These are regimens I have initiated in order to help my animals remain as healthy as possible. They are not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent, or treat any disease.

I am offering them simply because - when I needed input - I would like to have had the information described below before losing an animal to kidney disease, cancer, or other fatal illness.

Some of my animals have benefited by the use of homeopathy in conjunction with the products mentioned on the Home Page, as well as those defined in this section. There are several homeopathic remedies being touted these days, but homeopathy is extremely powerful, and I would urge you to contact a licensed, classical homeopath prior to using homeopathic treatment on your animals. NEVER use homeopathy with older animals. Even the lowest potency, given with many dilutions and gently activated, can push your animal into a healing crisis from which they may be unable to recover.

Proper Nutrition for Cats

Proper diet is the most important factor in achieving optimal health for your pet.

This is what I feed my cats:

Wellness wet food. (I do not feed the Wellness dry food, because - when I fed it to my cats - they became severely constipated, and their fur became oily. )
Evanger's Organic wet food. I add a little water to this, since it sometimes is a little constipating.
Solid Gold Katzenflocken and/or Innova (original formula only). Since the incidence of kidney failure in animals can be attributed to the body's inability to consume enough water to process dry food, I limit the amount of dry food made available to my cats; i.e., only feeding one or two small handfuls per cat per day.

The above diets, as well as raw organic diets, can be found at Only Natural Pet (cf. link above). I do not feed the raw diets, since I have older cats, and palability was always an issue. I have, however, created an organic, raw diet that they all like, which can be accessed through the link following the "Managing Mange" section.

Proper Nutrition for Dogs

Proper diet is the most important factor in achieving optimal health for your pet.

Feeding Options for Dogs:

The Darwin's diet: A completely balanced, raw, antibiotic and hormone-free meat and organic vegetable patty. Their turkeys are obtained from a cruelty-free facility, and their beef/buffalo are grass fed. The 2-pound patties store easily in the freezer. For three large dogs, a total of 4 - 5 pounds per day is optimal.
Place the patty in the sink and it will thaw during the day.
Add a little water to the thawed patty. The food should be served warm, not cold.

Personally, I do not feed the Darwin's Chicken or Buffalo formulas, as my dogs do not tolerate them well.

Solid Gold Hundenflocken: For those of you who are suffering under the current economic climate, I have found this to be the most balanced food available. Although it is not grain-free, Solid Gold is meticulous about what goes in their food, and I would feed it without hesitation - but my older lab is unable to tolerate the Lamb.

I give following once per day to my dogs, four hours prior to their main meal:

1/4 - 3/4 tsp. Seacure, depending upon their elimination needs.
One to two drops Liquid Zeolite.

Kidney Failure in Cats and Dogs

Following are the protocols I use for my older cats and dogs, whether or not they have developed symptoms consistent with kidney failure (dehydration, excessive water consumption and urination, lethargy, and/or vomiting after a bowel movement (when no constipation issues are present). I use these products in order to prevent kidney failure in those who do not have it, and in order to help those who have shown signs of kidney failure more comfortable. The protocol has been very effective, and I now have a houseful of happy cats and dogs!

Zeolite Drops

For Cats: I dilute one drop of Liquid Zeolite in 10 drops of pure, non-chlorinated water. Of this, I place one drop on a bite of food and give to each of my cats every day. Since starting this regimen, the kitty who was starting to develop kidney issues has settled, sleeps soundly (head tucked around comfortably), and rarely cries at the water dish. This therapy is coupled with the others listed below. I never give more than two drops of this diluted solution per day to my cats, since I believe that it is a powerful detoxifier, and I do not want to stress my animals.
For Dogs: I put two drops in with their Astro's Protein & water solution, which they receive four hours prior to their main meal.

Astro's Protein & Prebiotic Nitrogen Scrub

For Cats: I give 1/4 tsp. of Astro's Protein (click on the icon above for Astro's Oil) to each older cat twice per day, mixed with the Zeolite drop AND 1/8 tsp. of Astro's Prebiotic Nitrogen Scrub. NOTE: These products do not appear on Dr. Marcovici's web site, but you may request them through email, and he will send you a link enabling you to purchase them.
For Dogs: I give the Zeolite (mentioned above) in Astro's Protein and water four hours prior to their main meal.

Astro's CRF Oil

This product was developed by Dr. Edmond Marcovici in Canada for his kitty, Astro, who was dying of kidney failure. Cats don't like it, but I found that it significantly improved the quality of my kidney cats' lives. They became more alert, affectionate, and retained fluids much better. All of my kitties were near death when I started them on the Astro's CRF Oil, and lived good, quality lives for another year after starting the product.

Methods of Administering Astro's CRF Oil

Use the pipette provided by Dr. Marcovici. Take care to give it slowly, in the side of the mouth toward the front, as inhaling oil can be fatal. Or mix the oil with a small bite of wet cat food.
Put a small amount on the tip of your finger and smear it onto the roof of kitty's mouth close to the front of the mouth. (You can therefore avoid the risk of choking.)

