Pets

SlaNey PetS MOYNE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy. T: (053) 9233187, 9236674. F: (053) 9236674. E: moynevet@gmail.com

VET DIARY FOR FEBRUARY

with the Moyne Veterinary Hospital

Joe Kavanagh looks at how Nature can help us and our animals enjoy a long and vibrant life.

It's the beginning of March and the beginning of Lent in the Catholic religion. Many religions and traditions seem to incorporate a period of fasting. Even in old Celtic ways the period of fasting was honoured using the lunar and solar cycles. Easter time changes each year to coincide with the lunar calender too. It was known to the ancients that this is probably one of the best times to help detox the body. It is working with the rhythms of nature and our bodies.

These next 40 days present the perfect opportunity to help clear out the old and allow our bodies to regenerate and rejuvenate. The very same is true for our animals, helping to clear out the heaviness and sluggishness will benefit them for years to come. We think nothing of getting the car serviced, the oil, the oil filter, the air filter to keep the engine running smoothly and similar applies to ourselves and our animals. The famous horse trainer Tom Draper who trained the legendary Arkle fed all his horses dandelions and dandelion roots when they came up in the Spring. Traditionally we harvested nettles as a Spring detox and blood cleanser.

The whole concept of foraging is starting to gain momentum, gathering from our native woods and hedgerows herbs, plants and flowers that have huge curative powers. The old people used these as their medicinal chest to great avail. They were healthy strong and vital.

To enjoy a long and vibrant life we need to look to Nature as much as to other remedies for ourselves and our animals. Dandelion root helps clean the liver, the gut and promotes better absorption of nutrients as a result. Taking probiotics helps replenish the normal gut flora. Cleavers are excellent to help the much overloaded lymphatic system that works tirelessly to drain and remove toxins from our bodies. These are just some examples of safe, effective natural remedies we and our pets could be taking over these next couple of months that will help stave off the ravages of time!!

The old adage that we are what we eat is very true... Now's the time to make that change. Feeding a more natural grain free diet, less snacks etc and more healthy supplements to hopefully strengthen their immune system, digestion and overall health.

If you have any queries don't hesitate to call or drop in.

Enjoy the Spring detox... Your animals will love you for it... in time!! n

If you have a topic you’d like Joe Kavanagh to address please email Slaney News at: slaneynews@gmail.com

OPENING HOURS (6 DAYS A WEEK):

9.00am–1.00pm and 2.00pm–6.00pm Small animal clinic (please tel. for appointment): Daily 9.30–10.30am, 2.30–3.30pm, 5.00–6.00pm. 24-hour, on-call, Emergency Service: (053) 9233187.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

Full blood analysis (haematology, biochemistry) Gas anaesthetic – Digital X-rays – Ultrasound – Bioenergy Dermatological testing – Kinesiology – Prescription diets

Herbal remedies – Homeopathy – Allergy testing