Vaccines…A Holistic Approach to a Common Medical Procedure

The most commonly performed medical procedure for pet cats is annual immunization. For
 many years this has been a standard practice and recommendation. Over the last few years,
 new information has come to light that has caused us to question the validity of this  
recommendation. 

Following injection, inflammation results (usually as a result of the adjuvant in the medication or 
vaccine; the adjuvant is a chemical added to increase local inflammation and a more intense immune 
reaction.) The amount of chronic inflammation occurring at the site of the injection is related to the cat's
risk of developing injection site sarcoma (the more inflammation the greater the risk.)  Since vaccines
are often given annually in the same site on the cat's body, it is no surprise that risk increases with the 
number of vaccines given in 1 site. 

Not all cats will develop injection site sarcoma as a result of an injection (most cats do not develop 
injection site sarcomas despite inflammation at the injection site.)   Apparently there is some interaction
between intense inflammation and tumor oncogenes which ultimately results in tumor formation follow-
ing injections.  In fact, preliminary research has shown that sarcomas associated with vaccines had
overexpression of the c-jun gene (a gene that is related to cancer development in animals species (an
oncogene),) when compared to sarcomas not related to vaccine injection.  The working hypothesis as 
to why some rare cats develop injection site sarcomas (and most cats do not) is that something in the
injections (probably adjuvant) causes persistent inflammation at the injection site, which in some way 
stimulates the cat's oncogenes to overreact and develop tumors.  In other words, it appears that some
cats may be genetically predisposed to developing injection site sarcomas, and the inflammation
following immunization is the trigger to set this reaction in motion.

When vaccinosis occurs, holistic doctors may prescribe a homeopathic or herbal detoxification proto-
col. Many doctors use the homeopathic remedy Thuja to minimize side effects from vaccines. 

In summary, I believe the best recommendations for determining how to handle the “vaccination contro-
versy)  at this point are as follows:

 *While not perfect, titers are the only inexpensive way to assess each pet's unique vaccine needs.

*Standardized testing should be adopted, along with an agreed upon "correct" level to constitute a 
protective titer (this may be difficult, as each vaccine manufacturer would need to determine the "correct" 
level for each vaccine produced.)

*Any titer indicates the ability of the pet to respond to immunization.  The higher the titer, the greater the
antibody level at the time of the testing.  As long as the pet has protective immunity, however, vaccines
are not needed as they do not "boost" the immune system.

*Until we have more information, we probably need to use published studies by vaccine manufacturers 
showing the levels of titers that afforded vaccinated puppies and kittens protection from disease
challenge.

At this time, most holistic veterinarians use a combination of blood titers plus their knowledge of the pet's
lifestyle.  For example, an outdoor cat is at higher risk of coming in contact with cats that may transmit 
infectious diseases.  The need for this cat to be adequately immunized is greater than the cat that never
leaves the house except to go for a veterinary visit 1-2 times each year and has little chance of ever con- 
tracting an infectious disease.  In order to maximize your cat’s ability to withstand infection and disease, a
strong immune system (maintained by a healthy diet supplemented with quality nutritional supplements)
is of paramount importance.

Pets with chronic immune disorders (cancer, allergies, epilepsy, kidney disease, heart disease, liver
disease, thyroid disease, etc.) may be at increased risk for further immune damage from the unnecessary
use of chemicals such as flea products, preservatives in most commercial pet foods, and vaccines.  While
controversial, most holistic doctors, including myself,  recommend never administering vaccines to pets
with any chronic, serious disorder, especially those involving the immune system.  

Pets with mild problems (such as well controlled allergies) can probably be vaccinated safely if their
allergies are under control and titer testing indicates a need for vaccination.  This is an individual decision
as many disorders seem to appear shortly after immunization, and chronic disorders may be exacerbated 
(more itching in allergic pets, more seizures in an epileptic pet, etc.) following immunization.  While rare, 
pets in remission following a diagnosis of cancer have been known to relapse following immunization; as
a rule, most doctors do not recommend ever revaccinating pets with cancer.  Pets undergoing stress
(illness) should not be immunized.  Cats who have experienced vaccine reactions, as well as those whose
closely-related family members have a documented clinical illness following immunization should 
probably not be over-vaccinated, and possibly not vaccinated at all.  

The following recommendations seem prudent for pets that must receive vaccinations (extrapolated from
Rivera P.  Vaccinations and Vaccinosis, 

Journal AHVMA, Feb-Apr 1997, Vol 16, No 1:19-24.)

1.Only immunize healthy pets.

2.Shedding of viral particles can occur in the feces of pets vaccinated with modified-live viruses.  These 
pets should not be exposed to sick pets or unvaccinated pets for at least 2-3 weeks following immunization.

3.Consider the animal's lifestyle when deciding when to immunize and which vaccines to immunize (what
diseases is the pet most likely to encounter considering its lifestyle.)

4.Don't let vaccines substitute for proper medical care (good diet, supplements, prevention of disease via
regular dental cleanings and necessary laboratory testing.)

5.Don't vaccinate pregnant animals.

6.Don't vaccinate animals during their estrus (heat) cycles.

While controversial, there is a definite need to minimize immunizations in pets (and I also believe in people,
particularly children.) Using vaccine titers as part of a health maintenance program will help achieve this 
goal and keep your pet healthy (for a free copy of my health maintenance protocol, email me at naturalvet
@j juno.com. I can only respond to emails.)

Skinning the Cat: Understanding the Basics of Feline Skin Disease

Skin disorders are among the most common problems seen in small animal practice. While we usually
think of dogs as the species having a lot of dermatology problems, cats also have skin disorders as well.
This article will cover the basics of diagnosing and treating skin disease in cats.

Treating dogs with skin disease is usually pretty easy. A number of disorders (mange, ringworm, 
staphylococcal bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases) often present with typical appearances. This
means that simply looking at the pet allows the doctor to formulate a differential diagnosis of possible
causes and treatments. Unfortunately, the exact opposite is true with most cat skin problems:they all look
alike! Cat skin typically reacts in one of only 3 ways to most insults. The first is a condition called military
dermatitis, where tiny crusted bumps resembling millet seeds (hence the term military dermatitis) form all
over the cat’s skin (but typically over the back of the neck and back of the cat’s body.) The second reac-
tion is called alopecia, which simply means hair loss. Partial or complete loss of hair (usually arising from
the cat pulling the hair out because the cat itches but it can also arise from the hair actually falling out) is
the second common skin pattern seen in cats. Finally, eosinophilic lesions (fiery pink or red circular
lesions or patches) can occur as well.

