BENEFICIAL, PROTECTIVE SUPPLEMENTS
By Dr. Michael W. Fox
In part because of the toxic environment that we have created for ourselves and for our animal companions, it is important to consider taking various supplements that help detoxify the body, especially the anti-oxidants that neutralize free radicals that can damage the DNA in the cells. These supplements consist primarily of various herbs, many of which have been human-tested for centuries, and so called nutraceuticals. They also include the better known vitamins and minerals that many people take on a daily basis, along with a host of relatively recently identified natural and extracted and purified products that help boost the immune system and improve the functioning of other systems and organs of both body and mind. Collectively these supplements can help us and our animal companions enjoy more healthful and active lives. They are also important for older, sick, and convalescent animals, and to help compensate for nutritional deficiencies in their diets.
An excellent selection is available from www.onlynaturalpet.com or Tel: 1-800-937-6677 for their mail-order catalog---but please do not start giving any such supplements without prior consultation with a holistic veterinarian, or by visiting the excellent veterinary advice library on the above website.
Prescribed Supplements from Your Veterinarian
Your veterinarian may or may not be familiar with some of quality providers of beneficial supplements for helping treat various health problems in dogs and cats.
Platinum Performance (www.platinumperformance.com Tel: 1-800-553-2400) is highly recommended by some of my collagues, and is available on prescription only through a veterinarian. Many who are practicing holistically integrative medicine use various supplements for various conditions, as well as for the health maintenance of their clients’ animal companions.
Formulations to satisfy the health maintenance needs of cats and dogs, and to help in the treatment of a variety of health problems, are available from this company.
Genesis (www.genesisvets.com Tel: 1-877-738-7454) provides some of the best combinations of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and nutraceuticals for such conditions as urinary incontinence, cancer, bone and joint conditions, and those requiring cardiovascular, immune system, or kidney support, and for the alleviation of pain, inflammation, stress and anxiety.
Genesis is Founder member of the National Animal Supplements Council that gives a Quality Seal of approval to pet supplements following their rigorous quality control standards. There is no equivalent for human supplements, many of which are synthetic, of dubious quality, and are increasingly coming from off-shore manufacturing facilities there is virtually no effective FDA oversight.
Standard Process (www.standardprocess.com) provides clinically proven Standard Process Veterinary Formulas for dogs and cats. Veterinary Formulas, based on nearly 80 years of experience, offer the best source of nutrition: whole foods. Each supplement delivers a unique combination of whole foods, tissue concentrates (of various animal parts like liver and pancreas), and botanicals that contain essential whole vitamin complexes, phytonutrients, and minerals for optimal pet health. These are available only through your veterinarian, and can provide invaluable support for a range of health problems affecting heart and circulation, the liver, kidneys, immune system, joints and muscles, adrenals, thyroid, skin, digestive system and overall body condition.
You can purchase daily supplements without going through a veterinarian that are also of good quality like the Missing Link formulas.
Missing Link-Feline
Cats have special nutritional needs that commercial foods don't always provide. The Missing Link® Feline Formula was created specifically to target those needs with the vital nutrients cats need to stay healthy . . . like the perfect ratio of omega 3 essential fatty acids, dietary fiber, phyto (plant) nutrients, naturally-occurring antioxidants, and naturally occurring trace vitamins and minerals.
All-in-one Superfood Supplement - The Missing Link® Feline Formula targets the nutritional gap between what nature provides and what's available in commercial foods.
· No fillers
· No preservatives
· No artificial colorings or flavors
· No risk of over-supplementation
Additional formulas for cats’ special needs are supplied by this company only through your veterinarian.
Missing Link-Canine
Dogs need balanced nutrition, just like us. Adding The Missing Link® Canine Formula to their food ensures your canine companion receives vital nutrients such as omega 3, 6, and 9 essential fatty acids, dietary fiber, and phyto (plant) nutrients that promote optimal health and well-being. Dogs love the taste of The Missing Link® . . . and you can rest assured that each formula contains only the highest-quality, natural ingredients.
All-in-one Superfood Supplement - The Missing Link® targets the nutritional gap between what nature provides and what's available in commercial foods.
· No fillers
· No preservatives
· No artificial colorings or flavors
· A higher strength formula is available through your veterinarian for dogs in recovery and needing detoxification.
Animal Health Options Supplements
This company has developed several nutraceutical supplements for various pet health and behavioral problems that may prove beneficial when administered under veterinary supervision and patient evaluation.
