DrJonesDVM PetHealthSecrets
DrJonesDVM PetHealthSecrets
SECRETS
Dr. Jones’ Guide to Better Health for your
              Dogs and Cats
By
                                             ii
© Copyright (2023) by Four Paws Ltd. - All rights reserved.
It is not legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic
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                                                                                                      iii
                                 Table of Contents
       TABLE OF CONTENTS                              IV
INTRODUCTION 1
Vaccine Regimen 9
                                                           iv
Home Diets for Cats                           30
Raw Food 33
A Balanced Diet 38
Final thoughts 39
Allergies 54
Arthritis 58
Asthma 62
Cancer 64
Cat Flu 70
Constipation 73
Coughing 75
Diabetes 77
                                                   v
Diarrhea                                            81
Epilepsy 87
Eye Disorders 90
Fleas 95
Heart Problems 99
Pancreatitis 120
Parvovirus 124
Poisoning 127
Vomiting 132
Worms 134
DISCLAIMER 141
                                                         vi
                                   Introduction
Hello and welcome!
         Thank you for downloading this free health guide on common dog and cat health problems
and my natural and effective at-home remedies.
         As a strong advocate of safe, natural home care for dogs and cats, I’ve written this book to
help empower pet owners worldwide to become more active in caring for their pets' health. This
book covers common cat and dog diseases, and how to treat them at home with readily available
alternatives. I have also included chapters in this book that may be controversial to conventional
practitioners such as issues on vaccination, pet food and more. For more information about me,
visit www.theinternetpetvet.com.
        These are just a few of the most common chronic health conditions affecting our
dogs and cats today. One big question on many pet owners’ minds is - why?
        It's no secret that we have a pretty unhealthy population of dogs and cats. Our pets
are sicker than ever before. In spite of all of our supposed medical advances, we are seeing
more serious diseases, such as cancer, kidney and liver disease in younger and younger
pets.
        What we are seeing are illnesses that revolve around a breakdown in our pets'
immune systems. In fact, I suspect that most of you reading this book have had a dog or
cat with at least one of the more common chronic health problems.
    "Over the past 40 years and 17 generations of dogs and, cats we are seeing
    tremendous increases in chronic ill health in our pets that was rare back in the
    early 1960's. Most of these illnesses revolve around breakdown in our pets'
    immune systems, and include chronic skin/ear allergies, digestive upset,
    thyroid/adrenal/pancreatic disorders, seizures, gum/ teeth problems,
    degenerative arthritis, kidney/liver failure, and cancer across all ages and
    breeds. We are also seeing a record number of behavioral and emotional
    disorders including alarming and unexplained fears/aggression; as well as
    difficulty focusing/training and paying attention. The analogy of these
    compared with escalating immune or behavioral diseases in children are quite
    disturbing. The two biggest factors in our pets' population health decline over
    these generations has been the severe overuse of multiple vaccines and nutrient
    poor and toxin filled commercial pet foods. We have also failed to address the
    underlying cause of disease by only suppressing symptoms with antibiotics,
    cortisone and related drugs, so the disease progresses and goes deeper.
    Homeopathy offers a viable alternative in truly curing pets and making their
    bodies healthier." - Michael Dym D.V.M.
                                                             A malfunctioning immune
system opens the door to several conditions such as immune mediated hemolytic anemia,
immune mediated skin disease, vaccine induced skin cancer in cats, skin allergies,
arthritis, leukemia, inflammatory bowel disease and neurological conditions - just to
name a few. It is getting more and more common to see cancer in dogs and cats under 5
years of age and autoimmune diseases are noticeably on the rise as well.
      There have been links to most of the common chronic health diseases of dogs and
cats due to over-vaccination.
Why?
      For that reason, the immune system becomes ‘over-taxed’ and responds
inappropriately, resulting in diseases such as atopy (environmental allergy), chronic
vomiting/diarrhea, arthritis, epilepsy, and now the number one cause of death in our
companion animals over the age of seven - CANCER.
       But it is never too late to prevent or reverse the damage. This book will help
empower pet owners to make better informed decisions involving their pet’s health,
including changes in their pet’s diet and lifestyles, and improve their overall health in the
long run.
       We all know the reasons why we use vaccines for our pets, at least in concept: to
protect against diseases that could seriously harm or threaten their lives. In theory, it
seems like a great idea, especially if we listen to conventional wisdom and believe that ‘the
benefits far outweigh the risks – vaccines won’t cause any harm, at worst they will do
nothing’.
       But we know now that this is not the truth. We know that vaccines can and do cause
harm to our pets.
       "Annual revaccination provides no benefit and may increase the risk for
       adverse reactions. The percentage of vaccinated animals (those vaccinated only
       as puppies) protected from clinical disease after challenge with canine
       distemper virus, canine parvovirus and canine adenovirus in the study was
       greater than 95%."
       Most veterinarians just choose to ignore the research because either they still feel
the benefits of vaccines outweigh the risk, or that they don’t want to lose the income from
giving booster shots to all those animals each year.
       These can include immune mediated hemolytic anemia, immune mediated skin
disease, vaccine induced skin cancer in cats, skin allergies, arthritis, leukemia,
inflammatory bowel disease and neurological conditions, to name a few.
       It is more and more common to see cancer in dogs and cats under 5 years of age,
and autoimmune diseases are on the rise as well. There are links to most of the common
chronic health diseases of dogs and cats due to over-vaccination.
       Vaccinate for only what is absolutely necessary for your pet. I highly
recommend a limited vaccine program – and this is especially important if your
Vaccine Regimen
       The following is the vaccine regimen that I
would advise pet owners. Here’s a simple guide on
when to begin and when to stop. This section
includes sample regimen for puppies and kittens as
well as adult pets.
       One the other hand, Feline Leukemia (KILLED) vaccine should only be given to
“high risk” cats - those in multi-cat households or outdoor cats surrounded by a large cat
population. While Rabies vaccine (KILLED) should be given at 6 months. Make sure that
vaccines are given in the subcutaneous tissue on the lateral sides of the right and left legs.
My own personal vaccine plan would be to get the puppy, and the kitten vaccines,
then give NO FURTHER vaccines.
For adult pets, I would suggest to first get a Titer Test, and if protective
antibodies, NO FURTHER vaccines are needed.
       After 4 ½ years, your dog will be well immunized against Distemper and
Parvovirus – in my opinion these vaccines are no longer necessary. However, rabies
         Here is a homeopathic remedy to give your pet following his or her vaccinations
that may help mitigate side effects. These can be given after EVERY vaccine.
         You can help your pet achieve a strong immune system in many ways. Here are a few
ideas:
            Commercial pet food does not always provide all of the nutrients that some dogs
and cats need to be healthy at different times in their lives. This food also contains things
that your pet does not need, such as chemical additives and preservatives.
            One of the single most important things you can do for your pet's health is to feed
a more natural diet. I have seen natural diets improve allergies, arthritis, diabetes, chronic
vomiting and diarrhea.
            The pet food industry is an extension of the human food and agriculture industries.
Pet food provides a market for animal fat, grains considered “unfit for human
consumption,” and similar waste products to be turned into profit. This waste includes
intestines, udders, etc., and possibly diseased and cancerous animal parts.1
1
    Fact Sheet 1994. Pet Food Institute. Washington: Pet Food Institute, 1994.
           Grains are prevalent in most commercial pet food. They are the least expensive
food ingredients, far less costly than animal protein. Grains help in binding the kibble
together; think of them as a form of glue. Glue is good if you’re trying to make something
stick together, but it’s not something I advise feeding to your pets.
           These high-carbohydrate diets negatively impact our dogs and cats. Carnivores
cannot maintain long-term production of the quantity of amylase enzyme necessary to
properly digest and utilize the carbohydrates. This contributes to some of the negative
effects.
           Dogs evolved from Canis lupis—the wolf. Wolves eat caribou or the like, but
           if they are forced, they will eat smaller game (rarely). They have been
           observed to graze on grass, eat berries, etc., but only when they need to. This
           is our lesson in canine nutrition: they are omnivores who do well with fresh
           meat, the vegetation they get in a caribou stomach, which is mostly green,
           unless the beast is eating from baited fields and a smattering of other stuff if
           they are hungry.2
           Cats lack an enzyme called salivary amylase, further evidence that they are not
designed to digest carbohydrates. They only have 5 percent of the pancreatic amylase
activity and while dogs have 10 percent of intestinal amylase.
2 Interview with Dr. Susan Wynn, DVM, retrieved Sep 3, 2011, from http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/Wynn.html.
       This has implications for the increased incidence of diabetes in cats. By flooding
your cat’s blood with glucose, that they can’t break down, we are likely overwhelming the
pancreas and ultimately seeing a decrease in insulin production, and subsequent diabetes.
       Pet food may be one of the most highly regulated food products in the US – with
the FDA as the regulating body that oversees pet food products and their ingredients as
well as the product labels meet federal and state requirements.
However, here are some shocking stats from the Clean Label Project.
More toxins and carcinogens are found in pet food than ever before. Carcinogens
include preservatives, such as BHA, BHT and Ethoxyquin. Every pet owner should be
aware of this and should instead purchase pet food with natural preservatives, such as
vitamin E.
Mercury has also been found in several ‘fish byproducts’ used in pet food. As a pet
owner, you can limit the chances of mercury poisoning by avoiding things like ‘fish
byproducts’ in the ingredients and opt for a higher quality pet food without it.
Another cause of concerns is Teflon chemicals used in pet food bags. Cats and dogs are
to be exposed through food contaminated with PFCs leaching from pet food bag coatings.
One should bear in mind to seek out pet food that does not use PFCs.
Bisphenol A or BPA is a toxin found not only in plastic, but also in tins of dog and cat food.
This is a huge source of concern because there is a direct correlation between canned food
ingestion and the incidence of hyperthyroidism in cats.3 You can avoid this from
So, knowing all of these facts, what else can you do?
          This is even more important now than ever, in light of ongoing pet food recalls
          – where thousands of dogs and cats are poisoned by contaminated pet food.
          Choose from a variety of quality pet foods, and rotate these foods every 2-3
          months. I do this with my own dog, Tula, and my cat Murray.
If you are to use a commercial food, here are some tips to check for quality:
www.thehonestkitchen.com www.veruspetfoods.com
         The best foods for your pet are those that you make at home, yourself. Why? Simply
because you know the ingredients, and you know what you are feeding is fresh.
         There is the concern of the diet not being nutritionally ‘balanced’, yet most
homemade diets are far better than most kibble from a health point of view, even if they
are not 100% balanced.
         If you vary your dog or cat’s food, feeding some commercial foods as well, then you
do not need to worry about making it 100% balanced. If you are solely feeding a
homemade diet, then it does need to be nutritionally balanced.
         A good website to give you a 100% balanced pet food diet can be found at
www.balanceIT.com
         You can pre-make large batches, freeze it, and then add vitamin/mineral
supplements when it’s time to feed. Any vitamin or mineral supplement you use should
be a good quality, human grade supplement, if you are not using one specifically designed
for pets. Some of the cheaper human supplements, particularly those with a heavy
coating, are not well digested by people and will not be by animals.