 Depending upon the practice location, a differential diagnosis can be made in some cases. For example,
at my practice in Plano, Texas, any cat with military dermatitis, hair loss, or eosinophilic lesions is pre-
sumed to have some type of allergic disease until proven otherwise. Cats in my practice that do not
respond to allergy treatment (using herbs, homeopathics, and minimal conventional medications) require
diagnostic testing to determine the exact cause of the dermatitis and the correct therapy.

Diagnostic testing varies with the severity of the disease, response to prior therapy, and the nature of the
cat. In my practice, the following tests are often needed to allow me to properly diagnose my patients’
skin problems. A skin scraping is used to determine if mange, caused by a microscopic parasite, is 
present. A fungal culture to check for ringworm (more common in kittens, cats with underlying diseases
like leukemia and FIV, and in cats treated over long periods of time with corticosteroids) may also be
performed. Speaking of immune diseases like feline leukemia virus infection and feline immunodeficiency
virus infections, a complete blood profile should be run on all cats with chronic skin disease. Finally, cats 
whose skin disease still defies diagnosis at this point must have a surgical skin biopsy performed. In this
procedure, the cat is lightly anesthetized and 3-5 tiny pieces of skin are removed. 

The pieces are examined by a pathologist who can usually (about 99% of the time) give us the correct 
diagnosis and help formulate the proper therapy.

Once the proper diagnosis is made, a treatment plan can be developed. It is beyond the scope of this 
article to discuss treatments for skin disorders in any depth. However, the following comments should be
made as they apply to all cats with skin disease, especially chronic skin disease. 

*Feeding the proper diet is the foundation upon which any treatment begins. Simply put, your cat is what
he/she eats. Minimizing harmful byproducts and chemicals, which offer little nutrition to the cat and can
be harmful, is essential. As a result, feeding the most natural diet is the best way to go. Your holistic
veterinarian can provide a recommendation about which diet is best. Several diets I like include Nature’s 
Variety, Eagle Pack, California Naturals, Innova, Wysong, Old Mother Hubbard, and Halo.. Alternatively, 
you may wish to prepare food at home for your pet. You can find several diets in my book The Natural 
Health Bible for Dogs & Cats.

 *Minimize vaccines-New research has shown that most pets do not need annual vaccines. Also, some 
cats can develop cancer (fibrosarcoma) at the site of repeated immunizations. An alternative approach to
“annual shots” that has worked well in my practice is to use an annual blood antibody test called a titer
test to determine if and when your pet might need vaccinations. And regardless of the titer, I never vac-
cinate a cat until the skin disease has healed as I don’t want to interfere with my treatment.

*Minimize toxins-It is important that we reduce our pets’ chances of becoming infected with parasites,
 including heartworms, intestinal worms, and external parasites such as fleas and ticks. While I believe that
oral monthly heartworm preventive medication is important, even for cats (unfortunately I have not found 
any proven natural preventives,) most 

pets do NOT need annual chemical flea and tick control (Frontline, Advantage, Advantix, Revolution, 
Program, etc.) In my practice I discuss each pet’s need for parasite control and prefer natural therapies 
when needed.

*Basic Health Maintenance Supplement-I believe all cats should receive at least a basic health mainten-
ance formula as a regular supplement. My other therapies (herbs, homeopathics, nutritional supplements) 
are added to this basic supplement. The best product I have found is a product made by PetCentrx called 
Vim & Vigor Formula (www.pettogethers.net/healthypet ) In addition to the vitamins and minerals your cat 
requires, it contains other ingredients to support the immune system and connective tissues of the body. 
It also contains L-tryptophan, an amino acid which helps ensure restful sleep at night and reduces itching
in many of my allergic patients.

*All allergic pets can also benefit from omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) and a good antioxidant (I’ve had great 
success with products made by RX Vitamins for Pets called Ultra EFA and Animal Health Options called
Proanthozone.) Other supplements are added to the treatment protocol depending upon the exact cause of
the disease and your cat’s response to therapy.

Finally, drug therapy has a place in the treatment of cat skin disorders when indicated and used properly.
The safest way to use medication is to use the lowest effective dose possible, and try to wean the cat off 
the drug (when possible) as soon as feasible.

While diagnosing and treating skin disease in cats can be challenging, following the guidelines presented
in this article will make things a lot easier!

 
Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a viral disease affecting dogs of all ages, but mainly unvaccinated or partially vac-
cinated puppies. Interestingly, distemper virus is related to measles virus of people. Using this knowledge,
very young puppies may be vaccinated with a modified measles virus that allows some protection against
distemper. Depending upon location and vaccination status of the population, it is either a common
disease or a rarely seen disease. In my practice, which is located in an affluent area of town, it is very rare
for pets to develop distemper. Having said this, because I practice holistic care I see more cases of dis-
temper than I would otherwise, as owners desperately seek some type of help for 

pets with what is commonly a universally fatal disease. Other than referrals for these cases, the most
common pets in whom I see distemper are puppies adopted from the pound or purchased at local flea 
markets. Usually these pets have had no medical care and are likely to be infected with a variety of ail-
ments (distemper, parvo virus, various parasites.)

Distemper is transmitted by direct contact between a non-infected puppy and an infected animal. Contact
with respiratory (nasal, eye) secretions and discharge transmits the virus. The severity of the disease and 
the tissues infected vary with the particular strain of the virus infecting the pet and the pet's immune
system; pets with antibody titers over 1:100 typically do not develop the disease.  Typical clinical signs 
resemble those of kennel cough in the early stages of the disease, namely runny eyes and a runny nose.
As the disease progresses, the pet develops a thicker purulent (pus) discharge of the eyes and nose, and
develops a cough due to pneumonia.  Foaming at the mouth can occur as secretions accumulate in the
throat. Lack of appetite, fever, and general lethargy also occur.  Occasionally secondary skin infections
arise and resemble pimples on the abdominal skin.  The pads of the feet may thicken and become hard
(distemper is often referred to as "hard pad" disease.)  

Neurological complications, usually chomping of the jaw or seizures, develops later in the disease and is
often the reason most pets with distemper are euthanized.

Conventional Therapy:

There is no treatment for distemper, and most pets are euthanized once seizures develop.  Supportive 
care includes antibiotics, force feeding, anticonvulsants, and fluid therapy.

