Apple Cider Vinegar is Good For Your Dog and Cat – Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has been used for centuries for its medical properties and as a dietary supplement. In Greece, around 400 BC the father of modern medicine – Hippocrates prescribed ACV with honey to treat many ailments. By the later part of the 1700s about 70% of all farmers in USA’s New England states owned-operated apple cider milling/pressing equipment.  Due to the many uses and availability of ACV, it became a common currency of exchange – particularly in rural areas where coins were comparatively in short supply.

 

Naturally fermented, unpasteurized, organic ACV contains ‘mother of vinegar’ - a cloudy sediment-filled liquid which contains the healthful properties of ACV.

Distilled, pasteurized, over-processed ACV (the type of ACV that is available at most the grocery stores), lacks the beneficial properties of unpasteurized, organic ACV as the pasteurizing, filtering process destroys the ‘mother of vinegar’.

In this article you will learn about…

• The beneficial properties of ACV;
• Health benefits of ACV;
• The many beneficial ways to use ACV for your dog’s health;
• What to look for when buying ACV;
• Cautions, side effects.

 Beneficial Properties In Mother of Vinegar

• Acetic acid (the primary active ingredient);
• Amino, Lactic and Propionic Acid;
• Anti-bacterial – when used topically and ingested, ACV inhibits the growth of bad bacteria;
• Anti-fungal;
• Anti-viral;
• Vitamins and minerals including:
• Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, B2 and B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Pro-vitamin Beta-Carotene, Vitamin P (bioflavonoids);
• Potassium – protects against tooth decay, heart-healthy as it helps to keeps blood pressure in-check – ACV is an excellent source of easily-absorbable potassium;
  Pectin – helps lower LDL (bad cholesterol);
• Potash – source of fibre.

Health Benefits/Uses of Organic ACV

Aids Digestion
ACV helps to stimulate stomach acid. Stomach acid aids the digestion of protein and fats.

De-ToxerACV helps to clean the blood and liver of toxins. A constant and heavy toxic load forces the liver to work overtime – eventually leading to organ fatigue, toxicity and finally organ failure. A dog can end-up carrying a serious toxic load as he/she may ingest and otherwise absorb multiple toxins in the course of a typical day…for example:

• Many commercially manufactured dog food (dry kibble, wet canned food, treats);
• Fluorinated water;
• Road-salt(very carcinogenic);
• Chemical-based household cleaners (breathing in the vapours, licking surfaces, lying on chemically cleaned surfaces);
• Surface contact and/or ingesting grass treated with fertilizers and pesticides. 

Dietary Supplement

ACV can be used topically and as a dietary supplement. As a dietary supplement ACV can be added directly to your dog’s fresh drinking water or to one of your dog’s daily meals. I add ACV directly to my dogs’ food once a day.

Dosage:

• Small Dogs (and cats) up to 14 lbs - 1 tsp;
• Medium Dogs (and cats) 15 lbs to 34 lbs - 2 ts;
• Large Dogs:
• 35 lbs to 84 lbs - 1 tbs;
• 85 lbs to 134 lbs - 1.5 tbsp;
• 135 lbs to 200 lbs – 2 tbsp.

Ear Care

• ACV can be used to clean your dog’s ear;
• ACV can be used to treat yeast –based ear infections.

• Combine equal parts of ACV and distilled water, mix the solution; 
• With a syringe or dropper, gently drop about 10 drops of the liquid into your dog’s /cat's ear - make sure that the syringe is located at the entrance to the ear canal - the syringe should never be placed inside of the ear canal. 
• Gently rub/massage the ear in a circular motion, then remove your hand and let your dog/cat shake its head.

Caution – do not use this treatment if you dog’s ear drums are perforated or punctured. To learn more on about ear infections, causes and treatments continue reading here.

If your dog is prone to yeast-based ear infections…

• Most cases of yeast-based ear infections in dogs are a result of Candida (overgrowth of bad bacteria in the GI Tract which causes leaky-gut syndrome and results in yeast infection which may surface in the ears, paws, etc. 
• Grains in a dog's diet are the number one cause of food sensitivity leading to yeast infections!
• Sugar in a dog’s diet can cause Candida – many commercially made dog treats/dog food contain both grains and sugar!

• So, to cure the problem you have to do two things:  
• Get the intensity of the infection – inflammation, under control = the treatment; 
• Fix your dog’s diet - this is the long-term maintenance portion of the solution = the remedy.

