Holistic Animal Care: Help for Rescue Animals & Their People! Jenny Magli

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I have experienced some wonderful rescue animals in my home over the years, and have great memories of all of them. It seems to be my “thing,” and I wouldn’t have it any other way. They are deserving of all the love and care they can get, especially since most of them have come from an abuse and/or neglect situation. Thank goodness there are now more no-kill shelters than ever before. There are also animals that are victims of circumstances when an owner has died. These often aging animals end up with other family or friends if they’re lucky, or a shelter situation if they’re not.

So here are some points to consider.

Please make sure you and your family are absolutely ready to commit to a lifetime of love and care for the animal you adopt. This includes medical care. If you are not 100% sure you are ready to adopt, you might consider fostering first. This way you get an idea of what it will take to care for the animal, and also get some guidance from a shelter along with veterinary care while the pet is with you. You might end up as a “foster fail” because you’ve fallen in love with the pet and wish to have it in your home for the rest of its life. This happens a lot, and is not a bad thing!

Prepare your home for this new addition. Pet proofing your home is important. Keep hazardous items out of reach. Remove loose cords or cables. Safely store medicines, cleaners and chemicals out of reach. Remove poisonous plants and anything that could potentially be chewed and/or swallowed.

Patience is key!

You are coming together typically not knowing much, if anything, about the animal’s past. If you are able to learn something, that’s a bonus! Time will be needed to get to know each other. Remember, typically the animal has come from a shelter or rescue situation, so it will likely be nervous, confused, anxious, scared, sad, bewildered, etc. Imagine how you would feel if you were in this animal’s position!

The first week is often the most challenging but also a wonderful discovery period. Your new pet needs some structure and guidance on what you expect from it, including where it will sleep, nap, eat, play, and so on. As you get through each day, you will learn more about each other. Don’t expect everything to go smoothly. It takes time to become familiar with each other and get into a routine. The animal needs time to adjust and warm up to you and your family, so give it space but also give love and attention. Pet, groom, and play with your pet. Providing a pet bed in a quiet area or crate creates a safe space where it can relax.

If you have other pets in the household, give them time to gradually get to know each other. Avoid forcing them to be together. Let this happen slowly, cautiously, and always with supervision!

Some training will be necessary.

Setting boundaries to stay off furniture and counters or teaching basic commands such as sit and stay are important from the start. If you have a pet with bad habits, or just have trouble with training on your own, there’s an abundance of trainers out there to help for a fee.

If you know the breed of the dog, it can be helpful to study about that breed to help you understand its character traits better.

Some frustration with the new pet is inevitable. Patience and time are needed to get through this first phase. You can do it!

Jenny is a Certified Natural Health Consultant for pets and their people, and a Healing Touch for Animals (Level 2) and NES BioEnergetics Practitioner. Consultations are done over the phone and through email. To contact, call or text (906) 235-3524 or email 1healthlink@gmail.com.

Holistic Animal Care: Immune Boosting for Pets, Jenny Magli

Our furry friends offer us unconditional love and joy on a daily basis. What wonders they are! We try to offer them the same, along with much care and attention. As we go through life together, we learn to co-exist, and eventually get to know each other very well. I really feel they are teachers of sorts in that they show us how to live in the moment, and find simple joy from day to day. But ultimately, they are dependent on our complete care during their lifetimes.

Most pets start their lives pretty strong and resilient. No matter their age, they can always benefit from immune support, especially if their immune systems have been compromised due to aging, or sudden or chronic health issues. With the many pets I have had over the years, I have learned just how beneficial immune support can be, and how it can add to longevity and quality of life. This is a win for the pet parent as well! Keeping your pet’s immune system balanced can help to prevent a variety of health issues such as cancer, diabetes, autoimmune issues, and more.

Additionally, some medications can stress the immune system. Antibiotics come to mind, as they are often over-prescribed by vets. Of course, at times they may be totally necessary! If your pet must go on antibiotics, be sure to support his or her immune system during that process. Also, know there are alternative health options that can strengthen and support the immune system.

Here are some examples of ways to support your pet’s immune system:

First, please be aware that the majority of commercial kibble (for cats and dogs) does not contain the nutrients you’d think. The manufacturing, along with shelf life, storage, and heat, destroys the majority of nutrients that may have been added during processing. So a well-balanced, wholesome and nutritious diet (preferably organic with human grade protein and free of dyes and preservatives) should be your first point of support.