Natural Treatments:

Natural therapies (herbs, homeopathics, and glandular supplements) are designed to support the pet’s
immune system and help it fight off the virus. Natural therapies are usually combined with conventional 
therapies to help stabilize the pet. While I have had some cures using this integrative approach, I still tell
owners that curing distemper is difficult and does not commonly occur. Still, I always believe in trying to 
help this pets and since I can’t judge which pets will respond to my integrative approach, I believe
treatment should be tried on all pets.

Homeopathic Nosodes

Nosodes, a special type of homeopathic remedy, are prepared from infectious organisms such as dis-
temper virus. They can be used as a homeopathic “vaccine” or as part of the therapy for distemper. The 
actual ingredients used in the nosode are diluted in such a way that no measurable amount of the original
source (virus) for the remedy remains; rather, only the vital energy of the original virus remains. Therefore,
no harm will come to your pet regardless of the virulence of the original compound used in the prepara-
tion of the nosode.

Preventing distemper is important in minimizing the number of infected animals within any location.
Homeopathic nosodes may be helpful, but definitive proof of their effectiveness is debatable. As a result, I 
caution owners who choose this route for prevention. I prefer a series of immunizations, usually beginning
at 6-8 weeks of age and lasting until 16 weeks of age, to minimize disease in younger puppies. Additionally,
I also recommend that owners not allow puppies to socialize with other pets with questionable medical
history. 

As a holistic veterinarian, I believe too many pets receive vaccinations that are not needed. I administer one
additional distemper vaccine at 12-18 months of age, and then do a blood antibody test called a titer test
beginning at 2-2 ½ years of age. I only immunize adult dogs for distemper if the titer test is low. Otherwise,
protective antibodies are present and additional vaccination is not needed and is possibly harmful.

To prevent disease, nosodes are supposed to work in the same manner as conventional vaccines, namely
by stimulating antibodies to fight off infections.  Nosodes have been reported to control outbreaks of 
infectious disease in animals in a kennel situation.  While good controlled studies are lacking, homeo-
pathic veterinarians have reported success in some patients when treating infectious disease with the
homeopathic nosode.

Rabies or Distemper?

While some owners might be tempted to suspect rabies in a sick puppy, especially one that has foam
coming from the mouth and is seizuring,  rabies is extrememly rare in pets. Transmission of the rabies 
virus requires a bite from an infected animal, usually a wild animal. There is no cure for rabies and diag-
nosis requires microscopic examination of the brain of the infected animal. Rabies is transmissible to 
people whereas distemper is not. However, distemper can be transmitted to other dogs and pet ferrets.

In conclusion, distemper virus infection is a severe and usually fatal disease most often seen in young
puppies. Vaccination is extremely effective in preventing distemper in most pets. Treatment, using an inte-
grative approach, works best but true cures are still uncommon. Because it is impossible to predict which
pets might recover, an integrative treatment approach should be offered to all patients.

RESULTS OF A CLINICAL TRIAL USING 2 NOVEL HA SUPPLEMENTS

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of skeletal disease and lameness in older dogs. Most older dogs,
especially large breed dogs, will develop osteoarthritis of one or more joints. Typically, the joints that will
be affected include the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, hips, and knees. 

Conventional therapies for the treatment of osteoarthritis are aimed at reducing pain and inflammation,
which in turn decreases lameness and increases range of motion of the affected joints. Corticosteroids
such as prednisone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS)such as carprofen and
etodolac are commonly prescribed, and NSAIDS are among the most among the most prescribed medica-
tions for pets and people with osteoarthritis. While effective, conventional medications have a number of
side effects, including further damage to the joint cartilage, liver disease, kidney disease, GI disease,
weight gain, diabetes, adrenal gland disorders, and osteoporosis.

In a search to find a safer, more natural alternative to treat osteoarthritis, a number of companies have
successfully marketed various joint supplements. These include glucosamine, chondroitin, shark 
cartilage, MSM, perna, and various anti-inflammatory herbs. Recently, two new joint supplements con-
taining hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan) have been developed and released to the veterinary community. This 
article details clinical testing of these supplements.

The two products tested were Glycovet and Cholodin-Flex, available through MVP Laboratories in Omaha,
Nebraska. Each contained xxx amount of Hyaluronan. The Glycovet is a viscous gel, and the Cholodin-
Flex is a flavored, chewable pill. The Glycovet gel is a multiplex of very specific oligomers of hyaluronan 
such that they are absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth.  The longer the dog can retain
the liquid in the mouth, the better the results. This is why it is suggested to put the gel on food or a treat. 
The hyaluronan in the products comes from a fermentation of a bacterium that secretes the hyaluronan 
into the media.

The proposed mechanisms of action of hyaluronan are as follows. First, HA reduces swelling at the site of 
injury by decreasing leukocyte transmigration and infiltration into the affected tissue. It does this by 
binding to the CD44 binding site on the leukocytes. If  there is enough hyaluronan available to bind to the
CD44 sites on the leukocytes, there will be fewer leukocytes will getting to the site of trauma, resulting in
reduced swelling and pain. Secondly, HA inhibits the arachidonic acid pathway. Bradykinin is produced 
by serine proteases (tissue kallikreins) cleaving high and low molecular weight kininogens.  Hyaluronan 
blocks the serine protease activity so that lysyl bradykinin, bradykinin and arachidonic acid cannot be 
produced, resulting in decreased pain.

Subjects were obtained via a weekly newspaper column soliciting dogs with arthritis. Prior to entry into
the study, the dogs were given a physical examination to rule-out neurological disease. In some cases,
prior radiographs were evaluated to assess cartilage damage. In many cases, no prior radiographs were
available. The diagnosis of osteoarthritis was made in these patients based upon history, clinical signs,
ruling out other causes of lameness, and prior response to either corticosteroids or NSAIDS. In some
cases, dogs were currently taking NSAIDS or another joint supplement. If the patient response to the 
NSAIDS or joint supplements was excellent (100% better,) the pet was taken off of the NSAID or joint 
supplement at the start of the study in order to properly assess the product being tested. If the response
was less than 100% (the owner stated that the pet still exhibited lameness,) the medication or other sup-
plement was continued and the Glycovet or Cholodin-Flex was administered; the pet was monitored to
see if the residual lameness improved even further (100% response) on the new supplement.