Fur and Skin Health
ACV helps prevent dry skin, promotes the growth and maintenance of healthy fur and is effective in the treatment of:

• Acne – apply undiluted ACV with a soft cloth or cotton ball;
• Burns (minor) – apply undiluted ACV with a soft cloth or cotton ball;
• Hot Spots;
• Skin Infections.

As a Treatment for Hot Spots and Skin Infections

For hot spots and skin infections:

• Bath your dog in a warm (not hot!) Rooibos Tea, and;
• Then do a second rinse using:
• 1 part ACV to 3 parts water – if the effected spot is small you can use a soft cloth or cotton ball to apply both rinses.
• If the skin is broken dilute the ACV mixture further (1 part ACV to 4 parts water);
• Then be very careful as the acidic nature of ACV can cause stinging/pain; 
• Test a small area first by dabbing the ACV/water solution with a cotton ball onto a tiny test area, do not do a full soak on skin with broken areas without testing first!
• My dogs are very tolerant of ACV and have never reacted to it with discomfort.

Skunk Odour treatment

• Sponge undiluted ACV onto fur and skin – avoiding eyes;
• Allow the ACV to dry;
• Follow with non-toxic, non-carcinogenic Shampoo and Rinse

GI Tract Health - Promotes Growth of Good Flora
ACV is a prebiotic and helps maintain the proper acid/alkaline balance of the digestive tract.

• Prebiotics feed probiotics;
• Probiotics are the healthy microorganisms (good bacteria) that reside in a dog’s GI Tract.
• When the population of good bacteria is depleted bad bacteria can flourish resulting in candida and other health issues.

Insect Repellent – Natural, Safe

Parasites such as fleas, ticks mosquitoes and worms do not do well in an environment that is not supportive of their life and reproductive requirements. Such parasites do not like acidic environments. ACV is acidic and therefore not an attractive substance for these parasites. The following topical treatment kills adult fleas and is soothing for the dog’s skin…

Topical Treatment for Infestation of Fleas
Toxin and Carcinogen-free Pet Shampoo

This treatment kills fleas as they will drown in the soapy water, the after shampoo rinse and spray acidifies the surface of skin and fur making it an inhospitable environment for fleas…

You will need:

• An 8 oz bottle;
• Tea Tree Oil;
• 100% Aloe Vera Juice;
• ACV;
• Fresh, clean water.

Preparation

• Pour the shampoo into the 8 ounce bottle;
• Add 10 drops of tea tree oil;
• Add 1 tablespoon of aloa vera juice;
• Shake well.

 Treatment

• Shampoo Your Dog;
• Wait 6 to 10 minutes.

Rinse Your Dog

• Then rinse with ACV diluted in water – 1 tablespoon ACV for every pint of water.
• Allow your dog to shake the excess water off;

 After-Rinse Spray

• Then follow-up with a spray of equal parts ACV to water;  
• You can also add fresh squeezed lemon juice;
• Do not get the shampoo, rinse or spray in your dog’s eyes;
• The spray can be used on a daily basis and may be used several times a day.

Body pH Balance - Restore, Maintain Good pH Balance

ACV is an excellent aid to restore pH balance. Poor diet can disrupt the pH balance of your dog’s blood. Acidification of the blood creates a foot-hold for the development of various illnesses.

AVC for Cleaning

Daily exposure to the air born vapours, droplets, and surface residue of chemical based household cleaners are one of the villains a dog’s system must fight to stay healthy. You can help reduce the daily stress on his/her system by making your own dog friendly household cleaners. In addition, many of the chemicals are lethally poisonous to dogsand other animals. You can use ACV as a multipurpose cleaner either on its own or with fresh lemon juice and/or baking soda. I use ACV to clean counters, floors, carpet etc. ACV is an amazing all-purpose house-hold cleaner. To learn about the many ways you can use ACV to replace chemical based household cleaners read on here.

Cautions, Side Effects
If your dog is on insulin or diuretics do not add ACV to his/her diet without consulting your veterinarian as there could be an interaction between the insulin/drugs and the ACV. When ACV is taken with a meal, ACV slows the rise of blood sugar – this suggests that a reduced amount of insulin is required to process the food. The dosage of insulin you give your dog may have to be adjusted to account for lower blood-sugar levels.

Dogs who are suffering from an irritated intestinal tract lining should not take (ingest) ACV.

What to Look for When Buying Organic ACV

Make sure you are purchasing ACV which is:

• Organic;
  Organic ACV has more nutrients than non-organic ACV;
• Organic ACV does not have the high-levels of toxins (pesticides and herbicides) present in ACV made from non-organic apples;
• Unfiltered;
• Unpasteurized – you should be able to see a little sediment floating at the bottom of the bottle.