         If you are using human supplements, keep in mind that the average human
supplement is designed for a 150-pound adult. A cat should get about 1/6 to 1/10 of a
human supplement. A dog dosage can be calculated from the weight of the dog compared
to 150 pounds. Do not overdose! Some vitamins and many minerals are toxic at high
doses.
1. Focus on protein with balanced amino acid profiles (lean beef, chicken, turkey and egg)
2. Carbohydrates are not necessary, but non-grain carbs provide additional nutrients: brown
   rice (fiber, protein, calcium, iron, selenium and B vitamins), sweet potato (fiber, protein,
   vitamin A, C, E, potassium and B vitamins), potato (potassium, vitamin C, B vitamins)
3. Additional ‘balanced’ fat is necessary, a good Omega 6:3 balanced, nutritious fat I prefer
   is sunflower oil, but you can also use coconut oil.
4. Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplement should be added in the form of krill, fish or flax oil. Krill
   is the most nutrient dense and beneficial of all the products, with a great EPA/DHA fatty
   acid profile, and it contains the antioxidant Astaxanthin, and is high in vitamin D.
5. Calcium is required as bones are not being consumed. I prefer egg shells dried, roasted in
   the oven for 10 minutes then ground with a coffee grinder. You can also use OTC calcium
   carbonate.
6. Vitamins: vitamin D is needed, but is found in egg yolks and red meat as well as being in
   high levels in the krill or fish oil. Vitamin E is found in sunflower oil and coconut oil.
7. Minerals: iron is found in the animal protein and spinach/kale, zinc in red meat and flax
   seeds, copper in spinach, iodine in egg yolks, potassium in sweet potato and regular potato
8. Fiber: the veggies, the brown rice and the best source in my opinion (also the healthiest)
   is the ground flax.
*This beef stew recipe will produce a meal that's very similar to canned options you can get at the
market. However, you'll have complete control of the ingredients. The recipe makes 2 meals for a
50-pound dog, but you can adjust accordingly.
Cats have a much better chance at optimal health if they are fed a canned food diet instead
of dry kibble.
Putting a little thought into what you feed your cat(s) can pay big dividends over their
lifetime and very possibly help them avoid serious, painful, life-threatening, and costly
illnesses.
Like medical doctors for humans, veterinarians receive very little training in school
regarding nutrition. And what is discussed is often taught by representatives of large pet
food companies, or the curriculum is sponsored - and heavily influenced - by members of
the commercial pet food industry.
This represents a significant conflict of interest. After we leave veterinary school, the most
commonly available source for our nutrition ‘education’ continues to be the large pet food
companies that manufacture so-called ‘therapeutic /prescription’ diets.
Unfortunately, the result is that veterinarians are not always the best source
of nutrition advice.
All cats can be switched to a water-rich, low-carb diet if their caregivers are very patient
and try enough tricks.
Carbohydrate load is too high. A high carbohydrate diet could possibly predispose
your cat to several serious conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and intestinal diseases.
Don’t be fooled by “low carb” dry foods as they are NOT healthy diets since these low carb
kibbles are still water-depleted and are harshly cooked resulting in nutrient
loss/alteration.
Type of protein in kibbles. Cats are obligate carnivores and are designed to get their
protein from meat – not from the high level of grains/peas/potatoes found in kibble. Dry
foods contain very high plant-based proteins derived from grains and soy versus animal-
based proteins. Grains only serve to enhance the profit margin of the pet food company
and do not promote the health of your cat.
    Contrary to a popular myth, dry food offers no beneficial effect on dental health and has no
    scientific support for its use in preventing dental disease. It is often swallowed whole but even
    if it is chewed, it is brittle and simply shatters – providing no abrasive force against the teeth.
      Our main goal is to feed a diet that nature intended for our carnivore pets – staying
as close as possible to the form and nutritional composition that our cats would eat in a
natural setting – while implementing safety strategies as discussed below.
*The average cat will eat approx. 1/3 of a cup (well packed) twice daily, but may eat this entire amount of the
recipe for a day - the recipe makes about 1 cup.
         Prior to the early 1900s, our dogs were fed butcher’s scraps, leftovers, and if that
wasn’t available, they hunted and scavenged for themselves. Cats were primarily kept for
pest control, and survived on the mice they caught along with the occasional bowl of milk
or meat handout from their owners. In the early part of the century, commercially
prepared foods—biscuits, canned food and finally kibble—replaced our pets more natural
diets.
Recent years, however, have seen a rise in the popularity of raw food diets.
         Supplying your dog or cat with raw foods is a safe and healthy alternative to
commercially produced foods. There are numerous raw food diets out there for pet
owners to try.
         There are many benefits that have been reported by pet owners after they have
switched their pets to a raw food diet, and I have seen this in my practice. Not all pets will
experience all of the health benefits listed below, but most pet owners report that their
4Angelo, Giana; Pilkington, Suzanne (2012). "Essential Fatty Acids and Skin Health". Oregon State
University. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
5Puotinen, CJ. "Natural Diets and Remedies for Pet Odor and Smells". Retrieved May 2, 2021 from
https://tasteforlife.com/living/pets/natural-diets-and-remedies-for-pet-odor-and-smells#contributor
6 Higdon, Jane (2001). "Calcium". Oregon State University. Retrieved November 29,2017
7University of Helsinki. (2020, November 13). Dry food or raw? Diet affects skin gene expression in both
healthy and atopic dogs. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 2, 2021 from
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201113103723.htm
       Salmonella and E. coli are not well-documented concerns for pets, and are rarely
seen by pet owners who currently feed raw diets. The intestinal tracts of dogs and cats are
designed     for    handling
and digesting raw meats.
When        raw     meat    is
ingested, the stomach pH
goes to a highly acidic pH
of 1, making it very
difficult     for       these
organisms to survive. The
short digestive tract of a
carnivore     enables      the
food to be digested and
ready to go (as feces) within six hours, before the bacteria can become a problem.
       To prevent the spreading of any potentially harmful bacteria, take a few extra
precautions. Bacteria are normally transmitted through what is known as fecal-oral
contact—handling waste and then inadvertently touching the mouth. The best way to
protect yourself is simple: use common sense and practice good hygiene. If you are ill, do
not feed raw food to your pet (have someone else do it), and do not handle any waste.
Anyone who is sick or has a poor immune system has a higher chance of passing
something on to their pet or being susceptible to disease themselves.
        A home raw diet is, and should be, simple. When preparing a raw diet, keep some
basic food “groups” in mind. Meat, chopped bones, and vegetables should be a large part
of what you feed your pet, along with organ meats, once a week. If you keep these basic
principles in mind, you should have no problem providing your pet with a much healthier
lifestyle.
                                                         •     Meat
                                                         •     Bones
                                                         •     Organ meats
                                                         •     Fruits and vegetables
                                                                 It   is    easiest   to   feed
chicken as the meat and bone source if you are preparing the meat fresh. Chicken backs
and thighs are inexpensive, and a great way to start. After purchasing the chicken, wrap
each piece individually and freeze it. Defrost it overnight, and then chop it up in the
morning. Defrosting the chicken for approximately nine hours allows it to become slightly
soft, but not rubbery, and therefore easiest to chop.
       When preparing a raw diet for your cat at home, as with dogs, be sure you feed
from the principal raw food ‘groups.’ For cats, vegetables and fruit are optional:
•      Meat
•      Bones (chopped up very small to avoid choking)
•      Organ meats (given once a week)
       To start, use chicken backs and thighs, same as with dogs. After purchasing the
chicken, wrap each piece individually and freeze it. Defrost it overnight, and chop it up in
the morning. Defrosting the chicken for approximately nine hours allows it to become
slightly soft, but not rubbery, and therefore easiest to chop.
       Bones (bone meal or an alternate supplement) are a must with a raw diet. Many
people starting out may avoid adding bones, feeling that meat is the most important part
of the diet. This is not true as calcium is essential for health.
       Be sure to balance the amount of meat fed with bones or bone meal, as meat is very
                                                                    high in phosphorus and
                                                                    contains little to no calcium.
                                                                    The   correct    balance     of
                                                                    phosphorus to calcium is
                                                                    approximately     1.3   parts
                                                                    calcium     to   one       part
                                                                    phosphorus.       A     good
                                                                    example of a correct meat-
                                                                    to-bone ratio is with chicken
necks, backs, or wings: if you base your proportion on these samples, you’ll have a good
balance. Always keep in mind how your pet would eat in the wild—not just meat but also
a large portion of bones.
       Vary the meat sources from time to time to provide a variety of nutrients to your
dog or cat. An easy way to do this is to purchase commercial raw diets and feed these from
time to time. These generally cost about two to three times as much as your home-
prepared chicken, but they contain chopped-up meats, bones, organs, vegetables, and
other ingredients.
       Feeding raw isn’t an exact science. Rest assured that over time, by varying the
protein sources and amounts of bones and other ingredients you feed, your pet will receive
a balanced diet.
      This will also vary with your dog or cat. A dog that is more active and has a higher
metabolism will eat more, while a less active dog or one with a slower metabolism will eat
less. Puppies will typically eat more than adults, since they need to fuel their rapidly
growing body.
      As a general guideline, you can feed one pound of food per fifty pounds of dog.
Rapidly growing dogs and active dogs tend to need more; older dogs and inactive dogs
tend to need less. If your dog gains weight on this amount, then decrease it; if your dog
loses weight on this amount, increase it.
      Meats that are lower in fat include turkey, buffalo, ostrich, venison, and rabbit.
Meats that are higher in fat and help put weight on include beef, lamb, duck, and pork.
Final thoughts
      Cooking does destroy vital nutrients in food, including vitamins, minerals, and
enzymes. In commercial foods, these have to be added back after processing. But are the
added nutrients as good as what are found in raw food?
      Pets seem to do very well on this diet, so we’ll let the results speak for themselves.
I have seen many healthy coats and shiny white teeth. If you take care to use only fresh
meat, keep it refrigerated, and follow correct sanitation practices when handling it, you
will have few problems and a happy dog or cat.
       Nutraceuticals are purified or concentrated extracts from certain foods that have
been demonstrated to improve health through physiological benefits or to protect against
chronic disease.
       There are a range of different companies and options, from supplements designed
to address specific health issues to supplements meant for general health and wellness.
1. Omega-3 fatty acids. In my studies and experience, these help more diseases than
   any other supplement. These are beneficial to the immune system, the nervous system,
   and the heart, and help stop inflammation, such as
   in arthritis and allergies. They are critically
   important in cancer. This is probably the most
   important supplement to give, no matter what you
   feed your pet. Sources are found in krill and fish oil,
   but not in any other animal oil. They are also found
   in flax seed and flax oil. Recommended amount is
   500mg of Krill oil, or 1,000 mg of fish oil (containing
   300 mg combined DHA/EPA) per thirty pounds
   (fourteen kilograms) of body weight. Higher dosage
   for pets with health problems would be 1,000      Dr. Jones Ultimate Omega 3 Formula Krill
                                                       Oil www.theomega3supplement.com
   mg per ten pounds (4.5 kilograms) of body
   weight. The flax seed dose is one teaspoon of ground flax seed per cup of dog food
   daily. Cats best utilize the EFAs from fish/krill oil - fish oil dose ranging from 250mg-
   1000mg per 10lbs daily.