Pets were chosen to receive either the Glycovet gel or the Cholodin-Flex tablets. Older dogs with any 
signs of cognitive disorder were administered the tablets (which contained choline, which has been 
shown to improve signs of cognitive disorder;) the other participants were administered the gel which 
contains only the HA without choline. Thirteen dogs received the gel, and thirty nine received the tablets.
The initial dose of the gel was3-5 drops twice daily regardless of weight, and the tablets were dosed at ½
tablet twice daily for dogs 25 pounds of weight and under, and 1 tablet twice daily for dogs over 25
pounds. Owners were instructed to double the dose after 2 weeks if no improvement was noted.

Following the 4 week trial, owners were contacted by telephone and asked to answer the following 4
questions:

1.What previous course of therapy had been used, and how effective was the therapy?

2.In your opinion, was this case mild, moderate/routine, or severe?

3.How would you rate your pet’s improvement with this new supplement:excellent, very good, good, 
moderate, slight, or no change?

4.Would you use this supplement again?

The results of the study are as follows:

For pets taking the gel formulation, all owners questioned would use the supplement again for their pets.
Three pets were judged by the owners to have severe disease, and seven pets were judged to have
moderate or routine disease. Three owners did not respond to followup phone calls. 

Response to the gel was considered moderate by 4 owners, good by 5 owners, and excellent by 1 owner.
Interestingly, several owners indicated that the pets experienced only poor to fair response to prior
therapy by administration of an NSAID.

For pets taking the tablet form which also contains choline, four owners would not use the supplement
again as they saw no response to the therapy. Fourteen pets were judged by the owners to have severe
disease, two pets were judged to have mild disease, and ten pets were judged to have moderate or rou-
tine disease. Thirteen owners did not respond to followup phone calls. Response to the gel was con-
sidered slight by 4 owners, moderate by 4 owners, good by 3 owners, very good by 6 owners, and 
excellent by 5 owners. As with the administration of the gel, several owners indicated that the pets 
experienced only poor to fair response to prior therapy by administration of an NSAID.

Based upon owner observations, it appears that administration of either the Glycovet gel or Cholodin-
Flex chewable tablets was effective in controlling symptoms of lameness and pain seen in dogs with 
osteoarthritis. The overall rate of success for both products based upon owner response to followup
phone calls was 28 /36 or 77% (success defined as at least a moderate improvement in the dog’s symp-
toms compared to either no treatment or other therapy prior to starting the supplement.)

As the clinical testing revealed, both the Glycovet and Cholodin-Flex were effective in treating osteo-
arthritis in dogs. Either product is a suitable, safe alternative to the use of corticosteroids or NSAIDS in
the treatment of this common chronic and disabling condition.

UNDERSTANDING THE INTEGRATIVE (HOLISTIC) APPROACH TO PET CARE

Many pet owners are choosing more natural (holistic) therapies for themselves and their pets. In this article,
I’ll share my basic program (a full discussion of each topic can be found in my book 8 Weeks to a Healthy
Dog, which also contains information on grooming and exercise) so you can start implementing a more
holistic approach to your pet’s care right away. 

At Paws & Claws Animal Hospital, I integrate conventional therapies (when appropriate) with complemen-
tary (alternative) therapies that may include acupuncture, magnetic therapy, homeopathy, homotoxicology, nutritional therapy, and Chinese or Western herbal therapy. When possible, our approach is to minimize conventional medications (saying” NO” to drugs) when appropriate. While each pet is different, the following general approach will apply to most pets.

 1.Diet-As I mention in my award-winning book, The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, feeding the proper diet is the foundation upon which any integrative pet care program begins. It is such an important part of this program yet it is often overlooked. Simply put, your pet is what he/she eats. Minimizing harmful byproducts and chemicals is essential. Currently, I like the following diets for most of my patients: Nature’s Variet, Eagle Pack, California Naturals, Innova, Wysong, Old Mother Hubbard, Halo.

 2.Minimize vaccines-While vaccines can be used in a holistic health plan, too many pets receive vaccines
they don’t need. Ie recommend an annual blood antibody test (titer test) to determine if and when your pet
might need vaccinations. If the titer is low, your pet might need a vaccine; if the titer is normal, no vaccine is
needed. Rabies vaccination is a different case and vaccination schedules are based upon state law in consideration of your pet’s health. 

3.Minimize toxins-While oral monthly heartworm preventive medication is important (we have not found any
proven natural preventives) most pets do NOT need annual chemical flea and tick control (Frontline, Sentinel, Advantage, Advantix, Revolution, Program, etc.) We will discuss your pet’s need for parasite control and prefer natural therapies (using the chemicals only for a short time) when needed.

 4.Basic Supplementation-ALL pets should receive a basic health maintenance formula, designed to keep pets healthy and minimize diseases. The BEST product I have found is made by PetCentrx; it is called Vim & Vigor (www.pettogethers.net/healthypet. ) While it supplies the vitamins and minerals your pet requires, it is much more than simply another vitamin supplement. It also contains colostrum (to support the immune system,) coenzyme Q-10 (a potent antioxidant that also supports the immune system and supports healthy teeth and gums, the heart, and is one of many supplements useful in treating cancer,) enzymes such as amylase/protease/cellulase that improve your pet’s digestion and absorption of nutrients from the diet, gluco-samine (necessary to support normal joint function,) Siberian ginseng (which helps your pet adapt to various stressors,) and L-tryptophan (an amino acid included in the PM formula which helps ensure restful sleep.) The Vim & Vigor formula is my basic supplement for my patients (both healthy and sick;) other therapies are added  on top of this depending upon your pet’s needs.

 5.Additional Therapies-The above protocol is for ALL healthy and sick patients. For sick patients, I add additional therapies depending upon the nature of their illness. I might prescribe a detoxification protocol, an anti-inflammatory protocol, an immune-boosting protocol, or simply use various herbs, homeopathics, or glandulars in addition to the basic supplement (Vim & Vigor.) For healthy pets 7 years of age and older, I like adding anti-inflammatory supplements such as fatty acids (Ultra EFA by RX Vitamins for Petsis my choice) and antioxidants (Proanthozone by Animal Health Options is my choice.) And since older pets often develop cognitive disorder (doggie and kittie Alzheimer’s,) my older patients are placed on the choline supplement Cholodin by MVP Laboratories (this supplement has been shown to delay the onset of and reverse signs of cognitive disorder.) Because the holistic approach is individualized to the needs of the pet, no 2 pets are treated exactly alike. Similarly, I fine tune the therapy as needed to match the response and needs of each patient.

