We have assembled information on various health problems that your dog might experience. We hope that you find this helpful and suggest that if you have any questions you would like to ask us, please send us an email.

Simply click on the item of interest to be taken to that information.

Hyperactivity

Fleas

Ear Infections

Digestive problems

Anal gland problems

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The obvious discomfort and restricted mobility experienced by many dogs and to a lesser extent, cats, sends many concerned pet owners in search of the elixir that will transform their beloved pet into the graceful and agile frolicker of the past. Unfortunately, such an elixir has yet to be discovered for people or their companion animals. There is, however, an important nutritional component to both the prevention and the alleviation of symptoms resulting from arthritis. Structural abnormalities, which become the sites of future arthritis, are caused in large part through inadequate nutrition while still in the mother’s womb. As Dr. Pitcairn, D.V.M., Ph.D., states, “Most of these conditions could be prevented if the female were properly fed throughout her pregnancy. The time of growth in the uterus is critical in terms of the formation of structure and essential tissues. Inadequate nutrition is most detrimental at this time.” (Source: Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats 1995).

Minimizing these hereditary effects, e.g., hip or elbow displasia, invertebral disc disease and Spondylitis to name a few, can be achieved through:

proper growth and weight management
natural diet or enzyme supplemented quality prepared diet
natural supplements that assist in healthy cartilage formation and/or reduce inflammation
vitamin and mineral supplementation
exercise for optimal muscle tone to support the joints and maintain flexibility

Unfortunately, treatment usually begins after symptoms of pain and stiffness or weakness appear. Pharmaceutical approaches include the use of steroids, which offer relief from pain but may produce other, unwanted side effects, e.g., weight gain, Addison’s Disease. Surgery is another option that, in addition to being expensive, adds its own group of risk factors, e.g., anesthesia.

There are a number of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs being prescribed that are quite effective in many cases but in others produce severe intestinal upset.

Nutritional therapies offer both reduction in pain and inflammation and improvement in health of the joints. Nutritional therapies are also used to slow the rate of degeneration in more advanced cases, thus adding to the quality of the remainder of life.

Hundreds of our customers' dogs and cats have benefited from the incorporation of Chinese, Western and other traditional remedies into their diets. Visit us in person to discuss our available product options, Please bring the ingredient panel from your pet's current food. It will help in determining an appropriate diet modification.

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Skin and coat problems are among the most common disorders experienced by the modern dog and cat growing up on poor quality processed diets. Hot spots, bare patches, excessive shedding, dandruff, too greasy, too dry, smelly mats and tangles, etc. result from:

nutritional imbalances or deficiencies
dietary hypersensitivity
inhalant allergies
flea bite dermatitis
weakened liver, gall bladder or pancreas
chronic digestive disorders

Pharmaceutical Approach

Pharmaceutical treatment with steroids, antibiotics, tranquilizers and antihistamines suppress symptoms but they usually return.

Long term use of drugs for skin conditions have been linked to Cushings Syndrome, Addison's Disease, liver disease, kidney failure and autoimmune disorders. (Source: Page 428, Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care, C.J. Puotinen, 1998).

Pets already suffering from skin and coat allergies often experience a worsening condition after subsequent vaccinations.

Nutritional Approach

Nutritional therapies involving vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids and improved diet offer the safest and the most permanent solution to healthy skin and coat for your pet.

Grooming is an important part of your pet’s skin and coat care. Our staff will be happy to assist you in finding the proper tools and topical skin care products best suited for your pet’s needs.

Visit us in person to discuss our available product options, Please bring the ingredient panel from your pet's current food. It will help in determining an appropriate diet modification.

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Puppies are often considered a bit hyper; however, in some instances, their attention span is so limited that training even basic obedience becomes impossible and their whirlwind of destruction around the home quickly ceases to be amusing. Some adult dogs may be classed as perpetual puppies, which may be typical of a terrier but atypical of a retriever.

In assessing your own dog, consider these factors:

1)   Is your dog’s behaviour extreme for his/her breed or mix?
2)   How competent are you as a trainer?
3)   Does your dog seem irritable?
4)   Does your dog exhibit signs of aggression?
5)   Is your dog getting adequate exercise for its breed?
6)   Is your home environment over-stimulating?

The quality, type and amount of protein in a dog’s diet can have a calming or exciting effect. Irritability can be a sign of digestive upset. Hyperactivity with aggression also needs nutritional support for the liver (traditional Chinese medicine). We carry a number of herbal combinations that can be used prior to stressful situations.

Visit us in person to discuss our available product options, Please bring the ingredient panel from your pet's current food. It will help in determining an appropriate diet modification.

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Fleas belong to a class of ectoparasites which includes ticks, mites, lice and biting flies. As such, they are opportunistic and tend to feed on the weak. A well nourished dog or cat seldom becomes seriously infested.

A single female flea can lay 20 to 60 eggs per day and given optimum conditions (60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and humid), the entire life cycle from egg to larvae to pupae to adult can take as few as 12 days. In colder conditions, this cycle can be prolonged to six months. A single female can be responsible for 200,000 to 300,000 fleas during a season.

