HOMEOPATHIC NUTRITIONAL THERAPY

10 PNS Homeopathic Nutrition Therapy Solutions To Help Your Pet Lead A Healthier Life.

Improving the daily nutrition and long‐term care of our canine companions is more important today than ever before, with contaminated dog food finding its way onto our grocery store shelves and harmful chemicals being released into the water and air, consumers are jumping at the chance to provide their dogs with natural, holistic care. One of the basic principles of homeopathy nutritional therapy is that symptoms are the manifestations of the body seeking to restore its natural healthy balance. Rather than be suppressed, the symptoms should be viewed as indications that the body's healing process has started. These symptoms tell us/your veterinarian how treatment should proceed. Pet Nutrition Systems role is to prescribe the best formulation of food, oils and herbs to assist your pet’s immune system in the healing process.

Each gourmet recipe and prescriptive formula start & end with pure restaurant quality ingredients. When correcting a general physical or dietary deficiency, our handmade organic meals and healing beverages give particular attention to form, balance and potency for optimum health and measured results. Holistic veterinarians insist that the key to disease prevention is found in a diet rich from living enzymes, antioxidants, amino acids and a good source of organic protein. This and our modeling of Mother Nature’s traditional prey diet is at the base of all our recipes.

With America’s health problems among pets reaching crisis proportions, even processed kibble makers have started to claim they want to steer pet parents toward more healthful choices. Cornell University December issue of the “Cornell Chronicle” published its’ 14 year study, released earlier this year reported that about 50% of all dogs, up to 40% of cats have compromised immune systems. Cornell’s study highlights home‐prepared whole food diets are often much higher in nutritional value and owners may substitute well prepared veterinary nutritionist prescribed whole food diet plans for processed food to combat the autoimmune health issues most pets face.

Healing herbs are often used in combinations with nutrient rich vegetables, clean protein and healing oils when combating an illness.

Herbs are combined to help give the benefits needed from each nutrient element, some to give a boost to the elements, some to boost the body with healing energies. Below are some of the more popular herbal combinations. The herbs can be taken singly for these illnesses as well, although the suggested combinations are best. Don't fret if you don't have all of the suggested herbs for any given combination ‐ use what you have. These combinations can usually be in any form you choose ‐ teas, tinctures, capsules, etc. You will want to use equal parts of each herb, or use more of the herb most needed, with equal parts of the booster herbs.

Remember that in any herbal healing undertaken, diet is the most important factor in healing the body. These combinations are not meant to be used in the place of a doctor's advice. Also realize that you should not give herbs continually over a period of time, as your pet’s body may build an immunity to the herb itself, or you may experience side effects.

Reputable research laboratories all over the world are engaged in research on homeopathic medicines such as Bryonia alba and its effect on rheumatism, Apis mellifica for edema and inflammatory conditions, Oscillococcinum for flu symptoms, and Arnica for bruises and muscle soreness.

There are more than 100 double‐blind clinical studies which document the effectiveness of homeopathic veterinary medicines.

Some of the most exciting basic research is now demonstrating the biological activity of infinitesimal doses (more than 30x). In 1994, a noted veterinary nutritionist published research on the efficacy of homeopathic medicines for the treatment of diarrhea in canines and felines, The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

ACUTE AND CHRONIC DISEASE An important homeopathic principle comes into play in treating acute and chronic problems and in making decisions about which over‐the‐ counter combination is best suited for an illness. It is a fact that each animal has a unique energy or "vital force"‐‐energy which maintains life in the individual. Homeopathic treatment does not subscribe to a mechanistic model of disease but rather supposes that the companion pet is a unified field of mind and body whose homeostatic balance has been disturbed. The true cause of disease, it is assumed, lies in the patient himself. This is why three pets with the same illness, such as kidney problems or cancer, may receive three different remedies, depending on their personality, physical and mental characteristics, habits and environment.

Hahnemann, the father of homeopathic medicine, carefully classified diseases as either acute or chronic. Acute disease occurs when the symptoms are intense and short‐lived. They have a definite beginning and ending. The result can lead either to a recovery or to death.

Homeopathy distinguishes four groups of acute diseases: local, clearly defined, accidental and essential. The last can be of epidemic origin such as Parvo, heart worms, lyme disease etc or they can be acute general functional syndromes resulting from anxiety and/or emotional choices. Then again, they may lie on the border of a chronic disease, such as an attack of digestive disorders. Chronic disease is of a more permanent nature. It is deep‐rooted, with no specific starting point, course, or end, for example when a pet has certain symptoms forever. The chronic disease may be a life‐long process or may be recurrent in nature.