ProNeurozoneTM provides cognitive function support and may delay the development of age-related brain damage and memory loss. Antioxidant supplementation may benefit brain health and complement the management of established cases of cognitive dysfunction. Ingredients such as acetyl-L-carnitine, lecithin, bioflavanol (grape seed extract) and bilberry extract efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier, which may increase the overall effectiveness of the formula. Research suggests that the simultaneous activities of such compounds are more beneficial than that of each on its own.
Main ingredients:
Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Bioflavanol, N-acetyl-Cysteine, Taurine (cat formula), Vitamin E, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Soy Lecithin (source of phosphatidylserine), Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Cranberry,
Bilberry, Sage, Rosemary, Spirulina, liver flavor (dog formula), chicken and garlic flavors.
ProQuiet® is meant to calm the nerves and relax the behavior rather than sedate the animal. The formula is based on the essential amino acid L-tryptophan, which is also a natural relaxant. Oral supplementation of L-tryptophan directly increases circulating levels of both vitamin B3 and the inhibitory neurotransmitter serotonin. The addition of hops and chamomile enhances the quieting effect as both are known to have calming properties. Ginger root, a recognized carminative, soothes upset stomachs making it helpful for motion sickness. It may also counteract the flight or fight influences of adrenal secretions in times of stress. Each ingredient plays a role in stabilizing the nervous system.
Veterinarians can recommend ProQuiet® for use in the following situations:
¦ Travel and motion sickness ¦ Holiday company ¦ Thunderstorms, fireworks
¦ Trips to the groomer or home grooming ¦ Territorial aggression/dominance
¦ Mild separation anxiety ¦ Behavior modification/training (for enhanced focus).
Main ingredients:
L-Tryptophan, Taurine, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Hops, Chamomile, Ginger Root, Brewer's Yeast, liver flavor
ProtectaCell™
¦Fatty acid and antioxidant formula for dogs and cats
¦“Surf & Turf” chewable tablets
Indications:
Nutritional support for the immune system in animals predisposed to, diagnosed with,
or recovering from cancer or heart disease, especially as an adjunct to conventional
therapies.
Main ingredients:
Algae Meal (source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids), L-Arginine, Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract (40% EGCG), Silybum marianum Phosphatidylcholine Complex, Grape Seed Extract, N-acetyl Cysteine, Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin E Succinate, Vegetarian Beef Flavor .
ProtectaCell have been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative damage, and are intended to preserve the genetic integrity of cells, provide nourishment, and improve the immune system’s response to conventional cancer therapy. Nutritional therapy is most effective when started early, before carbohydrate and protein stores are depleted, and may support healthy metabolism even once the animal is in remission. Research has shown that alterations in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fat do not normalize after surgical elimination of the disease.
These and other special supplements can be obtained through your veterinarian’s referral to this company.
Tel: 1-800 845-8849 or go to www.animalhealthoptions.com
There are other supplements and botanical preparations that we may wish to use ourselves as well as give to our dogs and cats.
ALOE VERA FROM WARREN LABORATORIES
George Warren, an Independent research chemist in Houston, Texas, developed the special processing method that prevents the spoilage without diminishing the essential properties of the Aloe Vera plant. This new method completely eliminates the aloins, which gives a bitter taste (and the greenish color) to Aloe Vera juices. He also successfully removed the starches and sugars from the polysaccharide molecular chain and thus, George's "Always Active®" Aloe requires no refrigeration, will not spoil in its natural state. This method adds no water, no preservatives, and no chemicals of any kind. The finished product looks and tastes like spring water. Available as an oral liquid to be taken internally, or as a gel for surface application.
The aloe vera juices have been long known for their anti-inflammatory properties, helping heal gastrointestinal/digestive problems, various skin conditions and even gingivitis, stomatitis and certain types of cancer in animal patients.
As an independent veterinarian I can cite these clinical benefits, but the Federal government (FDA) prohibits companies marketing such natural products from making any such health claims-This is how the government protects the interests of the pharmaceutical industry that sees all non-patentable, alternative health care products as a threat to their vested interests.
Green Foods Barley Dog & Barley Cat
Barley Dog and Barley cat are the only pet supplements made with organically grown Barley Grass juice. Dogs and cats instinctively eat fresh green grass which is rich in vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. The problem with eating whole grass is that each blade is covered with microscopic barbs that can cause stomach and throat irritation. And that often leads to pets vomiting all over the carpet!
