Medicine`

In order to better understand why natural remedies for dogs should be considered one should first take a look at the philosophy behind naturopathic medicine along with some its benefits. It is important to recognize that a natural approach may not be the best solution in all cases and this style of treatment tends to be slower to show results. It is basically a way of thinking about dog health that is different from conventional veterinary medicine. Let’s get started by looking at the five time tested principles which guide naturopathic medicine:

* Do no harm: A very important rule, medicine
, that is often missed by conventional medicine, with the myriad of side effects often seen the cure is sometimes worse than the ailment.

* Nature is the most effective way of healing: Naturopathic physicians believe that the body has considerable power to heal itself. It is the job of the doctor to do everything in his/her power to assist in helping this process along.

* Identify the root of the problem: Most natural remedies for dogs seek to treat the underlying cause of the disease rather than to simply suppress the symptoms. An important concept that produces long term results rather than temporary results.

* See the big picture: Natural health remedies use a broad spectrum approach rather than focusing in on one symptom or disease.

* Prevention is the best cure: Most natural remedies, medicine
, for dogs contain at least one ingredient which boosts immune system function or works in some other way to decrease the chances of future or recurring illness.

Complementary aspects of natural remedies for, medicine
, dogs

Perhaps one of the most compelling advantages of dog natural remedies is their ability to be used both as a primary treatment and a secondary complimentary treatment. This is especially true with more severe illnesses such as urinary, medicine
, tract blockage, cancer or tumors, or any other condition which may require surgery. While things are changing, medicine
, it is still sometimes difficult for veterinarians to see the value in using natural remedies for dogs as a compliment to their extensive life saving skills.

Prevention may be the most valuable attribute

Ultimately dog natural remedies may prove most valuable in the prevention of disease. The broad spectrum approach encompasses such aspect of a healthy lifestyle as exercise, diet and risk of disease combined forward looking action designed to reduce controllable risk factors.

Exploring two examples of canine diseases, and how natural remedies for dogs are applied.

* Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is known as degenerative joint disease. Conventional treatment consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and inflammation. Corticosteroids or surgery are also options. Surgery is invasive and the prescription drugs designed to reduce pain and inflammation are only temporary fixes. On the other hand the natural health approach would be to combine supplements such as glucosamine, medicine
, and chondroitin with moderate hydrotherapy to both rebuild lost cartilage and strengthen the supporting muscles; a much more permanent or lasting solution.

* Cancer: Your veterinarian will have three options for treating dogs with cancer; surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Despite the best efforts of your veterinarian normally a complete cure is not possible. Natural remedies can’t make the claim they cure cancer. Nevertheless there are cancer supplements containing ingredients which have shown promising results in clinical trials. This is an example where using natural dog remedies as a supportive therapy to maintain, medicine
, overall health and vitality is a viable option to consider.

In summary, there are many other examples which mimic the ones above and ultimately as pet parents it up to your to make the best decision for both you and your beloved dog. In the quest for treating and preventing disease natural remedies for dogs are excellent options to consider, especially when used as compliment to existing conventional treatment.

How is it that a fungus accused of having little nutritional value could harbor life improving and saving elements?The overlooked turns out to be a great source of vitamin B, niacin, riboflavin, selenium, and protein.Your nutritionist may not know that in the case of fungi, they should be cooked to make vitamins available to the body.

Throughout Asia, particularly China and Japan, mushrooms have been part of the culinary experience but most importantly, they’ve harnessed the biggest health benefits of mushroom extracts for thousands of years.

The western attitude and lack of nutritional information of mushrooms has landed our fungal friends in our salads and chopped up in our kitchens to be used in food dishes. The Asian culture however, has for a couple of thousand years, used specific mushrooms to improve and maintain better health.Many of these mushrooms have reputed health benefits to include anti-aging properties to attacking cancer cells and although relatively new to the Western world, continue to be used within the Asian culture for their medicinal properties.

With advances in mushroom cultivation in just the last 20 years, increased availability, research, and affordability, use of mushrooms for their health benefits has increased.For example, the Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma Lucidum) was originally only available to Asian royalty and often referred to as mushroom of immortality.Reishi can suppress cell adhesion and migration of certain cancer cells, potentially reducing cancerous effects and certainly boosting immune systems.