10Bruyere, O., and J. Y. Register, “Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate as therapeutic agents for knee and
hip osteoarthritis.” Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association. Feb 15, 2007; 230(4):514-21.
8. Natural Anti-inflammatory: 95% Curcumin. This is                     Dr. Jones' Ultimate CBD Oil
                                                                       www.thecbdsupplement.com
   one of the most studied, and documented herbal anti-
   inflammatories for animals (and people). It has been shown to be beneficial for
   arthritis, joint pain, allergies along with having cancer preventive properties. Standard
   animal doses of 100mg/10lbs of body weight daily, given with fat. It is now in my new
   dog supplements, Dr Jones’ Ultimate Canine Advanced and Advanced Plus Health
   Formulas.
       In fact, Veterinary Medicine has changed dramatically in the last 30 years… gone
are the days of James Herriot when Veterinarians treated every type of animal, and
regularly made house calls.
       This is the 21st Century, where a dog may be man's best friend, but that pet has a
price tag. Vet visits and surgery cost dog owners almost $800 and cat owners $500 last
year, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.
       If your pet becomes seriously ill, you can easily spend thousands. For example,
each year about 400 pets, mostly dogs, undergo pacemaker surgery costing $3,000. Cats
with renal failure, a common ailment, can now get an $8,000 to $10,000 kidney
transplant, followed by $600-a-year regimens of immunosuppressive drugs. We can do
wonderful advanced lifesaving procedures, but it can be expensive.
1. Price Shop
       Prices      at     animal
hospitals can vary widely. In my
small town of Nelson, I used to
charge the least of all the
practices, but many clients do
not know that. Make sure you
get recommendations from other pet owners first.
       There is a misconception that the higher priced practices give a better quality of
care - but this is not always true.
   This will give you an idea about staff level - you need adequate staff to give the quality
patient care that your pet deserves.
   However, having up to date equipment and well-trained staff still does not mean that
you have to pay through the roof.
Ask about the common procedures, like vaccines, checkups, neutering and spaying.
   Plan on going to at least three vets before you decide on one. Make a mental note of
just how clean the environment is when you look around. In addition, do not forget to ask
for discounts from your vet. If clients ASK, they will often get a discount. Some vets offer
multiple pet discounts as well as discounts for seniors.
       Now that you have some background such as escalating veterinary costs and no
new pets, and that the only way to increase profits is by doing more with the existing
clients. When your pet is being examined by your vet and they advise you to have a dental
cleaning - ASK and QUESTION WHY!
       It has risks. Your pet would need to be under general anesthetic and that’s one risk
you need to weigh in.
       It has high profit margins. It’s the animal health technician or assistant that usually
does all the work however, you’re paying for the veterinarian’s rates.
       A pet owner should be aware that a pet with mild gum disease does not need this
done. You can begin preventive care at home. You could start with brushing your pet's
teeth. You could feed a diet designed to break off some of the plaque and tartar.
This is only one example - although it is the biggest ‘up-sell’ in Veterinary Medicine today.
As a pet owner you have every right to question any recommendation! Ask if it is
absolutely necessary or if there are alternate options that are less costly and safer.
3. Hospitalization Fees
       Your vet will make a lot more money if he (or she) can keep your pet in the
veterinary hospital. They can charge a fee for the day of hospitalization, plus a fee for re-
examining your pet in the morning.
       Ask to have the procedure performed while you are there. Let's use X-Rays as an
example.
       You and your vet suspect an arthritic knee, but you want to confirm with X-Rays.
Get the practice to schedule this while you are there and waiting - it doesn't take long to
perform X-Rays. They will likely comply if you only ask.
This tip alone will save you money, and help your pet live longer:
      The biggest key to avoid getting taken advantage of by any Veterinarian is by being
an involved and empowered pet owner.
      You know your pet better that anyone else. How well do you think a veterinarian
can get to know your pet with a 15-minute visit once a year?
      In my newsletter, Veterinary Secrets, the one big thing that I talk about over and
over again is how you as a concerned pet owner can begin caring for your pet at home
today. You can learn more on how to heal your pets at home and get updated with the
latest veterinary news and food recalls in my newsletters. If you haven’t already, you can
sign up here: www.veterinarysecrets.com.
       As an empowered pet owner, you can begin to practice preventive health care with
your pet.
       Your vet has likely prescribed a steroid. They work and stop the itching fast, but
they can have serious side effects and the itching usually comes back.
       After utilizing my newsletter course, you will know the specifics of first eliminating
external parasites as a cause. You will then be able to perform a proper food elimination
trial. You will begin to add in natural supplements to decrease the intensity of the itch.
You may also try a Chinese herbal combination that can eliminate the itch without
steroids.
       This is only one small example - but do you see how you can take charge of your
pet’s health care and have a happier healthier pet?
       Here is a basic guideline, along with some encouragement, to help you begin to
use a few of the natural remedies that I advise.
       I first must emphasize that you are not leaving your veterinarian, but working
with your vet to provide a range of options for your pet’s health care. For example, if
your dog or cat is ill, I still encourage most pet owners to see their veterinarian, obtain a
diagnosis, and then work with their veterinarian on treatments.
       As you become more confident, you may consider diagnosing your pet’s health
problem at home, as is your right.
       But here is a guideline I want you to start with (Again, if your pet is seriously ill,
go to your veterinarian)
   The difference here is I am expecting you to be advocating for your pet, and not just a
passive client, accepting whatever your vet may advise.
       In summary, I want you to be the client who veterinarians have to answer to. In my
practice, I had the occasional client who would ask many a question and then go on to
question what I was planning to do to his or her pet.
       These clients often had better service, and their dogs or cats would get more
attention and became a priority.
       If your pet becomes ill or injured, make your dog or cat a priority for your
veterinarian by just asking and advocating.
SIGNS
CAUSES
Three main possibilities: external parasites, such as fleas; food, for dogs, beef protein is
the most common, for cats, fish or milk are the most common food allergens;
environmental, from pollens to house dust mites. The immune system overreacts and
causes severe itchiness.
SOLUTIONS
TO THE BATH. An oatmeal shampoo with cool water will ease the itchiest skin. Leave the
shampoo on for 10 minutes then rinse well. With the most severe allergies, bathe your pet
twice weekly.
FEET WASHING. Regularly washing of your dog’s paws after they come in from being
outside is one of the best ways to decrease the itching; this washes off the outdoor
allergens. You can use a damp cloth or put your pup in the bath. This routine will also
help if food is the culprit and your pet is chewing his paws.
   ➢ Quercetin has been widely studied, and been shown to be effective in reducing
      itchiness in people: the dog and cat dose for allergies is 25 mg per ten pounds of
      body weight twice daily.
   ➢ Nettle leaf has a long history in holistic medicine for its benefit for allergy, so
      dietary supplementation with dried nettle leaf/ or giving the tea may help. Nettle
      Tea- 1 cup/50lbs twice daily. Freeze dried nettle leaf in capsules 2 mg/lb twice
      daily. This remedy must be given for 30 days to assess the effectiveness.
    • 2 parts Burdock root, 1 part Dandelion, 1-part Red Clover, 1 part garlic powder
    • Use the tincture (buy individual tinctures, mix together) or tea (blend herbs in
    a tea)
    • Provide additional flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, borage seed oil, or fish oil
    Dose: 1 tablespoon per forty pounds of your pet’s body weight daily. This assists
    organ functions and helps nutrient absorption. It's also important to keep in
    mind that tonic herbs work slowly, and it may take several days or even weeks to
    see results.
     With mainly itchy skin: Oatmeal based shampoos or a Peppermint skin rinse.
     A daily skin rinse of cooled Chamomile or Calendula tea may bring relief.
     Completely soak the animal with the tea, and allow it to drip dry.
     Open Sores: Sage, Comfrey and Calendula tea in equal proportions. Cool and use
     as a rinse.
     For cases of bacterial skin infections, pyoderma (bacterial infection): use an
     internal Echinacea tincture plus Echinacea and Oregon Grape salve.
Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Canine Health Formula contains high levels of EFAs in Flax oil. You
can check it out here: www.thedogsupplement.com
Dr. Jones’ Omega3 Supplement from high quality Antarctic Krill is great source of
essential fatty acid: www.theomega3supplement.com
ANTIOXIDANTS. vitamin E and vitamin C may help ease the itching, keep the skin moisturized
and provide temporary relief: vitamin E dose is 100 IU per 10 lbs. of body weight once daily; the
vitamin C dose is 100 mg per 10 lbs. of body weight once daily
SIGNS
CAUSES
SOLUTIONS
Dr Jones’ Ultimate Canine and Ultimate Feline Health Formulas contain effective amounts of
these 3 ingredients in combination.
   ➢ EAR. The ear is a microcosm of the energy pathways in your pet. Perform gentle
       circling motions on the top inside of the ear – this stimulates the back legs.
   ➢ BL60 and KI3. The outside (BL60) and the inside (KI3) of the webbing of the hock
       joint. KI3 is also good for tonifying the kidney and strengthening the vital life force,
       the Chi.
   ➢ GB29 and GB30. The most important points for Hip Dysplasia and Hip Arthritis.
       In the depressions in front and behind the point of the hip. GB29 is in front of the
       bone, GB30 is behind the bony point.
THE MEDICINE CABINET. Aspirin is safe to use with dogs, but never with cats. The
ASA dose is 325 mg (one regular tablet) per forty pounds of body weight given twice daily.
Give one-fourth tab to a ten-pound dog. If side effects are seen, such as diarrhea or
vomiting, then stop. I recommend uncoated regular aspirin, as the coated aspirin may
pass right through your pet.
KEEP MOVING. Moving the joints produces joint fluid and lubricating them lead to less
joint pain. If your pet is at first reluctant to move, manually flex the sore joint for five
minutes. Gradually increase daily exercise.
Cats are unable to metabolize flax, so I only recommend krill/ fish oil supplement for
them. Other sources include primrose oil and specific veterinary supplements.
A great source for your dog is flax oil at one tablespoon per fifty pounds of body weight
daily. A source for your cat is found in fish oil supplements; a standard dose is one
teaspoon of fish oil per ten pounds daily.
Cannabidiol (CBD). This is the non -psychoactive portion of the cannabis plant. CBD has
been shown to have potent anti-arthritic therapeutic action, resulting in both joint
protection and clinical sign improvement. A study from the European Journal of Pain
showed, using an animal model, CBD applied on the skin could help lower pain and
inflammation due to arthritis. Another study demonstrated the mechanism by which CBD
inhibits inflammatory and neuropathic pain, two of the most difficult types of chronic
pain to treat.
