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canine nutrition • homeopathy and natural health care • training and behavior<br />
Volume 3 • Issue 3 • May/June 2012<br />
DOGS NATURALLY<br />
PUPPY VACCINES<br />
Fleas and Ticks<br />
for dogs without boundaries<br />
saving lives with<br />
TITERS<br />
NATURAL<br />
HEALING<br />
for lyme disease<br />
switching<br />
Puppies<br />
to raw<br />
essential oils<br />
for pest control
editor’s message<br />
For once in my life, I’m speechless. I’ve no idea what to write this time around. I’m missing Simon terribly<br />
and it seems that his loss started a tragic cascade in our household.<br />
Before Simon’s ashes were returned to us, Aaron started showing <strong>the</strong> same neurological symptoms. An<br />
MRI confirmed our fears: Aaron is now dying of a brain tumor too. Of course, I immediately blamed myself<br />
and promptly removed all of <strong>the</strong> cordless phones and wireless devices from <strong>the</strong> areas where <strong>the</strong> dogs<br />
spend most of <strong>the</strong>ir time. I tested our well water, <strong>the</strong> pond water, I questioned <strong>the</strong>ir food, and virtually exhausted<br />
myself trying to find a reason why two healthy dogs could suddenly be stricken with brain tumors,<br />
just a month apart.<br />
Then one day, I came to terms with <strong>the</strong><br />
fact that I can’t control everything in life.<br />
There are things I can control, such as<br />
making sure my dogs get plenty of sunshine,<br />
fresh air and exercise. I can control<br />
<strong>the</strong> quality of food that goes into <strong>the</strong>m, as<br />
well as <strong>the</strong>ir drinking water. I can control<br />
what drugs, chemicals and toxins <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are exposed to - to a certain extent. But<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are also things that are beyond my<br />
control.<br />
Life became a lot easier for me when I<br />
learned to worry only about <strong>the</strong> things I<br />
could control and to just let <strong>the</strong> rest go.<br />
The reality is life has its ups and downs<br />
and our happiness relies not only on enjoying<br />
<strong>the</strong> ups, but in recognizing that <strong>the</strong><br />
downs are just...life.<br />
I have two beautiful young puppies sleeping contentedly beside me at <strong>the</strong> moment. This is my first litter in<br />
nearly four years and I was so excited about it. Once again, life dealt me a blow and I lost five of <strong>the</strong> seven<br />
puppies. I was feeling very sorry for myself last month - but I survived and so did <strong>the</strong>se two wonderful<br />
puppies.<br />
If <strong>the</strong>re is one thing that showing and living with dogs has taught me, it’s that we all have to pay our dues.<br />
Hopefully one of <strong>the</strong>se puppies will stay here with me and soon I will be taking her in <strong>the</strong> show ring and<br />
taking her out for swims and walks with <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> pack. Some of <strong>the</strong>se days may bring us a rosette or I<br />
may be suddenly struck with <strong>the</strong> glowing realization of how lucky I am to have <strong>the</strong> beautiful and wonderful<br />
dogs, family and life that I do. On <strong>the</strong>se days when I’m rewarded by life, I will feel like I’ve really earned <strong>the</strong><br />
privilege to enjoy <strong>the</strong> gifts I’ve been given.<br />
I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but today I’ll enjoy all of <strong>the</strong> little heartbeats at my feet because<br />
that’s all I can do. And I’m OK with that.<br />
Dana<br />
4 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
feedback<br />
Letters<br />
Your devotion to dogs is inspirational! Can I please compliment<br />
you on putting toge<strong>the</strong>r such a wonderful magazine.<br />
I read both November and January editions back<br />
to back - and in <strong>the</strong> process learnt so much! I have had<br />
two Staffordshire Bull Terriers for 14 years and suffered<br />
<strong>the</strong> heartache of losing two last year to cancer. I am convinced<br />
that annual vaccinations and inappropriate diet<br />
were contributing factors! I have two Staffordshire Bull<br />
Terrier rescue dogs now and feed <strong>the</strong>m both a raw diet<br />
and will not continue with annual boosters! I look forward<br />
to future editions of <strong>the</strong> magazine! - Nigel<br />
I just read your editorial in <strong>the</strong> January issue and tears<br />
came...knowing that you are you, and in <strong>the</strong> world, and<br />
devoted totally to <strong>the</strong> welfare of our canine companions,<br />
and in Canada (good country still). This all rekindles my<br />
faith and hope and you are an example for me, to follow<br />
my heart...I hope Libby is comfortable in her moment still.<br />
- Judith from France<br />
Dr. Cutright, who recently wrote on Nutrition Response<br />
Testing in <strong>the</strong> March 2012 issue, wanted to make some<br />
clarifications. Firstly, that although she used <strong>the</strong> acronym<br />
NRT for Nutrition Response Testing in her article, it actually<br />
respresents a different procedure and not Nutrition<br />
Response Testing. She also wanted to remind those inquiring<br />
that this is a nutritional analysis and <strong>the</strong> stressors<br />
she mentioned, including infectious stressors, were better<br />
described as immune challenge, as “infectious” would<br />
indicate a diagnostic, not analytical test was performed.<br />
I noticed an error in <strong>the</strong> Apo<strong>the</strong>cary article on Calcarea<br />
carbonica. If you haven’t caught it yet....Last sentence,<br />
it is Sulphur that shouldn’t follow Calcarea, not <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
way around. Calcarea is ideal and often follows well after<br />
Sulphur. - Charles E. Loops DVM<br />
Facebook<br />
Lyne Gagné I just can not get enough of this magazine<br />
wow, always great articles, thank you. I share all your articles<br />
with my group http://amateurdechien.ning.com.<br />
I hope my Plume will be chosen for <strong>the</strong> cover. I’m so happy<br />
that I found a magazine that has <strong>the</strong> same belief that<br />
I do; I feed my dogs raw, don’t over vaccinate and treat<br />
<strong>the</strong>m only with natural products. I have had a boarding<br />
kennel for six years now and I accept raw fed dogs, and<br />
only ask for one rabies vaccine, one DHPP, NO Bordetella.<br />
Thank you<br />
Melissa Vrooman Had a “great” time walking four miles<br />
on <strong>the</strong> treadmill last night (60 min) and reading up on my<br />
newest edition of <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong>! The time just flew by :)<br />
The vaccine feedback article was wonderful!<br />
Simone Clark Thanks DNM, <strong>the</strong> dogs and I just received a<br />
special present of chicken jerky from Tumbleweed & Eddie’s<br />
- <strong>the</strong>y get three paws up! If any of <strong>the</strong> dogs could<br />
manage it it would have been six paws but <strong>the</strong>y aren’t<br />
that good at balancing!<br />
Tunia Harrison Hyland My favorite holistic dog mag!<br />
Twitter<br />
@Lucida Puppy Fund @<strong>Dogs</strong><strong>Naturally</strong> has a great deal<br />
of info on #parvo. It hits home, especially with <strong>the</strong> recent<br />
bouts at our fellow #rescues, it’s a must read!<br />
We love our friends!<br />
Check out our website, Facebook and Twitter pages to stay up to date on <strong>the</strong> latest stories<br />
and news, as well as events, contests and exclusive giveaways. Go to facebook.com/dogsnaturallymagazine<br />
& twitter.com/dogsnaturally.<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
5
DOGS NATURALLY<br />
Volume 3 Issue 3<br />
ON THE COVER<br />
20<br />
28<br />
20 ESSENTIAL OILS FOR PEST CONTROL<br />
A look at <strong>the</strong> shortcomings of many essential oil products<br />
for controlling bugs and how to find better products.<br />
by: Frances Cleveland<br />
22 STARTING PUPPIES ON RAW FOOD<br />
Many dog owners are hesitant to feed <strong>the</strong>ir puppies raw, especially<br />
large breed puppies. Here is a simple guide to start<br />
your puppy out safely.<br />
by: Dana Scott<br />
24 FLEAS AND TICKS<br />
Spot-on flea and tick products contain many harmful ingredients.<br />
Learn what new products are on shelves and<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r or not <strong>the</strong>y are safer alternatives.<br />
by: Deva Khalsa DVM<br />
28 PUPPY VACCINATIONS<br />
Puppy vaccination schedules have three major flaws that<br />
can harm your puppy. Learn <strong>the</strong> difference between vaccination<br />
and immunization and what that means for your<br />
puppy.<br />
by: Dana Scott<br />
34 TITERS<br />
How a simple blood test can save lives. The ins and outs of<br />
titers and vaccination.<br />
by: Don Hamilton DVM<br />
37 NATURAL HEALING FOR LYME<br />
Lyme disease can have very damaging effects on dogs. Often,<br />
antibiotics are used to treat symptoms but you can treat<br />
Lyme successfully with herbs.<br />
by: Stephen Harrod Buhner<br />
COVER DOG<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> is published six times per year by Intuition Publishing.<br />
Digital subscription rates are $14.95 per year.<br />
Print subscription rates are $24.95 for US residents and $29.95 for Canadian<br />
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GIDGET<br />
A six year old Border Collie, adopted<br />
through Midwest Border Collie Rescue,<br />
Gidget is owned and loved by Laurie<br />
Minarcik.<br />
Gidget and Laurie live in Illinois.<br />
Photography:<br />
Stephanie Stanger<br />
6 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
COLUMNS<br />
4 EDITOR’S MESSAGE<br />
5 FEEDBACK<br />
8 CONTRIBUTORS<br />
12 ASK THE VET<br />
19 GIVEAWAYS<br />
27 10 MINUTE TRAINER<br />
46 NUTRITION WITH LUCY<br />
48 I NEED THAT<br />
50 CLASSIFIED SECTION<br />
53 DOG PEOPLE<br />
FEATURES<br />
9 YET ANOTHER ONE<br />
It appears that we may be on <strong>the</strong> brink of ano<strong>the</strong>r massive pet food<br />
recall. Discover <strong>the</strong> hidden secrets in pet foods that can harm your<br />
dog.<br />
by: Maria Ringo DHMHS, B.GS<br />
14 THE THEATER OF LIFE<br />
Musings on life and death.<br />
by: Peter Dobias DVM<br />
16 HUMAN PARASITES<br />
Dog owners go to great lengths to avoid fleas, ticks and worms.<br />
What can we do to avoid human parasites?<br />
by: Ca<strong>the</strong>rine O’Driscoll<br />
40 HERBAL SOLUTIONS FOR PARASITES<br />
Many dogs are affected by internal parasites. Discover how you can<br />
treat <strong>the</strong>se problems without harmful chemical wormers.<br />
by: Patricia A. Griffiths<br />
43 FWGE FOR CANINE CANCER<br />
Cancer is occurring in our canine companions at an alarming rate.<br />
Fortunately, <strong>the</strong>re are safe and effective alternatives to chemo<strong>the</strong>rapy<br />
and radiation.<br />
by: Dr. Steven Eisen<br />
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<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
7
INTUITION PUBLISHING<br />
contributors<br />
Editor<br />
Advertising<br />
Photography<br />
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Dana Scott<br />
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<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> articles are selected for <strong>the</strong>ir general<br />
interest and entertainment value. The authors’<br />
views do not necessarily reflect <strong>the</strong> policies and<br />
opinions of Intuition Publishing, nor does <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
publication in <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> constitute an endorsement.<br />
Information offered in <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong><br />
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email sales@dogsnaturallymagazine.com.<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> reserves <strong>the</strong> right to reject any advertisement<br />
submitted.<br />
PETER DOBIAS has been in<br />
veterinary practice since 1988.<br />
In 2008, he decided to sell his<br />
thriving holistic veterinary practice<br />
in Vancouver, BC, Canada to<br />
dedicate his future years to disease<br />
prevention and transforming<br />
<strong>the</strong> face of veterinary care to<br />
less invasive and more natural<br />
treatment methods. He believes<br />
that we can create a healthy and<br />
long life, naturally.<br />
SUBMISSIONS<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> welcomes submissions of articles,<br />
artwork or photography. Submission constitutes<br />
permission for <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong>, at its sole discretion,<br />
to use <strong>the</strong> submitted materials, in whole or in<br />
part, without compensation to <strong>the</strong> submitter. Detailed<br />
information on <strong>the</strong> format and requirements<br />
for submission is available via email. Please email<br />
submissions and requests to dana@dogsnaturallymagazine.com.<br />
SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMS<br />
If you are missing an issue, have a change of mailing<br />
address, or have a subscription-related problem,<br />
please contact customer service at subscribe@dogsnaturallymagazine.com.<br />
MARIA RINGO is a homeopathic<br />
practitioner, teacher, animal<br />
nutritionist, and co-founder<br />
of Carna4 Dog Food, a small ethical<br />
company producing syn<strong>the</strong>tic-free<br />
whole foods for pets. In<br />
1986 she co-founded Sojourner<br />
Farms, one of <strong>the</strong> first commercially<br />
available raw foods diets<br />
for dogs. She lives in Toronto,<br />
Ontario with her family and may<br />
be reached at maria@nthm.ca<br />
PERMISSIONS<br />
This entire publication is copyrighted. Contents of<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> may not be reproduced or reprinted<br />
in whole or in part without <strong>the</strong> prior written consent<br />
of Intuition Publishing.<br />
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INTUITION PUBLISHING<br />
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E-mail: info@dogsnaturallymagazine.com<br />
Web site: www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com<br />
LINDA BOILEAU is an internationally-syndicated<br />
cartoonist<br />
and illustrator who has published<br />
more than 3,000 cartoons in high<br />
profile publications including<br />
The New York Times, Washington<br />
Post, Chicago Tribune and<br />
USA Today. Her work has appeared<br />
in Pelican’s Best Editorial<br />
Cartoons of <strong>the</strong> Year for 21 years<br />
in a row.<br />
8 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
Yet ano<strong>the</strong>r one<br />
<strong>the</strong> reasons why <strong>the</strong>re are so many pet food recalls<br />
By Maria Ringo DHMHS, B.GS<br />
There is a good chance that at some<br />
point in <strong>the</strong> next month you will be reading<br />
about ano<strong>the</strong>r pet food recall due to<br />
toxins found in pet food. Even people<br />
without pets were riveted to <strong>the</strong> news<br />
around <strong>the</strong> widespread panic that happened<br />
back in 2007 when Menu Foods<br />
brands were found to contain lethal doses<br />
of melamine. Melamine is what <strong>the</strong>y<br />
make kitchen counters out of, so what<br />
was it doing in pet food?<br />
Melamine contains high levels of protein,<br />
believe it or not. It was added to a “vitamin/mineral<br />
premix” manufactured in<br />
China, in order to boost <strong>the</strong> nutritional<br />
profile of <strong>the</strong> mix. Bags and bags of this<br />
premix, virtually all made offshore, are<br />
shipped to North American pet food<br />
manufacturers every day, where <strong>the</strong><br />
mixture is <strong>the</strong>n added by <strong>the</strong> scoopful to<br />
pet food recipes in order to meet AAFCO<br />
minimum standards for certain nutritional<br />
requirements. Check <strong>the</strong> back of most<br />
pet food packages and look at <strong>the</strong> chemical<br />
names listed at <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> ingredients<br />
list – that’s <strong>the</strong> premix.<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
9
Most pet foods are made from such low<br />
grade food sources and meat meals that<br />
additional vitamins and minerals (and<br />
sometimes proteins) must be added in<br />
order to make it appear nutritious in <strong>the</strong><br />
guaranteed analysis. These added ‘nutrients’<br />
are virtually all syn<strong>the</strong>tic and made<br />
in large batches in chemical factories offshore.<br />
Even if <strong>the</strong> premix is ‘sourced’ in<br />
<strong>the</strong> US, most of <strong>the</strong> vitamins that make<br />
up <strong>the</strong> premix are actually manufactured<br />
only in China or India.<br />
So if <strong>the</strong> foreign manufacturer adds too<br />
much of one chemical to <strong>the</strong> premix, or<br />
adds something else like melamine to<br />
get better numbers, or if <strong>the</strong> pet food<br />
company here in North America adds<br />
too many scoops of premix to <strong>the</strong> dog<br />
food recipe, <strong>the</strong> result can be disastrous.<br />
But it likely won’t be discovered until an<br />
animal gets sick because, until recently,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re was no legal requirement for pet<br />
foods to be tested for such toxins before<br />
<strong>the</strong>y went to market.<br />
One of <strong>the</strong> more persistent recall issues<br />
in North America is not related to chemical<br />
inputs but to <strong>the</strong> use of low quality<br />
ingredients in pet food. For example,<br />
feed grade corn and wheat left in toomoist<br />
conditions for too long can grow<br />
high levels of aflatoxin, a type of naturally<br />
occurring mycotoxin produced by numerous<br />
species of aspergillus. This toxin<br />
is harmful to people and pets, though<br />
humans have a higher tolerance for it<br />
and rarely get sick from exposure. Aflatoxin<br />
spores can easily colonize in grain<br />
both before harvest and during storage<br />
with prolonged exposure to a hot, moist<br />
environment. It survives in <strong>the</strong> milk of<br />
animals fed contaminated feed, and is so<br />
common that it’s present in commercial<br />
peanut butter in doses too low to make<br />
anyone sick. In pets however, continuous<br />
exposure to aflatoxin causes liver<br />
damage which shows up in <strong>the</strong> animal as<br />
swelling, bleeding, mental confusion, GI<br />
distress, and sometimes coma.<br />
The spores of aspergillus are present in<br />
most susceptible crops at <strong>the</strong> time of harvest,<br />
raising <strong>the</strong> risk of harmful amounts<br />
of aflatoxin if cool and dry storage standards<br />
are not met. These standards are<br />
generally well followed with grains destined<br />
for <strong>the</strong> human market (grocery<br />
stores and restaurants) because <strong>the</strong>re<br />
are more laws in place requiring testing<br />
of <strong>the</strong>se goods. Not so for foodstuffs<br />
destined for animal feed. Larger pet food<br />
manufacturers buy <strong>the</strong>ir ingredients<br />
from both <strong>the</strong> human and pet streams<br />
and <strong>the</strong>n mix <strong>the</strong>m. Just one spore can<br />
spread to huge amounts of finished product<br />
very quickly, thus we get <strong>the</strong>se massive<br />
pet food recalls spread out over several<br />
states or even whole countries.<br />
Frozen raw and dehydrated pet food<br />
products as an alternative to <strong>the</strong> above<br />
are not free of toxin risk ei<strong>the</strong>r. This segment<br />
of <strong>the</strong> pet food market is <strong>the</strong> fastest<br />
growing as more consumers embrace<br />
alternatives to chemical-laden, high-heat<br />
extruded, low-quality ingredient foods.<br />
However, several recent pet food recalls<br />
have been initiated due to unacceptable<br />
concentrations of dangerous pathogenic<br />
organisms found in uncooked meat ingredients.<br />
Depending on <strong>the</strong> packing and shipping<br />
procedures, both in <strong>the</strong> factory and at<br />
<strong>the</strong> store level, pathogens have <strong>the</strong> opportunity<br />
to thrive on raw foods if thawing<br />
takes place along <strong>the</strong> way. Once refrozen,<br />
<strong>the</strong> consumer has no way of knowing<br />
if thawing has happened. In <strong>the</strong> case of<br />
dehydrated meat products, <strong>the</strong> moisture<br />
must be extremely low, and remain low<br />
(no storage in damp warehouses or boxes)<br />
or pathogens again have <strong>the</strong> opportunity<br />
to flourish.<br />
Interestingly, <strong>the</strong> Food & Drug Administration<br />
(FDA) in <strong>the</strong> US is going after this<br />
group of manufacturers now to prevent<br />
fur<strong>the</strong>r outbreaks of pathogens in raw<br />
food, especially salmonella and E. coli.<br />
Very soon, all manufacturers of <strong>the</strong>se<br />
products will be required to ultra-pasteurize<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir products, which kills not<br />
only <strong>the</strong> pathogens but also any live enzymes<br />
in <strong>the</strong> food, defeating much of <strong>the</strong><br />
purpose for feeding it in <strong>the</strong> first place.<br />
Salmonella and E. coli contaminations are<br />
not confined to raw foods, but also affect<br />
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10 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
Minimize your pet’s risk when feeding commercial diets and packaged treats<br />
Seek out companies that are transparent about testing for toxins. Make sure <strong>the</strong>y test both ingredients<br />
and finished batches for mycotoxins and bacteria before packaging. If you are concerned<br />
about mercury levels in <strong>the</strong> salmon in your pet food, ask <strong>the</strong> company if <strong>the</strong>y test for that too.<br />
Look for products free of syn<strong>the</strong>tic ingredients of any kind. Vitamins from food are hardier than<br />
those made in test tubes. Read <strong>the</strong> ingredients panel to spot <strong>the</strong> chemicals usually listed at <strong>the</strong> end<br />
because <strong>the</strong>se are likely made in unregulated offshore facilities.<br />
Feed products with only table grade food ingredients, i.e., federally inspected for human consumption,<br />
to reduce <strong>the</strong> risk of bacterial and viral pathogens like salmonella. This applies to all products<br />
including frozen and dehydrated meats.<br />
heat-treated brands as well. Unlike <strong>the</strong><br />
USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)<br />
and CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection<br />
Agency) rules governing meat destined<br />
for human consumption (known as<br />
‘table grade’) <strong>the</strong>re is no inspection process<br />
in place in North America to ensure<br />
that animal carcasses destined for pet<br />
food are treated with any particular care.<br />
In o<strong>the</strong>r words, your organic chicken can<br />
sit in a bucket in <strong>the</strong> processing plant for<br />
days, unrefrigerated, waiting for shipment<br />
to <strong>the</strong> pet food plant. Salmonella,<br />
E. coli and o<strong>the</strong>r foodborne pathogens<br />
have a field day in that bucket.<br />
Most manufacturers rely on <strong>the</strong> high<br />
cooking temperature of extrusion to kill<br />
contaminants, but as evidenced by <strong>the</strong><br />
continuing incidences of recalls, this is<br />
not effective enough. Conditions in <strong>the</strong><br />
post-cooking stage, when <strong>the</strong> product<br />
is still warm and moist, are ideal for <strong>the</strong><br />
spread of spores, making batch testing<br />
for toxins all <strong>the</strong> more important. To really<br />
reduce <strong>the</strong> risk of contamination, <strong>the</strong><br />
manufacturer has to start with higher<br />
quality ingredients that are less susceptible<br />
to problems. Like any o<strong>the</strong>r endeavor<br />
in life, quality in equals quality out.<br />
With so little protection, and recurring<br />
scary headlines, it’s no wonder that many<br />
pet owners are turning away from typical<br />
commercial packaged foods and ei<strong>the</strong>r<br />
preparing <strong>the</strong>ir own at home or seeking<br />
out <strong>the</strong> clean alternatives.<br />
Amazingly, it was only 13 months ago<br />
that a federal law was finally enacted to<br />
begin regulating any aspect of pet food<br />
production o<strong>the</strong>r than package labeling<br />
in <strong>the</strong> United States. Previous to January<br />
4, 2011 <strong>the</strong>re were no laws requiring<br />
manufacturers to test for mycotoxins,<br />
pathogens (e.g., salmonella and E. coli),<br />
or toxic heavy metals (e.g., mercury and<br />
arsenic) or any wrongly added ingredient<br />
in <strong>the</strong>ir finished product. There is still no<br />
law in Canada, though <strong>the</strong> US law covers<br />
all goods made and sold <strong>the</strong>re, so it effectively<br />
applies to products imported into<br />
Canada from <strong>the</strong> US.<br />
Now in <strong>the</strong> US, <strong>the</strong>re is <strong>the</strong> FDA’s Food<br />
Safety Modernization Act, which imposes<br />
a number of mandates on individuals and<br />
businesses that produce food, and it covers<br />
food intended for animals as well as<br />
humans. This complex new law provides<br />
a framework for inspections, tracking and<br />
record keeping, but doesn’t actually set<br />
standards for <strong>the</strong>se activities. It merely<br />
charges <strong>the</strong> various authorities with creating<br />
standards. The law does give <strong>the</strong><br />
FDA some teeth, in <strong>the</strong> form of fines and<br />
recall authority, to enforce <strong>the</strong> rules. It<br />
remains to be seen what comprehensive<br />
rules will be created by this law and how<br />
diligently it will be enforced.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> absence of enforced quality standards<br />
