n When in doubt, work with a recommended animal behaviorist. Also, consider any physical problems that may be causing the anxiety disorder.
Natural Diet and Supplement Aids Some people may feel they need to resort to drugs when they are at their wit’s end from dealing with a dog that acts out by becoming aggressive around people or outright destructive when no one is home. These are behaviors sometimes seen when an animal is receiving inadequate nutrition or essential brain nutrients.
In the holistic realm, the foundation to treating any ani- mal problem, physical or mental, begins with a good diet. A home-prepared diet is best (how-to books are available), but a high-quality, natural commercial food may also help. Be- havior problems can lessen or go away with a simple change in nutrition.
Adequate essential fatty acids, including omega 3, are necessary supplements for dogs, even if they are fed a com- mercial diet. They help the nervous system function more smoothly and help improve skin and coat condition. Some animals may need extra help from herbs to get through a particularly stressful time. One miniature schnau- zer benefited from ingesting a formula made for dogs that contained valerian, skullcap, oat flower and passionflower before his owners would leave the house. Max became calmer and stopped tearing apart the furniture after just a few weeks of using the herbs.
Other animals become anxious in the vicinity of loud
noises, whether or not the caregiver is at home. Many care- givers have found a melatonin supplement helpful in these instances.
Whatever the reason, it’s hard to leave a companion
behind when you know they suffer in your absence. With a bit of knowledge and care, you can help make the periods of separation much easier.
Mary Wulff is a veterinary herbalist consultant and co-author with Gregory Tilford of Herbs for Pets. She specializes in home-prepared diets, herbs and homeopathy for companion animals from her office in Hamilton, MT. Connect at Cedar
Orion@yahoo.com.
natural awakenings
August 2010
19
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40