By using this basic, easy-to-follow plan, you’re well on your way to preventing diseases in your pet the natural way!

Shawn Messonnier, DVM, practices at Paws & Claws Animal Hospital in Plano, Tx. He writes a weekly column, The Holistic Pet, which appears in newspapers across the US and Canada.
 

 

Arthritis:The Appropriate Use of NSAIDS and Complementary TherapyAuthor, The Natural Health
Bible for Dogs & Cats, Prima, 2001 and 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog, Rodale, 2003

Osteoarthritis, often referred to simply as arthritis, is the most common musculoskeletal disorder in pets. While it can occur in any sized dog or cat, it is usually seen in large breed dogs. In clinical practice, almost all large breed dogs 8 years of age and older are afflicted with arthritis; the joints usually affected are the hips (where the arthritis is usually secondary to hip dysplasia) and the ventral aspects of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae (referred to as spondylosis deformans, which is usually asymptomatic.) 

The mainstay of conventional medicine involves the chronic administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS,) most commonly etodolac (EtoGesic^R) or carprofen (Rimadyl^R.) Unfortunately, as is the case with people, pets can have both acute and chronic side effects from this class of medication. These side effects can be mild (vomiting, anorexia, lethargy) or severe and potentially fatal (acute hepatopathy, gastrointestinal ulceration or perforation, and renal failure.) This article uses an actual case to demonstrate one of the side effects, and then explores the cautions that must be followed if using NSAIDS and complementary therapies that can be used in place of NSAIDS.

Pele is a 12-year-old neutered male Shetland sheepdog (Sheltie) that was referred for evaluation of renal failure and gastrointestinal disease. Pele had been diagnosed with “arthritis” approximately 12 months prior to this visit. The diagnosis was made based upon clinical signs and age of the pet; no radiographs were made to confirm the diagnosis. Pele was started on Rimadyl (25 mg given twice daily.) He responded well within several days following the initial administration of Rimadyl. At the time of his visit no regular followup examinations or blood testing was done. Pele had recently seen an internal medicine specialist for evaluation of melena. Based upon testing done at that time, the diagnosis of gastrointestinal ulceration secondary to Rimadyl administration was made; moderate renal failure was also diagnosed based upon blood and urine testing. The renal failure was also felt to be secondary to NSAID administration.

Pele’s owner sought my advice for an integrative approach to his 3 problems:arthritis, renal failure, and gastrointestinal ulceration. Since Pele had experienced side effects related to NSAID administration, it was
decided not to use this class of medication to help control the mild pain and inflammation associated with his joint disease. Instead, a canine joint supplement containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and boswellia was administered to Pele; he responded well within several weeks. To control his gastrointestinal ulceration, sucralfate was administered along with a canine supplement containing probiotics and glutamine. To manage his chronic renal failure, his owner was taught how to administer fluids subcutaneously to Pele; fluid therapy was prescribed on a daily basis. A diet formulated for renal failure was prescribed, as were supplements (including a fish oil supplement) that have been reported to assist pets with renal failure. To date, Pele is doing quite well. His gastrointestinal problem has resolved, his arthritis does not cause him any discomfort, and his renal disease (which is monitored via laboratory testing every 3 months) is controlled. His long term prognosis is guarded; I have had a number of pets with renal failure live several years with aggressive therapy as was prescribed for Pele. 

Discussion 

NSAID administration can be used safely in pets and people. The best approach appears to be the use of these medications on an as-needed basis. Alternatively, homeopathics or herbal supplements can be used in mild cases in place of NSAIDS.  In my practice, owners of pets with arthritis are instructed to administer and NSAID only if the pet is having a particularly uncomfortable day. Otherwise, long term analgesia is afforded by joint supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and similar nutraceuticals.

Acute reactions to NSAIDS are most commonly reported as severe hepatopathies in Labrador retrievers. To
date, only carprofen has caused this reaction and should not be used in Labrador retrievers (I also avoid it in golden retrievers.)

Chronic administration of NSAIDS is most often associated with the side effects seen in Pele. According to
the instructions that come with Rimadyl,  other side effects that may appear include liver disease, immune
diseases (anemia, low platelet count, skin diseases,) neurologic signs (seizures, paralysis, unsteadiness,) behavioral problems (hyperactivity, aggression, depression, or sedation,) and even death.

Additionally, according to Pfizer:

*Approximately 70% of possible adverse drug events have been in older dogs (many of these older pets have preexisting disease, underlying milk dehydration, or are taking multiple medications that predispose to renal or gastrointestinal side effects.)

*Patient evaluation including physical examination and appropriate diagnostics is prudent before prescribing any medications.

*When any medication is prescribed, owners should be informed of potential drug-related side effects and signs of drug tolerance. 

Even the newer COX-2 inhibiting NSAIDS can have similar side effects. , According to the package insert from Celebrex^R, a new non-steroidal medication made by Pfizer and Searle for people, "Serious GI toxicity such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach, small intestine or large intestine, can occur at any time, with our without warning symptoms, inpatients treated with NSAIDS.  Only 1/5 (20%) of patients who develop a serious upper GI adverse event on NSAID therapy is symptomatic. Upper GI ulcers...appear to occur in approximately 1% of patients treated for 3-6 months, and in about 2-4 of patients treated for one year."

If people or pets must receive NSAIDS on a regular basis for analgesia, it is imperative to use pre-treatment laboratory analysis to make sure liver and kidney function are stable. Frequent monitoring with blood and urine testing allow early diagnosis and treatment of side effects. People and pet owners should be told to watch for clinical signs of side effects so that medical help is received as soon as possible. Unfortunately, many doctors and veterinarians do not heed these warnings. According to a report in the 1999 New England Journal of Medicine, NSAIDS were the 15^th leading cause of death in people in the US. Reporting of adverse drug reactions in pets is rarely done by veterinarians or pet owners, so finding information on NSAID reactions is difficult. Based upon my experience and that of many integrative veterinarians, reactions to medicines including antibiotics, corticosteroids, and NSAIDS seem to be at least as common in pets as in people. Using NSAIDS wisely, which implies their use on an as-needed basis, and relying instead on a natural joint supplement for chronic therapy, is the safest approach to treating arthritis in people and pets.