Fish, Fish Meal and Ethoxyquin – Danger, Do you Really Want This in Your Dog and Cat Food?

This article discusses two very important issues regarding your dog’s diet and health…

1. Fish in your Dog’s Diet – is it really as good for your dog as the pet food industry purports it to be? and;
2. The Very Dangerous Preservative used in Fish Meal – Ethoxyquin and why you should stop feeding your dog any product that contains fish meal.

First, Let’s Talk About Fish in Your Dog’s Diet and Pet Food Industry Deceit/Greed

Fish-based dog kibble has become a very in-demand consumer item on pet store shelves. But is it really good for your dog – the answer is NO, and here is why…

It is very important to understand that when provided in the right quantity - fatty fish (i.e. herring, mackerel, menhaden, salmon, sardines, sprat), are an excellent source of protein and omega 3 fatty acids. 

If fish represents a large portion of a dog’s daily diet (or if fed fish exclusively) fish becomes a very dangerous food stuff. Large amounts can result in a thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, leading to:

• Appetite loss;
• Weight loss;
• Seizures, and in severe cases;
• Death.

On a daily basis, my dogs each get a small piece of fatty fish; however this fish represents only a small percentage of their daily food intake.

So, in light of the fact that too much fish can be damaging to a dog’s health...

Why are pet food manufacturers producing lines of dog kibble that feature primarily fish?  To make money from waste that would otherwise be thrown away...

Because...

• They use the by-product of fish processed for human consumption - which they would otherwise have to throw away - and instead make money on this waste product;
• Fishery waste is i.e. fin, tail, head, scales, sludge) which cannot be used in human-grade products;
• They use whole fish that cannot be used to produce human-grade food – i.e. the fish was dead, diseased or dying when harvested.
• They can use fish meal, an inexpensive source of protein;
• Fish meal is made from fish harvested for that specific purpose – i.e. herring, menhaden, pollack, etc.

 And They Make It Sound Like You are Getting Great Value For your Money...

  

But What They Are Really Doing is...

• Conning you into thinking the product is great for your dog by leveraging the ‘hot’ words Omega Fatty Acids;
• Taking advantage of the growing number of dogs that are acquiring food sensitivities to more typical protein sources (like beef and chicken) which are full of toxins (growth hormones, antibiotics). Also unless the label on the food says otherwise is from dead, diseased, dying or disabled (4D) animals. 

In other words – the pet food industry is not introducing fish into your dog’s diet for your dog’s health but instead to make a tidy profit regardless of the health cost to your dog.

The irresponsibility does not stop there…

Having advised many client’s about truly nutritional and safe diets for their dog’s I have had a lot of opportunity to hear the expectations of those loving humans who try to provide the best for their dogs. I have heard so many say ‘but the pet store staff told us this was a good product’ or ‘the label says Omega Fatty Acids, and this is an expensive-to-purchase kibble so we thought it really did meet nutritional requirements for our dog’s daily intake of Omega Fatty Acids’. I then walk them through the ‘rip-off’. Most consumers have absolutely no idea what is the correct ratio of Omega 3:6. They also do not know the serious impact on their dog’s health of an non-balanced intake. The manufacturers know that the typical consumer is not well-informed regarding this issue – and take advantage they do – big time.

Despite the fact that manufacturers are leveraging the idea of great health via the provision of Omega Fatty Acids, I have not seen one dog food – including fish-based kibbles, that provide a proper balance of Omega 3 to Omega 6 Fatty Acids. The ratio should be in the range of 2:1 for Omega-3 to Omega-6. Meaning for every 1 part of Omega 6 there should be 2 parts Omega 3.

Commercially made dog food is - in every product I have looked at to date, in direct opposition to this essential balance. If you look at a dog food kibble label you will find copious amounts of Omega 6 and in comparison an infinitesimal amount of Omega 3. An out-of-balance ratio can disrupt the balance of pro and anti-inflammatory agents in the body resulting in chronic inflammation and elevation of the risk of health issues such as allergies, arthritis, diabetes and more – to understand more about the benefits and risks read more here.

And we have yet to talk about Ethoxyquin…

So what does this have to do with fish? 

Well almost all fish meal used in dog and cat food contains Ethoxyquin. Ethoxyquin is used as a preservative in pet foods to prevent the (further) rancidification of fats. It should be noted that much of the meat and fat used in pet food is rancid prior to being processed into the kibble as the ingredients used may be waste that cannot be used in human grade food processing).

