Natural Treatment For Giardia

Giardia is a protozoal parasite found in lakes, streams, ditches and other outdoor water sources. The parasite is shed by wild animals high up in the watershed, and as the water travels down, it becomes even more contaminated by other animals living near it. Any dog or cat drinking from a pond, river, or other natural water source is likely to ingest the cysts of this persistent parasite. Once inside, the cysts hatch, grow, and reproduce. Giardia causes profuse, uncontrollable, often watery diarrhea, sometimes with blood and mucus associated with it.

The drugs most commonly used to treat Giardia are metronidazole, an antibiotic, and fenbendazole a dewormer. Each of them is about 70% effective; that is, they only work about 70% of the time. Because some parasites may be left alive, recurrent infections are possible even after treatment.

However, there is a natural protocol for getting rid of Giardia, that has been used many times successfully (and safely) in cats and dogs. We even cleared a cattery that had many infected kittens. It utilizes digestive enzymes on an empty stomach. With no food in the system, the digestive enzymes go to work on anything else that might be in the intestines--including parasites. It's been reported to work for Coccidia, and could also theoretically get rid of Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidia, Neosporum, Tritrichomonas foetus, and similar protozoal parasites.

First, you'll need a bottle of digestive enzymes (plant or fungi based) and one or more syringes; you can usually talk your vet into giving you a few 3 or 6 cc syringes (without needles). Do not get enzymes in combination with anything else such as probiotics or other supplements. It must be pure digestive enzymes alone. Make sure the product you select contains at least protease, amylase, and lipase (some also contain cellulase and other enzymes). These digest protein, starch, and fat, respectively. One product I have used is called Prozyme, which is available at many pet stores and online.

Note that the enzymes MUST be given on an empty stomach. If you leave food out for your pet 24/7, this protocol will NOT work. Food must be fed in meals, at least 30 (preferably 60) minutes after each dose of enzymes. If there is any food in the animal's digestive system, the enzymes will digest the food instead, and the parasites will flourish undisturbed. enzymes cannot be hidden in a pill pocket or a piece of cheese--there can be no food in the tummy!

Take 1 capsule of enzymes for each animal to be treated, and mix with a tiny amount of water to make a slurry. Use the syringe to give the slurry by mouth. In most cases it's easiest to insert the syringe in the corner of the mouth between or behind teeth and squirt. The mixture does not taste that bad, but cats in particular are just not gracious about taking meds. Be careful, but be firm.

Round 1: Give a dose of digestive enzymes 1/2 to 1 hour before morning and evening meal, and a dose at bedtime. Take the syringe apart and rinse clean after each dose (otherwise the residue builds up and the plunger will stick). Repeat daily for 8 days.

Rest: Take a break for 1 week. This allows time for resistant cysts to "hatch."

Round 2: Repeat digestive enzyme treatment for 7 days.

And that's it! In my experience in 15 years as a veterinarian, this protocol has been a much safer and more effective treatment than drugs.

By Jean Hofve, DVM

How to Detect Rabies in an Animal

Do you remember that movie by Stephen King called "Cujo"? You know the one where that sweet Saint Bernard turns into a raving monster? How many of you had nightmares about that dog or were leery of large breed dogs after that? I know I was. I tended to watch for signs of my dogs turning on me for weeks after that movie came out. I wasn't quite sure what to look for exactly but I hoped that by the time I recognized a "Cujo" in my dog, it wouldn't be too late.

Cujo undoubtedly had the rabies virus but how realistic were the symptoms in that dog as compared to a real-life case of rabies? Back in the "Old Yeller" days, the disease was called hydrophobia and generally, if someone of that generation even suspected that an animal had the sickness, they would shoot first and ask questions later. The epidemic of an outbreak would have been too devastating to their livelihood in that era not to mention the risk of animals infecting humans. There was no cure or preventive medicines back in the day so becoming infected meant infinite death.