Shawn Messonnier, DVM, practices at Paws & Claws Animal Hospital in Plano, Tx. He writes a weekly column, The Holistic Pet, which appears in newspapers across the US and Canada.

Immune System Support in Pets 

One of the most common questions I get is this:"What do you recommend to boost my pet's immune system?" Using nutritional supplements to boost the immune system in times of illness is very important for any sick pet. While supplements can be used to support the immune system during any illness, I am most often asked to prescribe something for pets with the following problems:any infectious disease (especially feline respiratory disease, kennel cough, distemper;) cancer; mange; and any condition in older pets that just "aren't acting quite right." In this article, I'll discuss some of the more commonly used immune-boosting supplements, along with recommendations on how to keep your pet's immune system acting as healthy as possible all year long. 

Antioxidants are among the most commonly used supplements to help pets with a variety of medical disorders. Antioxidants are specific vitamins (such as vitamin C and vitamin E) and plant and animal compounds (bioflavonoids such as grape seed extract, quercetin, coenzyme Q-10, ginkgo biloba) that are responsible for maintaining health. Technically, they do not boost the immune system (although proanthocyanidins appear to potentiate the immune system via enhancement of T-lymphocyte activity and modulation of neutrophil and macrophage responses) but rather clean up the products of cell damage (oxidizing chemicals.) Antioxidants also decrease various chemicals (histamine, interleukin, tumor necrosis factor) that cause cell damage. Because antioxidants minimize damage to cells, they are useful whenever disease is present and immune support is needed.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida) is the most commonly known immune stimulant which also functions as an antimicrobial (antiviral and antibacterial) herb.  In people, echinacea is the number-one cold and flu herbal remedy. There are a number of classes of pharmocologically active chemicals in echinacea, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, caffeic acid, essential oils, alkylamides, and polyacetylenes. Currently, to prevent long term immune system problems, most doctors recommend using echinacea for a short period of time (3-4 weeks) followed by a resting period (3-4 weeks) before the herb is resumed.

Arabinogalactans are polysaccharides mainly derived from larch tree (Larix occidentalis.)  Studies have shown that these compounds may enhance natural killer cells and cause a release of interferon gamma. Arabinogalactan has strong immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory properties. Arabinogalactans can be used as part of the integrative approach to cancer treatment and anytime immune stimulation is needed (viral, bacterial, or fungal diseases.) The product ImmunoSupport by RX Vitamins for Pets is the only arabinogalactan product currently available.

Purine nucleotides are the final class of supplements that can be helpful for pets needed immune system support. These compounds are involved in virtually all cellular processes and play a major role in structural, metabolic, energetic and regulatory functions. Like arabinogalactans, they have been shown to stimulate the activity of natural killer cells.

Purine pyrimidine complexes are the active fractions found in colostrum, the first milk produced by mammals.  Colostrum contains cytokines and other protein compounds that can act as biological response modifiers.  Research supports its use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis as well as other autoimmune conditions. Nucleotides also may play an important role in essential fatty acid metabolism, and may have a positive effect on the functions of the gastrointestinal tract and the liver. Nucleotides are usually given to pets in the form of colostrum or a product called Transfer Factor.

   

Maintaining a Healthy Immune System

While supplements can be used in times of illness, maintaining a healthy immune system is important in decreasing the incidence and severity of disease. Follow the following tips to keep your pet as healthy as possible.

 1.Feed the most natural diet possible. Learn to read a pet food label and avoid foods with chemical preservatives (BHT, BHA, ethoxyquin) and animal and plant by-products that can damage a pet's immune system and do not help maintain health as much as foods with natural preservatives and no by-products. When possible, prepare and feed a homemade diet (using on of the recipes in The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats) to ensure that your pet is eating the healthiest food possible.

 2.Minimize vaccines. Most pets do not need annual "shots." A simple blood test called a titer test can determine which vaccines you pet needs.

 3.Minimize chemicals. I prefer not to use chemical flea prevention products unless absolutely needed. Monthly heartworm medication is preferred over the 6 month injectable heartworm preventive.

4.Administer vitamin and mineral supplements, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids to maintain a healthy body. My basic supplement I start with is Vim & Vigor made by Pet Centrx (www.pettogethers.net/healthypet.) 

5.Administer choline supplementation to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease (cognitive disorder) in dogs and cats 10 years of age and older. 

By following the ideas presented here, you will be able to confidently work with your veterinarian to help your pet maintain a healthy immune system. 

Shawn Messonnier, DVM, practices at Paws & Claws Animal Hospital in Plano, Tx. He writes a weekly column, The Holistic Pet, which appears in newspapers across the US and Canada.

 
Liver Disease 

Liver disease is the catch-all term that is applied to any medical disorder affecting the liver and usually causing elevated blood levels of liver enzymes.

Liver disease can be divided into both acute (more common) and chronic liver disease.  Causes of acute liver disease include: toxins such as acetominophen (TylenolR,) RimadylR, ValiumR, tetracycline, and sulfa drugs; hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease, one of the more common liver diseases in cats;) trauma; heatstroke; and infections (canine infectious hepatitis, feline cholangiohepatitis.)  Causes of chronic liver disease include: genetics, infections (canine infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis,) toxins (anticonvulsants, RimadylR,) and idiopathic hepatitis, whose cause is unknown.

Clinical signs of liver disease include lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, increased urination, lethargy, jaundice, and in severe cases, seizures. 

Liver disease is diagnosed by blood and urine tests, abdominal radiographs (X-rays,) and abdominal ultrasound.  Liver biopsy is needed to determine the cause of liver disease.

Conventional Therapy 

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for liver disease in dogs and cats, unless a specific toxin is identified.  Supportive care include intravenous fluids and force feeding (force feeding is the treatment of choice for cats with hepatic lipidosis; feeding usually requires feeding through a gastrotomy (stomach) tube for 2-3 months.)  Antibiotics and/or corticosteroids may be indicated in infectious conditions such as feline cholangiohepatitis.  As a result, turning to complementary therapy is the only good way to help the liver heal in pets with liver disease. 

