Natural painkillers for dogs, cats and horses

Natural painkillers for dogs, cats and horses

When our horses, dogs or cats are chronically ill, we sometimes cannot avoid a treatment with painkillers or anti-inflammatories. The chemistry kitchens of pharmaceutical companies offer us the ‘Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs “(NSAIDs) or” NSAIDs “(NSAP) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc. These drugs relieve the symptoms of a disease (pain, inflammation), but they do not fight the causes. As a result, they become a permanent companion for some animals. With partly life-threatening consequences. Because NSAIDs or NSAP have partly considerable side effects. Horse, dog and cat owners who have been haunted by the suffering of their pets are therefore often looking desperately for a way out and then try out phytotherapy (herbal medicine). But are plants actually a drug to fight pain and inflammation?

natural painkillers for dogsRecently, I got an email from a dog owner. His favorite four-legged friend was suffering from various inflammatory and degenerative musculoskeletal disorders which were treated with painkillers for a long time, after which the animal had suffered a perforation. The man knew his dog´s illness very well and was super informed. He reported that his family had already tried everything and asked me now, if I had any idea of what to do.

This is no individual case. Far too often, I learn of horse, dog or cat owners, how much damage the NSAPs can wreak. Most of the stomach is affected: stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, gastritis or even perforation. How can this happen? Let´s take Aspirin as an example : The active ingredient of aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid = ASA. The acetyl group has the property to prevent blood clotting, which can then cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Even Ibuprofen and diclofenac go to the stomach. Paracetamol may be toxic to the liver. The choice between different anti-inflammatory drugs is therefore in terms of side effects, the choice between the plague and cholera.

So, back to nature regarding natural painkillers for dogs, cats and horses?

Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Although the excellent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of many plants have been proven by studies (mostly however only in humans), anyone who thinks that herbal painkillers had no side effects, unfortunately is mistaken. Even Paracelcus warned in terms of Phytotherapy “the dose makes the poison”. If plants were generally absolutely harmless, he would not have felt called upon to point out a responsible dosage. Therefore, many – but not all – natural substances are as irritant to the stomach as their synthetic counterpart – both for humans and for the horse, the dog and the cat. Incense, Yucca, Chilli, devil’s claw, ginger … all very potent plants … but just as strong in their side effects. For they also attack the stomach. That is why the above-mentioned plants are useful only as a short trigger but not in the long-term treatment.

However, there are also natural herbal painkillers for dogs, cats and horses without significant side effects!

Willow bark especially for dogs

The aforementioned dog owner was advised by his veterinarian to not use willow bark, on the ground, that this is the same as aspirin and would therefore also have the same side effects. Indeed, but this is not the case. For, although both have in common salicylic acid (salicin) as an active ingredient, they differ considerably in another point: willow bark does not have the additional occurring aspirin acetyl group and therefore not the devastating side effects. (And, yes, as already mentioned above, it is the acetyl group, which triggers microhaemorrhages, NOT the salicylic acid!) Recent studies even assume that the pain-relieving effect of willow bark is not only due to the salicin, but also to the other components of the willow bark such as tannins, proanthocyanidins and flavonoids. The only contraindication to the use of willow bark is a “Salicyl acid hypersensitivity” (0.2% of the human population suffer from it) and, unfortunately, the use in cats. Because cats can only degrade salicylic acid partly due to a glucuronidation weakness – it can therefore lead to poisoning.

However, humans are being recommended the use of willow bark in chronic diseases because, even though it builds its effect slower than aspirin, it can provide sustainable pain relief without side effects. Equally helpful I find willow bark for dogs. Horses, however metabolize the salicylic acid in one hour, which is not enough time to establish effective blood levels. Nevertheless, you can use willow bark in horses. The reason is that I have observed horses feasting on a willow tree in the cold season. Therefore the plant must bring them some kind of benefit.Even if it is only a short kick for the body. Nevertheless, every horse owner should be aware of the half-life of salicylic acid in the horse, because that separates the willow bark from a durable and constant pain treatment!