The tumor inhibiting ability of specific mushrooms is created by the immune-stimulating polysaccharides. Medical practitioners in China and Japan have used mushrooms along with herbs in anti-aging and cancer medications.Certainly, the homeopathic community has expounded on the health benefits of using such extracts.

When selecting mushroom extract products for human consumption, it is important to select alcohol based extracts as they remove water-soluble components from the mushroom to maximize available triterpinoids.This is very important in accurate analysis of levels of Ganoderic acids to determine potency. Reishi is the only known source of a group of triterpenes known as ganoderic acids, which have a molecular structure similar to steroid hormones. It has the most active polysaccharides among medicinal plant sources. In addition to other curing qualities, some, new medicine
, believe these Ganoderic acids may even lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.Various mushrooms continue to be the focus of specialized research in cancer and immune dysfunction.

Nutr Cancer. 2005;53(1):11-7. Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, SAR, China.

“Reishi a popular medicinal mushroom, has been used in China for longevity and health promotion since ancient times. Investigations into the anti cancer activity of reishi have been performed in both in vitro and in vivo studies, supporting its application for cancer treatment and prevention. The proposed anti cancer activity of reishi has prompted its usage by cancer patients. It remains debatable as to whether reishi is a food supplement, new medicine
, for health maintenance or actually a therapeutic “drug” for medical proposes. Thus far there has been no report of human trials using reishi as a direct anti cancer agent, despite some evidence showing the usage of reishi as a potential supplement to cancer patients. Cellular immune responses and mitogenic reactivity of cancer patients have been enhanced by reshi, as reported in two, new medicine
, randomized and one nonrandomized trials, and the quality of life of 65% of lung cancer patients improved in one study. The direct cytotoxic and anti-angiogenesis mechanisms of reishi have been established by in vitro studies; however, clinical studies should not be neglected to define, new medicine
, the applicable dosage in vivo, new medicine
, . At present, reishi is a health food supplement to support cancer patients, yet the evidence supporting the potential of direct in vivo anti cancer effects should not be underestimated.”

I only mention herein, the health benefits of Reishi mushrooms but others combating immune dysfunction include Maitake, Agaricus, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, and Cordyceps mushrooms.

The father of mushroom cultivation and studies, Paul Stamets, and author of The Mushroom Cultivator: A Practical Guide to Growing Mushrooms at Home, has researched and published the health benefits of mushroom extracts for human consumption using the aforementioned mushrooms and found they positively affected dogs and cats as well!Sure, why not!

“Scientists have only recently confirmed what ancient cultures have known for centuries: mushrooms have within them some of the most potent medicines found in nature. We know that their cellular constituents can profoundly improve the quality of human health.

- Paul Stamets

As a dedicated mycologist for over thirty years, Paul Stamets has discovered four new species of mushrooms, and pioneered countless techniques in the field of edible and medicinal mushroom cultivation.He also wrote the definitive guide to cultivating mushrooms The Mushroom Cultivator and Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushroomswhich serve as the Bible for mushroom identification, classification, and cultivation.

While some Westerners have only recently considered the medicinal properties of mushroom extracts, the introduction of mushroom formula treats for our canines is all the more a novelty, new medicine
, . Some of the dog snacks have combined several of the most commonly used mushrooms in Chinese herbal medicine. Benefits to our best friends include strengthened and stabilized organ systems from Reishi mushrooms and improved digestion from Poria and Polyporous.Therapeutic effects include, enhanced immune system, anti-tumor effects according to some Asian research, increased energy, stomach, spleen, lung conditions, colds, flu, asthma, reduction of skin ailments/allergies, increased energy, improved immunity, and adjunct to chemo and radiation therapy.

A few certified organic pet products are natural, vegetarian, and consist of a blend of several mushrooms to include: Reishi, Maitake, Shiitake, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail.

I’ve listed a few guaranteed analysis and certified organic products at my site and urge you to insist on product analysis when selecting a mushroom snack for your pet.Insure the product is all natural, vegetarian (even if your dog eats meat), free of chemical preservatives or additives, and 100% certified organic mushrooms.

If you’re not careful in your product selection, you risk never introducing the mushroom benefits to your dog’s diet.Some of the common problems with varieties claiming to contain mushroom blends include artificial colors, artificial flavors, meat by-products, sugar and salt, and chemical preservatives.Furthermore, many existing preservatives have been linked with health problems in dogs including damage to skin and liver and allergies defeating the purpose.

