As the mercury rises your pets need special care to avoid overheating, injury or potentially life-threatening health issues.

The media is good at promoting awareness around the life-threatening health issues from leaving your dog in the car and from toxic algae.

How you can help your pet cope in the summer heat

It is not just in cars where your pet can overheat/get heatstroke. They can also overheat when left inside, from overexertion during exercise and outside in a kennel, run or backyard.

Inside Pets

If you need to leave them in the house for any length of time ensure they have access to a cool area and if possible, a fan, air conditioning or a window open with a breeze. Naturally a large bowl of fresh cool water should be accessible at all times.

Outdoor dogs

Make sure their kennel has some shade all day. I don’t mean the kennel is the shade for your dog but the kennel itself also needs to be in some shade during the hottest hours of the day. Keep their water bowl filled and in the shade. If their run is concrete, ensure this is shaded as the concrete temperature will add to your dog’s heat stress and burn their paw pads.

Ice blocks

You can make yummy ice blocks for your dog. They can be a choking hazard though so if you dog gulps their food you will want to only give them as crushed ice. Be careful there are no sharp bits of ice though to avoid cutting their tongue. Some nutritious ice block ideas are to freeze broth or see recipe links at the bottom of page. Cats may enjoy an ice block as well.

Cooling coats

Wearing one doesn’t mean it is okay to take your dog for a long walk in the middle of the day though. A couple of sites you can purchase cooling coats through at the bottom of page

Paw pads

Walk your dog in the early morning or later in the evening to avoid burning their paw pads. There are dog booties available however do your research to see which ones suit your dog’s activities. A couple of sites you can purchase cooling coats through at the bottom of page

Food

Add extra fluid to your pet’s food. Whether it is a little fresh water or broth, your pet will benefit from the extra hydration during summer. Cats especially benefit from extra moisture

Hair cut

A little trim may be beneficial, however shaving your dog or cat is not good for them. There is a reason come breeds have the coats they do. Double coated breeds should not be shaved. The different hairs have important jobs and you can make things worse for these breeds if you shave them.

Swimming

Rivers and lakes - be aware of algae. Sea and swimming pools can be great fun. Be aware of the ground temperature. Take your own shoes off to test the temperature. If your feet burn so will your dog’s paw pads. After swimming wash with fresh water to get the sand and salt water or chlorine out or any potential bacteria that may be in the river or lake water.

Life jacket

If you take your pet out into water deeper than they can stand treat as you would a child and put a life jacket on them. Even if your dog can ‘swim’ if they go overboard, they can tire easily and drown. Do your research on the different brands available. A couple of sites you can purchase cooling coats through at the bottom of page

Sun lotion

Yes, you can buy sun lotion for pets. Cancer of the nose does occur in dogs, cats and horses. For animal appropriate sun lotion purchase through a veterinarian clinic.

Ticks

Even though New Zealand does not (that we know of) have the infectious lyme disease ticks we do have ticks. If your pet goes through areas of long grass especially where any stock has been, they may pick up ticks. Ticks start off very small, so small you will not notice them until they have enlarged after gorging themselves on your pet’s blood. A healthy pet is less likely to be attractive to ticks however comb your pet after they have been through any areas there may be ticks.

What to do if your pet overheats or gets heatstroke

If your pet is not very responsive, is trembling or starts dry retching/vomiting treat as a medical emergency and get them to the veterinary clinic immediately. Drive with either air conditioning going or the windows down.

You can do the following to help your heat stressed pet

Run cool water, not freezing water, over them. If they tend to get stressed with a hose or shower, try using a cup and pour the water over them or drape a soaked towel/large cloth over them. You will need to continually re wet the towel/cloth. Remember their underneath areas e.g. stomach and paws.

Offer them cold water and or ice. One thing to be cautious of is drinking too much water. A little often is much better than a lot at once. If your pet gulps a lot of water or drinks more than a bowl full at once, they can get bloat.

Keep your pet in a shaded cool area.

If they have not returned to normal breathing or still do not appear themselves within 30 minutes take them to the veterinary clinic to be checked.

Links with further information

Ice blocks

Cooling CoatsFreddie and Febee

Doggie BootsCanine Spirit

Ruffwear For the serious outdoor dog as worn by the NZ Police dogsUrban Wolf

Life JacketsCanine Spirit

During the winter you may notice your pet has a thicker coat and wants more food than usual. Depending on your pets lifestyle you may need to make an adjustment to their diet. If your pet lives predominantly inside they are unlikely to need any diet changes. Ensure the area where they sleep is warm or add an extra blanket to their bedding so they are warm in the wee hours of the morning. If your pet is an outdoor one and even more so if they are active, they will benefit from having extra calories in their diet during the winter months as their bodies will burn up more energy keeping warm. I don’t mean that you have to necessarily provide more fat in their diet as if you simply add fat then chances are this will lead to overweight health issues. Instead, you may like to add additional protein sources such as eggs, cottage cheese, kumera, pumpkin and fish if your pet likes it. Even cooked oatmeal is beneficial along with extra Omega oils. If your dog normally stays outside consider bringing them inside especially when the temperatures fall below 10 degrees celsius.

Thin coated animals should wear a coat when outside especially when the temperatures are low, remember the wind chill factor. If in zero and sub zero temperatures all pets should wear a coat. Nowadays dog and cat breeds that are naturally from warm climates are found in cold climates. These breeds do not have the natural coats to cope with cold temperatures so we need to provide them with an extra layer. When taking your dog for walks in icy and snow conditions don’t forget their paws should be covered to prevent cracked pads and ice burn.