The Hadassah Medical School at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem sought to compare
the effectiveness of a completely purified CBD extract versus a full-spectrum extract of
cannabis flowers containing large quantities of CBD.11
 Gallily R, Yekhtin Z, Hanuš LO (2018) The anti-inflammatory properties of terpenoids from Cannabis,
11
95% CURCUMIN. The active compound found in the spice turmeric, research that it can
potentially alleviate arthritis inflammation and pain. The spice turmeric (Curcuma longa)
contains a natural chemical compound called curcumin. Scientists have found curcumin
has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.12 The 95% curcumin has the chemical
properties of a COX inhibitor (as do the traditional NSAIDS), thus providing pain relief,
but without the negative side effects. A standard curcumin dose is 100mg/10lbs daily, but
it needs to be given with fat to be absorbed (i.e., give with food).
HOMEOPATHIC OPTION
     ➢ RHUS TOX. Also known as poison ivy, rhus tox, is a homeopathic remedy that
        alleviates pain or stiffness when getting up, and most muscle pains/disorders. 13
        Dose 6C twice daily.
12Daily JW, Yang M, Park S. Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of
Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. J Med Food. 2016
Aug;19(8):717-29. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2016.3705. PMID: 27533649; PMCID: PMC5003001.
SIGNS
Asthma only occurs in cats, not in dogs. The most common sign is that your cat is
coughing and not producing hairballs. Often this is accompanied by difficult breathing.
Occasionally you can hear a whistling sound when they breathe.
CAUSES
The airways in the lungs narrow in response to a variety of things making it difficult to
breathe. It may be brought on by smoke, pollen, a new food or even stress.
SOLUTIONS
IT’S IN THE AIR. Avoid chemical irritants that could trigger an attack. Smoke outside if
you must. Avoid perfumes, deodorizers, and strong chemical cleaners. Purchase an indoor
air-filter to eliminate some of the small particles that can irritate the lungs.
ELIMINATION DIET. Food allergens have been found as the causative agent for some
cats. Try a veterinary allergy diet, such as Duck and potato, or make your own. Whatever
food you choose, it must be fed for 12 weeks.
HOMEOPATHIC OPTION
       The    definition    of
cancer is abnormal cells that
divide without control and
are able to invade other
tissues. Cancer cells can
spread to other parts of the
body through the blood and
lymphatic systems.
       However, sometimes this process goes wrong; there are mutations in which cells
do not die when they should and new cells form when the body does not need them.
These extra cells may form a mass of tissue called cancer or a tumor.
       There are more than one hundred types of cancer, and the cancers are named for
either the organ they affect or the type of cell that they start in.
       Many types of cancer can occur in pets; these include (but are not limited to)
lymphosarcoma, osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, mammary cancer, soft tissue
sarcoma, mast cell tumors, and mouth cancer.
        Most cases of cancer are first diagnosed by your veterinarian. Signs for you to
watch for include a firm lump that grows and won’t go away. Some pets have an increased
appetite but continue to lose weight. Others have problems breathing and may show
overall weakness if they are becoming anemic.
CAUSES
        Pets get the same types of cancer that people do. It is usually a disease of older dogs
and cats. It causes half the deaths of pets ten years and older.14
        The exact causes of cancer are unclear. Certainly, there is a genetic correlation as
we are seeing an increased incidence in certain breeds. Labrador Retrievers are now the
number one breed to be diagnosed with cancer. Golden Retrievers are second on the list. 15
Environment also plays a big role with exposure to smog, herbicides, and insecticides
being contributing factors. Vaccines have also been implicated. (See Evaluating Risks and
Benefits of Vaccines) Food is of utmost importance—preservatives and other chemical
additives may also cause cancer. (See earlier chapter on Pet Food)
SOLUTIONS
 American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF). "Cancer in Pets". Retrieved May 2, 2021 from
14
www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/cancer-pets
 Steinberg, H.S. "Using a Practical Veterinary Cancer Registry". Retrieved May 2, 2021 from
15
www.vin.com/doc/?id=3848682.
       Surgery is ideal if the entire mass can be removed, and there is no evidence of the
cancer having spread.
       Radiation therapy is now available at many referral veterinary practices, and for
some cancer types, such as osteosarcoma, it can provide some much-needed pain control.
       Chemotherapy has been the mainstay of conventional veterinary medical care, but
in most cases, it doesn’t offer a cure, only a remission (such as in lymphoma). That being
said, many animals don’t have the serious side effects that people do, and chemotherapy
can give you quality time to be with your pet by putting the cancer into a remission. Once
again clearly communicate your expectations, and ask many a question of your
veterinarian or referral practice.
16Giordano, A., & Tommonaro, G. (2019). Curcumin and Cancer. Nutrients, 11(10), 2376.
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11102376
17Lai, H., Sasaki, T., & Singh, N. P. (2005). Targeted treatment of cancer with artemisinin and
artemisinin-tagged iron-carrying compounds. Expert opinion on therapeutic targets, 9(5), 995–1007.
https://doi.org/10.1517/14728222.9.5.995
        PANACUR for Cancer. This is an older dog/horse dewormer that has been shown
to be beneficial against some types of cancer. A study found out that the group
supplemented with both vitamins and Fenbendazole exhibited significant inhibition of
tumor growth.19 It is generally safe to give, and will do no harm. The dog and cat regimen
is 50mg/kg given once daily for 4 days, then 3 days off. Continue this regimen for 30 days
to see if it is helping.
18Ohgami, Y., Elstad, C. A., Chung, E., Shirachi, D. Y., Quock, R. M., & Lai, H. C. (2010). Effect of
hyperbaric oxygen on the anticancer effect of artemisinin on molt-4 human leukemia cells. Anticancer
research, 30(11), 4467–4470.
19Gao, P., Dang, C. V., & Watson, J. (2008). Unexpected antitumorigenic effect of fenbendazole when combined
with supplementary vitamins. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS, 47(6),
37–40.
SIGNS
       The most obvious sign is a cat with a runny nose, often accompanied by swollen
and runny eyes. Most cats will also be sneezing.
CAUSES
       Two feline viruses are responsible for most cases of cat flu. Some cats can be
infected as kittens and constantly harbor the virus, making them prone to repeated
infections. In most cases, the virus will run its course in seven to ten days, so supportive
care is needed.
SOLUTIONS
       KEEP YOUR PET EATING. One of the best ways to help your cat’s immune system
is by ensuring adequate food intake. Warm up a favorite canned food, or add a small
amount (one-eighth teaspoon) of garlic. If your pet’s regular food is not appetizing, switch
to canned tuna.
        WIPE AWAY. Use a damp cloth to wipe crusted discharge around the nose and
eyes.
        OPEN THE AIRWAYS. For some cats with severe nasal congestion, I have used
Pediatric Otrivin. Use one drop in each nostril three times daily for three to five days.
        AMINO ACID LYSINE. L-lysine has proven antiviral activity and is a mainstay in
treating and curing cats with recurrent Herpesvirus Respiratory Infections. It comes as a
veterinary paste (Enisyl). The dose is 1 ml (250 mg) twice daily for at least twelve weeks.
        SUPPLEMENTS. vitamin C has antiviral activity. The feline dose is 250 mg daily.
If this causes diarrhea, lower the dose.
        SOMETHING                 SWEET.
Honey is especially effective for
coughing,       along      with    having
antibacterial       and           antiviral
properties. Dark, Organic honey is
best, being given at the dose of ½
teaspoon/10lbs twice daily.
           ➢ ALLIUM CEPA. Useful for watery nasal discharge causing sneezing; give
              one 30C twice daily for five to seven days.
           ➢ EUPHRASIA OFFICINALIS. Also effective for symptom relief; give one 30C
              twice daily for five to seven days.
SIGNS
CAUSES
SOLUTIONS
       BULK UP. Additional dietary fiber is key to having normal stools. For dogs, ground
flax seed is a great source. I give 1 tsp per cup of dog food. Metamucil is another effective
source. Give 1/2 tsp per 10 lbs. of body weight daily. It can be made tastier by adding it to
canned food. For cats, the most successful remedy I have used is canned pumpkin. I give
1 tbsp twice daily and find that several cats eat it willingly.
       HYDRATE. Ensure that there is more than adequate fluid intake. You may have to
add water to your dog’s dry food. If your cat is reluctant to drink water, then try some milk
or tuna juice. Regularly provide fresh clean water. For cats prone to constipation it is wise
          EXERCISE. Regular exercise gets the bowels moving. If you are off-schedule and
not giving your dog his morning walk, then get back on schedule. If your cat is not an
outdoor cat, then get her some toys to play with and have her run after the catnip mouse
2-3 times daily.
          LOOSEN UP. Vaseline is a very safe laxative and is used in the compounds to
prevent hairballs in cats. I give 1 tsp twice daily per 10 lbs for 3-5 days. vitamin C is another
laxative when given at a higher dose. Start with 500 mg twice daily.
          VISIT THE VET. First, it is important to ensure that your pet is really constipated.
Dogs will strain with diarrhea and this is often confused with constipation. Cats will strain
with urinary tract infections or obstructions. Check your cat’s litter box to ensure that he
is urinating. If in doubt, call your veterinarian.
                                            SIGNS
                                                 You can hear loud, forceful irritating
                                            hack from your pet that would sometimes
                                            keep you awake at night.
                                            CAUSES
                                                 Coughing in dogs and cats is unusual. It
                                            is a sign of something irritating the airway. It
                                            can be caused by infections (kennel cough),
                                            heart disease, lung disease, or collapsing
                                            airways (tracheal collapse). In cats, the
                                            occasional cough is likely a hairball, although
                                            frequent coughing indicates a disease, such as
                                            feline asthma.
SOLUTIONS
       STEAM UP. Adding humidity to the air will calm an irritated airway. Put on a
humidifier or put your pet in the bathroom and turn on the shower.
       CLEANER AIR. Limit airborne irritants. Don’t smoke in your house. Keep your
house as dust free as possible. Don’t use any toxic cleaners. Ensure that your furnace is
cleaned regularly and given a clean filter. Consider purchasing an air purifier.
       NATURAL COUGH SYRUP. Lemon and honey can soothe any sore throat. New
research points toward natural dark honey being more effective than any over-the-
counter cough suppressant.
       Researchers from the Penn State College of Medicine asked parents to give honey,
honey-flavored dextromethorphan (DM), or no treatment to their children. The first
         HARNESS UP. Any irritated airway will benefit from having less pressure put on
it. Remove the collar and use a harness for restraint. Avoid putting any pressure on your
dog’s throat, especially in chronic coughing such as tracheal collapse. Many dogs respond
better to completely removing the collar, and just using a dog harness.
HERBAL OPTIONS
         ➢     LICORICE ROOT. An effective cough suppressant, but must not be used for
more than 14 consecutive days. The tincture dose is 1/2ml per 10lbs twice daily, and is a
good option to mix in with the honey.
         ➢     DANDELION. Dandelion is a wonderful overlooked herb that can be very
beneficial for fluid and coughing. The leaves act as a diuretic, helping to remove the excess
fluid; dandelion is a very safe diuretic herb. Give 2 drops per lb of body weight twice
daily.
