January/February 2012 - Dogs Naturally Magazine

canine nutrition • homeopathy and natural health care • training and behavior 

Volume 3 • Issue 1 • January/February 2012 

DOGS NATURALLY 

Cruciate 

REHAB 

RAW diets 

for dogs without boundaries 

VACCINES AND JOINT DISEASE 

is there a connection? 

PROLOTHERAPY

Pain Doesn’t Discriminate 

One in five dogs is affected by arthritis. 

The good news is there are steps you can take to prevent this from happening. 

Along with regular exercise and a healthy diet, adding LubriSyn to the mix will take your dog out 

of that statistic. LubriSyn is a natural hyaluronan supplement that replenishes healthy joint fluid 

the way nature intended. 

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Visit us on and Use Promotion Code “painfree” to get 25% off your purchase!

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INTUITION PUBLISHING 

Editor Dana Scott 

Sales Julia Henriques 

Ellen Kohn 

Photographer s Vic Neumann 

Sandro Avila 

Promotions and Events Nicole DiBernardo 

Administration Margaret Houlihan 

Dogs Naturally articles are selected for their 

general interest and entertainment value. 

The authors’ views do not necessarily reflect 

the policies and opinions of Intuition Publishing, 

nor does their publication in Dogs 

Naturally constitute an endorsement. Information 

offered in Dogs Naturally is for 

educational purposes and is not intended to 

replace veterinary advice. 

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constitutes permission for Dogs Naturally, at 

its sole discretion, to use the submitted materials, 

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Publishing. 

MISSION STATEMENT 

The goal of each issue of Dogs Naturally is 

to document the various concepts of and approaches 

to holistic dog care. Dogs Naturally 

seeks to support pet owners, breeders, trainers, 

groomers, vets and health care providers 

through education and open communication. 

The goal of our editorials is to present 

varying viewpoints on natural care. 

SUBSCRIPTION 

Bulk or wholesale subscriptions are available 

at reduced rates. To subscribe, call (877) 665- 

1290 or visit www.dogsnaturallymagazine. 

com. Dogs Naturally is published six times 

per year. 

INTUITION PUBLISHING 

5065 10th Line RR2 

New Tecumseth, ON Canada L0G 1A0 

E-mail: info@dogsnaturallymagazine.com 

Web site: www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com 

4 

Dana 

editor’s message 

As I write this, I’m huddled in front of the fireplace as the first cold day of the season is 

upon us. There was even a light snowfall as I took the dogs out for their morning run. 

Now it’s evening and my dogs are settling in for the night with bellies full of fresh venison, 

warming themselves by the fire as I enjoy a tea and reflect on the day and the close 

of the year. 

Like most years, I’ve had my share of ups and downs, as have my dogs. My oldest dog 

Libby is now nearly 15 and has started to show signs of wearing down. She is starting to 

lose control of her bowels at night and while the other dogs accompany me for hour long 

treks, she is now relegated to slow walks down the lane way to retrieve the mail. I wonder 

if she will make it through the winter season, but she is either blissfully unaware or 

uncaring of what the future holds for her, and at the moment, her only concern is finding 

a warm and comfortable bed for the night. 

On peaceful nights such as this, I too take a breather from life in general and the relentless 

work that goes into Dogs Naturally. Some days, it is nearly suffocating; there is so 

much to do and so little time to do it. But Julia and I march on, fueled by the knowledge 

that our fight is a good fight and well worth the effort. 

It’s good to sometimes sit back and just be in the moment; like old Libby. In these quiet 

moments, I reflect on the camaraderie of my dogs as they lay in an amicable heap by the 

fire, sharing the best bed in the house. For tonight, I won’t worry that the issue you are 

reading now is just a jumble of blank pages and I’ve only a week left before it goes off to 

the printers. I’m not worried about the dozens of emails that need to go out tomorrow 

morning, the footprints the dogs have left on my floors that will need to be mopped up 

or the cords of firewood that need to be cut and piled. Tonight, I’m just going to enjoy 

the moment and tomorrow I’ll worry about the inevitable. 

There are lots of things to celebrate tonight. The beautiful fire, my wonderful dogs and 

my largest passion, Dogs Naturally. Today I’ve received phone calls from people who 

just wanted to congratulate me on the magazine. I’ve also received some lovely emails 

from dog owners who took the time to put their appreciation into words. Tonight I am 

celebrating being a small part of a wonderful community of very special people. 

I’m excited for the future of Dogs Naturally but that is tempered by the fact that there is 

a lot of work ahead to make it even bigger and better for 2012. But that can wait until 

tomorrow. Tonight, I’m taking the time to enjoy our successes and the kind words that 

people generously bestowed upon me today. Tonight, at this moment, life is very good 

indeed and I am warmed not just by the fire, but by the thoughtful gestures from our 

supporters. I think I’ll make another cup of tea... 

January/February 2012 | Dogs Naturally Magazine

I just finished reading the entire issue cover to 

cover and I was so thoroughly interested in every 

article beginning with your editor’s article 

that I could not put it down! 

I was so excited to see a lot of information that 

reinforced the ideals I currently use for treating 

my own pets through homeopathy and raw 

diets. 

I found the article on osteosarcoma especially 

touching as I myself have a Lab which was diagnosed 

with this disease a year ago. My vet at 

the time informed me he had only weeks to live 

and to prepare for losing him. I was devastated 

and sought a second opinion at which time I 

found a surgeon that specialized in cancer surgery. 

My Lab had his ulna bone removed on 

his front leg and has been cancer free for one 

VIC NEUMANN is a retired educator who 

knows that you have to love what you photograph 

- and the rest takes care of itself. He and 

his wife, Joan, are owned by two Leonbergers, 

Lincoln and Cassie. Vic has self-published two 

volumes of dog photography to raise funds for 

Leonberger rescue organizations. His books, 

DAWGS, can be previewed on blurb.com. 

Dogs Naturally Magazine | January/February 2012 

year post-op. The only treatment my lab has 

received since his surgery is through remedies 

from my homeopath. 

All of my pets have been under treatment for 

approximately the last three years after an autoimmune 

reaction occurred in my same Lab 

several months after having a vaccine. I began 

with my homeopath after my vet had no treatment 

to offer other than prednisone therapy 

which deteriorated his entire body away. I 

have my homeopath to credit for all my pets 

enjoying healthier happier lives. The vets of 

course have NO explanation and are amazed 

that he has done so remarkably well. 

I am a pet groomer by profession with over 25 

years experience. At my pet spa we are always 

trying to open clients minds to alternative 

DR DEBBIE GROSS SAUNDERS has been 

rehabilitating and conditioning dogs for over 

sixteen years. She is one of the pioneers in the 

world on canine physical rehabilitation. Debbie 

lives in Connecticut with her family, eight 

dogs and an array of other animals. 

feedback 

therapies and better diets. I do think that yes 

we are still considered “freaks” sometimes, but 

once you can offer advice to someone who has 

tried every vet ointment, spray, and pills and 

still sees their pet miserable, no matter how 

unconventional alternative natural treatments 

sound, they will try them and then they cant 

believe the changes they see and often how 

quickly they see things improve. When this 

occurs pet owners are like “sponges” wanting 

to learn more and more what they can do to 

make a healthier natural life for their pets. I 

love when that happens! Keep up the great articles 

and can’t wait for next issue. 

Debbie Burns 

Four Paws Only 

Dracut, MA 

SEND US YOUR LETTERS: Letters may be edited for length and clarity - please keep them brief - and not all letters will be published. Please sign your correspondence. 

Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Dogs Naturally or its staff. 

DOGS NATURALLY MAGAZINE 5065 10th Line RR2 New Tecumseth, ON LOG 1AO 

Email: letters@dogsnaturallymagazine.com Fax: 877 665-1290 

contributors 

DR ANDREW JONES lives in Nelson, BC 

with his wife Catherine, his children Liam and 

Aliza and family pets, Lewis, Cleo and Trent. 

Dr Jones is a strong advocate of safe, natural 

home care for dogs and cats, and works to empower 

pet owners worldwide to become more 

active in their pets’ health. 

5

DOGS NATURALLY 

the magazine for dogs without boundaries 

Contents 

Volume 3 Issue 1 

FEATURES COLUMNS COVER 

13 ESSENTIAL OMEGA FATTY ACIDS 

The mystery and myths that surround 

essential and non-essential fatty 

acid requirements in dogs. Part II. 

by: Franco Cavaleri BSc NB 

20 CHOOSING A VET 

A hard look at how choosing the wrong 

vet can cost you both money and heartache. 

by: Peter Dobias DVM 

24 DOG PARKS 

Many dog owners take their dogs to the 

dog park on a regular basis. This article 

explores the inherent dangers of dog 

parks and questions whether your dog 

should go or not. 

by: Debra Ekman CPDT 

30 CANINE SPORTS INJURIES 

A look at common injuries in athletic or 

active dogs. 

by: Julie Mayer DVM 

34 CANINE DIABETES 

Common causes of this emerging disease 

and holistic solutions. 

by: Stephen Blake DVM 

42 CLOSED FOR BUSINESS 

How a Nelson, BC vet was forced to 

choose between natural health care and 

his veterinary license.. 

by: Andrew Jones DVM 

4 EDITOR’S MESSAGE 

5 FEEDBACK 

5 CONTRIBUTORS 

8 ASK THE VET 

with Dr. Gerald Wessner 

23 THE APOTHECARY 

Hypericum 

40 NUTRITION WITH LUCY 

New Year’s Resolutions To 

Benefit You And Your Dog 

45 10 MINUTE TRAINER 

Getting Behavior You Want 

46 ACROSS THE POND 

When There’s Nothing Else 

You Can Do 

Catherine O’Driscoll 

48 DOG PEOPLE 

Bette Schubert of Bravo! 

50 I NEED THAT 

Product Reviews 

52 CLASSIFIED SECTION 

Holistic Products and Services 

54 SECRET GARDEN 

Turmeric 

Page 30 Page 26 

Dogs Naturally is published six times per year by Intuition Publishing. 

Principal office: 5065 10th Line RR2, New Tecumseth, Ontario Canada L0G 1A0 

© Intuition Publishing and Dogs Naturally Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. 

Postmaster: Send address changes to Dogs Naturally, 5065 10th Line RR2, New Tecumseth, Ontario, L0G 1A0 

10 

16 

26 

36 

RAW DIETS 

A guide to creating species 

appropriate diets that even 

small dogs will enjoy. 

by: Celeste Yarnall PhD 

VACCINES, COLLAGEN 

AND JOINT DISEASE 

A look at the growing body of evidence 

linking vaccines to joint disease 

in dogs. 

by: Dana Scott 

PROLOTHERAPY 

A non-surgical option for joint diseases 

ranging from cruciate tears to 

arthritis. 

by: Deva Khalsa DVM 

CRUCIATE TEARS 

Exercises you can do to help your 

dog recover from this dreaded injury 

without invasive surgery. 

by: Debbie Gross Saunders DPT, 

MSPT, OCS, CCRP 

_____________________________ 

COVER DOG 

Tarka 

Rescue Samoyed 

Loved by Julia Henriques, Chicago 

Photographer: Julia Henriques 

Digital subscription rates are $14.95 per year. 

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Bulk subscriptions are available at reduced rates. 

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ASK the VET 

Dear Dr. Wessner: 

Can you tell me why you do not see pork in dog food? Marge 

in Rhode Island. 

Normally I hesitate because of biblical references. However, research 

has shown that mushers use pork because they get faster 

muscle growth and faster muscle training. In other words, 

the dogs get fit faster. It’s a very clean meat, containing fewer 

metabolites or residues than other forms of meat. Secondly, 

there are a lot of manufacturers that use pork and pork meal 

in their dog food. This comes up when you do a search of dog 

foods and read the ingredients. One of the reasons some people 

do not use pork is because of the parasite trichinosis, which 

is found in the muscle belly of the meat, not the intestines. This 

could be the reason some dog food manufacturers avoid it. 


My 12 year old Tibetan terrier has a tumor/growth (we don’t 

know what kind) on the base of her brain and the top of her 

spine. She is responding great to Prednisone, Gabapentin, 

anti-seizure meds, Norvasc. Four weeks ago, she was given 

three weeks to six months to live. I want to start giving her 

coconut oil and reading your magazine website I see fish oil 

can help in other ways. Can I give her both? She weighs 25 

lbs, please reply quickly. Thank you. Avrim in Delaware. 

I am sorry about your dog’s diagnosis. 

In response to your question about the oils, I see no reason 

why you cannot use both. Both coconut oil and fish oil work 

differently. 

The properties of coconut oil are really good. It is a very stable, 

plant source of saturated fat which protects against toxic damage 

to heart cells, decreases aging, helps maintain lean body 

mass, and helps to increase the metabolic rate (especially in 

sluggish and diabetic individuals). Coconut oil supports thyroid 

function which governs brain development. Coconut oil also 

decreases hunger and regulates hypoglycemia. It is antibacterial, 

antifungal and antiviral and can boost immunity to disease. 

People think that saturated fats are bad, but coconut oil, 

being a medium chain fatty acid, is very healthy for the above 

8 

Email your questions and Dr. Wessner will publish his answers. Please 

note that not all questions can be answered. 

Ask the Vet is not a replacement for veterinary care. 

EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS: askthevet@dogsnaturallymagazine.com 

reasons. Dogs can take between 1/2 tsp - 2 Tbs per day, depending 

on their body weight. 

The properties of fish oil are also excellent. It is a polyunsaturated 

Omega-3 oil. It decreases cholesterol, decreases the risk 

of heart disease and stroke, decreases blood pressure, slows 

the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, decreases inflammation, 

and is very good for auto-immune disease. Fish oil also 

helps with dry eyes, certain cancers, serum triglycerides and 

learning deficits. It is very good for brain function. It’s important 

to use a high quality fish oil supplement from wild caught 

salmon or krill. 

I recommend you give one oil in the morning and the other in 

the evening and this will allow them to work independently. 

Other good supplements for cancer include Miracle Mineral 

Solution (MMS), turmeric, Vitamin D3, Asea (www.redoxsignalingwater.com) 

and baking soda. 

A brief note on cancer: dogs live four to five times faster than 

people. I have noticed that their cancers seem to grow at the 

same rate. For example, a person with pancreatic cancer may 

live 1.5 years, whereas a dog with the same cancer might succumb 

in two to four months, roughly five times faster. The best 

way to try and prevent cancers is to eliminate or reduce the 

factors that might produce the cancer including repeated, unnecessary 

vaccinations, poor quality dog food, unnecessary 

drugs, chemicals and toxins. 


We have a 6 1/2 month old Australian Shepherd and just 

found out he has whipworms. His MDR 1 status is unknown, 

although his sire is mutant/normal and dam is untested. Judy 

in Oregon. 

There are several products available for deworming animals, 

both herbal and homeopathic. The homeopathic Paratox is 

one remedy, and it can also be used to treat heartworm infestations. 

This can be ordered from veterinary homeopaths, and 

we carry it at the Holistic Vet Clinic. I also recommend herbal 

wormers such as Sustain & Restore from Farmstead Health 

Supply, Molly’s Herbals, or Earthsong Ranch. 


Dear Dr Wessner: 

I have two Scottish Terriers who compete in agility, 6 and 9 

years old. My 9 year old has some joint issues - luxating patellas 

(grade 1) on both back legs and is developing mild arthritis 

near his hip. I have been told by many people, including my 

vet, to give glucosamine/MSM/chondroitin and I completely 

agree. In fact, there was a great article in the last issue of 

Dogs Naturally that discussed supplements for luxating patellas. 

The problem is, researching this stuff online is so overwhelming 

and has often left me frustrated, confused and with 

a headache. It is very hard to find non-biased, third party reviews 

of all the products out there. And with so many ingredients 

in many of the products, it is hard to understand what is 

natural and what isn’t. I feed my dogs a raw diet and am taking 

a much more natural approach to their health care (hence 

my subscription to Dogs Naturally). My vet (a traditional vet 

who doesn’t agree with my raw feeding) recommended Dasuquin 

but I am not crazy about it because there are artificial 

ingredients in it. I have also read that pharmaceutical grade 

liquid Glucosamine is better than pills because it is absorbed 

quicker. Is that true? If it is, are there any natural liquid products 

you recommend? If it isn’t true, and pills are just as good, 

are there any pills you recommend that have no artificial ingredients? 

Many thanks. Julieanne in Massachusetts. 

In my experience, many animals are treated with glucosamine/ 

chondroitin and although they do not cure, they may help the 

integrity of the joint and joint capsule. I usually treat the luxating 

patellas with a combination of five homeopathic remedies: 

The combination Arnica, Rhus toxicodendron and Ruta graveolens, 

known as A-R-R, in the 30C potency, works very well for 

arthritis when given one to three times daily. Next, I add Calcarea 

phosphorica 30C once on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 

and Symphytum 30C once on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 

and treat for four weeks. This combination treatment is usually 

successful because we are treating the soreness from the 

arthritis and bursitis and helping the bone metabolism which 

seems to help the luxating patellas. Nutritionally, I recommend 

supplementing with a very good Super blue-green algae, spirulina, 

or chorella. And that plain works. For supplement dosage, 

assume the human dose is for a 150 lb person and adjust accordingly 

for the weight of your dog. 

Dear Dr Wessner: 

My 8-year old female Shih Tzu, Lucy, has had high numbers on 

her liver count. She does drink a lot of water and my holistic 

doctor recommended Liver Tonic. Her grandmother had Cushings 

Disease and I would like to know if there is something 

more I can do for her? Judith in FL 

Please call a holistic practitioner who is well versed in using homeopathy 

and/or other holistic protocols for treating Cushings. 

I have treated over 100 Cushings cases quite successfully. Cushings 

animals may drink and urinate a lot, have a pendulous ab- 


domen and a very silky coat, in addition to other problems such 

as hypothyroidism, kidney and liver issues. I not only address 

the homeopathic treatment but also treat with nutritional aids 

and glandulars. 

In my homeopathic practice experience, I tend to weigh symptoms 

much more strongly than blood test values, because we 

have had many cases that have been on homeopathic treatment 

with a complete reversal of symptoms and yet their blood 

values remain high. The animals appear healthy, bright-eyed, 

have wonderful appetites, shiny coats, and no external signs of 

the disease. When treated homeopathically, the animal is much 

more tolerant of abnormal blood values than when treated 

conventionally. Relying on symptoms saves money on expensive 

lab work, and enables dog owners to focus on diet, exercise 

and other natural ways to improve health. f 

Dr. Gerald Wessner graduated from the University of Pennsylvania 

and spent two years in the U.S. Army as the Assistant Post Veterinarian. 

After the army, he worked in private practice at several 

race tracks and opened a small animal practice in Pennsylvania. 

In the late 70’s, Dr. Wessner started learning and practicing acupuncture. 

In 1995, he started an exclusively homeopathic practice. 

Shortly afterward, he moved the practice to Summerfield, FL 

and continues to practice there. The practice consists of both clinic 

hours and phone consultations. 

9

Species Appropriate 

diets 

by: Celeste Yarnall PhD 

The value of a raw food diet lies in its content of enzymes undamaged 

by the heat of cooking. Enzymes are responsible for 

every metabolic reaction that takes place in your body, whether 

it is the blinking of your eye or the functioning of your liver. 

Thus, when you’re out of enzymes, you’re out of vitality; in fact, 

you’re out of life. 

It’s been said that we’re all born with a checking account filled 

with enzymes. Some people watch every check they write very 

carefully. Think of enzymes like this: when you eat an apple 

turnover at a fast food restaurant, you’re virtually writing a very 

big check to your enzyme bank. When you eat an apple, you’re 

writing a much smaller check, and that is a very good thing to 

do, as it conserves the precious resources your pancreas has to 

offer. This applies to your companion dog, too. 

10 

Thinking of switching your dog to raw? Do you want an easy-to-follow recipe that will ensure you are not missing any important nutrients 

for your dog? How about a way to make raw feeding easier for small and toy breeds? 

There are as many ways to feed raw as there are dogs but if you are hesitant to take that first step, Dr. Celeste Yarnall gives you a recipe 

to get you started safely. 