Grooming is also important for all year round, no matter what type of coat your pet has. Regular grooming will help to prevent skin issues, sometimes called hot spots. It is important to regularly brush your pet to prevent fur matting and to help the skin breathe as well as produce the oils it needs to maintain healthy skin and fur.

Exercise is still important during the winter. The weather often puts us off from taking the dog for a walk but you can do things inside to ‘entertain’ your dog or cat. Playing games with them is both fun and provides exercise. Cats love boxes. Make an obstacle course from empty boxes, balls of string, something to chase or climb. Of course there is nothing wrong with snuggling by the fire or heater every now and then!

Grooming is not just for ‘show’ pets or long haired pets; all pets require grooming. Start grooming your pet when they are young. Apart from helping build a bond between you, it builds trust, gets your pet used to being touched and is a way to keep an eye on your pet’s health.

How often depends on the breed. Long haired pets require daily grooming, medium hair every 2-3 days and short hair at least once a week. The regular grooming will help reduce knots and prevent matting as well as fur balls. Brushing or combing stimulates the sebaceous glands which produce a water repellent oily sebum over the skin. If these glands get blocked they can form cysts. Combing is also a great form of flea and tick control all year round.

Grooming includes washing, brushing, combing, trimming fur when necessary and trimming nails. Nail cutting is another reason to start grooming your pet when they are young. Paws are a naturally sensitive area so get your pet used to their paws being touched when they are young.

Elderly pets cannot groom themselves as well as they used to. They are not as flexible so can’t reach some places anymore. Grooming an elderly pet or an unwell pet does a lot for improving their mental state.

One of the major benefits of grooming your pet is that it is a useful tool for seeing any health issues. Some issues you can pick up are:

Fur condition – coarse/dry are signs of poor dietWeight loss – feel ribs or hip bonesWeight gainHair loss, patches

If your pet is sensitive when you approach, brush, or touch an area they otherwise would let you this is an indication something is not right. It may be a cut or bruise that will come right on its own or it may be more serious. If you cannot have a good look at the area safely and there are other signs of your pet not feeling themselves it is worth taking your pet for a check-up. Likewise if your pet is still very sensitive about an area after a couple of days get it looked at.

Finding a lump, when should you be concerned? There are many types of lumps and warts and finding one is not necessarily cause for alarm. Some breeds are naturally warty. However you should be aware of what to look out for. Here is an article written by a well-regarded US veterinary oncologist. dogcancerblog.com/blog/lumps on dogs when to get them checked by a veterinarian

Tear stains can sometimes be caused by diet but often they are due to breed or the shape of the pet’s eye. Before you use a product that is marketed as a tear stain remover check what is in it. Many contain chemicals that really shouldn’t be put on your pet let alone near their eyes. Beware of marketing ploys such as all natural, vet approved, they are not always what they appear. Check what country it is made in as regulations vary country to country. If no ingredients are listed or just a general description is used, look for something else. This applies to shampoos as well. A safe natural solution for wiping your pet’s eyes is Colloidal silver. Here are links to a couple of other articles on tear stains you may find useful. Pet tear staining by Dr K Becker.aspx and pets webmd.com dogs and tear stains

When washing your pet use natural based shampoos. If you take your pet to a groomer ask what products they use. Ask to see the ingredients. Do they contain chemicals? The hair follicles and skin are great absorbents and any chemicals in the grooming products will enter your pets system this way. When washing your dog yourself it is a good idea to brush them first. It will make your job easier! How often should you wash your dog? Only every couple of months, unless they roll in something!

Should I give my pet a haircut? It depends on the breed and for some, lifestyle. Some breeds have double coats and should not be given a haircut even in summer. There is a good reason they have double coats. Here is a useful article from Dogs Naturally Magazine about double coated dogs. Why you shouldn't shave your dog in summer Of course if there is a health reason then trimming is needed such as around wounds or infections, matted hair.

Smelly breath, fur condition, hair loss etc. will not be ‘fixed’ by brushing their teeth or shampoos. These are health issues that need to be addressed often through diet.

You want grooming to be an enjoyable experience for both you and your pet so spend some time reviewing the options. Invest in a flea comb and a good quality brush. Not all brushes are the same so get one that suits your pet’s coat. You can find some New Zealand made pet grooming products here Natural For Pets

You can contact me:

Email cath@cathsplace.co.nz |Phone: 021668249 | | Facebook

How many ways is your pet regularly inducing chemicals/toxins?

Flea productsHousehold cleaners – Spray and Wipes, window cleaning products, furniture cleaners, oven cleanersFly spraysPlug in air fresheners, aerosolsCarpet cleaning products - lying on newly sprayed areas or inhaling fumesPetrol or diesel fumesWeed killer/pesticides sprays – lying on newly sprayed areas or inhalingDrugs/medicines – e.g. steroidsSoaps and shampoosSmoke – cigarettes, wood smokeGas/LPG fumesToysPlastic food/water bowlsPaint fumes

Pets absorb chemicals/toxins through their paw pads, skin, fur, eyes, nose and by licking or digestion. For example if your pet is walking on or lying on areas that have been sprayed or cleaned recently they are absorbing chemicals/toxins through their paws, fur, skin, nose, eyes as well as digesting when they lick themselves. Anything you spray in the air including plug in devices your pet is inhaling and absorbing through their nose, skin, fur and eyes. Animals are much more sensitive to airborne sprays than humans. Cats are even more sensitive than dogs and are particularly affected by essential oils.

