Alternative and holistic medicines - what’s new, what works, what doesn't
Tuesday Jul 27, 2010, 12:00PM - 01:00PM (EST)
Veterinarian
American Pet Institute
, Chagrin Falls, OH
Join us on Tuesday, July 27th from noon to 1pm (EDT), as veterinary expert Carol Osborne, DVM, from the Veterinary News Network answers your personal pet health questions during a live Pet Health Chat. Dr. Osborne will be online to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date pet health information. Topics might range from alternative and holistic medicines, what’s new, what works, what does not work, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments or, guests are welcome to ask specific questions about their pet’s serious medical conditions such as cancer, aging related illness, or other pet related issues.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Tip #3: Diamatoceous earth is a natural remedy to help prevent fleas outside of your home.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
It consist of nematodes that naturally repel fleas.
sk123:
My 6 year old dogs are on a holistic pet food - Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul. What is the difference between an organic pet food and a holistic one? Would you recommend switching to an organic brand? If so which one?
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Dear sk123: Organic pet food by law, contains no chemicals.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
"Holistic Pet Food" is a marketing term and means nothing, as does the phrase "Natural Pet Food" which is another marketing term that does not guarantee anything with respect to the ingredients or their quality.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Since the 2004 and 2007 menu pet food recalls, which involved multiple brands of pet foods, many of the major pet food manufacturers have relabelled, renamed and repackaged their pet foods.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Do not let the fancy marketing fool you...unless it says ORGANIC on the label chemicals and other potentially toxic ingredients are likely to be part of the package.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Remember that any pet food contains ingredients that are "found on the slaughterhouse floor and considered inedible for human consumption."
CarolOsborne,DVM:
...REGARDLESS OF THE PRICE.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Homemade diets are healthly, economical and safe.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
A great homemade diet for most dogs would consist of 1/3 lean protein - sources of which include chicken, turkey, duck, veal, beef, fish or eggs.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
1/3 long-acting carbohydrates such as rice, potatoes, pasta or oatmeal and 1/3 fresh vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, carrots, asparagus, etc.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Cook the ingredients any way you like
CarolOsborne,DVM:
add a teaspoon extra virgin olive oil. The extra virgin olive oil enhances the smell and the taste and it's a great source of essential Omega 3 fatty acids.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Then remember pets like food that smells good so season it up!
CarolOsborne,DVM:
The top 3 flavors most pets enjoy are: BBQ sauce, pasta sauce and tamari sauce.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Tamari sauce is the brown sauce that Chinese carry-out comes in and you can buy a bottle of low-sodium Tamari sauce at nearly any grocery store for about a dollar or two a bottle.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
If you are concerned with for example pet allergies and prefer to feed your dogs a diet that is carbohydrate free, just change the proportions of the above diet to 50% lean protein and 50% fresh veggies.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
For cats, this is also a great diet, but remember that cats, unlike dogs and humans are "strict carnivores" - (meat eaters) therefore a great homemade diet for cats would be 80% lean protein and 20% fresh veggies.
sk123:
Is the home made diet you recommend 1/3 parts by volume or calories?
CarolOsborne,DVM:
I'm not a calorie counter - it's time consuming and laborious. This homemade diet is based on volume and proportions that you would offer your pet would be similar to those you currently feed. All pets should eat at least 2 meals per day.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
For cats about 5.5 ounces, twice per day is considered ideals.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
For dogs leave the food out for 10-15 minutes then pick it up.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
If your dog looks at you with big hungry eyes he's telling you he is still hungry
CarolOsborne,DVM:
If on the other hand, he leaves a given amount each day, chances are you're feeding the dogs too much.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Assessing your pets body weight is a great way to determine adequate feeding proportions and promote your pet's optimal health and longevity.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
You should be able to run your hands along either side of your dogs ribcage and easily feel, but not see each rib and your dog should have "a waist" which is a little tucked up area in front of your dog's hind legs.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
If you can pinch more than an inch and/or your dog has lost his waist, it's time to think about cutting back.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Before starting any pet on a diet - ALWAYS SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN!
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Flower essences and other homeopathic remedies have a definite place in Veterinary medicine. The benefit is that they either work or they do not - but they do no harm.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
If you have found an effective remedy for your cats aggression, that is wonderful. If you have not, please consider seeking the advice of a veterinary behaviorist.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Pheromes are natural substances available over-the-counter, online and through your veterinarian, that help to ease cats fears and give cats confidence.
