In cooperation with Shirley Lipschutz-Robinson of Shirley's Wellness Cafe , I am pleased to offer the following excerpts of information from the holistic pet health section found on her web site. You will find many links to numerous portions of her website further below. For those of you who have an interest in learning more about holistic health for yourself or your pet, I encourage you to follow the links below that take you to her site. Be prepared to spend hours there!

[This material is � copyrighted and may only be used for information purposes. It is the sole property of the author and any commercial use or reproduction without written permission is prohibited.]

A growing number of veterinarians state that processed pet food (kibbles and canned food) is the main cause of illness and premature death in the modern dog and cat. In December 1995, the British Journal of Small Animal Practice published a paper contending that processed pet food supresses the immune system and leads to liver, kidney, heart and other diseases. Dr. Kollath, of the Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, headed a study done on animals. When young animals were fed cooked and processed foods they initially appeared to be healthy. However, as the animals reached adulthood, they began to age more quickly than normal and also developed chronic degenerative disease symptoms. A control group of animals raised on raw foods aged less quickly and were free of degenerative disease.

Pet food (kibbles and canned food for dogs or cats) is one of the world's most synthetic edible products, containing virtually no whole ingredients. A growing number of veterinarians and animal nutritionists say that many of our pets' disease and suffering can be prevented or cured with nutrition. Holistic veterinarians teach that processed pet food (meaning COOKED food) is the main cause of illness and premature death in the modern dog and cat. In December 1995, the British Journal of Small Animal Practice published a paper contending that processed pet food suppresses the immune system and leads to liver, kidney, heart and other diseases. This research, initially conducted by Dr Tom Lonsdale, was researched further by the Australian Veterinary Association and proven to be correct. For a return to health, pets require a diet which strengthens the immune system and most closely resembles that which they would get in the wild (meaning RAW food). Grains are NOT part of the natural diet of wild dogs and cats. Carnivores cannot maintain long term production of the quantity of amylase enzyme necessary to properly digest and utilize the carbohydrates. Dr. William Pollak D.V.M, says that 74.7% of common diseases in dogs and 63% of common diseases in cats can be eliminated without medical intervention over a period of one year with proper diet modifications and an understanding of the healing process as exhibited through healing episodes. Approaching disease from the perspective of health is the most powerful means of eliminating disease". According to holistic vets, even the top quality kibble or canned pet foods with the very best nutrients are still cooked, processed, denaturated, and dead food that have no health or life enhancing nutritional qualities.

RAW BONES versus COOKED BONES: Holistic veterinarians say that raw bones are NOT harmful to carnivores. Only cooked bones can splinter and can pose a threat. Wild carnivores do not debone their kills. I have seen documentaries of tiny white foxes catching doves and swallowing the birds whole with feathers, claws, beak, and all. Their stomach juices are very acidic and and loaded with natural enzymes that disolves and digests bone material. Chewing on raw bones helps to strengthen the jaw bones, massage the gums while stimulating the salivary and digestive glands, help reduce plaques and calculus accumulation on the tooth surfaces, clean teeth and reduce occurrence of gingivitis. Bones are a good source of calcium and other important minerals.

You can find more information about optimum animal's diet at http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/animals.htm

You can find some sample of RAW meal recipes at http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/shasta.htm

Several companies are now selling commercially prepared RAW food for pets (some organically grown): http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/petdiet.htm

WORRIED about SALMONELLA and other bugs in your pet's raw meet diet? Most holistic veterinarians are well aware that dogs and cats don't get salmonella poisoning because their digestive system is so acidic that it kills everything. This is why a dog can bury a bone and dig it up two weeks later and eat the rotting meat. Read the document: http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/jesse.htm

VACCINATION: Dr Charles E Loops DVM says "Vaccinations represent a major assault on the body's immune system." Routine vaccination is known to create short term and long term multitude of symptoms." Read the comments of other veterinarians who believe vaccines are damaging our pets at http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/petvacc.htm Holistic vets say that correctly prescribed homeopathic remedies can often undue the damage caused by vaccines. A professional homeopathic veterinarian should be consulted for more information. You can learn more about homeopathy's ability to reduce or repair damage caused by vaccines and alternative to vaccines at http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/homeopat.htm#vaccine

Natural minerals and trace elements are crucial to maintain an animal's good health. I add KELP (seaweed) to my dog's diet and PASCALITE or BENTONITE clay to her water. For more info about kelp: http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/seaveg.htm
For more info about healing clay: http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/clay.htm

HEALING CRISIS: As with all true natural cures, the road to better health may begin with a healing crisis. As your animal moves toward better health with natural healing programs and better nutrition, healing begins to occur. As part of the healing process the body will begin to discard toxic residues which have built up in your body over the years. The healing process usually does not occur without repercussions. During the initial phase of healing, as your animal begins to clean house, (detoxify) and its vital energy begins to repair and rebuild internal organs, it may possibly experience diarrhea, skin eruptions and discharge from the ear and nose. This is called a healing crisis and it is ALWAYS A GOOD SIGN and those cleansing symptoms should not be suppressed with drugs. The duration of a healing crisis varies, depending on your animal's constitution and age. Please consult with a holistic veterinarian if you have further questions about a healing crisis or visit http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/philo1.htm#healingcrisis for more information.