Pet food manufacturers cook their meat to sterilize it and supposedly 

to prevent disease (they also add chemicals to sterilize 

and preserve the meat), but this is necessary only because 

they’re using inferior and spoiled animal remains to begin with. 

For example, when animal fat is cooked, it becomes grease, 

which isn’t any better for your animal’s arteries than it is for 

your own. Cooking food also alters proteins and renders them 

much more difficult to digest. 

Cooking destroys the valuable enzymes found in raw meat and 

vegetables. Enzymes break down foods and also play a specific 

role in the process of absorption of substances. Several enzymes 

are essential transporters of nutrient substances. Most commercial 

dog and cat foods are essentially “dead” and rely totally 

on the animal’s own digestive enzymes for nutrition. When the 


digestive enzymes are overworked, the body identifies the incompletely 

digested food molecules as foreign antigens (bad 

guys). Metabolic enzymes are then called upon to mobilize 

macrophage leukocytes (good guys that come in to clean up the 

garbage), to digest the food. The problem is that the good guys 

are taken from their immune system duties, and as a result, the 

immune system is weakened. 

The answer to all this is to simply learn how to prepare a properly 

prepared homemade raw meat and raw bone diet. The following 

is the basic recipe I’ve used and recommended quite successfully 

over the years. 

Raw Meat And Raw Bone Recipe 

Yield: Approximately two days worth of food for a twenty 

pound adult dog. Increase for larger dogs as well as puppies and 

pregnant or lactating females. 

Ingredients 

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) raw coarse ground beef or poultry with up to 

25% fat. I prefer not to use pork or fish. Try lamb, venison, 

elk, bison, ostrich, quail, or other poultry and alternate or 

combine meats for variety if you wish. 

• ¼ lb (100 g) raw, diced organic organ meat such as liver, 

kidney, gizzard, spleen, etc., preferably from turkey, chicken, 

beef, or lamb. You may even be able to find a butcher 

who will do a grind for you that includes organ meats. 

• 4 drops of grapefruit seed extract (GSE) liquid concentrate 

mixed thoroughly in 8 oz (250 ml) purified water. Note: 

Never use grapefruit seed extract straight (internally or externally). 

It will cause serious chemical burns. It must always 

be properly diluted. 

• 2 level tablespoons (20 g) of a vitamin/mineral mix made 

for a homemade raw meat diet containing organic bone 

meal preferably from New Zealand. Use a supplement designed 

for a homemade carnivore diet. Cut the amount of 

supplement in half if using bone-in ground meat or just add 

a pinch of spirulina and/or chlorella. 

• Probiotics are also a wonderful addition, as are digestive 

enzymes. Simply follow the amounts recommended on the 

label. 

• One small tin of organic sardines in extra virgin olive oil, or 

an essential fatty acid supplement. 

• One cold extracted, organic, Omega-3 capsule and an antioxidant 

capsule, preferably containing a combination 

formula consisting of a marine lipid from New Zealand 

greenlip mussels, kiwi fruit seed oil (which contains all the 

known forms of natural Vitamin E), and white grape seed 

husk extract. 

• One drop of aged liquid garlic extract. Note: Too much 

garlic can cause serious health consequences. Do not over 

supplement and never use raw garlic. 

• ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon digestive enzyme supplement or one human 

digestive enzyme capsule. 


When it comes to 

feeding a raw diet, 

who should you believe? 

Believe your veterinarian. 

Believe your eyes. 

Believe your dog. 

Why feed a raw diet? Food full of grains, preservatives, additives, 

and sub-standard ingredients cannot be good for your dog’s health. We 

believe they are the root cause of persistent health problems. Many of these 

conditions are resolved quickly by switching to a high quality raw diet like 

Bravo! We make our products with human grade ingredients in a USDA 

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with extreme care and the knowledge of the true nutritional needs of dogs. 

The proof? Just ask anyone who has made the switch to a Bravo! raw 

diet and believe what you hear and see. 

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For more information visit:www.bravorawdiet.com 

11

• 500 milligrams taurine (powder or capsule). 

• Raw whole chicken necks, stripped of excess fat for small 

dogs. Raw whole turkey necks and wings, lamb shanks, 

or beef knuckle bones for larger dogs. You can have your 

butcher grind chicken backs and necks—or even a whole 

chicken if you wish. Be sure the butcher runs them through 

the grinder at least three times. You could also purchase 

your own meat grinder and grind your own meats and poultry. 

Some people feed whole chicken and turkey parts, such as backs 

and necks, or halved game hens; it all depends on the size of 

your dogs You may also use a mallet to crush whole chicken 

necks or turkey necks and cut them into their food if you are 

nervous about feeding them whole. I recommend that raw bones 

be fed along with food so as to provide a cushion for them. Large 

dogs really relish a raw knuckle bone to gnaw on after a meal. 

Optional Ingredients 

24 oz. food-processed raw or pureed steamed zucchini, foodprocessed 

raw or mashed baked yams, canned organic unsweetened 

pumpkin (no corn or white potatoes) can be used if extra 

fiber is desired. 

Preparation 

1. Place the meat in a bowl and pour the purified water and 

grapefruit seed extract solution over it in small amounts, 

blending it into the meat as you go. Use only enough of this 

solution to make the food the consistency of a thick chili 

for very small dogs. Alternatively, you could let the meat 

defrost in this solution with your supplements included, but 

do not drain off this liquid. The raw bones can marinate in 

this solution as well, rendering them a little softer. 

2. Cut the organ meats into appropriate sizes for your dog’s 

jaw. Again, for the toy breeds and smaller dogs, cut the 

pieces of meat into bite-size chunks. Liver can be cut into 

chunks while it is partially frozen. I like to include the 

ground meat mixture with the chunks and pieces to be sure 

the supplements amalgamate and provide optimal balance 

in the diet. 

3. Add in all supplements and, if using them, the veggies. 

4. Mix all ingredients thoroughly 

Raw Food Recipe Notes 

Switching foods can be dicey. Many dogs and puppies immediately 

love their new homemade diet. It’s a good sign to have a 

dog with a hearty appetite. However, for others it takes a bit of 

strategy to accomplish this goal. Here are some tips for making 

this transition. 

For dogs who have had food available day and night (free feeding), 

the first step is to go to a timed meal schedule where you 

leave the food out for an hour in the morning and again for an 

12 

hour in the evening, but put it away the rest of the time. Believe 

me: your dog will not starve to death in twelve hours. The eatfast-eat 

schedule is more natural to carnivores, and it gives them 

time to digest between meals. With this schedule, you don’t have 

to worry about restricting the amounts you feed. The dog will 

eventually self-regulate on this schedule. The other big advantage 

of timed meals is that your dog will be hungry at mealtime, 

and thus more willing to try new things. This is particularly critical 

when switching from dry food. 

Increase portions or feed more small meals if your dog gobbles 

it all up and wants more. Amounts can vary from meal to meal. 

Feed a bit less than you are currently feeding with dry or wet 

food as raw meat and raw bones are much more nutrient dense. 

You may increase the servings to 3 to 4 times per day for pups, 

pregnant or lactating dams. Do not overfeed at any one meal. 

Do keep in mind that dogs and puppies - just like humans - don’t 

always want to eat every meal you serve them. Give them a little 

flexibility to make their own decisions. Just like us, sometimes 

they are not so hungry. 

Leave food down for approximately an hour. If it’s too warm 

in your home, or if flies are a problem, shorten the time. Many 

people - myself included - have left the food out for hours, even 

all day without incident. Err on the side of caution and do what 

you feel comfortable doing. 

Dogs like their food fresh, just like we do. Therefore, keep food 

in the refrigerator for no more than four days. I recommend 

storing it in glass bowls with tight fitting lids. Plastic off-gasses 

oregano chlorines, which are toxic to people and pets. Always 

defrost meat in the refrigerator, not on the kitchen counter - and 

never microwave it. 

Safe handling of raw meat is important. Wash hands, dishes, and 

utensils in hot soapy water. Clean surfaces with environmentally 

safe cleaning products, such as a solution of 1 drop of grapefruit 

seed extract (GSE) per ounce (30 ml) of water. 

Last but not least, the most important ingredient in your dog’s 

meals is love! f 

Celeste Yarnall begain breeding Tonkinese and Oriental Shorthair 

cats and is on her tenth generation of raw fed championship 

cats. Celeste has written the books Cat Care, Naturally, Natural 

Dog Care and The Complete Guide to Holistic Cat Care. 

She also has a PhD in Nutrition from Pacific Western University 

where she serves as an adjunct professor of nutrition. Together 

with her partner, Imelda Casper, Celeste operates a holistic consulting 

practice for people and pets, specializing in feline and 

canine nutrition. Although based in Southern California, Celeste 

consults with clients from all over the world. 


Essential Omega-Fatty Acids 

by: Franco Cavaleri BSc NB 

Essential Fat Facts 

When it comes to essential fatty acids, the only true essential fat 

(one that dogs can’t manufacture in their own cells) is the Omega-6 

fatty acid, linoleic acid. From this one essential fatty acid, your dog 

should be able to manufacture all the others it needs for cellular 

repair, reproduction and hormone balance. The chart on page 14 

shows the path these fats take in your dog’s cells. 

Dogs differ from humans in this respect; while both dogs and humans 

are unable to manufacture the Omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic 

acid, humans do not have the cellular enzymes necessary to produce 

the Omega-3 fatty acid alpha linolenic acid from linoleic acid 

whereas dogs do. 

In other words, you and I need the Omega-6 fat, linoleic acid and 

the Omega-3 fat, alpha linolenic acid, in our diet to live a healthy 

life. Flaxseed oils have become a popular supplement for human 

use. This is due to the balance of linoleic and alpha linolenic acid in 

flaxseed oil that offsets common dietary insufficiencies from processed 

foods. 

Essential fatty acids are one of the most commonly misunderstood 

nutritional components in dogs. Fish fats are not essential fats, 

even though supplementing with them can support health. In the 

long run, fish oils do not fulfill all the essential fatty acid needs. 

It takes an Omega-fat blend, not just Omega-3 oils, to protect 

health and help build long-term resistance to illness. The wrong 

ratio will slowly but surely contribute to illness by thwarting the 

body’s genetically built-in health maintenance systems. Supplementing 

with the wrong ratio of fatty acids for short periods may 

provide short-term benefits, but the long-term effect can be less 

than optimal health. 

Fish Oils 

Omega-3 fat supplements from cold water fish oil contain eicosapentaenoic 

acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fats 

are the building blocks for healthy cell membrane structure, vigor- 


Mystery and Myths - PART II 

ous receptor site status, and good hormone balance. These fatty 

acids are essential for good health; they are essential for life, and 

they are often called essential because the body can be faced with 

a condition whereby it can’t make them. 

Contrary to common belief, these marine-derived fats are not really 

essential fatty acids. Essential Fats are those needed from 

the diet because the body is not designed to manufacture them. 

Dogs’ bodies can manufacture DHA and EPA on their own - but 

production can be limited at various life stages. 

13

14 

Flow chart of essential fatty acid processing in dogs. Linoleic 

acid is the only true essential fatty acid in dogs. 

Omega-6 

(Linoleic Acid) 

GLA 

(Gamma Linolenic Acid) 

DGLA 

(Dihomo Gamma Linolenic Acid) 

Prostaglandin 1 

(PGE 1 ) 

Dogs and cats but not humans 

can make this conversion 

COX 

(cyclo oxygenase) 

DHA 

(Docosahexaenoic Acid) 

AA 

(Arachidonic Acid, abundant in 

red meat and dairy products) 

Omega-3 

(Alpha Linolenic Acid) 

EPA 

(Eicosapentaenoic Acid, abundant 

in cold water fish) 

Prostaglandin 3 

(PGE 3 ) 

Lipoxygenase 

One such stage is during the rapid rate of development in puppies. 

For nursing puppies, their dam’s milk is supposed to supply the demand. 

The problem is the dam’s milk is likely to be deficient if her 

own diet is deficient in these important Omega-3 fats, DHA and 

EPA. Unfortunately, if the diet cannot supply the nursing dam with 

the DHA needed for neurological and other fetal tissue development, 

the dam’s tissues will be pilfered and her health will suffer. 

DHA will continue to be stolen from the dam during lactation as her 

milk becomes the only supply of Omega-fats to her puppies. This 

occurs in all vertebrate species, including humans. 

Research demonstrates much of the emotional turmoil a pregnant 

or lactating dam experiences may be the result of DHA depletion 

due to the huge demands of fetal development. Postpartum depression 

and mood swings during pregnancy can be improved with 

DHA supplementation. 

Many of the skin and coat changes in dams are also attributable 

to these nutrient changes in the body, which in turn influence hormonal 

shifts. These conditions are likely prevented or at least better 

managed with dietary DHA supplementation, fatty acid supplementation 

and other nutrients that support these fats in the cells. 

Additionally, a shortage of fatty acids in the fetus or weanling can 

also result in behavioral and temperament challenges during early 

development and even into adult years, unless the deficiency is 

corrected through diet. DHA deficiency also contributes to lower 

rates of learning, unpredictability, and immune insufficiency. 

Research studying human siblings born about a year apart shows 

some interesting trends. DHA levels in the second child conceived 

before mother’s DHA levels have been restored can be lower, affecting 

learning potential in the second child. 

Animals with DHA deficiencies and the associated temperament or 

emotional challenges may not be able to rectify their tissue fatty 

acid deficiencies with Omega-6 fats supplementation alone. In 

these cases, the fish oil supply of DHA plus EPA will restore DHA 

tissue levels to support the temperament and behavior changes. 

Fish oil supplementation also improves immunity, decreases inflammation 

and improves metabolic health overall. It is important 

to note however, that the benefits of fish oils should not override 

the need for sufficient levels of the essential Omega-6 fat, linoleic 

acid, in the diet. 

Just as you and I need both the Omega-3 alpha linolenic acid and 

the Omega-6 linoleic acid from the diet, our pets require the Omega-6 

linoleic acid from the diet or health consequences are imminent. 

The species specific flow chart on the left, showing fatty acid 

synthesis and management by our cells and those of our canine 

companions, demonstrates how this fatty acid chemistry flows. 

Omega-6 fats are precursors that produce hormones directly involved 

in inflammation, clotting, and smooth muscle regulatory 

activities. 


Omega-6 fats are directly involved in bronchodilation and constriction 

related to asthma and allergies. These eicosanoid hormones, 

as they are called, are also involved in neurotransmitter transmission 

and blood vessel tension regulation. Imbalances can have 

monumental consequences throughout the body, laying a foundation 

for diseases that appear to have no fundamental cause. Obesity 

is also related to the inflammatory activity caused by Omega-6 

deficiency. Inflammatory prostaglandins are known to shut down 

fat-burning, thermogenic cells. These inflammatory conditions are 

often treated with Prednisone, diuretics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory 

drugs (NSAIDs). 

In fact, as research into the common pharmaceutical drugs 

evolves, it unveils more about how these drugs work through antiinflammatory 

activity to literally change the flow of this fatty acid 

or eicosanoid pathway. These drugs actually change how the body 

converts these fats (also called eicosanoid fats) into hormones. 

NSAIDs help slow down the conversion of Omega-6 fats to inflammatory 

prostaglandin (PGE2) hormones and by doing so, also block 

the production of thromboxanes which are involved in clotting. 

This why Aspirin serves as both an anti-inflammatory and a blood 

thinner and why Metacam® does the same in dogs. 

In fact, oxidation itself elevates the body’s production of COX enzymes 

that are blocked with NSAID COX-inhibitors (such as Metacam® 

and Rimadyl®) when inflammation or clotting is a risk. Antioxidants 

can circumvent oxidation by neutralizing COX enzyme 

activity and causes them to produce inflammatory prostaglandin 

hormones. Subsequently, processed diets, like most of those dry 

Eliminate heavy metals 

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Detox 


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and anti-oxidant supplement 

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healthy and long life, naturally... 

bagged foods, contribute to chronic inflammation through oxidation 

and COX enzyme activity because the fatty acids they contain 

are heat damaged. Drug use can be circumvented by feeding a high 

quality diet with sufficient Omega-6 fats to avoid oxidative toxicity. 

Contrary to Common Belief Omega-6 

Fats are not Inflammatory 

The production of the pro-inflammatory PGE2 (prostaglandin hormone 

in the flow chart) is influenced by multiple factors; only one 

of which is large amounts of Omega-6 fats in the diet. Oxidation 

is one major factor as mentioned; and the balance between the 

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats is another. Supplying an abundance 

of the important Omega-6 fat, balanced with Omega-3 fats, forces 

the cells to use the Omega-6 fat in a controlled way. 

The factor that causes Omega-6 fats to produce inflammatory hormones 

is not so much an over-abundance of Omega-6 fats, but a 

lack of Omega-3 fats combined with uncontrolled oxidation. 

Oxidative load and insufficient Omega-3 fats are common insufficiencies 

in any processed diet. Omega-6 fats tend to be more 

stable than Omega-3 fats by virtue of their structure. As a result, 

Omega-3 fats are more likely to be damaged and deactivated by 

processing. Processed foods can be deficient in both fats due to 

the high level of heat used in processing. In their damaged state, 

the Omega fats increase the oxidative load in the body which is 

damaging to health. The same processing also damages any protective 

antioxidants that might have been in the food. 

The oxidative strain of a poorly balanced diet is compounded further 

in senior pets as their antioxidant production declines. The 

chronic, inflammatory conditions often seen in senior pets may not 

be age related, but rather a function of processed or poorly balanced 

diets. 

You have more control over your dog’s health and disease than 

you think, including seemingly age-related illnesses. Supplementing 

your dog with antioxidants and providing balance between the 

essential and conditionally essential fatty acids are two powerful 

ways improve health and quality of life for your dog. 

Start by feeding fresh, whole foods that are not exposed to common 

processing methods. This will supply your dog with sufficient 

amounts of antioxidants. Then make sure any Omega fat supplements 

are balanced to improve nutrient density and empower the 

body to do what it is well designed to do – maintain health and 

vitality. f 

Franco Cavaleri, BSc NB Nutraceutical Biochemist, is a graduate of 

University of British Columbia, where he majored in Nutritional Science 

and Biochemistry. His post graduate efforts in scientific research 

and development have led to the accumulation of several awards in 

the Canadian Health Industry including nine formulation awards and 

bestseller status for his recent book-derived from his thesis, POTEN- 

TIAL WITHIN A Guide to Nutritional Empowerment. Franco is also the 

author of YOUR DOG’S HEALTH which provides more detail, including 

scientific references, on the science and dietary choices discussed in 

this article. www.biologicnr.com 

15

y: Dana Scott 

Most people have heard of collagen as an anti-aging cosmetic product. 

Collagen is the elastic protein that holds skin together. As we 

age, the amount and quality of collagen in our bodies starts to diminish 

and we can see this in our skin as it begins to wrinkle and 

sag. 

Collagen is also found in abundance in the joints and connective 

tissue of the body. In fact, collagen makes up 70 to 90% of our muscles, 

tendons, ligaments and other joint supporting tissues. As happens 

in the skin, when collagen breaks down in the body, the joints 

become less stable, the muscles and connective tissue loosen and 

become more brittle, and disorders such as arthritis, degenerative 

disc disease, tendonitis and overuse injuries begin to occur. 

The same thing happens in our dogs. They might not get the crow’s 

feet and turkey necks that we older humans sport, but they do suffer 

from age-related joint and soft tissue pain due to collagen loss and 

degradation. Sadly, many dogs suffer from these diseases at a very 

young age. Breeders and lovers of large breed dogs know all too well 

the heartache of canine hip and elbow dysplasia. Dog owners see 

patellar subluxations, cruciate tears and osteochondritis dissecans 

(OCD) in young dogs at an alarming rate and they pay the price 

with expensive surgery, therapy and supplements. 

Why are dogs suffering from these diseases at such a young age? 

Many breeders and vets are quick to say that it is due to bad genetics 

- so good breeders screen their dogs for these diseases before breeding, 

to make sure the problems are not passed down to the offspring. 

16 

Vvaccines 

Collagen 

and 

joint 

disease 

The problem is, this screening hasn’t really changed the incidence of 

most of these diseases. 

