Should You Use Supplements for Your Lame and Arthritic Pets?
The Problem: Increasing lameness, stiffness and arthritic problems in our pets.
The Solution: Individualized treatment while supporting your pet’s body while it heals. By optimizing lifestyle and using nutritional supplements (if needed).
We all love our animal companions and we don’t want them to suffer. Fortunately there’s lots of ways to help them.
Ideal Scenario
Lifestyle improvements are really important, but sometimes are not enough.
Optimizing the internal underlying imbalance is critical, but not always practical.
That’s where nutritional supplementation is most useful. There are many, many ways to internally support your pets and help them have better lives.
How Do Supplements Work?
Unlike homeopathy and acupuncture, supplementation works on the physical body. Not the vital force (or chi, prana, etc.).
Nutritional supplements are like natural drugs.
They help the genes work better. The proteins produced from the genes support life and health.
Supplements are (usually) supportive and not curative.
Dr. Hahnemann coined the phrase “allopathic” for the medical practice based on the use of dis-similar substances. Whether using a natural herb, an artificial drug, or a supplement.
Allo- (or different) vs. homeo- (the same) and pathic (from dis-ease or suffering).
The rare exception is when a supplement fits the totality of the symptoms of the individual so well that it works “homeopathically”.
Supportive and Curative Treatments at the Same Time?
Homeopathy arose as a method of optimizing internal balance. Not covering up symptoms (as supplements can do). However, even the founder of homeopathy (Dr. Hahnemann) describes many ways to support the body during treatment of the underlying dis-ease (imbalance).
Herbs, supplements and lifestyle changes, were routinely used in the “olden” days. Naturopathic methods were integrated into conventional medical treatments.
That changed with the advent of the AMA and modern “scientific” medicine.
However, that has shifted again. By the 1970s, natural and holistic nutritional supplements were coming back! Nowadays, almost every veterinary practice has multiple supplements on their pharmacy shelves.There are new ones coming on the scene almost every day. Just like drugs.
Crippling Arthritis Be Gone!
One of my first experiences with nutritional supplements took place almost thirty years ago. A client of mine with a stiff older dog named Sasha asked me about omega-3 supplementation. Because it had been recommended by her own amazing informed and open-minded rheumatologist.
The pup’s guardian had started taking them. Within a few weeks, her gnarled, painful fingers and other joints improved! More than with any anti-inflammatory that she had taken. And without the side-effects of the medications.
This intrigued me so I started doing some research on the use of omega-3s for arthritis. Unlike there is now, at that time there was not much data on their effectiveness in animals (or people). Despite this, the woman requested that we try some for her crippled German Shepherd.
The next time I saw Sasha, she was like a new dog! Happier, more energetic and clearly feeling better. Her mobility was markedly improved and my practice was changed forever.
Specific Supplements I Use for Arthritis
I’d therefore like to share a few thoughts about the 10 most commonly prescribed nutritional supplements in my clinical practice for lame and arthritic dogs and cats:
1. Omega-3 fatty acids: Many, many beneficial efects both in arthritic dis-ease as well as heart, skin, brain, etc. challenges. The best sources are usually from anchovies and sardines. It’s best to stay away from salmon oil (which is highly contaminated with heavy metals). The triglyceride form is most natural, best absorbed and utilized.
2. Superoxide dismutase: Has a very short life in the body. It is often used in combination with other antioxidants. These reduce the harmful “free radicals” that worsen many dis-eases and promote aging and cancer. Nu-Pet antioxidant wafers are among my favorite sources.
3. Hyaluronic acid: A chief component of joint fluid and lubricant to many connective tissues. Previously only absorbed and used as injections such as Adequan. But now with Trixsyn and other oral well-absorbed HA supplements it is invaluable for the stiff pet.
4. Glucosamine sulfate: Another component of the joints and musculoskeletal tissues and one of the first supplements thought of in lame animals and arthritis. Other forms that don’t contain sulfer, don’t work as well. They need to be combined with chondroitin sulfate.
5. DimethylGlycine (DMG): A methyl donor which improves many metabolic functions. Often used in combination with other supplements. For arthritis I advise the chewable Glycoflex 1 + DMG.
6. Coenzyme Q-10: A critical part of any arthritis support program. Helps mitochondrial function, energy production and arthritis symptoms. But it is not very well absorbed. Ideally use a non-powdered and non-crystalline form. Xymogen’s Co-Q Max is my favorite one to date (but is also only available through your doctor).
7. Resveratrol and grape seed extract: Not whole grapes. Those can be toxic. But extracts are awesome antioxidants. They have many, many benefits. Resveratrol has even been shown to prolong life (in people).
