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 one-quarter 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 allnatural, 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 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.

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, nontoxic, 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.

Merrill-Intuitive Animal Communicator

Calendar Of Events

The events described in this section were scheduled to take place at the time we went to press. Please check ahead to confirm their status.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

Tarot Time – 7-8pm. For new, intermediate and experienced tarot readers. If you still do not have the confidence to read strangers, this is your opportunity. Everyone gets a free reading while tuning in to their skills and intuition. $5. House of Spirits Mystical Botanika, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 239-362-0628. HouseOfSpiritsShop.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

Sound Bath – 4:45-6pm. Also Mar 19. With harmonic alignment. Relax and recharge yourself through the healing vibrations of seven crystal singing bowls, Native American flute, drumming, Koshi chimes, singing, toning and more. $35/person. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com. See ad, page 15.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Orientation and 8-Wk Class – Mar 8 -May 3. 6-8:30pm. With Anne Louise Kracmer. $300/ nonmember, $225/member. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2, Ft Myers. Register: 941888-0116. CaloosahatcheeMindfulness.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

Goddess Circle – 7-8:30pm. With Pam Bzoch. This month, we will be honoring the Welsh Goddess Arianrhod. Connect with the divine feminine and like-minded sisters. This circle will often include meditation and ritual. $25. The Mystical Moon Bonita Springs, 8951 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Ste 255, Bonita Springs. RSVP: 239-301-0655. TheMysticalMoon.com. See ad, page 4.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

Psychic Fair – 5-8pm. Mini-readings with experienced psychics and healers. Services include mediumship, tarot, reiki, angel, past-life, chakra balancing, intuitive, body scanning, oracle and more. $30/20 mins. Goddess I AM 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com. See ad, page 35.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

Illuminate Fort Myers – 10am-5pm. Exhibitors may include aura photography, bodywork, energy work, including reiki, original art, vetted intuitive readers, crystals, essential oils, handmade jewelry and gift items, luxurious spa products and more. Free admission, free workshops, low-cost services. Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Dr, Fort Myers. IlluminateFestivals.com. See ad on page 41 and news brief on page 11. Breathwork comes to Marco Island – 12-2:30pm. Global Unified Breathing session is about coming together and learning through experiencing the power of own breath, the importance of breathing properly, using your breath as a self-healing tool. $35. Massage and Holistic Healing of Marco Island, 559 E Elkcam Cir, Marco Island. 586-294-0964. GlobalUnifiedBreathing.com.

Messages from Heaven – 2-4pm. Sandy Alemian will bring through messages from spirit for audience members. You’ll laugh, you may cry; you’ll be reminded that love never dies. $40. Goddess I AM 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

Light Code Activations – 9-10:30am. Channeled energy, activations and messages. These activations can be shortcuts to ease and grace, healing and prosperity. $22. Goddess I AM 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

Illuminate Punta Gorda – 10am-5pm. Exhibitors may include aura photography, bodywork, energy work, including reiki, original art, vetted intuitive readers, crystals, essential oils, handmade jewelry and gift items, luxurious spa products and more. Free admission, free workshops, low-cost services. Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda. IlluminateFestivals.com.

Breathwork comes to Marco Island – 12-2:30pm. Global Unified Breathing session is about coming together and learning through experiencing the power of own breath, the importance of breathing properly, using your breath as a self-healing tool.

$35. Massage and Holistic Healing of Marco Island, 559 E Elkcam Cir, Marco Island. 586-294-0964. GlobalUnifiedBreathing.com.

Sports Performance Workshop for Tennis Players & Golfers – 1-3pm. Based on the Amrit Desai Method of integrated yoga blended with breakthroughs in the neurosciences, Peggy Sealfon shares empowering techniques from ancient yogic methods to cutting-edge re-patterning that heightens performance. $35/advance, $40/day of. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Reiki Healing Circle – 5-6pm. Experience an atmosphere of healing while using reiki energy to remove blockages by balancing the many chakra energy channels. Great for healing emotional and physical pain; non-invasive. $10. Goddess I AM 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

Breathwork comes to Marco Island – 7-9pm. Join us for an evening of clearing, rejuvenation and cleansing. Experience more energy and ease within the body. This is an introduction into the power of your own breath. $35. Massage and Holistic Healing of Marco Island, 559 E Elkcam Cir, Marco Island. 586-294-0964. GlobalUnifiedBreathing.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 16

An Evening with Ultra-Dimensional Beings of Light – 7-8:30pm. Feel the love, feel the healing and be illuminated during this channeling event. A vibrational shift, a gift from their dimension to ours. Space limited. $25. The Mystical Moon Bonita Springs, 8951 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Ste 255, Bonita Springs. RSVP: 239-301-0655. TheMysticalMoon.com.