Issues Associated with Kidney Failure

Dehydration

Your animal must be adequately hydrated - however, it is possible to over-hydrate your pet, causing pulmonary edema and death. Please consult with your veterinarian for the appropriate dose of fluids for your animal.

How to Determine Whether or Not Your Cat is Dehydrated

Pinch the skin behind the neck. If it remains elevated for longer than two seconds, your cat is likely dehydrated.
Press the gum area above one of the upper fangs. If it takes longer than 2 seconds for the pink color to return to the gumline, it is likely that your cat is dehydrated.

How to Hydrate Your Cat

IMPORTANT! The best way to hydrate your cat or dog is to administer water (mixed with a little food is ok) in a small syringe or pipette in the mouth. You can do this many times per day, which will cause minimal stress to your animal. It is VERY easy (and as dangerous) to over-hydrate your cat or dog. This causes the fluid to accumulate in the fatty tissues (edema), which eventually can go into the lungs, causing pulmonary edema and death. Please exercise extreme caution when hydrating your cat or dog, and make sure you are doing this under veterinary supervision.

(It is very traumatic for a cat to be carted back and forth to the vet for hydration, and you may find that it is easier on both you and your cat to do the hydrating yourself. If you need to give subcutaneous fluids, instructions follow. Again, please use caution and only give under the supervision of a veterinarian.)

What you will need:

No. 21 needle catheters. (They should run about $.75 apiece from your vet.)
A prescription from your vet for Lactated Ringer's, which s/he can call into Dr.'s Foster and Smith, at (800)443-1160. They can supply the Lactated Ringer's in 1000 ml. bags [at a cost of approximately $10 apiece].
When you call Foster's and Smith after the prescription is phoned in, ask for the pharmacy and order the Lactated Ringer's.
A 60 cc. syringe.

Preparing the Fluids for Administration to a Cat or Dog

Hang the bag of Lactated Ringer's on a hook or knob so that it is secure but readily accessible.

Unscrew the plastic catheter cover from one catheter and set it aside.

Attach the clear plastic catheter to the end of the 60 cc. syringe.

Carefully remove the protective cover from the needle.
Insert the needle into the nipple near the bottom front of the bag of Lactated Ringer's.

Slowly draw out the vet-recommended amount of fluids into the syringe. (Pull out an extra 5 ccs. so that you have enough to test for temperature.)

Remove the needle from the nipple.
Replace the cover over the needle.
Remove the catheter from the syringe. (You will not be using this catheter to administer the fluids to your cat or dog. This is the catheter you will use exclusively for filling the syringe.)
Replace the plastic cap on the end of the catheter.
Drape the catheter over the same knob that is supporting the bag of Lactated Ringer's.
Take the syringe and place in the microwave for the following approximate lengths of time:
- + - 8 seconds for 60 ccs.
- + - 7 seconds for 50 ccs.
- + - 3 seconds for slight warm-up
- The length of time required for the fluids to be slightly warmer than your body temperature (dripped on your wrist) will depend upon the room temperature and your particular microwave.
Place your (clean) fingertip over the end of the syringe and give it a shake to make sure the fluids are of uniform temperature.
Test a few drops on your wrist.
Obtain a fresh catheter.
Remove the protective plastic cap.
Insert the catheter on the end of the syringe.
Invert the catheter and slowly expel all air from the catheter until fluid comes out the needle.

How to Hydrate your Cat

Make sure your cat is comfortable. (It is easiest to give fluids when the cat is asleep.)
Give her a little scratch around the ears and reassure her. Tell her that you're going to give her some fluids that will make her feel better.
While gently scruffing your cat with your 3rd, 4th, and 5th fingers, gently pinch the skin over or slightly behind the shoulder blades together with your thumb and index finger. (After the first experience, the scruffing should no longer be necessary.)

Quickly insert the needle into the skin parallel to the body.
Gently depress the end of the syringe until it is empty.
Praise your cat for being so good!
Invert the syringe and place on the counter close to the bag of fluids for the next use.

Trouble-Shooting

Problem: A hard ball forms as the fluids are being released under the skin.

Solution: Don't worry about this. The fluids will dissipate later.

Problem: I got the fluids too hot!

Solution: Fill the syringe with 5 ccs. of room temperature fluids, and administer into the same location (fluid sac) as the fluids you just gave your cat.

Problem: I'm afraid the fluids were too cold!

Solution: Fill the syringe with 10 ccs. of fluid, place in the microwave for five seconds, test for temperature (should be slightly warmer than the desired temperature for administration described above), and administer into the same location (fluid sac) as the fluids you just gave your cat.

Problem: The fluids are coming out the other side of the skin because I didn't get the needle between the folds of the skin.

Solution: Don't panic! Simply withdraw the needle and try again. Reassure kitty that you are doing the best that you can.

Problem: I've used the needle before a few times and it doesn't want to go in, causing my cat to experience pain.

Solution: Use the catheter a maximum of two times only. The needle gets dull and trying to insert a dull needle is painful to your cat.

