A clean, detoxified system is the key to any healthy body, animal or human. Dis-ease flourishes in a toxic, sluggish system. Your dog gets “dirty” from chemical exposure (conventional flea, tick, and heartworm preventives); prescription drugs (pain relievers, NSAID’s, and antibiotics); food preservatives and additives (hydrogenated oils, sugar, and chemicals); and impure drinking water (fluoridated and/or chlorinated). A sluggish system results from improper nutrition, stress, decreased flexibility, and lack of exercise. Many holistic veterinarians and animal health care professionals list commercial pet foods and yearly vaccinations as a major contributing factors in the rise of chronic illness. Just like in humans, diabetes, arthritis, ADD, chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, kidney and liver dis-ease, and skin disorders are on the rise. A few simple measures will keep Spot’s body in an anabolic (repair) versus catabolic (breakdown) state. #1 - Clean your Dirty Dog! Inside and out! Clean water (pure & filtered, free of chemicals like fluoride and chloride, often found in tap water); Clean food (natural & organic, free of hormones, preservatives, pesticides, additives, sodium and sugars); Clean body (free of chemicals, found in prescription drugs, flea and heartworm preventives, household cleaning products). #2 - Stretch Spot! De-stress your puppy! Incorporate a 15-minute stretching routine into your dog’s schedule and give the gift of flexibility. Life may look simple, but a dog’s day can be taxing! Work your dog’s muscles through a range of motion and watch your pup unwind while you promote natural healing. Energize your Porky Pooch! Get Spot moving! Obesity is the root of all evil! You know how great a little exercise makes you feel! Treat Spot to the same luxury; offer your pup some exercise options. A game of fetch; an outdoor walk; or a jog around the neighborhood! #3 - Knowledge is power! Become familiar with changes in Spot’s body and research alternative methods of treatment. For example, use stretching for symmetry issues and lack of flexibility; massage to help with anxiety and aggression; and exercise and nutritional changes to manage weight and enhance longevity. Rocky was my first Scottie rescue. His previous life was more than tough, wrought with all levels of neglect. Life in the ruff lane left Rocky with many a terrible thing, for one, an advanced case of heartworms. By the time I called to inquire about Rocky, he was recovering from his second conventional treatment for heartworms (arsenic shots into the veins!!!). The treatment was so severe, Rocky barely recovered. He was given 6-months to live. Touched by Rocky’s struggle, that I decided to adopt him and give him the best 6-months I could. Rocky was the kindest dog I have ever known. He enjoyed life like no other. Despite his struggle for breath, his enlarged heart, and the exhaustion he must have felt, Rocky’s tail wagged on. I often felt concern at the pain he must have felt, yet my vet and I could not deny Rocky’s will to live. Rocky lived two-years past his six-month sentence. What still bothers me is that Rocky did not die from his heartworm condition. His heart had grown stronger but his body couldn’t keep up with flushing all the chemical toxins present due to the massive amounts of prescription drugs. The liver and kidneys cleanse the body, specifically the blood. Liver failure caused Rocky’s death. Knowing what I now know, I would definitely have pursued a more aggressively holistic treatment were I faced with another “Rocky” today. I am excited by the continued trend toward alternative methods of treatment. Do your part to keep the ball rolling and maintain your pooch’s health! When seeking expert advice, get input from holistic vets and investigate alternative modalities. Natural remedies like stretching, massage, and acupressure can greatly improve your dog’s health AND there are no life-threatening side effects. DOGGY DETOXIFICATION! Herb/Plant Uses Application Aloe Vera Antibacterial uses; inflammation Apply topically (gel); add to water (juice). Arnica Inflammation; burns. Apply topically to affected area. Calendula Skin conditions; bites. Apply topically to affected area. Echinacea Immune system; bites; inflammation. Apply topically; introduce to diet. Flaxseed Digestive issues, constipation Freshly ground or oil; introduce to diet. Garlic Immune and cardiovascular system; antibacterial. Introduce to diet. Ginger Inflammation; pain; digestion. Introduce to diet. Oatmeal Dry, itchy skin; digestion Apply topically; introduce to diet. Tea tree Skin conditions; bites Apply topically to affected area.