8. Boswellia: An herb used for thousands of years that naturally works on same part of the inflammatory pathway as aspirin. It can quickly and effectively decrease arthritic pain when used judiciously.
9. Curcumin + black pepper: Turmeric root has also been used for millennia as a natural anti-inflammatory. It works wonderfully for arthritis. Its’ effect is increased by combining it with black pepper. As found in the popular “Golden Paste” mix.
10. Bromelain usually along with other enzymes: Also natural anti-inflammatories. Great for helping many uncomfortable dis-orders. Wobenzyme makes the most popular human enzyme of this type. But also talk to your veterinarian about Vetriscience’s Devcor + Mobility Pro. An awesome combination of enzymes and herbs that has helped many pets.
Dangerous?
MSM is the one nutritional supplement that I rarely advise. Why? Because it’s very effective at covering up the symptom clues that help monitor and treat the internal dis-ease. Especially at higher doses like 100-500mg.
Does it work? Yes. But unlike with many other supplements it has a better chance of manipulating and harmfully altering the underlying problem.
Any supplement can have the same effect. MSM especially can mask the symptom clues. This defeats the purpose of restoring wellness.
Natural Nutrition is Best
If you’ve read this far, you probably really care about helping your pet. I therefore want to impress upon you the far superiority of optimizing your pet’s body naturally. Not with artificial supplements. You can harness the power of nature with nutritional items like the blueberry-kale slurry, bone broth and eggshell membranes.
What’s most important? The treatment goal of eliminating imbalance by monitoring the symptom changes of your pet’s body.
Be well.
Dr. Jeff
Arnica is Safer and Often More Effective Than Rimadyl
What to do after injury?
A frequent question I get from community members is what to do right after an injury. Whether the injury was from a bad turn during agility to being t-boned by another dog during play.
Here’s how you can help right away (without anti-inflammatories like Rimadyl):
- Get the Arnica pellets from your emergency first aid kit. If you don’t have Arnica on hand, ask a friend or buy them in your local health food store. Arnica is extraordinarily useful anytime your pet experiences a “bruised” sensation.
- Give one pellet of any potency (the highest potency available) that you have. Even better would be to a add a pellet to a bottle of any water. Whatever is available. Give about 1 tsp.
- Now assess the situation using Holistic Medical Decision Making. This quick and easy process will help you decide what to do. For example, you should go to the veterinary clinic right away if the injury was severe. However, if it wasn’t, and if there isn’t an obvious fracture, you may choose to wait and repeat the Arnica. Especially if your pet is already feeling better after the first dose.
- If you are using the liquid, succuss 10x and give another dose in 10 minutes if your pet isn’t already improving. To succuss, “whack” the bottom of the bottle vigorously usually against the palm of your hand. Succussions subtly increase the strength and effectiveness of the next dose.
- Re-assess after each dose, and repeat if improvement is not continuing. Dose every ten minutes for an hour, then less frequently.
- Don’t wait for improvement if there was a major trauma like an encounter with a car. Start dosing on the way to the ER in order to get the best outcomes from any needed veterinary treatmen
We hope that you’ll never have to use this emergency procedure. If you do, please share your experiences.
Be well.
Dr Jeff
Holistic Actions! For Behavior problems and brain diseases
What Molecular Biology, the MTHFR Gene and Your Pet’s Brain Have in Common
Our companion animals give us unconditional love and support. They deserve the best that we can give them. Unfortunately many of them are living shorter lives. They’re also suffering from more serious and stubborn dis-eases. Things that just keep coming back and getting worse over time.
Dogs and cats are able to have long and healthy lives because of their ability to interact in a life-sustaining way with their environments. Their responses to external stressors keep them healthy or make them sick. The genes are only partially responsible for these reactions.
What you do matters even more! Behavior problems, seizures, and even brain tumors can be prevented and helped by the choices that you make every day.
For example, a dog can be playing with his friends and get a little wound which bleeds a bit but then clots and heals. Why? Because his complex clotting mechanism is working properly. However if the same pup has the genetic variation that causes Von Willebrand’s disease (VWD), the bleeding may not stop. The fun play is over and you have to rush to the veterinary hospital to get help. Some dogs have even bled to death due to this and other bleeding defects. Similar to hemophilia.
However, most animals with VWD are able to have normal lives. Why? Because just like a light switch, genes and the proteins they code for can be turned on or off. This is what are called epi-genetic influences. Many environmental factors effect genetic expression.
Things you do every day like vaccinating, medication use, feeding, and symptom suppression can modify the genes.
“Nutrigenomics” is the scientific term for this. Everyone can learn more about it from Dr. Dodds’ great 2015 book “Canine Nutrigenomics: The New Science of Feeding Your Dog of Optimum Health”. Guardians of cats, horses, and any living being can also benefit. This is not just about dogs.