But you will NOT see it (Ethoxyquin) listed on the ingredients. And here is why…

Ethoxyquin isan anti-oxidant used as a food preservative and a pesticide (called ‘Stop-Scald’). It is listed and identified as a hazardous chemical by OHSA. It has a rating of 3 on a scale of 1 to 6; with 6 indicating super-toxicity and requiring less than 7 drops to cause death. The containers that Ethoxyquin is stored and shipped in are marked with the word/symbol ‘POISON’. The US Department of Agriculture lists and controls Ethoxyquin as a pesticide.

The FDA has mandated that Ethoxyquin is no longer legal for use in human food – with the exception of some spices. The use of Ethoxyquin remains legal for use in animal grade food.

Ethoxyquin Is a Known Carcinogen...

It causes:

• Cancer of the kidneys;
• Significantly increases the chance of stomach tumours, and;
• Bladder cancer, it has also been shown to cause;
• Allergic reactions;
• Behaviour problems;
• Deformity in puppies;
• Infertility;
• Organ failure;
• Skin problems.

Sixteen plus years ago, on August 14, 1997 the FDA issued a statement (you can read it here) in which the FDA reveals that on July 31, 1997 the FDA advised manufacturers and trade associations for the pet food industry regarding serious issues over the assumed ‘safe’ dosage of Ethoxyquin as related back to the FDA’s ‘voluntary’ request to pet food manufacturers to lower the level of this very toxic chemical in the making of dog food.

A year and a half ago, on May 25, 2012 the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) issued another notice – this one to remind the industry about the labelling and use requirements for Ethoxyquin. You can read it here.

Suffice it to say that Ethoxyquin is a seriously dangerous substance – banned from human consumption due to its grave and lethal dangers. It should be banned from dog and cat (as well as other animal) food, but to date it has not been. 

Why? 

Well it is not because it does not pose a very serious threat to non-human animal health but instead due to lobbying. And believe me the company that makes Ethoxyquin is no stranger to the practice of lobbying…

Monsanto the company responsible for lies and conceits, for damaging the environment and the food chain -  with their (Monsanto’s) bevy of toxic pesticides and herbicides – with their round-up ready Genetically Modified seeds, knows how to keep their products from being banned…no matter what the cost to human and non human animals, and the environment. Monsanto are after all the masters of greed for profit, regardless of the cost to the health of living beings and ultimately the planet.

So, if you are feeding your dog or cat ANY product that contains fish meal – unless the manufacturer clearly states that the product is ethoxyquin free, throw it in the garbage!

And, in complete contrast to the pet food industry’s intent for your dog – let me just say… this article is for the true health of your dog!

And by the way if you have not had previous exposure to the evils of Monsanto – you can get a crash course by reading here. 

You will see the importance and impact to your health as well. And then you will understand why I sign every petition I can against GMO and the evils of Monsanto.

Dogs and Wolves

Test time here!

"True" or "false": 

Dogs are not wolves.

If you said "True"....oops, you flunked. While there are minor differences, dogs and wolves actually belong to the same genus and species.

But you certainly would not be alone in this belief. Plenty of conventional authors and canine "nutritionists" are calling attention to an article published in "Nature" magazine Jan 23, 2013. This article claims that dogs have only recently developed the ability to digest carbohydrates. We now see many canine nutrition websites blaring the headline: "DOGS ARE NOT WOLVES"! The purpose of such sensational and misleading headlines seems to be to justify the pet food industry's continued abuse of dogs' digestive systems by intentionally feeding them a carbohydrate-based diet like kibbled dog food.


What this study does not highlight, however, is the fact that, genetically, dogs ARE wolves. Based on genetic research done by evolutionary and molecular biologist Dr. Robert Wayne at UCLA, in 1993, dogs were re-classified from Canis familiaris" to "Canis lupus" ssp "familiaris"

In other words, dogs are the same genus and species as the gray wolf. They are merely a subspecies of the grey wolf and do not differ significantly from the grey wolf. All breeds of dogs are still just variations on the grey wolf.

Let's repeat that again, for emphasis. In all significant ways, there is no meaningful difference between the grey wolf and the dog. The gray wolf and the dog share 99.8% of the same mitochondrial DNA. For comparison, the gray wolf and the coyote only share 96% of the same mitochondrial DNA. Dogs are directly descended from the gray wolf, sharing their anatomy and physiology.

The basic definition of a species is the ability to breed and produce fertile offspring, and dogs bred to wolves produce fertile offspring.

