1) Brewers Yeast With Garlic (flea bite
reaction)
I had the most success in helping my
dog with a skin allergy to flea bites by using a combo brewer's
yeast and garlic product. The garlic wards off the fleas and the brewer's yeast helps with the itching. Also, garlic can help with infections which can result from overscratching/biting at the skin. I haven't
tried more than one product with these ingredients so I really can't
compare. The one that worked for my dog is from Four Paws. I picked
this up at my local pet store but it can also be found online:
http://www.fourpaws.com/products/brewers-yeast-tablets-wgarlic.htm
Note: Some veterinarians warn against
using garlic with animals. Of course, there are also holistic
veterinarian advocates of using garlic. What I
have found through research is that the concern if more around using too much. As always,
please consult with your veterinarian.
2) Water Filtration For Bathing
Most of us have come to the realization
that we shouldn't be drinking water straight out of the tap. However,
by not using a water filter for our bathing, we are allowing chlorine
and other contaminants to seep through our skin. I purchased a shower filter and have found that my skin, which tended to
get dry and itchy after showering, benefited greatly from this change! So why am I mentioning a shower filter here? Many of the products our animals' benefit from we can benefit from, as well. But also, many of us bathe our animals at home in the same water we bath in so they are also taking in these harmful contaminants. There are many companies who make shower filters so do
your research into what might best meet your needs. I have found positive results with Dr. Mercola's
shower filter (and I got a two for one deal!).
In this video, Dr. Mercola explains
the issues related to bathing in non-filtered water:
If you are into holistic care and you
have a pet you've probably heard of or used Bach Flower Essences. I
still find Rescue Remedy to be a life saver. I go back and forth
between using this product and ETS when there is thunder with my dog.
And once again, we can use it too!
You can find this pruduct on the web but it is now sold in most health food stores, some pet stores and even the natural foods section
of some supermarkets:
http://bachflower.com/
4) Raw Food
I cannot say enough what switching my
animals to raw food did for them. I am including raw feeding here
because I believe while using supplements, etc for our animals can be
great, good health starts with the food they eat. Shortly after
starting my animals on raw food, their fur started to become more
shiny, my dog had a new “spring in her step” and she lost some
extra pounds. Not to mention that they absolutely love their raw.
Raw feeding is definitely an area where
traditional veterinarians will often disagree with the holistic
veterinarians. I did not use raw for (what I now consider too long)
because I had a veterinarian who did not agree with raw feeding. I
finally left that veterinarian and found a holistic vet who also
feeds her own animals raw. It definitely helps to have a vet to help
you understand how to create a balanced diet using raw food.
The following website provides some excellant
education on raw feeding as it is importan to do your research before you start feeding raw:
5) Through A Dog's Ear
“Through A Dog's Ear - Music to Calm
Your Canine Companion.” I have found these CDs/MP3 download work well to calm my animals during times of stress (i.e.-the
dreaded thunderstorm)! The musicians found that they could manipulate
classical songs to where they actually worked in a special way on the
brain to cause relaxation. A way which I will not attempt to explain myself. They even have a driving edition now as I
can attest they can make humans feel very relaxed too:
(I am not intending to promote or endorse any product listed here. Please consult with your veterinarian before using any of these products.)