Does Your Dog Need To Discover Cod Liver Oil's Benefits?

Have you heard of cod liver oil? You may well know the benefits of it for human health. But have you considered using it to help your dog? And why would you, are there any benefits for your dog's health?

First of all what is cod liver oil?

It's the oil from the liver of the fish cod. And it is only that. Fish oil will be from other fish. So that would mean the tissues of other cold water fish like tuna, mackerel or salmon for example.

Cod liver oil contains less omega-3 fatty acids than regular fish oils, but more vitamins A and D.

It's the omega-3 fatty acids that are normally seen as the benefit of taking a fish (or cod) oil supplement. But the vitamins can be useful too!

Should I choose fish oil or cod liver oil for my dog?

As with any supplement you need to know why you're using it. Seems obvious? Well sometimes you can hear about someone using a supplement with their dog, or a certain feed. And think that seems a good idea.

If your dog has any kind of ailment, speak to your vet and get a diagnosis. Will a supplement be useful? Often veterinary surgeon's do recommend supplements, so do ask! And if your dog is on any medication then find out if it's safe to use, as sometimes supplements and medicine don't mix.

One of my principles for good animal health. Is a high quality basic diet.

What do I mean? Not using synthetic, processed feed. Choosing food that's as natural as possible. Organic, unprocessed or raw.

If your dog is having a high quality balanced diet. Then this should be full of nutrients already. It's only if your dog has a specific deficiency. That's when a supplement will be normally needed.

So if you do decide a fish oil or cod liver oil supplement is something that's safe and a good idea. Which one?

Well as I mentioned earlier there are some differences in nutritional value.

My top tip, as with any supplement. Is to choose one that's a high quality. That will not always be the most expensive!

When I say high quality I mean, a supplement that's organic if possible. And always one that is sustainably sourced. Fish stocks around the world are under threat. So choose a fish supplement that is clear in its origin. Don't settle for anything less. If you're unsure ask the manufacturer. There are dozens of supplement providers for your dog to choose from. So shop around if needed.

Why will cod liver oil help my dog?

Usually it's used to help with arthritis or skin health. But other health benefits may exist too. Veterinary research has taken place. This includes:

• Effect of fish oil in relieving pain in canine osteoarthritis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3514349/
• Effect of fish oil supplementation for dogs https://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/ajvr.69.4.486

How Much Cod Liver Oil or Fish Oil Should My Dog Have?

Firstly, more is not better! It's possible to have too much cod-liver-oil, (just the same as with people). So use according to your vet's instructions. Don't be tempted to use more than is recommended.

Other marine supplements for your dog's health?

Yes, green lipped mussel is a popular supplement for people and pets, particularly to help with arthritis. Read more at my green lipped mussel for animals post here.

Lastly, remember if you're concerned about your dog's health, then get proper qualified veterinary surgeon advice before trying any complementary therapy or supplement.

You can also find holistic veterinary surgeon's and trained natural canine healthcare professionals around the world to help you.

Find out more about dozens of natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore how complementary therapies can help your animal!

About the Author

Suzanne Harris is founder of this Taranet website at www.taranet.co.uk. And also provides business coaching to horse and dog care and veterinary professionals. Plus sells a large range of aloe vera healthcare for people and animals.

If you've any questions please email info at taranet.co.uk

Protect Your Horse's Liver To Maintain Good Health

What Is The Liver?

The liver is an organ that’s important for several reasons. Including removing toxins from the blood.

If there's liver disease a toxin called phylloerythrin can increase in the bloodstream. The breakdown of chlorophyll present in plants eaten by the horse produces this. This is sensitive to light. So when phylloerythrin reaches the skin and is exposed to ultraviolet sunlight. It can lead to skin damage. Unpigmented or light-skinned areas absorb the most ultra-violet light. So the affects of light sensitivity (photosensitization) can be worse.

The liver also produces bile acids needed for digestion.

It’s also influential on the immune system.

So how would you know if your horse's liver is damaged?

Your horse may have a variety of symptoms including:

• Weight loss
• Jaundice (yellowy skin and gums)
• Decreased appetite
• Skin damage
• Diarrhoea

The liver is capable of regenerating, which provides some protection against permanent damage. But you can help protect it and prevent further damage.

What natural therapies can help with your horse’s liver health?

It goes without saying that if you suspect your horse has liver damage. Then you need professional veterinary diagnosis and advice. Liver damage can from a large number of reasons. If it’s possible to identify the cause, and resolve it then do this. There’s no point using any natural therapies (or any medicine), if the root cause isn’t fixed, if possible.