Some basics for a healthy immune system include reducing stress, providing fresh filtered water (clean food and water dishes regularly), moderate and regular daily exercise, quality uninterrupted sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, receiving regular dental care, and enjoying sunshine, fresh air, playtime, love, and attention.

Reducing your pet’s exposure to toxic substances is also protective. Consider using simpler alternative household cleaners such as vinegar and baking soda. Use natural or non-toxic pet shampoos and products for flea and tick control because commercial topical and oral flea and tick preventatives can have an adverse effect on the immune system, and are highly toxic. Do not use chemical cleaners or household air fresheners. Do not use scented laundry soap or chemical dryer sheets on anything your pet lays on. And be sure not to use lawn or garden chemicals in areas your pet frequents.

Here’s a sampling of supplements that can help support the immune system:

– Bovine Colostrum – Preferably from New Zealand grass-fed, non-grain-fed cows that have not been fed antibiotics or hormones.
– Medicinal mushrooms such as Maitake, Turkey Tail, Reishi, Cordyceps, Shiitake, Lions Mane, etc.
– Digestive enzymes and probiotics
– Pre-formulated immune-boosting supplements for dogs and cats

All the above can be purchased already-formulated for pets and can easily be added to their food. Please do your own homework to determine the appropriate serving size for your pet.

*Readers are reminded it is entirely of their own accord, right, and responsibility to make Informed decisions/choices with their pets and health care. Supplementation should always be discussed with your holistic veterinarian. Jenny Magli disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

How to Support a Pet with Loss in Hearing, Sight, or Mobility, Jenny Magli

With pets, as with all creatures, life happens! Along with the joy of having fur friends in our life, we need to understand that life challenges can and do occur, often without warning. You never know what is ahead in life, so making the most of every day with your pet will strengthen your relationship with each other.

This bond can be vital in helping you support your pet should an accident or illness occur. You want to be able to help your pet handle these challenges as safely, gently, and comfortably as possible. Examples of some unforeseen events include blindness, deafness, dementia, incontinence, limb loss, or loss of mobility.

Safety is essential.

Creating new barriers and reducing potential hazards can offer a sense of security as your pet regains confidence. Pet gates at doorways and stairways can help create a safe haven and reduce the risks of accidents. Leash walking is crucial in some cases rather than allowing your pet to roam freely. Fatigue can set in much quicker in pets faced with health challenges such as aging, arthritis, cancer, and heart issues.

Monitoring daily exercise/playtime is crucial so pets get some mental and physical exercise, but don’t overdo it. Over-exercise can perpetuate more damage, and increase pain.

Blindness

Health issues, old age, or traumatic injuries can cause either gradual or sudden loss of vision. If your pet exhibits loss of vision, such as bumping into things where he or she never used to do so, or if your pet experiences injury, veterinary care is in order, and adjustments need to be made to accommodate this new life challenge. Sticking to routine and keeping familiar objects such as water bowls, beds, and furniture in the same place will help with navigating the home safely. Guide your pet around the home so he or she becomes more familiar with the setting slowly and safely. Remove potential hazards. There’s also a device (halo) you can buy or make that attaches to a dog’s harness or collar. It offers head protection and acts as a bumper, allowing your pet to better navigate both familiar and new environments.

Loss of Limb or Mobility

This can occur due to aging, paralysis, nerve damage, arthritis, cancer, deformities, etc. Regardless of the cause, animals tend to adapt pretty well, provided we help them all we can through the process. Avoiding their becoming overweight is vital. For senior pets with mobility issues, or those with paralysis, nerve damage, or limb amputation, there are ways to help them get around, such as using slings and/or carts. I have a three-legged dog (amputated before six months old) that has gotten around very well over many years. She is 12 now and arthritic, along with having other health issues. She cannot walk long distances anymore, so we use a dog stroller for long walks. We also have an outside ramp for her to use to avoid climbing steps, and we lift her into and out of vehicles, or use a small ramp. We may consider a rear wheel cart for her in the future.

Hearing Loss

This can come on gradually due to aging, or occur from an injury or illness. Certain dog breeds are genetically prone to hearing loss. Senior pets typically develop a gradual hearing loss due to degeneration or chronic health issues. Regardless of how or when this occurs, your pet can live a very normal and happy life! Learning and then teaching your pet hand signals can be particularly helpful. Using other sounds like foot stomping, clapping, or using a flashlight, etc. can help get your hearing impaired pet’s attention. Fencing your yard and walking your pet on a leash at all times will help to avoid potentially dangerous situations. An “I am deaf” tag can be added to your dog’s collar.