Whether your dog is older and suffers any ailments or a puppy, preventative and dietary maintenance will serve to improve your dog’s quality of life.Depending on the dog’s age and health, combining the right daily diet with mushroom blend treats makes for happier and healthier days your dog deserves now.

Domesticated dogs are members of the species Canis familiaris. Even breeds that look very different from each other, such as the Great Dane and the Chihuahua, are essentially the same type of animal. In fact, if dogs of 10 different breeds were left to breed unchecked for several generations, the resulting dogs would look basically the same: medium-sized with prick or semi-erect ears, neutral coloring, catlike (compact) paws, and a sickle-shaped tail. In other words, the characteristics of the native dogs that are found around the world.

That dog breeds are not separate species is sometimes a surprise to dog fanciers, and it creates a dilemma for those committed to preserving breeds. Because breeds are not separate species, they do not come under any sort of endangerment laws or provisions. In fact, some scientists argue that the effort to strictly preserve breeds can lead to their decimation. They argue that the limited genetic diversity in a given breed makes purebred dogs susceptible to a host of genetic diseases. When breeders develop a breed and enter the breed into a registry, the stud book is usually closed. That means only dogs who are deemed to be of this breed-descended from a certain number of dogs of this breed-can breed together to create a descendant of the breed. There may have been thousands of dogs when the stud book was closed, or fewer. The number of dogs entered into a stud book limits the genetic lineages available to a purebred fancier.

The limited genetic diversity that can lead to many genetic problems is further exacerbated when a particular dog or kennel becomes popular, a war or natural disaster decimates a particular breed population, or breeders focus more on looks than utility or health. One dramatic example is the lundehund, or puffin dog, a Norwegian breed that was virtually wiped out during World War II after distemper struck the small island where the breed had been developed. At the end of the war, fewer than a dozen dogs were still, new medicine
, alive. Although the breed has substantially recovered since then, the extremely small gene pool has led to a rampant genetic intestinal disorder, so common that is coined lundehund syndrome. It is believed to affect more than 70 percent of these dogs.

To battle the problem of genetic disease in both humans and dogs, scientists at a number of research institutes are mapping canine DNA. In addition to the benefits for human medicine, they hope that by mapping canine DNA, they can exclude dogs with mutated genes from future breedings. Because dogs exhibit such a large range of physical and behavioral variances, scientists also hope that they will learn some universal truths about mammalian DNA by mapping canine chromosomes. Many scientists and dog experts believe the only way to cut down on the number of genetic problems so prevalent in purebred dogs is by introducing new blood, or by crossbreeding.

In 2003, a rough sketch of the first dog genome sequence was unveiled by scientists at The Institute for Genomic Research and the Center for Advancement of Genomics. The genome belonged to a family pet, a male standard poodle named Shadow. By 2004, scientists at the Broad Center/MIT Center for Genome Research released a more detailed dog genome map, this time the genome belonged to a female boxer, Tasha. Tasha’s genome sequence has been posted on the Internet, to allow other researchers to use the results to further research in canine and human genetics.

In the, new medicine
, spring of 2004, researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center furthered canine DNA research when they released findings from a study comparing 414 individual dogs from 85 breeds. The study revealed that through their DNA, individual, new medicine
, purebred dogs can be traced to their breed with 99 percent accuracy. The scientists were also able to group the 85 breeds into four groups based on geography and morphology. Although many of the individual breeds in the four groups were expected, there were surprises among the relatives such as the placement of the greyhound and Saint Bernard among the herders.

Purpose, Personality, and Pinups

To develop a breed, dogs from several different breeds or breed, new medicine
, mixes are brought together for that specific purpose. For example, the.Australian cattle dog was bred in the nineteenth century to serve as a cattle herding dog in the Australian outback. There were a number of requirements for a dog of this breed to be good at his job. He needed to be small enough not to tire quickly, agile enough to make sharp turns to avoid kicks, and tenacious and enduring enough to herd cattle in the hot sun all day and across many miles. For this job, ranchers bred together several types of dogs: Australian kelpies for their herding ability in Australia’s particular climate, rough collies for their tenacity, dalmatians for their loyalty, bulldogs for their bite, even, some say, dingoes for their silent working ability. The original Australian cattle dogs were what we would now call mixed breeds. The stud book was closed in the early 1900s and a breed description was drawn up. From that point on, there was an official Australian cattle dog and no further crossbreeding was acceptable.

