One of the great things about being a student (as an adult) is all the amazing resources I now have at my fingertips. I subscribe to journals including: Whole Dog Journal, YOUR DOG, Tuft’s Vet Medicine newsletter and my teachers are a wealth of information!
I currently add canned pumpkin to my dog’s kibble (our vet recommended this) and cinnamon from time to time for GI upset.
I’m taking Pharmacology this term and we just covered essential fatty acids. The lecture was really interesting as I’ve been giving my dogs an Omega 3 supplement for years and I know exactly why it works. (this is fairly in depth so I’ll save this for part two) I wanted to include some tips on natural and nutritional supplements I learned about in class this week:
Joint support-
Glucosamine, Chondroitin – commonly used for joint, cartilage and tendon support. These can help strengthen cartilage and tendons in dogs and horses.
Yucca root supplements – possible treatment for arthritic bone and joint pain. Topical yucca is thought to help stop minor bleeding from cuts and scrapes. Has anti-inflammatory properties.
Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Infective –
Calendula, Comfrey, Cucumber – These anti-oxidant herbs are astringent, cleansing, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, soothing and softening to the skin.
Cranberries – Adding Cranberries to the diet will help competitively block bacterial adherence to the bladder lining. (just like in humans!)
Best of all – mix some lavender in a water bottle – this aromatherapy trick is great for calming dogs. When exposed to the lavender aroma, dogs spend less time *in motion* and vocalizing.
You can find all of these ingredients at a local Health Store but always consult your vet before doing anything in excess. *the credit for all this goes to Dr. Hopman as this came from his nutritional handout.
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