Naturally Healthy Dogs
Older but Still Young at Heart (and in Body)!

January, 2011

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Natural Dog Health Remedies

In this issue:

• Older Dog Care
• Natural Supplements for Older Dogs
• Dog Treat Recipe - Banana Snaps
• Aromatherapy Recipe - Joint Rub Blend

Happy New Year! I wish you and your loved ones (fur-babies included) healthy and well in 2011.

Another year ... I am a bit shocked to suddenly realize that my dog Hana will be 9 this year! She still acts like a puppy (frisky and silly :) most of the time, and I want her to stay that way for years to come.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We can do a lot to keep our aging dogs healthy. The following suggestions are just a few things that can be quite easily done to help our dogs enjoy their mature years to the fullest:

1. A Wholesome Natural Diet

   A natural diet is important for all dogs, but more so for aging dogs. If you haven't already done so - switch your dog food to a home cooked diet made from raw or cooked meat and vegetables, or purchase a high quality packaged food made from natural, whole ingredients.

2. Supplements

   Mature dogs need specific supplementation of vitamins and other nutrients to maintain good health and deal with age-related problems. Consult with a holistic vet before starting a supplement regimen. In the meantime, here’s a basic guide:

   • Antioxidants – Vitamin C boosts the immune system and maintains bone and blood vessel health; good for dogs with degenerative joint disease. Vitamin E helps with allergies, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. CoQ-10 raises flagging energy levels and protects the heart from oxidation; can treat allergies, periodontal disease and cancer. Vitamin A helps fight infection and cancer and is good for the skin and liver.
   • Essential fatty acids – Omega-3 fatty acids are helpful for arthritis, allergies and immune problems; Omega-6s alleviate dry, itchy skin.
   • Digestive enzymes – enhance digestion and intestinal health by improving nutrient absorption.
   • Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM – very useful for arthritis, hip dysplasia and other joint diseases.
   • Glandulars – support aging glands and organs, thereby helping to prevent thyroid problems, Cushings disease, diabetes and other disorders.

3. Limit Vaccines

   Over-vaccination can cause a wide number of side effects even in younger dogs and more so in older ones. Most vaccines protect against illness for three years, perhaps even longer, which makes annual boosters completely unnecessary. Rather than scheduling a full set of vaccinations every year, ask your vet if s/he can do a titer test instead. This simple, inexpensive, blood antibody test will tell you if your dog can get by without being re-vaccinated.

4. Keep His Gums and Teeth Healthy

   Periodontal disease causes not only pain and discomfort in a dog's mouth, it also has adverse effects on the dog's whole body. Keeping your older dog's teeth healthy is therefore extremely important. A healthy, natural diet helps. Regular brushing is essential. However, with some older dogs, this may be easier said than done, so you may want to look at products that you can spray or wipe on the dog’s teeth and gums.

5. Avoid Chemical Flea Control

   While prescription flea medications such as Frontline and Advantage are convenient and effective, think twice before putting them on your older dog. The same goes for commercial flea powders and collars. As with any drug, pest control products are powerful chemicals that can have an adverse impact on many dogs, especially older ones. These drugs can suppress a dog's immune system and weaken the ability of his liver, kidneys and lungs to rid the body of toxins. For flea problems, try to go natural.

6. Keep His Mind and Body Busy

   Your dog can suffer memory loss and cognitive problems as he ages, so you need to keep his mind busy. Regular exercise and socialization are important, as are a wide variety of toys. Some dogs get bored with their toys quickly, so introduce new ones now and then to refresh their interest. This is especially important if your dog spends a lot of time indoors.

   Besides his mind, the body of a mature dog should also be kept active. Regular exercise is needed to prevent obesity and keep his joints, heart and lungs in good working order.

Here are some good natural products of supplements for aging dogs:

• Only Natural Pet Super Daily Vitamins & Enzymes Senior
• Thorne Research Immugen for Cats and Dogs
• Only Natural Pet Easy Strider for Dogs
• PetzLife Oral Care Dental Gel for Dogs and Cats

Bananas contain a lot of fiber, vitamins and minerals that are good for dogs (e.g. vitamins A, B, and C; calcium; magnesium; potassium). This is a nice recipe from the book "Cooking the Three Dog Bakery Way" (by Mark Beckloff and Dan Dye). The recipe makes about 36 cookies.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup canola oil
• 2-3 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 3/4 cup quick rolled oats

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400F.
2. Stir together flour, baking soda, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
3. Stir in the oil, bananas, honey, and egg until smooth.
4. Fold in the oats.
5. Drop the dough by the rounded teaspoonful, 1 1/2 inches apart, on 2 ungreased baking sheets.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until light golden.
7. Cool to room temperature before serving.

Who doesn’t love a massage? Massage soothes stiff joints and muscles, and alleviates the discomfort associated with arthritis and hip dysplasia. Because massage also improves circulation, it enhances immune function and helps the organs and body systems function better.

This blend is excellent for dogs with muscle soreness, arthritis, hip dysplasia or sprains. Use it to massage your older dog to help stimulate circulation and speed the healing process. (You can also use this blend on yourself or your human loved ones to relieve joint or arthritic pain).

You need:

• 1/2 oz (15 ml) base oil (e.g. sweet almond oil)
• 3 drops Black Pepper Essential Oil
• 4 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
• 3 drops Spearmint Essential Oil
• 4 drops Juniper Berry Essential Oil

Mix well and store in a dark glass bottle.

Use 2-4 drops and massage your dog's joints. Try to get the oil blend as close to the dog's skin as possible for easy penetration. (From Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals, by Kristen Leigh Bell)