How can this affect your pet's liver and make your pet ill?

The liver is a complex organ that plays a major role in digestion, filtration, blood proteins and glucose storage. One of the liver's roles is to filter all of these chemicals/toxins and remove whatever the body considers as unwanted via the kidneys either as urine or bile. Bile is mainly reused within the body and aids in digestion so remains in the body complete with any chemicals or toxins the body has not been able to excrete.

How many of the things listed at the beginning is your pet exposed to on a regular basis? An overloaded liver will affect the whole body and leave your pet feeling unwell. For a start your pet will not be able to digest their food well, meaning their body is not utilising all the goodness in their food as well as it could. Over a period of time other health issues are likely to start appearing such as digestive issues or diarrhoea, kidney issues, joint issues, skin issues and so on.

Some early symptoms of liver issues can be digestive upsets, bringing up of bile – especially in the morning, skin problems, lethargy, mood changes, change in eating habits, weight loss.

If there are more obvious outward signs of liver damage such as jaundice, fluid in the abdomen, tenderness around the liver area; your pet is very unwell and liver function is badly impaired.

Cats livers are special

Any cat owner knows that cats are special in many ways. Not only can chemicals or toxins have an adverse effect on your cat’s liver but simply not eating can as well. It is not commonly known that it is dangerous for a cat not to eat for more than 24 hours. A cat that does not eat for 24-36 hours or a cat that is picking at its food for days is highly likely to develop Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease). This is a dangerous illness, as when a cat has not eaten their body starts to convert stored fats for energy and their liver cannot cope well with this type of fat so the fat begins to accumulate in their liver. This causes other serious health problems and can result in death if not treated. For more details on this illness in cats.

What you can do if you are concerned about the amount of chemicals/toxins your pet may be exposed to

If you would like to know where to source New Zealand natural products for your pets such as food, treats, skin and coat care and much more, then visit this new online directory www.naturalforpets.co.nz

If you suspect jaundice or fluid in the abdomen or your pet appears unwell then visit your veterinarian and ask about liver function testing. Holistic treatments are able to work alongside veterinary treatments. Contact me, Cath at Cath’s Place to arrange a consultation and get a holistic treatment plan covering diet, herbs and environmental changes to help your pet’s body get back on track.

Diet plays a major role in treating liver issues. The diet alterations are based around how damaged the liver is. An herbal tonic that includes herbs that help repair and support the liver is important. As with all illnesses it takes time for the body to heal and a multi-pronged approach is best.

You can contact me:

Email cath@cathsplace.co.nz |Phone: 021668249 | https://www.cathsplace.co.nz | Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AnimalNaturopathNZ/

There are many types of joint problems that affect animals of all ages, not just the elderly. Dogs and horses tend to be more prone than cats with some breeds of dogs being more predisposed to joint issues such as Hip, Knee or Elbow Dysplasia. Some animals grow too quickly, others get injuries or overuse problems while the arthritis or osteo type of issues generally happen in the ‘mature’ years.

Natural remedies such as herbs, homeopathy and essential oils as well as diet and lifestyle adjustments can help relieve the pain and discomfort and often can reduce the need for long term medication. Your pet can take both veterinarian prescribed medication and natural remedies, it doesn’t need to be one or the other.

If your dog has been on long term medication for a joint issue there is a likelihood of side effects such as gastrointestinal, adrenal, liver or kidney problems. These medications are usually referred to as NSAIDs or Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. Here are some links you may like to read with more information.

I will not tell you to stop the NSAIDs; that is your decision to make. Just know that there is more than one option available to you and your pet. You are able to use both natural remedies and NSAIDs if you wish. The main aim is for your pet to have a good quality of life and be as pain free as possible.

Of course we do not want our pets to be in pain but pain is actually useful. It is the body’s way of reminding your pet that all is not right and to be careful. By completely nulling all pain signals it can cause more damage as your pet may jump when it shouldn’t or run or walk longer than it should. There are homeopathic pain relief options such as Hypericum, Ruta graveolens, Rhus toxicodendron, Bryonia. It does depend on what type of pain your pet is having as to which remedy is appropriate. Essential Oils can offer pain relief and can be used in massage.

Using a herbal remedy will be very beneficial in supporting your pet's body and help to reduce NSAID side effects. There are herbs such as Licorice that support the kidneys, Milk Thistle that supports the liver, others that help the digestive tract and herbs that have anti-inflammatory properties. It is best to have a combination of herbs made fresh to suit your particular pet. It is also important to know whether your pet is on any prescribed medication as some herbs cannot be taken with some medication e.g. drugs for heart problems, or some herbs need to be taken at different times to some medication, food or supplements and some herbs can counteract the effect of others or medication. This is why your veterinarian and your animal naturopath need to know everything your pet is having including supplements.

Other therapies that can be beneficial for joint issues.

Massage can help alleviate pain, keep muscles supple, help prevent muscle deterioration.

Hydroptherapy is a great low impact form of exercise and is used for rehabilitation.

Accupunture can help alleviate pain and improve muscle use.

Energy Healing is a healing option animals respond well to.

Lifestyle adjustments may be required such as a ramp instead of stairs, using a ramp or lifting your dog in and out of the car, use of a crate for restriction of movement especially when you are not home to keep an eye on your pet, use of a harness.