SIGNS
       Your pet is drinking and
urinating    much    more     than
normal is one of the most
common symptoms of diabetes.
This may be accompanied by
increased    appetite   but   also
weight loss. Occasionally, there
is noticeable leg weakness or
dropping down on the rear legs.
Some people notice a sweet smell to the breath. If not noticed early, your pet may become
very ill with a condition called Ketoacidosis. This requires immediate veterinary
treatment.
CAUSES
       Diabetes is a result of the pancreas not producing enough insulin to allow the body
to utilize blood glucose (sugar). This results in high blood sugar levels, causing increased
drinking and urination. Some dogs and cats are genetically at risk of developing diabetes.
Diet also plays a huge role in developing diabetes. Pets that are obese, often on dry high-
carbohydrate diet - especially cats, are at higher risk.
SOLUTIONS
       VISIT THE VET. If you suspect your pet is diabetic, have this confirmed by your
veterinarian. Most dogs have to be regulated with twice-daily insulin therapy. Most cats
begin with insulin, but with some diet alterations, your pet may eventually come off
insulin therapy. Ask your veterinarian about Glargine (brand name Lantus) insulin. It is
longer acting and better at regulating difficult diabetic cats.
        CANNED FOOD. I can’t emphasize this point enough for all cat owners with a
diabetic cat. Changing to a less than 5 percent carbohydrate, high-protein
canned food is the single most important change to make. Eliminate the dry
kibble and only feed canned. Some commercial diets in this category include Wellness
Chicken or Turkey; Fancy Feast Chunky Chicken or Chunky Turkey; Nature’s Variety
Organic, and raw, frozen diets. This gives your cat the greatest chance to come off of
insulin therapy. I am finding that we can control diabetes in about 50 percent of diabetic
cats by only feeding a higher protein canned food.
       TREADMILL. Regular exercise will decrease the amount of insulin needed. It will
also keep your pet trim. Remember, obese cats are much more likely to develop diabetes.
Several principal double-blind studies have shown that supplemental chromium may
raise glucose tolerance in patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
       KRILL OIL/FISH OIL. As a source of omega-3 fatty acids, krill and fish oil may
increase insulin sensitivity. They have been extensively studied for people, so can help our
dogs and cats with diabetes. (Dose of 500mg of Krill/Fish oil per 20lbs of body weight
daily) If you’re looking for high quality Krill oil visit https://theomega3supplement.com/
       CINNAMON. Yes, this tasty spice has been shown to help regulate blood sugar; it
is also a potent antioxidant. The active ingredient is called MHCP, which mimics insulin
to improve blood sugar regulation. The dose is one-fourth teaspoon per ten pounds daily.
SIGNS
       We have all seen it—soft liquid poop
found in a pile on the rug under the kitchen
table. In some cases of diarrhea, there may
be only small amounts of mucous but
frequent straining. Diarrhea can also be an
ongoing problem.
CAUSES
       Anything that upsets the digestive
tract and results in water not being
absorbed     produces    diarrhea.    Some
common       causes      include     dietary
indiscretion (eating compost), parasites
(Giardia or roundworms), food allergy,
infectious      causes        (salmonella),
inflammatory     changes    (inflammatory
bowel disease, common in cats; similar to Crohn’s disease in people), and pancreatic
abnormalities (pancreatic insufficiency, common in German shepherds).
SOLUTIONS
        TWENTY-FOUR-HOUR FAST. Stop putting food into your pet for twenty-four
hours (day one). This allows the intestines to rest and regenerate. Always have access to
plenty of fresh water. After twenty-four hours, introduce a bland food for the next twenty-
four hours (day two). For dogs, try plain cooked white rice, feeding equivalent cups of rice
as their normal diet. For cats, protein is essential; try cooked chicken breast with the rice.
After a day of the bland food, mix one-half regular diet and one-half bland diet on day
three. By the end of day three, they should be back on their normal diet.
       PEPTO-BISMOL. This remedy is an old standby that can be effective for dogs. The
dog dose is 1 ml/10 lbs. of body weight given three times daily for no more than 7 days.
       KAOPECTATE has a newer version that is safe for dogs and cats. It contains
attapulgite clay as the active ingredient which binds toxins, decreases the fluid in the
intestinal tract and subsequent diarrhea. Dose for pets: 0.5-1.0 ml per pound by mouth
every 4-6 hours. Treatment should only be needed for 1-2 days. WARNING: the OLD
version includes bismuth salicylate as an ingredient which is TOXIC to cats. (Never
use this with cats.)
HERBAL REMEDY
       ➢      SLIPPERY ELM. Can only be used as the dried herb. This is helpful for
chronic diarrhea, such as inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and cats. The dried herb
dose is 20 mg per pound of body weight twice daily.
HOMEOPATHIC OPTION
SIGNS
      Your pet keeps shaking his head and scratching at his ears. Often you will see a
foul-smelling black, yellow or brown discharge. The ears may be very red and tender.
CAUSES
      Ear mites are infectious parasites primarily found in young cats. They are spread
through direct contact from cat to cat. Ear infections are most typical in dogs. Most ear
infections are caused by an underlying allergy. Some are caused by water in the ear after
bathing or swimming. Dogs with large floppy ears, such as Basset Hounds, are prone to
infections as their ear canals have poor air circulation, trapping moisture and allowing
bacteria and yeast to grow.
       CLEAN THEM. White vinegar (acetic acid) is very effective at removing debris
from the ears and killing the yeast and bacteria responsible for ear infections. *If your dog
or cat has red, open wounds, do not use this as it will be painful. You need to use a soothing
topical first (i.e., olive oil and vitamin E).
Dilute the vinegar with water or Green Tea at the concentration of 1 cup of Green Tea,
and 2 Tablespoons of Vinegar.
Pick up a syringe from your local pharmacy and put 5 ml of the vinegar solution per 20
lbs. of body weight into the affected ear. (Your cat would get 2.5 ml or 1/2 a tsp). Grab the
ear where it attaches to the head (at the ear base), gently squeeze your thumb and
forefinger together, rubbing the solution deep into the ear canals. Wipe the inside of the
ear well with cotton balls to remove debris coming from the ear canal.
       DAILY TREATMENT. After the ears are cleaned, you can then use the green
tea/vinegar solution as drops putting in 5-10 drops in each ear twice daily for 7-10 days.
       HEALING OILS. This is especially helpful if your pet’s ears are inflamed and
difficult to touch. You can use a mixture of 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil combined with 1
capsule of vitamin E and insert that into your pet’s ear. Let it soak for 5 minutes, then rub
the base of the ear well and wipe out excess debris with a cotton ball.
        YEAST TREATMENT. Most dogs with Black Debris in the ears do NOT have ear
mites, but have YEAST. Good options to treat the yeast include Green Tea/Vinegar
solution, OR an OTC antifungal such as Canesten or Monistat. Apply approx. 1 teaspoon
of the cream; rub the base of the ear to work it in. DO this treatment twice daily for 7-10
days.
        NATURAL EAR MITE KILLER. If you have a cat with ear mites consider an
inexpensive and very safe CASTOR OIL. Apply 10 drops twice daily for 7 days, 7 days
off, then apply for another 7 days.
SIGNS
       A seizure is the involuntary
contraction of muscles. It may show
up as the severe form in which the
head is extended, legs are firm and
rigid, and your dog “paddles“ with
them uncontrollably. In some pets
the seizures are less intense and show
up as generalized muscle trembling.
You may first find signs of apparent
loss of bowel and bladder control if
your pet has a seizure when you are
                                          Severe form seizure includes symptoms like extended
not present.                              head, firm and rigid legs coupled with uncontrollable
                                          paddling motion.
       Dog seizures are classified as either grand mal seizures or localized. Grand mal
seizures affect your dog’s entire body. Generally, the legs are extended and paddling; and
the head is rigid and extended. The legs may go through cycles of being stiff then relaxed.
Some dogs may lose bowel/bladder control, and if the seizure occurs at night, this is all
you may see in the morning. Localized seizures affect only certain areas of dogs’ bodies.
Typically, you may see their head shake or their jaw chatter.
SOLUTIONS
       SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN. Every pet who suffers a seizure pet should have a
complete diagnostic workup to determine what is causing them to have seizures. If your
pet has been diagnosed with epilepsy but has an extended seizure that he or she isn’t
coming out of, see your veterinarian immediately.
       DIET CHANGE. There are reports that show a link between diet and seizures in
dogs. One human study showed a marked reduction in seizure activity with patients on
the Atkins diet. If your pets have experienced seizure; you should at least try to feed them
with a commercial hypoallergenic diet for twelve weeks. Most alternative practitioners are
strongly advising a holistic diet, naturally preserved, free of grains, and primarily animal
protein.
       CBD (Cannabidiol). This is being studied at CSU for seizure control in animals with
epilepsy. Starting dose of 3mg/10lbs twice daily, but can easily go up to 15mg/10lbs twice
daily. Make sure to use ONLY CBD oil not with THC.
       OILY HELP. MTC oil, from Coconut oil is a preferred energy source for the brain
that may decrease seizure activity. Start low as it can give vomiting/diarrhea. Dose of 1
teaspoon/10lbs twice daily.
       ACUPRESSURE. There are five specific points that may help with epilepsy.
       ➢      GV26—STOP A SEIZURE. The most important one, it can help stop a
seizure. This is where the nose meets the upper lip (immediately below the nostrils). It is
a key point for CPR, as it can trigger your pet to breathe, and for seizures. Hold the point
for one minute during a seizure.
       ➢      GB20. Located on the top of the neck, immediately behind the small bone
that can be palpated on the top of your pet’s skull.
HOMEOPATHIC OPTIONS
CAUSES
       The causes of red eye are numerous. The most common are bacterial conjunctivitis,
bacterial infection of the tissue around the eye, and allergic conjunctivitis. Other more
serious causes include glaucoma (swelling in the eye) or an ulcer on the cornea (erosion
on the surface of the eye).
SOLUTIONS
       TO THE VETERINARIAN. Here are three signs to trigger an immediate call to your
veterinarian: if your pet’s eye infection is painful, with your pet rubbing an eye; if the main
part of the eye, the cornea, appears to be indented or layered; and if the entire eye
suddenly becomes cloudy.
       TO THE KITCHEN. Tea is more than just a drink. It has tannins in it that are anti-
inflammatory       and       have
antimicrobial properties. Brew
up a strong cup of black tea and
place three to four drops in the
affected eye three times daily. It
should be made daily to prevent
contamination.    MORE TEAS.
CHAMOMILE and Green TEA
are also great options for topical
eye infection treatment.
SIGNS
CAUSES
       Feline Leukemia Virus is caused by a virus spread through by the saliva of infected
cats, via blood (i.e., cat fights) and via mother to fetus in pregnancy. Most infected cats
eliminate the virus and become immune. In those cats that do not develop immunity, the
virus spreads to the bone marrow.