Natural painkillers for dogs, cats and horses … Here´s another advantage that plants have to drugs:

Plants intervene directly in the inflammatory process, rather than just to inhibit it

Nettle e.g.

natural painkillers for dogsThe NSAID or NSAP only fight the symptoms. They inhibit pain transmission and inflammation. According to studies, plants can do more than that. And so we’ll get to another herbal painkiller and anti-inflammatory that is often underestimated or not detected: the nettle. Several studies showed that the nettle does not only have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but also engages directly in the inflammatory process. How does it do it? It inhibits cytokines. These are the body’s own messengers that, in a complex sequence of events such as the attack of cartilage, lead to inflammation. Thus, there is direct intervention in the pathological event. Therefore, the nettle is not only a herbal painkiller and anti-inflammatories in the acute stage for horses, dogs and cats, but also a wonderful prophylaxis agents for example, Osteoarthritis predisposed animals in the early stages, etc.

The Rosehip

Another great herbal painkiller is rosehip (as dried whole fruit and powdered). This is due to its high content of naturally occurring vitamin C, which in ancient times has proven itself as particularly successful in the fight against inflammation, swelling and pain.

Pain-relieving plants for external use

Although they internally may need up to 3 weeks to reach their full analgesic potential, plants act immediately when applied externally. There is a wealth of opportunities – whereby not every plant is also equally skin-friendly. Anyone who wants to treat his horse or his dog longer with external applications, should take on the skin compatibility consideration. Because once the skin is damaged, another treatment won´t be possible for a long time.

Here´s a small collection without claim of completeness: Arnica (kind to the skin, except for Arnica allergy), comfrey (quite strong), nettle, fenugreek, calendula / calendula, cayenne pepper (strong irritant), St. John’s Wort (as oil), mint (as Oil)

And what about cats?

natural painkillers for dogs and catsYes, the poor cats are somewhat at a disadvantage as opposed to horses and dogs in terms of herbal painkillers. Because of their glucuronidation weakness they tolerate neither salicylic acid (such as mentioned above) nor essential oils. The selection is quite narrow. Luckily they seem, at least according to my present knowledge, to tolerate both nettle and rose hips! This way you can also provide cats with herbal anti-inflammatories. However, outwardly should only be contemplated, which may also be used internally in cats. Because as we know the little tigers lick really EVERYTHING from their coat that doesn´t belong there. Therefore nettle (as outer and inner treatment), or healing earth are recommendable in their case. Any other liniments based on alcohol, essential oils etc should not be used for the sake of the cat.

 

Animal reflexology

Animal reflexology

For all the internal organs of our body there are areas of skin that are connected to the organs by their own neural pathways, so-called reflex zones. With the help of animal reflexology we can achieve a positive effect on diseased organs and other affected parts of the body, massaging specific areas.
This does not always have to be painful and can take place with little pressure, gentle brushing and pressing with the fingertips. With the help of acupuncture massage using a stick like the Thermie Roll the effect of animal reflexology may be intensified.

Since the naturopathy in the animal field works just like for humans – the contrary, because the animals do not work with their “mind” against it – the effects are seen often quickly and clearly. Even restless animals go to sleep, yawn, stretch and deepen their breathing in a very short time.

Diseases, pain and blocked energy in physical and mental areas can be identified and the healing is stimulated.

Animal reflexologyIn horses, dogs and cats the most effective reflexology areas are on the head, paws and ears. Only these parts of the body have nerve endings which are sufficiently pronounced. The brain and spinal cord (= energy source) are the main switching areas for energy changes. Here all of the organ zones are displayed and can be treated with the reflexology. Each disease is an energy flow disturbance. With animal reflexology the energy flow is stimulated and thus activates the self-healing power.

If you´d like to learn to treat pets with animal reflexology click the image below to read about our Pet Health Course.

animal reflexology course

Horse thrush treatment

Horse thrush treatment

Very persistent and highly contagious – a fungal skin infection will not go so easily. According to statistics, every 15th horse is affected by a skin fungus. And in fact, this form of skin disease is the most common. How skin fungus can be prevented and what treatment options are effective?
A skin fungus in horses, called in the jargon “thrush”, is caused by infection with microspores. Especially in winter and autumn horses are affected. Thrush occurs increasingly in the stables, where there is a lot of movement or where several horse owners share the cleaning and riding utensils for their horses (riding school establishments, educational institutions). Horse thrash is a purely superficial disease, meaning that it remains on the skin and does not attacks the internal organs.