Given the pyramidal growth potential of a flea population, it is much easier to prevent the problem than it is to cure it once there is a problem. It is important to remember that the majority of fleas are not on the pet but rather in the immediate environment. Eliminating tall grass, weeds, dead leaves, and debris from around the home makes the environment less hospitable to fleas. Fleas dislike dryness; thus, consider this in the landscaping in the immediate vicinity of your home.

There are three classes of chemicals commonly used in flea control:

1. Residuals: These have the ability to kill and keep on killing over time; thus, they are quite effective but also kill other beneficial insects. Carbamates and organophosphates interfere with the functioning of the parasite's nervous system. This group of chemicals arose out of nerve gas research. Cythiolate is an organophosphate used in PROBAN, an oral tablet to prevent against fleas.

This class of chemicals can cause adverse reactions, e.g., drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle twitching and seizures, and should be avoided with weakened or ill pets and sight hounds such as greyhounds. Problems are most likely to occur when using a variety of applications, e.g., collar, pill, dip, shampoo, etc., each containing a chemical in this class.

2. Botanicals: Pyrethrins are derived from the chrysanthemum plant. They both repel and quickly kill fleas and lice and are quickly inactivated in sunlight, thus having no residual toxicity. Pyrethrins are safe for both dogs and cats and can be used daily. D-Limone is a natural citrus extract which dissolves the flea's waxy coating, causing dehydration and death. It is extremely effective for dogs but is mildly toxic to cats, sometimes resulting in excess salivation, tremors and weakness.

3. Insect Growth Regulators (IGR’s): Methoprene, Precor, Lufenuron and Fenoxycarb are examples of IGR’s used in various tablets, sprays, shampoos and collars. They interrupt the hormonal activity at the flea’s larval stage preventing development into adult fleas. They are extremely safe.

4. Other: Herbal flea collars and drops use safe essential oils to repel fleas and other insects.

Flea Control Strategy

Use the least toxic methods available to prevent flea infestation. During flea season, keep grounds extra clear of debris and grass trimmed short. Vacuum carpets, furniture and around baseboards more often to suck up eggs and larvae. Pay more attention to your pet's grooming. Frequent combing will identify fleas earlier. Using a collar or shampoo with an IGR, such as PRECOR, will prevent the flea population around the cat or dog from exploding during the summer months. Herbal powders, collars or oils are very effective in repelling the odd flea and many other biting insects as well.

Look at your pet objectively. Is the skin and coat healthy? Are the eyes and ears clear and clean? Healthy pets full of vitality seldom become seriously infected. Optimum nutrition is a key component in flea overpopulation prevention.

In certain environments and especially as the number of pets in the household increases, the likelihood of a flea problem increases. If you notice fleas on your pet, it may be an indication of a growing infestation and time for serious action.

Visit us in person to discuss our available product options, Please bring the ingredient panel from your pet's current food. It will help in determining an appropriate diet modification.

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Excessive head shaking and scratching of the ears are the outward signs that a cat's or dog’s ears are infected by some type of organism. All sources reviewed listed ear infections among dogs and cats as a major cause of veterinary visits. Doctor Melman in his book Skin Diseases of Dogs and Cats estimates that “two out of every ten dogs in that waiting room are suffering from some sort of ear infection”. An ear infection occurs when the normal flora of the ear is disrupted. Just as a healthy digestive tract contains a proper balance of intestinal flora (bacteria, etc.) the ear canal of a dog or cat contains both bacteria and yeast, each checking the growth of the other.

The primary factors that disrupt the balance of flora within the ear canal include:

hypersensitivity to foods
inhalant allergies, e.g., pollens, etc.
contact allergy medications, e.g., Neomycin
hormonal imbalances, e.g., seborrhea
parasites, e.g.,mites
antibiotic treatment which can lead to yeast infection through bacteria inhibition

Dogs with ears that are hairy, e.g., Poodles, Airdales, Sheepdogs, or long and droopy, e.g., Cocker Spaniels, or folded, e.g. Sharpei, have a greater risk of developing infection due to trapped excess moisture, glandular secretions or foreign debris, e.g., burrs, fox tails.

In our experience, hypersensitivity appears to be the major culprit in dogs. Air borne allergens associated with the season (pollens, grasses, etc.) may also be the irritant that pushes the pet’s immune response over the threshold resulting in full blown ear irritations at certain times of the year.

Signs of an allergic response include:

excessive licking or chewing of the front paws
excessive licking or chewing at the base of the tail
scooting its rear end along the ground

While it’s difficult to isolate a pet from its environment, a change in diet to a more natural, chemical free diet often eliminates or reduces the severity of chronic ear inflammation.

Ear mites are very common in cats - one in two ear infections - and not very prevalent in dogs unless a cat is also resident in the house. If there is a discharge that looks like dried coffee grounds deep in the ear canal, it is likely from ear mites. The bite of the mite causes an inflammatory response (perhaps like flea bites) resulting in itching and redness of the ear canal.