MEDICATION: Beware of drugs that your conventional veterinarian may give your animal. They are often ineffective and may have serious side effects. Frustrated with the failures of conventional veterinary medicine, Dr. Charles E Loops DVM says: "After 10 years of traditional veterinary practice I became tired of having no treatment for chronic disease, incurable conditions, and a plethora of allergic maladies which seem to plague all veterinary practices. I was frustrated with giving animals cortisone because I had no other solutions, or using antibiotics for infections, which I knew were of viral origin. There is so much that can be done for an animal, bird, or reptile that is ailing by utilizing homeopathic medicine." Learn about the danger of antibiotics for your pets at http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/petbioti.htm You can also learn about using HOMEOPATHY as an effective and safe alternative to antibiotics and other drugs for animals at http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/animal_homeopathy.htm (See info about chemo therapy further down.)

ALTERNATIVE TO ANTIBIOTICS: Learn about safe and effective natural herbal antibiotics (also antiseptics, antiviral, antipyretics, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal) for humans and animals. http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/herbs_part2.htm#antibiotics

TESTIMONIAL: You can read my own testimonial "How I saved my dog's life with homeopathy and raw food"
at http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/shasta.htm You can read other testimonials about amazing animal cures at http://www.shirleys-wellness cafe.com/mailbag_animals.htm

FLEA PROBLEMS, ALLERGIES, ITCHING, COMPULSIVE BITING or LICKING: I have a wonderful recipe of natural products that I use with great success on my dog to stop itching and to heal flea bites or hotspots. Check the info at http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/shasta_homeopathy.htm. If that does not help your animal's allergies or compulsive biting and licking, I think that homeopathy is one the best approach. If you are unable to have a consultation with a homeopathic vet, you can contact Jean Hamburg at [email protected] for information about an inexpensive combination homeopathic product which appears to brings much relief to these suffering pets and you can read Jean's success story at http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/mailbag_animals.htm#Jean. If you contact her, tell her that Shirley gave you her email address.

CANCER: In 1987 Dr. Lana Levi, of the University of California wrote, "Most cancer patients in this country die of chemotherapy. It does not eliminate breast, colon, or lung cancer. This fact has been know for over a decade. Women with breast cancer are likely to die faster with chemotherapy than without it." What is true for people is ALSO TRUE FOR PETS. More info about Chemo: http://www.best.com/~handpen/Cancell/cancell.htm#Chemo If your animal has cancer, I recommend that you visit "Preventing & Healing Animal Cancer: the holistic approach at http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/animal_cancer. There is aslo an inspiring testimonial page where people describe how their animals where cured of cancer and other chronic disease with flax oil, homeopathy and a good diet at http://www.shirleys-wellness cafe.com/mailbag_animals.htm I have included email addresses with each testimonial to facilitate interaction and support. Dr. George C Pack, MD, a cancer specialist at Cornell medical School says "The only real defense against cancer is the immune system. Almost everyone has cancer cells present at times in our bodies. If our immune system is working properly, these cells are killed or reabsorbed by our defense system before they begin to grow and threaten our health." Improving an animal's diet by providing it with plenty of RAW meat and raw vegetables, flax oil, and kelp meal can help improve symptoms by strengthening the immune system. There is an abundance of info about nutrition and animal healing at http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/animals.htm You cannot poison your animal's body into health with drugs, chemo or radiation. The holistic approach treats the whole person, ignites the body's internal healing force and stimulates the body's natural abilities to heal itself. "Health can only be achieved with healthful living" T.C.Fry

TOXIC ENVIRONMENT: Finally I would like to remind you that animals can become sick from environmental toxins. "I once had an epileptic dog I had been treating unsuccessfully for eighteen months. One day its plastic feeding bowl was accidentally broken and replaced with a ceramic one. The fits stopped immediately." For more information please go to http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/animal_victims.htm

WATER FAST: Dr. William Pollak D.V.M. says that occasional fasting by cats and dogs is a normal, natural phenomenon, especially when natural raw, fresh foods are fed. Very sick animals in the wild are known to fast on water for several days; it is the behavior of rest and purification. Water fast for people or animals have tremendous healing powers. Therapeutic Fasting is the world's most ancient and natural healing mechanism." I routinely fast my 10 year old dog, Shasta, on water every other day, (I used to fast her once every week or once every other week). If she would be sick I would fast her on water for 2 to 5 days or longer if needed. More info on therapeutic fasts: http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/fasting.htm and on fasting animals: http://www.healthyvet.com/fastingcat.htm -- Fasting your Cat for Health: http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/feline.htm#fasting