Simply because selective breeding in dogs has produced various types and colors, sizes and shapes does not mean that dogs are a separate species from wolves. It's been long established that dogs and the gray wolf have the same genes, and the same basic anatomy and physiology. Based on appearance alone, dog breeds are more dissimilar from each other than these breeds are from their prototype ancestor, the grey wolf. Are Chihuahuas a different type of animal than a Scottish Deerhound? Nope. Any difference wrought by human selective breeding could be wiped out in just a generation or two of breeding back to the grey wolf.

However, let's examine the digestive tract, which seems to be the "proof" that is spurring this recent claim that because dogs can digest carbohydrates, they are therefore separate and distinct from wolves. Dogs and wolves both have jaws that move only up and down, not side to side, with teeth that mesh in a scissors-type fashion. Their sharp pointed teeth are meant for shearing, not grinding. They are carnivores. Omnivores and herbivores have flat molars and jaws that can move in a side-to-side fashion designed for grinding grains, fruits and vegetables. Neither dogs nor wolves have saliva that produce amylase (the enzyme that begins digestion of starch in the mouth). Dogs and wolves both have short intestinal tracts, designed for quick digestion of proteins and fats. Vegetable matter takes many hours to digest and process in an animal's gut. Unless carbohydrates in the diet are highly processed and refined, they are not able to be digested and absorbed by dogs.

And we all know how much valuable nutrition is left in processed, refined foods, right? Think white flour or white rice. Nothing left there but "empty calories"....or so dieticians have informed us for years. Virtually no vitamins or minerals remain after processing. But now, we are supposed to believe that empty calories are beneficial for our canine pals.

The dog's liver produces all the vitamin C he ever needs. No need to derive that from fruits. There is, however, a significant need for specific amino acids in large quantities in the diet, particularly during growth and development. Proteins that are complete, in significant amounts, are necessary to keep a dog healthy. Rather than try to keep complete proteins at the essential bare minimum, dogs should be fed more in line with their natural diet which is protein-rich. No need to feed your dog on the "minimum wages of nutrition" that are so stingily provided in commercial foods.

It is well-documented in multiple studies that unless a dog has kidney or liver disease, protein in the diet does not pose any sort of health risk whatsoever. Even elderly dogs with compromised kidney function related to old age do better with higher protein than was currently believed to be "safe".

The fact that dogs (and wolves) can ingest some carbohydrate-based foods is not a secret, nor is it any new development. Check any scientific wolf website and you will find that wolves do eat fruits, vegetables and berries in small amounts. However, at issue is the huge percentage of carbohydrates that we feed the domestic dog in the way of commercial dog food. (Usually well over 50% carbs). No wolf or indeed any canid can remain healthy on a diet that is primarily grain-based carbohydrates.

In fact, recent studies on HUMAN diet demonstrates that high amounts of carbohydrates are unhealthy for us, too. Since mankind began to farm, and agriculture "improved" our lives to provide us a diet based on grains, the human brain has become significantly smaller. Vegetarian humans also have smaller brains than their omnivorous counterparts. Hmmm. Why even herbivores like cows are said to thrive more healthily on diets where they graze on natural grasses and vegetation instead of being fed strictly grains in a feed lot.

Evolution over 10,000 years of domestication has failed to produce any significant mutations that separate dogs from wolves to the extent that they have evolved into a different species.

For some reason, folks out there....veterinarians, dog food companies, canine "advisors"...are just itching to turn back the clock of genetic science and molecular biology and convince us that dogs and wolves are DIFFERENT. After all, you can tell just by looking at them...it's obvious, right?

Wrong again. Looks only show us the characteristics that man has intentionally bred for. All those characteristics had their potential in the genetic makeup of the wolf. THAT is what should be obvious to anyone with a background in science.

It's convenient for some to attempt to justify the recommendation for feeding a cheap diet based on grains, and to try to support the status quo of using inferior foodstuffs from the dregs of the human food chain, but it also is disingenuous to our claim of caring enough about our dogs to want to provide them with optimal nutrition.

Separation Anxiety, Doggie Prozac - Does the Pet Industry Lack Ethics?

CAN SEPARATION ANXIETY BE SAFELY TREATED or EVEN CURED BY USING DRUGS (SSRIS)?

THE ANSWER IS NO!

I do not recommend the use of anti-depressant SSRIS (i.e. Reconcile) for dogs. Reconcile is actually Prozac. Prozac/Reconcile:

• Will NOT cure separation anxiety, or any other anxiety for that matter;
• Has many and serious, including lethal side effects;
• Actually induces many of the symptoms of anxiety, and;
• Can make the anxiety a heightened and chronic condition.

Separation Anxiety can be Summarized as Follows...