In human animals, one of these genes causes an enzyme to be made that adds a very important little piece onto other chemicals in the body. This is called methylation. Abnormalities of methylation can cause symptoms of serious brain and behavioral imbalance ranging from obsessive compulsive disorders to schizophrenia and even brain tumors.
The thing is, that even if the gene is abnormal, the methylation process can be normal. That’s because, like VWD and many other genetic abnormalities, the disease it can cause can be prevented. Even once a dis-ease is active it can be helped. This is known as the gene’s “penetrance”. The result, or penetration of any gene can be modified through epigenetic and nutrigenomic influences.
You can make a huge difference in your pet’s quality and length of life. Every Holistic Action! that you take will help.
Many behavior and brain problems can easily be helped. Take advantage of epigenetics and start today. Feed fresh food, increase environmental stimulation, exercise and socialization.
Even though MTHFR abnormalities have not yet been documented in companion animals, adding methyl donors will also help. These can be found in dark green leafy vegetables and supplements like betaine and dimethylglycine. This simple action alone can reduce (and stop) seizures. You’ll also be helping the whole body function better.
Be well,
Dr. Jeff
How Your Pet’s Behavior is Related to Brain Dis-eases Like Seizures
Some of you have asked, how behavior problems and brain dis-eases (“dis-ease” is another way of saying imbalance) are connected.
That’s an easy one!
All parts of your pet’s body work together as a system. Not like a car made up of separate parts. A car may function normally with a broken tail light or window. You may not even know that there is a problem. This is not true of a computer or an animal.
The living being is a unified whole (as in “holistic”). Sensitive feedback mechanisms connect every part of the body. For example, it is the brain that sees and hears. The bacteria that live in the guts effect the immune system and emotions! All parts of the body work together.
Meet Daphne
Daphne is a great example. She’s a six year young rescue Border Collie. Four years ago she started developing some fearful behavior. As the years went on, her odd behavior and fears worsened. She became over-sensitive to many noises and other environmental stimuli.
Then she started having seizures and was diagnosed with epilepsy. Her seizures were directly related to her odd behaviors, anxieties and fears.
At first her fears and seizures were rare, but over time they became more and more frequent. As her health worsened, her previously joyful life got smaller and smaller. She had to stop participating in her favorite agility classes, hikes, etc.
However, now that her seizures are under better control she is starting to get her life back. And her behavior is better. Why? Because the seizures, like other brain dis-eases, are directly related to her behavior.
And there are very specific Holistic Actions! that you can take today which can help. You can learn more about how to help your pets with behavior problems and brain dis-eases by joining Holistic Actions! Academy.
Be well,
Dr. Jeff
Holistic Actions When You Have an Emergency with Your Pet
Here’s what you can do if you see emergency symptoms in your animal:
Safety first. If an animal is in pain, she may bite you. Even if she loves you dearly and is a super sweet dog or cat. Covering her head with a towel or wrapping a leash or soft cord around her mouth is helpful.- Assess her visually. Is she breathing, is there bleeding, is she moving?
- Carefully examine. Gently feel for swellings, pain on moving joints, gum color and capillary refill time (which is explained below).
- If time allows, a complete TPR (temperature, pulse and respiration) is useful to help the assessment.
Rush right to ER if:
There is any major trauma such as being hit by a car or falling from a height. Bring her for professional evaluation even if she seems OK after these injuries.
Do not wait if you see:
- Abdominal bloating, multiple episodes in an hour of retching or vomiting.
- Continued or large amounts of bright red bleeding.
- Inability to urinate in any animal but especially male cats.
- Collapse, difficulty breathing or blue tongue or gums.
Call and email your veterinarian if there is time.
- If you go to the ER or your local conventional veterinarian and they determine that the problem is life-threatening, you should just let the emergency vet and critical care specialist start any indicated life-saving treatment (including hospitalization, IV fluids, testing, further supportive medications, etc.).
- If the veterinarian says that your pet’s problem is not life-threatening, now’s a great time to breathe and reassess. Take a moment to think before you act. Does the ER or referral hospital vet now want to pursue further diagnostic testing to reach a diagnosis? If so, and if cost is not a concern, or if you have a pet insurance policy, then now might indeed be a great time to do these tests.
However, if you don’t have pet insurance or are watching your budget, ask the ER vet if there is a problem with having your regular doctor do the work up tomorrow (or after the weekend). The same tests may cost a lot less when run by your regular vet.
If you do have pet insurance, the expense of the ER tests should be partially (up to 80-90%) covered. This is another big benefit of working with a quality insurance company like Nationwide (VPI), Embrace or Pet Plan.
Even if you go ahead with the tests, ask what they may show and whether the results would change the treatment approach?