In this way, there have been scores of new purebred dogs created, each embodying different attributes pulled from different breeds to enhance their working ability. It’s rare for a new breed to be developed, new medicine
, for its looks alone; generally, the looks we associate with purebreds are a byproduct of the working skills breeders selected for. That is, the Australian cattle dog gained its tenacity from collies, but the breed also lent, new medicine
, its merle coat. Darwin termed this artificial selection-essentially altering a species’ evolution through the specific selection of genes (or traits that correspond to specific genes).

Interestingly, one scientist who has worked to breed tame foxes, selecting for docility and amenability, has encountered a side effect: after generations the selectively bred foxes have developed piebald coats, floppier ears, curlier tails, and almost doglike faces.

There are currently four types of cat heartworm medicine designed to ensure our pets do not become infected with this dreaded parasite. Two are ’spot on’ or topical treatments while the other two are given orally.

You may wish to combine a treatment to prevent heartworm with other parasite controls too. Choosing such a multi-faceted product means you need to have less pet medicines around the home, and less to remember to administer. But, of course, extra protection means extra expense so you will need to decide what parasites are actually a threat to your cat. Lifestyle and location are the primary factors in determining which pests are likely to be a problem for you and your pets.

Another deciding factor in which medicine you choose will be how happy your feline friend is to accept oral treatments, home medicine, . Now that products come in chewable treat form, many cats will accept oral medicines much more easily than before.

So, what are, home medicine, the options available to cat-owners? The four methods of preventing heartworm in cats are:

Ivermectin given as a monthly chewable, oral treatment.
Milbemycin oxime as a monthly oral treatment.
Selamectin given as a monthly topical treatment.
Imidacloprid and Moxidectin given as a monthly topical treatment.

Firstly, Ivermectin is the most widely used active ingredient used in the treatment of animals already infected with heartworm disease. This means it is a drug which comes under regular scrutiny when used in much larger doses than your cat will receive with its preventative medicine. As well as destroying larval worms in your pets bloodstream this drug will destroy roundworm and hookworm in its gut too. This makes it a good all round de-worming product. At the moment ivermectin is available as the branded product Heartguard from Merial.

The second option for oral heartworm meds is Milbemycin oxime which is branded as Interceptor. It does exactly the same job as the ivemectin based product, eliminating larval heartworms, roundworm and hookworm which have occurred during the thirty days since your pets last treatment.

There is very little to choose from in these two orally administered products, particularly as the price for both is usually about the same. Heartguard, home medicine, has a slight advantage in that ivermectin is shown to destroy larval worms which have been in the system for longer than a month so if you mistime a treatment there is less chance of a problem. But, that effectiveness falls the longer the period between treatments so should never be relied upon to stop your pet contracting heartworm disease.

For a wider spectrum of parasite control the topical treatments are definitely the better option. Side effects are few and far between, and generally confined to a tiny patch of hair loss which really is nothing to worry about, but may indicate that oral treatments are better in future. The topical treatments are administered by pouring an small quantity of oily liquid onto the skin of your pets shoulder blades. The skin should be parted to ensure the skin can absorb it fully. The active ingredients are then sent into the bloodstream to deal with internal parasites, and are also spread via the sebaceous glands to coat the entire body to deal with external parasites.

The first oral heartworm medicine is Selemectin which is branded as Revolution. This is really a complete answer to parasite control as it protects against fleas, mange, ear-mites, heartworm, roundworm and hookworm too. This means one product will deal with, home medicine, all the parasites your cat is likely to come into regular contact with. This medicine is thought to be safe for use on pregnant and lactating cats which makes it the, home medicine, only option for such animals.

Advantage is the final option for cat owners, using Imidacloprid and Moxidectin to destroy flea infestations, ear-mites, heartworm, roundworm and hookworm. Like most medicines this is not proven to be safe for use on pregnant or lactating animals.

If your concern is purely internal parasites the oral treatments are best and cheapest, but if you prefer the convenience of incorporating your cats flea treatment opt for a topical heartworm medicine.