• The Root Cause of separation anxiety is insecurity;
• Provocation can be immediate or accumulated;
• The Source of the provocation is predominantly caused by inadvertent human-based influence;
• However the condition may also be triggered and/or exacerbated by a sudden traumatic event or an event in tandem with human-based influence;
• The Result of provocation without proper intervention is a destabilized physiological state - 'an altered normal' which when addressed properly can be reversed.

So, Lets Have a Serious Talk About Doggie Prozac

In 2006, thepharmaceutical giant Lilly (also known as Eli Lilly), decided to launch a new drug in its line of pharmaceuticals for dogs.

This new wonder drug was actually Prozac (generic name fluoxetine, also produced by other companies under the trade name Sarafem, Fontex, etc.) an anti-depressant which is used for humans who suffer from depression and other mental/mood disorders (anxieties). The drug company renamed Prozac in order to re-badge it as a canine drug - its new name was 'Reconcile'  

Prozac is an anti depressant and an SSRI - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. SSRIs work by altering the action of the neurotransmitter serotonin.  Serotonin a) regulates aging, learning and memory; b) mood; c) sleep and other important functions. Unbalanced serotonin levels can play a role in anxiety problems, digestive and appetite issues. The range of common and rare side effects of Prozac are very extensive.

  

Lilly's pre-approval testing for human use, included testing of the drug on dogs. In one study,  six dogs were intentionally overdosed with oral fluoxetine (soon to be called Prozac). Five of these dogs experienced grand mal seizures. The study reports that 'the lowest plasma concentration at which a seizure occurred was only twice the maximum plasma concentration seen in humans taking 80 mg/day, chronically.' This means that in dogs, just a relatively small amount of Prozac is enough to create seizures and grand mal-seizures (lethal seizures) in dogs.

When Lilly decided to move forward with their new doggy Prozac drug 'Reconcile' they carried out additional 'testing' on dogs as part of the pre-approval process to obtain FDA approval to market Reconcile. In one such ‘study’ Lilly gave the drug to a 117 dogs. Three of the 117 dogs experienced seizures – for one of the dogs the seizure was fatal.   

In my opinion:

• 3 seizures resulting out of 117 dogs tested reflects a very high rate;
• 1 death out of 117 dogs tested is an unacceptable risk;

Another test of the drug was carried out on five beagles. Three of these five beagles either died or were euthanized due to severe damage resulting from the drug in the first six months of the study. Look at the numbers – that is a high incidence of serious side effects - including death.

In addition to the very real threat of seizures...

Doggie Prozac - Reconcile has More Side Effects

• Anxiety - ludicrous as Reconcile is marketed to resolve anxiety;
• Aggression;
• Brittle Bones - taking SSRIs may double chance of bone fractures (serotonin has a significant role in bone density);
• Excessive Panting;
• GI Tract disturbance - also ludicrous. 
• Consider the fact that the GI Tract health is indelibly linked to a healthy mind and balanced psychological state...the bodies second brain is the GI Tract.  
• When the GI tract is under assault:
• Your dog's immune system is suppressed leaving your dog susceptible to illness; 
• The gut - when healthy, actually produces more mood-boosting serotonin than the brain does. (Serotonin a}regulates aging, learning and memory; b} mood; c} sleep and other important functions. Unbalanced serotonin levels can play a role in anxiety problems, digestive and appetite issues).
• Hyperactivity;
• Hightened risk of heart problems;
•  Irrationality; 
• Increased risk of diabetes;  
• Pregnancy - dogs that are pregnant should not take Reconcile as it cases multiple serious complications.

If Reconcile has an extensive list of interactions with other mendicants - so it is of the utmost importance to ensure that - if prescribed - all interactions are considered...for example - interference and serious side effects such as:

• Exaserbation of general side effects;
• Overdose;
• Rapid decrease on health;
• Death.
  

Note that Reconcile does not start to take effect until  it has been administered for 10 to 14 days. In addition, Lilly wants your dog to be on the drug for a minimum of 8 weeks - plenty of time for extensive damage to be done to your dog by a drug that is aggressively marketed to 'help' your dog.

Antidepressants such as Reconcile can actually turn the anxiety into a deeper and chronic condition as many of its side effects are the same as the symptoms of the anxious condition.