SOLUTIONS
       GET A DIAGNOSIS. If your cat has some serious, chronic ongoing diseases, then
have your vet test and rule out these infectious diseases. Unfortunately, nothing we give
will cure your cat of these diseases, but we can do a lot in extending your pet’s quality of
life. It is important to not spread the disease to other cats, and know how to prevent it
          HERBAL REMEDIES. The most important herbs are ones that will help your pet’s
organs rid themselves of waste products, via the liver, kidneys and lymphatics - Essiac
and Hoxsey Formulas do this.
          1-part Red Clover, 1 part Dandelion, 1 part Garlic, 1-part Astragalus. Dose: 1 ml per
          10 lbs. twice daily.
21Lai, H., Sasaki, T., & Singh, N. P. (2005). Targeted treatment of cancer with artemisinin and
artemisinin-tagged iron-carrying compounds. Expert opinion on therapeutic targets, 9(5), 995–1007.
https://doi.org/10.1517/14728222.9.5.995
22Ohgami, Y., Elstad, C. A., Chung, E., Shirachi, D. Y., Quock, R. M., & Lai, H. C. (2010). Effect of
hyperbaric oxygen on the anticancer effect of artemisinin on molt-4 human leukemia cells. Anticancer
research, 30(11), 4467–4470.
       QUERCETIN. This is the flavonoid in red onion and apple which has proven anti-
viral activity. Give at doses of 20mg/10lbs twice daily.
       Aside from the obvious problem of having an uncomfortable, itching pet (and
many times an uncomfortable, itching pet owner), fleas can cause bigger problems. Flea
bites generally result in a red, swollen itching spot with a single puncture point at the
center. The bites can remain itchy and inflamed for up to several weeks. If your pet is
incessantly scratching and biting, this can lead to hair loss and other skin problems. Some
pets will suffer allergic reactions to flea saliva, resulting in rashes or infection. In extreme
cases, anemia can occur. As well, fleas can transmit disease.
       Itch, Itch, Itch!!! Your pet will not stop scratching. If you look more closely you will
probably see flecks of black dirt – those are flea feces. A sure way to test for fleas is by
placing your pet over a white piece of paper and vigorously rubbing her fur. If black ‘dirt’
(flea feces) falls off, then she has fleas. You may also be able to see the little guys jumping;
using a small fine-toothed comb you may be able to find them.
CAUSES
       Fleas are hardy little creatures that can be found everywhere. For every flea that
you find on your pet, there are 100 more around. Each flea drinks 15 times its body weight
in blood every day. They have a 3–4-week life-cycle, progressing from egg, to larvae, to
nymph, to adult, which starts all over again as the adults lay eggs. As most flea treatments
are not effective against the eggs, they have to be repeated several times.
SOLUTIONS
       Effective control depends on treating your pet and your home (indoors and
outdoors) at the same time. There is no ‘magic flea bullet’ – it is work and persistence,
especially if you want to avoid conventional flea treatments.
       A HEALTHY PET. A healthy pet will have less of a problem with fleas than an
unhealthy one. If your pet has a skin problem such as an allergy caused by food, fleas will
make the irritation worse, and may reproduce that much quicker because they have an
easier time feeding on weakened skin. Do all that you can to boost your pet’s immune
system – you may find that just by improving your pet’s overall health, you will gain
control of your flea problems. To help boost your pet’s immune system, use a natural
health supplement such as my own:
2. If you find black specs (flea poop) place it on a white piece of paper and add water. If it
turns red, your pet has fleas.
3. Place the eggs, fleas and flea dirt in soapy water (this will kill the fleas)
Avoid Tea Tree oil – it is very toxic to cats, and small dogs, although found in some of the
‘natural’ flea control products.
Conventional Flea shampoos that contain pyrethrins are the safest type of conventional
flea and lice treatment- I advise using these shampoos for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens.
       MULLEIN. Make as a decoction/tea and rinse on your pet. Get a handful of the
herb, steep in hot water, cool and pour over your dog or cat. This will temporarily paralyze
the fleas.
       BORAX. This is another home treatment for flea infestations. Borax kills fleas by
dehydrating them.
SIGNS
       Your pet has been diagnosed with a heart murmur. The symptoms are regular
coughing, especially at night; the ability to exercise only for a short time; and labored
breathing after moving. Your pet may collapse or faint. The tongue and gums appear blue
(cyanotic).
CAUSES
       The most common cause of congestive heart disease is a heart valve (Mitral Valve)
that does not close properly. This is often diagnosed early in life and progresses to heart
failure later on. This is common in small breeds. In some dogs the heart muscle fails and
can get very thin, a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy. This is more common in
spaniels, Dobermans and other large breeds. All dogs, and occasionally cats, can get
heartworm. This is an infectious disease spread by mosquitoes but shows up as heart
disease.
SOLUTIONS
       SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN. If your pet is displaying any signs of heart disease
such as coughing and exercise intolerance, you must have an examination and workup to
determine the root of the problem. If your pet is in obvious distress (heavy breathing, blue
gums), then go to your vet right away. I always begin by treating pets with conventional
medication and add in holistic treatment. If your pet is diagnosed with heartworm,
treating with medication (Immiticide) will kill the adults immediately.
         FIT AND TRIM. Inactive, overweight pets are more likely to have heart problems.
Exercise your pet twice daily and ensure that he or she is on a high-quality diet. The
exercise will help the heart beat more efficiently and tone the blood vessels.
         MAGNESIUM. It helps prevent arrhythmias and improves the ability of the heart
to contract. The dose is 25 mg per ten pounds of body weight daily.
         CARNITINE. This compound is plays a critical role in energy production but has
also been found to be effective and dramatically reverse cardiomyopathy in cocker
spaniels according to a study.23 The dose is 1000 mg twice daily.
         HERBAL OPTIONS. The herbal approach is to strengthen the heart and lung
function. Tonic herbs are especially helpful for older animals.
23Kittleson MD, Keene B, Pion PD, Loyer CG. Results of the multicenter spaniel trial (MUST): taurine- and carnitine-
responsive dilated cardiomyopathy in American cocker spaniels with decreased plasma taurine concentration. J Vet
Intern Med. 1997 Jul-Aug;11(4):204-11. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.1997.tb00092.x. PMID: 9298474.
What is Heartworm?
       Most (certainly not all) holistic veterinarians consider the use of pharmaceutical
preventatives to be less harmful than a heartworm infection.
      What you need to be aware of is the incidence of Heartworm in your area, and
whether or not your pet really is at risk of Heartworm disease. For example, in Canada,
Heartworm is difficult to acquire, and usually not fatal, far less than the dire warnings
and marketing claims of the Heartworm preventive companies.
      For heartworm to be transmitted to your pet, you need the correct temperature for
a long enough period of time, the right climate, and the correct species and sex of
mosquito.
      There are only a few areas in Canada with any degree of risk, Southern Ontario and
Southern Manitoba. In the U.S. the Hot Spots are Florida (south), Texas and the Gulf
Coast. In those areas you would need to give the preventive for 9 months. The rest of the
U.S. has only areas ranging from 3-7 months when you would need to give the preventive
medication.
       Avoid unnecessary vaccines - keep your dog’s immune system healthy. Avoid
repeated uses of steroids, or conventional antibiotics.
   •      excellent nutrition:
          o feeding home diets and raw food
          o top quality commercial food
   •      regular exercise
   •      providing quality health supplements
          o for      dogs   try   Dr.   Jones’   Ultimate   Canine    Health   Formula   at
              www.thedogsupplement.com
          o for      cats   try   Dr.   Jones’   Ultimate    Feline   Health   Formula   at
              www.thecatsupplement.com
   •      avoiding conventional medication that causes side effects
   •      Mosquito Control - this is the insect that spreads heartworm. I have had some
          great success with natural flea repellent using Cedarwood Oil (Triple Sure).
   •      Using natural alternatives when possible – this can mean using nosodes and
          herbal supplements, while also having your dog tested for heartworm. This is
          better under the guidance of a holistic veterinarian.
   •      If you are in a high-risk area, use the conventional preventives, but for as short
          a duration as possible - i.e., when the conditions really exist to transmit the
          disease.
   •      Use the lowest effective dose of the preventives - you can also follow up the
          medications with liver supportive products such as milk thistle and vitamin E.
   •      If you live in an area with little to no risk of Heartworm, consider not using
          conventional medication.
SIGNS
       A hot spot is a very itchy,
smelly, oozy area on the skin. There
may be more than one spot. They
often form on the face and at the base
of the ears. They are often very
painful.
CAUSES
       The technical name for a hot
spot is acute moist dermatitis. It is a
local area of bacterial-infected hair follicles. Hot spots form most often during the warm
summer months. Any scratch or wound can cause the skin to become infected and develop
into a hot spot. Most hot spots are secondary to some type of skin allergy.
       Hot spots develop very quickly, and catching them early is the key to preventing
them from turning into a bigger problem. The first stages show up as moist, red, itchy
skin. The infected skin will ooze pus, and this will dry up, forming a crust over the infected
area. The sooner you catch the hot spot, the easier it is to treat and more likely it will
respond to home remedies.
SOLUTIONS
       REMOVE THE HAIR. This is the most important thing to do in order to allow hot
spots to heal. Use a pair of blunt-nosed scissors to trim as much hair as possible on and
around the spot. If you have clippers, use them for trimming. Hot spots can be very
painful, and some dogs will not let you trim much hair.
       ANTI-INFLAMMATORY. As these hot spots are painful, pain relief is needed.
Aspirin (ASA) is safe for dogs, but do not give to cats. The canine dose is one-fourth of
       A CUP OF TEA. The key to curing hot spots is to get them to dry out. A very effective
antiseptic drying solution is tea and aspirin. Brew up a strong cup of black tea and dissolve
an aspirin tablet in it. Soak a cloth in this brew and apply it to the area for five minutes
four times daily.
SIGNS
        Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) will appear as signs of a bladder
irritation. Your cat will be frequently urinating, straining to urinate, has bladder pain, he
or she may excessively lick their genitals, and there is blood in the urine. Sometimes they
will urinate outside their litter box, as they seem to prefer cool, smooth surfaces like a tile
floor or a bathtub.
CAUSES
        The disease is so named “idiopathic” because we don’t really know the underlying
cause. There is marked inflammation of the bladder; the bladder lining is thickened, and
the result is blood in the urine. Some are related to diet, there may be bacteria/viruses
that affect the bladder, the immune system may over-react and attack the lining of the
bladder, or it can simply be a response to stress, such as having another cat or not letting
your cat go outside. It can be seen in cats of any age, but it is more frequent in middle-
aged, overweight cats that get little exercise, use an indoor litter box, and eat a dry food
diet.
          SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN. If your cat is straining to urinate and not producing
   any urine, it is imperative to have him examined immediately. He may be blocked with a
   bladder stone in which case he would need emergency care. It is a good idea to have urine
   checked for any urinary tract problems; you are then able to use the appropriate remedy
   knowing what the specific problem is.
          CLEAN WATER. You want your pet to drink as much as possible, but chlorine will
   often deter adequate water consumption. Give your dog or cat filtered water to encourage
   drinking and avoid the chlorine.