Horse thrush are highly contagious

The two most common triggers for a skin fungus are the two fungal species canis and Trichophyton equinum. The latter is to be found most worldwide and causes severe itching, skin irritation and hair loss. A skin fungal infection is highly contagious, so often not just one, but several horses of the stable are affected. In most cases, spores are being transferred by sharing of grooming equipment and saddlery. However, direct skin contact in the pasture or the popular use of an abrasive pile on the Paddock quickly leads to the fact that the disease spreads throughout the stall. Moreover, spores can often even be found in walls and ceiling, so effective protection can also be difficult to ensure.
Especially young horses are particularly affected by a skin fungal infection. These animals do not have developed any natural protection against the fungal spores and are therefore an easy target. In addition, a fungal infection is promoted by a weakened immune system and excessive washing (especially with products containing surfactants). If the horse is wached too often it disturbs the natural oil from the skin, so that it does not have natural defenses anymore. For this reason, only baby shampoo should be used. Often it was also found that a fungal disease has preceded from a worm infestation, a sweet itch or stress. Also an incorrect feeding and the general attitude of the animal are factors that adversely affect the health of the horse, cause a weakened immune system, thereby making the animals easily susceptible to infectious diseases.

Circular spots and hair loss

The fungus first infects the hair and thus creates a hair breakage. The coat starts to fail in affected areas, to finally emerge scaly patches in circular shape. If the horses follow their itching and chafing, these spots may even bleed and form crusty surfaces. In some cases, also a wetness is observed. Mainly because fungi prefer warm, moist areas, the parts of the body are usually affected, where the horse is sweating heavily (saddle and belt portion, between abdomen and leg). If the skin at these locations is affected, riding must be avoided until complete healing of the disease.

Fungal skin in horses must be identified

It is very important that the rider always observes his horse and perceives any changes in skin and hair. Only in this way skin diseases like a horse thrush, but also the formation of a skin tumor (skin cancer in horses) can be diagnosed and treated in time. Even if a skin fungus initially looks relatively harmless and does not directly affect the health status and the animal´s ability to be ridden, a treatment is extremely important. An untreated skin fungal disease takes place over several months and may lead to large-scale scarring on the horse’s coat and if the affected area is under the saddle or bridle, any riding causes pain. A lengthy fungal disease also leads to a general weakening of the horse’s body.
Important nutrients (minerals, vitamins, electrolytes) are needed to combat the skin condition and thus no longer available for general physical performance. The horse gets tired quickly and is easily vulnerable by the weakened immune system for numerous infectious diseases. The horse owner must respond, since the infected skin areas also represent an easy target for a bacterial infection. Such disease makes treatment very difficult and ultimately results in that the horse can no longer be used as a mount.

Horses hygiene and strengthening the immune system – the keys for prevention and treatment

Skin fungi occur in musty, damp stables. Poor hygiene and shared cleaning and riding utensils favor the rapid spread throughout the stables. A regularly ventilated barn, fresh air and sun in a pasture, a balanced feeding, own riding accessories – animal wellbeing is the absolute prerequisite for a healthy horse with an intact immune system.
Washing, cleaning, disinfecting – the treatment of a skin fungus is lengthy and requires discipline.

Washing the horse´s coat is part of the horse thrush treatment

horse thrush treatmentSkin fungi are very persistent. An effective treatment can only be guaranteed if the horse owner takes all necessary measures consistently permeates the treatment and also continues for several weeks even after the visible symptoms are already healed. The vet usually prescribes the drugs Imaverol and Mycophyt.
In the early stages of the disease, in addition, fruit vinegar and water solutions can be used. To this end, mix the two liquids in a ratio of 1: 2 (1/3 vinegar and 2/3 water). Mix them together and gently pat the skin. Is the disease, however, more advanced (crusting) we discourage from using the fruit vinegar. The fungus is not combated effectively, so that the disease is unnecessarily protracted. When using the preparations Ivamerol and Mycophyt it must be ensured that the skin scabs are gently removed with a soft sponge and a germicidal soap before the treatment . Only in this way the medicine reaches the infected skin, so the fungus are deliberately killed.
The regular washing of the skin is a must for a successful treatment (every 2-3 days). In winter, however, this can be problematic because the wet coat can quickly lead to hypothermia of the animal.
Some stalls now offer a solarium, wherein the animal is selectively dried. If this, however, is not provided, only the affected area should be washed or sprayed carefully. Then the horse must be covered with a blanket.