Hip dysplasia was first diagnosed in dogs in 1935, although nobody 

seemed terribly interested at the time. Over twenty years later, the 

number of dogs presenting with this disease prompted the Swedish 

Kennel Club to become one of the first to develop a program to 

reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia. They believed that if German 

Shepherd breeders took radiographs of their dogs and only bred the 

dogs that did not show evidence of hip dysplasia, they could eliminate 

hip dysplasia. After ten years of selective breeding, however, 

the incidence of moderate and severe cases of hip dysplasia didn’t 

change. Dogs that did not show radiographic evidence of hip dysplasia 

were still producing puppies with the disease. In one study, 

over two thirds of dysplastic puppies were from normal parents. 

This led researchers to conclude that hip dysplasia was a polygenic 

disease (residing in more than one gene), meaning that the severity 

of the disease could be influenced by environmental factors such as 

diet and lifestyle. However, affected puppies are born with normal 

hips - the dysplastic changes are not there at birth. 

Over fifty years later, despite increased testing rates, the incidence 

of hip dysplasia is not going down in most breeds. In fact, smaller 

breeds are now showing an increased susceptibility to this disease 

which historically was limited to larger breeds of dogs. Even in Germany, 

where the kennel club has very tight breeding restrictions, the 

incidence of hip dysplasia in German Shepherds is still 7%. 


Hip dysplasia is not the only common joint disorder in dogs. Cranial 

cruciate tears are becoming endemic in dogs, as are luxating 

patellas and elbow dysplasia (two more disorders that breeders do 

clearances for). In the midst of this, the vets point their fingers at 

both breeders and purebred dogs and the breeders point their fingers 

at the pet owners and at each other. Surely somebody must be 

to blame? 

A polygenic disease is one that takes the right combination of genetic 

susceptibility, environmental factors and dietary influences to occur. 

The genes are like a light switch: if a dog has a genetic susceptibility 

to hip dysplasia, the switch is in the ON position. Just because 

a dog has the gene for hip dysplasia however, does not mean he will 

be affected: the severity of the disease will be directly influenced by 

the dog’s diet and other environmental factors such as exercise level 

or body condition – or so the theory goes. Unfortunately, we don’t 

know which dogs possess and produce the genes that cause joint 

disease - but dog owners can change the environmental stressors. 

To this point, vets and many breeders will pay lip service to things 

such as keeping puppies lean, not feeding them too much protein (a 

myth that is not proven), giving them supplements – all the usual 

drama. Puppy buyers usually get this well-rehearsed speech when 

they bring their new puppy in for his vaccination. Most vets actively 

look for large breed puppies to show signs of hip dysplasia and are 

ready to step in with surgery. They blame the breeders and their 

purebred dogs for joint issues while, at the same time, they inject 

these healthy puppies with vaccines. 

Is it any coincidence that even severe cases of hip dysplasia are not 

seen before eight weeks of age – the age at which most puppies are 

vaccinated? Why is it that, once again, vets are recommending 

expensive hip surgeries and multiple, unnecessary vaccines, while 

remaining oblivious to what should be obvious? Why is nobody 

blaming the vaccines when there are plenty of reasons to do so? 

Vaccines and Joint Disorders 

The Canine Health Concern’s 1997 study of 4,000 dogs showed a 

high number of dogs developing mobility problems shortly after 

they were vaccinated. Immunologist Dr. Jean Dodds has also noted 

similar issues: “Beyond the immediate hypersensitivity (vaccine) reactions, 

other acute events tend to occur 24 to 72 hours afterward, 

or 7 to 45 days later in a delayed type immunological response. Even 

more delayed adverse effects include...canine distemper antibodies 

in joint diseases of dogs”. 

Interesting. The distemper vaccine was introduced in 1950 and just 

a few years later, the breed clubs suddenly felt the need to start doing 

hip clearances on breeding stock. There is no cause and effect here 

but the temporal relationship is fairly noteworthy. 


Vaccination has been implicated in cases of polyarthritis in dogs. 

Here is an interesting passage from the Veterinary Products Committee 

(VPC) Working Group on Feline and Canine Vaccination. 

“Occasional self-limiting cases of immune-based arthritis in dogs 

have been reported usually following primary vaccination, and recently, 

four young adult dogs of different breeds have been reported 

to develop an idiopathic polyarthritis 3 to15 days after multivalent 

vaccination. Immune-mediated polyarthritis and systemic disease 

including amyloidosis has been reported in Akita dogs following 

modified live vaccination. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD), 

in some cases associated with juvenile cellulitis, has been reported 

following vaccination, mainly in Weimaraners, and it has been suggested 

that canine distemper virus may be involved. There is also 

some evidence that canine distemper virus (and possibly vaccines) 

may be involved in canine rheumatoid-like arthritis through the 

formation of immune complexes”. 

Here is the predictable part: “...the immunological basis of such reactions 

is unclear, and it is possible that such apparent associations 

with vaccination may be due to coincident disease development, 

particularly in young animals”. 

That sure would be a heck of a coincidence. Catherine O’Driscoll 

sheds more light on the relationship. 

“A paper appearing in the British Veterinary Journal states that dogs 

with rheumatoid arthritis showed higher anti-heat shock protein 

antibody levels in their sera and synovial fluids compared to control 

dogs. There was a significant correlation between anti HSP65 

and antibodies to canine distemper virus, and the paper discussed 

the relevance of the presence of canine distemper virus within the 

joints. Since vaccines inject modified live distemper virus into the 

dog, this research should be of concern. Shed attenuated live vaccine 

might also be considered in this regard. And it’s worth noting 

that the high antibody titers to distemper that we are so pleased with 

might also play a role in our dogs’ decreasing mobility. Rheumatoid 

arthritis is, of course an autoimmune condition in which there is inflammation 

of joints and progressive erosion of cartilage and bone, 

which reflects the autoantibodies to collagen found in the Purdue 

study.” 

Autoantibodies to collagen? Vaccinated dogs developed autoantibodies 

to their own collagen and nobody was worried about that? 

The Purdue Study 

In 1999, a one of a kind study was performed that should have 

connected the dots between vaccination and joint disease (Hogenesch 

H, Azcona-Olivera J, Scott-Montcrieff C, Snyder PW, Glickman 

LT. Vaccine-induced autoimmunity in the dog. Adv Med Vet 

17

1999;41:733-747). In this study, puppies were immunized with the 

rabies vaccine and the usual cocktail of core and non-core vaccines. 

The authors concluded that the vaccinated but not the unvaccinated 

puppies developed autoantibodies to their own collagen. The authors 

noted and reproduced similar findings in a follow-up study in 

dogs that were given just the rabies vaccine and just the multivalent 

vaccine. 

The vaccinated dogs in this study were literally destroying their own 

collagen (as well as their own DNA and other important substances), 

and nobody thought “aha, maybe this is why our dogs are being 

hit so hard with joint disease and we can’t breed it out of them.” Instead, 

the researchers discontinued the study when the puppies were 

22 weeks of age and, over a decade later, nobody has viewed these 

results as a serious threat to canine (or human) health. 

Why is it that vets and researchers can claim purebred dogs and genetics 

are to blame for these joint disorders when this shining beacon 

is aimed squarely on vaccination, especially the distemper shot? 

Collagen and Joint Disease 

In a 1989 study, Bari et al found autoimmunity to collagen in 72.4% 

of dogs with rheumatoid arthritis, 88% of dogs with infective arthritis 

and 52% of dogs with osteoarthritis. Dogs with cruciate disease 

also showed significantly increased levels of autoantibodies. They 

also had higher levels of anti-collagen antibodies in the synovial 

fluid (the fluid that surrounds joints). They concluded that anticollagen 

complexes were present in all joint disorders. 

The presence of these anti-collagen antibodies, just like those noted 

in the vaccinated dogs in the Purdue study, can actually predict 

cruciate tears. In dogs with cruciate tears in one leg, studies show 

elevated anti-collagen antibodies in the other leg which predicted 

future tears. When multiple joints were tested, higher levels of autoantibodies 

were found in stifle joints that were eventually torn 

than in other joints of the body (DeBruin et al, 2007). These autoantibodies 

have also been found in the joints of dogs suffering from arthritis 

that is not secondary to cruciate tears (Niebauer et al, 1987). 

Duke University Medical Center researchers led by Kyle Allen 

found that collagen deficient mice prematurely developed common 

and chronic musculoskeletal disorders while the wild-type mice did 

not. “We observed a pattern of behavioral changes in the collagen 

deficient mice that suggests a relationship to (osteoarthritis and degenerative 

disc disease),” said Allen, who noted the collagen deficient 

mice also had elevated levels of knee and intervertebral disc 

structural changes. 

Collagen and Joint Integrity 

Collagen is concentrated mostly in weight supporting tissues, basically 

cartilage and bones. Collagen is also concentrated in high 

18 

percentages in the parts of the body transmitting strength, such as 

tendons. Collagen not only protects joint cartilage, it is also what 

protects tendons and ligaments against tears. 

The elastic property of collagen gives ligaments a tiny bit of stretch 

so that if the joint that ligament supports is stressed, the ligament 

can withhold the tension without tearing. Just as bridges and highrise 

buildings need a tiny bit of give in them to weather high winds 

and earthquakes, ligaments need the elastic properties of collagen to 

bear shearing forces within the joints. 

Collagen is also important for the integrity of joint surfaces. There 

is a thin layer of tissue surrounding the cartilage on the surface of 

joints called the pericellular matrix (PCM). Together with collagen 

and other cartilage cells, the PCM forms a barrier between the cells 

and the rest of the cartilage tissue. When collagen is disrupted in 

joints, the changes in mechanical forces on the cells can lead to degenerative 

changes. 

Leonidas Alexopoulos studied the relationship between collagen 

and osteoarthritis at Duke University and presented the results at 

the 51th annual scientific meeting of the Orthopedic Research Society 

in Washington, DC. Alexopoulos explains: ““When we analyzed 

the PCM of mice unable to produce type VI collagen, we found that 

the chondrons (joint surface structures) in these mice were much 

softer and the joints did not respond well to mechanical pressures. 

The joint looked as if osteoarthritis had developed.” 

In May, 1997, a paper was presented in the Journal of the American 

Veterinary Medical Association by Jens Sejer Madsen, Ph.D., 

D.V.M. from the Small Animal Hospital, Department of Clinical 

Studies, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg 

C, Denmark. This study shows how collagen can be related to 

hip dysplasia. 

“Mechanical strength of the joint capsule is related to its collagen 

content and composition. In children with congenital hip joint dislocation, 

the collagen composition of the joint capsule has been 

shown to be abnormal. Thus, it is reasonable to hypothesize that laxity 

of the hip joint in dogs may be related to the collagen composition 

of the capsule...results of the study support the hypothesis that 

a change in collagen composition may contribute to hip joint laxity 

in dogs with a predisposition to CHD.” 

The vets and breeders are right in that hip dysplasia and other joint 

disorders are caused by a variety of environmental and nutritional 

factors. Genetics probably do play a role, although it could have 

something to do with the cumulative damage the puppies’ parents 

and grandparents suffer through repeated vaccination, highly processed 

diets, antibiotics and toxins. On top of that, the Purdue study 

showed that vaccinated dogs develop autoantibodies to their own 

DNA; perhaps vaccinated breeding dogs are passing along damaged 

DNA and that is a part of the picture. 


Meanwhile, the vets and researchers repeatedly state there is no 

cause and effect relationship and that further studies will have to be 

done before vaccines can be implicated in joint disease. While we 

wait for those magical studies, vets continue to vaccinate every three 

years, or even more frequently, with vaccines that were shown to last 

at least seven years over thirty years ago. 

In the case of distemper, one of the vaccines repeatedly vindicated 

in joint disease, puppies develop titers within hours of their first 

distemper vaccination. In his study at the University of Wisconsin- 

Madison, Dr. Ronald Schultz vaccinated puppies with one dose of 

distemper vaccine just four hours prior to being placed in a room 

with distemper-infected dogs. All of the puppies were protected 

against distemper in this challenge study. 

This bears repeating. Dr. Ronald Schultz, the leading canine immunologist, 

publishes a study in which every single puppy is protected 

within hours of the very first vaccination. Thirty years prior to this, 

he determined that core vaccines (including distemper) last at least 

seven years, and most likely for the life of the dog. So it should be 

pretty obvious that it only takes one distemper vaccine to protect a 

puppy from distemper for life. Why then does the average dog get 

vaccinated for distemper at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, one year, 

four years, seven years, ten years – and if he is lucky enough to have 

lived through this unnecessary and dangerous onslaught – thirteen 

and sixteen years of age? Nine shots of the same virus that is shown 

to be permanently effective within hours of the very first vaccine 

is considered a minimal vaccine schedule by most veterinarians – 

many other dogs receive 15 or more shots of distemper! It is no 

wonder that joint disease is on the rise in dogs, especially in the 

most aggressively vaccinated subset: purebred dogs. 

Clearly, more research needs to be done in this area but somebody 

should at least pay attention to the growing list of unwanted and adverse 

effects caused by vaccines. There is a growing list of joint and 

collagen related changes that occur after vaccination and they are 

implicated in joint disease which has become a significant problem 

in today’s dog population. I’m not saying stop vaccination for distemper 

altogether (although that is a viable option), but at the very 

least, stop the madness of unnecessarily vaccinating dogs for distemper 

over, and over, and over, and over again. Isn’t there enough 

research to make vets just a little bit concerned about potential damage 

from the eight or more distemper vaccines that go into dogs? 

It seems that in-depth research and analysis are not all that necessary 

when it comes to giving more vaccines but when it comes to 

giving less, research is suddenly put on the hot seat and common 

sense goes out the window. What will it take before vets start taking 

this research seriously and stop vaccinating dogs unnecessarily? 

f 

Dana Scott breeds naturally reared Labrador Retrievers under the 

Fallriver prefix. She lives in Ontario with her husband and their dogs. 


When it comes to polygenic diseases, which most joint disease is, 

nutrition can also play a role in the severity of symptoms. 

Research by Dr. Wendell Belfield showed that giving German 

Shepherd puppies large doses of ascorbate (vitamin C), could decrease 

the incidence of hip dysplasia. The research wasn’t well 

received, but it is worth noting that ascorbic acid is essential for 

normal collagen development. What is really interesting is that 

Dr. Belfield also found great success treating distemper with vitamin 

C. 

After World War I, Ken-L-Ration was introduced as a way to 

dispose of deceased horses. Gaines Food Co also began manufacturing 

canned and dry meat-meal dog foods and, by the end 

of World War II, pet food sales had reached $200 million in the 

US. In the 1950’s, commercial pet foods continued to thrive 

and Spratt’s dog food (the first manufacturer of dog foods), was 

bought out by General Mills. Companies such as Nabisco and 

Quaker Oats also jumped on the bandwagon, identifying the pet 

food market as a profitable way to market their by-products and 

waste. 

In 1950, the distemper vaccine was developed. Looking back at 

the timeline, there is an interesting temporal relationship. 

1. After WW1, commercial pet foods gain more popularity 

(1922) 

2. Hip dysplasia is first identified shortly thereafter (1935) 

3. Pet food sales in the US reach $200 million (1950’s) 

4. The distemper vaccine is introduced (1950) 

5. Breeders find the rates of hip dysplasia are now high enough 

to warrant health testing (1957) 

The time line certainly suggests that processed, commercial pet 

foods could be at least partly to blame for the rise of joint disease 

in dogs. Although anecdotal, breeders who feed fresh foods instead 

of kibble and refrain from vaccinations report a lower incidence 

of joint disease in their dogs. 

19

How to choose the right 

Refrigerator Repairman 

by: Peter Dobias DVM 

Some time ago, our fridge broke. Actually, it 

was still working but the fan didn’t work. The 

repair guy came and after about two hours 

of swearing, heavy breathing and a $400 bill, 

the fan was replaced. The next morning, I 

found the fridge all defrosted. The fan was 

spinning but the fridge was somehow warm 

and welcoming. 

20 

I called the swearing repair guy and he 

brushed me off with “Buy a new fridge; this 

one is already five years old!” I called for a 

second opinion and it was upsetting to find 

out that the fan was not connected properly 

and had damaged the compressor which is 

too expensive to repair and that I did need 

a new fridge. 

(and vet too) 

As I was listening to the verdict, it dawned 

on me. This is exactly what can happen to 

people and their pets when they visit the 

vet. So often, there is a small problem that 

turns into a huge issue because of lack of 

skills, poor communication, invasive treatments, 

steroids and drugs. 

Of course, I am not trying to suggest that 

your beloved animal friend should be compared 

with a fridge. For most people, animals 

are our family members, our dearest 

companions. All I hope for is that after reading 

this article, you will be able to choose the 

best healer for your best friend and avoid 

disappointment, frustration or heartbreak. 

I trust that the following 12 steps will make 

the job of choosing the right vet much easier. 

1 

Step 

GO WITH YOUR GUT 

If you are wondering why I put this step as 

number one, it is because so often, our gut 

is right. If something feels ‘not right’, it most 

likely isn’t right. However, if you’ve had a 

less than positive experience with a vet in 

the past, beware of painting them all with 

the same brush. Choosing the right vet is 

about the right balance of trust and caution. 

2 

Step 

CHECK YOUR POTENTIAL NEW VET’S 

RATING 

Most searches for a vet start either with 

word of mouth or on the internet where 

you can check your potential vet’s rating. I 

recommend going to www.vetratingz.com. I 

find the website really useful and generally 


pretty accurate, based on my knowledge of 

the vet clinics in my area. 

If your vet is not listed, that is usually good 

news because people are more likely to post 

reviews when they are not happy. 

3 

Step 

CHECK HOW LONG THE CONSULT TIME IS 

While there may be the odd exception to 

this, I find that it is better to pay a little more 

for a longer consult than going for a cheap 

quickie. Who wants to be put on the conveyor 

belt of the “hi and buy” office visit where 

many problems can be missed? 

A decent consultation and exam should take 

a minimum of 30 minutes. An initial holistic 

or homeopathic assessment should be at 

least 60 minutes. 

4 

Step 

STATE YOUR EXPECTATIONS 

Unspoken expectations are one of the most 

common reasons for miscommunication and 

conflict. If you are going to see a vet, tell him 

or her what your expectations are. This way, 

your vet will be able to consider your point 

of view and objectives. 

If you are looking for a holistically minded 

vet who uses minimal drugs, make this clear 

from the outset, or you may end up with a 

practitioner who is heavy on drugs. Natural 

treatment modalities can be compared 

to a foreign language for a conventionally 

minded vet. 


There is also a difference in the perception 

of what is natural and holistic. Some practitioners 

call themselves holistic while they 

commonly prescribe side effect causing antiinflammatory 

drugs, steroids and species inappropriate 

processed food. 

Instead of trying to convince a vet to do 

things your way, you will have much better 

luck if you find one who is already there. 

5 

Step 

SET CLEAR BOUNDARIES 

Your vet is your service provider; he is an expert 

but he is not your parent or your boss. 

Your vet should understand that you care 

about your dog and should not judge or criticize 

you just because you disagree with his 

or her opinion or don’t choose every single 

treatment or test. 

Your vet’s job is to provide you with treatment 

options and answer your questions so 

you can make the best possible choice. 

6 

Step 

LEARN ABOUT THE SIDE-EFFECTS OF DRUGS 

As much as this step seems to be common 

sense, not many people are informed about 

the adverse effects of drugs prescribed. 

Remember that in medicine, “less drugs” 

is always a better choice. Adding a chemical 

substance means the body has an extra 

task in addition to healing: it will also need 

to detox. 

7 

Step 

GET AN ESTIMATE 

Vet bills are another sticky point and there is 

no doubt that veterinary service can be expensive. 

It may change your perspective to 

know that most vets are able to keep around 

$20 from every $100 you pay. 

However, a good vet has to have an ability 

to focus fully on the best choice for your pet 

instead of trying to pay his rent or mortgage. 

Requesting a written estimate before a procedure 

is always a good idea. 

If you say, “doctor, do anything it takes,” you 

may expose yourself to unnecessary tests 

and procedures if your vet is in a financial 

crunch. On the other hand, be reasonable 

and try not to nickel and dime. I have seen 

the other extreme too, seeing people scrutinizing 

every dollar just because they want to 

buy an expensive car or flat screen TV. 