Food The right type of food plays a big part in healing and supporting the body. When the body is working hard it requires more energy. Food requirements differ depending on the joint issue and other health factors. One food to avoid with any joint issue is beef. Beef is a proinflammatory type of meat and as such is best avoided in many illnesses. Any diet adjustments will depend on what is currently being fed, age of your pet and the type of injury or disease.

Supplements can be beneficial however not all joint issues require the same supplements. Is the issue a muscle/ligament or bone issue? Most people have heard of Chondroitin, Glucosamine and some know of Green Lipped Mussel extract. Yes, these can be beneficial BUT it depends on what the issue is. Some pets may benefit from additional Essential Fatty Oils (EFA’s) in their diet. Some EFAs are more beneficial than others and again it does depend on what the issue is and other factors such as current diet and other health factors. To prevent wasting your money it is best to talk to an animal naturopath before buying a supplement from the supermarket.

As with all illness or disease a multi-pronged approach is best. A treatment plan needs to consist of possible diet adjustments, whether additional supplements are needed, exercise program, possibly a homeopathic remedy and for long term issues a herbal support and maybe some equipment or lifestyle changes.

I have experience with treating dogs that have had cruciate ligament injuries, arthritis and broken bones. I would love to help your pet either recover from an injury or live a happy life while coping with a long term issue. You can contact me:

Email. cath@cathsplace.co.nz |Phone: 021668249 | https://www.cathsplace.co.nz | Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AnimalNaturopathNZ/

One of the main reasons people take their dog or cat to the vet is for skin issues. The standard treatment given by vets is steroids and or antibiotics. One of the downsides to this type of treatment is that it does not address the cause. For a short period of time these treatments often seem to ‘fix’ the problem when in reality all they do is clear up a symptom e.g. rash or itch without really curing or eliminating the actual cause. Another downside is if your pet is on steroids for a long time serious side effects occur such as muscle atrophy (weakness), increased thirst which leads to extra stress on the kidneys, potential to cause other illness/disease such as Cushing’s disease.

What are the causes of itchy skin and rashes?

First you need to understand that the skin, ears, eyes and bowels are all outlets for the body to eliminate unwanted things. By not finding the cause itself and merely dealing with the symptoms i.e. rash, ear discharge; the body will find another way to get rid of what is bothering it. This is why a rash may go away only to come back worse or your pet starts having ear infections or vice versa. There is no one cause, however diet and immune system play a major part in how your pet’s body responds. Other factors may be the cause e.g. flea allergy, overload of toxins from chemicals, grasses, environmental factors, stress, bacterial or yeast infection.

Dry food is a major culprit but pets fed a meat diet may also have skin or ear issues. Not all meat is equal in terms of what fat and protein content they have, see my blog about feeding a variety of meat https://goo.gl/7KLzK8

Many people have tried the ‘prescription’ diet from their vet clinic. There is no medicine in the food and the ingredients are basically the same as other dried food, so in reality these ‘prescription’ diets are no different to other dried food.

A couple of examples of skin issues I have treated successfully are:

A young 3 year old dog who had suffered from a belly rash on and off for most of her young life. She had been on antihistamines and topical steroid cream. The owner came to me when these no longer had an effect, and the vet had started their dog on long term prednisone (steroid tablets) which they noticed was producing side effects of increased drinking leading to urinating inside and panting . An elimination diet followed by changing her diet to raw/BARF along with a homeopathic remedy has meant no more prednisone and the rash only returning when they feed her certain meat such as beef or venison.

A 6 year old dog that had very scaly patches of skin that she scratched until it bleed. A herbal cream, a small tweak to diet, grooming tips and a homeopathic remedy (different to the other dogs) has lead to an itch free life.

Other than using steroids or antibiotics what can be done?

If you are feeding 'kibble' or dried food a change to a raw meat or BARF based diet is a great start. Have a look at the Nutrition pages on my website for some pointers. If you would like some help I address diet and suggest an initial healing or rebuilding diet along with supplements to help from the inside, followed by a diet plan for long term. Depending on the issue herbs can be beneficial either as a tonic to be taken or topical application and homeopathy is another tool that I have used successfully.

Contact me if you would like to discuss your pet's health issues

Email. cath@cathsplace.co.nz Phone: 021668249

What does an animal naturopath do?

An animal naturopath is trained in animal anatomy and physiology, small animal nutrition, nursing, therapeutics along with natural remedies; homeopathy, herbs for animals, bach flowers and tissue salts. They provide natural holistic treatments for your dog, cat, horse and other small furries. At Cath’s Place treatment plans encompass a combination of Nutrition adjustments, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathic remedies, Therapeutics and Bach flowers depending on the situation.

Herbs

Herbal remedies for dogs, cats and horses come in various forms depending on what requires treating and the animal itself. Usually a number of herbs are combined in a formula in order to address the body as a whole. Why it is not a good idea to buy something from the health shop yourself.

possible interaction with medicationthe need to combine herbs in order to treat the whole bodynot all herbs combine together wellanimals are not given the same quantity as a humansome herbs are toxic to animals, especially catsgenerally more than one herb is requiredsome herbs should only be taken short term

Herbs can be used in many situations including:

* Organ (kidney, liver) support when on long * Digestive issues including diarrhea term medication such as steroids and constipation

* Cancer Support * Thyroid Issues

* Cushings disease * Autoimmune illnesses

* Ear and Eye Issues * Muscle and Joint Disorders

* Diabetes * Urinary tract infection

Bach Flowers/Flower Essences for Dogs and Cats

* Emotional Issues (e.g. anxiety, grief) * Settling into new environment

* Jealousy * Fear

Homeopathy

Homeopathy has been around since the 1700s. Remedies are made from plants, animals and insect products, minerals, and a few from disease matter.