After many years of observation, Hahnemann defined three clinical reactions which were not autonomous diseases but rather pathognomonic syndromes characterized by functional or lesional manifestations in the patient or his family.. He named such states as "fundamental chronic diseases" and attributed each to a "chronic miasma," either acute or chronic and invisible to the naked eye. The principal miasmas are: psoric, sycotic, and syphilitic. They are correlated to personality traits, emotional reactions, and symptoms.

Homeopathic remedies correspond to these very precise etiologies.

Vithoulkasí The Science of Homeopathy is a helpful introduction to miasmatic theory. We at Pet Nutrition Systems have taken Doctor Hanemann’s studies and work and combined it with the practical applications of eastern veterinary medicine to provide our clinics and our veterinary partners with alternative or complementary nutritional therapy options. Below are a few common ailments both feline and canine get and which herbs may be added to the diet to form a new program of therapy to help the body heal itself.

1. ARTHRITIS Herbs Used: Yucca, Comfrey, Alfalfa, Yarrow, Cayenne, Lobelia, Burdock, Chaparral, Black Cohosh, Cat's Claw, Lemon Grass.

2. ALLERGIES Herbs used: Blessed Thistle, Scullcap, Goldenseal, Cayenne, Marshmallow, Lobelia, Burdock.

3. ENERGY LOSS & FATIGUE Herbs Used: Cayenne, Ginseng, Gotu Kola

4. EYE PROBLEMS & CATARACTS Herbs Used: Goldenseal, Bayberry, Eyebright

5. JOINT INJURY & FRACTURES Herbs Used: Comfrey, Horsetail, Alfalfa, Slippery Elm

6. KIDNEYS & URINARY PROBLEMS Herbs Used: Juniper, Uva Ursi, Marshmallow, Ginger, Goldenseal, Dandelion

7. LIVER Herbs Used: Dandelion, Parsley, Horsetail, Blessed Thistle, Chamomile, Lobelia, Wild Yam, Ginger, Sassafras, Kelp

8. NERVES, ANXIETY & STRESS ISSUES Herbs Used: Black Cohosh, Cayenne, Valerian, Ginger, St. Johnswort, Hops, Wood Betony

9. REDUCING WEIGHT Herbs Used: Chickweed, Licorice, Safflower, Echinacea, Black Walnut, Hawthorn, Papaya, Fennel, Dandelion 10. TUMORS & BLOOD DISORDERS Herbs Used: Chaparral, Red Clover, Taheebo (Pau d'arco)

I will begin by stating that you should not attempt herbal healing for your pet unless you have a good understanding of what is ailing your pet, a working knowledge of the herbs or oils being used and the advice of a animal nutritionist or homeopathic veterinarian with a good background and understanding of the healing herbs. Don't guess.....check with a qualified practitioner first! There are now a lot of holistic/natural/ homeopath vets out there ‐ call around and see who you can find or contact us and we will help you find someone in your area. This advice is not meant to replace the diagnosis and advice of a licensed veterinarian. That said, I will share with you the herbal treatments that we use in our veterinary prescriptive nutrition service. Most are simple, safe, and effective.

Remember first and always that cats and dogs and other small creatures have much shorter digestive systems than us human caretakers. Fresh herbs are not digested as they are in humans.

Therefore, the tincture form of an herb will work better for them. An acceptable alternative would be a stronger herbal tea than you would use for yourself. Doses need to be compatible with your pet's weight ‐ small amounts for small animals, larger amounts for large animals.

When in doubt, consult a holistic or natural healing veterinarian.

Administering several doses throughout the day, rather than one big dose once a day will speed the herbs into your pet's system and boost the immune system much faster. And as with ourselves, no herb should be given to any animal on a continuous basis. Like us, their bodies will begin to build an immunity, and once that happens, that herb becomes useless medicinally.

A good rule of thumb for any herbal remedy for your pet is two weeks on, one week off. That gives the body time to work on its own, and gives you time to determine if the herbal treatment needs to be continued. There are exceptions to this rule, as with all rules, as in herbs that take a while to build up in the body to be effective. Don't give herbs you wouldn't take yourself, internally or externally. Just about any herbal remedy that you use for yourself can be adapted for use for your pet ‐ just remember to use tinctures whenever possible, stronger teas when necessary.

