GHS Natural Health Blog

The Bach Flower Remedies are nontoxic and will not adversely affect any other animals in the household. It is fine to put the remedy in a common water dish.

In some cases we may even want to treat multiple animals in this way. The Bach Flowers work through a principle of resonance; if the animal needs the remedy, the remedy will act. If the particular remedy is not correct, there will simply be no effect.

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To make up a combination, use 2 drops of each desired flower essence to one ounce of water; for Rescue Remedy use 4 drops per ounce of water. You can add up to 20% alcohol (usually brandy or vodka) as a preservative as desired, but some animals dislike the taste. (You can use flower remedies straight from the stock bottle, but they taste terrible!) You may use up to 6 essences in combination, with Rescue Remedy counting as one essence. In general, use the fewest essences possible.

The remedy can be given by mouth, which is the most effective method. Only a few drops (4-8) are necessary, and need not be swallowed, but only must contact the mucous membranes (gums, tongue, lips). Be careful not to contaminate the dropper by touching it to the animal (if this occurs, rinse the dropper in very hot water before returning it to the bottle). You can also add a dropper-full to the water dish, or a few drops on wet food (there is no effect of dilution).

You can add a dropper-full to a spray bottle filled with spring water, and use it to spray a room, carrier, car, around litter boxes or plants, or other problem areas. You can even put a few drops in your hand and pat the animal on the head and around the ears with it–the head is very sensitive to energy and will absorb the flower essences in this way. In the case of chewing or excessive licking or hot spots, you might want to try applying the remedy directly to the problem spot (if it isn’t too raw, otherwise the remedy will sting); the animal will then consume it when it next licks that area.

My large dog gets a lot of bacterial ear infections

Dogs have an incredible sense of hearing. To protect their hearing and prevent damage to the ear drum, their ear canals are L-shaped. The problem with this design is that it allows the ears to trap parasites, moisture, debris, and earwax, and any of these can lead to ear infections.

and inflamed feet

Use a bowl for the paws and soak in 50/50 water and vinegar (acetic acid) . There is research that suggests processed foods cause inflamed feet and other conditions. Eliminate toxins with a healthy, all natural diet, homemade or high quality commercial food that does not  contain corn, additives or preservatives.

and a friend suggested feeding him yoghurt

There has been an increase in the use of natural foods and supplements, including yoghurt, to enhance the nutritional balance in dogs. Dogs do need calcium, but overfeeding high-calcium foods can increase bone abnormalities, so if you are considering giving your dog yogurt as an occasional supplement, about 1/4 cup yogurt once or twice a week should be adequate.

As dogs can be extremely sensitive to a variety of sugar substitutes it is important to use only plain, unflavored yogurt, and to check the label to be sure it contains active yogurt cultures (active L. acidophilus). Some people may also use an acidophillus capsule as well. The capsule can be opened and sprinkled on food.

After much googling I’ve discovered that acidophilus and Pau d’arco are very good for keeping things healthy. Would either of these human grade products be harmful for a 65kg dog?

The herb Pau d’arco, is a natural antibiotic that attacks fungi and bacteria and can be used on dogs. At the first sign of infection you can mix equal parts Pau d’arco extract and mineral oil and put several drops in your pet’s ears. Give the drops two or three times a day for several days.
  
I’ve found the Pau d’arco stuff on animal treatment websites but only in powder form, would capsules be better?

Pau d’Arco capsules could be taken internally one to 2 capsules daily with a meal.

Here are some other natural treatments for cleaning the ears and stopping infections.

1. Veterinarians often recommend using vinegar (acetic acid), because it removes dirt and debris and helps restore a healthy chemical balance in the ears. Diluted vinegar (equal parts vinegar and water) , pour a small amount into the ear canal, massage the area, then gently wipe the inside of the ear with a cotton ball. Do this once a day until the ear is better.

2. Wash out the ear carefully with vinegar and alcohol in a 1/1 ratio. After the ear is dry apply mullein and garlic oil to help prevent bacteria reforming. Mullein is found in quite a few ear preparations for dogs.

3. Air out the ears to Increase air circulation inside the ears to control the growth of bacteria, yeast and fungi. Trim or pluck hair inside the ears regularly to allow more air to get inside.

4. If an infection is caused by ear mites, clean wax and other debris from the ears then put a few drops of almond or olive oil in each ear to smother the mites and  allow the infection to heal. Continue the oil treatments for 3-4 weeks, 7 drops of oil into the ear canals each day.

5. Reduce inflammation with Vitamin C. Giving pets vitamin C can help the adrenal glands work more efficiently. Larger dogs can take up 500 milligrams a day. Vitamin C can cause diarrhea, so find an amount that your pet will tolerate. This can reduce the amount of wax that the ears produce, while also helping to boost the immune system.

Ear infections in pets can look and smell awful, but they usually affect only the outer part of the ear. Vigorous scratching can break blood vessels in the earflap, causing the entire ear to swell like a balloon. This condition is called hematoma and must be drained by a veterinarian to prevent permanent damage.

Other symptoms to watch out for include head tilting, clumsiness, walking in circles or drooping eyes. These can be signs of an inner ear infection and need to be treated by a vet.