and testing requirements, few pet<br />
food companies have undertaken continuous<br />
batch monitoring primarily because<br />
it costs time and money. Some manufacturers<br />
invest <strong>the</strong>se resources for <strong>the</strong><br />
safety of <strong>the</strong>ir customers and ultimately<br />
as well for <strong>the</strong> preservation of <strong>the</strong>ir company’s<br />
reputation, but <strong>the</strong> high cost of<br />
testing generally discourages voluntary<br />
compliance. f<br />
Maria Ringo is a homeopathic practitioner,<br />
teacher and co-founder of Carna4<br />
Dog Food, a small ethical company producing<br />
syn<strong>the</strong>tic-free whole foods for<br />
pets. In 1986 she co-founded Sojourner<br />
Farms, one of <strong>the</strong> first commercially<br />
available raw foods diets for dogs. She<br />
lives in Toronto, Ontario with her family<br />
and may be reached at maria@nthm.ca<br />
DNM Extras<br />
Learn about tripe, <strong>the</strong> magical<br />
mystery meat. A powerhouse<br />
of vitamins, minerals, probiotics<br />
and digestive enzymes.<br />
Visit www.dogsnaturallymagazine.<br />
com/<strong>the</strong>-stink-on-tripe/<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
11
ASK <strong>the</strong> VET<br />
Next month, Dr. Deva Khalsa will be our guest vet on Ask The Vet.<br />
EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS: ask<strong>the</strong>vet@dogsnaturallymagazine.com<br />
Dear Dr Jordan<br />
I have been on <strong>the</strong> fence and researching vaccines for years. I<br />
have been vaccinating my dogs every four years right now because<br />
I am not yet convinced <strong>the</strong>y don’t need any, but I am also<br />
far from thinking <strong>the</strong>y need <strong>the</strong>m more often. But now I need<br />
to get my boxer spayed and <strong>the</strong> vets in my area will only do it<br />
if I vaccinate her now. Why is this? I feel like to do something<br />
that will benefit her I have also do something I feel could cause<br />
harm. I’m not sure where to go at this point.<br />
Mandi from ON<br />
Hello Mandi from ON!<br />
This is a very unfortunate situation. Dr. Ron Schultz has clearly<br />
made <strong>the</strong> case for duration of immunity on <strong>the</strong>se vaccines for<br />
<strong>the</strong> three core viruses lasting nine years and 15 years. He and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs have been showing us since 1978 that vaccines do not<br />
need repeating. Our AVMA and AAHA have even written extensively<br />
on this, with <strong>the</strong> duration of immunity studies used<br />
as reference. I recommend you have a titer pulled to show<br />
that your dog has neutralizing antibody for <strong>the</strong> core viruses<br />
and perhaps one of <strong>the</strong> veterinarians will accept <strong>the</strong> titer. You<br />
could also offer to sign a liability waiver for not receiving additional<br />
vaccines for diseases that your dog is already immunized<br />
against.<br />
Dear Dr Jordan<br />
I am feeding my dog about 60% raw with bones and 40% grainfree<br />
kibble (he is a picky eater so I feed what he will eat - he<br />
does not gobble anything!). Is <strong>the</strong>re a detriment to feeding raw<br />
with kibble? Some web comments suggest this is true due to<br />
digestive enzyme milieu changes between <strong>the</strong> two forms of<br />
food. What do you think? Is <strong>the</strong>re evidence one way or <strong>the</strong><br />
o<strong>the</strong>r? Any clues for those of us with picky eaters? Thanks!<br />
Susan from WI<br />
Hello Susan from WI!<br />
Personally, I support <strong>the</strong> feeding of carnivores according to <strong>the</strong><br />
advice in Dr. Tom Lonsdale’s book, Raw Meaty Bones. You can<br />
also add kefir, wheat germ, or pineapple stem for additional<br />
enzyme support. I would recommend eliminating <strong>the</strong> kibble<br />
because kibble and raw meat do require a different pH in<br />
<strong>the</strong> gut for digestion and it’s not ideal to feed <strong>the</strong>m toge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Sometimes picky eating can be caused by an unhealthy gut and<br />
I recommend you give your dog probiotics. Primal Defense, <strong>the</strong><br />
soil based probiotics made by Garden of Life, is an excellent<br />
choice. Nutritional deficiencies are ano<strong>the</strong>r cause of picky eating<br />
and you may want to have your dog’s diet evaluated by a<br />
properly trained advisor in carnivore nutrition. Consulting a<br />
veterinary homeopath would also be advisable because vaccinosis,<br />
even inherited vaccinosis, is certainly always a consideration.<br />
Vaccines lead to damaged pancreases, insulin problems<br />
and enzyme issues.<br />
Dear Dr. Jordan<br />
My dog recently had an allergic reaction to something which<br />
caused her eyes to swell and some hives to appear on her muzzle<br />
and body - this was <strong>the</strong> first time her immune system has<br />
reacted this way. Nothing in her diet had changed, <strong>the</strong>re was<br />
no change in her eating/drinking and she is eliminating normally.<br />
We hadn’t started using any new household cleaners, so<br />
we suspected a spider bite. The swelling increased when she<br />
was lying down. The ER vet prescribed Benadryl according to<br />
her weight for two to three days. (1) is <strong>the</strong>re is a homeopathic<br />
or all natural preparation that does <strong>the</strong> same thing as Benadryl;<br />
and (2) does this type of reaction typically become more<br />
exaggerated upon subsequent exposure that it would warrant<br />
having an Epi Pen on standby in case she ends up experiencing<br />
anaphylaxis?<br />
May in MA<br />
Hello May in MA!<br />
Type I Hypersensitivity reactions are not fun for <strong>the</strong> owner or<br />
<strong>the</strong> patient. The golden rule for allergies is that anyone can<br />
become allergic to anything at any time. Not much help for you<br />
I know. If you vaccinate, consider that <strong>the</strong> aluminum in vaccines<br />
is known to upregulate <strong>the</strong> immunoglobulin E (IgE) and<br />
make <strong>the</strong> whole life of <strong>the</strong> patient more reactive and allergic;<br />
<strong>the</strong> reactivity from one vaccine can last for four years. Vitamin<br />
C is actually an antihistamine but you have to administer frequent<br />
doses through <strong>the</strong> day almost to bowel tolerance. Zinc is<br />
also an antihistamine but a nutrient you don’t want to overdo.<br />
Pawier Vitamins contain both Vitamin C and zinc and I would<br />
recommend that product for natural nutrient <strong>the</strong>rapy. Homeopathy<br />
could also be employed: Apis if <strong>the</strong>re is a lot of swelling,<br />
Ledum if you think it is indeed a bite, Histamine possibly. I<br />
would suggest a small kit with a selection of three remedies to<br />
have on hand in case it happens again, or you may wish to consult<br />
a homeopath for specific recommendations for your dog.<br />
Dear Dr. Jordan<br />
I love your posts - thank you for <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
I have a Yorkie puppy born on Nov.13 last year; she has had no<br />
12 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
shots yet. I feed her a raw diet and she is healthy. We do not<br />
meet many o<strong>the</strong>r dogs on our walks but o<strong>the</strong>r dogs do go to <strong>the</strong><br />
area we walk in. I give her probiotics and a vitamin called SpiruGreen<br />
Superfood for Pets, with Astaxanthin. I have phoned<br />
many vets here and <strong>the</strong>y all want to give her <strong>the</strong> five combination<br />
shots. I want only single shots, one shot at a time. I cannot<br />
find anyone to do this. What am I to do? I want what’s best for<br />
her. I lost my previous dog to <strong>the</strong> shots. I do not want this to<br />
happen to her......please help.<br />
Thank you Dolly from BC<br />
Hello Dolly from BC!<br />
I would have a titer pulled now as <strong>the</strong> puppy might very well<br />
show that already <strong>the</strong>re is neutralizing antibody on board for<br />
distemper and parvovirus and <strong>the</strong>n why would you vaccinate at<br />
all? When people ask about vaccine protocols I always advise<br />
Dr. Ron Schultz’s minimal vaccination program that he uses for<br />
his own dogs, which is is a DAP (distemper-adenovirus-parvovirus)<br />
at 16 weeks of age and <strong>the</strong>n to check a titer two to three<br />
weeks later. Every time you vaccinate you take a chance. I recommend<br />
using Probiotics and Vitamins like Pawier with Vitamin<br />
C and zinc and powerful antioxidants, nutritional greens and of<br />
course raw meaty bones for <strong>the</strong> best “vaccine” which is optimal<br />
nutrition. All I can say is keep looking until you find an informed<br />
medical professional who has kept up with <strong>the</strong> duration of immunity<br />
studies and considers your pet’s health above all else.<br />
Dear Dr.Jordan<br />
I realize <strong>the</strong> rabies vaccine is mandated by law in all 50 states<br />
but if a person decided to break <strong>the</strong> law is <strong>the</strong>re any o<strong>the</strong>r way<br />
to protect an animal from rabies? We live in a rural area, surrounded<br />
by woods and woodland creatures. The CDC has been<br />
dropping bait packets around <strong>the</strong> Atlanta area for years and<br />
that is really not that far from us. I don’t want to expose my<br />
two year old dog to <strong>the</strong> vaccine but am still concerned about<br />
<strong>the</strong> possibility. If she were to get bitten is that <strong>the</strong> end of her?<br />
Lynne in SC<br />
with our two Golden Retrievers, and during tick season, we<br />
must pick several ticks off per day. I am hearing of local incidence<br />
of Lyme Disease, which concerns me, and I am wondering<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r I need to turn to a chemical protection. Also, despite<br />
all my good intentions and actions (few chemicals, mostly<br />
organic home prepared/home raised diet, puppy vaccination,<br />
<strong>the</strong>n only rabies every three years as required by NYS law) my<br />
nine year old Golden Retriever Lacey has a large fatty tumor in<br />
her stifle area. I am wondering what I can do to decrease its size<br />
and prevent o<strong>the</strong>rs from forming.<br />
Janet St. Pierre, Winthrop, NY<br />
Hello Janet St. Pierre from Winthrop, NY!<br />
I would suggest you investigate <strong>the</strong> use of <strong>the</strong> MediPatch Collars<br />
for flea and tick control. Also consider Astragalus during tick<br />
season to help shore up immunity. Your best approach however<br />
is your daily surveillance of <strong>the</strong> situation on each of your dogs.<br />
As far as lipomas, <strong>the</strong> vaccines, <strong>the</strong> inflammation, <strong>the</strong> aluminum<br />
blue grey foreign body all are generating <strong>the</strong> lipomas. I suggest<br />
you administer antioxidant vitamins, probiotics, omega 3 fatty<br />
acids from an animal source, and a detoxifying green product.<br />
Delivering optimal nutrition and avoiding vaccines will give you<br />
<strong>the</strong> best health and least chance of disease as evidenced by lipomas.<br />
f<br />
Patricia Jordan lectures extensively and has written novels on<br />
vaccine damage for dogs including Mark Of The Beast. For<br />
more information, visit: www.dr-jordan.com<br />
Hello Lynne in SC!<br />
I have been told via private communication that one veterinarian<br />
was able to get full neutralizing antibody tests on an unvaccinated<br />
litter of pups, however that method is not published.<br />
Unfortunately <strong>the</strong> laws have not kept up with what we know in<br />
science. In some states it is possible to obtain a medical exemption<br />
for rabies, if you can find a veterinarian to support you. In<br />
most areas if your unvaccinated dog is thought to have been<br />
exposed to a rabid animal, <strong>the</strong> only options are a long quarantine<br />
or euthanasia. You might consider having a titer run before<br />
deciding whe<strong>the</strong>r to vaccinate. I found a five month puppy to<br />
have neutralizing antibody without a rabies vaccination. Many<br />
cases of this are reported in humans.<br />
Dear Dr Jordan<br />
As <strong>the</strong> spring approaches here in rural nor<strong>the</strong>rn New York, an<br />
area with an increasing incidence of Lyme Disease, I am wondering<br />
what your stance is on tick/Lyme disease protection. For<br />
<strong>the</strong> past five years, I have used no strong chemical protection<br />
against ticks. We spend a lot of time outdoors/in <strong>the</strong> woods<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
13
<strong>the</strong> Theater of Life<br />
By Peter Dobias DVM<br />
How often do you look up to <strong>the</strong> stars? Do you wonder why<br />
dogs howl when <strong>the</strong>y see <strong>the</strong> moon? Perhaps <strong>the</strong>y are sending<br />
encoded messages to <strong>the</strong> Universe or God, reporting on <strong>the</strong><br />
happenings here on Earth.<br />
As a vet, I have seen <strong>the</strong> stories of life unfolding and have dreaded<br />
witnessing <strong>the</strong> end of life more often than I would like. Recently,<br />
I had an interesting talk with my friend. She shared her<br />
frustration with me because her friends could not understand<br />
that natural, wholesome raw food is much more suitable for<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir dog than a fancy bag of stale kibble made in China that<br />
may or may not contain real food.<br />
As I was listening to her, I realized that most people living on<br />
Earth go through similar frustrations. First, we don’t know<br />
something and resist when o<strong>the</strong>rs try to teach us, <strong>the</strong>n we learn<br />
it through making mistakes and, because we know how uncomfortable<br />
or painful <strong>the</strong> mistakes are, we want to tell everyone<br />
else to prevent <strong>the</strong>ir suffering - and guess what, <strong>the</strong>y resist, just<br />
as we ourselves did at first!<br />
I am a vet who is passionate about teaching people how to prevent<br />
disease and, naturally, I had to come to terms with this<br />
strange phenomenon. As time progressed, I created my own<br />
<strong>the</strong>ory and explanation as to why more often than not, people<br />
resist someone else giving <strong>the</strong>m advice. I imagined that Earth<br />
was <strong>the</strong> place were souls came to experience life and learn<br />
through <strong>the</strong> mistakes <strong>the</strong>y made and I also believed that animals<br />
came along for <strong>the</strong> ride as our generous teachers.<br />
In summary, to make sense of all <strong>the</strong> suffering on Earth, I now<br />
believe that if our souls didn’t experience hardship and pain,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y would not be able to evolve and grow.<br />
In a way, seeing life this way has made it easier for me to witness<br />
people and animals dying. Before, I felt like I was standing<br />
on <strong>the</strong> edge of a cliff watching o<strong>the</strong>rs blindly stepping into an<br />
abyss, and whenever I stretched my hand to prevent <strong>the</strong>m from<br />
falling, <strong>the</strong>y refused my help. I have seen many o<strong>the</strong>r people<br />
going through <strong>the</strong> same frustrations of helplessly watching o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
falling.<br />
When I decided to share <strong>the</strong>se thoughts with you, I was looking<br />
for a good example that would bring a little humor and lightness<br />
into such a challenging topic as life, disease and death. To<br />
my surprise, I found a good example while skiing; I came to a<br />
conclusion that life is like a ski lift.<br />
I can only imagine some of you thinking, What? Life? Ski lift?<br />
C’mon, let’s play <strong>the</strong> game. Let’s imagine that <strong>the</strong> length of <strong>the</strong><br />
lift is <strong>the</strong> length of life on Earth, where <strong>the</strong> beginning is birth<br />
and <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> lift is death.<br />
Wondering what happens on <strong>the</strong> lift? At <strong>the</strong> bottom, <strong>the</strong>re is a<br />
“liftie” who will help you hop on and <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> chair glides on<br />
<strong>the</strong> cable from tower to tower - and each tower is numbered.<br />
If life was a ski lift loaded with people like you and I, this is what<br />
would be happening:<br />
14 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
1<br />
2<br />
3<br />
4<br />
5<br />
6<br />
The people at tower seven would be wondering why <strong>the</strong><br />
people at tower three are not at tower seven. (This is <strong>the</strong><br />
frustration of why <strong>the</strong>y don’t want to learn what we are<br />
trying to teach <strong>the</strong>m).<br />
The folks at tower three would be really frustrated that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are not already at tower eight. (This is <strong>the</strong> impatience<br />
that we experience).<br />
Those at tower eight would sometimes act arrogantly<br />
because <strong>the</strong>y forget that <strong>the</strong>y once were at tower three.<br />
(These are <strong>the</strong> people who think that <strong>the</strong>y are better<br />
than those at towers below <strong>the</strong>m).<br />
Most of <strong>the</strong> folks on <strong>the</strong> lift would be comparing <strong>the</strong>mselves<br />
with <strong>the</strong> skiers down below. Are <strong>the</strong>y skiing better<br />
or worse? Do <strong>the</strong>y have better skis, how about <strong>the</strong><br />
helmet or <strong>the</strong> goggles? (They are <strong>the</strong> people who do not<br />
think that <strong>the</strong>y are perfect <strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong>y are).<br />
Some would even have a good laugh watching o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
wipe out, which in <strong>the</strong> ski world is called “yard sale”.<br />
(They are <strong>the</strong> people who need to make fun of o<strong>the</strong>rs to<br />
cover up <strong>the</strong>ir own feelings of inadequacy).<br />
If life was a ski lift and we had never skied before, most<br />
of us would be terrified of <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> lift because we<br />
wouldn’t know yet that <strong>the</strong> ski run is <strong>the</strong> most fun part.<br />
Throughout <strong>the</strong> years of working with people I love, <strong>the</strong>ir animal<br />
friends, and sharing my life with my dog Skai (10 years) and<br />
cat Mina (21 years) , I know that <strong>the</strong> biggest fear we all face is<br />
losing those we love. We often worry that we are not doing<br />
enough or are concerned that we have missed something important<br />
to keep our loved ones happy and well. Most of us are<br />
also afraid of cancer and do all we can to fight it while, in many<br />
cases, it refuses to go away.<br />
Nei<strong>the</strong>r am I immune to <strong>the</strong>se fears despite my years of experience<br />
and knowledge. I learn to cope with this by believing that<br />
life on Earth is a <strong>the</strong>ater and that life after death is <strong>the</strong> ski run<br />
that starts at <strong>the</strong> end of it. No, I do not have solid proof but I<br />
hope and believe that when we get to <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> “ski lift of<br />
life”, that is where <strong>the</strong> fun for our souls begins.<br />
Last year, one of my dearest friends from my homeland was dying<br />
at <strong>the</strong> age of 93. After a few days of not knowing what to do,<br />
I got up in <strong>the</strong> middle of <strong>the</strong> night and booked an overseas flight<br />
to say goodbye. When I arrived, I was surprised that despite <strong>the</strong><br />
struggle of her physical body, my friend looked peaceful and unafraid.<br />
I held her hand and she died only an hour after I arrived.<br />
I gave her <strong>the</strong> gift of my presence and she gave me <strong>the</strong> gift of<br />
being much less afraid of death.<br />
Of course, I do not like it at all that <strong>the</strong> lives of animals and<br />
some people are shorter than we wish and I am terribly sad seeing<br />
our loved ones go. What I want to say here is that we can<br />
help to support each o<strong>the</strong>r at those difficult times, try to live in<br />
<strong>the</strong> present and also believe that <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> lift is where <strong>the</strong><br />
most fun begins.<br />
This article was written in memory of all those who are missed<br />
and loved. f<br />
For more information, questions and articles, visit www.peterdobias.com.<br />
You can also check out his free webinar schedule at<br />
www.peterdobias.com/community/webinars.<br />
Dr. Peter Dobias has been in veterinary practice since 1988. In<br />
2008, he decided to sell his thriving holistic veterinary practice<br />
in Vancouver, BC, Canada to dedicate his future years to disease<br />
prevention and transforming <strong>the</strong> face of veterinary care to<br />
less invasive and more natural treatment methods. He believes<br />
that we can create a healthy and long life, naturally.<br />
Green Min®<br />
Superfood for awesome<br />
dogs and cats<br />
Essential Minerals<br />
Antioxidants<br />
Chlorophyll<br />
Phytonutrients<br />
Love<br />
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www.drpeterdobias.com<br />
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<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
15
human<br />
By Ca<strong>the</strong>rine O’Driscoll<br />
Illustration by Linda Boileau<br />
PARASITES<br />
When I was asked to write an article about parasites for this issue, I didn’t immediately think of fleas and ticks, but of <strong>the</strong> veterinary<br />
pharmaceutical industry and, in particular, <strong>the</strong> veterinary vaccine industry. Funny how <strong>the</strong> mind works! The definition of a<br />
parasite is: “An organism that grows, feeds, and is sheltered on or in a different organism while contributing nothing to <strong>the</strong> survival<br />
of its host,” and also: “One who habitually takes advantage of <strong>the</strong> generosity of o<strong>the</strong>rs without making any useful return.”<br />
Essentially, a parasite is something or someone who<br />
takes without giving. Now perhaps I’m being a bit<br />
harsh. Pharmaceuticals have <strong>the</strong>ir uses; <strong>the</strong>y do give<br />
something in return for <strong>the</strong> massive profits <strong>the</strong>y generate.<br />
Who hasn’t been grateful for an aspirin at some<br />
time? Antibiotics, whilst coming with unwanted effects,<br />
have definitely saved lives. And vaccines? Well,<br />
vaccines appear to have halted epidemics.<br />
So why would <strong>the</strong> databank in my left brain throw up<br />
<strong>the</strong> vaccine industry in relation to parasites?<br />
I think it’s because <strong>the</strong> vaccine industry sells vaccines<br />
that are not needed, denies evidence of harm, and<br />
misleads, bribes, and even coerces scientists into helping<br />
with <strong>the</strong> sales effort. Truth and compassion have<br />
been replaced by marketing men who talk of sectors<br />
and segments, compound annual growth rates, and<br />
multi-billion markets. According to BCC Research, <strong>the</strong><br />
veterinary vaccine market will be worth $5 billion by<br />
2013, and <strong>the</strong> dog vaccine market is one of <strong>the</strong> fastest<br />
growing stars, despite, or maybe because of, <strong>the</strong><br />
over-servicing of this market segment. Pharmaceutical<br />
industry chiefs typically receive compensation in<br />
<strong>the</strong> tens of millions a year! The industry appears to<br />
be not so much about healing <strong>the</strong> sick or preventing<br />
disease, but about takings.<br />
All <strong>the</strong> while, <strong>the</strong>re is a growing backlash from people<br />
whose children and animals are living with, or dying<br />
from, myriad vaccine effects – which <strong>the</strong> vaccine industry<br />
does its best to deny or cover up.<br />
16 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
Then I started to get philosophical. I thought: “We are probably<br />
all parasites in one way or ano<strong>the</strong>r. We’re all trying to survive<br />
in this world. How many of us take from o<strong>the</strong>rs without giving<br />
anything in return? Probably all of us.”<br />
There’s ano<strong>the</strong>r side to parasites, too: parasites help <strong>the</strong> world<br />
to go round. Intestinal worms, for example, have a function.<br />
In perfect balance, our dogs would have one sentinel worm in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir systems. This worm would eat debris and toxins in <strong>the</strong> digestive<br />
system, and also worm eggs that our dogs ingest. With<br />
a strong immune system, a host will benefit from a worm. With<br />
a weak immune system, or by using chemicals that wipe out all<br />
worms, infestations occur.<br />
In an attempt to keep our beloved<br />
dogs healthy, many of us<br />
have been forced to leave <strong>the</strong><br />
comfort of received veterinary<br />
wisdom behind, and find what<br />
is true for ourselves.<br />
Viruses are, incidentally, also parasites. Viruses are not cells;<br />
<strong>the</strong>y don’t have a cell membrane or any components of living<br />
cells. They need living host cells for <strong>the</strong>ir reproduction. Therefore<br />
viruses form parasitic relationships with living organisms:<br />
<strong>the</strong> virus benefits at <strong>the</strong> expense of <strong>the</strong> living organism. In <strong>the</strong><br />
case of retroviruses, <strong>the</strong>se parasites can give rise to cancer, and<br />
this also includes retrovirus contaminants in vaccines.<br />
However, viruses also appear to be protective in some ways. Dr<br />
Viera Scheibner discovered in <strong>the</strong> course of her research, for<br />
example, that children who have normal childhood infections<br />