But yes there are several complementary therapies you can use, including:

1. Herbal Remedies. You can use several herbs including, Dandelion, Stinging Nettles, Turmeric and Milk Thistle.
2. Homeopathy. Your qualified veterinary homeopath can prescribe the most suitable remedy. Read more about homeopathy for animals here.
3. Veterinary Acupuncture. This ancient therapy can be used to help with liver ailments. Read more about this therapy at my advice page here

What’s the evidence for complementary and alternative medicine for animals with liver ailments?

There's limited robust studies for natural veterinary therapies. This is due to the cost of conducting a clinical trial, which is very expensive. And there are a lot of “political issues” surrounding proving natural therapies work. As will rarely benefit a pharmaceutical company!

But there’s some evidence. As follows.

1. Research into homeopathy for humans shows its benefits for liver related ailments https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3833483/
2. Two Homeopathic Remedies Used Intermittently Provide Additional Protective Effects Against Hepatotoxicity Induced by Carcinogens in Mice https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jams.2012.05.004
3. Milk Thistle (Herb) and Its Derivative Compounds: A Review of Opportunities for Treatment of Liver Disease https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12002

How Can You Start Using Complementary Therapies for Equine Liver Ailments?

1. Consult a holistic veterinary surgeon. There are many throughout the UK and the world. Some specialise in homeopathy or veterinary acupuncture. Or in herbal remedies. Some practice all of these and many more!
2. Herbal supplements for horses are produced by several companies. Including Hilton Herbs and Natural Animal Feeds (NAF). They also offer an advice service for choosing the best supplement.
3. Ask your own veterinary surgeon - even if he or she is "conventional". Many do recognise the benefits of natural therapies, including herbs like Milk Thistle. So don't be worried about asking for their thoughts and advice!

Find out more about other natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore!

About the Author

Suzanne Harris is founder of this Taranet website at www.taranet.co.uk, and also provides business coaching to horse and dog care and veterinary professionals.

Have You Noticed How Your Pet Likes Certain Colours?

Colour Therapy is also known as Chromotherapy or “Colorology”. This is a holistic technique used to help rebalance the body. Via emotions, physical, spiritual, and mentally. It works by applying colour and light to specific areas.

How would you know if your pet has a colour preference?

Here's some tips to tell you:

• Have you ever changed your pet’s blanket/bed to a different colour? And despite it being otherwise identical. Like the same fabric/size to the previous one, you may notice him/her avoiding it?
• Or if you do any polework with your horse. Then do you notice your horse seems more spooky with certain poles/jumps? Or does he/she knock certain colour fences more than others?
• Does your cat or other pet like a certain colour blanket when worried?

Why should different colours make a difference?

A colour has a wavelength, a vibration. And so different colours have different wavelengths. Some colours have a greater effect on the body to others.

How can you use colour therapy with your animal?

• Feed/water bowls
• Blankets/bedding
• Rugs/coats

The above are simple ways to use objects of different colours to make a difference to your animal.

What do different colours do?
As an idea here are three common colours for therapy:

• Red is often better used sparingly – whilst it can help with stamina it can also generate agitation.
• Yellow can have an uplifting effect
• Greens can have a calming effect.

Different hues of colours can have an effect.

How could colour make a difference?
There's several benefits, including:

• If your animal is recovering from illness;
• In need of some TLC;
• Soothe in times of stress - e.g. thunderstorms or firework noise;
• Help promote energy

Then using different colours could help him/her feel more relaxed or even more positive!

You can read more about colour therapy online at Taranet here.

Like help finding a veterinary surgeon or therapist for your animal?
Please email me at info at taranet . co. uk

Please remember that if your horse, dog or other animal is unwell. Or on any kind of medication or other supplement. Then always speak to your Veterinary Surgeon first before using any supplement or therapy. Even natural ones. To avoid any possible issues.

And do you know someone who'd find this helpful? Please share, the more we can spread awareness of the benefits of natural therapies the better! :)

Find out more about other natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore!

About the Author

Suzanne Harris is founder of this Taranet website at www.taranet.co.uk, and also provides business coaching to horse and dog care and veterinary professionals.

Your Horse or Dog Will Love The Natural Benefits of Thyme

Thyme is a herb you are familiar with in many dishes. But did you know it's used as a herb to help dog and horse health too?

So what is thyme? It's a herb that's found in mediterranean regions, and is aromatic. This means that it's also great as aromatherapy. But thyme is also consumed as part of the diet. Thyme has several beneficial properties. Including containing Vitamin A, which is an important vitamin. Vitamin A helps with skin health, growth, bone health, vision and even fertility.