          KEEP CLEAN. Some cats will pool small amounts of urine around the folds of their
   vulva. Keep this area clean by clipping the hair and wiping with an anti-septic solution as
   needed. This will limit the bacteria that may ascend the urethra.
SIGNS
      Your cat or dog is drinking more water and urinating more often. Your pet may be
losing weight, specifically loss of muscle mass, as the kidneys lose protein. As kidney
failure advances, your pet may become weak due to anemia. He may have a decreased
appetite due to a buildup of toxins in the blood stream. In advanced cases, he will be
dehydrated and completely off food. In some pets, kidney disease causes elevated blood
pressure, which may affect his eyesight.
CAUSES
      The kidneys filter blood in the body. They remove waste products (urea and
creatinine), retain essential nutrients (potassium), maintain hydration by retaining
water, produce a hormone to stimulate red blood cell production, and produce urine.
Most cases of kidney failure are due to the kidney shutting down for no specific reason
(idiopathic). In other cases the cause may be due to genetic disease (kidney cysts often
SOLUTIONS
       SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN. If your pet is showing any of the above symptoms,
have your pet’s blood and urine tested. In some cases, an ultrasound may be needed to
confirm the disease.
       FLUID, FLUID, FLUID. The most important thing that you can do for your pet
with renal failure is to maintain adequate hydration. Offer lots of fresh water. If your cat
is not a great water drinker, then make the switch to canned food.
       PROBIOTICS. Azodyl is a natural probiotics product for the reduction of the toxins
that increase in Kidney failure (azotemia) in dogs and cats. These probiotics metabolize
and flush out uremic toxins in the bowel. They slow down uremic toxin buildup in the
blood and helps prevent further kidney damage. I have been using this very successfully
in both dogs and cats with Kidney failure. The Azodyl dose is 1 capsule per 10 lbs. daily,
to a maximum 4 caps per day.
       DIET. Feed a diet lower in phosphorus (i.e., a quality senior lower protein diet).
Stop all dairy products, as they are very high in phosphorus. You can also make a low
phosphorus diet at home.
One of the largest and most important organs is your pet’s liver. It has a number of
functions, such as in digestion, detoxification, sugar storage, breaking down red blood
cells, and hormone production. It is found under the rib cage, encircling the stomach, and
tucked up next to the diaphragm.
SIGNS
        The signs of liver disease are
many and varied; they are similar to
many other canine diseases. In the
early stages there are often no
symptoms, and the first signs can be
very nonspecific. Some of the more
common signs start with eating: your
pet’s appetite is lowered. Some dogs
are     depressed,     lethargic,   and   In early stages, liver problem may not manifest any
                                          symptom. One classic symptom of liver problem is
classified as ADR (ain’t doing right).    jaundice wherein the white area of around the eyes and
                                          gums turn yellowish.
As the disease progresses, there may be vomiting or diarrhea. Many dogs show signs of
increased drinking and urinating more than normal. Due to the lower protein levels in the
blood (low albumin, which is produced from the liver), you may see fluid retention that
will show up as a swollen belly. A classic symptom is jaundice; the white area around the
eyes and the gums may be yellowish. A few uncommon signs include neurologic disease
(i.e., circling, head pressing, ataxia, and seizures), and hepatocutaneous syndrome (skin
disease), which shows as thickened, crusted foot pads, itchiness, and redness between
toes.
CAUSES
       There are numerous things that can cause liver disease, ranging from tumors to
infections. Dogs commonly eat compost in which there is often a toxin that can cause
acute liver disease. Your pet can get a viral infection affecting the liver (hepatitis). Young
dogs can have liver disease as a result of a liver shunt, or certain breeds can acquire liver
disease due to a copper storage deficiency (Bedlington Terriers, Westies, Keeshonds,
Dalmatians). Common veterinary medications (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories) can
damage the liver and result in signs of liver disease.
       Cats in particular can get two specific types of liver disease: hepatic lipidosis and
cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis. Overweight cats are prone to developing a specific
condition called fatty liver (sudden weight loss causes fat cells to permeate the liver).
Cholangiohepatitis means inflammation of the liver and bile ducts, and is most often
associated with cats that have inflammatory bowel disease; treatment for it often includes
medication/supplements to suppress the overactive immune system.
       Fortunately, the liver can do a wonderful job of regenerating liver cells and can heal
itself with supportive care and supplements.
SOLUTIONS
       TO THE VETERINARIAN. The first step is to confirm what type of liver disease
your pet has. Your vet can perform specific diagnostic tests as there are so many
possibilities.
       Liver disease is diagnosed with an initial physical exam, along with a detailed
history that may reveal some of the classic symptoms, such as jaundice. Your veterinarian
will suggest a basic blood panel; this may reveal many changes suggesting liver disease.
         KEEP YOUR PETEATING. Adequate nutrition is needed to help the liver heal.
Offer your pet a favorite food. In some cases, spicing it up with garlic and warming it in a
microwave will encourage eating. Your veterinarian may advise a specific veterinary diet;
this is primarily a more easily digestible, moderately reduced-protein diet.
         Some cats respond to attention and petting to encourage eating, while others seem
more likely to eat if being exposed to the relaxing pheromone found in Feliway. Many
holistic veterinarians advise a natural, higher protein, zero-carbohydrate diet; your
veterinarian may advise a specific veterinary diet. Regardless, the most important thing
is it being a food that your cat likes and wants to eat. The composition of the food is now
near as critical as getting the pet to eat.
         MILK THISTLE. Of all the alternative options, milk thistle is the most important
solution in helping any ailing liver. The active ingredient is silymarin, and it has protective
effects on the liver: improves liver function, and helps treat liver inflammation, toxin-
induced liver disease, and end-stage liver failure (cirrhosis). The dose of the dried herb is
100 mg per ten pounds of body weight daily. It is available at most pharmacies. I have had
great success using this herb.
       95% CURCUMIN. Turmeric, a famous spice gives curry its flavor and yellow color,
and the active ingredient contains CURCUMIN an anti-inflammatory compound that
helps treat digestive and liver problems, skin diseases, and wounds; while also being a
powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants can fight free radicals and may reduce or even help
prevent some of the damage they cause. The dose of 95% CURCUMIN is 100 mg per ten
pounds of body weight daily
SIGNS
        Most lumps are easy to feel. They
may show up on the chest or along the
back. Most lumps on dogs are benign,
while lumps that appear on cats are
often cancerous. Often while petting
your pet a cyst becomes noticeable.
CAUSES
        As your pet ages, its immune
system becomes less effective, and          Common dog lumps are lipomas (benign fatty tumors)
                                              and sebaceous cyst – a skin gland that blocks up.
lumps    and    bumps     become     more
prevalent. Common dog lumps are lipomas (benign fatty tumors) and sebaceous cysts (a
skin gland that blocks up).
SOLUTIONS
        EXAMINE IT. Assess the severity of the lump. Lumps that are regularly shaped are
less likely to be serious. Lumps that move easy under the skin are usually benign, such as
fatty tumors (lipomas). Lumps that grow slowly are likely benign. Lumps that discharge
a cheesy material are usually sebaceous cysts and can be left alone.
         COMPRESS AWAY. A cyst that is enlarged but won’t rupture can be decreased in
size by applying a warm cloth directly to the area daily.
         STIMULATE THE SKIN’S IMMUNE SYSTEM. vitamin E and essential fatty acids
are great for boosting your pet’s skin immune function: give 100 IU per ten pounds of
body weight daily of vitamin E. For dogs, use ground flax as the essential fatty acid source,
giving one teaspoon per cup of dog food. For cats, use fish oil, giving one 250 mg capsule
daily.
SIGNS
       Your pet is vomiting and
may have diarrhea. Your pet
refuses to eat or drink. Your pet
is hunched over and has a
painful belly. He or she may
have a fever and be extremely
lethargic.
CAUSES
       In pancreatitis, the organ becomes red and swollen, producing too many digestive
enzymes. These spill over into the abdominal cavity and affect adjacent organs, such as
the liver. This results in stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. There is no specific cause.
       In dogs it often happens after consumption of a high-fat meal (i.e., bacon); the
pancreas gets overworked in production of the enzymes to digest all the fat and becomes
inflamed.
       Fortunately, most cases of pancreatitis are localized, affecting the pancreas and
liver, and do respond to treatment.
SOLUTIONS
       SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN. Pancreatitis can be life threatening, especially when
it happens quickly. Your veterinarian can perform blood tests to determine if the pancreas
is the source of the problem and discuss action steps. Severely affected pets need to be
hospitalized and placed on IV fluids. Some chronically affected pets may respond to some
of the following home treatments.
       The diagnosis of pancreatitis is based on clinical signs, along with blood tests
assessing pancreatic function; newer tests that are pancreas specific are more effective
(PLI test).
       FLUIDS. Pets with pancreatitis frequently become dehydrated. Give them small
amounts of water frequently. Giving them too much water all at once will stretch the
stomach and trigger the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes. They often respond
better when water is supplemented with an electrolyte solution such as Pedialyte. Give a
ten-pound dog or cat one-fourth cup every three hours, six doses daily.
       SUBCU FLUIDS. The mainstay of treatment for pancreatitis is not giving your pet
anything orally that inflames the pancreas and allowing it to heal. In practice I often sent
clients home with directions on administering subcutaneous fluids. This involves an IV
fluid pack, along with an eighteen- to twenty-gauge needle; 100ml per ten pounds twice
daily is an average amount given. Your veterinarian can give you specific instructions.
       BLAND DIET. Prevent pancreatitis from recurring in your pet by altering the diet.
Your dog or cat should be on a lower fat, low-carbohydrate diet. Any cat with nonspecific
signs (such as occasional loss of appetite, fever, and intermittent vomiting) should be
suspected of having pancreatitis. There are commercial higher protein diets for cats, but
as of now none developed
for dogs.
DIGESTIVE ENZYMES. Giving digestive enzymes to dogs may be one of the ways to treat
and possibly prevent pancreatitis in dogs. Enzyme supplements for dogs that have
demonstrated the best results include:
   •   Festal
   •   Panteric Granules
   •   Cotazym
   •   Converzyme
SIGNS
CAUSES
       VACCINES. This is the single most important vaccine to give to your puppy. Only
2 doses are required, at 8 and 12 weeks, to fully protect him.
       HOME CARE. In some cases, your dog will not get a full-blown case of Parvovirus
– he or she will have moderate intestinal signs, which in that case may be treated at home.
In any instance of progressive vomiting, diarrhea or dehydration though, immediately
seek out Veterinary care.
   ➢ FLUIDS. Pets with pancreatitis frequently become dehydrated. Give them small
       amounts of water frequently. Giving them too much water all at once will stretch
       the stomach and trigger the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes. They often
       respond better when water is supplemented with an electrolyte solution such as
       Pedialyte. Give a ten-pound dog or cat one-fourth cup every three hours, six doses
       daily.
   ➢ SUBCU FLUIDS. The mainstay of treatment for pancreatitis is not giving your pet
       anything orally that inflames the pancreas and allowing it to heal. In practice I
       often sent clients home with directions on administering subcutaneous fluids. This
       involves an IV fluid pack, along with an eighteen- to twenty-gauge needle; 100ml
       per ten pounds twice daily is an average amount given. Your veterinarian can give
       you specific instructions.