8 

Step 

REQUEST A STEP BY STEP APPROACH 

Frequently, diagnostics and treatments can 

be done in sequence instead of all at once. 

For example: If your dog is suffering from 

diarrhea but appears to be fine otherwise, 

it may be safe to give some probiotics and 

feed a diet of squash and chicken broth after 

a half day fast. If the problem doesn’t go 

away, then fecal tests and blood work may 

be needed and if there is no improvement, 

perhaps IV fluids, medication and a fecal 

culture may be necessary and then an ultrasound 

or X-ray. 

21

Way too often, I see a full battery of tests being 

run and unnecessary drugs being given 

when 90% of dogs would recover with much 

less intervention and at a much lower cost. 

Step 

CHOOSE A VET WHO DOESN’T FAKE IT 

No matter how experienced and knowledgeable 

a vet is, there are still a lot unknowns 

in medicine. A good vet will be able to help 

you by using a blend of knowledge, experience 

and intuition and he or she will not be 

afraid to say “I don’t know.” 

I once asked a colleague why he recommended 

running a whole battery of tests 

when running only a few would likely yield 

the same results. He answered, “If I didn’t 

run them all, people would think I was stupid!” 

His answer made me really think about why 

are we so afraid of not knowing. Perhaps it is 

the result of schooling where one always has 

to have an answer. 

In reality, all we need to do is to look to a 

clear night’s sky to confirm that, in the grand 

scheme of things, we do not know all. However, 

we can still make a big difference with 

what we do know and strive to learn more 

with an open mind. 

Step 

PROGNOSIS 

Getting a prognosis is an important part of 

an appointment. It comes back to making 

sure that your own expectations are aligned 

with the reality of the situation. If you do 

not like what you hear, it may be a good idea 

to ask more questions or get a second opinion. 

Recently, one of my patients who I have 

been treating for a form of oral cancer for 

two years, injured his neck and was taken to 

a vet in Ontario. My client was told to put her 

dog down because the vet thought that the 

cancer had spread into the spine. How lucky 

that she didn’t listen to that advice: confirming 

with a second vet showed that indeed, 

her dog had injured his neck muscles. 

As to giving a prognosis, I disagree with giving 

the exact number of weeks, months or 

years of life expectation. As far as I know, 

animals do not come with an expiry date 

22 

9 

10 

and estimating their time left can be tricky. 

Instead, ask if your dog’s problem is easy to 

solve, moderately serious, serious or very 

serious. In serious and very serious cases, 

the prognosis may change on a daily or even 

hourly basis. 

Step 

BE AWARE OF GUILT 

When it comes to dogs, most of us experience 

guilt. Life is busy and complicated and 

we can’t always spend as much time and 

money on our dogs as we would like. Your 

vet should provide you with a safe way to express 

your feelings and concerns and respect 

the possibility that you can’t always do it all. 

Focus on the well being and quality of life of 

your pet and ask yourself if you would regret 

it if you didn’t go with the suggested step. If 

the answer is yes, reconsider whether your 

financial worries are reasonable or if you 

just are worrying about money without a 

real cause. 

Never agree to a test or procedure to please 

your vet because, sooner or later, you will 

regret your decision. 

Step 

11 

12 

BE REASONABLE 

We live in a world of quick fix medicine that 

can temporarily provide relief through drugs. 

Celeste Yarnall, Ph.D 

~ 

Author of: 

~ The Complete Guide to ~ 

Holistic Cat Care 

~ Natural Dog Care ~ 

~ Natural Cat Care ~ 

~ Cat Care, Naturally ~ 

However, the best way of treating a disease 

is prevention. Delaying treatment until the 

condition becomes chronic, and then using 

drugs to get a quick fix, can be compared to 

spending on credit. Like the interest charges 

on your credit card, the health consequences 

can be unexpectedly large. 

Some people do not have the patience to 

give the treatment enough of a chance. 

Jumping from practitioner to practitioner 

often creates chaos and confusion and less 

than optimal results. Most chronic conditions 

usually take months and years to develop 

and they may take months and sometimes 

years to be cured. 

There is so much more that could be discussed; 

however I hope that this information 

will make your future veterinary visits easier 

and less costly. f 

For more information, questions and articles 

visit www.peterdobias.com If you have any 

questions, you can visit Dr. Dobias at www. 

facebook.com/drpeterdobias or www.drpeterdobias.com 

You can also register for 

his Healing Newsletter for more information. 

Dr. Peter Dobias has been in veterinary practice 

since 1988. In 2008, he decided to sell 

his thriving holistic veterinary practice in 

Vancouver, BC, Canada to dedicate his future 

years to disease prevention and transforming 

the face of veterinary care to less invasive 

and more natural treatment methods. 

He believes that we can create a healthy and 

long life, naturally. 

Celestial Pets 

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* Homeopathy * Non-Verbal Communication 

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(818) 707-6331 ~ FAX (818) 879-1668 

www.celestialpets.com ~ celestialpets@celestialpets.com 

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the 

Apothecary 

Hypericum 

Well-known by its herbal name, St. John’s Wort, Hypericum is best 

known for its use in nerve injuries. 

There are many remedies available for 

acute injuries in dogs, including Hypericum. 

For acute and general bruising 

and soreness and shock, Arnica usually 

fits the bill. For acute muscle and tendon 

strains, bone bruises or joint injury 

Ruta is an excellent fit and Rhus tox may 

also be considered. For more persistent 

symptoms, there is Calcarea carb. 

Hypericum is in a different class from 

these remedies. It is a great remedy for 

wounds to the nerves, especially in the 

toes and nails. Other nerve-rich areas 

include the face, mouth and tail. These 

types of injuries can include bites or 

puncture wounds, crushing injuries or 

torn nails. 

Both Hypericum and Ledum are similar in 

their makeup and should be considered 

when an injury is inflammatory and in 

a nerve-rich area. In puncture wounds, 

Ledum might be considered a better fit 

whereas Hypericum would be considered 

for lacerations, especially in nerve-rich 

areas. 

Rhus tox and Calcarea are often considered 

for back pain, but when the pain is 

acute, Hypericum will be indicated. 

Studies at New York University show that 

Hypericum has anti-viral properties. It is 

important in preventing tetanus in puncture 

wounds (Ledum will also have this 


quality but has an earlier preventive action). 

Injuries that might respond well to Hypericum 

include: 

• A paw or tail mistakenly closed in a 

door 

• Torn dewclaws 

• The pain from bleeding nails when 

the quick is mistakenly cut when 

clipping nails 

• Any bite wound, especially lacerations 

and wounds to nerve rich areas 

such as the mouth, face, feet or tail. 

© west-crete.com 

• Can be considered for head injuries, 

especially with convulsions 

• The first remedy to consider for 

acute injuries to the spine 

• Surgical incisions, especially after 

spay 

• Painful boils or abscesses without 

pus 

• Broken or painful teeth 

• First and second degree burns 

If you are building an emergency kit of 

homeopathic remedies, make sure it contains 

Hypericum. Either a 30C or 200C 

potency should work in most cases. f 

23

dog parks to go or not to go 

by: Debra Ekman CPDT 

Dog owners envision our dogs romping gleefully 

with doggy friends at our local dog 

parks. Not every dog enjoys being at a dog 

park however, and those that do may still not 

belong there. Moreover, there are hazards at 

dog parks that we should all be aware of. 

more harm than good? 

Canine Health Risks: Dog parks, where other 

dogs may or may not be healthy, can expose 

your dog to contagious diseases and parasites. 

Even apparently healthy dogs can carry 

disease. The canine influenza virus sheds before 

a dog shows any symptoms, and it can 

survive for up to two days on contaminated 

surfaces. Giardia, a water illness, may be lurking 

silently in shared water containers. And 

injuries and accidents are possible whenever 

unfamiliar dogs get together. 

Human Health Risks: Humans are vulnerable 

to diseases that spread to people from dogs 

(or from environments where dogs gather). 

Tapeworms, roundworms, ticks, fleas and 

mites can all be transmitted. People at dog 

parks have been bitten or knocked over. Children 

do not belong at dog parks. They are no 

match for strong, running dogs and can entice 

dogs to chase them when they run or scream. 

Human Inattention and Lack of Understanding: 

Different dogs have different play styles 

(chasing, wrestling, body slamming, biting, 

etc.) that may not be compatible. Some tension 

among dogs, especially when aroused, is 

24 

inevitable. Most dog owners can’t read the 

signals their dogs give each other and find 

distinguishing play from aggression particularly 

difficult. Some people bring treats, toys 

or balls and then get upset when nearby dogs 

go after them. Many don’t pay attention to or 

are defensive about their own dogs. People 

have kicked, hit or thrown another person’s 

dog because they thought that dog’s behavior 

inappropriate, even when it was normal 

dog behavior. When something like this happens, 

you are on your own. There is no staff 

monitoring most dog parks. 

Myths and Misconceptions: At dog parks, 

you see dogs that jump on their humans, hide 

behind them, stay near the fence, cower or 

move away when another dog comes near. 

They are doing everything they can to tell 

their people that they don’t want to be there. 

But so many of us think it’s good for them or 

that they are actually enjoying themselves 

and we ignore their pleas to leave. You cannot 

make your dog like other dogs by forcing 

him to be around them, especially in a busy 

dog park where anything can happen. 

Bullying: Most owners believe that all dogs 

should get along; so why not go to a dog park! 

But there are some dogs that bully other dogs 

and others that have never learned polite dog 

interaction. These dogs approach head-on, 

stare or don’t heed another dog’s warning to 

back off. When your dog enters a dog park, 

the others surround him while other dogs 

may form a loose pack and roam the dog 

park, menacing others. Anyone who has a 

? 

dog that intimidates other dogs, for whatever 

reason, should stop going to the dog park and 

find a few compatible playmates instead. If 

your dog is enjoying himself at the expense of 

others, it’s time to leave. 

Predatory Drift: Some dogs are more predatory 

than others. They were bred to chase 

and kill other animals. At some point, when 

they are chasing that furry looking dog (that 

may resemble a rabbit or squirrel to them), 

their animal instinct may kick in. The dog may 

pick up and shake another dog as if it were 

prey. 

Arousal: Compatible playmates take turns 

chasing or jumping on each other. They periodically 

stop their play, and then start again. 

Dogs at dog parks don’t have the same opportunity 

to calm down, as they encounter 

one dog after another. Heightened arousal 

can quickly turn into aggression. Dogs can 

be bitten, injured or, in some cases, just plain 

terrified. Dogs that are encouraged to play 

without breaks (“to tire them out”) are constantly 

on alert, even when they’re away 

from the dog park. When on leash, they tend 

to chafe at being restricted and may have 

trouble approaching dogs politely. 

Long-Term Consequences: If your dog has a 

bad experience at the dog park – he is scared, 

bitten or a fight breaks out nearby – your 

dog’s behavior can be affected from then 

on. Some dogs become more reactive as a 

defense to keep other dogs away. Others become 

more frightened and withdrawn. 

Photo: Vic Neumann 


instead of dog parks 

Arrange play dates with dogs you know are 

compatible. Keep in mind, though, that even 

best friends can become overly aroused, 

leading to aggression in an instant. So, help 

them calm down every few minutes. Bring 

your dog away from the other dog and have 

him focus on you while getting some treats. 

When both dogs settle down, let them return 

to play. This will help keep the arousal level 

low and will teach your dog that he doesn’t 

have to be manic in the company of other 

dogs. Your walks should be much more pleasant 

as your dog learns to be calm, instead of 

jumping around and tugging, when seeing another 

dog along the way. 

Trips to the dog park are not the only way to 

tire your dog. Blow bubbles for him to pop; 

play hide and seek; move around a Chase 


‘N Pull toy (a sheepskin on a flexible rod); 

or teach your dog to “find it” (run around 

looking for hidden treats). Most of us don’t 

realize that when our dogs use their brains, 

it tires them just as much as physical exercise 

and is equally important. Practice training 

cues, use interactive toys (where the 

dog has to pull, drop, roll or tug the toy to 

get food to fall out) or teach your dog tricks. 

Your dog can have fun, exercise and use his 

brain without risking his health and well being 

at a dog park. Sign up for a positive training 

class; check out meet-up groups; try dog 

sports; or make time for dog friendly events. 

After you meet some well-suited people and 

dogs, organize your own group adventures. 

if you insist on going ... 

Make sure your dog is healthy. Don’t go to 

a dog park if your dog is ill or on medication 

that suppresses the immune system. Take 

your own water and bowl to avoid waterborne 

diseases. 

Before taking your dog to the dog park, go 

alone. Observe the park at the time you are 

most likely to visit. Chances are the same 

dogs and people will show up at the same 

time each week. Watch for possible concerns: 

• Is the dog park crowded? 

• Do any dogs seem to be bullies? 

• Are humans paying attention to their 

dogs? 

• Is there a separate small dog area? 

• Is the enclosure secure, double gated 

and well maintained? 

When you take your dog, check out the dogs 

and people already inside. If anything you observe 

concerns you, go home. If the dogs look 

well-matched, let them notice your dog while 

you are still outside to avoid getting mobbed 

when you enter. If the holding area is unoccupied, 

open the first gate and make sure you 

close it behind you. Check that your dog’s 

collar or harness isn’t loose enough to trap 

another dog’s paw and cause a panic. If the 

area immediately outside the second gate is 

congested, politely ask owners to move their 

dogs out of the way. Close the second gate 

behind you after you enter the dog park. 

While you’re there, walk around every few 

minutes to encourage your dog to follow you 

and take play breaks. Be responsible for your 

own dog’s behavior. Before you leave, clean 

your dog’s paws to minimize the risk of parasites 

or disease from the soil. 

the bottom line 

it would be lonely without you 

Don’t miss a single issue of Dogs Naturally. 

Your mailing label tells you when your subscription expires 

Renew online at www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com 

Or call 877.665.1290 

If you insist on going to a dog park, promise 

yourself that if you have any doubts about 

whether your dog or others are acting appropriately, 

the play is getting too rough or 

your dog is not having fun, you will leave. 

Don’t discount the importance of playtime at 

home with you. After all, you are your dog’s 

best friend, protector, and most sought-after 

companion. f 

Debra Ekman founded and runs Your Dog’s 

Friend, a non-profit organization, based in 

Maryland, whose goal is to help keep dogs 

out of shelters by educating and supporting 

dog owners. Your Dog’s Friend (www.yourdogsfriend.info) 

provides behavior and training 

advice; sponsors free seminars on topics 

of interest to both new and experienced dog 

owners; offers a variety of training classes; 

and gives out The Shelter and Rescue Dog 

Book, which Debra wrote, to local adopters, 

shelters and rescues. 

25

Prolotherapy for stifle injuries 

26 

by: Deva Khalsa DVM 

Sally was young, in Rottweiler years, to be diagnosed with a 

cranial cruciate injury in her right knee. She was only four years 

old. Sally was one of those outgoing, exuberant and loving Rottweilers 

whose tail seemed to wag her whole body. She loved 

life but her painful knee was putting a crimp in her desire to live 

it to the fullest. 

Sally’s owner opted for surgery to repair the torn ligament and 

this course of action was successful. But in less than a year, 

her left knee began giving Sally problems. Her owner was very 

careful with her exercise and couldn’t remember an incident 

where she could have injured her left knee. Sally was holding 

her left rear leg off the ground for the first few steps and then 

tiptoed on it while she walked. Finally, after many minutes, she 

began cautiously walking on her left hind leg. 

We were concerned that Sally was putting too much weight on 

the right leg which had already undergone surgery. This time, 

her mom opted for Prolotherapy to treat her left knee. We’ll 

talk more about Prolotherapy, but let’s first find out what’s really 

happening in our dogs’ knee joints and why we’re seeing so 

many knee problems. 


Webster’s New Collegiate dictionary defines Prolotherapy as: 

“the rehabilitations of an incompetent structure, such as ligaments 

or tendons, by the induced proliferation of new cells”. 

Ligaments provide stability to the complex knee joint. Two of 

the knee’s four ligaments are attached in a crosswise fashion 

and called the cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments. These ligaments 

act together with the lateral collateral ligament to maintain 

stability of the stifle through its full range of motion. 

In the past, veterinarians attributed cruciate ligament damage to 

sports injuries but recent research has found that cruciate injuries 

are not as simple and straightforward as once thought. It’s 

been found that dogs over four years that are spayed or neutered 

are considerably more likely to suffer cruciate tears than dogs 

that remain sexually intact. Cruciate ligament damage is seen 

much more frequently in overweight, neutered, middle-aged 

dogs. A much smaller group of genuine sports injuries do occur 

in dogs who push the physical limits of their bodies through 

over-exertion. An example of this is jumping high to catch a 

Frisbee and landing over and over on the same hind leg. 

Surprisingly, most cruciate problems do not appear suddenly – 

after a sudden twisting movement or jumping from an elevated 

location. Even when a cruciate tear appears to be acute, inflammation 

and weakness in the area more often than not precede 

and contribute to the injury. Researchers agree that something 

more than a simple accident is to blame because it’s very common 

for a dog’s other knee to go out not long after the first one. 

Another group of dogs that suffer from this disease are those 

receiving corticosteroid medications for long periods. It’s uncertain 

if these pets develop the problem because they gain weight 

or because corticosteroids decrease the strength of their ligament. 

These observations indicate that the endocrine system and 

internal hormones play an important part in maintaining joint 

health. 

Homeopathy for Knee Issues 


The thyroid hormone would also play a part in this. In The Canine 

Thyroid Epidemic, Dr. Jean Dodds states, “Hypothyroid 

animals can also experience loose joints, which lead to patellar 

subluxation (partial dislocation of the kneecap) from weakened 

or torn cruciate ligaments.” The intricate hormonal interactions 

within our dogs’ bodies are affected by early neutering, the xenoestrogens 

present in commonly used garden products such as 

Round Up and the toxic effect that many topical flea and tick 

products have on the canine thyroid gland. 

Ligaments are fibrous tissues that connect bone to bone to make 

a joint. If you look at a fresh ligament, it would appear as a 

white sheet or band. Its appearance is white because there is 

very limited blood supply to ligaments; therefore, they heal very 

slowly. When they do finally heal, they are never as strong, often 

at only 20% of their original strength, making them more prone 

to re-injury. 

Getting back to Sally, her mom had several choices for her treatment, 

one being rest and NSAIDs. This was part of the therapy 

that she had chosen for Sally’s right knee but before long, Sally 

needed surgery. When a dog injures his knee, the pain forces 

him to rest it. If we humans hurt our knee and then take a drug 

to kill the pain, we know that we must continue to protect that 

knee. Our dog however, will run on the knee and further injure 

it when he is given a pain killing, anti-inflammatory drug. 

Both steroids and NSAIDs have been irrefutably proven to retard 

healing. The injured is continuously re-injured. The consequence 

of all this may be expensive knee surgery. 

Moreover, recent research shows that some types of NSAIDs, 

COX-2 inhibitors, can also have an adverse effect on bone healing 

and impair ligament healing. This would include popular 

NSAIDs such as Rimadyl® and Metacam®. 

Sally’s mom also had the option of a combined mix of holistic 

options including rest with acupuncture treatments, herbs and 

Remedy Potency Indications Dosage 

Ruta grav 6x or 30x ligament injury - especially in the knee 3 to 4 times per day 

Arnica 6c to 30c acute musculoskeletal injuries 4 times per day 

Bryonia 6c to 30c lameness that is worse after exercise 3 times per day 

Rhus tox 6c to 30c lameness that is worse after resting 3 times per day 

Gelsemium 6c or 6x luxating patellas 2 times per day 

27

homeopathy. This can be very successful but the hard part is 

keeping an active dog quiet for several weeks. The minute most 

dogs feel and look better, both he and his owner give a big sigh 

of relief, stop leash walks and - bada boom bada bing - that ligament 

is once again strained and damaged. 

Certain homeopathic remedies are excellent for helping with 

ligament tears. The chart on page 27 presents several homeopathic 

remedies that are helpful with knee problems, along with 

their indications. 

Because Sally had a history of knee problems, her owner opted 

for Prolotherapy. Prolotherapy has been practiced for well over 

50 years. It’s both inexpensive and effective. Research with rabbits 

in the 1950’s showed that damaged ligaments treated with 

Prolotherapy increased almost four times in size. 

