Debra Said:

Anyone know of a good chemical free flea or tick medicine/prevention for dogs?

We Answered:

garlic or brewer yeast,holistic vets use brewer yeast

works great,my friend has 2 beautiful husky's and they have never had flea's

I use a flea and heartworm combination,revolution from my vet, 6 months course 95.00 per dog,well worth it
This is canada,maybe cheaper in the US

Lorraine Said:

Holistic treatment for kidney disease in dogs?

We Answered:

Raw food - a raw meaty bones or prey model diet based around whole carcasses, raw meat, meaty bones and organs.

I would suggest you join one of the raw feeding groups - RawMeatyBones or rawfeeding are two good ones.

holistic means treating the 'whole' rather than just the symptoms - not necessarily homoeopathic or 'herbal' - surely a species appropriate diet is the first step in this?

Amy Said:

Good Afternoon Dog Section?

We Answered:

We're good :o)

"Holistic" simply means that the doctor or vet considers all the factors in a persons or animals environment when treating them....I don't see how that is a bad thing.

I am not anti-medication when it is called for, but coming from a family where traditional medicine has caused as much harm as good (my mother has permanent nerve damage from an antibiotic she was prescribed years ago) I am always looking for alternatives.

I am big on approaching health problems with nutrition, and I have had success with both people and animals in doing so. For example, I have a friend with severe eczema...she has bone loss, now, from the steroids that doctors have prescribed for it over the years, and even then the steroids werent working for her. I put her on vitamins to support her immune system and her skin health, and she has improved tremendously. Her doctor was impressed with her improvement the last time she went in. Oh...and she used to be night blind.....she isn't any more. :o)

For decades I have been careful to feed my animals the best food I could afford, and I think that is one reason I have had so little illness over the years. Whenever possible my first choice is supplement over medication..... when my old Rottie developed severe arthritis I gave him glucosamine and chondroitin, As long as he was receiving it, he moved normally. No need for pain medication and its possible side effects.

I have also had tremendous success over the years using homeopathy. I got interested in it when I was in my twenties and had an asthma attack that lasted three days and took me to the emergency room. I had asthma from childhood, and it really scared me, so I visited a doctor who also used homeopathy. That was more than twenty years ago, and (other than a bout caused by a traditional doctor who over-prescribed sulfa antibiotics) I have not had a problem with asthma since. I threw my inhaler away years ago :o)

Its not always easy to figure out the right homeopathic remedy (especially with an animal, who cant tell you how they are feeling), but when you do, it works like magic. If it is used properly, the potential side effects of homeopathy are pretty much nonexistent, and that is important to me.

Oh...and many years ago, before I ever got interested in alternative treatments, I had a six month old filly who was extremely ill. I really was afraid I was going to lose her. Traditional treatments were not helping her, so I searched out a holistic vet. He drove two hours to see her, and he saved her. I will never forget that.

Annette Said:

Is Holistic pet food and Holistic Vet care better for puppy/dog versus Allopatic medicine and cheeper food.?

We Answered:

If you are an "adopt for life" person, holistic pet food is the way to go. Not all holistic pet foods are created equal, you want the kind with probiotics to protect his digestive tract.

The website below has an outstanding movie on "Do you know what's in your pet's food" that will persuade you to stay holistic all the way! (It also has some very cool puppy training treats!)

As for holistic veterinary care... unless you live in a very large city, that's much harder to come by. I would find an allopathic vet who's willing to work with you on natural nutrition, etc.

There are many online holistic vets who can give general, proactive advice. My favorite online vet is "DogtorJ", his website is dogtorj.net He is VERY nutrition focused and is ANTI corn and wheat in pet foods (they are the number one allergens for humans and pets).

P.S. These top natural foods are not all that expensive. Many holistic foods are about the price (per serving) of an Iams or Science Diet.

Rene Said:

Holistic approach for ur dog? (anyone give FLAXOIL to their dog)?

We Answered:

http://dogcancer.net/?source=Overture

Here is a link to a website that has lots of info, and a phone number you can call to ask questions.

Good luck!