Regardless of what may come along with your pet’s health, remember to enjoy every moment, and play and have fun!

*Readers are reminded it is entirely of their own accord, right,and responsibility to make informed and educated decisions/choices with their pets’ health care. Jenny Magli disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

Jenny is a Certified Natural Health Consultant for pets and their people, Healing Touch for Animals (Level 2) and NES Bioenergetics Practitioner. Consultations are done over the phone and via email. To contact, call (906) 235-3524 or email at 1healthlink@gmail.com.

Holistic Animal Care: Two-Way Gifts of the Human-Pet Bond, by Jenny Magli

I love my animal companions to the moon and back, and I think they feel the same way by the affection, trust, compassion, and unconditional love they show me. Over the years, I have been blessed with many dogs and cats usually living well into their golden years….thankfully. Each one has held a very special place in my heart. They have all been rays of hope, and have helped see me through much of the wonders and heartache that life can bring. The bonds we have shared have truly been remarkable. I truly feel blessed, and firmly believe that my life has been fuller just by being in their presence! They give us a sense of purpose by addressing their needs and care. They’re good for the body, mind and soul!

Pets play a very important part in the lives of many.

Studies have shown that benefits of pet ownership include helping to calm us, improving cardiovascular health (lower blood pressure), improving immunity, and helping us reduce anxiety and stress. Having a pet can help improve self-esteem, and typically causes us to increase our levels of physical activity by engaging in walks and playtime. Socializing becomes a bit easier when we’re out and about with our critters as others tend to enjoy seeing and visiting with animals and their owners.

Pets provide unconditional love, and taking care of them can give us a sense of purpose. Animals’ pack instincts reflect strong social bonds for survival, so it’s no surprise they show concern for all the humans and/or other household pets as part of their family in return. Face-licking, jumping, tail-wagging, lap-sitting, and snuggling are just a few of the ways animal companions show affection to us. Barking at and being alert to strange noises and people coming to the door are a way to show protection for their family. Greeting us (their people) at the door after being away is an especially heartfelt sign of affection.

Given all the many positives of pets, it’s understandable that more and more pets are being trained in pet therapy to attend to the needs of humans and vice versa. These special service animals are being incorporated into nursing homes, hospitals, hospices, and even used in disaster relief! Pet support and assistance animals help those with all sorts of needs, such as PTSD, depression, and loneliness. Some pets can even be specially trained to assist those with disabilities, such as guiding the blind, alerting the deaf, and even pulling wheelchairs! The list goes on and on. They can also be trained to help recognize oncoming seizures, epilepsy and diabetic issues, etc.

And our pets receive more than simply food, shelter, and vet care in return. For example, according to Dr. Brian Hare, a professor of evolutionary anthropology at Duke University and a leading expert on canine cognition, simply staring at your dog, as well as petting and playing with him or her, raises both your oxytocin levels, helping each of you feel good and strengthening the bond between you.

But before you decide to get or add a pet, please make sure you are able to care for it completely.

It’s important to consider the needs of certain breeds as well. Some require lots of exercise (Can you accommodate that?) and others require very little. Keep the temperament of the animal (breed) in mind as well. Do you have the energy, strength, and time to give to an animal? Are you financially able to afford food, grooming, and medical care? Please consider pet ownership carefully before bringing an animal into your home. The overall goal is to offer them a comfortable “forever home” and to find a long-lasting, loving partnership for you both!

*Readers are reminded it is entirely of their own accord, right and responsibility to make informed and educated decisions/choices with their pets’ health care. Jenny Magli disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

Holistic Animal Care: Easy Training Ideas for Your Dog, by Jenny Magli

For many pet parents and families, coming home to a bouncing and happy bundle of fur can’t be beat!

All the kisses and playful antics that come with such warm greetings can really help us forget any troubles we may have encountered earlier in the day. These furry friends have waited all day for their “pack” to come back together, and they are filled with total joy at our arrival. This is the time to interact with them in one way or another (besides taking them out). This could include talking to them, playing, cuddling, sitting with them, walking, or whatever it takes to show our love. Pets crave our positive attention, and look forward to whatever time and affection we can give them.