➢ IMODIUM (Loperamide) can be used with care, avoid giving it to Collie’s or Collie
   crosses. The dose for dogs is 0.5 mg/10 lbs. three times daily (give your 40 lb. dog
   one 2 mg tablet three times daily).
➢ KAOPECTATE has a newer version that is safe for dogs and cats. It contains
   attapulgite clay as the active ingredient which binds toxins, decreases the fluid in
   the intestinal tract and subsequent diarrhea. Dose for pets: 0.5-1.0 ml per pound
   by mouth every 4-6 hours. Treatment should only be needed for 1-2 days.
   WARNING: the OLD version includes bismuth salicylate as an ingredient which is
   TOXIC to cats. (Never use this with cats.)
➢ SLIPPERY ELM. Can only be used as the dried herb. This is helpful for chronic
   diarrhea, such as inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and cats. The dried herb dose
   is 20 mg per pound of body weight twice daily.
SIGNS
CAUSES
       There are a number of potential toxins: common household cleaners, such as
bleach and drain cleaner; medications, such as Tylenol; car products, such as antifreeze;
common mouse poisons (warfarin); a variety of plants; and even the compost in your
backyard.
SOLUTIONS
       TO YOUR VETERINARIAN. If your pet is showing signs of ingesting a poison, it is
important that your veterinarian does an examination and treats the symptoms
appropriately. Some toxins can progress and lead to severe seizures. If you suspect
antifreeze poisoning, it must be treated within four to six hours before irreversible kidney
damage is done.
       PURGE THE POISON. In most cases of poisoning, getting your pet to vomit is the
most important thing that you can do. Do not induce vomiting if something caustic
has been consumed (such as drain cleaner or bleach). To induce vomiting, give
hydrogen peroxide at one teaspoon per ten pounds of body weight. If your pet does not
vomit in ten minutes, repeat again. Never do more than two treatments of peroxide.
       TOPICAL TOXINS. If your pet is having a reaction to something on the skin, such
as flea medications or oil, you want to remove it as soon as possible. Dishwashing soap
works well—lather it up and then rinse your pet thoroughly. Thick tarry substances that
you can’t wash off can first be covered in flour, as the flour absorbs some of the oil, and
then washed off with dish soap.
SIGNS
CAUSES                               If your pet is urinating more than usual, straining to urinate and
                                     you see blood in their urine, it warrants for an immediate trip to
                                     your veterinarian.
       Many      urinary    tract
infections are caused by bacteria which have spread from the urethra. Some are due to
bladder stones secondary to diet. Others are a primary inflammation of the lining of the
bladder wall.
SOLUTIONS
       SEE YOUR VETERINARIAN. If your cat is straining to urinate and not producing
any urine, it is imperative to have him examined immediately. He may be blocked with a
bladder stone in which case he would need emergency care. It is a good idea to have urine
checked for any urinary tract problems; you are then able to use the appropriate remedy
knowing what the specific problem is.
       VITAMIN C. This acidifies the urine and may prevent the recurrence of bladder
stones and bladder infections. Start with a low dose of 100 mg per 10 lbs. daily.
       CRANBERRY. A traditional home remedy used for people with recurrent urinary
tract infections. The beneficial effects are from the acidification of the urine and by
making it more difficult for the bacteria to adhere to the bladder wall. The dose of the
juice is 1 ml per lb daily, add the dose of the tablets, such as Cran Actin, is 1/2 capsule per
10 lbs daily.
       CLEAN WATER. You want your pet to drink as much as possible, but chlorine will
often deter adequate water consumption. Give your dog or cat filtered water to encourage
drinking and avoid the chlorine.
       KEEP CLEAN. Some dogs will pool small amounts of urine around the folds of
their vulva. Keep this area clean by clipping the hair and wiping with an anti-septic
solution as needed. This will limit the bacteria that may ascend the urethra.
       STRUVITE STONES. In most cases of bladder stones and bladder infections the
goal is to acidify the urine; this prevents the recurrence of the most common bladder
stone, struvite. Diets higher in protein are more acidifying; specific veterinary diets are
designed for acidification. A higher protein homemade diet is also suitable. Use all the
prior remedies to accomplish acidification.
SIGNS
CAUSES
The list is large, although the most    Vomiting may be caused by a lot of things. It can be due
                                         to some serious causes but most common one is just
common cause is garbage gut. Your                          “garbage gut”.
pet consumes something he should not have, resulting in vomiting. Other causes include:
medications, parasites, food allergies, liver or kidney disease, pancreatitis, cancer,
infectious causes (parvovirus), metabolic disorders (thyroid disease or diabetes), physical
obstructions (a ball or a bone), and primary motility disorders (the stomach doesn’t
contract normally).
SOLUTIONS
      ASSESS SEVERITY. If your pet is vomiting persistently and unable to retain even
water, wait no longer than 24 hours before you take your pet to your veterinarian. This
indicates a severe problem such as an obstruction that needs to be treated with IV fluids
and possibly surgery. If your pet is still drinking and only intermittently vomiting, you
can try some of these home remedies.
      FASTING TIME. A 24 hour fast is the most important thing you can do to allow
your pet’s inflamed stomach to heal. Allow access to controlled amounts of water, but no
food. After 24 hours offer bland food such as plain cooked white rice; give equivalent
         A CUP OF TEA. Peppermint Tea is an old remedy used for upset stomachs in
people. Brew up a strong cup of tea, but allow it to cool before offering it. Give your dog
1/4 cup per 10 lbs. of body weight three times daily, give your cat 1 tablespoon three times
daily.
         PEPTO-BISMOL. This is an old standby that can be effective for dogs. I do not
recommend it for cats. The dog dose is 1 ml/10 lbs. of body weight given three times daily
for no more than 7 days.
         OTC ANTACID. Pepcid (Famotidine) is a good option for dogs and cats that I
regularly used in veterinary practice. Dose of 2.5mg/10lbs twice daily (this is ¼ of a 10mg
tab)
         FOOD ALLERGENS. For dogs and cats with chronic vomiting, I strongly
recommend a diet change. Preferably switch to a hypoallergenic food or homemade
allergy diet. At the very least, change to a premium quality food. I find that some pets
respond to a more natural diet, such as Innova or California Natural.
         CHAMOMILE. This is commonly used in people with mild stomach upset and it
may help your pet. Give 30 mg per lb. of the dried herb, or 2 drops per lb. of the tincture
three times daily.
         ARSENICUM. The major remedy for Garbage Gut and food poisoning. Dose 30C
every 2 hours for 1- 2 days.
SIGNS
      You see small white squiggly worms in your pets stool. Your cat has something that
resembles grains of rice coming from his bum. Your pet may experience vomiting,
diarrhea or weight loss.
CAUSES
      Most worms are transmitted from other infected pets. Many puppies and kittens
have worms. Tapeworms are transmitted by consuming a host (by eating mice or fleas).
SOLUTIONS
      THE ENVIRONMENT. If your pet is getting repeat infections, then look at the
environment. Tapeworms are caused by fleas or mice; use a flea-control program and
purchase some mouse traps. Roundworms are spread from eggs in the grass, in the soil,
or in stool on the ground. Keep your lawn clean and pick up all stool.
       PUMPKIN SEED. This has been used for tapeworms. If your pet is a great hunter
always re-infesting herself with tapeworms, you may want to consider this. The dose is 1
tsp per 10 lbs. of body weight of the ground seed.
HERBAL REMEDIES
   ➢ GARLIC. This has shown some activity against a parasite called Giardia (causes
       Beaver Fever). It is useful in recurrent infections.
SIGNS
       Your pet has a flap of skin that is hanging. There may or may not be bleeding. Dogs
are prone to lacerations on their feet or pads from glass or sharp rocks. Your pet may be
limping or excessively licking a certain area. Not all wounds are clearly visible as they may
be covered by hair.
CAUSES
       Many things can cause injuries to your pet. Dog and cat fights can lead to large
wounds. Dogs are prone to pad lacerations from any pointed object on the ground. Certain
pets (such as little Jack Russell’s) are less cautious and more prone to wounds.
SOLUTIONS
       SLOW THE FLOW. If the wound is bleeding, the first thing is to stop the bleeding.
Apply firm pressure over the wound with a clean cloth or towel and hold it for five
minutes. If the bleeding persists, call your veterinarian immediately. In most cases it will
stop quickly.
       COVER IT. Apply a thin layer of water-soluble jelly on top of the wound (K-Y Jelly).
This will prevent further hair or debris from getting into it.
       BARBER TIME. Trim the hair around the bite or wound. Trim large sections with
scissors, and carefully use a disposable razor to trim the hair to the skin.
       KEEP IT CLEAN. If possible, put your pet in the sink or bath, and run lukewarm
tap water on the wound for five minutes. If there appears to be a lot of dirt or the wound
is more than twenty-four hours old, assume it is infected. Purchase an antiseptic soap,
called Hibitane (chlorhexidine), available at your local pharmacy, and wash the wound
well. Keep the bite clean, and perform this water therapy twice daily for five to seven days.
       WHEN NOT TO LICK. For bites or wounds to heal, it is important that your pet
doesn’t lick it. You can prevent licking by purchasing an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) at
your local veterinarian. You can apply a bad-tasting product, such as bitter apple, to the
skin around the wound. Licking will delay healing of the wound, so it is important to
prevent.
currently hosts a pet health coaching members-only website. He published his first hardcopy book
in 2014, which became an Amazon bestseller. He has also become one of the biggest pet health
content creators on YouTube with over 500,000 subscribers as of the time of writing. And, he’s
developed complete nutritional supplements for dogs and cats.
        Dr. Jones’ pets, Murray and Tula are a part of his family and frequently appear in
his YouTube videos as his co-stars. Although no longer in practice, Dr. Jones is a strong
advocate of safe, natural home care for dogs and cats, and works to empower pet owners
worldwide to become more active in their pets’ health. For more information about Dr.
Jones, visit his blog at www.theinternetpetvet.com.
Dr. Andrew is also active on social media, keeping you current with latest petfood recall
updates, important animal health topics and concerns, focusing on natural veterinary
treatments.You can connect with Dr. Andrew here:
Youtube: www.youtube.com/veterinarysecrets
Podcast: vetsecrets.podbean.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/veterinarysecrets
Instagram: www.instagram.com/veterinarysecrets
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@veterinarysecrets
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/veterinarysecrets
Twitter: www.twitter.com/dogandcatdoc
DISCLAIMER
YOU AGREE THAT YOU WILL NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES DISREGARD ANY
PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY IN SEEKING SUCH ADVICE IN RELIANCE
ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED THROUGH THIS BOOK. RELIANCE ON ANY SUCH
INFORMATION IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Information provided on or through this book regarding herbal treatments, home diets, dietary
supplements, acupressure, human over the counter products, aromatherapy, homeopathy, and massage
have not all been evaluated or approved for use in animals.