Homeopathic remedies for dogs, cats, horses etc. can be used for many issues, for example:

* Pain relief * Joint/muscle issues

* Skin issues * First Aid

* Fear/Anxiety e.g. fireworks, thunder * Travel sickness

Nutrition

Different life stages and illness require differing levels of proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins. Treatment plans include any alterations to diet or additional supplements that may be needed.

Supplements

Practitioner grade supplements can be ordered through Cath’s Place. Delivery can be made to you, or you can collect from Caths Place.

* Joint issues * Skin issues

* Immune system * Post antibiotics

* Cancers * Aged related issues

We have yet to see summer in parts of New Zealand this year but we live in hope that it is still coming! When it does (positive thinking in action) our waterways will grow what is called toxic algae. We see headlines warning of toxic algae but do you really know why it is dangerous? Why should we not let our dogs swim in rivers during the warmer months?

Toxic algae is a bacteria called cyanobacteria and can be lethal to dogs, horses and livestock. There are up to 30 different types of bacteria that fall under cyanobacteria. Some toxic algae are neurotoxic, as they affect the nervous system; others are hepatotoxic and affect the liver and digestive tract. The bacteria become toxic algae in waterways during the warmer months or where the flow of water is poor. You can usually see it in the form of brown, greenish or black slime covering rocks in the water or on the shoreline. It also appears on surfaces of stagnant or slow moving water.

The Greater Wellington Regional Council have put up a helpful video on YouTube showing you what to look for https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=40&v=WQ5vFEJ0RgY

Most poisonings occur when an animal drinks affected water or by eating the dried scum on waterway edges. The neurotoxic algae is extremely fast acting and can affect your dog, horse or livestock within minutes of ingestion. As the Pet Poison Line states

“Anatoxins result in neurotoxicity evidenced by excessive secretions (e.g., salivation, lacrimation, etc.), neurologic signs (including muscle tremors, muscle rigidity, paralysis, etc.), blue discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, and difficulty breathing. Death follows within minutes to hours of exposure as a result of respiratory paralysis. Livestock that graze around affected ponds or lakes and are able to drink from them are often found dead near the water source. Treatment includes anti-seizure medication, oxygen, and aggressive care by your veterinarian.”

The hepatotoxic type of toxic algae causes vomiting and diarrhea. Greater Wellington Regional Council advise:

"If you suspect that your dog has eaten toxic algae, you should treat it like an emergency and contact your vet immediately. In extreme cases death can occur within 30 minutes after the first signs of illness appear. Signs a dog has been poisoned by toxic algae include lethargy, muscle tremors, fast breathing, twitching, paralysis and convulsions."

Another illness toxic algae can cause is septic arthritis. This is an extremely painful illness and is caused from bacteria entering the body through a wound or from infected gums where the bacteria enters the bloodstream and end up in a joint. Symptoms of septic arthritis are high temperature, lethargy, diarrhea and or vomiting, joint pain. If your pet shows any of these signs and you recall them walking through smelly water, even puddles of old water, ask your vet to check for septic arthritis. The sooner this condition is diagnosed that better the chances for full recovery.

Treatment options

Immediate veterinary treatment is required for ingested toxic algae. Once your pet has been diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian you can also help by improving your pet’s immune system and ensuring all of the bacteria has passed through your pet’s body. There are natural health options for pain relief, liver support, gut repair, improving immune system and supporting the body to rid infection. Contact me cath@cathsplace.co.nz for more information.

If you feed your dog or cat a raw meat based diet, great! you are interested in the health of your pet. What type of meat do you feed your pet? Do you feed the same type of meat at every meal? Do you include organs, bones and vegetables in your pet’s diet?

If you only give your pet one type of meat continue reading to find out why a variety of meat over a few days or a week is necessary for good health.

Feeding one type of meat means your pet is not receiving a good variety of fats or protein and is likely to be lacking in some vitamins or minerals. Each meat contains different levels and it is important to give a variety over a period of time e.g. a week.

As an example: From the table you can see that Beef & Lamb contain the most fat while Possum and Veal have the least, yet Possum and Veal have higher protein content than Beef.

The body uses Fat for energy, it assists with the absorption of vitamins, provides essential fatty acids, some hormones, and insulation. Amongst other things a deficiency can lead to poor skin and coat condition. Excess fat leads to health conditions that most of us are aware of.

Protein is needed for healthy tissue, muscle contraction, ligament and cartilage condition, transport of nutrients as well as haemoglobin and oxygen storage. A deficiency in protein can interfere with growth, muscle wastage, poor skin condition. An excess can cause issues with liver and kidney health.

As Australian veterinarian Dr Ian Billinghurst http://www.drianbillinghurst.com/ the author of Give Your Dog a Bone and The BARF diet states “Meat is NOT a Complete Food”

Organ meat – liver, kidney and heart should be included in every meal. They are a good source of vitamins that muscle meat alone does not contain. Organ meat should be included in daily meals but only as a small percentage (5-10%).