Prolotherapy treatment is simple and straightforward. Injections 

of a specific mixture of proliferant substances are placed 

in the ligaments around the joint, stimulating them to regenerate. 

The fluid also stimulates new cartilage growth in the joint. 

Prolotherapy is effective in the repairing of collagen, ligaments 

and connective tissue. 

After I became certified in Prolotherapy, it soon became my 

treatment of choice for cruciate injuries. The effects are often 

seen immediately and healing is vastly accelerated. While it’s 

still a good idea to keep your dog quiet after the first treatment, 

the healing is so accelerated that the quiet period is shortened to 

a few days. In some cases only one treatment is needed. In others 

two to three treatments may be necessary. Some veterinarians 

do it without sedation or anesthesia. I decide along with the 

owner whether light anesthesia should be used by evaluating the 

patient and his individual personality and pain tolerance. 

After the Prolotherapy, Sally did beautifully! I also prescribed 

the Chinese Herb Ligament Repair by Jing Tang Herbal along 

with the homeopathic remedies Ruta grav and Rhus tox. There 

was one last thing we had to fix however. The knee she had surgery 

on the year before was bothering her. It had been stressed 

because she had shifted all of her weight to that leg when the left 

one was injured. My associate did a special type of gold bead 

procedure on her called gold wire. 

Dr. Grady Young pioneered gold bead implants in the early 

1970’s. It works incredibly well for hip dysplasia, with a 98% 

success rate for dogs under seven years of age. The procedure 

consists of tiny gold beads or wires inserted through a needle 

into acupuncture points between the muscles or under the skin 

while the patient is under anesthesia or sedation. 

The gold wire procedure performed on Sally was slightly different. 

Tiny gold wires were placed in just a few acupuncture 

28 

points and this could be done while Sally was awake. It’s usually 

even more successful than the gold bead technique and it 

worked great for Sally. 

Sally’s story has a very happy ending. She still wags her whole 

body with her tail and is one of the most active and playful dogs 

I have ever met. She has not lost her puppy-like enthusiasm for 

life. But now she can enjoy the rest of her life without daily pain 

medication for her knees. 

Holistic healing has many faces, but the bottom line is a stronger 

and healthier body and Sally is a shining example. f 

Since beginning her holistically oriented veterinary practice 

over 25 years ago, Dr. Khalsa has been incorporating homeopathy, 

acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, nutritional advice, allergyelimination 

techniques such as N.A.E.T and also J.M.T. into her 

approach. She coauthored, ‘Healing Your Horse: Alternative 

Therapies’ (Howell Book House, 1993), and most recently authored, 

‘Dr. Khalsa’s Natural Dog’ (Kennel Club Books, 2009), 

a book best described as a ‘holistic bible’ for dog owners. Dr. 

Khalsa is a Fellow and Professor of the British Institute of Homeopathy. 

She has lectured both nationally and internationally. 


CANINE 

Sports Injuries 

by: Julie Mayer DVM 

A dog doesn’t have to be a competitive athlete to sustain a sports 

injury. Even a backyard dog shows his athleticism by chasing wildlife, 

fetching toys, fence fighting, jumping on or off things, playing, 

etc. 

The causes of sports injuries are many. Reasons for injury can 

include genetics, nutritional status, body condition, pre-existing 

metabolic diseases (diabetes, Cushings), repetitive motion, explosive 

behavior, accidents, etc. 

Here are some of the more common sports injuries that I see in my 

canine rehabilitation practice: 

Shoulder Instability 

Dogs do not have a clavicle to help anchor 

the front limbs to the frame like 

humans do. There is no bony or joint 

attachment of the front limbs to the 

torso. This means that the muscles, 

their tendons and fascia are the only 

structures holding the front limbs onto 

the body. These tissues also help 

support the shoulder. 

At the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint, 

there are many tendons, ligaments 

and muscles that work together to 

provide smooth movement between 

the scapula and the humerus. If the 

dog is not accustomed to quick running 

bursts, he may suffer muscle strain that 

results in shoulder pain. If any of these 

tissues are compromised, the joint will 

become unstable, and pain, inflammation 

and lameness may ensue. 

The degree of lameness can range from a slight change in weight 

bearing to a severe head bob when the limb contacts the ground 

(in the case of a front end injury, the head will bob up). 

Therapeutic exercises and low level laser can help strengthen the 

tissues around the joint and prevent excessive motion. 

30 

Scapula 

Rib cage 

Shoulder joint 

Humerus 

Biceps Tendonitis 

The bicipital tendon is one of the most important structures of the 

shoulder. It comes off the scapula, passes through the shoulder 

joint and then over the top of the humerus, becoming part of the 

biceps muscle which attaches down the limb on the radius and 

ulna. 

Contraction of the biceps muscle flexes the elbow and extends the 

shoulder joint and helps to stabilize the shoulder joint. Overuse injuries 

are common in this tendon. Symptoms usually include lame- 

Biceps muscle 


ness, especially after exercise, which may be intermittent and then 

gradually become chronic. When this happens, the tendon may 

become mineralized, which will permanently interfere with the 

function of the leg. Mineralization will result in decreased range of 

motion and the resulting loss of function in the glenohumeral joint 

will interfere with performance. 

When inflamed, the bicipital tendon will be sensitive to the touch 

near the point of the shoulder. Treatment typically includes rest, 

therapeutic ultrasound and/or low level laser directly at the site 

and other pain management modalities like acupuncture and electromagnetic 

therapies. 

Carpal Hyperextension 

The carpus (wrist) has seven 

small bones in it that are all 

held in place by ligaments. The 

carpus is suspended in position 

by the flexor tendons on the 

underside of the joint. These 

flexor tendons originate from 

the muscles of the forearm 

and cross over the carpus to insert 

onto the bones of the paw. 

carpus 

High velocity descents from 

jumping, landing hard on firm 

surfaces or just repetitive 

jumping can cause wear and 

tear on the carpal tendons and 

ligaments. Eventually, these soft tissue structures will lose their 

tensile strength and begin to weaken. When this happens, there 

is increased laxity of the carpus and it begins to bend backwards, 

resulting in a pronounced angulation when the dog is weight bearing. 

When severe, this can result in the wrist constantly contacting 

the ground, and pain, inflammation, and arthritis will follow. 

When symptoms are mild, carpal support wraps will be of some 

benefit. Also, electro-stimulation to the flexor tendons across the 

wrist and electro-acupuncture has helped tremendously coupled 

with therapeutic exercises. Sometimes, when all the supporting 

structures have failed, the only treatment option may be carpal 

arthrodesis. This is a surgery that will force all the bones in the 

carpus to fuse together. The end result is a wrist that has no motion 

at all. 

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture 

There are two ligaments, the cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, 

inside the stifle (knee) joint. They connect the femur to the tibia. 

They work together to stabilize the knee. The cranial ligament is 

most often injured. 

The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) prevents the tibia from gliding 

forward under the femur and prevents internal rotation of the 

tibia. Unlike humans, this ligament rupture is typically not the re- 


sult of trauma in dogs. There usually is some underlying catalyst 

causing degeneration which weakens the ligament and causes the 

rupture. The fibers of this ligament may fray over time from wear 

and tear, and if there is chronic, mild inflammation in the joint, 

enzymes will create tissue deterioration. Some dogs also have a 

genetic predisposition. 

When the CCL is torn, there is typically acute three-legged lameness 

or toe-touching and barely any use of the limb. The veterinarian 

will usually diagnose a rupture by manipulating the femur 

and tibia and detecting the degree of instability in the knee. Non 

surgical treatment is preferable, (see page 36) but if the knee is 

very unstable, surgery with post-op rehabilitation may be required. 

Iliopsoas Strain 

Another common injury of rear lameness is a strained iliopsoas. 

This muscle group spans along the underside of the lumbar vertebrae 

and over the groin area to attach to the inside of the femur. 

The purpose of this muscle is to flex the lumbar spine and flex the 

hip joint, bringing the upper leg forward. 

When excessive force acts on the Iliopsoas muscle, it may become 

injured and will usually spasm. This prevents extension of the hip 

and leads to lameness and toe touching while standing – the muscle 

will also be sore to touch. 

This injury can be a primary injury or secondary and may look 

identical to a CCL rupture. It is not uncommon to find dogs with 

iliopsoas strains that also have other orthopedic problems, or that 

have recently undergone surgical treatment for another orthopedic 

condition, such as CCL rupture. It is important that the veterinarian 

examining your pet feels this muscle when there is acute 

rear limb lameness as it can be easily missed. 

Treatment typically includes ice, rest, low level laser, therapeutic 

massage, natural muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatories. Acupuncture 

may also be helpful to assist with pain control and to 

Psoas muscle 

31

promote healing. Pain-free, passive range of motion and home exercises 

are also recommended. 

Surgically releasing or reattaching the tendon may be necessary in 

some cases. Surgical intervention should be considered when the 

injury recurs at regular intervals or does not respond to medical 

treatment or rehabilitation therapy. Ultrasonography, a CT Scan, 

or MRI can diagnose the damage to the muscle. 

Sacrotubercle Ligament Tension 

There is a deep ligament on both sides of the tail base that connects 

the sacrum to the pelvis. There are muscles and fascia that 

attach to this broad ligament and nerves that cruise around it and 

then run down into the rear leg. When the pelvis and sacrum are 

out of alignment, this ligament will become tight. Over time, it 

will become inflamed and sore. When this happens the sciatic 

nerve, which is in close association to the ligament, will become 

entrapped and inflamed. Also, tendons attached to this ligament 

and their associated muscles will become affected. This all leads 

to lameness and possibly anal gland issues and an awkward tail 

carriage on the affected side. 

The symptoms are similar to a cranial cruciate rupture and this injury 

can be easily misdiagnosed. When the practitioner palpates 

the ligament, there will be an intense pain response. 

32 

Julie Mayer DVM CVA CVC CCRP 

INTEGRATIVE VETERINARIAN 

Holistic Healing Acupuncture 

Homeopathy Nutrition 

Rehabilitation Chiropractic 

Herbs Mach Morsels 

Sports Medicine Reiki 

Flower Essences Seminars and Webinars 

Integrativeveterinarian.com 

Dr.julie@integrativeveterinarian.com 

Treatment typically includes rest, chiropractic manipulations to restore 

the alignment, low level laser to decrease the inflammation, 

and massaging the ligament to relieve the tension. 

Spondylosis 

This is a syndrome that results in fused connections of the spinal 

vertebrae, preventing normal movement and communication of 

the vertebral segments. Ligaments connect the spinal vertebrae to 

each other and help hold the segments in unison with the flow of 

movement. The ligaments must be strong but also flexible to allow 

the spine to move in many different directions. 

If these ligaments get weak from wear and tear, they will not be 

able to support the alignment of the vertebrae, resulting in excessive 

motion between the segments. In an attempt to stabilize the 

spine, the body will lay down the hardest material available in the 

body: calcium. The ligaments then become calcified and ultimately 

fuse like a cement bridge. 

Calcification will interfere with the hole (foramen) in the vertebra, 

where the nerve root exits from the spinal cord, so a pinched 

nerve will result. Most dogs have some form of spondylosis and 

don’t show symptoms. Usually the dog will have a stiff back and 

less muscle mass along the spine. When spondylosis becomes advanced, 

neurological deficits will result, weakness of the rear limbs 

will occur with changes in the gait, and sometimes the dog can lose 

control of his bowels or bladder. 

Chiropractic, low level laser, and therapeutic exercises are all beneficial. 

If there is severe mineralization at the lumbosacral joint, 

then surgery can be performed to help remove some of the material 

to make room for the nerve roots to pass through. 

Prevention 

Foramen 

Vertebrae 

Calcification 

Normal Joint Spondylosis 

Prevention of sports injuries begins with sound nutrition. Good 

quality ingredients in your dog’s food is key. “Garbage in equals 

garbage out”! Avoid chemical laden, processed foods and opt instead 

for fresh, organic human-grade choices: the nutrients will 


e more bioavailable to the dog’s body. If dietary protein is insufficient, 

this reduces the body’s ability to respond quickly to infection, 

injury or trauma. 

You should supplement the diet with nutraceuticals because tissue 

degradation is accelerated in athletes and the body’s own natural 

supply cannot always keep up with the demand. Good choices include: 

Glucosamine - a form of amino sugar that is believed to play a role 

in cartilage formation and repair. 

Chondroitin sulfate - part of a large protein molecule (proteoglycan) 

that gives cartilage elasticity. 

Cetyl-myristoleate - an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever which 

also acts as an immune system modulator. 

Essential Fatty Acids, EPA/DHA - reported to enhance oxygen uptake 

and are anti-inflammatory. 

Branched Chain Amino Acids - energy-rich, help reduce fatigue, reduce 

post exercise muscle damage, easily absorbed, and good for 

the immune system function. 

Free radicals are produced during exercise which can injure cells 

and DNA, and cause cancer. Antioxidants are necessary to neutralize 

these free radicals. Adaptogens help the body maintain homeostasis 

when it is subject to stresses like exercise, training and 

trauma. Fresh veggies and fruits are the best source of antioxidants 

and adaptogens. 

Core strength, passive range of motion, warm ups and cool downs 

will help prevent common sports related injuries. Research shows 

how human runners with poor core stability are predisposed to 

injury. Core strength can prevent arthritis and spondylosis because 

a strong torso will allow normal active range of motion of 

healthy joints, which will improve nutrition to and encourage a 

healthy environment in the joints. The nervous system becomes 

more efficient and the reflexes quicken with increased muscle firing, 

resulting in better balance and coordination. Tone ligaments 

and tendons are less prone to sprains and strains. Strong muscles 

are powerful and support the skeletal system. 

Conditioning exercises for any pet will improve endurance, the 

cardiovascular system, maintain a strong musculoskeletal system, 

stimulate the nervous system, manage weight and improve mental 

health. Be careful to avoid fatigue when exercising your dog: reflexes 

will be slower and the dog will not be able to react as quickly, 

making the soft tissues more prone to injury. 

The recovery period is just as important as the workout. Inadequate 

recovery may increase the risk of developing illness or becoming 

injured. 

I use regular acupuncture treatments in my practice to enhance 

performance by increasing circulation and oxygen to the tissues, 

hasten recovery from intense exercise or injury, prevent injury by 


tonifying tissues, improve balance and agility, reduce pain, relieve 

muscle spasms, sprains, strains, boost the immune system, decrease 

performance anxiety and for stress relief. 

Regular chiropractic treatments will help keep the musculoskeletal 

system in alignment, restore proper biomechanical and neurological 

function, and help prevent compensatory injuries. Studies 

show that subluxation-free human athletes react faster, coordinate 

better, and can execute fine movements with improved accuracy 

and precision. This leads to better performance, fewer injuries and 

quicker recovery. Chiropractic is a natural health care method that 

stresses the importance of keeping all the systems of the body 

functioning efficiently so the athlete enjoys peak performance, 

minimal injury risk, and fast recuperative powers. A chiropractor 

also prescribes a range of exercises aimed at overall fitness for the 

canine athlete. 

If your dog is active, it is important to treat him just like a human 

athlete. Their bodies are just as susceptible to overuse and injury 

and your best friend deserves nothing less! f 

Dr. Julie Mayer has been practicing veterinary medicine since 1991. 

She has dedicated most of her career to holistic medicine and rehabilitation. 

Dr Mayer most recently received the 2010 Iams Eukanuba 

AARV Award for excellence in the field of Veterinary Rehabilitation. 

She is the creator of Mach Morsels, performance fuel for 

canine sprinters www.integrativeveterinarian.com/mach-morsels. 

html. 

33

Canine Diabetes 

Prevention and Treatment 

by: Stephen Blake DVM 

Diabetes usually occurs when a dog is seven to nine years old. 

I have only seen a few cases of juvenile diabetes in the past 37 

years with most cases being in older dogs. 

Female dogs are more at risk than males because of the changes 

in their reproductive hormones every time they go through 

a season. Breeds that are prone to developing this disease include 

Miniature Pinschers, Cairn Terriers, Dachshunds, Poodles, 

Beagles, Miniature Schnauzers and Keeshonds. The genetic 

makeup of these dogs makes them more prone to developing 

diabetes than other breeds. 

The incidence of canine diabetes is one out of every ten dogs 

worldwide. The sad story is that it is slowly increasing over time, 

just as it is in the human population. It is interesting to note 

that over the past 37 years of practice, I’ve also seen the rate of 

cancer increase from 5% to 55% in both dogs and cats - as well 

as an exponential increase in autoimmune disease in general. 

Throughout the years, I’ve noted an increase in better diets on 

the market. I also notice that people are being more careful 

with chemicals for themselves and their pets. In spite of their 

efforts, their pets are still suffering this increase in chronic and 

autoimmune disease. I believe the common denominator in all 

of these chronic diseases is vaccines as we know them today. 

Vaccines have been medically proven to have the potential to 

trigger autoimmune disease in all animals. 

I advise all of my clients not to vaccinate their animals, especially 

if they have any chronic issues, including but not limited to 

dermatitis, ear infections, urinary tract infections, irritable bowel 

disease, arthritis of any kind, liver, pancreas or kidney disease 

of any kind, allergies, food allergies, eye or ear discharge of any 

kind, behavior issues, breeding issues, cystitis, nail issues, coat 

issues, digestive issues of any kind, seizure issues, neurological 

issues of any kind or musculoskeletal issues. 

That’s a pretty lengthy list, but it’s important to note that it 

states right on the vaccine handout “only give to healthy animals.” 

All of the symptoms I listed are seen in an unhealthy 

animal; ergo, do not vaccinate! 

34 

Some of the common symptoms of diabetes are lethargy, unexplained 

weight gain or loss, increased water consumption and 

excessive urination. If you see any of these symptoms, you can 

have the urine checked by your local veterinarian or get some 

glucose test strips to test your dog’s urine at home. I recommend 

doing multiple samples over a period of a few days, before 

and after eating, to make sure you do not miss a spike in 

the blood sugar. 

Most diabetic cases require the use of injectable insulin to help 

control the dog’s glucose levels. You will need to be under the 

care of a veterinarian to establish the correct amount of insulin 

for your pet. Every case of diabetes that has come to me has 

been on insulin. 

The most important part of any treatment protocol is to stop 

labelling the dog as diabetic. Where your intentions go, energy 

flows! Make sure your energy flows from your heart with the 

vision of your dog being healthy, not diseased. Dogs pick up on 

your thoughts and actions, so make them always positive! 


I have been able to get a few dogs off the insulin or at least 

reduce their requirements by using the following treatment 

protocol: 

• Place the dog on a grain free diet 

• No vaccines ever 

• No topical flea, tick or spot on products 

• No heartworm preventative drugs 

• Never give cortisone. Almost all of the cases of canine 

diabetes I have seen were on cortisone prior to diagnosis 

- and of course vaccinated as well 

• Massage cinnamon essential oil daily on the pads of 

their feet 

• Put them on bovine colostrum - the insulin-like growth 

factors help with regulating blood sugars 

• Give Standard Process Canine Intestinal Support and 

Canine Whole Body Support in each meal 

• Provide filtered water, preferably a charcoal filtering 

system 

• Give the gemmotherapies fig tree, hedge maple and 

European walnut - 5 drops of each with each meal for 

support of the pancreas and GI system 

• Provide a homeopathic simillimum that fits their particular 

case. 

• Provide plenty of exercise 

I recommend home testing rather taking the dog into the hospital 

for monitoring their insulin needs. The exception would be 

if they are brittle and you are unable to do so at home. The new 

testing devices work well on the ears of dogs and cats and you 

get a more accurate reading because of the absence of stress 

they experience in the veterinary clinic. 

I also recommend the use of the essential oil frankincense applied 

to the pads of the rear feet. I call this aroma-acupuncture. 

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the meridians for 

the spleen, pancreas and stomach come out on the toes of the 

rear feet. I have the caregiver massage a few drops into their 

dog’s feet once per day, as long as the dog goes along with it. If 

not, then diffuse the frankincense in the room where he sleeps. 