- Avoid non-essential drugs prescribed by the ER veterinarian. For example, if your pup suffers a trauma and is prescribed anti-biotics and anti-inflammatories “just in case”. Many drugs decrease the energy needed to heal.
- Dose Arnica in water (use the highest potency you have) as soon possible after trauma. Add 1 large or 1-3 smaller pellets into one cup of water and give 1 tsp. You can then easily succuss and redose whenever you would have otherwise have given pain medications like Rimadyl or Tramadol.
If the Arnica improves the B.E.A.M. symptoms (Behavior, Energy, Appetite or Mood) but then they worsen, this is the time to redose. Restlessness, panting, isolating (important BEAM symptoms) and overt pain symptoms like lifting up a leg when walking, licking the injured area, are also indications to repeat the Arnica.
If symptoms persist after three doses of the Arnica, it is the incorrect remedy, so do not repeat.
- Hands on healing (massage, T-Touch, etc.), Reiki and flower essences like Rescue Remedy can help in the face of any emergency. Research has shown that therapeutic touch stimulates bone formation, decreases wound healing and helps human patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
- When you return home, BREATHE and just sit for a time with your companion. Time for a sacred paws. You can now take the time to start putting the symptoms into context. What really happened? For example, was this truly acute, or an acute flare-up of an already existing dis-ease state?
- Now is also the time to assess and address lifestyle and contributing factors. For example, a therapeutic fast is indicated if she is vomiting from overeating or getting into the garbage. Another preventive Holistic Action! in this situation is to use a latch to prevent access to garbage, the kitty box, etc.
- If continued treatment is needed, educate yourself about both the conventional and the holistic options. Find out more about our A.S.C. (Avoid, Support, Cure) method treatment approach.
- Schedule your appointment with your regular vet. Be sure that any ER notes or test results have been faxed or emailed to them. Your appointment with a trained medical professional is the perfect time to continue interpreting symptoms in context.
Remember, an emergency symptom is just another bump in the road to better health. So don’t despair.
Our faculty and community members will help support you.
Stay well.
Dr. Jeff
*Capillary refill time (CRT) is a great way to quickly evaluate for shock, heart and lung troubles. Press your finger firmly against the gums. This will blanch the pink color. When you stop pressing, the gum color should return within a second or two. If it takes much longer this is another indication to head right to the ER.
If however your animal is not acting sick and this test seems abnormal, ask your veterinarian or another educated animal guardian if you are doing it correctly.
Heal Your Pet With a Hug
While researching the connection between wellness and vitality, I came across an article with the intriguing title of:
“Therapeutic Touch Affects DNA Synthesis and Mineralization of Human Osteoblasts in Culture”
This is not some woo-woo research. It’s from a conventional medical center published in a mainstream journal.
The article shows positive, statistically-significant, effects on living cells under laboratory conditions. Osteosarcoma (bone cancer cells) were influenced just by holding them.
Wow! More food for thought.
This is even more evidence of a life-giving energy (“vitality”). And it can be transferred through touch.
There’s already plenty of research showing the many positive effects from healing touch. Wound healing, behavior problems, carpal tunnel syndrome (in people) etc.
You can incorporate this in your pet’s wellness program today.
Hug, pet and “love up” your companion animal’s today.
Dr. Jeff
The Case of Razz’s Disappearing Mouth Tumor
Meet Razz
Razz has a great life! He gets to run with his guardian almost every day, loves playing, training and competing with other dogs.
He is so well-adjusted (“Bombproof” as Patti, Razz’s guardian says) because he has been holistically and homeopathically treated since he was a puppy. Actually, even before that since his breeder (also a veterinarian) was treating his mom homeopathically. But we’ll dive into improving health over the generations in another post or Empower Hour! online class.
Patti examines Razz closely every day. She removes any ticks, checks his ears, mouth etc. to make sure that he’s in tip top shape. One day she found a growth in his mouth that was not there the day before.
“This wasn’t here the other day!”
Being a proactive pet parent, Patti coincidentally had her monthly routine recheck for Razz the next day. During the appointment, all of Razz’s current symptoms were evaluated. Even though the new mouth tumor was Patti’s main concern.
This allowed a medicine to be found that addressed Razz’s totality. Not just the tumor.
Within a week Patti noticed that the tumor was almost gone. Holistically individualizing Razz’s symptoms allowed us to harness the healing power of nature. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy were avoided!
You can easily learn to use the Holistic Medical Decision Making method too. Join Holistic Actions! community below.
Be well.
Dr. Jeff
The 6 Ps That Help Keep Your Pets Healthy
You’ll become better at keeping her well by identifying early hints of internal imbalance.
Your pet’s symptom language will also help you manage her health challenges. (more…)