such as measles and mumps are less likely to get cancer or leukaemia<br />
in adulthood than vaccinated children who do not have<br />
natural childhood infections. Similarly, viruses can be protective<br />
to <strong>the</strong>ir natural hosts in that viruses which live harmoniously<br />
within one species can kill that species’ predators. Therefore,<br />
we are wrong to say that all parasites take without giving.<br />
The harm is caused not by <strong>the</strong> parasite itself, but by imbalance,<br />
or <strong>the</strong> disruption of natural equilibrium. If <strong>the</strong> person or animal<br />
is strong, <strong>the</strong> parasite will not overcome <strong>the</strong> host.<br />
Parasites are part of life. We live with bed bugs, and insects<br />
feeding off our dead skin. When we die, parasites eat our remains<br />
and return us to <strong>the</strong> earth. If fleas are a problem for our<br />
dogs, natural rearers see <strong>the</strong>m as messengers, telling us that<br />
our dogs’ immune systems are under par. Similarly, those of us<br />
who do not vaccinate streng<strong>the</strong>n our animals’ (and our own)<br />
immune systems through diet and natural herbs and supplements<br />
so that, should a parasite seek to take hold, <strong>the</strong> immune<br />
system will respond appropriately and healthfully.<br />
Complementary <strong>the</strong>rapists have long held <strong>the</strong> view that our illnesses<br />
or diseases are reflective of our mental and emotional<br />
states. Much of this has been confirmed with <strong>the</strong> science of<br />
psychoneuroimmunology, showing that our biochemicals, and<br />
<strong>the</strong>refore our wellbeing, mirror our emotions. When stressed,<br />
our body produces hormones that are damaging to <strong>the</strong> body,<br />
and use up nutrients that are protective to <strong>the</strong> body. Stress,<br />
for example, depletes some of <strong>the</strong> B vitamins – and B vitamins<br />
repel parasites. Studies also show that stressed individuals do<br />
not respond to vaccination well (<strong>the</strong>y fail to establish immunity),<br />
and also that individuals with dietary deficiencies do not<br />
respond well to viral challenge or vaccination.<br />
On physical, emotional and mental levels, healthy individuals<br />
have good boundaries to protect <strong>the</strong>mselves from assault or<br />
infection. Our immune system – our physical boundary against<br />
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<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
17
pathogens - develops over time, as do our emotional and mental<br />
boundaries. They say that what doesn’t kill us will streng<strong>the</strong>n<br />
us.<br />
A statement in <strong>the</strong> Vedic scriptures goes: “May all be happy.<br />
May all be without disease. May all creatures have wellbeing.<br />
None should be in misery of any sort.” Wouldn’t that be a perfect<br />
world? Could this ever be possible?<br />
Sir William Blackstone, a great eighteenth century jurist, provides<br />
a clue as to how this can be achieved. He said that <strong>the</strong><br />
basis of natural law is: “ … that man should pursue his own true<br />
and substantial happiness”.<br />
Ultimately, it seems to me, it matters not whe<strong>the</strong>r individuals<br />
or industries are parasites. What someone else does isn’t <strong>the</strong><br />
point. It’s what we do that matters. It is our duty to pursue our<br />
own wellbeing, and <strong>the</strong> wellbeing of those directly in our care.<br />
No-one else is going to do this for us.<br />
To be happy, which includes being healthy, we need to acquire<br />
wisdom, which is defined as <strong>the</strong> comprehension of what is true<br />
or right coupled with optimum judgment as to action. Aristotle<br />
defined wisdom as <strong>the</strong> understanding of causes, i.e., knowing<br />
why things are a certain way, which is deeper than merely<br />
knowing that things are a certain way.<br />
The wise know that not everything is as it seems in this 21st<br />
century world; we look below <strong>the</strong> glossy marketing surface and<br />
ask questions – especially before we submit our loved ones to<br />
medical procedures that may, or may not, cause harm.<br />
In an attempt to keep our beloved dogs healthy, many of us<br />
have been forced to leave <strong>the</strong> comfort of received veterinary<br />
wisdom behind, and find what is true for ourselves.<br />
It occurs to me, in relation to parasites, that love is <strong>the</strong> greatest<br />
healer. Love is not just that warm, cosy feeling; love also<br />
breaks our hearts and forces us to look below <strong>the</strong> surface. To be<br />
truly loving of <strong>the</strong> dogs, to merit <strong>the</strong> love <strong>the</strong>y bestow upon us,<br />
we absolutely must look into <strong>the</strong> nature of things. Kahlil Gibran<br />
wrote in ‘The Prophet’ that ‘<strong>the</strong> victim is never innocent of <strong>the</strong><br />
crime’. ‘A Course in Miracles’ states that ‘my bro<strong>the</strong>r is innocent’.<br />
Both of <strong>the</strong>se statements are true.<br />
We are all here to learn – whe<strong>the</strong>r we be pet owners, veterinarians,<br />
or pharmaceutical chiefs. We invariably learn about true<br />
love through suffering, whilst acquiring wisdom. Eventually, I<br />
am told, we even leave our sorrow behind.<br />
However, in <strong>the</strong> meantime, <strong>the</strong>re are practical matters to attend<br />
to. The veterinary vaccine industry has been taking our money<br />
in return for unnecessary vaccines since <strong>the</strong> 1970’s. In addition<br />
to offering no benefit, <strong>the</strong>se vaccines are also doing harm. We<br />
– we – have allowed this to happen because we let our boundaries<br />
collapse. We have failed to protect our loved ones; we<br />
have failed to get wisdom. As a result, <strong>the</strong>re is a massive imbalance<br />
between <strong>the</strong> pharmaceutical industry and <strong>the</strong> people and<br />
animals it once sought to serve. The pharmaceutical parasites<br />
have become an infestation. The only recourse is to shore up<br />
our own defenses and stop this happening – because parasites<br />
do not stop <strong>the</strong>ir feeding frenzy just because you ask <strong>the</strong>m to.<br />
Animal guardians need to wise up and understand <strong>the</strong> nature<br />
of things. A parasite is “One who habitually takes advantage of<br />
<strong>the</strong> generosity of o<strong>the</strong>rs without making any useful return.” My<br />
databank was not wrong – <strong>the</strong> veterinary vaccine industry has<br />
become a parasite; <strong>the</strong>re is a huge imbalance, and we need to<br />
acquire immunity to it. f<br />
Ca<strong>the</strong>rine O’Driscoll has formed <strong>the</strong> Pet Parents’ Action Group<br />
to bring toge<strong>the</strong>r animal advocates and pet owners from around<br />
<strong>the</strong> world. Working toge<strong>the</strong>r, in strength, <strong>the</strong> group is taking<br />
practical action to counteract <strong>the</strong> massive marketing might of<br />
<strong>the</strong> veterinary pharmaceutical and pet food industries. Please<br />
add your name to <strong>the</strong> supporters’ list: www.petparentsactiongroup.org<br />
18 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
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<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
19
essential oils<br />
for pest control<br />
By Frances Fitzgerald Cleveland<br />
It is important to protect yourself, your home and your dog<br />
from fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. These little pests can cause<br />
you and your dog a great deal of discomfort and, in <strong>the</strong> case of<br />
ticks, can carry potentially dangerous diseases.<br />
Many people search for that all-natural remedy to use on <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
dog so <strong>the</strong>y can protect <strong>the</strong>m from insects and <strong>the</strong>ir dangers<br />
and also protect <strong>the</strong>m from <strong>the</strong> damaging chemicals found in<br />
spot-on products. Over <strong>the</strong> years, my clients have called to ask<br />
if I make an all-natural fly spray for dogs - one that will repel<br />
ticks, fleas and mosquitoes. My answer has always been no.<br />
Creating an all-natural fly remedy is very challenging and I can’t<br />
ensure that people will use <strong>the</strong> product as directed. My closing<br />
comment to <strong>the</strong>se inquiries has always been, “If I find something<br />
out <strong>the</strong>re that I like, I will let you know.”<br />
So far, I haven’t found a product I can fully endorse and some<br />
of <strong>the</strong> “natural” products I discovered on <strong>the</strong> market really raise<br />
some concerns. One product promised to kill fleas on contact and<br />
listed its ingredients as “Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate…2.1%,<br />
Undecylenic Acid…0.5%, O<strong>the</strong>r Ingredients…97.4%.” What are<br />
those 97.4% “O<strong>the</strong>r Ingredients”? How can we know if <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
potentially damaging or toxic?<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r product contained cinnamon oil. It didn’t say whe<strong>the</strong>r<br />
it was cinnamon leaf or cinnamon bark oil. It is important<br />
20 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
to specify which of <strong>the</strong>se it is, because cinnamon bark oil is<br />
a known dermal toxin and should never be used on <strong>the</strong> skin.<br />
Cinnamon leaf oil contains <strong>the</strong> chemical constituent eugenol,<br />
which can cause irritation to <strong>the</strong> mucus membranes; and you<br />
wouldn’t want your dog to lick this remedy off his skin or fur.<br />
While browsing my local health food store’s pet section, I noticed<br />
some all-natural flea collars. One of <strong>the</strong> ingredients listed<br />
was pennyroyal essential oil. I was shocked; one of <strong>the</strong> main<br />
chemical constituents in pennyroyal, pulegone, is known to<br />
cause abortions, and pennyroyal essential oil is also an oral<br />
toxin. I would never put this on my dog for <strong>the</strong>se two reasons.<br />
Two summers ago, we had an unusually large number of mosquitoes<br />
in Colorado. Our dogs were miserable and we were too,<br />
so I decided it was finally time to attempt to make a remedy.<br />
After much research and thought, I decided to put <strong>the</strong> following<br />
essential oils toge<strong>the</strong>r: geranium, lavender, lemongrass and<br />
lemon eucalyptus.<br />
I chose <strong>the</strong>se specific essential oils for <strong>the</strong> following reasons:<br />
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens): The chemical constituent<br />
citronellol helps makes this essential oil an insecticide. It also<br />
helps with skin issues such as skin congestion and dermatitis.<br />
Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia): One of its chemical constituents<br />
is cineol, which may be why it is considered an insecticide.<br />
Lavender is also very soothing to <strong>the</strong> skin so if <strong>the</strong>re were any<br />
skin flare-ups, this essential oil would help.<br />
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): Lemongrass has a high<br />
concentration of <strong>the</strong> chemical constituent citral and contains<br />
<strong>the</strong> chemical constituent citronellol which makes this essential<br />
oil a very nice insecticide.<br />
Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora): Its main insecticidal<br />
chemical components are citronellal (70-75%) and citronellol.<br />
There are a few species of eucalyptus oils that are considered<br />
toxic, although if taken orally <strong>the</strong> dose would have to be 3.5<br />
ml or more. According to Robert Tisserand’s book, Essential Oil<br />
Safety, he considers Eucalyptus citriodora to be non toxic.<br />
When I am creating a product for my dogs, I want it first to be<br />
very safe. The proportions of <strong>the</strong> essential oils are low and diluted<br />
in a spray bottle containing eight ounces of water. If an<br />
animal starts to show any adverse reaction to <strong>the</strong> ingredients,<br />
I stop using <strong>the</strong> product immediately. Some dogs dislike <strong>the</strong><br />
smell of <strong>the</strong>se essential oils and that is a valid indication to stop<br />
using <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
After receiving more phone calls from clients about an all-natural<br />
dog fly spray, I decided to make a product from <strong>the</strong> oils listed<br />
above. I’ve found it to be effective, but its effects are not longlasting<br />
and it does need to be reapplied throughout <strong>the</strong> day.<br />
With so many products and home remedies to choose from,<br />
you need to read <strong>the</strong> ingredients carefully and <strong>the</strong>n research<br />
<strong>the</strong> ingredients before applying <strong>the</strong>m to your dog, whe<strong>the</strong>r it<br />
is an all-natural product or a chemical-based product from a<br />
pharmaceutical company. Unfortunately, pet products are not<br />
consistently regulated, so we can’t assume that all remedies on<br />
<strong>the</strong> market are safe for our pets.<br />
While all-natural remedies can be helpful, <strong>the</strong>y are not 100% effective.<br />
You may wish to take some o<strong>the</strong>r preventive measures<br />
to combat <strong>the</strong>se pests. Have a flea and tick comb on hand for<br />
your dog and use it after a walk or after he has been playing outside.<br />
Keep all <strong>the</strong> dog beds and your bedding clean, and keep<br />
your floors and carpeting clean during <strong>the</strong> infestation season.<br />
Our dogs are very sensitive beings, so be safe and think about<br />
what remedies you choose! f<br />
Frances Fitzgerald Cleveland’s ground breaking Animal Aroma<strong>the</strong>rapy<br />
work at The Denver Zoo with Orangutans, Gorillas<br />
and Black Crested Macaques was covered in <strong>the</strong> Denver Post<br />
and L.A.Times. Frances lives in Colorado where she teaches and<br />
practices <strong>the</strong> art of working with essential oils and plants and<br />
manufactures her internationally sold products.<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
21
starting<br />
PUPPIES<br />
on raw food<br />
As I write, my delightful little twin puppies, just under five<br />
weeks of age, are happily slopping up some minced turkey, egg<br />
and goat milk. Hopefully one puppy will stay to live with me<br />
and <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r has a lovely home waiting for her where her new<br />
mom will feed her nothing but raw food. By <strong>the</strong> time <strong>the</strong>se<br />
puppies go home, <strong>the</strong>y will have eaten chicken, turkey, beef,<br />
pork, lamb, venison, rabbit and more and <strong>the</strong>y will do so with<br />
little in <strong>the</strong> way of tummy upsets.<br />
When you bring home a new puppy that was not raised on raw,<br />
Balance <strong>the</strong> calcium and phosphorus<br />
This is fairly easy to do. If you view a turkey neck as a nice,<br />
meaty bone, <strong>the</strong>n your puppy’s diet should be half to twofive<br />
week old Labrador puppy enjoying a chicken back<br />
it can be a bit trickier to get him started - although really not<br />
that difficult. There are just a few guidelines you need to follow<br />
to avoid digestive upset as your puppy transitions from kibble<br />
to raw food.<br />
Before I start, I would like to address <strong>the</strong> issue that many people<br />
have with feeding large breed puppies raw. I’ve raised every<br />
litter and puppy in <strong>the</strong> last fifteen years on raw and have never<br />
had one of my puppies fail his hips and elbows. Yes, it is important<br />
to balance <strong>the</strong> calcium and phosphorus content in <strong>the</strong><br />
food, but it’s easy to do with raw food - and in light of <strong>the</strong> dog<br />
foods that were recalled due to excesses of some nutrients, <strong>the</strong><br />
ability to monitor <strong>the</strong> nutrients in raw food makes it a safer option<br />
than kibble in my opinion.<br />
Here are a few tips for getting your puppy started on raw with a<br />
minimum of fuss - and minimal stains on your rugs!<br />
Start cold turkey<br />
It’s not wise to mix your puppy’s raw food with kibble. Because<br />
kibble requires a different pH in <strong>the</strong> gut to digest, it will make<br />
your puppy more susceptible to <strong>the</strong> bacteria in <strong>the</strong> raw meats.<br />
He is capable of handling this bacteria just fine, but once you<br />
add in artificial foods, <strong>the</strong> meat will sit in his digestive tract<br />
twice as long, meaning <strong>the</strong>re is a much greater chance of harmful<br />
bacteria building up.<br />
Start with one protein source<br />
Regardless of whe<strong>the</strong>r you are preparing your own raw or are<br />
using a prepared raw food, it is best to start with just one protein<br />
source, like chicken or turkey. Give that one protein for a<br />
good week and, if <strong>the</strong>re are no signs of digestive upset, start<br />
your puppy on a second source of protein, and so on.<br />
22 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
thirds meaty bones and half to one-third meats and offal (organ<br />
meats). There is no magic formula and every puppy is a bit different.<br />
Despite what <strong>the</strong> kibble manufacturers say, it’s pretty<br />
easy to balance calcium and phosphorus and <strong>the</strong>re is a wider<br />
margin of error when feeding raw. Calcium that comes in a syn<strong>the</strong>tic<br />
powder is nearly impossible for a puppy to excrete, so<br />
excesses of calcium are more of a concern with syn<strong>the</strong>tic products<br />
than with <strong>the</strong> naturally occurring calcium found in bones.<br />
My Favorite Meaty bones (50% to 65% of <strong>the</strong> diet)<br />
Turkey tails and necks<br />
Chicken backs and necks<br />
Veal ribs and tails<br />
Venison bones of any kind<br />
Muscle Meats (35% to 50% of <strong>the</strong> diet)<br />
From a variety of animals (includes heart and tongue)<br />
Offal (10% of <strong>the</strong> diet)<br />
Liver, kidneys, spleen, brain, lung<br />
Balanced foods (feed often)<br />
Eggs with shell<br />
Green tripe<br />
Whole animals (rabbit, quail, etc.)<br />
Also includes fish but this should be fed less often, due<br />
to mercury exposure<br />
Extra yummies<br />
Chicken feet and beef windpipes (good source of naturally<br />
occurring glucosamine and chondroitin)<br />
Beef neck bones (a great chew that won’t break teeth)<br />
Don’t forget <strong>the</strong> supplements<br />
Even if you’re feeding free range, organic meats, <strong>the</strong> earth is not<br />
what it used to be so your puppy will benefit from some supplementation.<br />
Supplements to consider include:<br />
Fish or krill oil (a source of Omega-3 fats which are a good idea<br />
if <strong>the</strong> meat is not grass fed)<br />
Coconut oil (antibacterial and antifungal)<br />
Nutritional herbs (alfalfa, dandelion leaf, nettle and more)<br />
Probiotics (soil based products are best and green tripe is an<br />
excellent natural source of probiotics and digestive enzymes)<br />
Bovine colostrum (helps to build a strong immune system)<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r important stuff<br />
Make sure your puppy has plenty of fresh, non-chlorinated water.<br />
He should also have plenty of fresh air and exercise. Exercise<br />
for young puppies should not be forced walks - his growing<br />
joints will suffer less stress if you take him outside for short play<br />
or training sessions instead. Keep <strong>the</strong> walks short - about five<br />
minutes per month of age until he is about six months of age.<br />
Find a mentor or raw feeding chat group<br />
You will find <strong>the</strong>re are plenty of experienced dog owners who<br />
love to help. One day, you can return <strong>the</strong> favor and help ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
puppy owner realize how simple it is to raise puppies on<br />
raw! f<br />
Dana Scott breeds naturally reared Labrador Retrievers under<br />
<strong>the</strong> Fallriver prefix.<br />
Feed three times a day<br />
Your puppy should eat three small meals a day until he is about<br />
six months of age - <strong>the</strong>n he can eat twice a day and eventually<br />
once a day if you wish. This is especially important for small<br />
breed puppies as <strong>the</strong>y can become hypoglycemic if meals are<br />
spread out too long.<br />
Feed 2-3% of his adult body weight<br />
This is easier to determine if you have a purebred dog, but <strong>the</strong><br />
amount you feed should be 2-3% of your puppy’s anticipated<br />
adult weight. If you’re not sure what that will be, <strong>the</strong>n feed<br />
about 10% of his current weight. Watch to see if he gets too fat<br />
or too thin and adjust accordingly.<br />
Don’t overdo it with <strong>the</strong> offal<br />
Liver and o<strong>the</strong>r organ meat can cause some pretty nasty loose<br />
stools in puppies who have never had <strong>the</strong>m before. If your puppy<br />
is new to raw feeding, wait until you see a good two or more<br />
weeks of solid stools before you introduce organ meats. Then<br />
add <strong>the</strong>m in gradually instead of feeding one giant meal of liver.<br />
Don’t skip <strong>the</strong> organ meats; <strong>the</strong>y are important because <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are full of nutrients not found in muscle meat.<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
23
FLEAS<br />
and<br />
TICKS<br />
<strong>the</strong> battle rages on and your fears are spot-on<br />
By Deva Khalsa DVM<br />
Illustration by Linda Boileau<br />
Every year around <strong>the</strong> same time, most pet owners begin<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir inevitable battle against fleas and ticks. In <strong>the</strong><br />
past decade, monthly spot-on treatments have been <strong>the</strong><br />
drug of choice. Fleas and ticks may bite <strong>the</strong> dust due to<br />
our use of spot-on products but it’s starting to look like<br />
our dogs may also be biting <strong>the</strong> dust sooner than we’d<br />
like and it might not be<br />
a coincidence.<br />
In 2009, <strong>the</strong> Environmental<br />
Protection<br />
Agency (EPA), began<br />
reviewing <strong>the</strong> safety of<br />
spot-on flea and tick<br />
products and what <strong>the</strong>y<br />
found was not pretty.<br />
Additionally, <strong>the</strong> Washington<br />
based Center for<br />
Public Integrity (CPI), a<br />
non-profit investigative<br />
news organization, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> National Resources<br />
Defense Council, an environmental<br />
advocacy<br />
group, have published<br />
reports about <strong>the</strong> safety<br />
of both over <strong>the</strong> counter<br />
and prescription flea<br />
and tick products.<br />
All flea and tick products<br />
are made up of<br />
“active” and “inert” ingredients.<br />
The active<br />
ingredients are those that target and kill fleas and have<br />
<strong>the</strong> potential to harm dogs too. In fact, all <strong>the</strong> active<br />
ingredients in <strong>the</strong> spot-on preparations have been linked<br />
to serious health problems in animals. Some of <strong>the</strong> inert<br />
ingredients are also toxic, although <strong>the</strong> word inert suggests<br />
that <strong>the</strong>y’re safe.<br />
Despite manufacturers’ claims to <strong>the</strong> contrary, <strong>the</strong> ingredients<br />
of commonly used topical treatments can and do<br />
enter <strong>the</strong> pets’ internal systems. Merial’s website states<br />
that fipronil (<strong>the</strong> active<br />
ingredient in Frontline,<br />
Parastar, EasySpot and<br />
<strong>the</strong> new over <strong>the</strong> counter<br />
Sentry Fiproguard),<br />
is absorbed into <strong>the</strong> sebaceous<br />
glands of <strong>the</strong><br />
skin which provide a<br />
natural reservoir, creating<br />
<strong>the</strong> impression<br />
that it does not migrate<br />
into <strong>the</strong> dog’s body. Dr.<br />
Dobozy of <strong>the</strong> EPA’s<br />
Pesticide Division took<br />
a look at fibronil and<br />
found that it does in<br />
fact enter <strong>the</strong> body and<br />
was contained in <strong>the</strong><br />
fat, organs, urine and<br />
feces of dogs.<br />
Laboratory tests have<br />
shown that with long<br />
term exposure at low<br />
doses, fipronil has <strong>the</strong><br />
potential for nervous<br />
system and thyroid<br />
toxicity, thyroid cancer,<br />
altered thyroid hormone levels, liver toxicity, kidney<br />
damage, convulsions, whining, barking, crying, loss<br />
of appetite, locomotor difficulty, reduced fertility, fetus<br />
mortality, smaller offspring, loss of hair at or beyond <strong>the</strong><br />
24 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
point of application, moist inflammation, chemical burn<br />
and itching. That’s a pretty long list!<br />
The rub is that lots of folks are telling me that it doesn’t<br />
even work against fleas and ticks any longer. According<br />
to pesticide.org, fipronil is an extremely active molecule<br />
that disrupts <strong>the</strong> brain and spinal cord by interfering with<br />
<strong>the</strong> ability of <strong>the</strong>se nerve cells to transmit nerve impulses.<br />
“Fipronil also disrupts nerves in animals o<strong>the</strong>r than<br />
insects, including humans, but it does not bind as tightly<br />
to <strong>the</strong>se nerve cells as it does to insect nerve cells.” I<br />
can’t help but think of children cuddling <strong>the</strong>ir dogs when<br />
I read that.<br />
When exposed to light, fipronil breaks down into a molecule<br />
called fipronil-desulfinyl which, according to <strong>the</strong><br />
EPA, is ten times more toxic than <strong>the</strong> fipronil itself. What<br />
does this mean? (a) don’t put <strong>the</strong> plastic vials of fipronil<br />
