holistic treatments

Question
what is an overview of the holistic approches you know of for elderly dogs?

Answer
Hi Ashley,

There are many things we can do to make our dogs old age comfortable and pain free. Dogs experience the same kind of problems as people, when they age. Arthritis, diabetes, a decline in hearing, poorer eyesight, and many other ailments crop up.

Older animals can't assimilate food as well as they used to. Because of decreased activity, they need fewer calories, and aging kidneys need less protein. A good, quality diet is especially essential at this stage in their life. And because older animals have more of a problem throwing off toxins, skin problems, odor, and matted and unkept fur can be more common. Keeping the animal clean, and giving it a regular massage will do much for your pets morale. And don't forget regular exercise! Even if it's slow paced, a daily walk will benefit your dog.

Just like people, aging animals don't need food with preservatives, sugar and salt. This is a good time to offer a diet especially designed for older pets, for easier digestion. Many holistic pet care givers recommend a home made diet for older animals, and adding enzymes that help them to digest their food, they say it's especially helpful for elderly dogs. If your dog is not having any problems eliminating or digesting it's regular food, I wouldn't see a reason to change it's diet.

If you change your dog's regular food, remember to do it slowly, over a period of a week to avoid diearhea.

There are digestive enzymes available for dogs and cats in pet catalogs, with recommended amounts per weight. Even human enzymes, preferably from a health food source, can be used in smaller amounts.

If you didn't start giving garlic to your pet at an earlier age, start giving it to them now, for its internal antiseptic qualities. Aloe Vera juice and liquid chlorophyll will help in preventing constipation, a problem for aging animals. And a couple of teaspoons of cider vinegar added to their drinking water daily is a good acidifier of the urinary tract.

It's imperative to take your older pet for regular physical exams now. Vet's recommend at least once a year, or more often, if you can afford it. This precaution will do much in prolonging your elderly pets life. Regular exams can find problems that are in the early stages, and deal with them.

A complete blood count and chemistry analysis will detect early signs of kidney or liver problems, high blood sugar, and other abnormalities. A urinalysis will also detect early kidney problems, while a fecal and heartworm test is imperative anytime, but especially in older animals. Many new medications are available today that can nip a problem in the bud, if the problem is found in the early stages.

Natural pet care givers recommend vitamin supplements. One book I read states that the B-complex vitamins and vitamin E are essential. Vitamin C is still needed as well, although in somewhat lower quantities. And herbs, such as Hawthorn are good in strengthening the circulatory system, balance the blood pressure, and aid as a gentle stress protector. Ginkgo biloba is thought to be helpful in reducing senility in older animals. And alfalfa is especially helpful for pets with arthritic joints and hip and bone problems. Slippery elm is an excellent nutrient, mixed with a little honey, for debilitated animals.

You'd need to discuss the use of any supplements or vitamins you're considering using with your vet, because of the possibility of conflicts with any medication your dog may be on, and to get the proper dosage.

Here is a directory of holistic vets and practitioners you may be interested in:
http://www.alternativesforanimals.com/vetalpha.html

Feel free to write back if you have a more specific  questions.

Regards,
Patti