Complementary Therapies 

As is true with many medical disorders, dietary therapy is important in the treatment of the pet with liver disease.  High quality and highly digestible carbohydrates are recommended to supply energy for the pet.  Inferior types of carbohydrates that are undigested are fermented by intestinal bacteria which increases the bacteria in the colon; these bacteria then break down dietary proteins and produce extra ammonia, which is absorbed into the body and contributes to toxicity in pets with liver disease.  Frequent feedings of high quality simple carbohydrates such as white rice and potatoes are recommended.  Vegetables act as a source of complex carbohydrates and provide fiber; the fiber helps bind intestinal toxins and promotes bowel movements to remove these toxins (by-products of protein digestion and bacterial fermentation of undigested foods) from the body.

Proteins provided by the diet must be of high biological value to reduce the production of ammonia, a by-product of protein digestion.  Most commercial foods contain proteins that are not of high biological value.  (Many commercial foods may also contain excess vitamin A, copper, and bacterial endotoxins, all of which contribute to the clinical signs in pets with liver disease.) Unless your doctor recommends protein restriction (usually only needed by pets with encephalopathy, a condition producing neurological signs in pets with severe liver disease,) normal amounts of protein should be fed as protein is needed by the liver during repair.   

Studies show that dogs with liver disease fed diets containing meat-based proteins have shorter survival times and more severe clinical signs than dogs with liver disease fed milk-based or soy-based protein diets.  Cats require higher protein diets than dogs.  While it may be more beneficial to cats to also feed them diets based on milk-based or soy-based proteins, most cats prefer meat-based diets.  Cats fed milk-based or soy-based proteins must have supplemental taurine (100-200 mg/day,) as milk has minimal taurine and soy (tofu) has no taurine.

Often force feeding of pets with liver disease is needed, as many pets develop anorexia (refuse to eat.)  For example, cats with hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) often refuse to eat.  Force feeding these cats is essential to help heal the liver and correct the underlying problem. 

Supplements 

Milk thistle is the most well known herb recommended for treating liver disease.  Its silymarin content has been shown effective in treating liver disease.  Milk thistle compounds are usually standardized to 70-80% silymarin.  Milk thistle is one of the few herbs that have no real equivalent in the world of conventional medicine.

The active ingredients in milk thistle appear to be four substances known collectively as silymarin, of which the most potent is named silibinin. Animal studies suggest that milk thistle extracts can protect against many other poisonous substances, from toluene to the drug acetaminophen.

Silymarin appears to function by displacing toxins trying to bind to the liver as well as by causing the liver to regenerate more quickly. It also acts as an antioxidant by scavenging free radicals (it is more potent than vitamin E,) increasing glutathione levels, and by inhibiting the formation of damaging leukotrienes.  Silymarin also stimulates the production of new liver cells, replacing the damaged cells.

Due to its liver support, milk thistle is often used anytime the pet becomes ill or toxic to support the liver.  It can also be used anytime drugs are given to the pet that could be toxic to the liver, especially chemotherapy medicines for treating cancer, heartworm treatment medications, and long-term use of other medications (such as antibiotics and corticosteroids.) 

A new form of silymarin, in which the compound is bound to phosphatidylcholine, has been shown to have greater bioavailability than unbound silymarin. 

The standard dosage of milk thistle is 200 mg 2 to 3 times a day.  In people, the best results are seen at higher doses (140-200 mg three times daily of an extract standardized to contain 70% silymarin;) the bound form is dosed at 100-200 mg twice daily. 

On the basis of its extensive use as a food, milk thistle is believed to be safe for pregnant or nursing women and researchers have enrolled pregnant women in studies.  However, safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and individuals with severe renal disease has not been formally established. Similar precautions in pets are probably warranted. 

Other Supplements 

While milk thistle is most commonly used for treating liver disease, other nutrients such as choline, carnitine, arginine, boswellia, burdock, dandelion root, licorice, nettle, Oregon grape, red clover, turmeric, yellow dock, and maitake mushrooms may also be incorporated into the treatment regimen. 

Shawn Messonnier, DVM, practices at Paws & Claws Animal Hospital in Plano, Tx. He writes a weekly column, The Holistic Pet, which appears in newspapers across the US and Canada.

The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats:A Holistic Journey on the Road to Healing

Selecting a type of health care is very much a personal choice.  For those of us who have chosen an integrated approach, combining the best of conventional medicine with the best of "natural" therapies, the road began with a search for "something more" that conventional medicine was not able to offer.

Part of the journey for me involved a search to offer better care for my patients, and one fork in this road convinced me to share my healing discoveries with others through a series of books.  These books, which became the Natural Vet series (published by Prima,) allowed me to share with other doctors and pet owners around the world everything I had learned about natural pet care.  As a result of this series, those of us who believe in the importance of integrative medicine are now changing the way we care for our pets. 

Why did I begin my search for "something better," and why did I feel the need to share this with readers around the globe? 

To start with, I had to admit something that was a bit uncomfortable.  Even though I felt that I was a good doctor when I began my search, I was forced to admit that there had to be more than simply what I was already doing for my patients.  While I had been trained to be a good "treater" of disease, I had to face the facts that I was not a good "healer."  Only when I admitted that I needed to become a healer rather than treater could I admit my shortcomings and search for something better.

 Once I found this great new world of natural therapies, I started seeing positive results in my patients, many of whom I had not been able to help with only conventional medicine.  As a result, my motto became "hope for the hopeless."  No longer did I have to tell a pet owner that I couldn't help his pet, because now I had twice as many treatment options available. 

Not wanting to be selfish with this new-found knowledge that gave hope and healing to many patients, I wanted to find a vehicle to share my excitement. That's when Prima and I teamed up to share this exciting new information with readers by creating the Natural Vet series.  The 3 books currently available in the series, The Allergy Solution for Dogs, The Arthritis Solution for Dogs, and the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, are already changing the way pet owners and veterinarians are treating and caring for pets.  No longer are pets considered hopeless just because conventional medicine can't offer help.  With the well-referenced therapies presented in each of the books, pet owners can learn to "just say NO to drugs" for their pets and instead rely on natural, healing therapies.  Instead of covering up symptoms and "treating" disease, we can now "heal" pets and create true health! 

The best selling book in the series is the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats. There are over 200 therapies in this book.  Pets with various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cognitive disorder, allergies, and arthritis are living longer healthier lives thanks to owners incorporating the natural therapies discussed thoroughly in this book.   

Some of the topics covered in The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats include: 

*Choosing the best diet for your pet.  After reading the section on diet, no longer will pets be forced to eat processed foods which contain potentially harmful chemicals, additives, and by-products.  Instead, owners can use the information in the diet section of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats to learn how to read pet food labels and select the healthiest diets for their pets, or even better, they can use the recipes in the book to prepare nutritious, fresh diets for their pets right at home. 