in <strong>the</strong> sun, (b) don’t let your dog bake in <strong>the</strong> sun after<br />
you’ve applied <strong>the</strong> stuff, (c) short haired pooches using<br />
fipronil products need to stay out of <strong>the</strong> sun, or (d) all<br />
of <strong>the</strong> above?<br />
Most folks consider <strong>the</strong> natural alternative, <strong>the</strong> pyrethrins<br />
(naturally occurring compounds from <strong>the</strong> chrysan<strong>the</strong>mum<br />
plant) and pyrethroids (<strong>the</strong> syn<strong>the</strong>tic counterpart),<br />
as less hazardous. Sadly, <strong>the</strong> contrary has been<br />
irrefutably proven.<br />
Information released through <strong>the</strong> Freedom of Information<br />
act to CPI showed that from 2002 through 2007, at<br />
least 1,600 pet deaths from pyrethroid spot-on treatments<br />
were reported to <strong>the</strong> EPA. That’s nearly double<br />
<strong>the</strong> number of reported fatalities linked to flea treatment<br />
without pyrethroids. CPI’s “Perils of <strong>the</strong> New Pesticides”<br />
project was based on an analysis of 90,000 adverse reaction<br />
reports. I shudder to think of how many people<br />
didn’t report an adverse reaction, making <strong>the</strong> actual<br />
number of adverse reactions much higher.<br />
Pyrethroid spot-on products also accounted for more<br />
than half of <strong>the</strong> major pet pesticide reactions, including<br />
brain damage, heart attacks and seizures. A possible<br />
explanation for <strong>the</strong> number of incidents involving<br />
pyrethroid spot-ons, according to <strong>the</strong> report, is <strong>the</strong> high<br />
concentration of pesticides <strong>the</strong>y contain. The report also<br />
notes that while <strong>the</strong> pyrethroid spot-ons are more concentrated<br />
than <strong>the</strong> fipronil or imadocloprid, <strong>the</strong>y are actually<br />
less toxic than <strong>the</strong>se latter two products.<br />
A relatively new product, Vectra 3D, ups <strong>the</strong> amount of<br />
permethrin in <strong>the</strong>ir product to a whopping 36.08%, in<br />
response to <strong>the</strong> growing resistance of fleas and ticks to<br />
<strong>the</strong>se products. Permethrin is ano<strong>the</strong>r syn<strong>the</strong>tic chemical,<br />
belonging to <strong>the</strong> pyrethroid family so it also functions<br />
as a neurotoxin. Chemical burns are a commonly<br />
reported result of its use and <strong>the</strong>re is even a class action<br />
suit (BioSpotVictims.com) against Vectra and Vectra 3D<br />
which are also sold as Firstshield and Firstshield Trio.<br />
Biospot Flea and Tick Control, Defend EX Spot Treatment<br />
and Zodiac FleaTrol Spot all contain ei<strong>the</strong>r or both permethrin<br />
and pyriproxyfen. Permethrin as also been implicated<br />
as a carcinogenic insecticide causing lung cancer<br />
and liver tumors in laboratory animals. It is also implicated<br />
in disrupting endocrine function and acts as a neurotoxin,<br />
causing tremors, increased aggressive behavior<br />
and learning problems. Ano<strong>the</strong>r long list. Could <strong>the</strong>se<br />
products be one of <strong>the</strong> reasons we are seeing a virtual<br />
epidemic of hypothyroidism in dogs?<br />
Not to leave anybody out, Advantage contains <strong>the</strong> active<br />
ingredient imidacloprid, a systemic insecticide which<br />
acts as an insect neurotoxin and belongs to a class of<br />
chemicals called <strong>the</strong> neonicotinoids.<br />
Neonicotinoids act on <strong>the</strong> central nervous system of<br />
insects with lower toxicity to mammals. In laboratory<br />
studies, imidacloprid has been found to cause thyroid lesions<br />
and liver toxicity, increase cholesterol levels (this is<br />
commonly seen in <strong>the</strong> bloodwork of hypothyroid dogs),<br />
and has <strong>the</strong> potential to damage <strong>the</strong> kidneys, liver, thyroid,<br />
heart, lungs, spleen, adrenal, brain and gonads.<br />
As a neurotoxin, it has caused incoordination, labored<br />
breathing and muscle weakness. When this drug was<br />
tested after its debut in 1994, researchers found an increase<br />
in <strong>the</strong> frequency of birth defects in mice, rats and<br />
dogs.<br />
There are so many ingredients and so many flea and tick<br />
products on <strong>the</strong> market that I can’t mention <strong>the</strong>m all. I<br />
advise you to read labels and study <strong>the</strong> ingredients of<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
25
<strong>the</strong> product that you’re using. Alarmingly, <strong>the</strong> fleas and<br />
ticks are becoming resistant to many of <strong>the</strong> ingredients<br />
that we have been using, so what’s in store for our dogs?<br />
Here is a frightening example of how bugs can become<br />
resistant to insecticides. As <strong>the</strong> weeds that infest <strong>the</strong><br />
fields of Roundup Ready GMO corn and soy have ironically<br />
become resistant to Roundup, our inventive corporations<br />
are now creating – you’re not going to believe this<br />
one - Agent Orange Resistant Genetically Modified corn.<br />
OK, so it’s only <strong>the</strong> active ingredient in Agent Orange,<br />
<strong>the</strong> herbicide 2,4 D that <strong>the</strong>y’re using, but a rose by any<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r name smells <strong>the</strong> same to me.<br />
Just for a dose of reality, allow me quote The Organic &<br />
Non-GMO Report. “Exposure to 2,4 D has been linked<br />
to major health problems that include cancer (especially<br />
non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma), lowered sperm counts, liver<br />
disease and Parkinson’s disease. A growing body of evidence<br />
from laboratory studies shows that 2,4 D causes<br />
endocrine disruption, reproductive problems, neurotoxicity<br />
and immunosuppression”. There’s much more, but<br />
that’s enough. They’ll spray it on our crops and <strong>the</strong> cows<br />
will eat <strong>the</strong> feed and guess what? Our dogs will eat <strong>the</strong><br />
cows (and so will we).<br />
There’s only one way out of this mess and that is to go<br />
back to Mo<strong>the</strong>r Nature. There are some old fashioned<br />
remedies that fleas and ticks haven’t seen for awhile so<br />
maybe we can surprise <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Garlic has had a bum rap recently and for no good reason.<br />
Some internet sites have stated it’s toxic for dogs.<br />
Heavens, a 50 lb dog would have to eat 75 large cloves<br />
or more in every meal for any toxicity to occur. A large<br />
90 pound dog can safely be fed two large cloves of garlic<br />
twice a day and a small dog can have one clove twice a<br />
day.<br />
Garlic has been fed to dogs as long as I’ve been in practice<br />
to help prevent flea infestation. There are many<br />
products on <strong>the</strong> market containing garlic for this very<br />
purpose. Both powdered and raw garlic are effective<br />
in repelling fleas and ticks although raw garlic has significantly<br />
more health benefits. When using garlic as a<br />
flea preventive, it’s important to use a castile soap or<br />
detergent-free shampoo. <strong>Dogs</strong> don’t sweat as humans<br />
do and <strong>the</strong> garlic ‘aroma’ comes out in <strong>the</strong> oil on <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
coat. It takes several weeks for <strong>the</strong> garlic compounds to<br />
build up in <strong>the</strong> oil and a detergent shampoo removes <strong>the</strong><br />
oil so you will be back to square one again.<br />
Amongst garlic’s reputed benefits, perhaps <strong>the</strong> most well<br />
known is its long history as a natural antibiotic. Modern<br />
researchers have found that garlic has a broad-spectrum<br />
antibacterial effect. Additionally, bacteria don’t seem to<br />
build resistance to garlic as <strong>the</strong>y do with many modern<br />
antibiotics. Garlic’s antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial<br />
effects also provide a very important added benefit in<br />
that daily garlic consumption will help fight tick borne<br />
diseases. Overall, garlic increases general immune activity<br />
along with <strong>the</strong> activity of killer cells (cells that seek<br />
out and kill invading bacteria and cancer cells).<br />
There’s a secret to releasing <strong>the</strong> healing powers of garlic.<br />
Allicin is <strong>the</strong> most powerful medicinal compound derived<br />
from garlic, providing <strong>the</strong> most important health benefits.<br />
Garlic has to go through a chemical process, so <strong>the</strong><br />
very beneficial compound called allicin can be released.<br />
You must finely chop or crush a garlic clove <strong>the</strong>n wait for<br />
5-10 minutes to allow <strong>the</strong> chemical reaction to occur. A<br />
host of studies provide evidence that <strong>the</strong> allicin in garlic<br />
works to inhibit cancer formation.<br />
Ticked Off, a product by Deserving Pets, is a contact flea<br />
and tick killer. It contains <strong>the</strong> safe and natural Sou<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
Red Cedar Oil, which many o<strong>the</strong>r products contain. This<br />
helps to repel pests but doesn’t kill <strong>the</strong>m. Ticked Off also<br />
contains safe and effective hydrolyzed silica, which gets<br />
into <strong>the</strong> cuticle of <strong>the</strong> pest and effectively eliminates it.<br />
There are many natural products out <strong>the</strong>re with scented<br />
herbs to repel fleas and ticks, but we all know that a desperate<br />
flea or tick ignores herbal signals. The only surefire,<br />
totally effective flea and tick repellent that I have<br />
ever seen is your dog getting skunked! I’m not telling<br />
you and your dog to go out and upset a skunk, but in<br />
years of practice, I’ve never had a dog who was sprayed<br />
by a skunk get fleas or ticks. In fact, when I questioned<br />
<strong>the</strong> owners why <strong>the</strong>y hadn’t washed <strong>the</strong>ir dog in months,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y proudly replied that <strong>the</strong>y were getting no ticks and<br />
fleas and were ‘all natural’.<br />
I think it would be a good idea to brainstorm on <strong>Dogs</strong><br />
<strong>Naturally</strong>’s Facebook page and share what natural methods<br />
have worked for you. Our beloved friends will be<br />
much better off if we do! f<br />
Since beginning her holistically oriented veterinary practice<br />
over 25 years ago, Dr. Khalsa has been incorporating<br />
homeopathy, acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, nutritional<br />
advice, allergy-elimination techniques such as N.A.E.T<br />
and also J.M.T. into her approach. She coauthored,<br />
‘Healing Your Horse: Alternative Therapies’ (Howell Book<br />
House, 1993), and most recently authored, ‘Dr. Khalsa’s<br />
Natural Dog’ (Kennel Club Books, 2009), a book best described<br />
as a ‘holistic bible’ for dog owners. Dr. Khalsa is a<br />
Fellow and Professor of <strong>the</strong> British Institute of Homeopathy.<br />
She has lectured both nationally and internationally.<br />
DNM Social Sharing<br />
Visit our Facebook page and let us know what natural<br />
flea and tick products work for your dog.<br />
Visit http://www.facebook.com/<strong>Dogs</strong><strong>Naturally</strong><strong>Magazine</strong><br />
26 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
10 MINUTE TRAINER<br />
CLICKER TIMING<br />
If you want to develop good clicker training skills, you need to<br />
improve your timing. In order to capture a behavior you must<br />
be able to observe and click <strong>the</strong> instant it happens. This requires<br />
good reaction time and must be practiced in order to become<br />
more skilled with <strong>the</strong> clicker. The following clicker timing<br />
games help you focus on improving <strong>the</strong> mechanical skill of clicker<br />
training as well as treat delivery skills. These games are ALL<br />
played WITHOUT a dog. If <strong>the</strong> human has better clicker skills,<br />
it will prevent <strong>the</strong> dog from stress, frustration and possibly from<br />
learning <strong>the</strong> wrong behavior due to bad timing.<br />
Ball Drop - This is an easy timing game. All <strong>the</strong> person<br />
needs is a ball and a clicker. Take <strong>the</strong> ball and drop it. Every time<br />
<strong>the</strong> ball drops on <strong>the</strong> ground use your clicker to click <strong>the</strong> instant<br />
<strong>the</strong> ball makes contact with <strong>the</strong> floor. You can let it bounce multiple<br />
times in a row or pick it up and repeat by dropping <strong>the</strong> ball<br />
again.<br />
Dice Game - Two players are needed and one or two dice.<br />
One player is even numbers and one player is odd numbers,<br />
which should be determined before <strong>the</strong> first roll of <strong>the</strong> dice. If<br />
<strong>the</strong> player is odd and <strong>the</strong> dice number is odd, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> player<br />
clicks and quickly picks up <strong>the</strong> dice and rolls it again. If <strong>the</strong> number<br />
is even <strong>the</strong> player that is even will click and quickly pick up<br />
<strong>the</strong> dice and roll again.<br />
Fastest Draw in <strong>the</strong> West Game - This game<br />
is to help learn how to click, get <strong>the</strong> reward and deliver <strong>the</strong> reward<br />
in a smooth clean fashion. This should be played individually.<br />
The trainer stands upright, clicks (with <strong>the</strong> clicker at her<br />
side), <strong>the</strong>n reaches for <strong>the</strong> food, and <strong>the</strong>n places <strong>the</strong> food in a<br />
dish that is on a table right in front of <strong>the</strong> trainer. The dish represents<br />
<strong>the</strong> dog or <strong>the</strong> trainee (maybe you are training your cat).<br />
• This game can be played just to get <strong>the</strong> rhythm of clicking,<br />
getting <strong>the</strong> reward, and delivering <strong>the</strong> reward.<br />
• This game can also be played to learn how to deliver a high<br />
rate of reinforcement. When played this time, you will need<br />
a timer. Set <strong>the</strong> timer for one minute. Then in one minute<br />
see how many times you can click, reward and deliver treats<br />
to <strong>the</strong> dish. The idea is to get faster and faster. It also helps<br />
to be accurate. If you were training a dog, you would want<br />
<strong>the</strong> treat to go directly to his mouth. So, make sure you get<br />
<strong>the</strong> treat directly into <strong>the</strong> bowl or dish.<br />
Treat Toss Game - A lot of times when working with<br />
dogs we need to toss treats. In this game you will learn to toss<br />
treats to <strong>the</strong> dog. You will need a clicker and a bowl. If you use<br />
a treat pouch for training you can also have that on. If you keep<br />
treats or rewards in you pocket, <strong>the</strong>n you can do that also. Ei<strong>the</strong>r<br />
way is fine. It is all a matter of personal preference. Place <strong>the</strong><br />
bowl on <strong>the</strong> ground and pretend it is your dog and you want to<br />
get <strong>the</strong> treat directly to <strong>the</strong> dog. Now, click, get <strong>the</strong> treat, and toss<br />
it into <strong>the</strong> bowl. Repeat again really quickly as if you are working<br />
on delivering a high rate of reinforcement. You could see how<br />
many treats you can get into <strong>the</strong> bowl in a minute or you can just<br />
see how accurate you are by taking 10 treats and when you are<br />
finished count how many treats went into <strong>the</strong> bowl. If you got all<br />
10 treats in <strong>the</strong> bowl, you are at 100% accuracy. If you have seven<br />
treats or less, <strong>the</strong>n you should practice more!<br />
Happy Clicking. f<br />
Pamela Johnson B.S., M.A., CPDT-KA has a background in education<br />
and she is a natural teacher of all things. Pamela’s family<br />
consists of a Husky Mix (Isabelle), Two Border Collies (Bandit &<br />
Twix), Cat (Sabrina) and husband (Marxsen). Pamela is also <strong>the</strong><br />
owner of Pam’s Dog Academy www.pamsdogacademy.com<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
27
Puppy Vaccination<br />
too early, too often, too much<br />
By Dana Scott<br />
In January 2010, breeder Cindy Williams<br />
was enjoying her litter of four<br />
beautiful Newfoundland puppies.<br />
The puppies were big and strong and<br />
at 8 1/2 weeks, <strong>the</strong> puppies were examined<br />
by <strong>the</strong> vet before venturing<br />
off to <strong>the</strong>ir new homes. They were<br />
treated to <strong>the</strong> usual puppy wellness<br />
check including a health exam, microchips<br />
and first vaccination. All<br />
of <strong>the</strong> puppies passed with flying<br />
colors.<br />
Ten days later, a female puppy, Gracie,<br />
began showing less interest in<br />
her food, followed by vomiting and<br />
diarrhea. Soon afterward, one of her<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>rs exhibited <strong>the</strong> same symptoms.<br />
Overnight, Cindy noticed a<br />
curious twitching around Gracie’s<br />
head and mouth. Cindy brought her<br />
into <strong>the</strong> vet clinic first thing <strong>the</strong> next<br />
morning.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> clinic, Gracie was given IV<br />
fluids, steroids and antibiotics – as<br />
well as valium to calm <strong>the</strong> twitching.<br />
The treatment didn’t have any effect<br />
however. Later that evening, Cindy<br />
was horrified to see that Gracie’s<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>r Doc began twitching as well.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> meantime, Gracie was suffering<br />
continuous seizures that were not<br />
responding to any drugs. Later <strong>the</strong><br />
next afternoon, Doc was seen by a<br />
neurological specialist who declared<br />
he was suffering <strong>the</strong> same battle as<br />
Gracie. By <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> day, both<br />
puppies were suffering terribly and<br />
Cindy chose to let <strong>the</strong>m pass. She<br />
requested an autopsy as <strong>the</strong>ir litter<br />
mates were at home and she was<br />
worried about <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
When <strong>the</strong> autopsy results came in, it<br />
was confirmed that <strong>the</strong> puppies had<br />
distemper. Cindy was surprised by<br />
this: <strong>the</strong> dam was vaccinated, <strong>the</strong>re<br />
were no unvaccinated dogs on her<br />
property and no outbreaks in her<br />
community. The puppy run was also<br />
enclosed and Cindy supervised <strong>the</strong><br />
puppies when outside, so she was<br />
certain that racoons did not get in<br />
that area.<br />
Cindy began speaking with veterinary<br />
immunologists, and learned<br />
that it was possible that <strong>the</strong> vaccine<br />
she had given her puppies, a modified<br />
live combination vaccine (Da2PP<br />
– distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus<br />
and parainfluenza), could have<br />
‘awakened’ in her puppies and actually<br />
caused <strong>the</strong> very disease she was<br />
trying to prevent. She didn’t know<br />
how to pursue this any fur<strong>the</strong>r, apart<br />
28 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
from reporting it to <strong>the</strong> vaccine manufacturer<br />
and <strong>the</strong> CIFA, <strong>the</strong> Canadian<br />
department for veterinary biologics.<br />
Cindy kept her two remaining puppies<br />
and vaccinated <strong>the</strong>m at 14<br />
weeks with a recombinant vaccine<br />
and thankfully, <strong>the</strong>y escaped fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
harm. Then, nearly two years later,<br />
Cindy received a chilling call – it was<br />
happening again.<br />
Bastian and Bella were two beautiful<br />
Newfoundland puppies who Jeannette<br />
Many Horses was delighted to<br />
welcome into her home on January 7,<br />
2012. These puppies were bred by a<br />
caring breeder of 40 years who, like<br />
Cindy, did her research and raised<br />
her dogs on raw food and vaccinated<br />
<strong>the</strong>m minimally. Bastian and Bella<br />
were vaccinated with a recombinant<br />
combination vaccine at <strong>the</strong> breeder’s<br />
home and, soon afterward, departed<br />
for <strong>the</strong>ir new homes.<br />
Bastian and Bella were <strong>the</strong> picture of<br />
health when <strong>the</strong>y jumped into Jeannette’s<br />
arms for <strong>the</strong> first time. As<br />
<strong>the</strong>y grew and flourished, Jeannette<br />
concluded it was time for <strong>the</strong>ir second<br />
set of vaccinations. On January<br />
20th, <strong>the</strong> puppies went to <strong>the</strong> veterinary<br />
clinic for a checkup and for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
vaccinations – a combination vaccine<br />
from a different manufacturer but<br />
with <strong>the</strong> same components as <strong>the</strong><br />
vaccine Cindy used. Jeannette’s vet<br />
also added a monovalent killed coronavirus<br />
vaccine.<br />
On January 25th, five days after<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir vaccination, both Bastian and<br />
Bella became lethargic and had very<br />
loose stools. When Jeannette called<br />
<strong>the</strong> veterinary clinic out of concern,<br />
she was told that this could not be a<br />
reaction to <strong>the</strong> vaccine as <strong>the</strong> puppies<br />
would have exhibited symptoms<br />
sooner. She was advised to do nothing<br />
and that <strong>the</strong> illness would likely<br />
pass on its own.<br />
Two days later, Bastian began shaking<br />
and pacing and his seizures and<br />
pain continued unabated. The following<br />
morning, on January 28th,<br />
Jeannette received a phone call.<br />
Cindy had been informed of Bastian<br />
and Bella’s illness by ano<strong>the</strong>r breeder<br />
and immediately contacted Jeannette<br />
to warn her of her own terrible<br />
experience. Jeannette decided<br />
at this point that it would be best to<br />
let Bastian cross. On <strong>the</strong> morning of<br />
January 30th, Bella also joined her<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
One day later, on January 31st, <strong>the</strong><br />
unthinkable happened. Jeannette<br />
learned that Bastian and Bella’s litter<br />
sister, Sophie who lived several<br />
states away, also succumbed to distemper,<br />
just nine days after her second<br />
vaccination.<br />
Like Cindy, Jeannette suspected her<br />
puppies got distemper from <strong>the</strong> vaccine.<br />
After she received <strong>the</strong> necropsy<br />
results, Jeannette sent <strong>the</strong><br />
puppies’ DNA to Michigan State<br />
University for testing. The results<br />
showed a 100% match between <strong>the</strong><br />
vaccine virus and <strong>the</strong> distemper virus<br />
found in her puppies. In o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
words, Bastian and Bella died from<br />
vaccination – with 100% certainty.<br />
Then Sophie’s DNA also results came<br />
in, proving that she too died from<br />
<strong>the</strong> vaccine virus.<br />
Many veterinarians and pet owners<br />
have suspected for years that modified<br />
live vaccines have <strong>the</strong> ability<br />
to revert to virulence in <strong>the</strong> host.<br />
These five puppies all died from <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
modified live vaccinations and were<br />
relatively unsca<strong>the</strong>d by <strong>the</strong> recombinant<br />
shots. However, simply switching<br />
to a recombinant vaccine will not<br />
render <strong>the</strong> vaccine harmless, as you<br />
will see below.<br />
Pay now or pay later<br />
Like Cindy and Jeannette, Georgia<br />
was aware of <strong>the</strong> potential damage<br />
of vaccinating too often. Georgia<br />
however, decided to not vaccinate<br />
her Great Dane puppy, Easy, at all.<br />
Easy was a vibrant puppy but Georgia<br />
later became concerned about<br />
recent parvovirus outbreaks in her<br />
area. She decided to titer Easy when<br />
he was six months to see if he was<br />
protected against parvo.<br />
Easy’s titers came back as low for<br />
parvo and Georgia felt pressured<br />
by veterinary advice to vaccinate<br />
him. She took what she envisioned<br />
to be <strong>the</strong> safest route possible and<br />
had Easy vaccinated with a monovalent,<br />
parvo-only vaccine since his<br />
titers showed protection against distemper.<br />
The vaccine was delivered<br />
to Easy’s scapular area and, three<br />
weeks later, Georgia ran a second<br />
titer which was now positive. Easy<br />
was protected – from parvo at least.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> age of 18 months, Easy developed<br />
osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in<br />
his scapula – right where <strong>the</strong> vaccine<br />
was given one year ago. Six weeks<br />
later, <strong>the</strong> pain became too much<br />
for Easy and Georgia helped him to<br />
cross.<br />
Any vaccine given at any point in a<br />
dog’s life has <strong>the</strong> ability to kill him<br />
or cause serious harm. If pet own-<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
29
Common reactions<br />
Lethargy<br />
Hair loss, hair color change at<br />
injection site<br />
Fever<br />
Soreness<br />
Stiffness<br />
Refusal to eat<br />
Conjunctivitis<br />
Sneezing<br />
Oral ulcers<br />
Moderate reactions<br />
Immunosupression<br />
Behavioral changes<br />
Vitiligo<br />
Weight loss (Cachexia)<br />
Reduced milk production<br />
Lameness<br />
Granulomas/Abscesses<br />
Hives<br />
Facial edema<br />
Atopy<br />
Respiratory disease<br />
Allergic uveitis (Blue Eye)<br />
Severe Reactions<br />
Vaccine injection site sarcomas<br />
Anaphylaxis<br />
Arthritis, polyarthritis<br />
HOD hypertrophy osteodystrophy<br />
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia<br />
Immune Mediated Thrombocytopenia<br />
(IMTP)<br />
Hemolytic disease of <strong>the</strong> newborn<br />
