Natural Remedies for Pets

SEVEN NON-TOXIC TREATMENTS FOR COMMON AILMENTS

by Karen Shaw Becker, DVM

Natural remedies and healing therapies are not just for humans, they also help pets overcome illness and maintain optimal health. Used properly, plants, herbs, essential oils and other natural, non-toxic substances can complement and often replace drugs and other chemical agents. Here are seven healthful solutions.

Coconut oil is a source of medium-chain triglycerides, which benefit cognitive function. It is also rich in lauric acid, a powerful antimicrobial agent for yeast infections, allergies and skin conditions (when used topically). Feed dogs and cats onequarter teaspoon of 100 percent organic, coldpressed, human-grade coconut oil for every 10 pounds of the pet’s body weight twice daily.

Manuka honey is an all-natural, effective remedy. Clinical trials have shown that it can eradicate hundreds of strains of bacteria, including certain antibiotic-resistant varieties. A

Unique Manuka Factor rating of 10 or higher is recommended for medicinal use. Manuka honey can be used to manage resistant ear and skin infections, as well as large, superficial wounds that cannot be closed surgically. Given orally, manuka honey is effective at addressing H. pylori, the bacteria that contributes to gastrointestinal irritation, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and excessive E. coli blooms in animals with dysbiosis.

Aloe vera has multiple applications. To reduce a dog’s discomfort from skin irritations, cuts or wounds, clean the affected area and apply the raw, inner gel of the plant to provide a soothing effect. For constipation, a small amount of whole leaf aloe vera juice, a natural laxative, can be added to a dog’s food. Inner leaf aloe juice, which doesn’t contain the skin, helps heal gastric ulcers, colitis and leaky gut.

Lavender oil is used in aromatherapy to help calm nervous or anxious animals. For a dog with noise phobia, place a solstizia/AdobeStock.com few drops on their collar or bedding before a stressor occurs, if possible, or diffuse the oil around the house for a calming effect. Lavender oil can also be beneficial for treating hot spots. Add a few drops to manuka honey or coconut oil and apply after disinfecting the wound twice daily.

Meet sweet Pearl. She is a 2-y-o beagle-hound mix. Residing in St. Pete with her human mate Nate, we’re told that she loves to play catch. We think she’s adorable.

Email your favorite pet picture to Debbey at dwilson@natampa.com.

Oregano oil contains potent antibacterial and anti-parasitic properties. It can be used to calm itchy skin, soothe irritated gums and assist in balancing a dog’s gut flora. It is also a beneficial herb for dogs with kennel cough or recurrent infections. Oregano oil should always be diluted before using it in or on pets.

Ginger is a widely used, non-toxic, non-irritating remedy for soothing tummy troubles. It can be given orally or used in oil form by adding a few drops to a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, and massaging the mixture into the skin on the pet’s belly. Alternatively, add small amounts of freshly grated ginger or the dry herb to a tasty meatball or other yummy treat. Use no more than one-sixteenth teaspoon for kitties, one-eighth teaspoon for small dogs under 10 pounds, one-quarter teaspoon for medium-sized dogs, one-half teaspoon for large dogs and three-quarter to one teaspoon for giant breeds. Give the ginger one to three times a day, as needed.

Chamomile is an effective calming agent that has analgesic and anti-spasmodic properties and is beneficial in soothing the central nervous system. Use a cool chamomile tea bag against a wound, irritation or bug bite on the dog’s or cat’s skin to provide a soothing effect. Something else to consider is a soothing chamomile after-bath rinse. Add five chamomile tea bags to two quarts of very hot water and steep until the water is cool for up to three hours to allow the maximum amount of polyphenols to release into the water. Remove the tea bags and pour the rinse over a freshly bathed pet from the neck down. Massage into the skin and do not rinse.

