D is for …
Diabetes – Diabetic dogs and cats need to be kept on a very strict non-sugar diet which immediately eliminates a number of commercial foods that have added sugar (often called caramels) and preservatives. If you don’t know, you can always call the pet food manufacturer and ask them. However, to be absolutely sure there is no sugar in the food it is obviously better to indulge in home-cooking. The dog or cat should have two light meals a day, preferably at the same time every day to stabilise the blood sugar levels. Protein should only be from beans (for dogs)and vegetables like green beans and a little lean meat or fish. Chromium is the best mineral to reduce blood sugar and brown rice, oats,millet and polenta ( and nuts and seeds for canines) are rich in the necessary vitamin Bs. All the B vitamins and extra vitamin C can be added to the diet, along with vitamin E and beta-carotene which may help deteriorating eyesight. Another helpful mineral is zinc and if they will accept it a herbal tea made with dandelion root can be given along with seaweed and garlic tablets. Also be sure to worm regularly and give sulphur as parasites and worms may exacerbate diabetes.
Homoeopathically: Dr Richard Pitcairn recommends natrum muriaticum 6x and Francis Hunter particularly advocates syzigium jambolanum. The suggested potency of 3x of the latter can be given three times daily and can actually help to reduce the amount of insulin given and in some mild cases it may replace the insulin altogether.
Herbally: Dandelion, seaweed and organic garlic are beneficial.
Diarrhoea – This can be caused by a worm infestation, allergies, bacteria, viruses and parasites from infected areas or from contaminated food or water. The most important thing is to fast the animal for twenty-four hours but to make sure the animal is drinking pure water to avoid dehydration you could give lukewarm bottled water and honey. After that you can give a little live goats’ yoghurt or stomach enzymes with a little white rice and free-range breast of chicken or dish until the animal is back to normal. Beware of giving milk, as a lactose intolerance may actually contribute to the problem. Give only boiled or bottled water in case there is a change in your water supply. Also remove any flea collars and stop using flea products while the condition remains.
Homoeopathically: There are a number of remedies which can help. Pitcairn suggests podophyllum 6c for typical diarrhoea and mercurius corrosives 6c for dysentery often with straining and bloody stools. Arsenicum album 6c should be given after bad meat and natrum muriaticum 6x for longer lasting diarrhoea particularly when the animal sits hunched up on all fours after eating. Pulsatilla 6c may be given when dogs have binged or eaten food that is too rich for them.
Herbally: Slippery elm powder and roasted carob powder should be given. Children’s kaolin may also correct the problem, but if it persists a vet should be consulted.
Alexandra is the founder of the ABC Animal Sanctuary on www.abcanimalsanctuary.co.uk We are all volunteers and are most grateful for any adoptions of animals or any donations. We have a Paypal button and a PO Box number on the website. Alexandra has also written “Beware Dobermanns, Donkeys and Ducks” and the veterinary recommended “The Healthy Dog” and “The Healthy Cat” books. A few remaining copies are available from our web site shop.
Copyright Alexandra Bastedo