Thyroiditis<br />
Glomerulonephritis<br />
Disease or enhanced disease<br />
which with <strong>the</strong> vaccine was<br />
designed to prevent<br />
Myocarditis<br />
Post vaccinal Encephalitis or<br />
polyneuritis<br />
Seizures<br />
Abortion, congenital anomalies,<br />
embryonic/fetal death,<br />
failure to conceive<br />
ers want to avoid vaccine-related<br />
dangers, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> best option would<br />
be to not vaccinate at all. This is a<br />
viable option for many who would<br />
gladly trade <strong>the</strong> risk of vaccine-related<br />
damage for <strong>the</strong> risk of acute<br />
infection from puppy diseases.<br />
Pet owners who don’t vaccinate –<br />
and <strong>the</strong> vets who support this practice<br />
– realize that <strong>the</strong> risk of distemper<br />
is very low and that parvovirus<br />
in unvaccinated and healthy puppies<br />
is treatable in <strong>the</strong> majority of cases.<br />
They also realize that vaccines are<br />
ticking bombs that can create immediate<br />
and devastating disease in<br />
puppies such as Jeannette’s, or that<br />
<strong>the</strong> result might be more insidious,<br />
as was <strong>the</strong> case with Easy.<br />
To <strong>the</strong> left is a list of potential adverse<br />
vaccine reactions, according<br />
to noted veterinary immunologist,<br />
Dr. Ronald Schultz. If you vaccinate,<br />
<strong>the</strong>se vaccine risks are not<br />
completely unavoidable. There are<br />
steps that you can take however, to<br />
decrease <strong>the</strong> risk of disease in your<br />
puppy. The first step is to have a<br />
fundamental knowledge of <strong>the</strong> immune<br />
system and what vaccines can<br />
and can’t do.<br />
Vaccination or Immunization?<br />
It may come as a surprise to some<br />
people – and many vets – that vaccination<br />
and immunization are not<br />
<strong>the</strong> same thing. Your dog or puppy<br />
is perfectly capable of creating immunity<br />
all by himself – and once he<br />
does, <strong>the</strong> immunity likely lasts for a<br />
lifetime.<br />
Natural immunity is why, not that<br />
long ago, parents used to have<br />
‘chicken pox parties’ for <strong>the</strong>ir children;<br />
and also why, once children got<br />
chicken pox, <strong>the</strong>y never got it again.<br />
Natural immunity is how most dogs<br />
survived without vaccination when<br />
parvovirus first came on <strong>the</strong> scene<br />
over thirty years ago – and how <strong>the</strong><br />
original strain of parvo is still in <strong>the</strong><br />
environment but very rarely causes<br />
noticeable clinical signs in dogs –<br />
even though <strong>the</strong>re is no vaccine for<br />
it. The body has a highly functional<br />
immune system that works exceedingly<br />
well in most cases.<br />
Vaccines do not immunize: <strong>the</strong>y sensitize.<br />
Their job is to introduce small<br />
amounts of disease to <strong>the</strong> body, albeit<br />
artificially, so <strong>the</strong> body is able<br />
to form immunity on a more convenient<br />
and predictable time frame.<br />
Most vets pay a lot of attention to<br />
vaccinating but very little attention<br />
to immunizing. The result is that<br />
most puppy vaccination series are<br />
poorly timed and <strong>the</strong> wrong vaccines<br />
are given at inappropriate times and<br />
given too often. Simply stated, puppies<br />
are vaccinated too early, too often<br />
and with too many vaccines at<br />
once. When this happens, <strong>the</strong> vaccines<br />
suppress <strong>the</strong> immune system<br />
instead of supporting it – or in many<br />
cases, <strong>the</strong>y can cause an over-stimulation<br />
of <strong>the</strong> immune system and<br />
<strong>the</strong> body can begin to attack its own<br />
cells (autoimmune disease). So it is<br />
crucial that every vaccine and every<br />
puppy is treated with <strong>the</strong> utmost<br />
caution and care and that immunization,<br />
not vaccination, is <strong>the</strong> goal.<br />
Too early<br />
When puppies are very young, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are protected from disease by ingesting<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir mo<strong>the</strong>r’s first milk, called<br />
colostrum. This rich milk contains<br />
maternal antibodies against disease<br />
which <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r passes down to<br />
her puppies. The puppy’s immune<br />
system is not fully mature, or active,<br />
until it is around six months of age,<br />
so <strong>the</strong> maternal antibodies provide<br />
passive immunity to each puppy.<br />
When a puppy with a reasonable<br />
amount of maternal antibodies is<br />
vaccinated, <strong>the</strong> maternal antibodies<br />
will essentially inactivate <strong>the</strong> vaccine,<br />
just as <strong>the</strong>y would a real virus.<br />
The maternal antibodies for distemper<br />
are fairly predictable and are<br />
usually low enough for vaccination to<br />
be effective at eight or nine weeks of<br />
age. In <strong>the</strong> case of parvovirus however,<br />
<strong>the</strong> maternal antibodies last a<br />
lot longer in most puppies so vaccinating<br />
at eight or nine weeks would<br />
not be all that effective.<br />
In a study performed by Vanguard,<br />
it was found that a combination vaccine<br />
(which typically contains parvovirus,<br />
distemper and one to five<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r antigens), given to six week old<br />
30 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
puppies had only a 52% chance of<br />
protecting <strong>the</strong>m against parvo. This<br />
means that <strong>the</strong> puppy has all of <strong>the</strong><br />
risk of <strong>the</strong> vaccine but only half <strong>the</strong><br />
potential benefit. At nine weeks of<br />
age, 88% of <strong>the</strong> puppies in <strong>the</strong> study<br />
showed a response to <strong>the</strong> vaccine. At<br />
12 weeks, 100% of <strong>the</strong> puppies were<br />
protected. Some vaccines will provide<br />
protection earlier or later.<br />
Only one dose of <strong>the</strong><br />
modified-live canine<br />
‘core’ vaccine, when<br />
administered at 16<br />
weeks or older, will<br />
provide long lasting<br />
(many years to a lifetime)<br />
immunity in a<br />
very high percentage<br />
of animals.<br />
Vaccinating puppies under 12 weeks<br />
of age, and certainly under nine<br />
weeks of age, for parvovirus is a<br />
high risk, low reward approach. Not<br />
only is <strong>the</strong> parvovirus component of<br />
<strong>the</strong> combination vaccine not all that<br />
likely to be effective, it can actually<br />
work to block <strong>the</strong> effectiveness of<br />
<strong>the</strong> distemper component. It also<br />
makes <strong>the</strong> vaccine more dangerous,<br />
because <strong>the</strong> more antigens contained<br />
in <strong>the</strong> vaccine, <strong>the</strong> greater <strong>the</strong><br />
risk of autoimmune disease (including<br />
allergies, joint disease and cancer).<br />
Moreover, most vets haven’t<br />
seen a case of distemper in years<br />
which begs <strong>the</strong> question: what is <strong>the</strong><br />
big push to start vaccinating puppies<br />
at six to eight weeks of age when <strong>the</strong><br />
parvovirus component is unlikely to<br />
work and it is very unlikely <strong>the</strong> puppy<br />
will come into contact with distemper?<br />
Too often<br />
Pfizer performed an interesting field<br />
study in 1996 where <strong>the</strong>y split vaccinated<br />
puppies into two groups.<br />
Group A received a single vaccination<br />
at 12 weeks and Group B received<br />
a first vaccine between eight to 10<br />
weeks and a second at 12 weeks.<br />
When titers were measured, 100%<br />
of <strong>the</strong> puppies vaccinated once at 12<br />
weeks were protected whereas only<br />
94% of <strong>the</strong> puppies in Group B were<br />
protected – despite receiving two<br />
vaccines as opposed to one.<br />
It appears that <strong>the</strong> first vaccine can<br />
interfere with <strong>the</strong> second vaccine.<br />
So vaccinating your puppy twice not<br />
only doubles his risk for adverse vaccine<br />
reactions, it appears to make<br />
vaccination less effective overall.<br />
Most people – and many vets – believe<br />
that it takes more than one<br />
vaccine to create immunity in a<br />
puppy. This simply isn’t true. It<br />
only takes one vaccine to not only<br />
protect a puppy, but to protect him<br />
for life. After more than 40 years<br />
of testing immunity in thousands of<br />
dogs, Dr. Ronald Schultz has come<br />
to <strong>the</strong> following conclusion: “Only<br />
one dose of <strong>the</strong> modified-live canine<br />
‘core’ vaccine, when administered at<br />
16 weeks or older, will provide long<br />
lasting (many years to a lifetime)<br />
immunity in a very high percentage<br />
of animals.” That very high percentage<br />
is nearly 100%.<br />
The only reason vets give puppies<br />
more than one vaccine is that <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are trying to catch <strong>the</strong> small window<br />
in time when <strong>the</strong> maternal antibodies<br />
are low enough that <strong>the</strong>y will not<br />
block <strong>the</strong> vaccine, but <strong>the</strong> puppy is<br />
young enough that he is not exposed<br />
to viruses in <strong>the</strong> environment. The<br />
point in time when <strong>the</strong> maternal antibodies<br />
for parvovirus wane enough<br />
for vaccination to work can vary between<br />
eight weeks and 26 weeks.<br />
So vets dutifully and mindlessly vaccinate<br />
every two to four weeks – with<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
31
a combination vaccine, not just with<br />
parvo - trying to get one of <strong>the</strong>m to<br />
work. Most vets also vaccinate once<br />
more at a year of age – just to be<br />
certain.<br />
Nearly all vets vaccinate every year<br />
or three years after that – for some<br />
unknown reason because <strong>the</strong>re is no<br />
scientific validity to this practice. As<br />
Dr. Schultz stated, <strong>the</strong>re is no need<br />
for revaccination once a puppy is<br />
protected – and if a puppy receives a<br />
vaccination at 16 weeks, he is very,<br />
very likely to be protected.<br />
Nomographs and titers<br />
are useful tools<br />
that really aren’t<br />
that expensive in<br />
<strong>the</strong> long run when<br />
compared to <strong>the</strong><br />
thousands of dollars<br />
pet owners spend<br />
on chronic, vaccineinduced<br />
diseases.<br />
Too much<br />
The result of <strong>the</strong>se errors in judgement<br />
is that puppies receive more<br />
vaccines than <strong>the</strong>y need – lots more.<br />
They receive a parvovirus component<br />
in <strong>the</strong>ir first combination vaccine<br />
when that part of <strong>the</strong> vaccine<br />
has little chance of working. Most<br />
puppies are protected against distemper<br />
with <strong>the</strong> first vaccine if not<br />
given too early, yet most puppies are<br />
given a combination vaccine containing<br />
distemper at 12 to 16 weeks and<br />
older – when <strong>the</strong>y really only need<br />
<strong>the</strong> parvovirus.<br />
Most combination puppy vaccines<br />
also contain an adenovirus component.<br />
Adenovirus has been shown<br />
to suppress <strong>the</strong> immune system for<br />
ten days following vaccination. This<br />
means that puppies that receive<br />
needless vaccines not only suffer<br />
<strong>the</strong> risk of adverse events from <strong>the</strong><br />
vaccine, but <strong>the</strong>y are more at risk of<br />
picking up any o<strong>the</strong>r virus or bacterium<br />
that crosses <strong>the</strong>ir path because<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir immune system has been overloaded<br />
by <strong>the</strong> vaccine itself.<br />
This is not a good proposition for a<br />
puppy taken to <strong>the</strong> vet clinic to receive<br />
his vaccines, because it exposes<br />
him to <strong>the</strong> riskiest possible<br />
environment outside of perhaps an<br />
animal shelter and his immune system<br />
will be suppressed while his body<br />
tries to fight four, five or even seven<br />
different diseases, all at <strong>the</strong> same<br />
time. It is no wonder that puppies<br />
can succumb to vaccine-induced disease<br />
– <strong>the</strong>ir immune system is simply<br />
overloaded at a time when <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are exposed to a pretty dangerous<br />
place for puppies to be.<br />
Adenovirus is an upper respiratory<br />
disease that is self limiting – that<br />
hardly seems like a good trade-off<br />
for immune protection when puppies<br />
need it most. The same applies<br />
to parainfluenza - and coronavirus<br />
which commonly occurs only in puppies<br />
too young to be vaccinated anyway.<br />
And that’s just <strong>the</strong> core vaccines.<br />
Some puppies will also be<br />
vaccinated with o<strong>the</strong>r non-core vaccines<br />
including <strong>the</strong> particularly dangerous<br />
leptospirosis vaccine.<br />
Clearly, vets are very good at vaccination.<br />
The problem is, current<br />
puppy vaccination programs don’t<br />
adequately address immunity. Very<br />
few vets take a realistic and scientific<br />
look at <strong>the</strong> best time to vaccinate for<br />
distemper, followed by <strong>the</strong> best time<br />
to vaccinate for parvovirus, followed<br />
by asking why are we even vaccinating<br />
for self limiting diseases such as<br />
coronavirus and adenovirus which<br />
are really only dangerous in puppies<br />
who are too young to effectively vaccinate<br />
anyway?<br />
Taking <strong>the</strong> guesswork out of puppy<br />
shots<br />
Vaccines may seem technologically<br />
advanced, but when given randomly<br />
and for no good reason, <strong>the</strong>y are at<br />
best useless and at worst dangerous.<br />
Vaccine manufacturers are constantly<br />
trying to improve <strong>the</strong> safety<br />
of vaccines, but <strong>the</strong>re will always<br />
be an inherent danger when injecting<br />
pharmaceutical products, along<br />
with <strong>the</strong>ir toxic chemicals, into puppies.<br />
Until <strong>the</strong> dubious time comes<br />
when vaccines are completely safe<br />
and completely effective, <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
two proven, effective ways to reduce<br />
<strong>the</strong> number of unnecessary vaccines<br />
in puppies, <strong>the</strong>reby reducing <strong>the</strong> risk<br />
of puppies dying or suffering permanent<br />
illness from vaccines.<br />
Nomographs<br />
Not that many years ago, vets used<br />
something called a nomograph to tell<br />
breeders <strong>the</strong> best time to vaccinate<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir puppies. The nomograph examines<br />
antibody titers of <strong>the</strong> dam<br />
and determines almost exactly when<br />
her maternal antibodies will wear off<br />
in her puppies. The value in knowing<br />
this is that <strong>the</strong> breeder can provide<br />
<strong>the</strong> right vaccine at <strong>the</strong> right time,<br />
eliminating <strong>the</strong> need for, and risk of,<br />
unnecessary vaccinations.<br />
Nomographs are perfect for breeders<br />
who are interested in using only<br />
monovalent (single virus), vaccines<br />
in place of <strong>the</strong> more dangerous combination<br />
or polyvalent vaccines. For<br />
example, <strong>the</strong> nomograph could predict<br />
that <strong>the</strong> maternal antibodies for<br />
distemper will wane at eight weeks,<br />
but that parvovirus might be at 14<br />
weeks. The breeder would <strong>the</strong>n<br />
vaccinate with <strong>the</strong> right vaccine at<br />
<strong>the</strong> right time and <strong>the</strong> vaccination<br />
schedule would be based on science<br />
instead of guesswork. Yet for some<br />
reason, nomographs have fallen out<br />
of favor.<br />
Titers<br />
For puppy owners without <strong>the</strong> advantage<br />
of a nomograph, titers can<br />
save puppies’ lives and protect <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
well being in <strong>the</strong> long run. Instead of<br />
guessing if vaccination is necessary,<br />
running a titer three weeks after a<br />
vaccination will indicate with nearly<br />
100% certainty whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> puppy<br />
needs ano<strong>the</strong>r vaccine or not.<br />
Titers also allow vets to use <strong>the</strong> safer<br />
monovalent vaccines. A puppy can<br />
be vaccinated at nine weeks with<br />
distemper only – an age when he is<br />
very likely to respond to <strong>the</strong> vaccine<br />
– and <strong>the</strong> titer will later most likely<br />
32 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
show that he is protected and protected<br />
for life. Then, a monovalent<br />
vaccine could be given for parvovirus<br />
at perhaps 12 weeks and a titer<br />
run three weeks after that. If <strong>the</strong><br />
titer is low, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> vaccine can be<br />
repeated but if it is high, <strong>the</strong> puppy<br />
is protected against parvovirus, very<br />
likely for life.<br />
Despite <strong>the</strong>se two easily accessible<br />
options, many vets believe –<br />
and lead us to believe – that puppies<br />
must be subjected to a series<br />
of vaccinations. Many vets understand<br />
titers but don’t offer <strong>the</strong>m as<br />
an option to vaccination. This may<br />
be because vaccines are cheap and<br />
titers are not. Whe<strong>the</strong>r that equates<br />
to less profit for <strong>the</strong> vets or <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
assuming that puppy owners don’t<br />
want to invest in a safer vaccination<br />
program is unknown. Titers can be<br />
expensive – but so can <strong>the</strong> damage<br />
that results from vaccines. Unlike<br />
vaccines, titers are completely safe<br />
for puppies.<br />
Many vets are also not willing to<br />
stock monovalent vaccines because<br />
of <strong>the</strong> higher cost. The most likely<br />
scenario however, is that vets are<br />
simply vaccinating with <strong>the</strong> typical<br />
puppy schedule out of nothing more<br />
than habit and convenience.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> end, <strong>the</strong> best way to avoid<br />
vaccine damage – and your puppy<br />
being <strong>the</strong> subject of ano<strong>the</strong>r tragic<br />
story – is obviously to not vaccinate.<br />
This might increase <strong>the</strong> risk of acute<br />
disease, but domestic and wild animals<br />
– and people too – have been<br />
exposed to viruses for years and<br />
<strong>the</strong> immune system, when not suppressed<br />
with vaccinations, poor diet,<br />
toxins and drugs, has a profound<br />
ability to fight off exposure to viruses<br />
and bacteria. Simply supporting <strong>the</strong><br />
immune system can go a long ways<br />
toward avoiding acute disease such<br />
as parvo - and will certainly reduce<br />
<strong>the</strong> severity of <strong>the</strong> symptoms.<br />
The second safest option is to choose<br />
vaccines wisely and with a constant<br />
awareness that every vaccine has <strong>the</strong><br />
potential to kill <strong>the</strong> patient. Nomographs<br />
and titers are useful tools<br />
that really aren’t that expensive in<br />
<strong>the</strong> long run when compared to <strong>the</strong><br />
thousands of dollars pet owners<br />
spend on chronic, vaccine-induced<br />
diseases including but certainly not<br />
limited to, hypothyroidism, seizures,<br />
cancer, arthritis, allergies and gastrointestinal<br />
issues. They are very<br />
cheap insurance in many regards.<br />
The worst option is to do nothing<br />
different and haphazardly vaccinate<br />
puppies every two to four weeks<br />
with a combination vaccine. Many<br />
vets are not making <strong>the</strong> connection<br />
between chronic debilitating disease<br />
and over-vaccination, so unless a<br />
puppy’s head swells to <strong>the</strong> size of<br />
a football immediately after vaccination,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are reluctant to blame<br />
vaccines for any of <strong>the</strong> adverse reactions<br />
that Dr. Schultz identified.<br />
It’s important to understand that we<br />
pet owners can open vets’ eyes to<br />
safer and more effective puppy vaccination<br />
programs by paying for titer<br />
tests and investing in monovalent<br />
vaccines – even if that means having<br />
to buy a whole case of vaccine<br />
vials for one little puppy. Chances<br />
are that case of monovalent vaccines<br />
will disappear, one by one, and every<br />
one used means one less puppy who<br />
will be potentially harmed by needless<br />
or thoughtless vaccination. f<br />
DNM Extras<br />
Find out what every vet and pet<br />
owner should know about vaccines.<br />
Visit www.dogsnaturallymagazine.<br />
com/what-every-vet-should-knowabout-vaccines/<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
33
TITERS<br />
Protecting your dog<br />
with this simple test<br />
makes good sense<br />
By Don Hamilton DVM<br />
Photo: Robert & Patricia Petit<br />
After three decades of veterinary practice, I believe vaccination<br />
to be a troublesome aspect of medicine. My own observations,<br />
along with insights from those who taught me, indicate that vaccination<br />
is fraught with misunderstanding. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, vaccination,<br />
in my experience, is likely responsible, at least in part,<br />
for <strong>the</strong> vast majority of chronic disease we see in human and<br />
non-human animals in <strong>the</strong> modern world. For this reason, I do<br />
not generally recommend vaccines. However, <strong>the</strong>re is also an<br />
inherent risk in not vaccinating. Vaccination does in fact prevent<br />
some acute illnesses like parvovirus and distemper virus in<br />
dogs and panleukopenia virus in cats. While puppies are at much<br />
greater risk than adult animals for contracting infectious diseases,<br />
adult animals are not without risk. I have seen unvaccinated<br />
adult cats, for example, who became infected with panleukopenia<br />
virus, and some of <strong>the</strong>se died. I do not recall seeing canine<br />
parvovirus in an adult dog, but it can occur. I have seen canine<br />
distemper in an adult dog, although thankfully not a fatal case,<br />
so far, in an adult. Vaccination, <strong>the</strong>refore, has a certain benefit. It<br />
34 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
is <strong>the</strong> risk that is less well understood, but my experience is that<br />
this risk is high.<br />
There are larger questions here, including Darwin’s “survival of<br />
<strong>the</strong> fittest,” which implies that diseases are in fact streng<strong>the</strong>ning<br />
factors for species. If we view <strong>the</strong> species as that which must be<br />
kept alive ra<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>the</strong> individual, <strong>the</strong>n we must not vaccinate.<br />
However, it is not so simple to ignore <strong>the</strong> individual, and in this<br />
case, many animal guardians choose to vaccinate. As I understand,<br />
though, vaccination protects against <strong>the</strong> acute illness by<br />
inducing a chronic one in its stead. The more vaccinations we<br />
give (or receive), generally <strong>the</strong> greater <strong>the</strong> impact of <strong>the</strong> chronic<br />
disease.<br />
Today, many animal caregivers recognize <strong>the</strong> basis of this danger<br />
of over-vaccination, and many will choose not to vaccinate<br />
except as required by law, preferring <strong>the</strong> risk of exposure to that<br />
of vaccine induced disease. O<strong>the</strong>rs, however, choose not to risk<br />
infection, preferring to vaccinate as wisely as possible. For those<br />
guardians, we look for ways to minimize <strong>the</strong> damage while maximizing<br />
<strong>the</strong> protection. Titer testing is one way to do this.<br />
A titer is a measurement of <strong>the</strong> amount of antibody in serum to<br />
a given antigen. An antigen is a substance that can induce an immune<br />
response, and usually refers to inducing antibody production.<br />
Proteins and o<strong>the</strong>r substances on bacterial and viral outer<br />
surfaces, for example, induce antibody production following<br />
infection or vaccination. Antibodies are proteins that <strong>the</strong> body<br />
produces to help fight infections; <strong>the</strong>se bind to foreign antigens,<br />
facilitating <strong>the</strong>ir destruction and removal from <strong>the</strong> body. Antibodies<br />
are also called immunoglobulins.<br />
greater. This will depend upon <strong>the</strong> laboratory performing <strong>the</strong><br />
test, however, so any result must be compared with that laboratory’s<br />
standards. For any of <strong>the</strong>se viral diseases, though, as long<br />
as a dog has a titer with <strong>the</strong> second number equal to or higher<br />
than that of <strong>the</strong> lab’s protective titer, you can rest assured that he<br />
or she is protected.<br />
Now, however, this brings a second question, and that is, does<br />
an animal have to maintain such a titer to remain protected? The<br />
short answer is no. However, in response to client requests (or<br />
due to <strong>the</strong>ir own knowledge), many progressive veterinarians<br />
now offer titer testing in lieu of routine vaccination. The idea is<br />
that, perhaps three years after <strong>the</strong> last vaccine, <strong>the</strong> veterinarian<br />
would take a blood sample and test a dog for parvo or distemper.<br />
Should one of <strong>the</strong>se titers fall below <strong>the</strong> protective level, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong><br />
veterinarian would recommend a booster vaccine.<br />
While this is a great step forward from routine boosters, and especially<br />
from annual routine boosters, it is mostly unnecessary.<br />
Immunological science informs us that, once an animal has a<br />