Sometimes when the weather begins to cool off, it becomes more “comfortable” to be inside. There are some easy activities you can do with your pet to ward off boredom, stimulate the mind, and enjoy each other’s company. Examples of this might include teaching some tricks or basic commands, which can be useful training as well. There are many resources available for training tips and tricks in books and on the internet. Have fun investigating! Here are a few examples to get you started:

Kiss – If you enjoy wet doggy kisses, this is an easy trick to teach. All it takes is applying a small amount of a sticky treat to your cheek. Natural peanut butter (no sugar free or artificial sweeteners in this!) or a little glob of cream cheese should work well. Then add the command/cue of “kiss.” (Of course, if you have a biting puppy or an aggressive/unmanageable dog, it’s likely best to skip this lesson!) Once the trick is done, be sure to reward with praise as well. Kids will likely get a real charge out of this too! Once taught, this trick can also help prevent unwanted licking.

Sit – This is a basic command that is also easy to teach. Repetition and patience are necessary. Grab a handful of treats, and while in a quiet room with no distractions, watch and wait for your dog to sit. When your dog does, reward him or her generously with a treat. Then wait again for another “sit.” Say “sit” right away, and reward with more treats and pets. Repeat this several times. Eventually your dog will figure out it’s worth “sitting” to get a treat!

Come – This trick/command could save your dog’s life! This is pretty easy. Just go up to your dog and give the command you will use to call him or her (for example, “Here, Peaches” or “Fido come”) and give the dog a treat (bacon, chicken, dried liver, etc.). Each time your dog comes to you, give a pet and place a few fingers under his or her collar before you give a treat. This last is to get the dog accustomed to being held).

It’s important to vary the types of rewards during the training process.

Repeat this trick/command at different times throughout the day and in different situations, such as when the dog is interested in something else. Try this when you’re in different rooms as well. Eventually your dog should be willing to honor the command without hesitation!

I hope this article has shown you that with a little searching, there are many ways to learn to entertain both you and your pets when colder weather makes outdoor activities a little more challenging. Regardless, enjoy and have fun with your furry friend!

*Readers are reminded it is entirely of their own accord, right, and responsibility to make informed and educated decisions/choices regarding interaction with your pet. Jenny Magli and Health & Happiness U.P. Magazine disclaim any liability for the decisions you make based on the ideas provided here.

Holistic Animal Care: To Get the Pet or Not to Get the Pet, Jenny Magli

I have to admit, I am a total marshmallow when it comes to pets. I’ve had a lot of pets over the years, all rescues. Presently I have three dogs and two cats… all of which are geriatric. My oldest dog is between fifteen and seventeen (we aren’t exactly sure of her age), and the youngest is eleven. We’ve had all but the 11-year-old for almost their entire lifetimes. Thankfully, we have the room, ability, time, patience, and finances to care for them and manage their needs. Their health needs are changing now and veterinary costs are increasing dramatically. But regardless, we took these precious creatures on knowing it was a lifetime commitment and were prepared from the start to see things through until their lives end. It’s a package deal. We love them and wouldn’t have it any other way!

So, if you are pondering the idea of getting a pet, there are some things to seriously consider beforehand. Pet ownership is a long-term commitment and requires careful consideration before actually bringing a pet into your home.

Things to Consider When Considering a Pet

Why: Think about your “why.” What are the reasons you’d like to have a pet?

Lifestyle and Finances: Consider your lifestyle and what you can afford. Different breeds of dogs have varied needs. Some are high energy and need an outlet for that. They do best when kept very active or they have a job to do (such as herding sheep). Others are less active and are fine with limited activity. Certain dog breeds require daily and monthly professional grooming. This can get very costly. Then there is basic veterinary care (spaying or neutering, vaccines, routine health care) and the potential of unforeseen costs due to health issues that may arise. Can you afford these things?

Time: Do you have time to attend to a living creature in your home? Or can you afford to have someone come and let your dog outside, walk and feed them, or hire a pet sitter if you have to be gone for several days? Puppies require training which can be time-consuming and requires a lot of patience. Dogs require walks at least two to three times a day and need human interaction (playtime) and attention. Please, if you don’t have time for a pet, don’t get one! It’s unfair to the animal to take it on only to surrender it later because you underestimated certain needs, costs, etc. Instead, you might consider fostering or helping rescues/shelters by spending time with animals that are awaiting adoption (by walking, grooming, or reading to them). Another option is pet sitting—you can set your own schedule, and still get a “pet fix.” If you really want a pet but don’t have a lot of time for them, consider fish or small animals like gerbils, etc., that are easy for others to come in and care for.

