Heal your dog the natural way

Heal Your Dog the Natural Way Richard Allport

B.Vet. Med., Vet.M.F.Hom., M.R.C.V.S.

Contents Introduction

7

Section One: Natural Therapies

11

Chapter 1

Aromatherapy

13

Chapter 2

Homeopathy

17

Chapter 3

Herbal Medicine

21

Chapter 4

Bach Flower Remedies

26

Chapter 5

Acupuncture

29

Chapter 6

Minor Therapies

33

Chapter 7

A Healthy Life

46

Section Two: Common Diseases and Conditions

61

Chapter 8

Emergencies

62

Chapter 9

Skin

72

Chapter 10 Ears and Eyes

80

Chapter 11

90

Respiratory System

Chapter 12 Cardiovascular System

96

Chapter 13 Endocrine System

101

Chapter 14 Musculo-skeletal System

106

Chapter 15 Nervous System

118

Chapter 16 Digestive System

123

Chapter 17 Urinary System

137

Chapter 18 Female Reproductive System

142

6

Heal Your Dog the Natural Way Chapter 19 Male Reproductive System

149

Chapter 20 Cancer

152

Chapter 21 Parasites

155

Chapter 22 Specific Infections

160

Chapter 23 Behaviour

162

Appendix: List of abbreviated homeopathic terms Index

171 172

Introduction

A

S MODERN medicine increases in complexity, as scientific knowledge grows more all-encompassing and as technology becomes more high-powered, can there still be a place for the old remedies in the treatment of disease?

With so many new drugs and a multitude of revolutionary techniques available, what need can there be for the healing power of herbs, for the holistic approach of homeopathy, or for the ancient art of acupuncture?

There are many disadvantages to the use of drugs in conventional medicine. New drugs often need to be produced because diseases have developed a resistance to their predecessors, and these are inordinately expensive to research, produce, test and license. Side effects from their use are ever-present, and the new drugs often simply do not work effectively. Arthritis, eczema, disorders of the immune system and colitis (inflammation of the colon) are just a handful of the common diseases that still remain incurable as far as modern medicine is concerned.

Richard Allport and Rosie.

8

Heal Your Dog the Natural Way It is no wonder that there has been a change in our attitudes to the traditional remedies. No longer are they dismissed as folklore and old wives’ tales, as all over the world we are rediscovering the health-giving, healing powers of therapies that have for centuries been safe and effective. The very fact that herbal treatments, homeopathy and acupuncture, along with numerous other therapies, are currently enjoying a resurgence is a tribute to our growing awareness that natural medicines have a great deal to offer.

Many people would agree with these sentiments so far. But for dogs? Can acupuncture cure an Afghan, or homeopathy help a husky? The answer is yes. This book aims to show how natural medicines are as applicable to our canine friends as they are to us, by explaining which medicines and therapies are beneficial for which conditions, and by outlining in simple terms the best approaches to their use. Another great advantage of natural therapies is that, although some treatments (such as acupuncture) must be carried out by a qualified practitioner, many other techniques are simple to learn and can be undertaken by any dog owner at home, with little effort or expense. Indeed, some treatments – such as aromatherapy massage with fragrant essential oils – may be a pleasurable experience for owner and dog alike!

All you will need in order to find this book of practical help is an open mind, an interest in health – and, of course, a dog.

Using this book The first section of this book, Natural Therapies, explores the five main therapies commonly used to treat dogs ­– aromatherapy, homeopathy, herbal medicine, Bach flowers and acupuncture – and then looks at various lesser-used, ‘minor’ therapies.

With the main therapies, information is given on their origins and development, on what kind of problems should respond to them, and on how the medicines should be used to achieve the best results. A case history to illustrate the effectiveness of each therapy is included. There is also a short description of each minor therapy, with advice on its application. It is important to follow the instructions carefully, as natural remedies are not automatically completely safe – in aromatherapy, essential oils given by mouth can be toxic if given too frequently; a homeopathic remedy in the wrong potency can aggravate symptoms.

Advice is then given on how providing a suitable environment, well-chosen foods and natural supplements can help to keep a dog healthy and accelerate recovery from illness. Potential drawbacks of commercial dog foods are discussed,

Important note Before starting to use this book, please do remember one vital point: it is NOT intended to be a substitute for seeking professional veterinary assistance for your dog whenever necessary. Never try to diagnose and treat illness solely from the information in these pages. If you are ever in any doubt about your dog’s health or welfare, you must consult your vet – remember that failure to do so could put your dog’s life at risk.

Introduction

and there is a guide to feeding a home-made diet. Many natural medicines are available in tablet form, and this section ends with tips on giving tablets quickly and efficiently.

The Natural Therapies section should be used in conjunction with the second section, Common Diseases and Conditions, to ensure that the right therapy is administered in the correct way. In this second section, many of the common illnesses suffered by dogs, and the natural remedies that can be used to relieve the symptoms, are covered. It is ordered by body systems and their ailments: for example, remedies for arthritis will be found within the musculo-skeletal system section. Case studies throughout reveal the remarkable results that natural medicines can achieve.

Black Cocker Spaniel.

9

Section One

Natural Therapies

A

N OLD saying in medicine declares that there is ‘a pill for every ill’, and there is certainly no shortage of healing therapies for dogs. The aim that is common to all the natural medicines is to restore balance and equilibrium to the body – a case perhaps of ‘a remedy to restore order to every disorder’.

None of the therapies included here will have any adverse effect on conventional drugs, but you should keep your vet informed of any natural remedies that you use. Unfortunately, some conventional drugs do interfere with the effectiveness of natural medicines: homeopathic remedies and biochemical tissue salts in particular are rendered less effective by steroids and some hormones. However, essential oils, herbal medicine, and flower and gem essences normally work very well alongside conventional drugs.

Most natural therapies are compatible with each other, and it is quite acceptable and often very beneficial to use more than one at a time. The only drawback here is that it can be difficult to assess which therapy is creating the greatest improvement.

Golden Retriever check-up.

12

Heal Your Dog the Natural Way There are some exceptions: for example, homeopathic remedies and biochemical tissue salts may be adversely affected by aromatic essential oils and by strongsmelling herbs (especially Garlic); similarly, it would not be wise to follow a session of osteopathy too closely with physiotherapy treatment. However, in general, all the natural therapies are compatible and complementary. When administered in the correct dosages, natural medicines are also very safe.

All the medicines suggested should produce an obvious improvement in symptoms within the time stated. If any remedy administered in the dosage advised has no effect after a normal course, you should choose a different remedy. Of course, if your dog is suffering from an acute problem that does not respond to treatment, you must consult your vet as soon as possible.

Bouvier des Flandres.