protective antibody level, as indicated by a protective titer, that<br />
animal is almost certainly protected for life, at least for <strong>the</strong> major<br />
diseases (parvo, distemper and canine hepatitis virus). Thus,<br />
once you run a titer test that indicates a protective level, you need<br />
Titer testing involves using a known antigen (such as canine distemper<br />
virus) and mixing this with serum to see if <strong>the</strong> serum<br />
contains antibodies that will bind to <strong>the</strong> antigen. This binding is<br />
called agglutination. If agglutination occurs, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> laboratory<br />
technician will dilute <strong>the</strong> serum and repeat <strong>the</strong> test. This step is<br />
repeated until <strong>the</strong> serum is diluted to <strong>the</strong> point that agglutination<br />
no longer occurs. The last dilution at which agglutination happens<br />
is <strong>the</strong>n said to be <strong>the</strong> titer against distemper, for example.<br />
Historically, titer testing was done at two-fold dilutions, in <strong>the</strong><br />
sequence 2, 4, 8, 16, and so on. The resultant titer would <strong>the</strong>n be<br />
represented as a ratio, such as 1:16 or 1:32, meaning that agglutination<br />
still occurred when <strong>the</strong> serum was diluted to 1/16 or 1/32<br />
of full strength. The higher <strong>the</strong> second number, <strong>the</strong> more dilute<br />
<strong>the</strong> serum could be and still agglutinate <strong>the</strong> antigen, <strong>the</strong>refore<br />
<strong>the</strong> more antibody was present in <strong>the</strong> serum and <strong>the</strong> greater <strong>the</strong><br />
protection.<br />
In practice, <strong>the</strong>re is generally a recognized minimum titer that<br />
provides adequate protection, and anything over that is gravy,<br />
so to speak. Additionally, today <strong>the</strong> titers are tested more ma<strong>the</strong>matically,<br />
so <strong>the</strong> older two-fold dilution is not always how titers<br />
are reported. For example, protective titers for canine distemper<br />
virus (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV) are generally 1:5 or<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
35
not concern yourself fur<strong>the</strong>r with that virus. Thankfully, canine<br />
hepatitis is rare today so most guardians do not test for this.<br />
So now, what do you do with this information? For adult animals,<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r a year old or older, if you have never run a titer,<br />
you could have your veterinarian do so. If you see protective<br />
levels, forget about booster vaccinations, for <strong>the</strong> viruses I have<br />
mentioned in <strong>the</strong> paragraph above. These are <strong>the</strong> primary canine<br />
viruses for which titers have value and which are life-threatening<br />
diseases, not including rabies. For most o<strong>the</strong>r organisms, ei<strong>the</strong>r<br />
vaccination is of questionable value, <strong>the</strong> disease is not as dangerous,<br />
or titers are not as useful. For example, circulating antibody<br />
is not as important for protection against upper respiratory<br />
pathogens like kennel cough (bordetella/parainfluenza virus), as<br />
well as <strong>the</strong> uncommon canine coronavirus. Immune suppressive<br />
intracellular viruses and bacteria like <strong>the</strong> Lyme disease spirochete<br />
(Borrelia burgdorferi), <strong>the</strong> feline leukemia virus, <strong>the</strong> feline<br />
immunodeficiency virus, and feline infectious peritonitis virus<br />
depend more upon cell mediated immunity and immunosuppression,<br />
and vaccination does not work well, nor do titers accurately<br />
indicate protection. (I mention <strong>the</strong>se feline viruses here as<br />
classic examples of viruses which require immune suppression<br />
to infect <strong>the</strong>ir hosts).<br />
The initial studies for <strong>the</strong> first Lyme disease vaccine required immunosuppressive<br />
doses of steroids to even induce short-term<br />
infection in <strong>the</strong> dogs used in <strong>the</strong> investigation. Without <strong>the</strong><br />
steroids, researchers could not successfully infect animals with<br />
<strong>the</strong> Lyme spirochetes. This, to me, strongly suggests that <strong>the</strong>re is<br />
much more to <strong>the</strong> Lyme disease picture than a simple organism/<br />
host and organism/vaccine relationship. I do not recommend<br />
Lyme vaccination, and titer testing is also not too valuable.<br />
Leptospirosis, while uncommon in most areas, can cause a severe<br />
infection occasionally. I will discuss this fur<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong> next<br />
segment. Part two will also include suggestions for puppy vaccination<br />
and titers, as well as rabies. f<br />
Dr. Don Hamilton has been practicing veterinary medicine since<br />
1979 and practicing homeopathy since 1988. His practice is now<br />
exclusively homeopathy. He is <strong>the</strong> author of Homeopathic Care for<br />
Cats and <strong>Dogs</strong>: Small Doses for Small Animals. Dr. Hamilton has<br />
concerns about our interactions with companion animals and is<br />
interested in how <strong>the</strong>se interactions affect animals, as well is in<br />
what <strong>the</strong>se interactions suggest about modern culture and our<br />
own needs as humans. Dr. Hamilton believes that all animals and<br />
plants have an inherent right to exist that is independent of <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
usefulness to humans.<br />
36 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
NATURAL HEALING<br />
for dogs with lyme<br />
Oddly enough, <strong>the</strong>re is no definitive medical text on Lyme<br />
disease. Even more oddly, a book I wrote in 2005, Healing<br />
Lyme, has become <strong>the</strong> closest thing to one in print.<br />
This is because, at <strong>the</strong> time I wrote it, I analyzed all <strong>the</strong><br />
peer reviewed research papers on <strong>the</strong> Lyme bacteria and<br />
correlated <strong>the</strong>ir findings in one place – something no one<br />
had done before. The interesting thing is how much difference<br />
it has made in Lyme treatment. For <strong>the</strong> first time<br />
<strong>the</strong> disease began to be somewhat understandable.<br />
Because Lyme disease can appear as arthritis, or heart<br />
disease, or severe neurological problems, or gastrointestinal<br />
problems, or partial facial paralysis, or limb atrophy<br />
(as well as a multitude of o<strong>the</strong>r, seemingly unrelated,<br />
conditions) <strong>the</strong> disease itself often seems unintelligible,<br />
even malevolent, to those who have it. And this<br />
has made diagnosis extremely difficult for both vets and<br />
physicians.<br />
Many people with Lyme have been misdiagnosed for<br />
years as having multiple sclerosis, psychiatric disorders,<br />
or lupus, for example. But it turns out that <strong>the</strong> Lyme<br />
bacteria are pretty easy to understand once you really<br />
spend some time with <strong>the</strong>m and begin to understand<br />
what <strong>the</strong>y do in <strong>the</strong> body – and why.<br />
Lyme bacteria are a parasitic organisms, as many bacteria<br />
are. They need a host in which to live. And because<br />
<strong>the</strong>y can’t make all <strong>the</strong> nutrients <strong>the</strong>y need <strong>the</strong>mselves,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y scavenge <strong>the</strong>m from <strong>the</strong>ir hosts. Most of what <strong>the</strong>y<br />
need can be found in collagen tissues. So, once <strong>the</strong>y enter<br />
<strong>the</strong> human or animal host, <strong>the</strong>y begin breaking down<br />
collagen tissues into a kind of soup in order to feed.<br />
Where <strong>the</strong>y break down those tissues is important. If it<br />
is in a joint, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> result is Lyme arthritis. If it is in<br />
<strong>the</strong> heart, Lyme carditis. If it is in <strong>the</strong> central nervous<br />
system, it will cause neurological Lyme with associated<br />
brain fog, difficulty thinking and remembering, tremors,<br />
facial paralysis, loss of limb function and so on. This is<br />
<strong>the</strong> secret to understanding <strong>the</strong> disease and how to treat<br />
it.<br />
Once Lyme bacteria move to a site rich in collagen, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
initiate inflammatory processes that begin to break down<br />
<strong>the</strong> collagen at that site. Then <strong>the</strong>y decrease certain aspects<br />
of <strong>the</strong> immune response, essentially <strong>the</strong> parts of<br />
<strong>the</strong> immune system that can affect <strong>the</strong>m (in particular,<br />
CD57 cell counts). So, in order to successfully treat <strong>the</strong><br />
disease, three things need to occur:<br />
By Stephen Harrod Buhner<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
37
1. reduce <strong>the</strong> inflammation <strong>the</strong> spirochetal<br />
bacteria cause;<br />
2. support <strong>the</strong> collagen in <strong>the</strong> body; and<br />
3. increase immune function.<br />
A final, fourth, important consideration, at least for most<br />
of <strong>the</strong> cases I have seen, is to treat any specific symptoms<br />
that might arise. For example, neurological Lyme<br />
can often cause extreme anxiety, so treating that specific<br />
symptom is highly important.<br />
Additionally, <strong>the</strong>re<br />
may be extreme fatigue<br />
which is also crucial to address<br />
for healing to occur.<br />
Very much <strong>the</strong> last thing<br />
to do, in my experience, is<br />
to use antibacterials to try<br />
and kill <strong>the</strong> spirochetes.<br />
(However, if it is a serious<br />
case of Lyme and <strong>the</strong> patient<br />
has never used antibiotics,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are definitely<br />
worth trying).<br />
After nearly ten years of<br />
focus on Lyme, often with<br />
people who have, without<br />
success, gone through<br />
multiple rounds of antibiotics,<br />
I found that if <strong>the</strong><br />
inflammation is stopped,<br />
<strong>the</strong> collagen protected and<br />
<strong>the</strong> immune health raised,<br />
<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> disease goes into<br />
a kind of remission where<br />
a balance is established<br />
with <strong>the</strong> bacteria and <strong>the</strong>ir host. In such instances, all or<br />
nearly all symptoms disappear. Sometimes, <strong>the</strong> bacteria<br />
disappear completely because <strong>the</strong>ir source of nutrients<br />
is cut off.<br />
Lyme, and many of its co-infections, are common in<br />
companion animals, although Lyme can infect nearly all<br />
animals on <strong>the</strong> planet. A number of people, concerned<br />
about <strong>the</strong>ir pets, and exasperated at <strong>the</strong> lack of progress<br />
by <strong>the</strong>ir vets, reported good success once <strong>the</strong>y began<br />
using <strong>the</strong> protocol I developed for people on <strong>the</strong>ir dogs<br />
(and horses, although I never have heard of it being<br />
used with cats who are a lot more sensitive to herbal<br />
medicines in general). So, here is a good general protocol<br />
to use with your dogs. Generally, improvements<br />
begin to occur within two to four weeks.<br />
The most important herb to use is Japanese knotweed<br />
root (Polygonum cuspidatum). Inflammation can occur<br />
through a number of different pathways in <strong>the</strong> body but<br />
<strong>the</strong> root of this plant is specific for <strong>the</strong> exact pathways<br />
that <strong>the</strong> Lyme bacteria initiate. It will reduce <strong>the</strong> inflammation<br />
which will <strong>the</strong>n reduce many of <strong>the</strong> symptoms<br />
that occur. Additionally, <strong>the</strong> herb is a fairly good synergist<br />
which means it tends to increase <strong>the</strong> actions of both<br />
herbs and pharmaceuticals when used along with <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
NNatural protocol for dogs with lyme<br />
Japanese knotweed root<br />
Cat’s claw<br />
Glucosamine sulfate<br />
Homeopathic Ledum<br />
Japanese knotweed is a food grade herb which means it<br />
can normally be taken in ra<strong>the</strong>r large doses. For pets, I<br />
would recommend you get <strong>the</strong> bulk root, powder it (in<br />
a Vitamix or blender), and add it to <strong>the</strong>ir food. I think it<br />
is best given at least twice a day, morning and evening.<br />
I would look at an initial dosage of three tablespoons,<br />
twice a day. Ano<strong>the</strong>r benefit of this plant? It is invasive in<br />
nearly all Lyme endemic areas so if you are on <strong>the</strong> east<br />
coast you can often harvest <strong>the</strong> root yourself.<br />
The second crucial herb is cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa).<br />
This herb will raise <strong>the</strong> particular parts of <strong>the</strong> immune<br />
system specific to <strong>the</strong> disease. Again, I would use<br />
<strong>the</strong> bulk herb as a powder and <strong>the</strong> same dosage as <strong>the</strong><br />
knotweed. Cat’s claw is also a very safe herb; I know of<br />
no side effects from use, even in largish doses.<br />
Please note: ALL <strong>the</strong> herbs can be given simultaneously.<br />
ALL <strong>the</strong> herbs may be used along with antibiotics. Also,<br />
if your dog is very small, use smaller doses, if larger use<br />
more. The doses I am giving here are for a medium sized<br />
dog. And yes, you can use liquid formulations as well. I<br />
just prefer to use <strong>the</strong> herbs <strong>the</strong>mselves.<br />
The third important substance is glucosamine sulfate.<br />
This is a natural supplement that is often included in<br />
doggy snacks to help joint problems. It does help with<br />
pain and inflammation but I like it for its ability to help<br />
restore and protect cartilage. You can get this in powdered<br />
form which I think, again, would be <strong>the</strong> best form<br />
for dogs. (If you buy it for animals ra<strong>the</strong>r than humans<br />
38 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
you can get larger quantities at a greatly reduced cost.)<br />
Some of <strong>the</strong> powdered forms also include chondroitin,<br />
MSM, and collagen. All <strong>the</strong>se are helpful. I would use, to<br />
begin with, two tablespoons, twice daily.<br />
It may seem odd to hear that<br />
plants can often heal more<br />
effectively than pharmaceuticals.<br />
Never<strong>the</strong>less, it is important<br />
to remember that our<br />
species has only been around<br />
a hundred thousand years or<br />
so. Plants have been around<br />
between 170 and 700 million<br />
years. They get infections<br />
just as we do but <strong>the</strong>y have<br />
learned a thing or two during<br />
those millions of years about<br />
creating chemical compounds<br />
to combat infections...<br />
These three things will, for most dogs, take care of <strong>the</strong><br />
majority of <strong>the</strong> problems Lyme causes. In addition, here<br />
are a couple of o<strong>the</strong>r things that can really help.<br />
Teasel (Dipsacus spp): Teasel is very good for joint inflammation.<br />
If your dog is suffering badly from Lyme<br />
arthritis, use this. It is a very safe herb as well. I would<br />
recommend <strong>the</strong> powder in food, one tablespoon twice<br />
daily.<br />
Remember: Lyme is curable. There is no reason you or<br />
your pets have to suffer years of illness from Lyme infection.<br />
Most of us have been raised to believe that “modern”<br />
medicine has all <strong>the</strong> answers, so it may seem odd to hear<br />
that plants can often heal more effectively than pharmaceuticals.<br />
Never<strong>the</strong>less, it is important to remember that<br />
our species has only been around a hundred thousand<br />
years or so. Plants have been around between 170 and<br />
700 million years. They get infections just as we do, but<br />
<strong>the</strong>y have learned a thing or two during those millions of<br />
years about creating chemical compounds to combat infections<br />
(which is, I suppose, why pharmaceutical companies<br />
model so many of <strong>the</strong>ir drugs after <strong>the</strong>m). Plants<br />
are, in fact, <strong>the</strong> best chemists on Earth.<br />
I guess, when it comes right down to it, I am just old<br />
fashioned. f<br />
Stephen Harrod Buhner has worked in <strong>the</strong> natural healing<br />
fields for over 30 years. He is <strong>the</strong> multiple-award<br />
winning author of 15 books including Healing Lyme and<br />
Ensouling Language. You can see more about him at his<br />
website www.gaianstudies.org. He lives in Silver City,<br />
NM.<br />
Homoeopathic Ledum: A veterinarian, Steven Tobin,<br />
has reported that he has used Ledum (strength 1M,<br />
three times daily for three days – yes, that is all, just<br />
three days) in treating hundreds of dogs for Lyme with<br />
very good success. Homeopathic remedies are very safe<br />
and generally inexpensive, so it does make sense to have<br />
some on hand and to use <strong>the</strong>m for your pet. Some people<br />
have indeed reported that it worked well for <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus): Research into<br />
<strong>the</strong> onset of Lyme infection found that <strong>the</strong> more depressed<br />
<strong>the</strong> immune system, <strong>the</strong> worse <strong>the</strong> infection and<br />
<strong>the</strong> worse <strong>the</strong> outcome. As well, <strong>the</strong> better <strong>the</strong> immune<br />
health, <strong>the</strong> better <strong>the</strong> outcome and <strong>the</strong> milder <strong>the</strong> infection.<br />
Astragalus is a very good immune herb that has<br />
been used in China for millennia. It raises exactly <strong>the</strong><br />
immune markers needed to keep infection low or nonexistent.<br />
I generally recommend that people who live in<br />
Lyme endemic areas take it year round. It is also a food<br />
grade herb and can be taken in large doses. I would recommend<br />
three tablespoons, twice daily in food.<br />
In some cases of long standing Lyme, due to certain<br />
complexities of <strong>the</strong> infection, <strong>the</strong> herb can exacerbate<br />
<strong>the</strong> symptoms. It is best used as a preventative and if<br />
<strong>the</strong> Lyme infection is less than two years old.<br />
HEALING LYME<br />
Natural Healing and Prevention of Lyme Borreliosis<br />
and Its Coinfections<br />
Available @$19.95 Plus $6.00 Shipping<br />
ISBN 0970869630 Raven Press<br />
Foundation for Gaian Studies - www.gaianstudies.org<br />
575-538-5498<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
39
PARASITES?<br />
herbal solutions made simple<br />
By Patricia A. Griffiths<br />
Parasites date back thousands of years and are as old as <strong>the</strong><br />
animals <strong>the</strong>y feed upon. They can be as small as one cell, such<br />
as giardia, or several feet long, such as tape worms. They can<br />
be internal (round worms, whip worms, heart worms, etc.), or<br />
external (fleas, ticks and mites). They include fungus, yeast and<br />
mold infections.<br />
Parasites can be transported by insects, including ticks and<br />
mosquitoes. Their eggs can be passed from one animal to ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
through <strong>the</strong>ir feces, or through eating or drinking from<br />
<strong>the</strong> same bowl. Parasites can be picked up from drinking untreated<br />
water or even from <strong>the</strong> food we eat and <strong>the</strong> ground<br />
we walk on. Some of <strong>the</strong>m can be transmitted to humans. Even<br />
yeast, which is a normal part of our intestinal tract, can get out<br />
of hand and become destructive through <strong>the</strong> use of modern<br />
medicines.<br />
Symptoms of a parasitic infestation include: diarrhea, nausea,<br />
cramps, change in appetite, foul-smelling gas, bloating, restlessness,<br />
coughing, fever, anemia, fatigue, muscle pain, wheezing<br />
and coughing followed by vomiting. Your pet may not have<br />
all of <strong>the</strong> symptoms but if he has two or more of <strong>the</strong>se symptoms,<br />
parasites should be considered as <strong>the</strong> cause. A visit to<br />
your veterinarian will confirm your suspicions.<br />
Once it is decided that your dog has parasites, you have two<br />
choices. You can ei<strong>the</strong>r follow <strong>the</strong> parasite treatment your veterinarian<br />
prescribes or you can choose a holistic treatment.<br />
Many people shy away from holistic treatments because <strong>the</strong>re<br />
are so many to choose from and it’s difficult to know which one<br />
is best. Most of <strong>the</strong>m do work, but <strong>the</strong>y have <strong>the</strong>ir pros and<br />
cons, so let’s take a look at some basic ingredients in a good<br />
anti-parasitic formula.<br />
First, you will need an herb that will kill parasites. Long before<br />
<strong>the</strong> development of modern drugs, man learned how to quell<br />
<strong>the</strong> tide of <strong>the</strong>se little pests by using certain plants. Nature has<br />
provided, in every part of <strong>the</strong> world, plants that will keep <strong>the</strong>se<br />
little squigglers at bay. Here is a list of some of <strong>the</strong> more common<br />
herbs used in many formulas. Keep in mind that none of<br />
<strong>the</strong>se herbs should be overused, as <strong>the</strong>y can cause complications,<br />
so care must be taken not to give more than is recommended.<br />
40 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
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Amargo or Quasia is an herb from South America. It is an excellent<br />
herb for getting rid of almost all types of parasites. It is used<br />
in many commercial preparations on <strong>the</strong> market today. Amargo<br />
can cause blindness if it is given in large quantities.<br />
Black Seed comes from <strong>the</strong> Mideast and parts of Africa. It has<br />
been used for centuries by <strong>the</strong> indigenous populations It will<br />
get rid of most types of worms and is completely safe.<br />
Cloves are effective against microscopic parasites, such as giardia<br />
and coccidia. Freshly crushed leaves will kill <strong>the</strong> eggs of parasites.<br />
The oil of cloves can be highly toxic given in large doses,<br />
so you should be careful when using it on small dogs.<br />
Garlic contains an amino acid called allicin which is effective<br />
against round and hook worms. When used in large amounts<br />
for long periods of time, garlic can cause anemia.<br />
Pumpkin Seeds were used by <strong>the</strong> American Indians to expel<br />
round and tape worms. Early settlers mixed pumpkin seeds<br />
with milk and honey and gave it to <strong>the</strong>ir children to rid <strong>the</strong>m of<br />
<strong>the</strong>se two parasites. Pumpkin seeds are safe to use, even during<br />
pregnancy.<br />
Black Walnut Hulls are effective against tape and round worms.<br />
There haven’t been a lot of studies done on black walnut hulls<br />
and for that reason it is only recommended for short term use.<br />
Pau d’ Arco is ano<strong>the</strong>r South American herb that is very effective<br />
against microscopic parasites and candida. Candida is a<br />
yeast infection but, because of <strong>the</strong> nature of antibiotics, candida<br />
overgrowth is becoming an increasingly common problem<br />
in our pets.<br />
Wormwood is also called absinth. Wormwood and black walnut<br />
hulls are effective against hundreds of different types of<br />
large and small parasites, but wormwood should not be used<br />
for more than three weeks at a time as it can affect <strong>the</strong> brain,<br />
causing retardation.<br />
Gentian Root is good for most round worms and liver flukes. It<br />
should not be used for more than three weeks, especially when<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is weakness.<br />
With <strong>the</strong> exception of pumpkin seeds and black seed, none of<br />
<strong>the</strong>se herbs should be used during pregnancy or lactation.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r thing you should look for in a parasite cleanse is an<br />
anti-microbial. Parasites carry viruses and bacteria, so many<br />
manufacturers will put an anti-microbial in <strong>the</strong>ir formulas.<br />
Some of <strong>the</strong>se might include echinacea, golden seal and fenugreek.<br />
Many of <strong>the</strong> anti-parasitic herbs are also anti-microbial;<br />
<strong>the</strong>se include garlic, gentian and Pau d’Arco.<br />
Olive Leaf has been used for centuries to effectively fight bacterial<br />
and viral infections. It has been proven to kill almost anything<br />
it comes in contact with. In addition, olive leaf is famous<br />
for its immune building functions. When <strong>the</strong> immune system<br />
is down, <strong>the</strong> microscopic parasites have an advantage over <strong>the</strong><br />
body. When ridding your pet of parasites, it is important to keep<br />
<strong>the</strong> immune system stable.<br />
Jatoba, a South American herb, is also excellent for building <strong>the</strong><br />
immune system and ridding <strong>the</strong> body of microscopic parasites.<br />
One more thing you will want to look for in a parasite formula<br />
is an herb that will calm <strong>the</strong> intestinal tract. Since parasites can<br />
cause bloating, gas and cramps, many manufacturers will add<br />
herbs that will make your dog more comfortable. Spearmint,<br />
peppermint and chamomile are <strong>the</strong> most common herbs you<br />
will find, but in trying to make <strong>the</strong>ir product unique, some makers<br />
may add less common herbs. Most manufacturers will list<br />
product ingredients and <strong>the</strong>ir uses on <strong>the</strong>ir web pages; o<strong>the</strong>rwise<br />
it’s usually easy to find information via a web search.<br />