Care: Dogs need more of your time and attention than cats, and generally do not like being left alone for long periods of time. There is also potential for noise with dogs. Do you live in a place that will tolerate this? Is there a yard or can you take your dog to a park? If there is a chance you will have to move at some point, are you able to take the pet with you? If you have children, make sure beforehand they are not allergic. If you have a family, are they all on board with getting a pet, and willing to help with its care?

Please do careful research and consider all aspects of your life before choosing to take on a pet. Be brutally honest with yourself regarding the overall commitment. It can save you and a pet a lot of heartache!

Holistic Animal Care: What to Do When Waldo Drives You Wacky, Jenny Magli

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I, for one, am a huge pet lover! I know I will never be without some furry creature in my life. They are wonderful companions, a joy to be around, and their unconditional love is hard to beat! But having pets does not come without challenges from time to time. Those of us with pets know there are times when not every household member is a happy camper. Behavior issues are inevitable at some point during a pet’s lifetime. From puppyhood to seniorhood, behaviors can change to varying degrees. This can be due to health issues, environmental influences, poor nutrition, and household changes such as the arrival of a new baby or departure of a family member. Behavior problems that may arise include barking (vocalization), biting, jumping up, aggression, begging, digging, inappropriate elimination, chasing, chewing, and more.

It’s important to remember that some behaviors are perfectly normal. For instance, chewing is a normal process for dogs. This makes it important to provide chewable toys and/or treats to help satisfy that urge so they don’t chew on inappropriate things (especially for puppies to help deal with teething). Cats need to scratch to sharpen their claws and leave their scent, so providing cat scratch posts throughout the home can help prevent their scratching on furniture. If we don’t accommodate animals with a way to relieve these natural tendencies, we’re contributing to potential problem behaviors.

Below are some examples of things to consider when dealing with behavior issues. Sometimes the remedy is simply look at the circumstances surrounding the issue.

Is your pet bored? Is he or she getting enough affection, exercise/playtime and mental stimulation? Exercise helps to release pent-up energy. A bored or lonely pet will find a way to entertain itself if it has no other outlet to do so. This can lead to destructive or aggressive behavior in the home. Sometimes working with a dog trainer or pet behaviorist can provide relief for both you and the pet. Providing rules and boundaries for your pet are crucial in maintaining a healthy relationship with your pet.

Is your pet exhibiting signs of health issues or pain? Changes in appetite, limping, sleepiness, sudden house soiling in a house-trained pet, hiding in unusual places, or sudden aggression can all be signs of underlying health issues. Out-of-the-norm behaviors may require a consult with a veterinarian.

Is your pet getting up in years? Older pets are more likely than young pets to develop medical and degenerative problems. Cognitive decline (dementia), and a loss of hearing and vision can contribute to changes in behavior. Extra patience is necessary when dealing with these factors, and veterinary monitoring of health is vital.

Is your pet being treated with kindness and compassion, or is he or she being abused, mishandled, or neglected by someone? Negative treatment toward an animal has the potential to cause aggressive and/or destructive behavior.

Reactions to vaccines can occur immediately, days, months, or even years afterwards, and can be a factor in both behavior and health issues such as fever, sluggishness, aggression, depression, loss of appetite, collapse, weakness, etc. Please do your homework here. More does not necessarily mean better! If your pet reacts to a vaccine, report it to your veterinarian, then consider doing only Titers to check for immune status. (Titers are blood tests done at the vet’s office). Note – the Rabies vaccine is the only vaccine required by law for your pet.

I hope you will give your pet the benefit of your love by doing all you can to help resolve any issues that appear during his or her lifetime!

*Readers are reminded it is entirely of their own accord, right, and responsibility to make informed and educated decisions/choices with their pet are health care. Jenny Magli disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

Jenny Magli is a Certified Natural Health Consultant for pets and their people, Healing Touch for Animals (Level 2) and NES Bioenergetics Practitioner. Consultations are done over the phone and through email. To contact, call (906) 235-3524 or email 1healthlink@gmail.com.

The Wonders of Apple Cider Vinegar, by Jenny Magli

Apple cider is known as Mother Nature’s miracle medicine!