Cleaning and disinfection of the environment

A skin fungus can only be combated if the barn and the environment of the animal is freed from the fungal spores. The box, alley, Paddock and especially for cleaning purposes, saddle blankets and bridles must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected (blankets should be washed at 60 degrees at least one hour in the washing machine). And even if this multi-week procedure requires an immense amount of time, yet it is the only way to take charge of the fungus.

Caution: Also, humans may become infected with thrush

Skin fungus is called zoonosis. This means that also humans can be infect with the spores. During the treatment of the horses coat, as well as during disinfecting the riding and cleaning utensils you must therefore always wear gloves!

A perennial horse thrush treatment leads to very good chances of recovery

Any disease can be caused by different pathogens, which require their each individual treatment. In most cases, only a combination of different treatment options leads to success. With patience and discipline the skin disease can be defeated.

horse thrush treatment

Color Light and Reflex Therapy can be 2 of the methods that you can use in combination with other treatments to help your horse to recover faster.

Our specific Color Light Horse Thrush Treatment protocol is ideal to help you horse with this issue.

 

Animal health diploma course

Animal health diploma course

The animal health expert´s goal is based on the fundamentals of the species-specific needs of animals.
For this he needs a thorough knowledge of the various correlations that he acquires in an informed and responsible education.
Here the living entity is seen as a whole and a part of the whole. Rather than covering the symptoms, but recognize the causes that have led to ailments.

Statistically, today every second household has at least one pet. More and more people want to reduce their isolation by the affection and company of an animal.
Almost every pet owner is willing to do anything possible to help his animal if it is in need.
Our teachers are vets and therapists with many years of professional experience who would like to pass on their valuable knowledge to our students, as the welfare and health of animals are their main focus .
The training can be completed part-time, as a distance course.
Since a majority is complentary methods, no medical previous knowledge is required.
Everything you need is taught in this course.

What is required of the students to do the animal health diploma course?

SONY DSC

Enthusiasm and hard work during the course.
Openness to ​​helping with natural and alternative resources.
Only to act for the benefit of animals, and to do nothing selfish if it could harm the animals.
Only to carry out acts that give the profession of pet health expert the image of an animal friendly person.

Main components of the animal health diploma course

  • Reflexology

  • Acupressure

  • Color Light Therapy

  • Homeopathy

  • Aroma Therapy

  • Diet Therapy

  • Vitamins and Minerals

  • Flower Essentials

  • Herbs

After the animal health diploma course

After the training, there is the opportunity to further develop in certain subjects.

If you like you can complete this training with testing and certification.
However, the completed and passed exams are required for the diploma.
The professional opportunities depend on youself, as in any other profession too.

The animal health diploma course is suitable for:

  • Pet owners,

  • Keepers in animal shelters, zoos, university veterinarians

  • Veterinarians, veterinary assistants

  • Breeders

  • Animal trainers

  • Employees of dog schools and pet shops

  • etc.

animal health diploma coursePrerequisits

The love of animals and the completed 18th birthday.
Other important information you can find here

Horse Colic Treatment

Horse Colic Treatment

Horse colic – A disease that can not only causes pain, but can also be lethal for your horse. Here you will find valuable informtion on this disease and horse colic treatment.

Colics are feared by all horse lovers, because these diseases cause the horse not only severe pain but can also be fatal for them. Almost all horses get at least once in their lives colic, some also very commonly. Therefore it is very important for horse owners to find out everything about this disease.
Fundamentally colic is not a single disease, it is a collective term for symptoms that indicate several diseases of the stomach and intestinal tract.

What signs reveal colic?

Depending on the type and severity of colic the signs vary as well. Mostly the horse paws with its hooves, it is restless and walks restlessly in the box. It turns the head over and over again towards the belly to try and bite itself. The more severe the disease and the more advanced, the worse the symptoms. The horse starts to sweat, yawn and nuzzle repeatedly. It also repeatedly gets down and up again to rolls on the abdomen or lies down on its back. It breathes faster and also the heartbeat is accelerated, the eyes and nostrils are inflated. Based on these signs colic can always be noticed.