For overall general good health, as with ourselves, you should of course look to creating a species‐specific whole food diet to create a balance and harmony within your pet’s health regime and body.

There are many natural diets being recommended today for all sorts of pets. Do a lot of research, call us for advice into the natural dietary needs of your pet and read the rest of our feed ebooks on animal nutrition. (www.issuu.com/petnutritionsystems) Raw meat added to the diet of a cat or dog, natural carnivores, can often clear up a lot of mysterious ailments, as can the addition of properly prepared fruits and vegetables. If you feed a commercial diet consider making a change to a whole food diet. For pet birds, there is a lot of debate about diets these days ‐ seed vs. pellets. Neither is a complete diet in itself. Fresh fruits and vegetables are necessary for the overall good health and nutrition of a pet bird. For many finch species, live food in the form of various insects is a requirement. This is where your research into proper diet for each animal is so important. Years of healthy life can be added to your pet when diet is properly looked after!

Here are some herbal remedies for those common problems: Eyes Infection: A strong tea of eyebright, used as a wash, is perfect for irritated eyes on all pets. Also administer orally to boost the internal mechanisms to fight infection from the inside. Alternatively, you can make a saline solution. Dissolve 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt in 1/2 cup boiling water. Add 1 drop of goldenseal extract to 1 tablespoon of the saline solution, once cooled, when you are going to use it....it shrinks swollen tissues and disinfects.

Itch & Scrathing: The common cause of itching is due to fleas and flea bites ‐ some animals are actually allergic to the flea bites, compounding the problem. Brewer's yeast is often recommended, 1 teaspoon or tablet per day, as a deterrent. A word of caution here ‐ some animals are allergic to the brewer's yeast, or react to it with dry patches of skin that itch just as bad as the fleas do. If you use brewer's yeast, keep an eye out for these sorts of skin problems to develop, and discontinue the brewer's yeast if necessary as soon as one of these symptoms appear. A good remedy for those dry itchy skin patches is tea tree oil, rubbed over the patch. The bitter taste will discourage the animal from digging at his skin, and the oil works well to heal the dryness. Do not use it near the eyes or genitals, however. Aloe is also good for those dry patches. Another method is to put a slice of raw cucumber over the "hot" spot, holding it there for a few minutes, and then rub aloe or tea tree oil over the area.

The shampoo you use, or the flea collar you use, may actually be causing the itching. Bath your pet in an all natural shampoo, preferably something that has aloe in it, and find an alternative to that flea collar! These highly concentrated chemicals may cause severe itching and even illness.

You can make an herbal dip for your pet as follows: 2 cups packed fresh peppermint, pennyroyal, or rosemary; 1 quart boiling water; 4 quarts warm water ‐ ‐ Prepare an infusion by pouring the boiling water over the herbs and allow it to steep for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and dilute it with the warm water. Saturate the animal's coat thoroughly with the solution, allowing it to air dry. Use at the first sign of flea activity. This remedy will need to be repeated ever three to four days, but it is totally safe.

If the scratching persists, and fleas or poor diet are not the culprit, use a mixture of Licorice Root, Dandelion Root, and Cat's Claw in equal drops of each tincture for two weeks. The licorice is a natural cortisone, and will help to jumpstart the immune system.

To get rid of fleas in your carpet, after removing pets from the room, sprinkle Borax over the carpet and rub it in. Wait a while, then vacuum as usual. This is a safe, non‐chemical method of flea control.

Reapply the Borax once a week until the problem is gone.

Abscess Infections: First lance the abscess. Then mix a betadine solution with water until it looks like tea, and then fill an eyedropper with the solution and squirt it into the hole. Do this several times per day, at least three for the first day. It is very important to clip or shave the fur around the abscess and don't cover it with any bandage, it must drain properly. The healing will come from the inside out. If it is extremely deep, you may need a vet to put a drain in it. I also begin to administer antibiotic herbs orally, to help fight any infection that may occur. Another course of action is to use chamomile in the wound to prevent infection. I have had a lot of success with these methods, which my vet recommends. However, I also know that if it doesn't begin to clear up within a week, I need professional help to combat the infection.

Carsickness: Pet carsick can spoil taking a trip with your pet. Try giving a few drops of ginger root extract prior to the trip to settle his tummy. If it is a long trip, you may want to administer the ginger again halfway through the trip.

