lb of body weight twice daily. APIS is a homeopathic treatment for excess fluid; give 30C twice daily.

ACCUPRESSURE. This can help restore the energy imbalances in the body. There are 3 major points: BL13, BL14 and BL15, located on the third, fourth and fifth rib spaces. Press each spot for 1 minute twice daily. After 2 weeks continue to use if you see improvement in your pet. The other points listed on the cart can be worked also and will aid in fluid retention and balancing the kidneys and the liver.

To learn more about holistic treatments and natural healing strategies for pets, be sure to visit Pet Remedy Charts the ultimate guide to using herbs, homeopathy, flower remedies and acupressure in home pet health care.

Impacted Anal Glands (Sacs) - Natural Treatments

SIGNS
You see your pet scooting across the floor rubbing his/her rear end. Rover or kitty is licking their bottom more than usual. The area around the anus is swollen and inflamed.

CAUSES
Anal glands are part of your pet’s anatomy. They lay just under the anus at 5 and 8 o’clock (see image). The glands are designed to excrete a smelly fluid when your pet defecates. They give a particular scent to the stool. The glands can become blocked if your pet isn’t having regular bowel movements, or there is only a small stool volume. The problem may be more common in small dogs.

SOLUTIONS

HOW TO EXPRESS ANAL GLANDS YOURSELF. It may not be the most enjoyable job, but it is the best way to relieve the problem. First, take your pet to the bathtub and apply lukewarm water to clean his bottom. Slip into some latex exam gloves and lift your pet’s tail. The glands lay at 4 and 8 o’clock. Squeeze your thumb and forefinger together on the right side of the anus (4 o’clock) and the left side (8 o’clock). Apply moderate pressure. If nothing comes out, adjust your angle and repeat. A brownish foul-smelling fluid should come out. If this is very painful for your pet, call your veterinarian.

SOME HEAT. Soak a washcloth in Epsom salts and warm water, and hold it to your pet’s bottom for 5 minutes twice daily. If your pet will allow it, you can also put some pressure on the glands while using the compress - this may help them drain.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ANAL GLAND PROBLEMS

BULK UP. Additional dietary fiber will increase stool volume, naturally putting pressure on the anal glands, helping them empty. Good sources of fiber include Metamucil (1 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight daily), oat bran (1 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight daily), carrots (1/8 cup per 10 lbs of body weight daily) or canned pumpkin (great for cats, 1 tbsp daily).

MOVE IT. Regular exercise helps in the expression of the glands. Your pet should get at least 15 minutes of exercise twice daily.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES. Silica is a homeopathic medicine used for obstructed anal glands. The dose is 3 pellets of Silica 6C twice daily for 3-5 days.

Hepar sulph 6c can be used first if the glands are infected and prone to abscess. It will ripen the infection and help bring it to a head. The dose is 3 pellets of Hepar sulph, given twice daily for 3-5 days. Then follow the treatment with Silica (dose as recommended above). Silica will make it easier to expel the sacs contents. NOTE: Don't use both remedies together at the same time. They should be given separately as different treatments (one following the other).

CALL THE VET. If the glands remain obstructed after you have tried the above remedy suggestions call your vet. If the glands appear abscessed, see your veterinarian immediately.

For more information on natural pet healthcare visit Pet Remedy Charts

Help for Dogs Who Fear Loud Noises

Thunderphobia

Noise phobia, often manifested as excessive fear during thunderstorms, is a relatively common affliction of dogs. Sadly, it is a problem that leads some frustrated owners to drug, euthanize or give up their dogs. Many pet owners who feel that they can no longer deal with their pets fearful and sometimes destructive response to thunderstorms often abandon the animal to their local shelter. If your pet suffers from fear of loud noises, you may want to share this article. The possibility of alternative treatment options for noise phobia may save a life.

What is a Phobia?

A fear is classified as a phobia when it is out of proportion to the danger of the real situation. Phobias generally become worse, not better, with repeated exposures. Dogs with mild noise phobia may look anxious during thunderstorms, tremble, hide under the bed or stairs, and be afraid to go outside for hours after the storm has subsided. Severely afflicted pets may relieve themselves in the house, destroy carpet or furniture, attempt to break through walls or crash through windows in a frantic effort to flee the source of their fear. In addition to thunderstorms, dogs may develop noise phobic reactions to fireworks and gunshots.

Supplemental Treatments

One of the most effective treatments for thunderstorm phobia is melatonin, an over-the-counter hormone used by humans to treat insomnia.

The behavioral section at Tufts New England Veterinary Medical Center had been looking for something that would help reduce canine thunderstorm phobias when they discovered research papers on the effect of melatonin. Research indicated a positive effect of melatonin on dogs that continually lick their flanks as well as a calming effect on chickens in overcrowded conditions.

Tufts Doctors Dodman and Aronson wondered whether melatonin might work on noise phobic dogs. The first dog in the study was Dr. Aronson's own Bearded Collie who had severe thunder phobia after lightening struck close to her home. The effect of the melatonin was dramatic. The dog simply stopped being anxious and afraid instead of frantically pacing the house and digging at the carpets. The melatonin did not put her to sleep, she stayed and alert -- just not bothered by the thunder.

Drs. Dodman and Aronson then gave the melatonin to other dogs and produced the same result. Melatonin worked for other noise fears (one dog was afraid of songbirds) including fireworks!

Melatonin is sold in capsules and tablets in health food stores, pharmacies and online. It is sold in doses as low as 200 micrograms (mcg.). For most dogs (medium to large), Aronson prescribes 3 milligrams (mg.) For smaller dogs that weigh less than 30 pounds, 1.5 mg was the dose. Although they have not treated any tiny dogs for phobias, Aronson recommends reducing the dosage further for them.