But what to do if you suspect colic? One can hardly look into a horse to find out how bad the colic actually is and how much pain the horse is in. Therefore, it is advisable to call the vet immediately. Another important step is to prevent the horse from lying down. Movement helps the animals with mild to moderate colic as antispasmodic and relaxation. If the horse lays down or rolls onto the stomach intestines could move or even tie up, which should be strictly avoided! However, the colic sometimes can be so strong that the circulation of the horse greatly impaires and motion is therefore not advisable. Until the veterinarian arrives and explains both colic type and the severity of the disease and the way forward, the horse should be prevented even from taking in the fodder. One should remove hay or other feed, and be careful that it eats no litter. It is also advantageous when temperature and pulse of the horse is measured because for the veterinarian these are all beneficial information.

What types of colic in horses exist?

There are several types of colics, from which you may already have heard or should know about.
The most common colic is the so called Cold Weather Colic. As the name suggests it involves paraxymal and fierceful cramps which appear when the weather changes, in stressful situations, if the horse drinks too fast or too much water, or may occur with overexertion.
The Gas Colic is the distension of the bowel through an excess gas formation. There are several reasons for this, mostly, an incorrect feeding is to blame. For example, if the horse has eaten too much grass (Gardeners like to through their mown grass onto the horse meadows, in the belief that the horses like to eat it, however, the cut grass almost always leads to a Gas Colic. Sometimes horses die due to the overzealous gardeners!), too much clover or fresh bread.
Even constipation can be a reason.

Often the Impaction Colic occurs. Parts of the large intestine are blocked. This colic manifests itself through inertia and the circulatory system, the horses are mostly sideways and move little.
When the small intestine is twisted, which is the most serious form of colic, it´s called a twisted bowel. The horse suffers from severe pain that occurs suddenly and violently, the horse trying to relieve the pain by wallowing. Often these colics is to be treated only by surgery.
Eats the horse too fast and a lot, it may lead to stomach overcharge. Since horses can not vomit, the contents of the stomach must usually be removed by a veterinarian.

Horse colic treatment

In any case it is advisable to call the vet, who is more familiar with this disease and can act accordingly. Some horses are particularly susceptible to colic and should therefore be closely monitored. One can also take certain safety precautions:

  • examining the horse paddox regularly

  • paying attention to quality of the food

  • not feed too large amounts

  • do not let the horse drink large quantities of water immediately after strenuous exercise

  • avoiding stress

Complementary Horse Colic Treatment

Using Color Light Therapy and/or Reflex Therapy you can easily and effectively treat and prevent the disease.

Dry skin in dogs, cats and horses – Natural Treatments

Dry skin in pets – Tips and Treatment options

The frequently occurring dry skin of animals can be treated with simple home remedies. Below you will find self-help measures for dry skin in dogs, cats and horses.

In the initial stage, it might still be easy to handle, but later, when the itching leads to real skin problems, it will be difficult. Dry skin usually indicates a health problem of your animal, and usually means that it does not get all the nutrients it needs for healthy skin.

Scratching

Scratching can indicate dry skin or parasites.

Another cause of the dry skin of a dog might be that you bathe him too often. The chemicals in the shampoo that you use for the dog wash, could strip the natural moisture of the skin. Thereby it is dry. Fortunately, this condition can be corrected with the following simple home remedies. Read how to treat dry skin in dogs, cats and horses and what home remedies there are.

Home remedies for dry skin

The following resources are useful for treating the dry skin of dogs, cats and horses, if the condition is not too bad. If you believe that your pet’s skin is too dry and it is affected by acute itching, seek immediate veterinarian advise. He will give your pet the proper medicine.

Dry skin in dogs natural treatment

Use a special shampoo for dry skin of dogs, cats or horses. Just like our skin tends to dry out in winter, this also applies to the skin of pets. Don´t bathe your dog too often in the winter, and use a shampoo that was made especially for the species. This ensures that his skin no longer dries out more than necessary.

Stroke your pet often. If you pat the animal often, it promotes the distribution of the natural oil on the skin. Thus, the skin is kept moist. You should also often brush the fur to ensure this distribution. By brushing you also rid your pet of scaly skin and promote the formation of new healthy skin.

Optimize the diet of your cat, dog or horse. As already mentioned, the health problems of dometstic animals often result from a deficient diet. So if you notice dry skin in your pet, one of the easiest home remedies, it optimizing the diet. Give your pet quality ​​food, which improves its overall health, skin and fur.