A BARF diet contains crushed or lightly steamed vegetables, especially green leafy ones, as they are another good source of vitamins and minerals. Include 30% of meal for adult dogs and 5% for cats.

USA veterinarian Dr Karen Becker also suggests feeding a BARF based diet. An example Dr Becker gives in a 2011 article showing the potential for nutritional deficiency is “If chicken legs are fed as a sole food source, your pet will become deficient in essential nutrients such as potassium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, vitamins A, D, E and B12, iodine and choline. A diet of nothing but chicken parts has an unbalanced fatty acid ratio, not to mention a complete deficiency of phytonutrients, antioxidants and enzymes” http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/03/17/prey-model-diet-sparks-online-demand-for-wild-game.aspx

So, how much fat or protein should you feed your pet and is any one meat better than another?

It will depend on your pet as each animal has their own requirements. Factors such as age, lifestyle, stress and illness cause the body to require more or less of different food properties. An animal with a long term illness and growing pups or kittens, will require more energy dense food. A working or very active dog requires higher fat content than an animal that leads a sedentary life. The elderly need higher easily digestible protein. A pregnant or lactating animal requires a more specialised diet. The very young require foods that have a good balance of phosphorus and calcium otherwise growth problems will occur. If your pet needs to lose some weight then providing a lower fat meat for a period of time combined with any other adjustments your pet may require will help. Conversely if your pet needs to gain weight provide a higher fat meat for a period of time.

An already healthy pet’s diet will benefit from having a mixture of meats with different fat and protein levels, organ meat and vegetables over a week. Check out my website for more nutrition information www.cathsplace.co.nz/nutrition or contact me with any health issues your pet may be experiencing.

You can contact me:

Email. cath@cathsplace.co.nz |Phone: 021668249 | https://www.cathsplace.co.nz | Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AnimalNaturopathNZ/

Christmas time is stressful for animals as well as their owners. Some pets pick up on their owner’s stress which can lead to ‘behavioural’ issues appearing, many pets know when their owners are going away without them and become anxious, other pets find it stressful being in kennels or a cattery. Bach flower remedies can help ease anxiety during these times and are helpful for other emotional or behavioural issues.

The Christmas holidays are not far away so you need to

start thinking about how you can reduce your pet’s anxiety.

If you are leaving your pet in the care of someone else they

should be happy to give the Bach flower remedies,

which are easy to administer.

Wherever possible Bach Flower remedies should be

started a few days before an event occurs, continuing

until things are back to normal.

A New Pet as a Christmas present Puppies, kittens and rabbits are often given as presents. It is a very stressful situation for the new pet as to them they are suddenly taken away from their mother and siblings to a new environment full of strange noises and smells. Existing pets become stressed by the new comer that is getting all the attention and invading their space. Bach flowers are helpful in reducing the new pet’s anxiety and can help any existing pets adjust to the new family member.

Behavioural issues

Christmas is not the only time Bach flowers are useful. Many pets with ‘behavioural’ issues benefit from a Bach flower remedy. Sometimes it turns out to be a physical cause rather than an emotional one so this should always be considered first. For example the pet that has started to growl or snap may actually be ill rather than displaying displeasure at something.

Examples of situations where the cause needs to be pinpointed in order to select the appropriate Bach flowers:

Is the dog that barks at ‘everything’ doing so because they are scared; are they protecting their patch; are they a bad tempered grouch or is their eye sight failing?

Does the new dog at day care keep to himself

because they like being alone; are fearful;

lack self- confidence; or are they feeling

abandoned by their owner.

Your pet shakes when at the vets or groomers. Have they had a bad experience; is it the environment; the car ride; they don’t like be touched….

Other examples where a personalised Bach flower remedy can be useful:

If your pet is scheduled for surgery Bach flowers can help with calming them before surgery and help in recovery situations

If your pet has a terminal illness Bach flowers can help both the pet and the owner when the time comes to ‘let go’

You are going away and your pet has separation anxiety

Safe and easy to use

Bach flowers also known as Flower Essences are a safe, non-addictive natural treatment option for emotional and behavioural issues. They are easy to administer; in the mouth, via paws or in drinking water; depending on the animal and the situation. They were first developed by Dr Edward Bach in the 1930s. Rescue remedy is the most well-known and is a good remedy to have on hand for first aid situations. Rescue remedy is sometimes called Five Flower Essence as it is made up of five essences. There are 38 Bach flower remedies to choose from. Many situations require a combination of a few remedies. To find which combination of Bach flower essences are right for your particular pet, a consultation should be carried out to try and find the root cause of the issue.

The Edward Bach Organisation say “Domestic and wild animals are highly sentient, often highly intelligent, beings with well-developed emotional capacities, and they can benefit greatly from flower remedies to help them through all the many upsets that may befall them in their lives. In fact, because they are free of all the emotional garbage, false beliefs, greed and envy that humans suffer from, they often respond faster and better to flower remedies than many people do. Dogs, horses, cats and birds respond marvellously to them…”

Whether it is a pet adjusting to a new home; new addition to the family – a baby or another pet; missing an owner or family member; illness; adjusting to boarding kennel/cattery or day care; jealousy; learning difficulty; post-surgery; any other behavioural issue; get in touch for a personalised Bach flower remedy. http://www.cathsplace.co.nz/contact

I often get asked if there is a natural flea and tick treatment available. There are some natural products that help to deter fleas from taking up residence on your pet however the best defense is a healthy lifestyle and grooming. Yes, that is all! Really!