*Minimizing unnecessary vaccination. Part of my goal of changing the way we care for our pets is to reduce the frequency of vaccinations.  Many pets receive repeated immunizations, despite the fact that most pets do not need these shots. Instead, owners should rely on vaccine titers (antibody levels) and let the pets' bodies determine which vaccines if any are needed.   

*Alternatives to conventional medications.  While conventional medications can be used safely and correctly in a holistic program (as discussed in the appendix,) there are many instances when safer and less expensive alternatives exist. Arthritis is best treated with glucosamine and chondroitin rather than non-steroidal medications.  Allergies are best treated with herbs, whole food supplements, diets, and topical decontamination with minimal need for corticosteroids. Cognitive disorder, often called "doggie and kittie Alzheimer's disease," is best treated with choline, lecithin, or ginkgo biloba, which is much less expensive than conventional medication (and conventional medicines are not approved for cats with this disorder.) 

Using the information in The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats, pet owners and veterinarians can begin to take a holistic approach to pet care.  By taking a holistic approach and listening to the pet's body, we can fine tune any therapy needed.  This truly holistic approach allows true healing rather than simply treating a disease.  And this is what natural pet care is all about. 

Shawn Messonnier, DVM, practices at Paws & Claws Animal Hospital in Plano, Tx. He writes a weekly column, The Holistic Pet, which appears in newspapers across the US and Canada.

Relieving Anxiety in Pets

One of the more common behavior problems for which I am consulted involves anxiety-related issues in dogs and cats. The problems range from simply being anxious when going to the doctor’s office
or grooming shop,  and thunderstorm phobias, all the way to severe separation anxiety.

While behavior modification is very important in dealing with any type of anxiety and phobia (and should not be replaced by medications or supplements,) there are situations where various natural therapies may be helpful in dealing with these issues. While conventional tranquilizers such as acepromazine can immobilize pets, these drugs do not relieve the terrible anxiety the poor pets experience. Therefore, they really should not be used as the sole therapy for anxiety disorders in dogs and cats.

This article will briefly review some of the more commonly recommended supplements for dealing with anxiety in pets.

Flower essences are alcohol extracts of various plants. Flower therapy was developed by Dr. Edward Bach during the 1930's.  Dr. Bach was a conventionally trained physician who studied immunology and was involved in the development of a number of vaccines.  However, he desired to find a less invasive way of treating patients that would have the same favorable results as he saw with conventional medicine.

During his studies he learned about homeopathy and was attracted to Dr. Hahnemann's philosophy of treating the individual patient.  As a result Dr. Bach began preparing homeopathic preparations of the vaccines he had created. 

During this time Dr. Bach began to notice that people could be grouped based upon their emotional states. For example, he noticed that some individuals seemed lonely, some were distracted, some were fearful, and
some were more outgoing.  Dr. Bach further noticed that people that fell into these groupings responded best to the same type of homeopathic vaccine.  By matching the homeopathic vaccine with a person's emotional "grouping," Dr. Bach achieved even better results in his patients.

Dr. Bach then began searching for harmless plant-derived  materials for his vaccines (rather than relying on the bacterial products used at the time to prepare the vaccines.)  He desired to find plants that would
have a healing effect on what he thought were the negative emotions that were at the root of many diseases he saw in his patients.  This would allow him not just to heal the immediate illness but also heal the root
cause of the disorder. By freeing the body from its negative emotional states, the body would be free to heal itself.

The system Dr. Bach discovered during his research led to the creation of the flower essences.  The flower essences (flower therapy) are extracts of flowers; each essence addresses a specific trait of mind or
personality type.

These flower remedies are used to improve the attitude, personality, and mood of the patient, which Dr. Bach felt was the key to many disorders seen in his patients.  According to Dr. Bach, "Health is our
heritage...and is the complete and full union between the soul, mind, and body.  True healing can be obtained by right replacing wrong, good replacing evil, and light replacing dark."  Dr. Bach felt that the action of the remedies was to open the patient to healing from within by replacing bad virtue (fear) with good virtue (calm.)  Since mental and emotional state can determine health or disease, the flower remedies are used to achieve harmony in the patient.  According to practitioners of flower essence therapy, harmonious patients are healthier as harmony precludes disease.

Rescue Remedy is the best known essence and produces a calming in many nervous pets. It is composed of the essences of 5 flowers: cherry plum, clematis, impatiens, rock rose and Star of Bethlehem.

While I prefer combination products instead of simply choosing 1 or 2 herbs for anxiety, it’s important to understand which herbs may be indicated for anxiety-related problems. Valerian is an herb that promotes restfulness, and has not been reported to interact negatively with other medications commonly used in pets. The active ingredients in valerian bind to the same receptors in the brain as the drug diazepam. Kava is a well known anti-anxiety herb. The active ingredients cause mild sedation, relief from anxiety, and muscle relaxation. While safe in pets, there have been a few reports of liver failure in people with preexisting severe liver disorders. In my practice, I have not seen any problems but would exercise caution in pets with liver problems. Catnip is a well known herb used for its calming properties. In some cats, it can cause excitement (similar to a mild “high” seen in some people using illegal drugs.) However, when combined with the other herbs in this formula, its sedative and calming properties predominate. Finally, L-tryptophan, being a precursor to serotonin, reduces aggression and anxiety. L-tryptophan is especially effective in calming pets (new puppies and kittens,) and in decreasing itching in allergic pets (via this calming effect.) A popular supplement containing
L-tryptophan is Vim & Vigor (www.pettogethers.net/healthypet.)

Finally, keep in mind that your pet can pick up on your own stress level. Whenever I remove a pet from its owner during the examination, and bring it to our treatment area to perform a procedure, I notice that most pets calm down since they are not sensing the stress the owner also experiences during the visit. And don’t forget the importance of a strong immune system. Using antioxidants, feeding the pet a healthy natural diet, and reducing the amount of vaccines given, can relieve extra stress on the pet’s immune system.

Each pet is different, and there is no cookie-cutter approach that works on every case. For owners interested in avoiding conventional medications (which are usually expensive and often have the potential for undesirable side effects,) I encourage readers to consider these safe natural options before resorting to stronger conventional medications. Make sure to work with your veterinarian before using herbs, as even these natural “medicines” can have side effects in certain pets.