Give a teaspoon of olive oil or flaxseed oil into the food, it has been proven support for dry skin. Flaxseed oil consists of essential omega-3 fatty acids, which are a good nutrient for healthy skin.

Try a bath or mask of oatmeal, depending on the animal. Dog health experts recommend to give the dog a 15 minute gelatinous oatmeal bath because it relieves the itching, which is usually the result of dry skin. A cat would probably not allow a bath, and a horse is too big too have a whole oatmeal bath, however giving cats and horses an oatmeal body ´mask´ or scrub will help reduce the itching of the dry skin.

dry skin in cats natural treatmentFind and fight the cause of dry skin in dogs, cats and horses. Sometimes dry skin is caused by the infestation of parasites. For example if you find dry skin on the ears of your pet, he probably has mites. This causes the itching and the associated dry skin. Dip a cotton ball in mineral oil and spread it on the infected area to get rid of the mites.

Put olive oil on the affected areas. Normally, you will only notice dry skin in one place and not all over the body. Many people notice, for example, dry patches only on the nose of their pet, without regard to any other disease. This can be easily treated by dipping a cotton swab in olive oil and applying it on the affected area. Do this as often as necessary.

These tips for the treatment of dry skin in dogs, cats and horse are very simple and easy to follow. As mentioned above, you should consult your veterinarian if you notice dry skin in your pet and the treatment using home remedies is not successful. In some cases, dry skin and other skin diseases in dogs, cats and horses can be a symptom of other health problems. Too dry skin also attracts fleas and other insects that can aggravate the condition yet. Treat the problem therefore immediately if you notice it, either with the presented home remedies or by a veterinarian.

Horse knee injury treatment

Horse knee injury treatment

funny horseI´ts not uncommon that horses suffer from a so-called patellar dislocation. This means that the internal patellar ligament is too loose and the kneecap bounces. In motion, the horse then sometimes bends the hind legs. In the prior, the therapist can trigger the jumping of the patella for the diagnosis. The patellar luxation is very painful. Therefore, when the horse is galloping the hind legs work in lang lay (rabbit gallop) and often trot awkwardly at the back. Some horses, on one hand, prefer gallop, while on the other prefer to trot. You want to avoid tight turns. The riding of many narrow turns worsenes the problem.

Therapy: When the horse has knee pain it whould always be ensured that pelvis and sacrum are straight, in order to minimize the burden. Riding transitions and bar work can train and strengthen the patellar tendon muscles.

Acupuncture can help to relieve pain and promote the healing process. Knee problems are associated with the stomach meridian. In horses up to 6 years old you have to wait for the growth to finish and treat as described above.

Reflex Therapy and Color Light Therapy are similar treatments to Acupuncture, however, they are easier to apply as you either gently massage the horse´s face or legs or do a non-touch treatment with the Tweaklite (Color Light Therapy).

In difficult cases, the veterinarian can treat the horse by placing an artificial inflammation, so that the internal patellar ligament shortens. Hyaluronic acid can be injected into the joint to improve the lubricity. The therapy can be supported by drugs, minerals and herbs. Of course, the cartilage layer suffers on the roll ridge and causes permanent damage when there´s lack of treatment.

Best flea and tick treatment for dogs, cats and horses

What is the best flea and tick treatment for dogs, cats and horses?

The diet of pets has become almost as unhealthy as people´s food. Thus dogs and cats either receive cooked convenience food from waste and residues, or they get dry fodder, which is virtually “dead” and has as good as no nutrients.

No wonder that many dogs, cats and horses suffer from food intolerances, with all the unpleasant consequences such as gastrointestinal problems, allergies, etc. And also the coat looks despite regular brushing always dull and unkempt. In addition, the animals – especially when they are often out and about – get infested by parasites in the spring and summer months, such as ticks and fleas.
To effectively and naturally treat dogs, cats and horses, a high-quality coconut oil should be used. It is suitable both for internal and for external use and acts equally against all types of parasites and on the entire digestive tract of animals. By regularly adding coconut oil to the diet they will tolerate it better and also do allergic reactions to certain ingredients in the food thereby appear much rarer.