Apple cider vinegar, (ACV), is a golden liquid concentrated with the healthy goodness of apples. It contains over 30 important nutrients, 12 minerals, essential acids and enzymes. The vitamins are bio-flavonoids, (vitamin P), beta-carotene, (precursor to vitamin A), vitamin C, E, B1, B2, and B6, and it has a large dose of pectin for a healthy heart.

ACV is inexpensive, easy to use and it benefits our health in many ways. ACV can benefit both people and their pets. It is antibacterial, anti-fungal and boosts the immune system. As a high potassium electrolyte balancer, it helps re-mineralize the body and normalize the blood’s ph balance. ACV is the natural king of skin remedies. It is wonderful for itching and scratching pets as well as a superb skin and hair conditioner. Good old apple cider vinegar, straight or diluted 50/50 with water can be applied directly to the affected area and allowed to dry. It will kill bacteria on hot spots, eliminate dandruff, rejuvenate hair and skin, and help sweeten and balance the pH levels in the body.

Apple cider vinegar is a powerful detoxifying and purifying agent. It breaks down fatty, mucous and phlegm deposits within the body. By breaking down these substances it improves the health and function of the vital organs, such as the kidneys, bladder and liver, by preventing excessively alkaline urine. Put a tablespoon of ACV in your dog’s drinking water every day and you will no longer have those brown spots in your lawn from the dog’s urine.

It also promotes digestion, assimilation and elimination, while neutralizing toxic substances that enter the body. It has been found to neutralize harmful bacteria that may be found in certain foods. While dogs and cats do not have to worry too much about the bacteria in raw meat, if you are in doubt, you can pour a little apple cider vinegar over the questionable item.

ACV can also be beneficial for symptoms such as tooth decay and splitting of your dog’s toenails, which can be symptoms of potassium deficiency. Potassium is essential for the replacement of worn-out tissues within the body. This mineral is also as important to soft tissue repair as calcium is to the bones and teeth, which makes it a wonderful supplement for senior dogs.

ACV can be beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, as a supplement added to your pet’s daily water supply (or poured over the food) or with compresses soaked in hot, (not scalding) ,vinegar applied directly to the joints. It can also be helpful when used to treat allergies, candida, (yeast), constipation, muscle cramps, diarrhea, ear discharge, eczema, fatigue, kidney stones, kidney and bladder problems, slow metabolism, and stiff joints, and many other maladies.

The supplementation of ACV has been known to remove naturally red tear stains around pet’s eyes from the inside out. It is also used to prevent fleas when used in a rinse for the dog’s coat after a bath.

There is nothing beneficial about commercial distilled vinegars except for pickling, cleaning and disinfection! So be sure to get natural apple cider vinegar, which you can find in health food stores. It should be a rich amber color with the “mother” quite visible as sediment on the bottom.

Jenny is a Certified Natural Health Consultant for pets and their people, and an Animal Iridology and Healing Touch for Animals (Level 2) practitioner. She is available for consultations and presentations and can be reached at (906) 235-3524 or 1healthlink@gmail.com.

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Holistic Animal Care: It’s All In the Hair!

As a natural health consultant and concerned pet guardian/parent, I often look for affordable, no-stress, non-threatening (meaning no poking with needles or prodding with instruments), effective ways to help clients address health issues. I also often wonder whether animals are really getting all the nutrients they need from their diet. Sometimes what we think is the “best food” is just not enough. Hair Analysis is a procedure that fits the bill.

Hair Analysis is a holistic non-invasive process. A sample of hair is collected and sent to a lab to check for harmful toxins, metals and nutritional levels in the body. Humans have benefitted from its use for many years and now pets are too. Hair analysis can detect health problems well before symptoms begin. Illness takes time to manifest, so why not be a detective so you can put preventive measures in place to minimize or even avoid potential health problems? Hair analysis can also help you determine whether your pets’ diet is appropriate.

Blood serum levels can often be misleading, as the body compensates for shortages when needed. For instance, blood calcium levels may appear to be in the normal range, but this may be due to the body smartly pulling calcium from the bones when it detects a shortage, leading to a false reading. Hair analysis works differently from blood tests. Since hair doesn’t have the ability to “control” minerals or compensate for shortages or excesses, imbalances can sometimes show up years before you’d see symptoms.