Despite the dangerous nature of the drug, Reconcile was approved by the FDA in April of 2007 – of course Lilly began to aggressively marketing Reconcile to veterinarians right away.  As part of their marketing campaign they created a website for the product. Much like the campaigns by *IAMS and *Ralston Purina (you know the cute TV commercials), Lilly's ‘Reconcile’ website is filled with pictures of adorable, HEALTHY dogs who are standing beside chewed furniture etc. In small print further down the web page Lilly states that the adverse reactions of the drug, include: seizures, weight loss, lethargy, depression, decreased appetite, vomiting, tremor, diarrhea, restlessness, otitis externa, disorientation, incoordination, constipation, excessive salivation. Lilly also states on marketing and labeling information that Reconcile should not be used on dogs with epilepsy or a history of seizures, and also states that ‘Seizures may occur in dogs treated with Reconcile chewable tablets, even in dogs without a history of epilepsy or seizures.’

The Reconcile site also says ‘The effectiveness and clinical safety of Reconcile chewable tablets for long-term use (i.e. for more than 8 weeks) has not been evaluated.’ Yikes! Then it says ‘It can take time to see improvement in your pet's behaviors. If you don't see immediate improvement, continue with Reconcile for as long as your veterinarian has indicated. Don't give up! It is important that you continue the medication as prescribed.’ Quite a sales pitch.

After Lilly launched Reconcile in April of 2007, they did what they know best – bribe Veterinarians to prescribe the product. When Lilly reviewed their sales later that year – their animal health care sales in the US had increased by 18%. Great marketing job of a lethal drug with at best serious side effects - all for something that can and should be cured via dealing with the psychology of the situation – the true root cause.

The Division of Surveillance for the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine sent a warning letter to Elanco – sighting them for suggesting (on their website and other marketing materials) that ‘the product is more effective than has been demonstrated.’ The FDA warned Lilly-Elanco to change its marketing materials and Web site text.  The FDA noted that Lilly had neglected to mention that simple behavior modification on its own – without drugs, worked nearly as well as their drug. Had the FDA seen what someone who understands dogs can really do they would have understood that b-mod accomplished with psychological intervention works many times better than any drug. 

In response to the FDA, Lilly developed a combo approach which they called the ‘BOND’ program – offering a several week ‘training’ course in combination with use of the drug. BOND stands for:

• Be positive;
• Only reward calm behaviour;
• No more drama when coming and going, and;
• Develop the dog's independence.

 On the BOND Training section of their website site Lilly notes ‘This process may take a week or more, depending on the individual dog.’ Yet Lilly also states that the drug should be used for 8 consecutive weeks or more – illogical? Nope, not if you are greedy. In the US alone it is reported that there are 10.7 million dogs with separation anxiety. Multiply that by the cost of a month’s supply of the drug and you have quite a profit for Lilly. What a racket – ethical, I don’t think so.

The sad thing is that many veterinarians don’t think twice about prescribing such drugs - they, like Lilly, are in for the profit and/or do not understand the severity of the side effects and/or would rather make the $ than recommend a reputable professional that could cure the separation anxiety without further harming the dog. 

I have worked with many clients who were told by a veterinarian, trainer and or behaviourist (yeap, in some cases all three) that the only solution (to their dogs anxiety) is doggie Prozac or euthanasia. Yet by utilizing my methods – which are humane – the separation anxiety is cured. I also address diet as nutrition is directly linked to mental health (as well as physical health). 

Some people try ‘Thunder Shirts’ and Flower Essence but it has been my experience and that of the people that come to me that such interventions are at best not so effective –we as humans have all we need within ourselves to effect a cure for things like separation anxiety…self-awareness, self-restraint, self-discipline used to enable truly aware communication. This is what I teach my clients. To train a dog you simply need to train the dog’s human. Humans create anxiety in dogs - surely as an intelligent species we should have the intelligence to de-create such conditions without further harming the dog. To understand separation anxiety  -  its cause and the proper way by which to resolve the condition you can read this.

Oh and about all those 'cute' adorable dog food commercials on TV curtsey of Purina and Iams...

Iams and Ralston Purina not only invasive and lethally test their products on dogs (and cats) they are also responsible for so many pets acquiring chronic health issues, from serious reoccurring ear infections to renal failure, diabetes, cancer etc. You can read more on that here. 

Equal or even worse than these products are many of the products sold in veterinarians offices. Two such examples-  the veterinarian line of ‘Royal Canine’ dog kibble and Hills Dog Kibble. Check out the ingredients and then go to my article on choosing a Good Dog Kibble. The number of clients I have worked with - who were advised by their veterinarians to place their dog on these costly but very damaging foods; is numerous. Many were paying $100 for a bag of food only to find that their dogs acquired chronic ear infections, renal issues and worse.

Did you know that Pet Smart does not carry one safe truly nutritious dog kibble among all the products on their shelves? 