Coconut oil for dogs

Coconut oil as a remedy for ticks in dogs
Hardly a dog comes through the spring and summer, without being repeatedly attacked by ticks. Especially in animals with long fur ticks are usually invisible to the owner, they are only noticed when they are already soaked with the blood of the host and drop themselves off the animal. Although dogs have basically a significantly stronger immune system than people, ticks can also transmit diseases to dogs, for example, the dreaded lyme disease. Many dogs have died from the effects of tick bites. Therefore, the dog’s coat should be treated with coconut oil against ticks over and over again, resulting in a more effective protection. The use and dosage is very simple: A small amount of coconut oil for dogs is rubbed in the hand and then spread on the dog’s coat. If you want to make it perfect against ticks, you can also massage the coconut oil in the animal’s skin.
The lauric acid contained in coconut oil gives a natural protective coat of a very unpleasant smell emanates to ticks, so that the small arachnids prefer to find another host. If, despite the use of coconut oil a tick reaches the dog, it will generally not latch on, but fastly sod off.

Coconut oil against fleas in dogs

Similar to ticks the odor of lauric acid, which is contained in coconut oil, is very uncomfortable for fleas. Existing fleas are killed either of the acid or will fall down from animals, new fleas will no longer choose the dog as a host. In addition, the flea eggs layed on the dog, are killed reliably by the lauric acid in coconut oil. Coconut oil is therefore an ideal means of protecting dogs against fleas.
The application against fleas is similar to coconut oil for dogs against ticks. Simply rub a small amount of coconut oil in your palms and then reap the dog’s coat. The massage into the skin enhances the effect yet, as experience shows.

Internal use of coconut oil against parasites

In addition to external use by rubbing the fur with coconut oil against ticks, fleas and other parasites, it can be administered internally. One teaspoon a day should be added to the food. Most dogs like the smell and taste of coconut oil very much, and therefore the intake succeeds without problems.

Coconut oil for a beautiful coat

Even if the dog does not run the risk of being infested with parasites, its fur should nevertheless be treated from time to time with a little coconut oil. This results in a very beautiful luster, the hair growth is positively influenced and dull and brittle spots in the fur will be history. Coconut oil can also be applied with a comb in the direction of growth of the skin, so it is distributed particularly uniformly.

Coconut oil for cats

best flea and tick treatment for catsOutdoor cats allowed to roam the house, the garden and the surrounding area, live a fullfilled cat life. They are, however, also exposed to some risks and dangers such as the infestation by parasites – ticks, fleas or mites.
Whether cats can fall ill with the tick-borne Lyme disease, is still controversial, and even in TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) the risk of disease of cats is obviously low. But threatening inflammation of the bite or infection with other bacterial pathogens such as Ehrlichia or Anaplasma, Rickettsia, Babesia, coxiella can occur. All of them are infectious to humans or dogs and can cause unpleasant and dangerous diseases.
Coconut oil is a proven natural remedy to prevent hides- and skin parasites of all kinds – without any chemicals or constricting cat collars. Coconut oil is particularly suitable for cats because it does not contain any toxic components as many essential oils. Therefore, it is completely safe to use.
For defense against parasites a drop of oil is repeatedly rubbed onto the fur several times a week. For existing skin problems or injuries coconut oil is applied selectively, and as required. In food it´s sufficient to deliver about a quarter or half a teaspoon full every day.

Whether as a feed additive or for grooming, coconut oil is amazing in its effect:
• The lauric acid contained acts as a strong antiviral, and also
• Parasites in furr disappear or fall down prompt again when coconut oil was applied to skin and hair.
• With its high proportion of essential amino acids Coconut oil is an important additional source of protein in the diet.
• The vitamins, trace elements and minerals contained abundantly make coconut oil an ideal, vitalizing feed additive for all pets.
• Coconut oil prevents the spread of many intestinal parasites, intestinal flora keeps in balance, therefore supports traditional wormers or allowed it to reduce them.