All the options have an extremely good safety record as the amount of active ingredient is so tiny. But, as with any pet meds you should keep an eye on your pet following administering the drugs to ensure they do not show any sign of allergy. Ensure you use the correct dosage as different size cats may need to receive different amounts of the treatment and never use products not specifically confirmed as for use on cats. Which ever option you choose ensure your cat is tested for the disease prior to commencing treatment. Using any pet medicine on poorly, underweight, aged, nursing or pregnant animals should be discussed fully with your vet first, though Revolution topical treatment is considered safe for nursing and pregnant queens.

Preventative dog heartworm medicine is available in three methods of administration; injection, oral and spot on or topical treatment. Each method has its fans and critics, but all when used correctly guarantee your dog is no longer at risk from heartworm disease.

Dog Heartworm Injection
Heartworm injections are widely used overseas, but health scares have made them the least favoured option in the, medicine online
, United States. These heartworm preventatives must be given every year or every six months by a qualified veterinarian. If you are considering such a method of heartworm prevention speak to your vet.

Dog Heartworm Pills
Most often used to prevent heartworm for dogs are oral dog heartworm medicines. Available as ordinary (and relatively cheap) tablets, or as tasty chewables (which are more expensive), heartworm pills used to be given daily, but are now more usually used every, medicine online
, thirty days.

Monthly oral heartworm medicines for dogs are widely available in generic versions. Their less glamourous packaging does nothing to diminish the effectiveness of the product, and can provide savings of up to 50% on the more expensive branded heartworm meds.

Canine heartworm pills work by destroying any larval heartworms which have been picked up from an infected mosquito bite. They do not prevent the parasites infecting your pet, but rather work backwards ensuring those parasites never mature to the point where they can cause any health concerns for the dog.

Some dogs are notoriously difficult to give tablets too. If your pet is one such animal, you can simply break up and hide the heartworm pill in its food. But, keep an eye on it to ensure the whole tablet has been eaten. Alternatively, chewable heartworm medicines are available. Only suitable for dogs which are okay with beef, these treats make medication time much more acceptable to your pet. They are designed to be eaten slowly though, so if your dog is one who likes to swallow things whole, give it only a part of the chewable heartworm medication at a time.

Topical Canine Heartworm Medicine
Topical or spot on treatments have grown in popularity as pet owners regularly use such products for the prevention of fleas. There is no issue of wondering whether your dog has swallowed the medication, which puts the pet owner in more control.

Topical dog heartworm medicines also incorporate the control of other parasites. Roundworms, hookworms and other intestinal worms are controlled with most topical products. In addition using a product such as Advantage Multi or Revolution heartworm medicine for dogs can offer thorough flea control too.

Using Dog Heartworm Medicine
Whichever type of heartworm medicine for dogs you choose, there are a few points to remember.

Prior to starting a preventative heartworm treatment, your dog should receive a heartworm test from your vet. It is advisable to repeat this test each spring to ensure your dog does not need any veterinary treatment.
Monthly heartworm medicine for dogs really should be given every 30 days. The active ingredients are completely efficient at destroying all juvenile heartworm larvae that have been in the dogs system for 30 days or less. As time, medicine online
, elapses, some medications are better than others at eliminating more mature heartworms. For the forgetful pet owner, ivermectin based products such as Heartgard heartworm pills are the most efficient at still destroying all heartworms. If you miss a dose, use your dog heartworm medicine as soon as possible, and continue to use every 30 days from this new date. If more than two months has elapsed since the last dose, speak to your vet about the need for an additional heartworm test.

When changing from one type or brand to another, make sure the new monthly heartworm medicine is given 30 days after the last treatment.

Saving Money on Your Dog’s Heartworm Medicine
Heartworm medicine for dogs is fast becoming a standard, regular pet medication used by most pet owners. Ideally it should be given year round, but some pet owners make savings by using only in the warmer months when mosquitoes are most active. If you are considering seasonal use of heartworm preventatives speak to your vet about the risk of the disease in your area.

Perhaps, medicine online
, a safer way to save money on heartworm medicines is to choose wisely. Chewables are more expensive than ordinary tablets. Generic tablets are cheaper still than brands. Buying from a Canadian online pet medicine outlet may avoid the need for a veterinary prescription and the costs associated with it.

Price check,, medicine online
, as discount pet medicines vary hugely and often the largest retailers offer the smallest savings.

There is a huge range of dog heartworm medicine available. As long as you choose a product labelled as a preventative heartworm treatment for dogs, you are protecting your pet. Though each product is different, all must provide the same, safe protection from disease to be labelled as a heartworm preventative.