Most herbal wormer instructions will recommend giving <strong>the</strong><br />
formula 10 days on, five days off, and <strong>the</strong>n 10 days on. There<br />
is a reason why this is done: it takes 10 days to kill <strong>the</strong> worms.<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
41
When worms die off, <strong>the</strong>y lay eggs to propagate <strong>the</strong> next generation.<br />
It takes about five days for <strong>the</strong> eggs to hatch, so <strong>the</strong><br />
treatment needs to be repeated to kill <strong>the</strong> new offspring.<br />
Pumpkin seeds with milk and honey would be good for puppies<br />
with parasites. Puppies should never be de-wormed if <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
sick.<br />
External parasites include fleas, lice, ticks, ringworms and fungal<br />
infections. One thing that repels <strong>the</strong>se parasites is garlic<br />
and, if you can stand how your dog smells, it will repel fleas, lice<br />
and ticks. A garlic oil can be rubbed on <strong>the</strong> skin but needs to be<br />
replaced after <strong>the</strong> dog has been given a bath. Garlic oil is very<br />
easy to make. To a pint of oil, add one bud of crushed garlic and<br />
let it stand in a warm sunny place for four to five weeks. Strain<br />
<strong>the</strong> garlic out and it is ready to use. Put a little on your hands<br />
and work it through <strong>the</strong> fur.<br />
For ringworm, a simple treatment is an indelible pencil or drafting<br />
pencil, which contains nitrus oxide. Ringworm will not cross<br />
<strong>the</strong> purple (nitrus oxide) line. If ringworm cannot expand, it will<br />
die off.<br />
To help keep your family and pets safe from parasites you<br />
should follow basic rules:<br />
Get your dog an annual physical.<br />
Conduct annual heartworm testing.<br />
Provide fresh water with a good balanced diet.<br />
Examine your dog’s feces for parasites often.<br />
Clean indoor dog areas regularly to eliminate fleas and lice.<br />
Always clean up feces in your yard. Your dog will shed eggs in<br />
<strong>the</strong> stools and can be reinfected by sniffing in <strong>the</strong> same area.<br />
Scalding hot water can be used in your yard to kill microscopic<br />
parasites; for o<strong>the</strong>r parasites, some people prefer to use a solution<br />
of one part Clorox to 30 parts water, which will kill <strong>the</strong> eggs<br />
but not harm your grass or most plants.<br />
Following <strong>the</strong>se suggestions will help your pet to live a healthy,<br />
happy, parasite free life. f<br />
Patricia Griffiths is an Herbalist with over 35 years of experience.<br />
She is a founding partner of Amber Technology LLC and<br />
is responsible for <strong>the</strong> development and production of animal<br />
herbal health care products. She is <strong>the</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r of nine children<br />
(five boys and four girls) 26 grandchildren, three great grand<br />
children and is active in church and community. She loves people<br />
and animals.<br />
MOVING??<br />
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be recorded, so please try to submit changes before<br />
you move. Call, write or email us your new information.<br />
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42 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
FWGE<br />
for canine cancer<br />
By Dr. Steven Eisen<br />
One of <strong>the</strong> most emotionally distressing things I ever experienced<br />
was finding out my dog had cancer.<br />
A few years ago, my beloved Lhasa Apso, Fergie, suddenly<br />
collapsed by my wife’s feet. I was devastated to see her<br />
lifeless and lame body, but she was still breathing. We<br />
immediately rushed her to <strong>the</strong> pet hospital. The next day<br />
we were informed that she had a tumor in her spleen.<br />
Emergency surgery was indicated and we had <strong>the</strong> spleen<br />
and tumor removed that day. Thankfully, <strong>the</strong> surgery was<br />
successful and Fergie remained in <strong>the</strong> hospital for a few<br />
more days to recover.<br />
The tumor was biopsied and <strong>the</strong> lab results came back<br />
showing that Fergie had lymphoma. This meant that if we<br />
did nothing at all, she would most likely have only a couple<br />
of months left to live. The veterinarian explained that chemo<strong>the</strong>rapy<br />
had about a 50% chance of extending her life<br />
for up to ano<strong>the</strong>r year.<br />
As a Doctor of Chiropractic who had studied holistic medicine<br />
and nutrition for more than 30 years, I understood<br />
how toxic chemo<strong>the</strong>rapy can be. Many chemo<strong>the</strong>rapeutic<br />
agents are derived from nitrogen mustard gas used<br />
in chemical warfare. It’s not only toxic to rogue cancer<br />
cells, but to normal, healthy cells as well. So much so,<br />
that many individuals who receive chemo<strong>the</strong>rapy suffer<br />
significantly from <strong>the</strong> collateral effects.<br />
Knowing this, I immediately embarked on a fervent mission<br />
to quickly assemble a protocol of safe, effective, natural<br />
and non-toxic treatments. The results more than ful-<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
43
filled my hopes and expectations: Fergie lived for nearly<br />
two and a half more years. She reached her full normal life<br />
expectancy and maintained a great quality of life.<br />
There are literally hundreds of natural supplements that<br />
can be used <strong>the</strong>rapeutically to treat canine cancer. In addition,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is a plethora of misinformation about holistic<br />
treatments out <strong>the</strong>re on <strong>the</strong> internet and elsewhere, especially<br />
for dogs with cancer. For most, including veterinarians,<br />
this makes it confusing and perplexing to know which<br />
treatments to choose.<br />
Chemo<strong>the</strong>rapy is like a<br />
nuclear bomb. While it<br />
may deter <strong>the</strong> monster<br />
it also causes debilitating<br />
collateral damage to<br />
innocent bystanders.<br />
My approach to fighting canine cancer begins with nutrition<br />
and detoxification. Out of <strong>the</strong> hundreds of substances<br />
that have cancer fighting properties, <strong>the</strong>re is a hierarchy<br />
from most effective to least effective. Out of all of <strong>the</strong>se,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are some that I consider small guns and o<strong>the</strong>rs, big<br />
guns. Common herbs and spices for example, such as<br />
rosemary, oregano and turmeric are known to have cancer<br />
fighting properties and are convenient to add to food.<br />
While recommended and beneficial, I consider those small<br />
guns. Cancer is a monster. Shooting a small nine millimeter<br />
pistol at King Kong can have benefits but is not likely<br />
to defeat him.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, chemo<strong>the</strong>rapy is like a nuclear bomb.<br />
While it may deter <strong>the</strong> monster, it also causes debilitating<br />
collateral damage to innocent bystanders. I prefer <strong>the</strong> biggest<br />
guns, selectively aimed at <strong>the</strong> target, as <strong>the</strong> primary<br />
focus of treatment. Nei<strong>the</strong>r chemo<strong>the</strong>rapy nor simple<br />
herbs and supplements meet this criterion. Bazookas, for<br />
example, are more likely to defeat King Kong than small<br />
pistols.<br />
There are a number of big guns for canine cancer proven<br />
to be at least as, or more effective, than conventional<br />
toxic treatments. And it makes <strong>the</strong> most sense to me not<br />
to rely on just one, but to fire <strong>the</strong>m all at <strong>the</strong> same time.<br />
A required criterion in my holistic approach is that those<br />
guns not cause any collateral damage or side effects to<br />
<strong>the</strong> good healthy cells or bodily systems. A natural food<br />
supplement containing fermented wheat germ extract<br />
(FWGE) is one of <strong>the</strong> biggest guns I could find.<br />
Avemar has been scientifically proven to be more effective<br />
against numerous types of cancers than chemo<strong>the</strong>rapy,<br />
without toxic side effects. To understand <strong>the</strong> success behind<br />
FWGE, it is necessary to start with some discoveries<br />
made nearly 90 years ago.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> past century, <strong>the</strong>re have been a number of scientists<br />
who have made significant contributions to our understanding<br />
of life. Perhaps Albert Einstein is <strong>the</strong> most recognized<br />
and well known of <strong>the</strong>se. O<strong>the</strong>rs less well known<br />
have made discoveries that are just as important. Dr. Otto<br />
Warburg and Dr. Albert Szent-Gyorki are two whom you<br />
may not have heard of but should. Both won Nobel Prizes<br />
for <strong>the</strong>ir discoveries.<br />
In 1924, Dr. Otto Warburg discovered that cancer cells<br />
use up to 50 times more glucose than healthy cells. Cancer<br />
cells have a molecular sweet tooth. Warburg’s <strong>the</strong>ory,<br />
now recognized in biology as <strong>the</strong> “Warburg Effect”, surmised<br />
that this consumption of sugar was at least partially<br />
responsible for <strong>the</strong> rapid proliferation of cancer cells and<br />
tumor growth. He <strong>the</strong>orized that if <strong>the</strong> supply of glucose<br />
to cancer cells could be stopped, <strong>the</strong> growth of <strong>the</strong> cancer<br />
would be slowed or stopped as well.<br />
Then in 1937, a Hungarian scientist named Dr. Albert<br />
Szent-Gyorki was awarded a Nobel Prize for discovering<br />
<strong>the</strong> Krebs Cycle and Vitamin C. Years later, after both his<br />
wife and daughter died from cancer, he learned that <strong>the</strong><br />
chemo<strong>the</strong>rapy used to treat <strong>the</strong>m was a derivative of mustard<br />
gas. As such, he developed a personal research interest<br />
in cancer.<br />
Szent-Gyorki <strong>the</strong>orized that by using organic compounds<br />
known as quinones and methyl-substituted benzoquinones,<br />
he could activate <strong>the</strong> “Warburg Effect” in cancer<br />
cells by blocking specific metabolic pathways to inhibit<br />
glucose utilization. Recognizing <strong>the</strong> most potent source of<br />
<strong>the</strong>se compounds was wheat germ, he concentrated it.<br />
When applied to cancer cells, initial results confirmed Warburg’s<br />
<strong>the</strong>ory: <strong>the</strong> cancer cells were, in fact, starved to<br />
death.<br />
In 1989, a Hungarian biochemist, Dr. Mate Hidvegi, picked<br />
up <strong>the</strong> gauntlet and patented a technique of fermenting<br />
concentrated wheat germ extract in an effort to standardize<br />
a compound for study, based on Szent-Gyorki’s research.<br />
In more than 100 studies since <strong>the</strong> 1990’s, FWGE has been<br />
shown to speed cancer cell death and reduce cancer cell<br />
recurrence (aka metastasis), by inhibiting <strong>the</strong> cancer cells’<br />
use of glucose. One of <strong>the</strong>se studies on animals, reported<br />
in a peer reviewed journal, showed that FWGE reduced<br />
tumor development by 70%. None of <strong>the</strong> subjects in <strong>the</strong><br />
study suffered from new metastases and no toxicity has<br />
been found in any study. But it gets even better than that.<br />
All of us, including our pets, have cancer cells in our bodies.<br />
In general, <strong>the</strong>se cancer cells are easily recognized<br />
by a healthy immune system and attacked and destroyed<br />
before cancer fully develops. However, once cancer cells<br />
44 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
get a foothold <strong>the</strong>y can “cloak” <strong>the</strong>mselves so <strong>the</strong>y can’t<br />
be recognized by <strong>the</strong> immune system.<br />
For illustration purposes, imagine <strong>the</strong>re are <strong>the</strong> good guys<br />
(normal cells), who are in white and bad guys (cancer<br />
cells), who are in black. Normally, a healthy immune system<br />
easily sees <strong>the</strong> bad guys in black and attacks and kills<br />
<strong>the</strong>m. Now imagine that <strong>the</strong> bad guys get hold of some<br />
white clo<strong>the</strong>s and put <strong>the</strong>m over <strong>the</strong>ir black clo<strong>the</strong>s. The<br />
bad guys – now wearing <strong>the</strong> white clo<strong>the</strong>s - infiltrate <strong>the</strong><br />
good guys’ camp and aren’t recognized as bad guys because<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are wearing white. The bad guys can now start<br />
destroying <strong>the</strong> good guys because <strong>the</strong>y aren’t recognized<br />
as rogue invaders.<br />
When it comes to<br />
feeding a raw diet,<br />
who should you believe?<br />
This is what happens in individuals with cancer; however<br />
instead of hiding behind white clo<strong>the</strong>s, <strong>the</strong> invaders display<br />
a surface molecule called MHC-1. MHC-1 is <strong>the</strong> enemy<br />
cells’ white clo<strong>the</strong>s. They walk in and say, “Don’t attack<br />
me; I’m one of <strong>the</strong> good guys”.<br />
FWGE essentially strips off <strong>the</strong> white clo<strong>the</strong>s (MHC-1) from<br />
<strong>the</strong> bad guys so <strong>the</strong>y can once again be recognized and<br />
destroyed. When FWGE is combined with o<strong>the</strong>r supplements<br />
that boost <strong>the</strong> activity of <strong>the</strong> immune system’s Natural<br />
Killer (NK) cells, <strong>the</strong>re is a synergistic effect. The bad<br />
guys are exposed and <strong>the</strong> good guys that kill <strong>the</strong>m are<br />
streng<strong>the</strong>ned.<br />
As you can see, FWGE is very impressive and I personally<br />
and professionally have seen remarkable results using it<br />
in dogs with cancer. I recommend using it for at least 60<br />
days initially, or until remission. It is also essential that<br />
you feed your dog a homemade diet that does not include<br />
any grains, starches or high glycemic vegetables. That<br />
means no rice, pasta, potatoes or o<strong>the</strong>r high glycemic<br />
foods. Combined with FWGE, this diet could deprive <strong>the</strong><br />
cancer cells of glucose, and initiate <strong>the</strong> “Warburg Effect.”<br />
You may be wondering, “If FWGE is so amazing, how come<br />
I haven’t heard about it before?” The answer is simple –<br />
health claims can only be made for substances classified<br />
as drugs and, since it is a food product, it is illegal for <strong>the</strong><br />
manufacturer to make health claims. FWGE surely hasn’t<br />
received <strong>the</strong> attention it deserves, so most health professionals<br />
will tell you <strong>the</strong>y have never heard of it; but please<br />
don’t let <strong>the</strong>m dissuade you. They simply don’t know - but<br />
now you do! f<br />
As a passionate dog lover and pet health advocate, Dr.<br />
Steven Eisen teaches o<strong>the</strong>rs how to improve <strong>the</strong> health,<br />
quality, and longevity of <strong>the</strong>ir pet’s lives. His best-selling<br />
book, Dog Cancer: The Holistic Answer, A Step-by-Step<br />
Guide, has helped thousands of dogs live longer lives with<br />
a unique, non-toxic approach to healing canine cancer, incorporating<br />
information unavailable from any o<strong>the</strong>r single<br />
source. Dr. Eisen offers free resources to help dogs with<br />
cancer at his website, www.dogcanceradvice.com<br />
Believe your veterinarian.<br />
Believe your eyes.<br />
Believe your dog.<br />
Why feed a raw diet? Food full of grains, preservatives, additives,<br />
and sub-standard ingredients cannot be good for your dog’s health. We<br />
believe <strong>the</strong>y are <strong>the</strong> root cause of persistent health problems. Many of <strong>the</strong>se<br />
conditions are resolved quickly by switching to a high quality raw diet like<br />
Bravo! We make our products with human grade ingredients in a USDA<br />
Certified facility under our control. Our products are tested for safety, made<br />
with extreme care and <strong>the</strong> knowledge of <strong>the</strong> true nutritional needs of dogs.<br />
The proof? Just ask anyone who has made <strong>the</strong> switch to a Bravo! raw<br />
diet and believe what you hear and see.<br />
Shinier, healthier skin and coat<br />
Cleaner teeth and fresh breath<br />
Better weight control<br />
Improved digestion<br />
Reduction of allergy symptoms<br />
Harder, smaller, less smelly stools<br />
More energy and stamina<br />
Increased mobility in older animals<br />
For more information visit:www.bravorawdiet.com<br />
© Bravo!, LLC 2011<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
45
Nutrition with Lucy<br />
eating<br />
Disorders<br />
By Lucy Postins<br />
An eating disorder isn’t among <strong>the</strong> list of challenges most<br />
dogs owners expect to encounter, but <strong>the</strong> problem actually<br />
plagues a surprisingly high number of animals. There’s a lot<br />
of speculation about <strong>the</strong> cause of a dog’s refusal to eat his<br />
meals, and a wide array of approaches, when it comes to<br />
how owners choose to deal with <strong>the</strong> situation.<br />
Eating disorders may involve a perceived (or even owner induced),<br />
behavioral problem that’s brought about by <strong>the</strong> way<br />
mealtimes happen in a household – for example, an intermittently<br />
skipped meal now and again, natural fasting on a<br />
more routine basis, a naturally minimal appetite, a reaction<br />
to hot wea<strong>the</strong>r, or flat out failure to eat anything at all (which<br />
might result from something like past severe emotional trauma<br />
such as that which occurs after abandonment, cruelty,<br />
grief or illness).<br />
But failure to eat can also be a sign of a serious underlying<br />
medical issue that results in a diminished appetite over time,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> accompanying weight loss, lack of energy and general<br />
malaise.<br />
As a pet owner, witnessing an animal’s refusal to eat can be<br />
unnerving, or downright frustrating, depending on <strong>the</strong> cause<br />
and circumstances. Some dogs are just predisposed to eat<br />
less (smaller breeds generally have a less ravenous appetite<br />
than <strong>the</strong>ir usually more greedy, larger breed counterparts).<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r dogs are just picky individuals and some are actually<br />
made worse by <strong>the</strong>ir owner’s constant worrying and watching<br />
while <strong>the</strong>y try to eat, or by owners who decide to free<br />
feed <strong>the</strong>ir animals ra<strong>the</strong>r than sticking to a more regular<br />
schedule of defined, spaced out meal times.<br />
It’s natural that, when a dog begins to exhibit appetite problems,<br />
<strong>the</strong> owner becomes concerned. Sometimes, distraught<br />
owners hover near <strong>the</strong> dog at meal times, or even take a seat<br />
on <strong>the</strong> floor to observe <strong>the</strong> meal’s progress, or lack <strong>the</strong>reof.<br />
When <strong>the</strong> root of <strong>the</strong> problem is nervousness or anxiety, <strong>the</strong><br />
owner’s behavior can exacerbate <strong>the</strong> situation by causing<br />
a fur<strong>the</strong>r increase in anxiety and self consciousness on <strong>the</strong><br />
part of <strong>the</strong> dog, making him even less inclined to eat than<br />
he was before.<br />
Some owners actually resort to hand-feeding or spoon-feeding<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir dogs, or offering a selection of food alternatives<br />
and unhealthy additions if a meal is refused or goes unfinished.<br />
The net effect of this can be teaching <strong>the</strong> dog that if he<br />
doesn’t gobble up his whole meal right away, something better<br />
is sure to be offered by hand, or dropped into <strong>the</strong> bowl.<br />
It’s important to identify what’s causing an apparent eating<br />
disorder, especially if <strong>the</strong> issue is happening for more than a<br />
couple of days. There could be a problem with a particular<br />
batch of food, or an allergy or food sensitivity may be present<br />
or just developing. It’s also possible <strong>the</strong> dog may have a serious<br />
underlying health concern that’s making him reluctant<br />
to eat, or trying to send a message to you that something’s<br />
wrong. Dental issues and o<strong>the</strong>r medical problems like cancer<br />
and kidney complaints can also cause a loss of appetite.<br />
However, if a medical reason can be ruled out, it’s generally<br />
better not to give an eating disorder too much charge, by<br />
maintaining a low key approach to meals.<br />
In some cases, grief can cause a dog to fast, and in this situation,<br />
lots of patience and <strong>the</strong> use of complementary <strong>the</strong>ra-<br />
46 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
pies such as flower essences or homeopathy can help with<br />
<strong>the</strong> emotional aspects of <strong>the</strong> problem. If <strong>the</strong> grief is for ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
pet, introducing ano<strong>the</strong>r dog or puppy to <strong>the</strong> home<br />
when <strong>the</strong> time is right, can (in addition to providing some<br />
companionship), create a little bit of healthy competition for<br />
food, which usually helps to improve appetite. O<strong>the</strong>r dogs<br />
however, actually become more nervous or distracted when<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are multiple animals in <strong>the</strong> household. For some dogs,<br />
this problem may originate from a past situation where <strong>the</strong><br />
dog has been attacked by ano<strong>the</strong>r animal who wanted to<br />
steal his dinner. It’s helpful to experiment by feeding dogs<br />
in a crate, or in ano<strong>the</strong>r isolated environment, instead of a<br />
group setting.<br />
For those animals who have some kind of psychological issue<br />
surrounding meal times, ano<strong>the</strong>r tactic is making meals into<br />
a game; for example placing <strong>the</strong> food into a stuffable plastic<br />
or rubber toy to help take away some of <strong>the</strong> emotional<br />
pressure off eating and make it a more light hearted affair .<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r option is to hide small portions of <strong>the</strong> meal in different<br />
places for <strong>the</strong> dog to seek out. This doesn’t always<br />
have to be undertaken long term and <strong>the</strong> idea is that, once<br />
<strong>the</strong> appetite starts to pick up, it’s possible to gradually ease<br />
back on <strong>the</strong> tactics and transition back to normal mealtime<br />
behavior, such as putting <strong>the</strong> food in a dog bowl!<br />
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Occasionally, <strong>the</strong> bowl itself is <strong>the</strong> issue. Some dogs can’t<br />
stand <strong>the</strong> jangling noise <strong>the</strong>ir tags make, bumping against<br />
<strong>the</strong> side of a steel dish. O<strong>the</strong>r dogs are averse to plastic and<br />
<strong>the</strong> taste that appears to permeate into <strong>the</strong>ir food. A tough<br />
pyrex or glass bowl may help with this situation. For dogs<br />
with flatter faces, any sort of bowl maybe offputting, and a<br />
plate is more comfortable. Offering much smaller portions<br />
instead of a giant bowl of food can help a sensitive dog feel<br />
less overwhelmed and a routine of three petite meals might<br />
be better tolerated than one or two larger ones. Spoon or<br />
hand feeding should really be avoided, however, except in<br />
extreme circumstances.<br />
Sometimes, a dog simply doesn’t like his dinner – or he’s<br />
been fed <strong>the</strong> same food for so long that he just can’t stand<br />
<strong>the</strong> thought if it for one more day. Sheer boredom with food<br />
is quite common in dogs, and it’s hardly surprising, when<br />
so few domesticated canines get to enjoy any dietary variety<br />
whatsoever, because a monotonous, homogenous diet<br />
has gradually become <strong>the</strong> accepted way to feed dogs in this<br />
country. A more varied diet is great for alleviating boredom<br />
and provides different foods (and a broadened array of nutrition),<br />
every day or two. Simply rotating <strong>the</strong> protein or varying<br />
<strong>the</strong> mix of add-ins can help; a spoonful of plain yogurt<br />
or a little cottage cheese can work wonders.<br />
The quality and overall taste of <strong>the</strong> food of course play an<br />
essential role as well. A poor quality food made with lots<br />
of by-products, fillers and cheap cereals might be a lot less<br />
appetizing than a higher quality meal that’s made with<br />
whole food ingredients and contains plenty of real meat. Of<br />
course, many dogs are scavengers and <strong>the</strong>re are those who<br />
love <strong>the</strong> cheaper foods because of all <strong>the</strong> added salt, sugar<br />
and sprayed on flavorings that <strong>the</strong> manufacturer applies to<br />
entice <strong>the</strong>ir taste buds. But as a general rule, as with human<br />
food, a quality meal is much more delicious than a cheap<br />
alternative.<br />
There’s a balance between pandering to a picky pet and paying<br />
attention to a situation that actually needs some corrective<br />
action. A low key approach or a simple adjustment to<br />
routines may be all that’s needed to resolve <strong>the</strong> problem for<br />
good.<br />
If a major weight loss isn’t occurring and a routine vet exam<br />
has been done to rule out serious problems, it’s generally<br />
better to stand back and allow <strong>the</strong> dog to regulate his own<br />
intake without too much outside interference, which could<br />
entrench <strong>the</strong> problem in <strong>the</strong> long term. f<br />
Lucy Postins is a companion animal nutritionist and founder of<br />
The Honest Kitchen, a natural pet food company in San Diego,<br />