Veterinarian Dr. Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their pets. To learn more, visit DrKarenBecker.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

Macramé with Valerie - Noon-2 pm. Learn how to make a macramé plant hanger and take it home. $10. Bohemian Gypsea, 12 West Orange St., Tarpon Springs, 727-853-5091.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7

Full Moon Ceremony - 6:30-8:30pm. Join Jessica for a Yin Yoga class in the Garden and under the moon with meditation and a crystal gift. No experience necessary. $25. Bohemian Gypsea, 12 West Orange St., Tarpon Springs, 727-853-5091.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

Vision Board Workshop - 1-3pm. Join Kathleena Pirro, reverend and life coach, for an inspirational session on how to make a vision board that will change your life. $11. Bohemian Gypsea, 12 West Orange St., Tarpon Springs, 727-853-5091.

Medical Hypnotherapy Specialty Certification

(Online) - 1-6pm. Prerequisite: 200 hours prior hypnosis training. Patricia V. Scott, PhD, Certified Master Trainer for the International Medical & Dental Hypnotherapy Association, teaches medical applications to work with referrals. Dates: March 1112 & 25-26; April 15-16 & 29-30 (plus practicums and exams). Certification Fee: $795 or $695 (IMDHA/ UPHI Member). UPHypnosis.com.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15

Free Hypnosis-NLP Webinar: Improve Focus, Concentration & Memory - 7:30-8:30pm. Interactive webinar with Certified Master Trainer, Patricia V. Scott, PhD. With 30+ years of experience as a Medical Hypnotherapist & NLP Master Practitioner and Trainer, Patti shares practical, easy-to-use techniques with Q&A (usually held 3rd Weds. monthly w/ various topics). Register by 5pm for log-in details: 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 17

Drum Circle with Jake - 6:30-? Join us for highvibing community energy, from 6:30 till the energy slows. Everyone welcome! Free. Bohemian Gypsea, 12 West Orange St., Tarpon Springs, 727-853-5091.

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

Healing Essential Oils Workshop with Ginger - 1-2pm. Join this informative event to learn how to heal, relax and focus using essential oils. Optional purchase: custom oil blend to fit your needs in a glass roller ball with crystals to add high frequency energy. Free Class. Optional custom blend is $10. Bohemian Gypsea, 12 West Orange St., Tarpon Springs, 727-853-5091.

Hypnosis International Certification Begins - Receive 3 certifications: International Association of Counselors & Therapists, UPHI & IHF, with Patricia V. Scott, PhD (Certified Master Trainer). Training “live” (Oldsmar) and/or online (Zoom). Learn basic & advanced techniques, medical uses, regression, parts-integration, time-line techniques, smoking cessation, weight/diet control, NLP & more. Certification Fee: $3395 or $3095 (IACT/UPHI Member). Full details, 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis.com

Plan Ahead

Mark Your Calendar

Sol y Luna Tantric Shamanic Festival

A four-day retreat experience with a festival vibe to heal, transform and learn how to create meaningful relationships and intimacy. Sol y Luna is an immersion where we learn to master self-acceptance, self-love, and self-allowing. Sol y Luna is a safe gathering for learning, practicing, and embodying Tantric Shamanic practices

April 6th - 9th 2003

HOM, 25100 SW 153rd Ave, Homestead, 33032 Learn from 25 Relationship and Intimacy Experts. SolyLunaFestival.com $575, 10% off with.code SOLYLUNA10.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19

Ayahuasca Awakening - April 19-22. Partake in a sacred ayahuasca ceremony to heal from human suffering and connect to the divine wisdom and truth within. Receive personal guidance to prepare the mind, body and soul for the ceremony; a two-day ayahuasca ceremony in Colombia with shamans and healers with 40-plus years of experience; three months of guided integration and support following the ceremony. $2,779.00/retreat, guided preparation, and supported integration. To schedule a free consultation, visit AdAstraAwakening.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 20

Awakening Conference with Dr. Michael Beckwith & Dr. Carlton Pearson - April 20-23. Join First Unity Spiritual Campus and Reverend Jon Scott for our Awakening Conference, Rising into Consciousness This life-changing event will include inspirational speakers, entertainment and a marketplace to nourish your body and soul. 460 46th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. For registration and vendor participation info, 727527-2222, FirstUnity.org/Awakening.