Exposure to toxins can be mild or extreme, and since toxins are difficult to get out of the body, they tend to accumulate. And the animals’ ability to detoxify may be hastened by other health issues or by constant exposure to even more toxins. Animals are at greater risk of toxin exposure because they’re closer to the ground, pick up toxins on their feet and ingest through grooming (licking their feet or coat), or may be exposed through flea and tick chemicals, over-vaccination, contaminated food and water, or even household chemical cleaning agents and medications. Hair analysis often can help you figure out what you can change in or around your home to reduce toxin exposure before it causes a health issue.

Nutritional imbalances and deficiencies can be difficult to detect through traditional blood analysis or urine testing. Hair analysis offers a way to see whether your animal is either lacking or getting too much of a certain mineral or nutrient. Then you can determine whether a change in diet or addition of certain supplements will correct this, and/or whether other measures need to be taken to help your animal detoxify. Companies you can contact for a hair analysis include Gracefulearth.com, Peak-Health-Now.com and AskaHomeopath.net.

Readers are reminded that it is entirely of their own accord, and their right and responsibility to make educated choices for their pet’s health care.

Jenny is a Certified Natural Health Consultant for pets and their people. She is available for consultations and presentations. She lives in Rumely with her husband and 5 clowns (3 dogs and 2 cats). She can be reached at (906) 235-3524 or email at barkmewandyou@gmail.com.

Holistic Animal Care: Go Green!

Ever wondered why dogs and cats tend to eat odd things at times, such as dirt, grass, feces, etc.? There are many reasons, one of which is the need to purge toxins from their system, especially after a long winter. Other reasons include a need for key nutrients. “Pica” is the name for this. It’s really a normal behavior. When an animal eats soil, he or she is usually in need of key minerals and other nutrients that they’re likely not getting from their food. Stool eating can be due to health issues or just plain learned behaviors. Some dogs will start eating poop when they aren’t absorbing enough nutrients, have parasites, or have issues with their pancreas. When they eat grass, the chlorella and other nutrients contained in it provide nutrition. It’s very nourishing, (kind of like a salad), and the texture of the grass (barbs) can also act as a stimulant or irritant to help the animal purge (vomit) something in their stomach that is making them feel ill. It’s important to be observant of your pets and their actions, as they may need to be checked out by a veterinarian.

One of the risks associated with grass eating is ingesting highly toxic chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers, which can cause many health issues. You can remedy this by adding powdered grasses, such as wheatgrass or barley grass juices, (yes, juices), or powders that you know come from clean sources, to your pet’s food. Wheatgrass juice, (or just plain wheat grass), is considered rejuvenating. It helps cells replenish enzymes, vitamins, hormones and nucleic acids, and restores vitality. It aids in cleansing the lymph system by restoring balance to the body, reduces inflammation, removes toxins and metals from the cells, nourishes the liver, skin, muscles, kidneys and many other organs, including the brain, and helps build and balance the blood and neutralize toxins. Blood sugar imbalances and chronic health disorders can improve as well.

It’s easy to grow organic wheat grass at home. Kits are available online. You can juice it for your pet or just let him/her mow off the grass from a container. If the task of growing your own wheatgrass seems too daunting, you can use powdered grass blends to sprinkle on food instead. Examples are “Barley Dog” or “Barley Cat.” I use “Calderra Greens,” which are for both humans and pets. It’s a blend of organic certified barley, alfalfa, wheat and oat grass juice powders and sea vegetation. The grasses are grown on volcanic soil and low temperature processed so the enzymes and soil organisms are intact.

Other greens you may want to consider are seaweed, kelp, blue green algae and spirulina. Seaweeds are considered the best of green foods as they are easy to digest. They are one of the richest sources of minerals and amino acids found in plants, nutrient dense, and immune system enhancing.

Kelp is also high in nutrient value. It helps animals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and colitis by aiding digestion. It’s also a good source of iodine, which helps the thyroid.

Blue green algae and spirulina are high in protein and nutrients as well.

As you can see, there are many “green” options available for enhancing your pet’s health. All the above are easily given with food or as a treat. Just a little each day is a great addition to your pet’s diet. Just remember to start out slowly with very small portions and watch to make sure your pet tolerates it well. If your pet shows you he or she doesn’t enjoy it, then it’s best to try something else.

Readers are reminded that it is entirely of their own accord, right and responsibility to make educated choices about their pet’s health care.

Jenny Magli, a certified Natural Health Consultant for pets and their people, is available for consultations and presentations, and lives in Rumely with her husband and five clowns (three dogs and two cats). She can be reached at (906) 235-3524, barkmewandyou@gmail.com.