Cuts: Fresh aloe is an excellent application for those strange cuts and scrapes we can never figure out how our pet got. It is a natural antiseptic, and will keep the area moist until the cut can heal. Another good product is Bag Balm, available at feed stores everywhere. It keeps the skin moist and pliable, so that the skin can repair itself, and new hair can grow back. It prevents scarring when the area can be kept moist, but not wet. (Hint: Bag Balm, when rubbed into your cuticles, can also help you grow strong fingernails! It is also excellent for those very chapped lips we get in the wintertime). Alternatively, you can clean the wound with a wash of goldenseal, and apply aloe or other herbal treatments that are your favorites.

Dehydration: When a pet is dehydrated, due to illness or injury, you can give them Pedialyte, available in the baby food section of any grocery store. Alternatively, you can substitute Gatorade. However, the sugar content in Gatorade is rather high, which is not good for long term use with our pets. If using it, cut it in half with plain water.

There are also powdered electrolyte solutions available in most feed stores that work just as well, and are less expensive. Electrolyte solutions given in place of water for the first 24 hours will also help new pets that were shipped to deal with the stress of shipping. This is especially important with reptiles, amphibians, and birds of all types.

Flatulence: Two courses of action can be taken to give relief on that front. One is to give a tablespoon of plain yogurt mixed into their food once per day. Another method is to give a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar on the food daily. Try one method, and give it time. If it doesn't work, then try the other. If the problem persists, look into his diet.

Infections: Give a tincture of equal drops of echinacea and goldenseal. If the illness persists after two weeks, try a combination of different herbal antibiotics after careful diagnosis by your vet. If the animal recovers quickly, continue giving the herbs for a few days after, to aid in healing completely.

PNS generally recommends giving a capsule of garlic oil in the food once per week or adding crushed garlic to their food formulation. It helps keep the biting insect critters away, and helps keep the immune system healthy.

Ulcers: If your pet is suffering from ulcers, give him two drops each of Calendula, Comfrey, Knotgrass, and Nettle twice per day. Couple this with a bland, easy to digest diet until the ulcer has healed.

There are many common genetic canine health risk that can be helped by being proactive in treatment than being reactive. Here is a sort list of aliments and the breeds that commonly get theses ailments. If you have a mixed breed dog you can look at the combinations and if your breed is not listed please contact us for the information.

The United States' relationship with homeopathy has been more erratic. Homeopathy was introduced here in the early nineteenth century. In 1844 Dr. Constantine Hering and colleagues founded the American Institute of Homeopathy. Three years later, in reaction to this, 250 orthodox allopathic doctors founded the American Medical Association (the AMA). Supported by the burgeoning pharmaceutical industry, they began a systematic campaign to oppose homeopathic practitioners who were opposed to symptom‐suppressing, mass‐ produced drugs.

Shortly after the beginning of the 1900’s, there were 15,000 physicians practicing homeopathy and 22 homeopathic medical schools. However, by 1904 the AMA had succeeded in persuading philanthropists to stop supporting homeopathic medical schools.

They also managed to have the subject excluded from standard medical curriculum. The development of antibiotics after WWII further focused attention on allopathic drugs and away from homeopathic remedies. The Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia, named in honor of homeopathy's founder, was the last facility to close, in 1938. The history of homeopathy is well documented in Weiner's The Complete Book of Homeopathy.

Eastern countries have always seen the value in this practice and current there is a revival of interest in homeopathy in the U.S. About 500 medical doctors and 1,000 lay practitioners practice it, and several national associations have been formed. There is a growing movement to set up national licensing standards. The International Foundation for Homeopathy, located in Seattle, Washington, provides professional courses, organizes seminars, and publishes a monthly magazine, Resonance. The National Center for Homeopathy in Washington, D.C., is composed of physicians and non‐physicians. Like the American Homeopathic Foundation (AHF), in Philadelphia, it seeks to promote homeopathy through publication and education.

AHF publishes a monthly newsletter, Homeopathy News & Views and the National Center publishes the quarterly Journa1 of the American Institute of Homeopathy. Even the number of holistic and Homeopath veterinarians are on the rise and the number of pet parents that are looking for an alternative to traditional vet practices are on the rise.

If you have any comments, questions or would like a consultation feel free to contact Pet Nutrition Systems at: 562.295.6391, 570.266.1224.

VPN@petnutritionsystems.com or visit www.petnutritionsystems.com.