Breathwork comes to Marco Island – 7-9:30pm. Global Unified Breathing session is about coming together and learning through experiencing the power of own breath, the importance of breathing properly, using your breath as a self-healing tool. $35. Massage and Holistic Healing of Marco Island, 559 E Elkcam Cir, Marco Island. 586-294-0964. GlobalUnifiedBreathing.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 17

Tibetan Bowls Meditation – 7-8pm. Tibetan sound bowls promote relaxation and powerful healing properties. The sound waves (vibrations) from the bowls act on the energy field of your body and cause you to relax. $15. House of Spirits Mystical Botanika, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. 239-362-0628. HouseOfSpiritsShop.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

Mystic Faire – 10am-6pm. Annual gathering of psychics, healers, artists, product vendors and more for its 19th year. Food court available. $5, free/12 & under. Etudes Dance Studio, 3285 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples. 239-949-3387. MysticFaires.com. See ad on page 22 and news brief on page 10.

Psychic Fair – 11am-4pm. Mini-readings with experienced psychics and healers. Services include mediumship, tarot, reiki, angel, past-life, chakra balancing, intuitive, body scanning, oracle and more. $30/20 min. Goddess I AM 600 Goodlette Rd N, Naples. 239-228-6949. GoddessIAM.com. See ad, page 35.

The Sacred Feminine & The Sacred Masculine: The Truth About Biology, Energy and Relationships – 1-8pm. With Barbara Segura, of Limitless Light. Class explores feminine and masculine energy and the physiology that drives behavior. Learn the truth of how your brain and your energy work and how they impact your relationships. $250. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com. See ad, page 15.

SUNDAY, MARCH 19

Spiritual Friends Gathering – 9am-12pm. With Maggie Stevens and Ken Laszczych. Free. Lakes Park, Pavilion A3. 941-888-0116. CaloosahatcheeMindfulness.org.

Spiritual Freedom Here and Now – 1-4pm. An afternoon of spiritual exploration. Talks, stories, music and interactive discussion. Eckankar of SW Florida, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 155, Ft Myers. 239-482-4034. Meetup.com/eckankarinfortmyers. See ad on page 27 and news brief on page 8. Sound Bath – 4:45-6pm. With harmonic alignment. Relax and recharge yourself through the healing vibrations of seven crystal singing bowls, Native American flute, drumming, Koshi chimes, singing, toning and more. $35/person. Love Yoga Center,

4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com. See ad, page 15.

FRIDAY, MARCH 24

Reiki Circle – 7-8:30pm. With Pam Bzoch. Reiki energy set within a circle allows the circle to become a sacred space of deep healing. March will focus on the third eye chakra, responsible for intuition and psychic sight. $25. The Mystical Moon Bonita Springs, 8951 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Ste 255, Bonita Springs. RSVP: 239-301-0655. TheMysticalMoon.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

Metaphysical Fair – 10am-3pm. Skilled and experienced practitioners of tarot, animal communication, body balancing, intentional manifesting, acupuncture, psych k and reiki offer mini-sessions. Shop the vendor tables, enjoy healthy snacks, laugh and celebrate in the outdoor play area, and attend free classes. Center for Spiritual Living, 406 SE 24th Ave, Cape Coral. CSLCapeCoral.org.

Psychic Fair – 10am-4pm. Choose from our professional, gifted psychics and readers. Services include tarot readings, clairvoyance, mediumship, soul chart progression session, chakra cleansings, reiki and BioMat sessions. Readings also available over the phone. $25/25 mins. House of Spirits Mystical Botanika, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. RSVP: 239-362-0628. HouseOfSpiritsShop.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

Spring Rebirth Immersion – With DamaDé and Kaya Leigh. Love Yoga Center, 4949 Tamiami Tr N, Ste 204, Naples. 239-692-9747. LoveYogaCenter.com.

Plan Ahead

THURSDAY, APRIL 6

Sol y Luna Tantric Shamanic Festival – Apr 6-9. Sol y Luna is an immersion where we learn to master self-acceptance, self-love and self-allowing. It’s a safe gathering for learning, practicing, and embodying tantric shamanic practices. $575 general admission; 10% off with code SOLYLUNA10. H’OM, 25100 SW 153rd Ave, Homestead. SolyLunaFestival.com.