Increasing vitality through improved diet and cleaning with a safe herbal or other natural cleanser is the best prevention and also a good part of the cure.

Ear infections are prolonged by a number of secondary problems:

Malassezia yeast is characterized by a dark brown to black and waxy discharge sometimes with a fruity smell and is associated with antibiotic treatment or allergies. It loves moist conditions. The ears may or may not be itchy.
Ear mites leave a dry granular dark brown discharge and the dog's or cat's ears are typically very itchy.
Swimming in contaminated water may encourage the growth of Pseudomonas which has a pale, cheesy discharge often causing ulcers.
Staphylococcus infections exhibit a fowl smelling, yellowish/tan discharge.

Doctor Pitcairn, D.V.M., Ph.D., recommends healing the ear tissue with olive and/or almond oil mixed with a capsule of vitamin E and improving the pet’s diet. The vitamin E will help heal the inflamed tissue and the oil will suffocate mites and dissolve waxy discharge.

Dr. Steven Melman states that “Acetic acid . . . in the proper concentration can kill Pseudomonas in 60 seconds and Staphylococcus and Streptococcus in five minutes - not to mention what it does to yeast.”

It’s important when choosing an ear care product that it be free of certain drugs that kill nerve cells in the ear. These include Neomycin, Erythromycin, Chlorhexidane and Salicylates (aspirin) (Source: Melman - Skin Diseases of Dogs and Cats 1994 Table 14.2)

If your dog or cat is plagued by recurring bouts of ear infections, natural supplements that moderate the immune response reducing inflammation and regular ear cleansing with a gentle, natural product will make a positive difference in the condition.

Visit us in person discuss our available product options, Please bring the ingredient panel from your pet's current food. It will help in determining an appropriate diet modification.

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Gas, bloating, stomach gurgling, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting can result from many contributing factors. Sudden changes in diet, “the holiday, garbage pail or compost heap binge” can have amazing eliminative consequences. Viral, bacterial, protozoan or other intestinal parasites can all play havoc with the digestive process. Too much exercise too soon after eating has been linked with life threatening ‘bloat’ and not enough exercise to chronic gas and constipation.

Where digestive problems are chronic, in most cases the quality and quantities of fats, carbohydrates and proteins in the pets’ diet are the culprit. In some cases, supplementation with enzymes to support the digestive process is warranted.

In all cases an examination of the pet’s diet is important. Eliminating ingredients to which the pet may be intolerant is necessary. Additionally, providing a diet that offers probiotics, whole unprocessed ingredients free of unnecessary chemical additives, will place less stress on the digestive organs.

Where the primary diet is dry kibble, it is even more important for pets with digestive problems to be given a raw food supplement. This provides additional nutrients which are missing due to processing and extra live enzymes to support digestion.

Remember, improving digestion optimizes the right mix of fuels that drive the whole organism.

Visit us in person to discuss our available product options, Please bring the ingredient panel from your pet's current food. It will help in determining an appropriate diet modification.

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Anal glands are scent glands located at each side of the anus. Designed to secrete a strong smelling fluid during bowel movements or extreme fear, they often become impacted (clogged up) due to:

1) Poor diet
2) Constipation
3) Lack of exercise

Signs that your dog may need attention are excessive licking of the anal area and "scooting" (dragging the rear end . . . on your new white carpet). Veterinary treatment involves manually expressing the glands to release the clogged fluid. Abscesses can form and in severe cases, surgery is performed to remove the glands entirely. Typically, once the anal glands have been manually expressed, it becomes a regular occurrence every three or four months and the pet lives in discomfort for much of the time. From a nutritional standpoint, the modern kibble diet that boasts of producing tiny, firm stools is the culprit. Stool reducers are added to the food which remove water, producing smaller feces. This also gives the illusion of highly digestible food. Unfortunately, these easy-to pick-up tiny, hard stools do little to stimulate the anal glands and chronic problems often develop.

Many veterinarians recommend a high fibre diet. Certainly, more indigestible fibre is needed in the pet's diet; however, many high fibre diets are often also weight loss diets which may not be appropriate and may result in the pet requiring more to maintain proper weight. It hardly seems sensible to alleviate one problem and then have to deal another.

Our nutritional approach would include frozen, dehydrated or pet food mixes which all include whole meats and high in vegetable fibre. These diets are minimally processed, highly nutritious and are easy to prepare and serve.

Maxwell, a 13-year-old Lab/Border Collie cross, suffered with anal gland problems for many years while eating dry food. Within a few months of introducing Maxwell to our fresh pre-prepared diets, his discomfort and symptoms of licking and scooting disappeared. Maxwell developed larger stools due to the increased vegetable fibre, which expressed his anal glands properly and stimulated his digestive tract as nature intended. We were happy to deal with the larger stool because of the positive health benefits Maxwell enjoyed.

Visit us in person to discuss our available product options, Please bring the ingredient panel from your pet's current food. It will help in determining an appropriate diet modification