In current times, we have vaccines and anecdotal measures to counteract any possible symptoms that may occur in humans or animals if there is concern that you or your pet have been infected. Having your pet vaccinated is a routine practice that every dog or cat should adhere to as part of a regular vet visit. Rabies vaccines are generally good for 3 years of protection and are such an important precaution to ensure the future health of your pet. The CDC or Center for Disease Control issues specific warnings every year to inform the public of any rabies outbreaks around the country. They may even know the specific type of animal that could be infecting domestic animals in these specified areas. These rabies outbreaks do not discriminate against any animal so be extremely aware of the warning signs for symptoms of rabies in your pet and monitor them closely. The symptoms may vary from animal to animal but could include lethargy, aggressiveness, drooling or foaming at the mouth, and disorientation.

If a human is infected with the rabies virus, once the actual symptoms appear, the disease may most certainly be fatal at that point. If you or a loved one is bitten, scratched or even makes contact to an already open wound via saliva, you should take immediate action and visit an emergency room or family doctor and get updated on your tetanus shot. If you suspect that the animal may be infected with the rabies virus, as a precaution, you may want to begin the rabies anecdotal shot series to begin the process of flushing the virus out of your system if it in fact exists within your body. Unfortunately, the series of shots you would have to endure can be quite painful but the alternative to that could possibly be death so you have to decide what would be worse?

If you live near wooded areas or if your pet has free roaming range on your property, make sure you keep an eye out for stray animals in your yard or watch for any symptoms in your pet very closely. It might be worthwhile to have a fence around an area of your property to protect your four-legged friends. Rabies is not something you want to mess with and for the health and safety of your pets and your family; it's wise to take all the precautions necessary to avoid a catastrophe.

By Vanessa Ann Lea

Uti in Dogs (urinary tract infection)

Author: John Thompson
UTI in dogs, can cause serious problems if it's not diagnosed and treated early. Bacteria, mainly e-coli, can travel up the urethra of the infected dog and pass into the kidneys where untold damage can be caused, sometimes resulting in death.
kidney uti
Diet plays an important role in avoiding UTI in dogs. Feed him a high quality diet with plenty of raw and unprocessed food. Keep away from dried foods and anything with sugar in it. Try to make sure that your dog's diet has the correct levels of magnesium, phosphate, and aluminum, ask your vet if you're not sure.

Access to drinking water is very important, filtered or bottled if possible. So is exercise. Your dog needs to be able to relieve himself regularly and not have to cross his legs for long periods. Holding urine in the bladder for long periods can contribute to UTI in dogs.

Chemicals and toxins such as pesticides, herbicides, flea powder, flea collars and insecticides can all affect your dog's immune system making it more difficult for him to fight off infections and diseases.

If your dog has been diagnosed with UTI (urinary tract infection) by your vet, he or she will normally prescribe antibiotics, as your doctor might if you were the patient. Be diligent here though because high levels of antibiotics can aggravate the problem in your dog leading to further complications and other side effects.

In treating many human diseases and infections, people are turning more and more to natural and homeopathic remedies that treat the whole patient instead of just the symptoms and don't lead to side effects and more problems in the long run.

So it is with our pets. Many dogs are successfully treated every day with natural herbs made into potions that are specially formulated into therapeutic dosages for maximum safety and effectiveness.

Ingredients of a Typical Natural Remedy for UTI in Dogs

Arctostaphylos uva ursi is a well known urinary tonic, helping to maintain normal pH levels in the urinary tract.

Berberis vulgaris contains berberine and is well known for its restorative effect on the bladder and urinary tract. and in supporting healthy immune system functioning.

Cantharis has an ability to maintain a healthy flow of urine and soothe the bladder.

Staphysagris is also recommended for urogenital health and is also a well known tonic for prostate problems.

UtI in dogs can be prevented. For dogs already suffering from existing conditions, a combination of dietary changes and natural medicine can work wonders.

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