We strongly advise you to comparison shop and read the labels on melatonin bottles carefully. Some are mixed with herbs or nutrients that may not be safe for dogs. Make sure you buy the correct dosage for the size of the animal. Keep this in mind also, there are 1,000 micrograms (mcg.) in a milligram (mg.) so a 200 mcg. pill contains only 1/15 of the amount recommended for a large dog.

Because melatonin is not regulated by any federal agency, the quality varies greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. If an inferior product is administered, it may not be effective in calming a dog whereas a higher quality product might be. You should purchase the product from a supplier you trust and believe to carry the highest quality.

If thunderstorms are predicted you can give your dog melatonin in advance because it remains effective for several hours. Otherwise, give it when thunder seems imminent. Give melatonin immediately when you see your dog becoming agitated. If your dog has autoimmune disease or severe liver or kidney disease, check with your veterinarian before giving melatonin.

Homeopathic Remedies

A solution that is very safe, enexpensive and quite effective for most dogs is the homeopathic remedy Phosphorus 30c. The remedy picture is of a dog who is easily startled. They are excitable, restless, fidgety. OVERLY-sensitive to external impressions. Fearfulness as if something were creeping out of every corner. Fear of thunderstorms, electrical changes, loud noises. They like a lot of company. They may have palpitations and a desire to drink cool water frequently. The animal may feel BETTER for, being in a dark place; lying on right side; cold food; open air; sleep. The animal may feel WORSE? from touch; exertion (both mental and physical); evening; warm food or drink; change of weather.

Aconite 30c: This remedy may be called for after the thunderstorm or fireworks are over, if the dog is still in a state of shock. The animal may show signs of being unusually thirsty. A dog in an Aconite state feels fear and anxiousness with every situation no matter how trivial. Feels he is going to die; fears death; crowds. Has restlessness. Extreme anxiety, salivation, strong heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and shaking.

For Homeopathic Acute Dosage Guidelines for pets see this blog post:

http://petremedycharts.blogspot.com/2009/05/giving-remedy.html

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Prescription Drug Medications

Most veterinary prescriptions drugs do not help a dog recover from noise phobia or prevent a negative reaction the next time he hears the sound. About all you end up with is scared dog that is too drugged to run. However, sometimes this is the only option for the owners of dogs who cannot be helped by an other treatments.

The latest preferred medication is clomipramine (Clomicalm) which has been approved by the FDA for treating separation anxiety in dogs. This is closely related to amitriptyline, a drug that has had beneficial results on thunder-phobic dogs. Both drugs work to correct the balance of the level of chemicals called neurotransmitters in the brain. Unfortunately, some drugs do have side effects and to get the fullest benefit, thunder-phobic dogs must take anti-anxiety medications from the beginning of the stormy season and extending through the season's duration.

Consult your veterinarian for advice.

NSAID Drugs and Natural Alternatives for Pets

Veterinary NSAIDs Approved for Use In Dogs:

ETOGESIC (etodolac)

RIMADYL (carprofen)

METACAM (meloxicam)

DERAMAXX (deracoxib)

PREVICOX (firocoxib)

ZUBRIN (tepoxalin)

NOVOX (carprofen)

What are NSAIDs?

NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to control the symptoms of arthritis, including inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Inflammation is the bodys natural response to irritation or injury and is characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, chemicals produced by the body that cause inflammation. Some NSAIDs may also be used to control post-surgical pain.

NSAID Side Effects

Despite the FDA's stamp of approval a drug's risks may not be fully known until the drug is widely sold. Some NSAID side effects can be serious or life threatening. Common side effects seen with the use of NSAIDs in dogs may affect the kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract and may include:

Not eating or eating less

Lethargy, depression, changes in behavior

Vomiting

Diarrhea, black tarry colored stool

Yellowing of gums, skin, or the whites of the eyes

Changes in drinking habits

Changes in skin (scabs, redness, or scratching)

Kidney/Liver failure

Adverse Events

Through November 2004, the FDA received almost 13,000 adverse-event reports about Rimadyl, far more than for any other dog pain reliever.

Pfizer's database includes almost 20,000 adverse-event reports. The FDA's data include those "possibly" or "probably" linked to the drug. Adverse events for all drugs are believed to be under-reported.

Deramaxx has been used by about 1 million dogs since its 2002 launch, owner Novartis says. The FDA's data include 2,813 adverse-event reports for Deramaxx, including 630 dogs who died or were put down.

If you suspect a possible side effect to a NSAID medication, STOP giving the drug to your dog and call your veterinarian immediately!

Natural Alternatives to NSAIDs

Why not look into natural options such as Cosequin, Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Green Lipped Sea Mussel Extract, Glycoflex, Cartiflex. Alert: dogs with diabetes should not take glucosamine, which is in Cosequin and many other holistic formulations. We have seen exceptional results using high grade human herbal products for dogs with osteoarthritis. To easily calculate dosages from human products for dog or cat use we recommend "Pet Remedy Charts" Herbs to the Rescue for Dogs or Herbs to the Rescue for Cats.

Turmeric / Curcumin

The rhizome (root) of turmeric ( Curcuma longa Linn.) a popular cooking spice, has long been used in traditional Asian medicine to relieve arthritic pain. Laboratory and animal research has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, enhances wound healing, prevents platelet aggregation, lipoxygenase inhibitor, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties of turmeric and its constituent curcumin. Potential interactions: Based on animal studies, turmeric's blood thinning properties may cause problems in patients taking blood thinning drugs (warfarin). Turmeric should be stopped prior to scheduled surgery. Turmeric may lower blood sugar and should be used with caution in animals being treated for diabetes or hypoglycemia. Powdered turmeric can be given in capsule form or mixed into food. To easily calculate dosages for natural remedies we recommend using "Pet Remedy Charts."