 |
||||||||||||
 |
 |
|||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
|
Tips and Tails
GRAPES AND RAISINS It has come to my attention that there is currently a study into the ill-effects of grapes and raisins on our canine friends. It seems at this time that the prudent approach would be to avoid giving these foods to dogs and err on the cautious side. As with chocolate and macadamia nuts whose toxic values have been proven to damage a dogs health. Fireworks Many animal lovers will know of the misery of the firework season which is no longer confined to one weekend. At last I seem to have found something that genuinely works and is available for both dogs and cats. Scullcap and valerian tablets available from Dorwest Herbs. I just gave Bess two of these with her tea and her anxiety was immensely reduced. It is also good for those who have very excitable dogs in the car and will ease the noise in your ear! http://www.dorwest.co.uk/
Fenugreek A reader to a leading dog magazine sent an article in regarding the effect of fenugreek on her dog who had been suffering terribly with joint pain. My old Benjamin at this time was in a lot of discomfort with his old bones and the painkillers were becoming less effective. I tried Ben on fenugreek and monitored his behaviour and health closely. I must say I was amazed at the result. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I probably would not have believed it. In only a few days Ben was running round like a puppy with a new lease of life. He stayed on the fenugreek for his remaining years and I do believe his life was extended and enhanced thanks to it. Before trying anything with your own companions please be sure to research thoroughly beforehand.
Again, from an article in a dog publication, I read with interest about the values of flax oil for growths and cancers in humans and animals alike. I was rather impressed with the outcome related and decided to research more. There are some good articles on the web regarding flax oil esp from Professor Budwig, who also has a book in print available. According to Dr Budwig, flax oil should be given with another oil which can be found in cottage cheese for maximum benefit. She also says that it can be harmful if taken on its own, so again please make sure that you research thoroughly beforehand. I tried it myself (and it's rather nice) before mixing some up for Bess who has a couple of lumps on her that she has had a while but were always on my mind. I must say to date, the lumps do seem to have shrunk and Bess absolutely loves it. She has just a tbsp of organic flax oil mixed with two tbsp of cottage cheese every other day after a meal. Storage instructions are also important, so do read up.
Cider Vinegar I'm not sure where I found the info for this one as it was such a long time ago. For small skin growths this makes an effective remedy. Just use a cotton wool bud dipped in the vinegar and gently apply it to the affected area a couple of times a day. I found the little lumps either shrink to nothing or crust up and drop off. Be prepared for your friend to smell like a pickled onion for a while!
Help for incontinence Submitted by Liz, tested by Heidi (German Shepherd bitch aged 12 years). After Heidi started to suffer from mild incontinence, particularly overnight, I tried Dorwest Herbs Mixed Vegetable tablets. After just a few days giving 8 tablets I began to see an improvement, she is now on a maintenance dosage of four tablets per day and the problem has not recurred. http://www.dorwest.co.uk/
Books to try: Highly recommended: This is a lovely book, full of superb tips and some smashing recipies. Along with the stunning photos it really does make a good read and is highly recommended. Donna Twichell Roberts writes in a way that will appeal to all dog lovers. If you can't find a copy try your local library - that's where I found mine to read.
Michael Morpurgo The Last Wolf A brilliant read, suitable for ages 9+. An imaginative tale of how the last wolf in England was saved from destruction.
Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver Nominated for the carnegie medal 2005. Another riveting read, suitable for 10 to adult. The content is rich and transports you back thousands of years.
Rat Heaven by Jeanne Willis A touching story about the fragile link between a young girl, her grandad and Freddy the rat. Freddy is given a home with the young girl with the help of grandad. However, as childhood begins to fade the ties to her grandad and Freddy begin to crumble. A lovely, touching story from a rats point of view. Highly recommended all ages but especially 8-12 |
||
 |
||