BEHAVIOR PROBLEM: aggression, possessiveness, destructiveness, dominance, or other problems. A behavior problem often becomes a 'terminal disease'. Indeed euthanasia for behavior problems is the main cause of death in young animals, and many people regard it as a treatment. It can be brought about in many cases quite simply and inexpensively through the use of flower essences. 'Bach Flower Remedies for Animals: Treating Animal Illnesses & Emotional States with Flower Essense Remedies' offers descriptions of each of the 38 Bach Flower Remedies, with their application in the treatment of a range of domestic animals, including horses. It also describes diagnostic symptoms, animal by animal, together with appropriate treatment regimes, illustrated with case material obtained from veterinarians animal behavior specialist, psychologist and health practitioners. http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/animal_health_part2.htm#bach {Don't forget to check out my page on the Bach Flower Essences as well.}
Homeopathy is also renowned to help with behavior problems in animals (and children) http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/animal_homeopathy.htm Outstanding e- manuals on dog behavior problems, from separation anxiety, to aggression and self mutilation; from hyperactive behavior in the home to house training problems. http://www.A1Dog.com/?hop=wellcafe.a1dogcom

FELINE HOLISTIC HEALTH: Holistic Health for Cats - Natural diet - Transitioning a cat to a new diet - homeopathy - herbal treatments and nutritional medicine for your feline companion (natural remedies for kidney or bladder problem, sarcoma, and other feline health conditions) Vaccines and Sarcomas: A Concern for Cat Owners; Does your cat suffers from upper respiratory problems, sores or strange lumps? http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/feline.htm

EQUINE HOLISTIC HEALTH: Natural treatments for horses; Nutritional Therapy, Acupressure, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Herbal Therapy Homeopathy, Magnetic Therapy, Massage, Premarin Industry: Holocaust for Horses, and more. http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/horse.htm

PARROTS & OTHER PET BIRDS: Eating fresh raw foods, such as fruits, vegetable matter, nuts, seeds, sprouts, berries, leaf buds can offer our birds the ultimate opportunity to achieve vibrant and long-lasting health. Birds become sick on commercial diets. Grapefruit Seed Extract, the natural Cure & Disinfectant http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/birds.htm

REARING HEALTHY PUPS & KITTENS: Pet owners often complaint that their new puppy is sick with diarrhea, vomiting, running eyes and ear infections. A lot of money is spent on veterinary care and medication, often with poor result. Learn to feed your pup or kitten a raw food diet for optimum health and vitality. http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/puppy-care.htm

SUPPORT GROUPS: If you feel that your question was not addressed or if you need further assistance, this is what I suggest you do: in my website I have links to support group dedicated to holistic pet care where sharing of information on alternative medicine is given in a practical, usable format. Its easy to join these groups. You can email your question and you'll receive plenty of advice and support. You can find the address to these support groups at http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/animal_health_part2.htm#support

LOOKING FOR A HOLISTIC/HOMEOPATHIC VETERINARIAN? If you'd like to have a consultation with a holistic or homeopathic veterinarian and there are none in your hometown you can always seek a telephone consultation with a holistic vet or an animal consultant. A phone consultation can be just as effective as an office consultation, especially if you already have a diagnosis of your animal's condition. Homeopathy can also achieve incredible results with all types of chronic or acute disease. You can place a search on the internet for a holistic vet or a homeopathic vet or you can choose one in the list I have compiled at
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/vetlist.htm You may also want to check out the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Directory online at http://www.altvetmed.com/ahvmadir.html

SHIRLEY'S WELLNESS CAFE is a free educational site oriented to self help and dedicated to help promote natural health for humans and their animals.

DISCLAIMER: This information is presented for the educational and free exchange of ideas and speech in relation to animal's health and wellness only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice and treatment of a licensed professional. I am NOT a veterinarian and I do NOT provide medical advice. Please consult your veterinarian for any medical problem.

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©Copyright 1996-2001 Shirley Lipschutz-Robinson All Rights Reserved. The summary of information on holistic animal health may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, and information intact without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Shirley Lipschutz-Robinson is required. This information is freely available for educational purposes only. It is created from a labor of love and dedicated to the health and well being of animals everywhere.

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Thank you Shirley for giving me permission to reprint your article. Dog owners as myself appreciate all the efforts and energy you put into this extremely important area of pet health. I hope many pets have the opportunity to enjoy the . Keep up the good work!

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If you know of any well written articles or know about another Holistc/Alternative/Complimentary method of treatment pertaining to pet health I would like to know! I am always looking for more educational material to add to this new section of Bodhi's Site. Please contact, Desiree. Thank you!

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DISCLAIMER: The information given on this site is not intended to diagnose any physical or mental condition, or to prescribe for any condition, nor is that my intent here. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice and treatment of a licensed professional.

In the event that you use the information for your own health, or for your animals, you are prescribing for yourself and/or your animals, which is your constitutional right and for which the author of this site assumes no responsibility.

The information found on this web site is for educational purposes only. Thank you. Desiree Malouin, CCHT: Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Reiki Master/Teacher, Bach Flower Practitioner, Intuitive Healer, and Shamanic practitioner.

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