Since in these two products only fresh juice is used – without the barbs – the barley grass powder is good for your pet…and your carpet. The combination of Barley Grass and other natural ingredients to enhance palatability make this a truly natural supplement for both dogs and cats for whom grass eating is part of their instinctive nutritional wisdom. Simply sprinkle over their food.
Pets given this product have fresher breath, better digestion, and renewed energy levels in senior pets .The barley grass contains active enzymes, vitamins C & E, beta-carotene, amino acids, chlorophyll, proteins and essential trace minerals. Both Barley Dog and Barley Cat are designed to complement the foods that you give to your pets. Most manufactured pet foods are heat processed leaving them devoid of necessary nutrient components that pets would get naturally if they were eating fresh food.
The barley grass is processed using low heat that keeps chlorophyll and enzymes intact. Adding our product to your pets' food helps to restore the natural balance of nutrients that your pets need for optimal health.
GRIZZLY SALMON OIL
The right Omega-3 fatty acids are from fish!
Grizzly Salmon Oil supplies a daily supplement rich in EPA and DHA - the right omega-3 fatty acids. The recommended daily dose of Grizzly Salmon Oil yields approximately 500 to 2500 milligrams of these important fatty acids, depending on your cat’s or dog's weight. Your pet’s metabolism uses these nutrients immediately without any prior conversion. Plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in flax seed, must be converted by your dog's body prior to use. Cats cannot make this conversion, so they really need a fish oil supplement. This conversion is very inefficient in dogs, and may result in as little as 5 % - 15 % of the fatty acids being actually metabolized.
Omega-6 fatty acids
When given to your pet as directed according to weight, Grizzly Salmon Oil delivers approximately 50-300 milligrams of linoleic acid, the essential omega-6 fatty acid. Other omega-6 fatty acids are present in only very small amounts. These naturally occurring acids are like a double-edged sword. On one hand, linoleic acid is essential for your pet because it cannot be produced by your pet’s own metabolism. On the other hand, large amounts of unbalanced omega-6 fatty acids have been proven to lead to a higher risk of inflammatory diseases, arthritis stiffness and a weak immune system.
How Grizzly Salmon Oil™ is produced
Grizzly Salmon Oil is gently extracted in a state-of-the-art production plant that handles nothing but high quality, salmon-based products. A totally enclosed and continuous in-line extraction process ensures the oil is kept away from air until it is pumped into your pet's food bowl!
Daily supplements of Grizzly Salmon Oil™ will support the overall health of your dog or cat. The first noticeable result being healthy skin and a shiny coat!
As dogs and cats age, they face increased risk of heart problems, stiffening joints and loss of zest and vigor. These health risks may be reduced by a diet consistently supplemented with readily accessible, long chain omega-3 fatty acids found only in cold water fish oils like e.g. Grizzly Salmon Oil. These omega-3 fatty acids are essential building blocks all dogs and cats need for maintaining a balanced metabolism. Scientific studies also show these fatty acids help maintain the immune system.
The health condition of your dog or cat's skin and coat is influenced by the contents and balance of fatty acids in the diet. The ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in the diet of your dog or cat is important in order to avoid degenerative conditions like hot spots, a dull coat and inflamed, dry and itchy skin. Scientific research supports the optimum ratio of fatty acids in the range of 1:3 to 1:6 (omega-3:omega-6). Grizzly Salmon Oil™ has a ratio of approximately 8:1 (omega-3: omega-6) and is thus ideally suited for bringing commonly seen ratios in generic and premium dog and cat foods of between 1:10 and 1:20 in line with the target ratio of around 1:5.
The omega-3 fatty acids also help counteract negative effects of allergic dermatitis by producing specific eicosanoids, which are known to reduce and control skin inflammations.
Only wild salmon oil is used since the oil from farmed salmon is of lower quality, and is contaminated with dioxins and other harmful chemicals. The great nutraceutical value of wild salmon oil to we humans and to our companion animals makes the protection and restoration of wild salmon populations enlightened self-interest.
NORDIC NATURALS Fish oil supplement
Nordic Naturals is the leader in Omega-3 fish oil supplementation.
All of their fish oil products are manufactured in Norway, where they actuallyexceed the highest manufacturing standards (Norwegian Medicinal and European Pharmacopoeia) for purity and freshness. Nordic Naturals offers a complete line of award-winning products specially formulated for canines, felines and humans, derived from an arguably more sustainable
source than wild salmon.