A healthy animal is unattractive to fleas and ticks whereas an unhealthy animal is easily infested. We cannot control the outside environment where fleas and ticks mainly live and breed so your pet is going to come in contact with them, there is no stopping that. A healthy lifestyle includes the feeding of a good quality raw diet, no or very little exposure to chemicals including commercial flea and worm treatments, and a good immune system. There is a lot of debate about vaccinations and the effect they have on an animal’s immune system over time but I am not going to delve into that now.

I have a medium haired cat who is 2 ½ years old. I have never put commercial flea treatment on her and she has been raised on a raw food diet. We live in a semi-rural area so she is an outdoor cat who for some reasons loves to roll around on our gravel driveway and is always in the bush or up trees. I comb her nearly every day and during the warm months I sometimes find a flea in the flea comb but rarely at other times of the year. She sleeps on our bed, and when she feels like it, crawls in under the covers, and we have not been bitten by fleas ourselves.

Here are some natural flea and tick treatment options; bear in mind that if your pet already has fleas it will take some dedication to get rid them.

Diet:

Have a look at recommended diets http://www.cathsplace.co.nz/nutrition. I also have suggestions on how to transition from dried food to raw. In the information I refer to Flee Flea, a New Zealand made supplement to add to your pet’s food. Flee Flea helps deter fleas as it boosts your pet’s immune system.

Food grade diatomaceous earth

You can sprinkle it on the ground around your dog’s kennel. Sprinkle on your carpets, leave overnight then vacuum. Some people rub a small amount through their pet's fur. Diatomaceous earth acts as an abrasive and a desiccant, drying out and destroying adult fleas and killing larvae. Do not go overboard with how much you use as it is a dust and inhalation of large amounts of dust or over long periods is not healthy for anyone. DO NOT use any other type of diatomaceous earth, only use food grade, as other types can be poisonous! For more information about diatomaceous earth http://www.denz.co.nz/

Essential Oils

I would avoid using essential oils on a cat, some people may argue with this. My reason is that apart from their sensitivity to essential oils, cats will lick whatever you put on their fur straight off, meaning they ingest whatever you put on their fur. Ingesting essential oils can be very toxic for cats. Here is a website with essential oil safety information for cats http://essentialoilworld.com/essentialoilreviews/essential-oil-safety-with-cats/

The Health Pets website has an article on tea tree oil, also know as melaleuca oil. 2014/07/26/pets-tea-tree-oil

WashBar sell a natural flea repellent containing essential oils 'natural flea repellent' They do not have a product for cats but have suggested using their Flea+Freshen Spritzer – “you put a slug of it into warm water and dip the flea comb into it when you are combing your cat.”

If you do use essential oils they There are some essential oils that are toxic to both cats and dogs; pennyroyal, clove leaf, tansy, wormwood to name a few. If you buy essential oils ensure they are therapeutic grade oils such as Lotus Oils or Go Native; not fragrance.

Apple Cider Vinegar

A spray of 50% apple cider vinegar and 50% water is said to be an effective flea deterrent. You can also add apple cider vinegar to your pets drinking water, however if you do so make sure you also have a separate bowl of plain clean water. Pets do not always like or want to drink water with apple cider vinegar in it. Ensure you buy true apple cider vinegar there are imitations out there, organic is best. There are many internet sites that talk about using apple cider vinegar and they are not just home remedy or old house wife tale type ones. e.g. Petmed

Washing and grooming

During flea season you should wash your pets bedding weekly. If you have a kennel for your dog, wash this out weekly as well. Use natural non-irritant products and not chemical products as the fumes linger and chemicals will enter your dog via their paws and skin. For dogs, shampoo with a natural based product, e.g. WashBar and comb regularly with a flea comb.

Cats usually do not take kindly to being bathed so combing with a flea comb is the main

tool. Even shorthaired cats need to be combed regularly, preferably daily in the summer months. If you do shampoo your cat then you need to be wary of the ingredients. Cats are extremely sensitive to chemicals, even naturally occurring ones found in essential oils, do not use products containing Eucalyptus or Tea Tree oil on cats.

Cats are usually meticulous groomers and will de-flea themselves as much as possible. The side effect of cats being excellent self-groomers is internal parasites. If you are concerned about this there is a natural homeobotanical worming product that I can supply rather than the chemical based ones.

Pre and post walking your dog

If using a natural spray product then remember to spray before you walk your dog. After a walk, especially if through long grass, comb your dog and respray. If your cat is an outdoor cat then daily combing with a flea comb is recommended.

TICKS

Yes, New Zealand does have ticks, mainly the type found on cattle and horses and thankfully do not carry diseases such as Lyme disease. Ticks are not just a countryside issue, I live on the Kapiti Coast and we have ticks here, I have seen them!

What do ticks do? Ticks latch themselves onto your pet’s skin and feed off their blood. They can dig into the skin causing infections. If your pet gets a lot of ticks it can lead to anaemia, blood disorders, immune system issues.

What do they look like? They start off very small and grow/swell as they gorge themselves on your pet's blood.

A fully engorged one looks almost like a large blood blister.

What to do if you find a tick?

A pair of tweezers is needed to remove the tick.

Grab the tick close to your pet’s skin where it has inserted

itself, not the body of the tick but the head

and pull firmly without twisting. If you do not have tweezers or are not comfortable trying this yourself then pop into your vet for them to do this. If you are concerned the tick is not a cattle tick, put it in a container and take to your vet. If it is not one your vet will need to inform MPI.