Coconut oil for horses

horse lice treatmentAlso for horses pure organic coconut oil works as a feed additive, as well as skin care product. The following are the advantages of the use of coconut oil for horses:
• With regular feeding of coconut oil, the intestinal flora and thus also the food conversion improves. In addition, coconut oil contains many important nutrients.
• intestinal parasites, even tapeworms will have difficulties to survive. Whether the usual quarterly or biannual “chemical deworming” can be replaced by feeding coconut oil, however, can only be established through regular feces analysis.
The external application of coconut oil protects horses especially against ectoparasites of all kinds. Grazing horses are exposed to ticks, mosquitoes, brakes, mites or lice just like other pets. The lauric acid contained in coconut oil is highly resistant to the pests, the effect lasts long.
Particularly in older animals or those with poor general condition, a fungal infection in the skin by the anti fungicidal coconut oil can, for example, treat them well.
Many horses suffer from an allergy to the widespread blackfly. The result is the so-called sweet itch: unbearable itching causes the animals to scour their tail, mane and fur until large cracks and bare, moist places form on the skin.

Coconut oil has recently been subjected to several practice tests on horses and showed in many cases convincing effect:
• Coconut oil adheres longer on fur as commercial fly and horse-flies sprays – grazing or horse rides in the summer are no longer a problem.
• inflammation, eczema, injury or abrasions heal surprisingly quickly when coconut oil is applied daily to the affected skin.
• Eczema on horses rapidly smooth, new skin, coat and long hair grow – the healing is additionally facilitated mainly by the relief of severe itching.

Conclusion

Coconut oil is the best flea and tick treatment for dogs, cats and horses

Coconut oil for dogs, cats and horses is an extremely effective remedy for ticks, fleas and other vermin (e.g. mites etc.), but also for grooming. The strong effect unfolds both as an internal and external application. Any rich, native coconut oil  in the best organic quality can be used. Very good experiences have been made by many dog ​​owners using coconut oil as a dietary supplement for the dog. Simply mixed with food, the precious oil quickly deployed its effects and regulates the entire digestive tract.

Horse massage course

Horse massage course

There are various massage techniques such as medical massage, reflexology, sports massage, or crossfriction thatcan be applied on horses. The aim of the massage is to improve the blood circulation, loosening muscle tension, adhesions and scar pain relief.

Medical massage

Medical Massage is an intensive form of therapy that sets valuable stimuli for regeneration and healing of various types of tissue as muscle, skin and connective tissue. In order to achieve real medical effects, it requires very precise knowledge and a specialized training. The massage can be used to supplement or as a preparation for the manual therapy or exercise therapy.

Effect of Massage
• relieves tension and adhesions
• increases the motivation of the horse
• promotes flexibility
• enhances well-being

Reflexology

By stimulating the reflex zones on the face, ears, legs, neck and back of the horse a speedy recovery is inducted. This is attributable to the natural healing process of the body which is being stimulated and therefore the physical intelligence of the animal becomes capable of combating both the symptoms and the cause of the ailment / disease. Gentle pressure at specific points is sufficient to stimulate the organs, which are connected with the respective reflection points and to promote their circulation. Once the body has resolved energetic and phyische blockages, it is able to return back to an original (healthy) state.

Effect of the massage
• restoration of phyischen balance between the organs and the rest of the body
• All kinds of diseases, ailments, and symptoms can easily be solved with reflexology in most cases

Sports Massage

• relaxes the muscles before a sporting event
• regenerates after demanding physical activity

Connective Tissue Massage

The connective tissue massage, is a special form of massage. They assume that in diseases of the internal organs and musculoskeletal system an imbalance of tension and disturbance of the metabolism of subcutaneous (under the skin) is produced. All tissue sections with an altered tension or a binding are stimulated with a special technique, until a tension compensation is established.
In case of irritation of the subcutaneous connective tissue, the autonomic nervous system is directly influenced. Organs and their functions are affected indirectly or reflexively. In addition to these general and reflex effects, through local tension balancing disorders in the musculoskeletal system are being improved .

Objectives of the connective tissue massage
• balancing out tension the subcutaneous connective tissue
• solving of bindings between subcutaneous tissue and muscle fascia
• to achieve a normal pattern of activity of the organs by supporting, promoting or inhibiting the vegetative controlled organ functions.
• crossfriction

The transverse friction is executed as a special intermittent massage on muscle-tendon junctions and tendon-bone junctions. At these tendon junctions often are inflammatory-like conditions caused by sports or chronic congestion, which can be very painful. The therapy is intended to eliminate the inflammation-like conditions and edema stored in the tendon. An effect on the structure of tendons is reported we well.

—–

To know more about reflexology massage for horses and how to help your pet with this effective method read more here.