Nordic Naturals policy is to use non-endangered fish from waters that are abundant. They use three fish species: Arctic Cod, harvested in Arctic Norway between the Lofoten islands, outside of Bodø; anchovies and sardines from the Norwegian Sea and the South Pacific. Sardines and anchovies are ideal fish for long-term sustainability because they have short reproductive cycles.
Since it is the company's mission to operate in an environmentally responsible manner,
Nordic Naturals works only with fishermen who utilize 100% of the fish for human or animal consumption. This dedication to the environment begins in the waters of Arctic
Norway, and continues through their comprehensive recycling and green-use program. Nordic Naturals is certified by the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program for conserving natural resources and minimizing pollution.
The company is continually looking for solutions for reducing its environmental footprint while increasing productivity and efficiency. Their policy has always been to engage in sustainable and ecologically balanced practices to ensure the longevity of our planet for generations to come.
For more details about Nordic Naturals products for dogs and cats, contact
Bonnie Johnson, Manager, Veterinary/Pet Division
Phone: 1-800.662.2544, ext. 103
AROMA THERAPY
AROMA DOG & AROMA CAT Essential oil therapy, from Silk Road Oils Inc
Chill-Out
A powerful blend of chamomile, lavender and sweet marjoram act to calm and quiet pet nervousness.
This is the company’s most popular product, and it is highly effective in taking the edge off a variety of emotionally stressful situations for dogs.
The applications for this mist are helpful for: Hyperactivity, separation anxiety, sleeplessness, thunderstorms, destructive nervousness, vet visits, nighttime pacing and similar stress-induced emotional reactions.
You simply mist the air thoroughly around the dog or on the pet bedding; stand back and watch nature work! This product should never be used on cats.
Purrfect Ears
A blend of witch hazel and lavender hydrosols designed to sooth and clean waxy ears that harbor bothersome ear mites. Soak a cotton cloth and wipe ears clean. Cat safe.
Immewnity Chest---Especially for Cats
Hydrosols of Eucalyptus, Melissa and Lavender open up breathing passages and stimulate the immune system. A valuable blend for the wheezing cat, felines often being afflicted by chronic upper respiratory infections and inflammation. Cats are extremely prone to upper respiratory infections, and this inhalant preparation can both heal and give immediate relief. This product is also good for dogs, and I always use a similar mixture of essential oils rather than hydrosols---just a few drops in a bowl of hot water and with a towel over my head---, including balsam fir or sandalwood, on myself when I have a sinus or bronchial problem!
DENTAL PROBLEMS IN PETS
By Michael W. Fox, DSc, PhD, BVetMed, MRCVS
Until recently, dental problems in cats and dogs were a neglected aspect of home pet care. These problems include the build up of tartar or scale on the teeth, gum inflammation or gingivitis and stomatitis, and serious periodontal disease and tooth-root abscesses. Not only do affected pets develop nauseating halitosis and find it painful to eat, the inflammation in their mouths can result in the spread of bacteria in their blood streams to internal organs, along with inflammatory substances called cytokines. These can damage the heart, (causing heart attacks in humans with severe peridontitis), and harm the kidneys, pancreas, and other internal organs.
These inflammatory substances are also produced from body fat in overweight and obese animals, just as in humans. Obesity and dental problems are associated with highly processed manufactured pet foods**, especially those high in cereals, and can lead to heart, kidney, liver, and joint inflammation, pancreatic disease and related digestive problems, Type 11 diabetes, and other health problems, including increased susceptibility to infections and allergies because the animals’ immune systems are impaired.
A few drops of fish oil like Nordic Naturals ( 1 teaspoon daily for a cat or 30 lb dog, 1 tablespoon for larger dogs) in the pet’s food every day will help reduce any gum inflammation.
It is critically important, especially for older pets and toy breeds, to feed a wholesome diet, provide safe chew-toys, and get them used to regular tooth cleaning. Wrap a moist gauze bandage around your index finger and get your pet used to having teeth and gums rubbed. The oral gel made by PetzLife Oral Care Products (www.petzlife.com Tel; 1-763-477-0062) is one excellent product that loosens scale/tartar, and helps reduce inflammation and infection. A spray is also available.
Maintaining pets’ dental hygiene, along with good nutrition---where highly processed pet foods leave micro-particles adhering to the teeth and foster dental disease---prevents much animal suffering. Costly dental surgery under anesthesia, that can result in fatalities in animals whose health is seriously compromised by bacterial infection and related problems originating from the oral cavity can also be avoided. Good dental hygiene and good nutrition go hand in hand as the cornerstones of holistic pet health care maintenance.