living well | HOLISTIC TREATMENTS FOR PETS
The Natural Touch By Karon Warren | Photography courtesy of chewshappiness.com
Holistic treatments for pets may be the right course of action, but be sure to discuss with professionals first. Any pet owner will tell you that pets are a part of the family, so it’s no wonder they want us to treat them like family. That means providing the best care possible to keep them healthy. And, just like with many of us humans, many pet owners are taking a more natural approach to pet care. These include using natural foods to alleviate certain conditions, employing such techniques as acupuncture and aromatherapy to provide both physical and mental relief, and supplementing their diet with coconut oil. Natural foods provide natural relief A common problem due to disease, infection or parasites, diarrhea is as unpleasant for your dog as it is for you. While you should always talk to your veterinarian before implementing any treatment for diarrhea, pumpkin could help reduce the problem. This fiber-rich food can absorb water, adding bulk to your pet’s stool, according to the American Kennel Club. 18 DeSoto
Another food that can help with not only diarrhea but also deliver good digestive health is goat’s milk, says Carolyn Reeder, store manager at Hollywood Feed, a natural and holistic pet food merchant in Oxford (with locations also in Southaven and Olive Branch). Goat’s milk contains probiotics and prebiotics, which can help ease stomach discomfort when switching foods for your pet, Reeder explains. Elderberry and honey can boost your pet’s immune system, Reeder says. Using an immune health system such as Prudence Absolute Immune Health can help your pet stay healthy and free of digestive distress. While garlic has been said to help keep fleas away from cats and dogs, Reeder doesn’t recommend it. In fact, she says some dogs are allergic to garlic. Likewise, while some say cranberry juice can help bladder infections in cats, Reeder says it will be hard to get them to drink it. The better choice, she says, is ample water. Cats don’t routinely drink much water on their own, Reeder explains, but if you make it attractive, such