Ongoing Events

Daily

Enhancing Cognition Program: Hope for Memory Loss, Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Dementia and Parkinson’s – Ready for powerful breakthroughs in preventing, stopping and reversing cognitive decline? Our new program is based on 30+ yrs of medical research addressing all 8 causes of decline. Lotus Blossom Clinic: 239-277-1399. LotusBlossomClinic.com.

Thermography Clinic – This non-invasive diagnostic tool creates a digital map of your body that illustrates heat patterns that may detect the inflammation connected to a disease or abnormality. Lisa Mack offers various scans, including breast and full body. To schedule: LotusBlossomThermography. youcanbook.me. See ad on page 20 and news brief on page 9.

Tutankhamun: Return of the King Exhibit – Thru Mar. Closed Tues. Depicts the enigmatic, opulent age of 18th-dynasty Egypt. The pharaoh’s sacred and personal possessions reconstruct Tutankhamun’s reign and the historic discovery of the tomb. IMAG History & Science, 2000 Cranford Ave, Fort Myers. 239-243-0043. theIMAG.org.

monday tuesday wednesday

Free Weekly Ear Acupuncture Clinics – 1-5pm. Also Tues & Wed (see listings below). With Members of Acupuncturists Without Borders. Treatments to relieve pain and stress on a weekly basis. Frozen Flip Flop Yogurt Shop, 10191 Stringfellow Rd, Ste 3, St. James City. AcuWithoutBorders.org. See news brief, page 10.

Free Weekly Ear Acupuncture Clinics – 3-6pm. See Mon listing. House of Spirits Mystical Botanika, 12995 S Cleveland Ave, Ste 108, Ft Myers. AcuWithoutBorders.org. See news brief, page 10.

Book Club – Thru Mar 29. 10-11:30am. With Helen Leddy. Free/members. Zoom. Register: 941-8880116. CaloosahatcheeMindfulness.org.

Free Weekly Ear Acupuncture Clinics – 1-5pm. See Mon listing. North Fort Myers Church of the Nazarene, 6781 Bayshore Rd, N Ft Myers. AcuWithoutBorders.org.

Sangha Midweek Meditation – 6-7pm. With Anne thursday friday saturday

Louise Kracmer. Free. Zoom. Register: 941-8880116. CaloosahatcheeMindfulness.org.

A Search for God Edgar Cayce Study Group –6-8pm. Weekly study group meeting based on the Edgar Cayce readings. New members welcome. Free. Unity of Fort Myers Sanctuary, 11120 Ranchette Rd, Ft Myers. 850-556-7604. JaneSelman@ gmail.com. UnityOfFortMyers.org.

Tai Chi – 11am-12pm. With Dee: Experience readily available “Qi” (life force) through guided breathing and gentle, graceful movement. All levels welcome: $15. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2, Ft Myers. Register: 570-417-9823. LotusBlossomClinic.com.

Crystal Bowl Sound Healing – 6:45-7:45pm. Experience the healing power of sound vibration while the frequencies of quartz crystal singing bowls reverberate through the body, bringing it back into a state of harmonic resonance, promoting deep relaxation and healing. $15. Lotus Blossom Clinic, 6710 Winkler Rd, Ste 2, Ft Myers. 239-2771399. Register: JennyLotusBlossom@gmail.com. LotusBlossomClinic.com.

Meditation – Thru Mar. 10am & 5pm. With Maggie Stevens. Free. Zoom. Register: 941-888-0116. CaloosahatcheeMindfulness.org.

Sound Healing – 1-4pm. With Alyssa. nuYou Naples, 3415 Radio Rd, Ste 101, Naples. 239-2850094. nuYouNaples.com.

Live Music – 6-9pm. Rotating list of local artists entertain guests in the courtyard. Free. Food & Thought, 2132 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. 239-2132222. FoodAndThought.com.

Crystal Bowl Meditation – 6:30-7:30pm. 1st, 2nd & 3rd Fri. With Laurie Barraco. Unwind and de-stress. Align your chakras. $15. The Mystical Moon Bonita Springs, 8951 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Ste 255, Bonita Springs. RSVP: 239-301-0655. TheMysticalMoon.com.

Live Music – 6-9pm. Rotating list of local artists entertain guests in the courtyard. Free. Food & Thought, 2132 Tamiami Tr N, Naples. 239-2132222. FoodAndThought.com.