This is an excellent remedy for helping the body remove scar 

tissue. This often forms in diabetic cases where there is a history 

of pancreatitis prior to the overt diabetes. 

My personal feeling about diabetes is that it is simply an acute 

manifestation of chronic disease. By this I mean there is a predisposing 

condition underlying the diabetes that allowed this 

animal to come down with these particular symptoms. Allopathic 

medicine has no tools for dealing with chronic disease 

and can only try to manage the symptoms with no real hope 

of cure. 


My advice for prevention is to do your best to avoid putting 

anything in your friend that has the potential for causing harm. 

I have listed above what I feel are the main triggers for any 

chronic disease. Remember the quote, “an ounce of prevention 

is worth a pound of cure!” 

In closing, I would like to share a quote from one of my favorite 

people in history, Dr. Albert Schweitzer. “What great doctors do 

is awaken the doctor within.” 

The goal in caring for any being who is out of balance energetically 

is to help him come back into balance and awaken the 

healer within. Remember our goal is to always prevent suffering 

and always do no harm! f 

Stephen Blake practices small animal medicine in San Diego, California. 

Dr. Blake has been a lecturer at the American Holistic Veterinary 

Medical Association national conventions for the past 10 

years. He has given many lectures on Homeopathy, Aromatherapy, 

Bach Flowers, Gemmotherapy, Oligotherapy, nutrition and Bovine 

Colostrum. He has just finished writing and illustrating his first 

book, The Pet Whisperer, which is available through The Pet Whisperer 

Publishing Company at www.thepetwhisperer.com. 

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35

CRUCIATE 

TEARS 

The Non-Surgical Approach 

by: Debbie Gross Saunders, DPT, MSPT, OCS, CCRP 

Any active dog owner has heard the news of either their dog or a 

friend’s dog suffering a cruciate tear – or a knee injury. If you are 

involved with dogs, it is inevitable that you have heard about the 

cruciate, CCL, or cranial cruciate ligament of the knee or stifle. 

The CCL – the cranial cruciate ligament – is a primary stabilizer 

of the dog’s knee. There are two ligaments that cross in the dog’s 

knee (cruciate means cross in Latin) and help stabilize the knee and 

prevent osteoarthritis or arthritis from occurring. The cranial cruciate 

ligament, which is equivalent to the ACL or anterior cruciate 

ligament in humans, is the one of the two cruciate ligaments often 

injured. 

Unlike humans, the CCL is often injured atraumatically in dogs – 

meaning not associated with trauma. Most people tear their ACL 

as an acute injury, such as skiing or playing soccer. Cruciate tears in 

dogs do not tend to be traumatic and are often the culmination of 

events. Factors contributing to CCL tears in dogs include obesity, 

hormones, structure, breed, age, activity and strength level. Any 

dog can suffer a CCL tear, but some breeds are more prone to tears 

than others. Overweight dogs who are not in optimal strength are 

also more prone to CCL injury. 

The cruciate ligament consists of fibrous bands – or strands – that 

run from the upper leg to the lower leg. What commonly occurs with 

a CCL injury is that one of the strands tears and creates increased 

movement in the knee. The increased movement places stress on 

the knee, and this in turn creates pain and inflammation. The pain 

and inflammation send a signal to the muscles to stop working, so 

weakness or atrophy begins to settle in. This further weakens the 

knee and begins to lead to more inflammation and pain, and potentially 

more damage to the fibrous bands in the ligament. The cycle 

can keep going until a complete tear occurs. As more strands go, the 

knee becomes more unstable and osteoarthritic changes occur. The 

cycle needs to be broken through the reduction of pain and inflammation 

and encouragement of strength. 

36 

Ligaments do more than hold joints together: they assist with balance 

and proprioception. Proprioception is the process by which 

our brain determines where a body part is in space. For example, 

proprioception helps us place our foot down as we step off a curb 

on a street. Many of us have sprained an ankle at some point in 

our life and are reminded of that sprained ankle with poor balance 

and difficulty negotiating turns after the sprain. Once a ligament is 

damaged, the ligament only comes back to sixty percent of its normal 

strength. This may be assisted with balance and proprioceptive 

exercises. Proprioception is an unconscious action that gives us the 

sense of position of the joints in our body and is therefore very important 

to aid in the rehabilitation of a CCL tear. 

When a dog tears his cruciate ligament – especially a partial tear 

– surgery may not be the only option. Conservative physical rehabilitation 

may be of benefit, as long as continuous progress is being 

made and no damage is occurring. 

The treatment is aimed at reducing pain, inflammation and improving 

strength. The improvement of balance and proprioception is 

also a key component of the rehabilitation process for, as previously 

mentioned, ligaments assist with balance and proprioception. 

The first step is to treat the pain and inflammation. This is typically 

approached with anti-inflammatories and pain medication, 

but homeopathic and natural solutions can work well without the 

harmful side effects of drugs. Topical agents such as Speed Gel, Zeel 

and Traumeel can be applied. Zeel and Traumeel may also be taken 

orally. Physical therapy and acupuncture are also options and modalities 

including laser, ice and heat may be applied to control pain 

and inflammation. Once the pain is under control, it will be noticeable 

as the dog will place more weight on his rear limb and walk 

more functionally. 

There are two types of muscle fibers in everyone’s body, including 

dogs. The fast twitch fibers are used for running and movement. 


The slow twitch fibers, or the postural fibers, assist with postural control, standing and core strength. The postural fibers atrophy or weaken 

quickly and it is often the reason the dog with a CCL injury can run at high speeds; but when standing, will not place all of the weight on 

the affected limb. Initial phases of rehabilitation will focus on increasing the strength of the postural fibers and will incorporate balance 

and standing exercises. 

Figure 1 


Balance and proprioception exercises will be the most important 

component of the rehabilitation program. As mentioned, ligaments 

assist with balance and proprioception, and when they become 

injured, the movement deficits are noticeable, but can be improved. 

It is therefore important to work on continuous balance 

exercises with the dog with CCL deficits. 

Balance exercises are simple to perform – and actually look easier 

than they really are. Some balance exercises people do to assist 

with ankle sprains and recovery from CCL injuries include standing 

on one foot for periods of time and then adding in head movements 

and altering floor surfaces to further increase function. 

For dogs, balance exercises can begin with weight shifting exercises. 

While the dog is standing, his weight may be shifted from 

side to side. The goal is to place weight on each hind limb and shift 

the weight from side to side, so the weight is transferred on each 

limb. The weight shifting (figure 1), will assist with balance and 

proprioception, as well as strength of the large core muscles of the 

limb. This should be performed until the dog is tired (he will usually sit down), and should be repeated throughout the day. The more it is 

repeated the better, so I encourage owners to perform this exercise as often as possible. 

Another exercise is to place the dog in a standing position and lift the opposite hind limb up one inch to increase the amount of weight 

placed on the limb. Once the dog starts to have difficulty balancing, the limb should be placed down. This may be repeated up to ten times, 

in three or four sets (figure 2). 

It is important to not over-fatigue the dog. The progression will be to eventually lift the front leg on the same side and the opposite hind 

limb. The opposite hind limb and forelimb will be lifted approximately one inch off the ground – trying to keep the dog in a straight position 

and not allowing too much movement in the spine. Both limbs should be held up for a few seconds and then placed down as soon as 

the dog begins to get tired. This may also be repeated ten times for a few sets per day. 

To increase the challenge of both these exercises, the surface may be altered to further increase the dog’s balance and proprioception. These 

exercises may be performed on any uneven surface, such as grass, dirt, carpet and sand. They may also be performed on discs, foam pads 

and peanuts or donuts (figures 3 and 4). Standing on a peanut or 

two donuts will work on the static muscle fibers as well as balance 

and proprioception. 

Regular walking – outside or on a treadmill – is a wonderful way 

to work on strengthening the leg. The goal will be to make sure the 

activity does not increase or aggravate the knee or leg. Quality must 

prevail over quantity. The dog can walk controlled on a leash as 

long as there is no lameness during the walk and for up to 24 hours 

afterward. 

The distance or duration of the walk will depend on the dog. Outside 

walking should be performed on an appropriate surface with 

the dog controlled on a leash, and not running around without con- 

Figure 2 

37

38 

Figure 3 

The goal is to slowly walk up the hill so the dog is using each of his hind limbs independently 

from each other – no bunny hopping or double stepping. He should 

be slowly walked up the hill for about one hundred feet, and then walked down 

the hill. If the dog has any front limb issues, he should be walked down in a 

zig-zag fashion. The walk up the hill should be repeated three to five times, a 

few times per week. As with any activity, if this causes any lameness or pain, the 

activity should be discontinued. 

Walking up hills is one of the more advanced exercises. The downward walking 

on the hill may place stress on the knee or stifle, so caution should be applied. 

Backward walking on all fours is another great exercise to do and one that is easily 

trained. Backward walking also focuses on the muscles in the back of the leg. If 

your dog cannot walk backwards, try standing in a hallway with something he really 

loves – such as a piece of cheese or meat – and walk directly at him. When he 

starts to walk backwards, place a command with it or click it if you clicker train. 

Once he understands the command, encourage him to do it throughout the day. 

For example, before going outside, have him walk backwards. Before he gets his 

dinner, have him walk backwards. Making the exercises a part of your day makes 

it easier to stay compliant and focused. 

trol. Flexi leads are not recommended because they do not allow 

control of the dog. 

A treadmill may be used to work on strength and endurance. The 

treadmill should be appropriate for dogs with a long enough belt to 

allow full extension, or a full stride length. With the exception of 

large and giant breeds, most dogs will do well on a human treadmill. 

Treadmill walking is more intense than outdoor walking, primarily 

because the dog is not able to start and stop as he naturally would. 

So, treadmill walking time should be less than outdoor walking time. 

Whether outside or on a treadmill, a moderate to fast walk should 

be the goal. Some dogs may last five minutes, others may be able to 

walk for an hour or more. The key is to always make sure the activity 

does not cause increased lameness or pain. 

Walking uphill is a wonderful way to work on strengthening the 

hamstrings, or the rear muscles of the hind limb. It is important 

to strengthen this group of muscles in dogs with CCL injuries. A 

hill of approximately one hundred feet in length, with a fairly steep 

gradient should be located. 

Figure 4 


Figure 5 

The ultimate goal is to return the dog to a normal lifestyle. Sometimes, 

it is a modified life style with a continued program of exercises. 

As progressions are made with rehabilitation, more functional 

activities can be started. If the dog has not demonstrated any lameness 

for four weeks, and strength is improving, we can start introducing 

them back to whatever normal activities might be for the 

individual dog. For example, this is the stage where we may begin 

jump grids for the dog that has normally been active with agility. 

Activities are introduced slowly – we want to watch the activity and 

look for any signs of lameness, but also look for signs of problems 

afterward. If the dog is demonstrating any sign of lameness after 

the activity, the activity was too much and needs to be reduced in 

the future. 

Ice or Cryotherapy can be applied to the knee any time swelling or 

inflammation is present. Typically, icing for approximately 15 min- 

Figure 6 


utes will reduce any inflammation or pain that is present. An ice 

bag, a bag of frozen vegetables or another form of ice will work and 

is a good idea to keep on hand. 

Stretching the hip flexors (figure 5), and hamstrings (figure 6), will 

be important for the dog with a CCL problem. These stretches 

should be performed before and after activities. Each stretch should 

be held for fifteen to twenty seconds and repeated three to five times. 

Stretching will increase and maintain the range of motion of the 

hind limb. 

A good diet, chrondroprotectants, joint supplements, and regular 

care are huge components for the dog with a damaged cruciate ligament. 

Weight loss, if necessary, is paramount to the success of the rehabilitation. 

We are currently working with a dog who tore her cruciate 

ligament. Ricki became lame about two months before she started 

rehabilitation. She began holding up one of her back legs and did 

not want to walk with her owner and became more sedentary. She 

is twenty pounds overweight, so the surgeon opted to send her to 

rehabilitation first to work with her leg and also begin a weight loss 

program. 

When she started rehabilitation, she could not put her weight on her 

leg. Her owner could not take her for a five minute walk without her 

becoming three legged lame. We began with laser therapy to reduce 

the pain and inflammation, balance work, homework for the owner, 

and the underwater treadmill. Six weeks into her physical rehabilitation, 

twice a week, with homework, she has lost seven pounds and 

is walking with no sign of a limp. The surgeon has cancelled surgery 

because she is doing so well functionally – and her owner is now 

able to take her on 90 minute walks without any problems. She still 

has weight to lose, but she is doing extremely well. 

The goal is to always progress with a conservative treatment program 

first. Unfortunately, any damage to the cruciate ligament leads to a 

higher incidence of arthritis. But proper strength, weight, supplements 

and proper nutrition all assist with the progress. Balance and 

proprioceptive exercises will always be a part of the dog’s program. 

With a diligent owner, good dog, and good exercises, there are definitely 

options other than surgery for a dog with a cruciate tear! f 

* Photos courtesy of Vic Neumann 

Dr. Debbie Gross Saunders has been rehabilitating and conditioning 

dogs for over sixteen years. She is one of the pioneers in the world of 

canine physical rehabilitation. She has recently introduced an entire 

line of supplements, K9 Select, designed through her intricate work 

with dogs of all activity levels. Read more about her and her facility, 

Wizard of Paws Physical Rehabilitation for Animals, LLC, on her 

website wizardofpaws.net. 

39

As each New Year gets underway, many of us 

develop resolutions and cultivate good intentions 

to live by for the twelve months ahead. 

We all have mixed successes in how well we 

actually live out our New Year’s Resolutions, 

but here are a few that aren’t too difficult to live 

with; even following just a couple can help you 

and your canine family live healthier, a little 

greener - and save money too! 

1. Limit vaccinations 

Many vets recommend annual booster shots 

for a wide variety of diseases but many pets already 

have protection from their puppy shots 

and over-vaccination can be detrimental in 

the long term. Some conventional vets even 

admit that they question whether these annual 

boosters are actually necessary – but rely on 

them anyway, as a means to get clients into the 

office, and generate some revenue. The annual 

exam itself is a good idea, but nixing the vaccines 

is a wiser choice for most dogs. 

Invest in a titer test to determine if your dog 

still has immunity from any previous shots (or 

naturally from his own immune system). A 

titer can help you avoid unnecessary vaccinations. 

Ideally, consult with a holistic veterinarian 

to get a second opinion on which diseases 

your pets are really at risk for, based on your 

geographic area, your pet’s lifestyle and specific 

legal requirements. Save money by not vaccinating 

for every disease under the sun! 

40 

Nutrition with Lucy 

By: Lucy Postins 

New Year’s Resolutions 

to benefit your Dog, You and Our Planet 

Many vaccines cause harmful side effects and 

are administered for diseases that are not especially 

serious or life threatening. Discuss the 

options with a reputable holistic vet. Eliminating 

or limiting vaccinations saves resources 

and offers a holistically healthier solution for 

your pet as well. 

2. Think prevention 

Invest in annual checkups to catch any looming 

health problems in the making. Uncovering 

problems early can save money in the long 

run because it’s often possible to use less invasive 

treatment approaches. 

Taking the time to find out what health problems 

may be on the horizon for your dog can 

also shed light on preventive measures, such as 

different food or supplements, which can slow 

down the progression of a disease like arthritis, 

and prevent using costly prescription drugs. 

This approach is holistically better too – many 

prescription drugs recommended by conventional 

vets have adverse side effects, which in 

western medicine, would be countered with – 

even more costly prescription drugs! 

3. Take a walk 

If your dog likes to join you while you run errands, 

try walking instead of hopping in the 

car. You can save money on gas, reduce your 

ecological paw print – and you’ll both get 

some much needed exercise. You may even 

meet some new human and canine friends 

along the way. 

Take a hike – heading out to the trails in your 

local area is a great way to explore natural habitats 

and benefit your health. Plus you get to 

spend quality bonding time with your hound 

– and it’s usually free of charge! 

The pet obesity problem in this country has 

reached epidemic proportions and weight 

problems (along with their associated health 

implications like diabetes and bone and joint 

pain) are among the top reasons dogs are taken 

to the vet. Keeping your dog trim by getting 

active in the big outdoors can help reduce the 

risk of obesity and lead to a longer life expectancy 

too. 

4. Fewer baths 

Weekly baths aren’t necessary for the vast majority 

of dogs It can be hard to refrain from 

lathering up your pup so frequently when 

you’re in the habit, but the benefits are plenty. 

Firstly, the natural oils in the coat will be allowed 

to replenish themselves, which can result 

in less itchiness and sensitivity. One bath 

per month is usually plenty for most pets, and 

many dogs only need to be bathed three or 

four times a year. 

Invest in a good quality natural shampoo when 

you do bathe your dog. Natural, high quality 

bathing products tend to have fewer chemicals 

like sodium laureth sulfate and parabens. Natural 

shampoos and conditioners are made with 

healthier ingredients, like oatmeal, which help 

to nourish the skin and coat. Cheap shampoos 

are very often a false economy, because they 

contain substances that aggravate the skin and 

cause itching – which in turn creates a need for 

other products to calm the skin. 

Fewer baths will help you save water, which 

reduces your water bill and the planet will 

thank you too. Many regions of the United 

States contend with water shortages every year 

and as populations continue to rise and snow 

packs lessen with the effects of global warming, 

water becomes a more and more precious 


commodity. With the money you save, you 

could still pay a visit to the local pet wash and 

support them by purchasing a new herbal tincture, 

supplement, natural food or some juicy 

raw beef marrow bones instead. 

5. No pesticides 

These topical preparations are laden with pesticides 

that can harm your dog in more ways 

than one. They deplete the immune system 

and compromise overall health. In fact, they’re 

so toxic that people shouldn’t come in contact 

with them at all – plus, they cost a lot of money. 

Flea and tick medications contain chemical 

pesticides that leach directly into your dog’s 

body and can cause terrible long-term damage 

to the liver and other organs. Try adding 

brewer’s yeast and garlic to your companion’s 

meals or use an essential oil combination to 

repel unwanted bugs. Pennyroyal is an excellent 

herbal repellent but should never be used 

around pregnant pets or peeps. Boric acid is a 

great product to help reduce flea infestations 

in the home. Dogs who eat a healthy, whole 

food diet are also much more resistant to flea 

infestations too. 

6. Buy local 

Support your local pet store and shop in your 

own neighborhood. This not only keeps your 

money in your local community, but helps to 

reduce pollution by reducing the miles driven 

in your car. Your pup would love it if you took 

him with you to the local pet store to stock up 

on supplies. 

If you have pet supply (and other) items 

shipped to you, try to plan ahead and make 

use of lower rates on ground shipping. This 

not only saves money but is considerably more 

eco-friendly. Having items shipped to you by 

air-freight costs much more and results in a 

much bigger carbon footprint for the item you 

bought. 

7. Eat well 

Invest in good food for your animal companion. 

Downgrading to a cheaper diet may seem 

like an obvious way to save money, but it is almost 

always a false economy. Lower grade pet 

foods are laden with by-products, chemicals 

and fillers, which take their toll on your dog’s 

liver, kidneys and other organ systems. Cheap 


foods filled with grains like wheat, corn and 

soy can also trigger allergies in sensitive pets – 

like itching, ear infections and GI upset – that 

warrant trips to the vet for treatment and end 

up costing more in the long run. 

Good food is probably the single most important 

influence on total health over the long 

term, and investing in a fresher, better quality 

whole food diet is well worth the investment. 

8. Save electricity 

If you feed a frozen raw diet, consider turning 

up the thermostat on your freezer by a degree 

or two if you can. Many households operate 

their freezers and refrigerators on the coldest 

possible setting and often, the temperature 

could actually be raised slightly without any 

detrimental effects – helping to reduce electricity 

usage quite significantly. 

The same goes for household heating and cooling. 

Your dog’s health and skin condition will 

be better without extreme heat and air conditioning 

and moving the thermostat three degrees 

down in winter and up in summer can 

prevent the emission of nearly 1100 lbs of carbon 

dioxide per household annually. 

9. Make Your own treats 

Invest in some good quality ingredients (or use 

some that you already have on hand) and prepare 

some homemade cookies for your dog. 

Not only does this save money on unnecessary 

packaging, but homemade treats are usually 

healthier for your dog too. 