CA. More nutritional resources are available on www.<strong>the</strong>honestkitchen.com<br />
or (866) 437-9729.<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
47
essentials for your dog<br />
Reiki for <strong>Dogs</strong>, by Kathleen Prasad<br />
This invaluable new book by Reiki Master and author Kathleen Prasad will teach dog owners, trainers and shelter<br />
workers how to heal <strong>the</strong>ir pets with <strong>the</strong> Reiki Energy around <strong>the</strong>m. Reiki is <strong>the</strong> 90 year old art of channeling<br />
universal energy to heal with one’s hands. This Asian form of treatment has helped cure ailments in both people<br />
and animals across <strong>the</strong> globe. In her book, Kathleen Prasad explains <strong>the</strong> principles of Reiki, describes specific<br />
hand positions and how to channel energy, and shares a number of stories about how Reiki has helped dogs<br />
get over anxiety, anger, stress, and trust issues. “When you know an animal well, you can read subtle physical<br />
cues and learn what is troubling <strong>the</strong>m,” explains Prasad. “The healing of <strong>the</strong> animals that we Reiki practitioners<br />
facilitate is simply a byproduct of <strong>the</strong> miracle that is healing energy.” You’ll be surprised at how you can channel<br />
this powerful energy to improve your dog’s well-being. The book will be released on April 17, 2012 on Amazon.<br />
DERMagic Organic Flea Shampoo Bar<br />
The brand New DERMagic Organic Diatomaceous Earth Flea Bar kills fleas naturally, relieves itching,<br />
repels insects, is anti-microbial, calming, and <strong>the</strong>rapeutic for both dry and oily skin. The uniqueness<br />
of this bar lies in <strong>the</strong> use of Diatomaceous Earth, a fine white powder made by microscopic water<br />
creatures. They make silica-based shells for <strong>the</strong>mselves and <strong>the</strong>se shells fall to <strong>the</strong> bottom of <strong>the</strong> sea<br />
and are <strong>the</strong>n mined. Each tiny “shell” is very sharp, like razors to insects, but completely safe to mammals.<br />
In fact, people and pets can take a teaspoon or two daily in a glass of water to eliminate internal<br />
parasites. The DERMagic Flea Bar also incorporates a proprietary blend of essential oils that will<br />
deter fleas from jumping back on <strong>the</strong> dog. And, it is completely safe! There are no toxins, chemical<br />
insecticides, sulfates, or o<strong>the</strong>r irritants in <strong>the</strong> bar. Purchase online at www.dermagic.com<br />
Machu’s Blend<br />
Everyone’s into healthy teas <strong>the</strong>se days, and your dog is no exception, now that Machu’s Blend is here.<br />
Created by California Tea House, this once-a-day herbal tea contains several <strong>the</strong>rapeutic herbs for your<br />
canine companion. Chamomile is a mild sedative that can relieve anxiety; Ginger Root, a natural antiemetic,<br />
helps prevent upset stomachs and nausea or motion sickness, and may even avert bloat; Fennel<br />
Seed helps <strong>the</strong> digestive system, eases <strong>the</strong> stomach and serves as natural gas relief; Skullcap supports <strong>the</strong><br />
nervous system, relieves stress and can even help prevent epilepsy and seizures; Calendula soo<strong>the</strong>s <strong>the</strong><br />
stomach, helping to prevent ulcers and gas. A little Machu’s Blend goes a long way: use 1/2 teaspoon of<br />
Machu’s Blend for each cup of water. Steep for one to two minutes in almost boiling water, <strong>the</strong>n allow <strong>the</strong><br />
tea to completely cool or even add ice before serving. If your dog has never tried Machu’s Blend before,<br />
start out with a small serving to assure he has no adverse reactions, before adding <strong>the</strong> tea to your dog’s<br />
everyday routine. Learn more or purchase at www.californiateahouse.com<br />
48 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
Waglet Works Adventure Dog Gear<br />
At this time of year, as we shed our coats, and with <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> pockets we’ve been using to stash all <strong>the</strong> things<br />
we need to bring on dog walks, it’s sometimes hard to find a convenient way to carry keys, poop bags,<br />
water, treats, toys..... Waglet Works has come up with a brilliant and stylish solution. First, buy <strong>the</strong> system<br />
belt, a sporty belt in three sizes with D-rings to hold your accessories. Then, pick your accessories: <strong>the</strong> Poo<br />
Transport Pack, with a separate pocket for used bags; <strong>the</strong> Wipes Pac for wet wipes; <strong>the</strong> Water Bottle Holder,<br />
Water Bottle and Fold Up Water Bowl; <strong>the</strong> Personals Pac for your keys, cash and cellphone; <strong>the</strong> Snac Pac<br />
for treats; <strong>the</strong> Toy Tote - in mesh to allow wet or slobbery balls to dry; <strong>the</strong> Sit Upon roll-up mat to keep<br />
you dry when it’s time for a break; <strong>the</strong> Carry All Tote - large enough for extra clothing and more; and <strong>the</strong><br />
Illuminator Flashlight for nighttime adventures. Visit www.wagletworks.com to explore <strong>the</strong> possibilities!<br />
DGP<br />
An aging dog’s aches and discomfort increase every year and watching <strong>the</strong>m slow down, struggle to get up or unable<br />
to simply enjoy <strong>the</strong> things <strong>the</strong>y used to can be absolutely heartbreaking. However, DGP’s all-natural formula<br />
can help support continued mobility and quality of life by easing those aches and pains. DGP was formulated over<br />
a decade ago by Australian scientists and a master herbalist by combining high quality herbs, digestive enzymes<br />
and sources of mucopolysaccharides which are all essential in providing relief and to maintain lubricated joints.<br />
To purchase DGP and get 25% off go to www.<strong>the</strong>harmonycompany.com/dogsnaturally or call 800-422-5518.<br />
The Honest Kitchen Love<br />
Love was designed to cater to dogs of all life stages including adults, puppies, pregnancy and nursing.<br />
Love is ideal for dogs that may have grain or gluten sensitivities, or to help maintain a healthy<br />
body weight. Love is low carb with just 35% carbohydrates. The Honest Kitchen’s whole food recipes<br />
bridge <strong>the</strong> gap between <strong>the</strong> health benefits of a homemade raw or cooked diet, and <strong>the</strong> convenience<br />
of a prepared product. 1 cup makes 1lb of fresh food. The Honest Kitchen uses NO food ingredients<br />
from China, and details <strong>the</strong> origin of every ingredient (like free-range chicken from Petaluma Poultry<br />
in California, wild line-caught haddock from Iceland) on its web site. The products are made<br />
in a facility that also produces food for human consumption. The company uses only non-GMO<br />
produce, organic ingredients when possible and SFI certified / recycled packaging that’s recyclable<br />
or compostable after use. Purchase at www.<strong>the</strong>honestkitchen.com<br />
Hyalogic Joint Logic<br />
Hyalogic has developed an exciting new joint support supplement for dogs, using Hyaluronic Acid (HA) as its main ingredient. HA is a natural<br />
lubricant found throughout <strong>the</strong> body in all joints, bones and cartilage structures, as well as in tendons, ligaments/connective tissue, eyes and coat.<br />
Four different formulas build on <strong>the</strong> HA foundation. Pure Essence is a simple HA joint support product for growing and active dogs. Performance<br />
Power has HA plus N-Acetyl Glucosamine and is good for active and older dogs; Complete Care adds MSM and supports active dogs, larger breeds,<br />
and those under physical stress; <strong>the</strong> top of <strong>the</strong> line Athletic Performance also contains Cynatine FLX (derived from <strong>the</strong> keratin in New Zealand<br />
wool) and is intended for working or competitive dogs and extreme athletes. Very cleverly, Hyalogic offers all four products in a choice of liquid,<br />
granular pour-on, or chewable tablets; so if you have a dog who’s difficult to dose, you can pick <strong>the</strong> right one for your picky pet! Learn more, find<br />
a retailer or purchase online at ww.hyalogic.com.<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
49
marketplace<br />
holistic vets<br />
Charles E. Loops, DVM<br />
Pittsboro, NC<br />
Phone consultations by appointment<br />
Acute and chronic disease treatment,<br />
alternative cancer <strong>the</strong>rapy, behavior<br />
problems and disorders<br />
www.charlesloopsdvm.com<br />
Integrative Veterinarian<br />
Dr. Julie Mayer certification in<br />
veterinary acupuncture, veterinary<br />
chiropractic, canine rehabilitation,<br />
Reiki Practitioner.<br />
Holistically treats companion animals<br />
dr.julie@integrativeveterinarian.com<br />
holistic health care<br />
Mo<strong>the</strong>r Nature MD 4 Pets - Jan Litza<br />
Natural health for your dog with<br />
Young Living Essential Oils. Enhance<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir lives naturally!<br />
j.litza@comcast.net (219) 670-1163<br />
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Karen Duewel<br />
Young Living Essential Oils - embrace<br />
health and wellness NATURALLY!<br />
wehavecomefullcircle@gmail.com<br />
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Animal Reiki Source<br />
Kathleen Prasad<br />
369B Third St., #156<br />
San Rafael, CA 94901<br />
(415) 420-9783<br />
info@animalreikisource.com<br />
http://www.animalreikisource.com/<br />
Enlightened Animals LLC<br />
Ellen Kohn 566 Meadow Vista Drive<br />
Evergreen, CO 80439 (303) 670-1023<br />
horsegal52@aol.com<br />
http://www.EnlightenedAnimals.com<br />
animal communicators<br />
Carol Schultz Animal Communication<br />
Interactive and compassionate Consultations<br />
& Healing for all animal<br />
species.<br />
www.CarolSchultz.com<br />
Founder/Director<br />
www.AnimalSpiritNetwork.com<br />
online learning institute.<br />
boarding and daycare<br />
Pawsitively Heaven Pet Resort<br />
10051 Kitty Avenue<br />
Chicago Ridge, IL 60415<br />
708-636-DOGS<br />
www.pawsitivelyheavenpetresort.com<br />
Willow Farm Pet Services Boarding<br />
Grooming, Healthy Foods & Treats<br />
802-886-5000<br />
www.willowfarmvermont.com<br />
books and DVDs<br />
Dogwise<br />
1000s of DOG BOOKS, DVD’s, and<br />
training tools in stock, ready to ship.<br />
Dogwise has what you want! (800)<br />
776-2665<br />
www.dogwise.com<br />
groomers<br />
Salon Fido LLC<br />
1807 Main Street<br />
Cross Plains, WI 53528<br />
(608)798-4464 www.salonfido.net<br />
online stores<br />
Holistic Pet Info<br />
www.HolisticPetInfo.com<br />
(877)573-8227<br />
pet food<br />
My Pet Carnivore<br />
An exclusive line of frozen raw petfood.<br />
Just meat, bones & organs from<br />
<strong>the</strong> best local sources. (317) 694-4749<br />
orders@mypetcarnivore.com<br />
www.mypetcarnivore.com<br />
pet supplies<br />
Nature’s Feed<br />
Natural pet food, supplements,<br />
grooming supplies and more<br />
2440 Westward Dr. Unit C<br />
Spring Grove, IL 60081<br />
815-675-2008 www.naturesfeed.net<br />
<strong>Naturally</strong> 4 Paws<br />
Silverdale, WA<br />
360-337-2444<br />
www.naturally4paws.co<br />
The Lucky Dog Barkery<br />
“The store your dog would build”<br />
8320 Preston Center Plaza<br />
Dallas, Texas 75225<br />
Waggin’ Tails Healthy Pet Products<br />
Feed Pets WELL! Whole Foods for<br />
Carnivores,<br />
B.A.R.F. Frozen, Freeze Dried, Green<br />
Tripe & Raw Bones<br />
Houma, Louisiana<br />
www.waggintailsbarf.com<br />
Whiskers Holistic Pet Products<br />
235 East 9th<br />
New York, NY 10003<br />
1-800-WHISKERS<br />
1800whiskers.com<br />
PetX Supplies and Tack<br />
132 W Highland Rd, Suite 101<br />
Howell, MI 48843<br />
517.546.6740<br />
www.mypetx.com<br />
Metro Pet Market<br />
1637 Victoria Avenue<br />
Regina, SK S4P 0P8<br />
(306) 352-9663<br />
www.metropetmarket.ca<br />
The Neighborhood Pup<br />
4230-D 4th Avenue<br />
Whitehorse Y1A 1K1<br />
http://www.<strong>the</strong>neighborhoodpup.com<br />
PAWS-itive Health<br />
Maureen Tate<br />
51 Sarah Crescent<br />
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2W4Z2<br />
(902)435-2528<br />
divineaire@gmail.com<br />
Back To The Bone<br />
For raw feeders, we provide a wide<br />
variety of ground proteins w/bone,<br />
meaty bones, supplements and<br />
healthy treats.<br />
495 Walkers Line, Burlington Ont.<br />
L7P1N7<br />
289-337-4577<br />
www.backto<strong>the</strong>bone.ca<br />
Heronview Raw and Natural<br />
7692 Ashburn Rd<br />
Whitby Ontario L1M1L5 Canada<br />
905-655-5747<br />
leolvr@sympatico.ca<br />
www.heronviewrawandnatural.com<br />
Bones Pet Boutique®<br />
Ontario’s First “Real Food for Pets”<br />
Store<br />
www.BonesPetBoutique.com<br />
1500 Upper Middle Rd. Suite 5<br />
(North on Brant, Left @ Upper Middle)<br />
Burlington, Ont. L7P 3P5<br />
905-336-7338<br />
Rawsome <strong>Dogs</strong><br />
Rawsome <strong>Dogs</strong> is dedicated exclusively<br />
to offering wholesome raw food<br />
diets. We offer a variety of affordable<br />
raw meal plans for dogs made of<br />
only <strong>the</strong> highest quality all natural<br />
products.<br />
Woodstock, Ontario 519-533-5272<br />
www.rawsomedogs.com<br />
rawsomedogs@gmail.com<br />
Bailey Blu Pet Boutique<br />
6152 Sherbrooke St. W<br />
Montreal, Quebec H4B 1L8<br />
514.507.4526<br />
www.baileyblu.com<br />
www.facebook.com/baileyblu<br />
ORDER YOUR CLASSIFIED AD<br />
877-665-1290 or sales@dogsnaturallymagazine.com<br />
Ask about our upcoming Special Pricing!<br />
50 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
Poochinis Barkery<br />
Treats so good, <strong>the</strong>y’re made to woof<br />
down<br />
254 Main St. South<br />
Newmarket, ON L3Y 3Z5<br />
(416) 628-9848<br />
www.poochinisbarkery.com<br />
Inner Wolf<br />
BARF Nutrition & Natural Health<br />
Centre<br />
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schools<br />
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Animal Healing Arts training and<br />
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rescues<br />
Reunion Rescue<br />
Home of <strong>the</strong> World’s Friendliest<br />
Pit Bulls!<br />
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Journey’s End Ranch Animal<br />
Sanctuary<br />
Forever home for abused & abandoned<br />
animals<br />
Consults in holistic<br />
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www.jersanctuary.org<br />
breeders<br />
Fallriver Labrador Retrievers<br />
<strong>Naturally</strong> raised show and specialty<br />
winners, obedience and field dogs<br />
and couch warmers.<br />
Ontario, Canada<br />
(905) 729-1189<br />
fallriverlabs@gmail.com<br />
www.fallriverlabs@gmail.com<br />
Abundant Life Silk <strong>Dogs</strong><br />
Holistically reared, no vaccines, raw<br />
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Champion lines, CHIC#’s, 3 generations<br />
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Boldwind Reg’d Border Terriers<br />
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Breeding for health, temperament<br />
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(204) 475-1112<br />
boldwindbt@yahoo.com<br />
www.boldwind-border-terriers.com<br />
Fresh, homemade, organic/<br />
all natural & food allergyfriendly<br />
dog snacks.<br />
Specialty<br />
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uniquely different<br />
exceptionally healthy<br />
www.simplypawesome.com<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
51
Dog People<br />
David Stauble - Carna4<br />
We talked with David Stauble, co-founder and President of Carna4, an innovative new packaged pet food, to learn about <strong>the</strong> story<br />
behind this interesting product (www.carna4.com).<br />
You and Maria Ringo started your family business making<br />
Carna4 in 2010. Please tell us about your respective backgrounds<br />
and what led you to create Carna4.<br />
Both of us had considerable experience in <strong>the</strong> pet food industry.<br />
Maria was one of <strong>the</strong> pioneering founders of Sojourner<br />
Farms in <strong>the</strong> mid 80s. She was one of <strong>the</strong> very first advocates<br />
of raw diets and created Sojourner Farms food as a grain and<br />
herb mix that pet owners would feed with <strong>the</strong>ir own raw meat.<br />
They were years ahead of <strong>the</strong>ir time and produced <strong>the</strong> first of<br />
<strong>the</strong> dried foods. After about ten years, <strong>the</strong> business was sold<br />
to Maggie and Ward Johnson. Maria’s real love is homeopathy.<br />
She had worked for a homeopath and was also a patient. At<br />
first she read a lot and learned in a grass roots fashion; but she<br />
wanted to take it fur<strong>the</strong>r so she pursued a formal education<br />
and became a homeopath herself.<br />
I spent 22 years creating private label pet foods for Canada’s<br />
largest pet specialty retailer. During that time I visited extrusion<br />
plants, bakeries and renderers (<strong>the</strong> latter was a terrible<br />
experience!), and really got an insider’s look that helped me<br />
learn what not to do to make a good quality pet food. My<br />
years with <strong>the</strong> company gave me <strong>the</strong> experience and knowledge<br />
to work outside of <strong>the</strong> box. Maria had also worked at <strong>the</strong><br />
company for a while as a buyer. She taught us about holistic<br />
and natural pet food and helped us make better quality foods.<br />
After I left <strong>the</strong> company, I was out riding my bike one day and<br />
realized that, through my retirement package, I now had <strong>the</strong><br />
means to start my own business, and I had <strong>the</strong> contacts to do<br />
<strong>the</strong> necessary research and development. This was about <strong>the</strong><br />
time Maria had been awarded her homeopathy diploma; at<br />
that point she had no desire to get back into dog food manufacturing.<br />
She had already taught me a lot about natural foods<br />
and brought me to <strong>the</strong> point where I could run Carna4. Her<br />
intention was to stay out of <strong>the</strong> business and focus on her homeopathy<br />
practice. But as people found out about her <strong>the</strong>y<br />
were more interested in her than me! Now we attend trade<br />
shows toge<strong>the</strong>r and Maria answers questions on nutrition and<br />
health. Her role for <strong>the</strong> company is Director of Health Care,<br />
which she does daily as needed while maintaining her homeopathy<br />
practice.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> surface, Carna4 looks like a normal kibble. Please explain<br />
why it isn’t. What’s different?<br />
The difference is in not only <strong>the</strong> ingredients, but our methods.<br />
We use fresh, table grade meats (not meat meals), fish, eggs<br />
and produce, in a process that preserves as much of <strong>the</strong> nutritional<br />
value of <strong>the</strong> ingredients as possible. We do not use<br />
extrusion like most pet food manufacturers; <strong>the</strong> extrusion process<br />
destroys both nutrients and flavor, and in order to meet<br />
AAFCO standards, <strong>the</strong> pellets must be supplemented with syn<strong>the</strong>tic<br />
vitamins and mineral premixes, which are added to <strong>the</strong><br />
food, along with flavoring which is usually made from animal<br />
digest. Instead, we gently bake <strong>the</strong> food at moderate temperatures<br />
which eliminate harmful pathogens while preserving <strong>the</strong><br />
natural nutrients, probiotics and enzymes.<br />
But <strong>the</strong> real innovation in Carna4 is <strong>the</strong> use of sprouted seeds.<br />
We were working on R&D with a nutritionist who had done<br />
a lot of research into sprouted seeds. She suggested adding<br />
<strong>the</strong>m to <strong>the</strong> food because <strong>the</strong>y are such nutritional powerhouses.<br />
When I started reading about <strong>the</strong>m, I saw that <strong>the</strong>y<br />
were extremely expensive - about eight times <strong>the</strong> cost of nonsprouted<br />
ingredients. But we went ahead and took out cheap<br />
grains, replacing <strong>the</strong>m with a mix of sprouted seeds, and tested<br />
<strong>the</strong> nutritional profiles of <strong>the</strong> finished product. When we<br />
got <strong>the</strong> lab results back, we were stunned by how nutritious<br />
<strong>the</strong> food was, and realized we didn’t need to use any added<br />
vitamins or minerals. AAFCO standards measure 37 different<br />
nutrients, and we blew through all of <strong>the</strong>ir standards with a<br />
much more nutritious product than required. This was all due<br />
to using <strong>the</strong> sprouted seeds; we also eliminated meat meal<br />
and used whole meats to preserve <strong>the</strong> protein levels.<br />
People always believed that cooking over 118 o F killed probiotics<br />
and enzymes. So did we - but this is no longer true. There<br />
<strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | May/June2012<br />
53
has been an evolution in ingredients and cooking techniques,<br />
and if <strong>the</strong> probiotics and enzymes are from sprouted seeds,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y can withstand a lot more punishment and survive much<br />
better. The “mortality rate” is very small and <strong>the</strong> nutrition far<br />
exceeds that in any o<strong>the</strong>r “complete and balanced” food. This is<br />
hard to believe for raw food advocates, but we are very transparent<br />
with our data and we have <strong>the</strong> analysis to back up <strong>the</strong>se<br />
claims.<br />
How does <strong>the</strong> nutrition in Carna4 compare to a raw diet?<br />
Of course, <strong>the</strong> very best way to feed your dog is by purchasing<br />
a variety of good quality fresh meat, after grilling <strong>the</strong> butcher<br />
about his sources and what processes are used, <strong>the</strong>n adding<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r whole foods and supplementing appropriately. But this<br />
takes a lot of knowledge and time, and not everyone has <strong>the</strong><br />
ability to do <strong>the</strong> research, or <strong>the</strong> access to <strong>the</strong> whole foods and<br />
nutrition <strong>the</strong>ir dog requires. If your choice is prepared food,<br />
Carna4 is as nutritious as anything you can buy in a package<br />
- and without adding any potentially harmful syn<strong>the</strong>tic supplements.<br />
Some people feed raw but use Carna4 for greater convenience<br />
when <strong>the</strong>y are rushed, or on <strong>the</strong> road. O<strong>the</strong>r customers<br />
have switched from raw or home prepared foods to Carna4.<br />
Since Carna4 is not heated to high temperatures, how do you<br />
ensure <strong>the</strong> safety of <strong>the</strong> food?<br />
First of all, <strong>the</strong> baking temperature we use (195 o F/90 o C) is<br />
sufficient to kill pathogens like salmonella. But, to be certain<br />
<strong>the</strong> food is completely safe, we thoroughly check <strong>the</strong> finished<br />
product before it’s released for sale. Our quarantine program<br />
ensures that each batch does not leave <strong>the</strong> plant until all <strong>the</strong><br />
testing is done. We test every single batch for 64 different nutrients<br />
as well as for salmonella, E. coli and o<strong>the</strong>r pathogens,<br />
including aflatoxins, mercury and arsenic. We test down to one<br />
part per billion and we don’t find any contaminants, which is<br />
due to using really good quality ingredients and making <strong>the</strong><br />
food in small batches.<br />
<strong>the</strong> necessary nutrients without <strong>the</strong> risk of contaminants, and<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is a need for products with only natural nutrition.<br />
Carna4 is quite expensive compared to o<strong>the</strong>r packaged foods<br />
- can you comment on that?<br />
People do get sticker shock when <strong>the</strong>y first see our prices. But<br />
it doesn’t make sense to compare Carna4 to an ordinary bag<br />
of dog food - which has no real food in it! The higher nutritional<br />
value of Carna4 means it is more appropriate to compare<br />
it to raw food. The daily feeding cost is actually quite modest; it<br />
compares very favorably to many premade raw foods, and we<br />
have provided some analysis on our website.<br />
What is your vision for <strong>the</strong> future of <strong>the</strong> company?<br />
We intend to stay small. We are a real family business. Maria<br />
and I love working toge<strong>the</strong>r: some couples don’t but we do, and<br />
I have recently moved my office into a space in Maria’s clinic.<br />
We also seek out o<strong>the</strong>r family businesses to work with. We buy<br />
our sprouted seeds from a family business in Iowa; our baking<br />
is done by a family business and our packaging is supplied by a<br />
family business.<br />
We want to remain a real family business, and we want to continue<br />
producing small quantities of really good food. We would<br />
much ra<strong>the</strong>r focus on maintaining <strong>the</strong> high quality of our product.<br />
f<br />
This is very important. Most pet food manufacturers are now<br />
doing testing to show <strong>the</strong> FDA, but <strong>the</strong>y are not testing every<br />
batch. If every batch were tested, you would never have recalls.<br />
After <strong>the</strong> melamine contamination one company decided to<br />
start using a quarantine program - it lasted only a month!<br />
With all <strong>the</strong> recent scares about contaminants in vitamin and<br />
mineral premixes used in kibbles, people are becoming much<br />
more aware of what <strong>the</strong>y are feeding. Even though many companies<br />
say <strong>the</strong>y “source” <strong>the</strong>ir premixes in <strong>the</strong> US, that doesn’t<br />
mean <strong>the</strong> country of origin is <strong>the</strong> US. Some vitamins are just not<br />
made in <strong>the</strong> US, and 80% of <strong>the</strong>m are produced in China and India.<br />
Dog owners are looking for alternative foods that provide<br />
54 May/June 2012 | <strong>Dogs</strong> <strong>Naturally</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>
A meal is only as good<br />
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