Walmart supplies a huge percentage of the dog kibble to pet-owners in North America - all of the dog kibble products Walmart sells are seriously damaging to your dog's health.

Much like any sector of industry - ethics are not a strong feature in the Pet Industry. 

I will provide you with a very recent example – I received this yesterday…

Hi Karen,
Our 13 1/2 yr. old pitbull recently had a laryngeal tieback surgery that required her to be fed entirely differently than ever before. She had always been on Evo (grain free) and baked skinless chicken. Now, the doctors prescribed that she must eat wet food only and be hand fed in small meatballs. The surgery itself is quite intense but the rehab is even more so. Phoebe has always had a very delicate stomach. I noted that to the doctors. We tried every premium canned food , all with the same awful results...diarrhea. She was sick all of the time and loosing weight rapidly. Every time that her stomach sent acids etc into her throat, she would faint...it was beginning to be a daily occurance...her life was all day sick on the couch, not wanting to eat and needing to relieve herself every two hours. We were a nervous wreck about the fainting, as was she. The doctors finally agreed to allow me to make a gruel out of her kibble and process it together with her chicken and feed her in tiny meatballs, by hand. She remained sick to her stomach still. They then decided to put her on an antibiotic and two stomach meds...much to my dismay...but, I was desperate to make her well and felt completely out of control with the situation. Finally, I woke one morning 5 months had passed and I had had enough...I was reclaiming my dogs health and happiness that day. Period. Your recipes for homemade dog food had the exact same ingredients as the premium kibble only minus the elements that I long suspected had been a source of aggravation to her digestion. Anyway, the food had everything that she has loved all of her life! Well, I made the first batch and she went nuts...now, this is a dog who I was forcing food on...and it would come out just as fast. She has been on your recipe for one month now. She is gaining back the weight that she lost. Her brindle colors are bright again. She is perky...grabbing toys and wrestling with the other dogs and greeting everyone at the door as they come home at night. Her bowel movements are absolutely perfect...I mean PERFECT!! I cannot thank you enough...my family cannot thank you enough because you have brought joy and health back into her life. And, the best news, she is not on any stomach meds at all! Her doctors keep insisting that she would have been fine to stay on the kibble! NOT SO. She is a completely different dog today than she was a month ago and it is all because of the food. PERIOD. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you...by the way, the other dogs love it too! We all really appreciate you and your recipe more than you will ever know! Love, Phoebe and family
Debi Beno

Today, Debi went to her veterinarian to inform them of the good news, this is what she wrote me after her visit…

Thank you for the links, I look forward to reading them today! Just wanted to share with you my experience yesterday...I have been so excited to share my news of Phoebe's progress with her doctor that I decided to give him a call yesterday...omg...one of his nurses is always very interested in asking about Phoebe so, when she answered the phone, I thought that I would also share my exciting news with her...she actually froze on the phone and, when she was able to recover her wits, she (in a whisper tone) relayed to me that the doctors are going to be "very upset" to hear of me feeding her this way! UPSET????? So, you are telling me that they will be UPSET that Phoebe is feeling GOOD ?( I said to her). Oh Debi, she said, there is NO WAY that you can be giving her all of the vitamins and minerals that she needs by making food for her...then, one of the doctors walked out (over hearing our conversation) and began to lecture me on my deciding to do this!!! I did not even wait for her doctor to come out, I simply looked at the room now bursting with staff and said, " If ANY of the doctors here had been able to make her feel this good, with all of their prescriptions and advice and medical expertise, we would not even be having this discussion"...and I left. Wow...when a caretaker is telling you that your patient is doing great for the first time in 6 months, I would have thought that they would have a way different response....how terribly disappointing. Thanks again for the links...maybe I will send them to the vets office :)

Trust not the pet industry, trust your instinct…which is what a dog does :>)

As an intervention coupled with effective training methods - ensuring that your dog has enough Omega-3 Fatty Acids in his/her daily diet is a safer, more effective way (than Prozac) to support your dog in over-coming anxiety issues - you can learn more about that here.

I advise my clients to get their dogs off of these toxic, carcinogenic, non-species appropriate diets ASAP and replace them with a:

• Grain-free;
• GMO free product, or make homemade dog food,and add
• Fresh-food to their dog's diet;
• Balance the Omega Fatty Acids in their dog's diet;
• And I may advise them  to add some other very beneficial food stuffs such as:   
• Garlic;
• Lemon;
• Turmeric;
• and/or other items depending on the individual case.

And that IS the honest truth - for the health of your dog.