By making your own treats, you can tailor the 

recipe to suit your dog’s particular food sensitivities 

or dislikes – and you’ll know exactly 

what’s in them. Plus, homemade treats are infused 

with love and good intention – and will 

be so much more appreciated by your dog; 

you’ll know it by the way he sits and gazes at 

you while you’re mixing and baking for him. 

Dogs have an uncanny way of intuitively 

knowing something is for them! 

10. Eliminate chemicals 

There are so many toxic chemicals present in 

products we use around the home as well as in 

our yards, it’s no wonder so many of us end up 

with chronic headaches and our pets become 

plagued with unexplained itching. Not only 

are these chemicals bad for our dogs and ourselves, 

they wreak havoc on the environment 

too. 

Pay particular attention to the detergents you 

use for your dog’s bedding (as well as your 

own laundry). Reducing the chemicals in your 

companion’s immediate living space can help 

combat contact allergies when he sleeps on 

surfaces that have been cleaned with chemical 

products. Itchy feet and a red belly can be a 

sign that something in the immediate environment 

is aggravating your pet. 

Environmentally safe products are non-allergenic, 

non-mutagenic and non-carcinogenic. 

They’re much safer and less likely to cause 

health problems like dermatitis and inhalant 

allergies – not to mention being less toxic 

if you have an especially inquisitive dog who 

likes to taste things that aren’t meant to be 

eaten. 

While eco-friendly and green products used 

to mean ‘ineffective’ years ago, they’ve come 

a long way in recent times and environment 

(and pet) friendly household products can 

now be found almost everywhere conventional, 

polluting products are sold. They are often 

more concentrated (which means less packaging 

and a reduced carbon footprint) and made 

with an array of natural and safe ingredients. 

If you haven’t done so already, begin incorporating 

more conscientious products into your 

home as soon as you can. 

Weed and insect killers used in the yard can 

adversely affect your pet’s health and have a 

detrimental effect on wildlife, too. A wonderful 

alternative is to introduce natural predators 

to the bugs you want to eliminate. You can 

purchase beneficial predator insects to release 

in your yard or encourage them by planting 

a variety of flowering plants, especially 

ones with small flowers rich in nectar. Mix 

up your plants so those that attract beneficial 

insects are near those that need protection. 

Place plants close together to provide a moist, 

shaded environment for beneficial insects that 

dehydrate easily. f 

Lucy Postins is a companion animal nutritionist 

and founder of The Honest Kitchen, a natural 

pet food company in San Diego, CA. More 

nutritional resources are available on www.thehonestkitchen.com 

or (866) 437 9729. 

41

y: Andrew Jones DVM 

Let me introduce myself - at least to those of you who don’t know me. 

My name is Dr Andrew Jones, and I was a practicing veterinarian for 

over 17 years. 

I’m a pretty regular kind of family guy. A lovely wife (Catherine), two 

wonderful children (Liam and Aliza), two dogs, two cats, some neighboring 

chickens, a big mortgage, some close friends, nearby family, 

and dishes, laundry and smelly litter boxes waiting to be cleaned. 

I had a job as a veterinarian in a small mountain community in British 

Columbia called Nelson. My work as a veterinarian comprised much 

of what you probably have experienced with your veterinarian: the 

regular dog and cat visits, vaccines, spays, neuters, emergency toxins 

and surgeries to mend broken legs. I spent many a night on emergency 

calls, at times being on the phone offering advice to worried pet owners, 

or suturing up a large wound on a Labrador injured in a cougar 

attack. There were the visits to clients’ homes including house call 

euthanasias. 

It wasn’t much unlike the many thousands of veterinarians in North 

America. 

But then of course, some of what I have done is different - because 

those veterinarians are still practicing whereas I no longer am. 

This is my story; how I came to question conventional veterinary medicine, 

how I began to educate pet owners who were open to the benefits 

of holistic veterinary care, and how my public writings resulted in 

no longer being able to practice veterinary medicine. 

This serves as a tale of what is currently wrong with health care for 

our dogs and cats. It’s a warning that should draw attention to how 

large drug companies, food companies and corporate veterinary medicine 

are harming your pet. It’s a wake up call to pet owners who don’t 

know how veterinary associations are persecuting holistic practices 

and practitioners. 

Making a change 

I began to question conventional veterinary medicine in 2003, after 

my dog Hoochie died from a spleen tumor bleed at the age of eight. 

Hoochie’s illness was a catalyst in helping me understand the major 

mistakes I had made with his care. 

42 

closed for BUSINESS 

one vet’s fight for holistic health care 

Hoochie received annual vaccinations - just like those I recommended 

for my patients - which I now know contribute to many serious health 

issues, including cancer. I fed him a “complete” veterinary food - full 

of chemical preservatives which undoubtedly contributed to his ill 

health. And when he started showing signs of arthritis, I put him on 

NSAIDS, which can cause very serious damage to internal organs. 

Researching the probable causes of Hoochie’s death set me on a path 

toward more natural, holistic treatments, which I then began writing 

about on my website and in a reference guide I published for pet owners. 

Veterinary association challenges 

So what really happened to me? I resigned from the College of Veterinarians 

of British Columbia on November 30, 2010. 

Even though I owned a veterinary clinic, The Nelson Animal Hospital, 

I couldn’t work in it. No surgery. No more examinations of sick dogs 

and cats. No more diagnosing unusual health conditions and no more 

specific treatment of any kind. 

The British Columbia Veterinary Medical Association first began investigating 

me on December 1, 2005. An inquiry committee was struck 

and on April 20, 2010, this committee found that I had committed various 

offenses under the College Bylaws and Code of Ethics. 

I was found guilty of professional misconduct. 

I was fined $30,000, and required to pay $9,500 for the inquiry committee 

costs. I was also told that if I did not take remedial actions 

within the allowed time, I would be suspended from membership. 

In order to keep practicing, I would have had to pay the large fines, 

thus admitting that I agreed with their decision. More importantly it 

would also have meant effectively muzzling myself, no longer saying 

anything ‘self laudatory’ or ‘unverifiable’ or using words such as ‘safe’ 

when writing about natural health care treatments because this would 

contravene the Code of Ethics and Bylaws. 

So option A was to suck it up, pay the fines, and no longer say anything 

to upset my veterinary college. More than a few of my colleagues suggested 

this. 


Option B was to stand up for what I believe in, continue writing about 

the benefits of natural health care, and resign from the college. 

I chose option B. As you read this article, I am no longer able to practice 

veterinary medicine. 

The Inquiry Committee’s findings 

I was found guilty of violating numerous sections of the Code of Ethics 

and Bylaws with respect to marketing my Natural Dog and Cat Health 

Internet Business. 

The inquiry committee claimed: 

“Dr Jones’ marketing material is a serious example of his unprofessional 

behavior in that his marketing material has an all–pervading 

persistent theme of denigrating other members of his profession in 

order to draw attention to himself. In his self laudatory statements, 

Dr Jones’ constant harangue serves to throw the veterinary profession 

into disrepute.” 

The entire report is available on the College of veterinarians of British 

Columbia website here: 

http://www.cvbc.ca/cfm/index.cfm?It=903&Id=33 

Here are just a few examples of the specifics found in the report: 

In 2007, under the heading “Vaccinate or not?” I answered a reader’s 

question about the vaccines he was being advised to give his 14 month 

old Rottweiler - Bordetella booster, Rabies Can 3 yr expiration, Parvovirus 

Booster (DHLPP) and DHLPP Booster-Adult. 

“So much of this depends on the age of your dog, the area where you 

live and whether or not your local veterinarian is progressive. Ask your 

veterinarian when was the last time he or she saw a case of Distemper, 

Adenovirus or Leptospirosis – if never, then you’ve got to wonder 

about the logic of vaccinating for this yearly. Then ask your veterinarian 

whether or not they have seen vaccine reactions. My guess is 

they have seen many vaccine reactions and zero cases of distemper. 

Yet many in my profession continue this yearly barrage of vaccines???” 

The panel found the above section of my response “not objective... 

capable of misleading, and denigrating to the profession”. 

In ”The top 25 pet problems and herbal solutions,” under “Diabetes”, 

I wrote: 

“A number of herbs are used in diabetes. These include Gymnema, 

Fenugreek, and Ginseng. These herbs can be found in specific diabetic 

herbal combinations. Ginseng is the most effective of these herbs. It 

has been shown to lower blood sugar in people and is believed to do 

the same in animals. The dose is 30 mg per pound of body weight 

twice daily of the dried herb or one drop her pound of body weight 

twice daily of the tincture.” 

The panel determined that this paragraph contained “misleading 

statements and statements which could not be verified”. 

In 2007 in “BIG Business and Veterinarians” I stated: 

“The Big Whigs of the Veterinary Community will claim that the profession 

is not influenced by these BIG corporations. But how could they 


not be? Conferences are expensive. If you are to present information 

contradicting these companies, then they would pull the financial plug. 

P.S. To get the unbiased information that goes against the grain, you 

should really check out some of what I have to offer. I guarantee that 

it is NOT sponsored by any DRUG or PET FOOD COMPANY. In fact they 

would love me to just go away.” 

The panel found this material to be self laudatory and unverifiable, and 

in violation of the Code of Ethics (Bylaws). 

The panel also took exception to my use of the words “safe” and 

“safely” in a piece I wrote about Acupressure, containing details of the 

theory of acupressure, including terminology and diagrams of acupressure 

points. I described how owners can perform it at home, stating: 

“Acupressure on the other hand is something every pet owner can 

safely perform at home. Acupressure is very safe! Even if you do not 

press on the exact point, coming close to it will provide some relief, 

and definitely you will do no harm.” 

In “The Truth About Pet Vaccinations.” I wrote: 

“Most veterinarians just choose to ignore the research because either 

they still feel the benefits of vaccines outweigh the risk, or they don’t 

want to lose the income from giving booster shots to all those animals 

each year.” 

Once again, the panel concluded I contravened the Code of Ethics (Bylaws) 

with this statement. 

Penalties imposed by the Council 

The College of Veterinarians Council met on September 20, 2010 to 

determine the penalties to be awarded to me, and issued the following 

ruling: 

“Taking into account the findings of the Inquiry Committee, the submissions 

to the Council by the CVBC prosecutor and the Respondent 

and his legal counsel, Council believes that a significant fine is needed 

in this case of significant misconduct to deter Dr Jones and others from 

repeating such conduct therefore the Council thereby orders that the 

following penalties and costs be imposed upon the Respondent: 

a. a formal reprimand; 

b. a formal warning against future violations of the CVBC Bylaws 

including the Code of Ethics; 

c. a penalty of a fine of $20,000.00 for Charge #1 for violating 

the BCVMA marketing guidelines in a manner repugnant to the 

Inquiry Panel and Council and drawing Dr Jones’ colleagues and 

his profession into disrepute; 

d. a penalty of a fine of $10,000.00 for Charge #2 for violating on 

two occasions his personal undertakings to the BCVMA regarding 

his marketing practices as a veterinarian; 

e. 100% of the costs of the inquiry, such costs to be assessed by a 

registrar of the Supreme Court; 

f. the penalty for Charge #2 ($10,000.00) must be paid forthwith 

while the remaining monies ($20,000.00 for charge #1 and the 

costs of the Inquiry) must be paid on or before January 31, 2011.” 

I spent many sleepless nights reflecting on this report, and the Council’s 

penalties, before making my ultimate decision. I was tired of 

fighting, and I no longer wanted to face further disciplinary action for 

43

stating what I believed to be truths. My Veterinary College could have 

proceeded with actions against me again as I was continuing to publish 

and promote alternative pet health information and market my internet 

business in ways not to their liking. 

I was especially disheartened with the conclusions of the Inquiry committee 

as I do not hold an over-arching ‘disparaging attitude towards 

my colleagues and profession’, as is claimed by the authors of the Inquiry 

report. Clearly the College of Veterinarians wanted me to stop 

publishing on the internet, especially alternative dog and cat health 

information. 

I had been in veterinary practice in Nelson for over 12 years, and during 

that time, I had zero client disciplinary complaints. In my opinion, 

the College of Veterinarians directed disproportionate resources towards 

prosecuting me, and further muzzled any current practicing veterinarians 

who are inclined to speak out. I am not the only victim: the 

College of Veterinarians of British Columbia (formerly known as the 

BCVMA) has been in the news frequently with many lengthy and costly 

legal battles with other veterinarians. As a result, veterinarians in BC 

have the highest annual dues across Canada, and the College has had 

to demand multiple levies (additional fees) to cover their legal bills. 

I agonized over this decision, and I strongly regretted having to leave 

my clients, my veterinary practice, and my profession. 

Ultimately, someone has to make a stand, and I am frankly tired of the 

College of Veterinarians being the big bully on the playground that no 

one is willing to stand up to. I feel that the public deserves better. Pet 

owners need someone to champion their rights, and competent veterinarians 

should not be prosecuted for being outspoken about what 

is wrong with the veterinary profession. 

So what am I doing now, you may be wondering? Well, since my decision 

to resign, I have had many months to ask questions. Did I make 

the right decision? Would I not be happier helping animals as a practicing 

veterinarian? 

44 

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As with many things in life, the answer isn’t always clear cut - it’s shaded 

with grey. Yes, most of the time I feel I made the correct decision 

to stand up to my veterinary college. I do miss being ‘the vet’ and the 

immediate gratification of saving a dog or cat’s life with surgery. Surprisingly 

though, many positives have come from this. I have received 

thousands of emails of support from concerned pet owners. My family 

is very happy to have me so much more present in their lives; even 

my pets seem more content. Even more importantly, I am now able 

to impact and potentially help thousands more pet owners by writing 

about what has happened to me; sharing my message of becoming an 

empowered dog and cat owner. 

Animals really do enrich our lives in so many ways, and they deserve to 

be treated better. I want to leave you with the words of Mahatma Gandhi: 

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged 

by the way its animals are treated.” f 

Dr. Andrew Jones was raised on a farm in British Columbia, Canada. 

He grew up reading James Herriot books about the life of a mixed animal 

veterinarian in rural England. These humorous stories inspired the 

young Dr. Jones and painted a picture of a dedicated vet and a fulfilling 

life. 

Since graduating with his DVM from the University of Saskatchewan in 

1992, Dr. Jones had been practicing as a small animal veterinarian and 

has treated thousands of animals. He has a special interest in a variety 

of alternative, non-traditional remedies for pets, and publishes a daily 

newsletter on alternative pet health care. He has authored numerous 

digital books, articles and reports, has created a Home Study Course 

for dog and cat owners, hosts an online Pet Health Member Site, and 

has recently developed a complete nutritional supplement for dogs. 

Dr. Jones’ pets, Lewis, Cleo and Trent, are a part of his family. Dr Jones 

is a strong advocate of safe, natural home care for dogs and cats, and 

works to empower pet owners worldwide to become more active in 

their pets’ health. For more information about Dr. Jones, visit www. 

theinternetpetvet.com. 

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10 Minute Trainer 

GETTING BEHAVIOR YOU WANT 

Most traditional training methods of dog training work to suppress behavior. 

Today’s training methods do the opposite: they encourage the 

dog to offer behavior! Once a dog offers you different behaviors, then 

you are in the happy position of communicating which ones you would 

like him to do more often (by rewarding them), and which ones you 

wish he wouldn’t do as often (by ignoring them). Here are three ways 

to encourage your dog to give you the behaviors you want to reward. 

Capturing – Clicking/rewarding when your dog offers a behavior on 

his own. 

For example, to capture a down, you might sit on the couch and wait until 

your dog lies down naturally, then CLICK and toss him a treat that he 

gets to chase. You would click every time you see him lie down. Once 

he figures out what is earning him the click, he will begin to lie down 

immediately after he gets the reward. That is when you can add the cue 

“down” because you can be certain he will lie down after you say it. 

Another example is ringing the door bell to get your dog to bark and 

clicking when he barks. This is where I will put in a warning: beware 

of what you teach! Behaviors that are reinforced will increase, and until 

you’ve taught the dog to bark ONLY when you say “Speak” you could 

get a lot of random barking. Also your dog could decide that barking is 

really fun and start to bark more often… 

Shaping –Clicking/rewarding small steps or approximations, until you 

get the final behavior. 

First, you need to decide what you want to train. For example, “I want 

my dog to get onto the bed and then lie down.” You would start by just 

clicking the dog for looking at the box. Next you would click/reward for 

taking a step toward the box, then two steps, stepping onto the bed with 

one foot, then another, then all four, and finally laying down on the bed. 

Shaping is a very wonderful way to tire your dog out with mental stimulation 

and it is really thrilling to be able to see your dog’s mind at work! 

TIPS: 

• Set very reasonable criteria so your dog is motivated to play. At 

first, he should earn lots of treats and often. 

• Make a plan! If you can’t say what you want your dog to do in one 

simple sentence, then your dog will never know what you want 

him to do. 

• If your dog is confused and frustrated (or if you are frustrated!), 

go back a step. 

• If you have decided on one thing to shape and have been working 

at it for a while, for instance pawing at a box, and your dog does an 

amazing back flip, IGNORE IT! And focus on your plan; changing 

your criteria on the fly will only confuse your dog. 


Luring – Using food or a target to encourage the dog to move or change 

positions. 

Example: You lift a treat over the dog’s head; he looks up and feels a 

strain on his neck so he sits down to make himself more comfortable. 

You click the movement of his hind legs folding and feed him while he 

is still sitting. 

When luring, always give a different treat rather than the one in your 

hand. As soon as possible (after 3 successful lures), pretend to have a 

treat in the hand that you lure with, then click the behavior and then 

feed from your other hand or the counter top. This basically tells your 

dog, you don’t need to see or smell your reward to know that you will get 

it. If you feed your dog the treat that you lure him with, you can create 

a dog that will ignore an empty hand or when you don’t smell or look 

like you have food. 

Now that you have three techniques to choose from, decide exactly what 

you want the dog to do and how, don’t be chintzy with the rewards and 

train your dog to do some amazing things! f 

Pamela Johnson B.S., M.A., CPDT-KA has a background in education 

and she is a natural teacher of all things. Pamela’s family consists of a 

Husky Mix (Isabelle), Two Border Collies (Bandit & Twix), Cat (Sabrina) 

and husband (Marxsen). Pamela is also the owner of Pam’s Dog Academy 

www.pamsdogacademy.com 

45

46 

across the pond 

with: Catherine O'Driscoll 

when there’s nothing else you can do 

Many years ago, my young nephew Robert let his budgie out of 

the cage in his bedroom and went to the bathroom for a shower. 

He didn’t realize that he’d left the bedroom window open, and so 

the budgie flew out of the window. He and his sister Rebecca were 

distraught as they knew that the bird would die outside. They were 

both in tears. 

I didn’t know what I could do to help them, so I suggested that they 

pray for the bird to come back. I was young myself and didn’t have 

much experience of successful prayer, so part of me feared that I 

was offering them false hope and setting them up for disappointment 

– but the suggestion just popped out of my mouth, and what 

else could anyone do? They stayed together that night and prayed 

that ‘Chips’ would come home. 

Rebecca awoke the next morning with the bird sitting on her nose. 

What are the odds that a budgie would fly back home, through 

a small window, around 12 hours after he had left? Would you 

consider that to be a miracle? 

Suzannah telephoned me last week because she could think of 

no one else to turn to. She had attended one of my workshops a 

couple of years earlier, and I had touched on Emotional Freedom 

Technique and Reiki as energy healing modalities. She asked if I 

could do some Reiki for her Shi-Tzu, Barnie. 

Barnie was in the veterinary hospital with perforated and inflamed 

intestines. The vet thought he must have eaten something corrosive. 

She had opened him up and found the damage too extensive 

for successful surgery. He was on a drip, but the vet was reluctant 

to put him to sleep as he still had some life in him. She felt he 

should be given a chance to fight for life, although the odds were 

very slim. 

Suzannah was naturally in a terrible state. Barnie was only three 

years old and she was very distressed and tearful. Most of all, she 

found it very difficult to sit and do nothing. So I suggested she 

pray for her friend. I also suggested she contact her friends and 

relatives and ask them to pray for him, too, as my experience tells 

me that the more energy we put into healing, the more healing 

takes place. 