Thyme is also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.

Where can you find thyme for your horse or dog?

To ensure your dog has the right amount. Buy a supplement that already contains thyme. This way you can minimise issues about sourcing and quantities. Many veterinary herbal supplements include thyme as an ingredient. Leading suppliers like Hilton Herbs sell products containing thyme for horses and dogs.

You can buy thyme as an essential oil too.

When should you use thyme with your dog or horse?

If your animal has a respiratory or a stomach issue, then thyme as an essential oil maybe helpful. You can use essential oils in a variety of ways. But it’s always important to ensure your animal is happy with the aroma, if not, then it may cause more harm than good! So a consultation with a zoopharmacognosy practitioner is advised first.

If your dog has a respiratory issue or digestive issue, then thyme could be a natural herb to help.

Canine Ear Conditions and Thyme

Veterinary research in 2019 has taken place suggesting thyme maybe useful for dogs with the ear condition otitis externa. This is "Antimicrobial activity of thyme oil, oregano oil, thymol and carvacrol against sensitive and resistant microbial isolates from dogs with otitis externa" and can be read online at https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.12794

Equine Fertility and Thyme

And yes improving fertility is another effect. The Journal of Equine Veterinary Science in 2014 published research looking at “Effects of Dietary Thyme and Fish Oil on Semen Quality of Miniature Caspian Horse", stating it does help! Read more at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080614002494

Before you use thyme in veterinary use

As with any herb, being natural doesn't mean you should always use it. Caution with any herb is wise. Especially if your animal is on any medication. So always speak to your veterinary surgeon for advice first. You can also find veterinary surgeon's who specialise in herbal medicine. And zoopharmacognosy practitioners have trained in using essential oils for animal use. So consult these before using.

How Foals Can Be Kept Happy Naturally

Seeing a foal in the field with his or her mother is a lovely sight. Foals are so cute! But have you thought about how to care them? And how you can ensure they have a holistic approach to their health from the start?

It's never to early to introduce a horse to a natural lifestyle. Even though a horse in the field may seem natural, it's sometimes not all it seems!

Here are 5 tips to help you care for your foal naturally:

1. Movement and shelter - A foal has a lot of growing to do. 24 hour turnout with mum is best. In a large field. But of course ensure the field has shelter from the wind, rain or sun. A good large established hedge is best. Or a field shelter (or 2) is a good idea too. If your field has herbs and good quality meadow plants it will provide variety to the diet.
2. Footcare - A foals feet need care. An experienced qualified farrier will help give your foal a good experience. This is important to stop any fear problems later in life. But if your foal is nervous or excited by the farrier (or the mare is cautious about baby having this attention). Then Bach Flower Remedies are a great complementary therapy to help with emotions. As of course are the energy therapies of Reiki and Radionics.
3. Nutrition - As I mentioned in tip 1, variety to the diet is a good idea. You are what you eat is a popular saying for people. AND it applies to horses and foals too! Of course while your foal is drinking mum's milk, the nutrition for your mare is even more essential. It's best to think about nutrition before the foal is born. While your mare is pregnant consider the nutrition then. Some herbal supplements maybe useful. As can some homeopathy to help promote good health. A qualified veterinary surgeon who's trained in herbal medicine or homeopathy, will help.
4. Handling - You don't want your foal to grow up with fear. Nor do you want your foal thinking he or she can use his size to do exactly what he wants. It could be dangerous - not just for you, but for the young horse. The Tellington Ttouch is a great holistic training technique. Helping with body awareness, increasing confidence and is gentle. You can find many Tellington Ttouch practitioners across the world.
5. Weaning - this can be stressful. So should be managed with empathy, sensitivity and kindness. Many complementary therapies can help with this. So that mare and youngster both are happier about the situation. There are 38 Bach Flower Remedies, one (or more) will help both. Energy therapies like Reiki and Radionics can help to relieve tension. And reduce anxiety. Also zoopharmacognosy (aromatherapy) can relieve tension.

Remember.. With any horse health / care situation it's important to get Veterinary advice before using a complementary therapy to help. Consider too that what works with one horse may not necessarily work with another.

Find out more about all the therapies listed here. Plus many more complementary natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore and find out how you can help your horse, dog or other animal!

About the Author

Suzanne Harris is founder of this Taranet website at www.taranet.co.uk, and also provides business coaching to horse and dog care and veterinary professionals.