SATURDAY, MAY 6

17th Annual National Herb Day Celebration10am-4pm. Local herbalists and lovers of herbal medicines celebrate the importance of plants in health. Open to public and hosted by Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies and Traditions School of Herbal Studies, enjoy wholesome food, medicinal plant and herb vendors, with lectures hourly. 2520 Central Ave., St. Pete. 727-249-1174, acuHerbals.com, TraditionsHerbSchool.com, HerbDay.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

Ayahuasca Awakening - July 19-22. Partake in a sacred ayahuasca ceremony to heal from human suffering and connect to the divine wisdom and truth within. Receive personal guidance to prepare the mind, body and soul for the ceremony; a twoday ayahuasca ceremony in Colombia with shamans and healers with 40-plus years of experience; three months of guided integration and support following the ceremony. $2,779.00/retreat, guided preparation, and supported integration. To schedule a free consultation, visit AdAstraAwakening.com

Ongoing Events

SUNDAY

Sunday Celebration Services - 11am. Unity Palm Harbor is building a beautiful community. Join in for uplifting, heart-centered celebration every Sunday. 1960 Tampa Rd., Palm Harbor, 727-784 7911, UnityOfPalmHarbor.org

Restorative Yoga - 7pm. Awaken and heal through contemplative self-awareness and personalized instruction, facilitated by Intuitive Healer Ronni Ford. $15 Drop-in rate with a reservation. RonniFordyeh@gmail.com

MONDAY

Yoga - 6pm (also Tues., Thurs., Fri., Sat.) Join in on the yoga experience with our new instructor, Alexa! Having moved down from the Boston area, she is excited to bring her brand of yoga to the area. Bring your mat or use one of ours, but do come down and join in the calming world of yoga. $15/session; package alternatives available. 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park. Reserve your space, 727-346-5875.

TUESDAY

Meditation Practice & Study Group - 6:30-8pm. Tuesdays & Sundays. For beginners & experienced. Join Dr. Castellani in his integral awareness approach to effortless meditation, melding methods of Mantra, Mindfulness & Core-consciousness Awareness. $5/class. 809 S. Hillcrest Ave., Clearwater. Info 716-816-5464.

WEDNESDAY

A Course in Miracles Study Group -10am. Unity Palm Harbor, 1960 Tampa Rd., Palm Harbor, 727784 7911, UnityOfPalmHarbor.org

Feldenkrais with Bonnie K - 11am. Online! Awareness through Movement classes: Lessons (in chairs/ on floor) are designed to quiet non-working habitual patterns, invite you into a process for learning and offer experiences for more efficient movement. Ongoing classes-movement lessons w/replays. More info, 941-360-2248, FeldenkraisInSarasota. com. Register, FeldenkraisinSarasota.com/SarasotaClasses-Feldenkrais/

Yoga Session: Hatha Yoga with a Therapist -6:307:30ish pm. Join Elizabeth Rice, LCSW ACE CFI, for a yoga session that will not only strengthen your mind-body connection, but will help you to get in deeper touch with your inner calm. Space is limited, reserve now. $15/per session. 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park. 727-346-5875.

Gong Meditation and Sound Journey - 7pm. (2nd Weds. monthly) Facilitated by Gregg Akin, Sound Healer. Unity Palm Harbor, 1960 Tampa Rd., Palm Harbor, 727-784 7911, UnityOfPalmHarbor.org

THURSDAY

Psychic Playground - (2 nd & 4 th Thursdays) 6-7:30pm. Join Anna-Victoria to develop your psychic talents. $25. The Violet Butterfly, 35154 US Hwy 19 North, Palm Harbor, 727-386-4535, TheVioletButterflymhc.com

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