IF the head comes off and remains embedded do not leave it. After a few minutes try to remove yourself otherwise you will need to go to the vet if the head has embedded into the skin. If left it will lead to an infection causing more problems for your pet.

Apply an ice cube to help stop the inflammation and itchiness and apply an antiseptic cream if you have one (not Dettol as it is toxic to dogs and cats).

After effects to look out for Even though it is said ticks in New Zealand do not carry disease this can change at any time. If your pet shows any of these signs it may have an infection, get your pet into your vet as soon as possible.

-appears lethargic, off its food, its gums are a funny colour, breathing differently, drinking a lot more or a lot less than usual

If they are vomiting, shaking, having seizures, appear ‘out of it’ this is an emergency situation and your pet needs to get straight to a veterinary clinic.

IN SUMMARY You may need to do a combination of the options listed with the main tool in protecting your pet and yourself from fleas and ticks is to live a healthy lifestyle starting with diet.

To see more posts about natural animal health and natural treatments, follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AnimalNaturopathNZ/

It is that time of the year again, and I am not talking about Christmas. Guy Fawkes or firework season is nearly upon us. For some pet owners the few weeks that cover the firework season is one of misery as they see their fur babies scared and some absolutely terrified by fireworks.

Some pets are okay if kept inside with the curtains closed and the television or stereo full blast in the hope of drowning out the noise. For others it is much harder to make them feel safe. Signs your dog is scared are any of these: drooling excessively, panting, yawning alot, ears pined back, tail between legs, pacing, shaking, looking for somewhere to hide or even barking.

Cats tend to puff up and hide, they may even attack you if approached.

Creating a ‘safe’ space such as an area that can be closed off with a blanket covering either a crate or a box (cat’s love boxes) is always useful. There are some products on the market that can help such as the thundershirt, homeopathic and bach flower remedies.

There are some homeopathic remedies that can be given daily for the firework period that can help reduce the fearful state your pet gets into. Phosphorus is one remedy that is often talked about for fireworks however people often find it does not work and this is because what helps one animal will not necessarily help another. For some animals it is the fear of the unknown, others it is the noise, others it is something else. It is worthwhile having a consultation with an animal naturopath to find out which homeopathic remedy is right for your pet so that they do not get into a terrified state during the firework season.

A difficulty with fireworks is you cannot always predict when they will be let off near you pet. Depending where you live fireworks may be let off nightly over weeks. For others they may be let off sporadically. Sadly the letting off of fireworks is not restricted to Guy Fawkes day and some find their neighbours let them off on New Years eve or throughout the year.

A good general homeopathic remedy to have on hand is Aconite. It is especially useful for when the fireworks take you and your pet by surprise and your pet is badly affected with fear. There are different potencies (strengths) 30c, 200c, 1M. 30c is the least and 1M is the strongest. 200c is usually the one to give if they are scared however if your pet is petrified as in so scared they freeze, then the 1M potency is the one for them. The homeopathic remedy Aconite can be taken in conjunction with another homeopathic or bach flower remedy that is suitable for your particular pet.

If your pet is normally a particularly anxious pet then a herbal tonic or bach flower remedy containing calming herbs is useful over this period as well. They can be taken along with a homeopathic remedy.

With the firework season nearly here it is time to start preparing and looking into solutions for your fur baby.

The news piece on TV3’s Story last night “Why you should not give your dog bones” https://goo.gl/uuuNF4 was a little skewed .

Yes dogs do get terrible injuries, break teeth and even die from eating bones but it is because they are given the wrong type or wrong size of bone for that particular dog. Cooked bones are particularly lethal so do not give your dog the bone from your Sunday roast despite how pleadingly they look at you! I feel for the dog and the couple featured in the piece as the owners did ask if the bone was appropriate and were told that it was. I do understand their fear to give another bone and for them I would suggest natural chews so the dog still gets its teeth and gums worked on as well as the dogs natural need to chew.

Any long or thin or sharp bones are NOT appropriate for any dog (or cat). Even the large canon bones are not appropriate and are the type of bone that can crack teeth.

So what bones should our dogs (and cats) be given?

The size of the dog and their eating habits need to be considered when choosing the bone. The bones should be very meaty and raw.

If your dog is a fast eater or gulps its food then consider giving a bone after a meal so they are not hungry and the bone is more for recreation. Give these types of eaters larger bones such as the venison bones, duck necks or rabbit shoulders or give them the dried chews. Check the chews do not contain preservatives, colourings and are not made from rawhide.

If your dog is a more delicate eater pieces such as chicken thighs should be alright for them as well as the larger bones mentioned above. You might like to smash the thighs with a meat tenderiser or clean hammer but make sure not to leave any jagged bones.

Cats do well with chicken necks and wings.

Bones are excellent teeth and gum cleaners as well as providing a good balance of phosphorus and calcium. Of course if you are not comfortable feeding your pet raw bones then don’t, however do give them something to chew on such as natural chews that are available in pet food stores. Not giving your pet bones or chews at all may lead to dental problems.

Here are some other links you may like to read

http://peterdobias.com/blogs/blog/16688340-what-bones-are-good-for-dogs

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/05/19/caution-bones-can-kill-your-dog-find-out-which-ones-are-safe.aspx

There is an excellent book called “Give your dog a bone” written by Dr Ian Billinghurst http://www.barfworld.com/html/dr_billinghurst/books_videos.shtml