Cheryl Schwartz - Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats A-Z

Copyright 2000 by Cheryl Schwartz

Published and distributed in the United States by:
Hay House, Inc., P.O. Box 5100, Carlsbad, CA 92018-5100 (800) 654-5126 (800) 650-5115 (fax)

Editorial: Jill Kramer Cover and Interior Design: Christy Salinas
Illustrations: Sarajo Frieden

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic, or electronic process, or in the form of a phonographic recording; nor may it be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or otherwise be copied for public or private useother than for fair use as brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews without prior written permission of the publisher.

The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical or medical problems without the advice of a veterinarian, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help in the quest for your pets physical and emotional well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for your pet, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Schwartz, Cheryl (Cheryl M.)

Natural healing for dogs and cats A-Z / Cheryl Schwartz.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references (p.).

ISBN 1-56170-666-3

1. DogsDiseasesAlternative treatmentHandbooks, manuals, etc.

2. CatsDiseasesAlternative treatmentHandbooks, manuals, etc. 3. Holistic veterinary medicineHandbooks, manuals, etc. I. Title.

SF991 .S3235 2000

ISBN 1-56170-666-3

04 03 02 01 5 4 3 2
1st printing, March 2000
2nd printing, January 2001

Printed by Palace Press Hong Kong

Contents

Herbs, Homeopathy, Flower Essences

After more than 20 years of practicing natural and holistic veterinary medicine with cats and dogs, I have come to realize that it is the most gentle and effective approach to return your animals to health and keep them there.

Although I was trained as a regular veterinarian, I found Western medicines approach narrow and heavy-handed. I could fix parts of the animal, but no one ever mentioned whole-being wellnessrestoring balance on the physical, behavioral, and mental levels and making the animal happy and healthy.

Now, with holistic and natural healing techniques gaining a stronger foothold in the veterinary community, more than 2,500 veterinarians are practicing natural forms of energy medicine. Using modalities such as acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, herbs, homeopathy, flower essences, and nutrition, we are coping with chronic and acute problems that are plaguing the animal population.

As cats and dogs live with us for longer periods of time, they are privy to our habits and faults, facing environmental toxins, antibiotic overuse, commercial convenience foods, and chemical parasite products. As a result, they are developing more complex imbalances affecting the immune system. They also get stomach ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, high cholesterol, and thyroid and heart disorders. In short, they mirror all of our problems.

You, the public, are seeking more natural forms of healing for yourselves, and when you respond well to them, you want similar care for your animal friends. Its true that natural healing requires more time and energy, but I assure you that healing in a holistic way gives you and your animal friend the opportunity to work together toward a happy future.

The Wave of the FutureIntegrative Veterinary Medicine

Acupuncture, herbs, or homeopathy can work hand-in-hand with Western medicine, or entirely on their own. As you will see from the conditions discussed in this book, many approaches exist that will treat common and chronic problems.

Natural methods help those animals who are sensitive to Western medication, or in those vague or complex circumstances where there is no actual diagnosis. Although blood tests, ultrasounds, x-rays and Western drugs may still be utilized, true healing requires redirecting or fortifying the animals energy. Acupuncture, herbs, diet, and homeopathy fill this bill.

Acupuncture utilizes the bodys own energy to heal itself. Professional practitioners place very thin sterile needles into acupuncture points that pierce the skin to connect with a flow of energy called Qi (also known as chi). The energy is directed toward an internal organ system to strengthen it, or through muscle circulation to relieve pain.

Acupressure uses finger pressure in these same acupoints on the bodys surface to yield similar effects. Professionals train for years to master this scientific art, yet I have seen that the close bond formed between you and your animal friend can facilitate the effectiveness of acupressure, even without years of study. Your intention to help your animal, coupled with your animals receptivity to your touch, yields the most rewarding and surprising results. So dont hesitate to try it.

When you do acupressure, relax first, breathe easily, and take a moment to clear your mind. Most people use their index finger. Dont bend it, but use a straight-fingered approach. Apply steady, even pressure, not too hard or too soft. Let the animal tell you how much pressure is necessary. Press or hold a point for 30 to 60 seconds at a time, and then move to the next point.

Massage in general will relax your pet, relieve muscle tension, and open the flow of energy and circulation. There are numerous massage techniques, such as long strokes, small circular motions, or sweeps using the palms of your hand. Experiment with what your pet likes. After all, part of the human-animal bond involves petting. We love doing it, and they love getting it.

How Do I Use Herbs with My Animal Friends?

Herbs are medicines that come from plants. Plants bring with them their life experiences and help heal by their medicinal virtues as well as their vitality. Herbs have been used by every culture since the beginning of time to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Some of the plants listed in this book are so common that they may actually grow in your garden. So, before pulling your weeds, consult these pages to see if you might need them.

If they are not in your garden, the herbs listed in this book are readily available in health food stores, or in Chinese pharmacies if you happen to be living near one. Most herbs sold in health food stores at this time are ethically grown and effective. I suggest you establish a relationship with your health food store salesperson to find out the most popular brands.

The dosages I have listed here come from experience over the last 20 years. As any animal may be allergic to any substance, including herbs, you might watch for any unsolicited reaction. For the most part, if an herb doesnt agree with the animals, vomiting, diarrhea, appetite, or energy loss may occur. If this happens, stop the herb, and the effects should leave within a day.

Listed here are dried herbs that can be mixed directly with foods or made into teas known as infusions or decoctions. When tinctures are indicated, they are diluted with distilled or spring water, as tinctures are made from alcohol and will burn your animals stomach. So please dont use them undiluted. Sometimes the herbs will come in capsules or tablets. The dosage indicated is based on the weight of your animal. Those who are weaker, or more sensitive, may require a lower dose at first, working up slowly to avoid any side effects.