“But there is a way to pray,” I advised her. “When you pray, you 

need to visualize a positive outcome.” 

The world, according to the ancient Vasishthas, is an illusion created 

by the mind. New healing techniques, such as The One Command 

and Theta Healing, use the power of the mind in its theta 

brainwave state to change the illusion – the world we generate 

with our creative minds. When we pray we can also go into theta. 

Meditation has also demonstrated measurably positive effects on 

the wider society. 

However, it seems to me that if we pray as an act of desperation, 

tearfully and desperately fearing the worst, then the prayer has 

little chance of success. If we pray with faith that the outcome will 

be good, then who knows? 

Suzannah was true to her word. She and her husband sat together 

and prayed for Barnie, and I prayed too. When I tuned into Barnie, 

I received very favorable impressions. I didn’t feel he was ready to 

die, and I could see his intestines surrounded in golden light. 

A few days later, Suzannah telephoned with great joy in her voice. 

The vet said Barnie was a miracle dog. He was perky and sitting 

up, interested in the world, and he was eating again. He wasn’t out 

of the woods yet, but he had made what seemed to be a miraculous 

recovery. Suzannah was told that if he continued like this, Barnie 

would be able to come home. Of course time will reveal the ultimate 

outcome for this little dog. 

I have prayed for my friends and loved ones many times, but I 

haven’t always been able to report miracles like this. 


When Samson started to lag behind on walks, for example, I burst 

into tears because I knew he was leaving me: he had already told 

me some months before. We were on a film shoot for a TV programme 

demonstrating that dogs know when their owners are 

coming home (Samson was one of the research dogs who proved 

this). He was an absolute star on the day of filming. He acted for 

the camera as if this was what he had been born to do, repeating 

take after take as if I’d trained him for the screen. 

At the end of the shoot I looked at him with pride and he said, “I’ve 

done what I came here to do; I’ll be leaving soon.” I knew from 

that moment that Sammie wouldn’t be with me for long. So when 

he started to lag behind on walks, I prayed not for him to live, but 

for the strength to help me cope with his loss. He had completed 

his mission, and it was his wish to pass to the Great Mystery. 

There is a Sanskrit prayer which, translated, says: “This is perfect, 

that is perfect, perfect comes from perfect. Take perfect from perfect, 

the remainder is perfect. May peace and peace and peace be 

everywhere.” Despite what we want to happen, and despite what 

we think should happen, I have to believe that everything is unfolding 

according to a perfect plan. Death, after all, is a form of 

healing if the spirit lives on, as I know it does. 

the SCENT PROJECT 

Cultivating curiosity and balance with scent 

100% essential oil room mists … for you & your dog 

www.thescentproject.com 

1.406.522.1558 

Bozeman, MT 


As the animals are our teachers, perhaps they come to teach us that 

there is no such thing as death, and that prayer can create miracles? 

Samson said to me: “We come to our beloved humans through 

choice, knowing full well the circumstances in which we arrive and 

will live. Knowing we are spirit, we act as an anchor for humans 

who are co-creating the illusion. We animals are so proud to be 

part of the plan. We are so grateful to be given the chance to work 

with you as you struggle to build heaven on earth.” 

Some people use prayer as a last desperate resort, but perhaps we 

have it inside out and upside down? Perhaps praying is the most 

powerful, most healing thing you can do for yourself and your 

loved ones? f 

Catherine O’Driscoll’s e-book, The Animals’ Agenda, can be purchased 

through Amazon. Catherine runs the Canine Health Concern. 

She recently spearheaded a campaign to force the British government 

to put an end to the normal practice of annually vaccinating 

dogs in the UK and asks her fellow dog lovers to lend their voices to 

the campaign. Contacts and template letters for you to send are also 

carried on the CHC site. Visit: www.canine-health-concern.org.uk 

Pay it forward... 

Dr Blake and Dr. Louie ask you to read and share our website. 

www.thepetwhisperer.com 

47

Dog People 

Bette Schubert of Bravo! 

We recently talked with Bette Schubert, who is the Co-Founder 

of Bravo! Raw Diet. Bravo! was one of the first frozen premade 

raw dog foods, and continues to be one of the fastestgrowing 

raw diet companies in the US. 

How did you get into the raw pet food business? 

I was in a completely different industry at the time - I worked 

at the Post Office. I was feeding my dogs a commercial dry dog 

food which had a product recall. When I fed the replacement 

bag of food to Babe, my six year old Golden/Labrador Retriever, 

she became extremely ill with aflatoxin poisoning. Within 

days, she suffered liver failure and had to be euthanized. The 

food manufacturer paid me compensation of $69.83, which 

was the cost of the euthanasia; they also offered me another 

bag of food for my other dog! That was in 1995. 

Naturally I started researching other food options, since I no 

longer trusted commercial foods. 

Did you start feeding raw immediately? 

Initially, I prepared home cooked meals - at least I knew what 

was in them. But within three weeks, after I read Juliette de 

Bairacli Levy’s book, I started raw feeding, following her recipes. 

In 1997, I read Ian Billinghurst’s book and when he came to 

the US the following year, I attended one of his talks. During 

his lecture he explained exactly how to make the B.A.R.F. diet, 

in case anyone was interested in producing it on a large scale. 

Raven at 17 

48 

By that time I had six dogs and had developed a network of 

raw meat wholesalers and slaughterhouses where I could buy 

food economically; I “traded bones” with friends and acquaintances, 

who would pay my gas expenses in exchange for meat. 

One day my meat grinder broke and I had a litter of Golden 

Retriever puppies to feed. I went to a local butcher and asked 

him to grind chicken necks for me. He looked at me as if I had 

three heads and asked what I was going to do with it. I replied 

“If you can produce 15,000 lbs of this, I can sell it”. I have no 

idea where that number came from - it just popped into my 

head. But we sold 17,500 lbs of it in the first month. 

How did you market that first batch? 

Oh, we didn’t have any packaging - or even a name. We just 

sold it to friends and others in my network of dog owners, in 

a clear bag with a white label and a rubber band. Gradually 

we started developing the business and I paid everyone in dog 

food. One friend came up with the Bravo! name - it stands for 

“Bones, Raw Meat, All Natural, Vegetables and Organ Meat”. 

She was paid in dog food too. 

Please tell us a little about your various formulas 

We started out selling just a mixture of ground bones, raw 

meat, vegetables and organ meats (as the name indicates), 

and that’s what we still produce as Bravo! Blends. The Blends 

formula is designed to be used with the addition of recommended 

supplements (for dogs we advise fish body oil or other 

Omega-3 fats, digestive enzymes, probiotics and Vitamin E). 

Over time we’ve found that dog owners have varying preferences 

and we try to meet their needs through the addition of 

three other products. For people who prefer the convenience 

of an all-in-one solution, we offer Bravo! Balanced formula, 

which has vitamin and mineral supplements already added. 

Our Bravo! Boneless foods can be used to supplement kibble 

or as part of a rotational feeding program; and Bravo! Basics, 

containing meat and bone, or meat, bone and organ meat, can 

be used as the foundation of a home prepared raw diet. We 

use a total of 12 protein sources - chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, 

pork, ostrich, duck, rabbit, elk, salmon, buffalo and venison - 

but our formulas are all single protein. If it says ostrich, it’s all 

ostrich! Unlike some other brands which may contain 30 or 

more ingredients, our recipes are all very simple and our core 

products contain no more than five ingredients. 


How do you ensure the nutritional value of your foods? 

We never compromise on quality. We are absolutely committed 

to all-natural ingredients. Our red meat products are grassfed 

and hormone free. Our poultry is antibiotic free, and our 

raw vegetables are Grade A fresh, and washed before processing. 

We never use grains, preservatives, additives or artificial 

ingredients or colors. We manufacture to human food standards 

(USDA or New Zealand Safety Authority). 

What really distinguishes us from other raw diet makers is that 

we and our New Zealand partner operate our own plants, instead 

of using third party processors. This allows us to maintain 

total quality control as well as highly competitive pricing, 

because we are not paying a middleman. 

What is your greatest satisfaction in having built this company? 

The greatest reward is learning about pets whose health has 

been dramatically improved through Bravo! diets. We hear so 

many stories from our customers about conditions that have 

been helped by our foods - from allergies and severe skin conditions, 

to hip dysplasia and arthritis, or even just an improvement 

in energy and vitality. And of course my own dogs have 

benefited too. When Babe died, my other dog Raven, a Chow- 

Shepherd mix, was four years old. Raven lived to the amazing 

age of 17-1/2! 

In the end, I’m not a corporate executive; I’m just a dog owner 

and trainer who was driven - I believe divinely driven - to help 

our treasured canine and feline companions. f 

Bette with Scooter 


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49

BioFATS by BiologicVet 

The Animals’ Agenda 

50 

essentials for your dog 

BioFATS is a omega-fatty acid supplement designed specifically for dogs, based on a decade of clinical research. 

This high quality oil contains organic flaxseed, fish and virgin olive oils and delivers a precise ratio of Omega 

3, 6 and 9 fatty acids for the canine metabolism. It has a proven track record in supporting overall good health 

as well as brain and vision development. It is also highly effective in therapeutic use in treating skin, coat, cardiovascular, 

behavior and other inflammatory ailments. BioFATS also contains Sage Oleoresin, which gives the 

oil a very nice, non-fishy scent! Visit www.biologicvet.net and enter Promo Code: BIOLOGICVET to receive 

a 10% discount on your order. 

2am Miracle by Better Life 

Better Life makes the safest, most powerful, and genuinely green household cleaning products on 

the planet. 2am Miracle is an excellent all purpose cleaner for pet owners. The cleaner is made from 

only plant derived ingredients; it is safe to use around your pets (and chidren!) and will not damage 

fabrics such as carpet and upholstery. It incorporates a botanical deodorizer to neutralize odors as 

it cleans. 2am Miracle is a safe and effective product for cleaning up and deodorizing any type of 

spills, soils or messes around the house. Find a retailer or purchase direct at www.betterlife.com. 

The Animals’ Agenda is a revolutionary new e-book from Catherine O’Driscoll that illustrates how 

humans, with their advanced cerebral cortex, get caught in programmed patterns of behavior that are 

destructive to their lives. Animals operate mostly from their heart and don’t get stuck in the mind 

traps that humans do. As such, animals have helped humans to find peace since the beginning of 

time. The Animals’ Agenda comes in three parts. Part one looks at human pain and dysfunctionality, 

offering those ‘aha’ moments to explain why we humans are like we are; part two communicates with 

animals to learn how they, especially dogs, help humans to love themselves and improve their lives; 

and part three shows you how to use Emotional Freedom Technique for humans and animals for a 

happier, more peaceful, life. Available in Kindle format from Amazon: www.amazon.com 


Everyday Dogs: 

A Perpetual Calendar for Birthdays and Other Notable Dates 

What do Gertrude Stein, John Muir, Jack London, and Queen Victoria, and your next-door neighbor all 

have in common? Dogs. The cherished unbreakable bond of friendship between canine and human graces 

all of our days. Everyday Dogs: A Perpetual Calendar for Birthdays and Other Notable Dates couples literary 

quotes about canines with historical images to create a timeless keepsake that echoes a resounding 

truth: through it all, our dogs will be there. For orders: email Anna Pritt: orders@heydaybooks.com or call 

(510) 549- 3564, ext. 304 

Sound Dog Viscosity by Herbsmith 


Freeze Dried Raw Green Tripe by K9 Natural 

K9 Natural Freeze Dried Raw Green Tripe makes feeding green tripe as pleasant as it can be! It’s a high 

quality product sourced from grass fed lamb that are ranch raised in New Zealand and exported to the 

world including the US, Canada and Asia. Dogs love this smelly stuff and it’s good for them. Green tripe 

contains natural probiotics and digestive enzymes which help maintain a healthy digestive system. If 

you’re switching your dog onto a raw diet, feeding raw freeze dried green tripe for a week can assist with a 

smooth transition. Contact info@k9natural.com with questions, or find a retailer at www.k9natural.com. 

Curcumin 97% Vet, by Ayush Herbs 

Herbsmith makes excellent veterinarian-developed supplements based on traditional Chinese 

theories of health and wellness. Sound Dog Viscosity contains a highly concentrated blend 

of active ingredients in a tasty chew that is easy to administer to your dog. It’s a complete 

joint support formula containing Glucosamine, Hyaluronic Acid, MSM, Chondroitin, and 

a blend of anti-inflammatory/pain reducing herbs. This comprehensive mix of ingredients 

addresses all aspects of joint support - bone, tendon, soft tissue, joint fluid, and muscle - and 

manages aches and discomfort as well. Receive 10% off your order of Sound Dog Viscosity 

with coupon code DNatural, at www.wholehealthypet.com and www.holisticanimalsupply. 

com, through 3/31/12. 

Ayush Herbs has been making high quality Ayurvedic herbal supplements for humans and pets 

for over 20 years. Their organic herbs are grown naturally in their pristine Himalayan habitat, 

without the use of pesticides, insecticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers. Curcumin 97% 

Vet, commonly referred to as turmeric, helps maintain your dog’s healthy inflammatory and 

metabolic responses. It has important antioxidant benefits, and supports healthy brain tissue 

as well as the body’s natural detoxification and hepatic function. Curcumin is a broadly useful 

supplement that can help maintain a healthy inflammatory response by blocking inflammatory 

pathways in the body. Visit www.ruved.net to purchase directly or find a retailer. 

Tasman’s Bison Leather Pet Bed 

If you’ve been looking for an orthopedic bed for your senior dog, but don’t like the 

style options, here’s the answer. We drool like Bloodhounds over these luscious Bison 

Leather Pet Beds, and they come in sizes big enough to accommodate two or 

three of them at once. In eight rich leather colors from Blood Red to Prairie Brown, 

and five sizes from Extra Small to Jumbo, these beds include a orthopedic memory 

foam pad covered with a waterproof, breathable liner. There are various cover options 

for the pad, ranging from Faux Fur to the top of the line Genuine Bison Shearling 

Upgraded Cover. Order at www.naturesbestrawhide.com. 

51

holistic vets 

Integrative Veterinarian 

Dr. Julie Mayer certification in veterinary acupuncture, 

veterinary chiropractic, canine rehabilitation, 

Reiki Practitioner. 

Holistically treats companion animals 

dr.julie@integrativeveterinarian.com 

Seaside Natural Health 

Patricia Jordan DVM Swansboro, NC 

Skype dr-jordan 1 

seasidenaturalhealth@gmail.com 

www.dr-jordan.com/ 

holistic health care 

Mother Nature MD 4 Pets 

Jan Litza 

Natural health for your dog with Young 

Living Essential Oils. Enhance their lives 

naturally! 

j.litza@comcast.net (219) 670-1163 

www.mothernaturemd4pets.org 

Karen Duewel 

Young Living Essential Oils - embrace health 

and wellness NATURALLY! 

wehavecomefullcircle@gmail.com 

(847) 772-0212 www.synergyiskey.com 

Animal Reiki Source Kathleen Prasad 

369B Third St., #156 San Rafael, CA 94901 

(415) 420-9783 info@animalreikisource.com 

http://www.animalreikisource.com/ 

Enlightened Animals LLC 

Ellen Kohn 566 Meadow Vista Drive Evergreen, 

CO 80439 (303) 670-1023 

horsegal52@aol.com 

http://www.EnlightenedAnimals.com 

groomers 

52 

classified section 

Salon Fido & Mud Puppy, LLC 

1807 Main Street 

Cross Plains, WI 53528 

(608)798-4464 www.salonfido.net 

schools 

Animal Spirit Healing & Education® Network 

Animal Healing Arts training and Professional 

Mastery Programs. Teleclasses, Webinars, On- 

Site courses. (815)531-2850 

www.AnimalSpiritNetwork.com 

books and DVDs 

Dogwise 

1000s of DOG BOOKS, DVD’s, and training 

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you want! (800) 776-2665 www.dogwise.com 

animal communicators 

Carol Schultz Animal Communication 

Interactive and compassionate Consultations 

& Healing for all animal species. 

www.CarolSchultz.com Founder/Director 

www.AnimalSpiritNetwork.com online learning 

institute. 

holistic pet supplies 

Metro Pet Market 

1637 Victoria Avenue 

Regina, SK S4P 0P8 

(306) 352-9663 

www.metropetmarket.ca 

PAWS-itive Health 

Maureen Tate 

51 Sarah Crescent 

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2W4Z2 

(902)435-2528 divineaire@gmail.com 

The Neighborhood Pup 

4230-D 4th Avenue 

Whitehorse Y1A 1K1 

http://www.theneighborhoodpup.com 

Naturally 4 Paws 

Silverdale, WA 

360-337-2444 

www.naturally4paws.co 

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To list your business or kennel in Dogs Naturally contact us at 877 665-1290 

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Pawsitively Heaven Pet Resort 

10051 Kitty Avenue 

Chicago Ridge, IL 60415 

708-636-DOGS 

www.pawsitivelyheavenpetresort.com 

online stores 

Holistic Pet Info 

www.HolisticPetInfo.com 

(877)573-8227 

rescues 

Journey’s End Ranch Animal Sanctuary 

Forever home for abused & abandoned 

animals 

Consults in holistic care,nutrition,detox,Lyme 

www.jersanctuary.org 

breeders 

Fallriver Labrador Retrievers 

Naturally raised show and specialty winners, 

obedience and field dogs and couch warmers. 

Ontario, Canada 

(905) 729-1189 

www.fallriverlabs@gmail.com 

Zen Golden Retrievers 

Shannon Gervais 

Naturally Reared since 2002 

Hudson N.H 03051( USA) 

zengoldens@hotmail.com 


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Winter 2012 

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Golden Retrievers 

www.zengoldens.com 

53

Turmeric 

54 

Secret Garden 

Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is a member of the ginger family. 

Turmeric has been used for over 6000 years in India. In Ayurvedic 

medicine, Turmeric is considered to be one of the most important 

herbs. The most common uses of Turmeric in Ayurveda 

are to purify the blood and remedy skin conditions.. The principle 

organs that it treats are the skin, heart, liver and lungs. 

Turmeric has also been used for at least 1000 years in Chinese 

Medicine to stimulate and purify, and as an antibiotic, anti-viral, 

and analgesic. 

The active ingredient in Turmeric is curcumin. It also contains 

large amounts of vitamin A and other vitamins and minerals. The 

rhizome, or root, is the part used. 

Turmeric has long been used as an anti-inflammatory agent, especially 

in arthritis. In fact, research shows that Turmeric can 

be just as effective an anti-inflammatory as NSAIDs but without 

the side effects. Turmeric is also a natural pain killer and COX-2 

inhibitor. 

Turmeric is also useful in inflammatory skin conditions. This may 

be because it has antioxidant properties and also works as a 

natural liver detoxifier. For cuts and burns, Turmeric is an antibacterial 

and also speeds wound healing and helps remodel 

damaged skin. 

Turmeric has some important cardiovascular effects. It can 

lower cholesterol and prevent platelet accumulation. It has also 

been shown to prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s 

disease by removing amyloid plaque buildup in the brain. 

Perhaps one of the more interesting - and much studied - qualities 

of Turmeric is as an anti-cancer herb. Studies support its 

ability to prevent or slow the growth of prostate cancer. It was 

also shown to prevent breast cancer from spreading in mice, 

prevent and treat melanoma, reduce the risk of childhood leukemia, 

prevent and treat pancreatic cancer and prevent metasta- 

ses from occurring in many different forms of cancer. Research 

has shown Turmeric to stop the growth of new blood vessels in 

tumors. Turmeric may even boost the effects of some chemotherapy 

drugs and lessen their unwanted side effects. 

Adding to its already long list of important actions, Turmeric has 

also been shown to slow the progression of Multiple Sclerosis in 

mice. 

Turmeric may cause inflammation and irritation of the stomach 

lining if taken in very high doses. It is also contraindicated for 

dogs with gallstones or bile obstruction. Although considered 

safe for pregnant dams, professional advice should be sought as 

turmeric can be a uterine tonic. 

Turmeric can be taken as a pill or in powdered form. Because of 

its wide range of highly therapeutic actions, try sprinkling some 

turmeric on your dog’s food. f 


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January/February 2012 - Dogs Naturally Magazine

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