How to Determine Whether or Not Your Dog is Dehydrated

Caution: It is possible to over-hydrate your pet, causing pulmonary edema and death. Please consult with your veterinarian for the appropriate dose of fluids for your animal.
Pinch the skin behind the neck. If it remains elevated for longer than two seconds, your dog is likely dehydrated.
Press the gum area above one of the canine (large upper) teeth. If it takes longer than 2 seconds for the pink color to return to the gumline, it is likely that your dog is dehydrated.
Your dog has sunken eyeballs, with the inner eyelid visible.

How to Hydrate your Dog

If you don't want to give sub-cutaneous fluids, you can obtain the oral electrolyte supplement Rebound (manufactured by Irbac) from your veterinarian. This is a chicken-flavored electrolyte replacement liquid that is palatable for dogs.

What you will need:

No. 21 needle catheters. (These should run about $.75 apiece from your vet.)
A prescription from your vet for Lactated Ringer's, called into Dr.'s Foster and Smith at (800)456-1143.
When you call the 800 number, ask for the pharmacy.

Follow the same procedures as with How to Hydrate Your Cat, except:

Only give one to two ccs. at a time in a given location around the upper neck/shoulder area, relocating the needle each time. (This is because of the nature of the dog's subcutaneous area. Otherwise, the fluids will not dissipate properly.)

Constipation, Diarrhea, and Urinary Issues

Causes of Constipation in Dogs and Cats

"Senior" animal foods (due to excessive fiber, inadequate fat, and inability of the animal to process the fiber because older animals drink less water).
Inadequate fluid intake.
Unavailability of raw food sources.

Signs and Symptoms of Constipation in Dogs and Cats

Straining to eliminate. A dog may walk around while trying to eliminate, dropping stool in the process.
Eliminating in inappropriate locations. If your cat or dog does this, do not punish him! This is your animal's only way of letting you know that something is wrong. This applies to inappropriate urination, as well.
Production of small, hard, pea-sized stool (cats) or small, hard, stool (dogs).
Production of hard, knotted stool.
Production of very hard stool, followed by softer, more normal stool.
Vomiting.
Vomiting after elimination (this can also be a sign of kidney failure, but if the stool is hard, this is the likely cause of the vomiting).

Solutions for Constipation in Cats or Dogs

1/4 - 1/2 tsp.) of Astro's Protein and 1/8 - 14 tsp. of Astro's Prebiotic Nitrogen Scrub twice per day for cats, increased according to weight instructions for dogs.
- Note: Never give Astro's Protein at the same time as Astro's Oil (Cf. Kidney Failure), since the oil binds to the protein and therefore diminishes it's effectiveness. If you wait 4 hours following administration of the Astro's Oil, this should be a sufficient amount of time.
Pet DigestTM by Enzymedica administered by weight, as directed.

Causes of Diarrhea in Cats or Dogs

Sudden change in diet.
Stress.
Liver failure.

Solutions for Diarrhea in Cats or Dogs

Seacure!!! http://www.propernutrition.com (A new link will be available soon.)

Administering an Enema

Consult with your veterinarian prior to attempting this procedure for approval and/or assistance. Since I live in an isolated, rural area, I was forced to conduct this procedure by myself - before I discovered the solution for constipation outlined above. If you can avoid it - for your kitty's sake - please just take him or her to the vet for the ordeal. Always try administering the Astro's Protein with a little food prior to attempting an enema. Your pet may successfully resolve the issue on his own.

This is the method I used for giving a cat an enema - although, since starting my animals on Seacure, no enemas are necessary!

Make sure you have short finger nails, with no rough edges.
Put on disposable rubber gloves.
Generously coat the complete extension of the DSS syringe with plain K-Y Jelly.
Gently scruff the cat while s/he is on his or her tummy.
If possible, ask another person to gently raise the tail so you have a clear view of the rectum.
Coat the rectum with plain K-Y Jelly; and
Very carefully work the end of the syringe 1/4 inch only into the rectum, until you are certain that it is properly placed. (Sometimes the syringe hangs up on tissue, and you must be very careful not to damage this tissue.) If you are unable to penetrate past stool that is near the opening of the rectum, STOP! Wait until the stool has again receded further in. Otherwise, you risk causing extreme pain to your kitty, and the stress of this trauma may cause retinal damage.
Once penetration is achieved, release approximately 1/4 of the syringe contents into the cat's rectum.
Try to hold the syringe in place for approximately 30 seconds.
Release your cat and monitor elimination. It is important to let your cat wander around and eliminate as s/he can. Personally, I followed my cat around with paper towels and placed them as needed.
All cats vomit after receiving an enema.
When your cat eliminates, assess the quality of the stool. If it is rock hard, small, and round, the cat has been severely constipated. It may be hard and bunched together. When my cat had problems getting out the first stool, I had to help him. To do this, I used my pinky finger, gingerly reaching into the colon to work it out.
I then closely monitored how he was doing, and how effectively he was able to eliminate. After the first portions of stool were successfully evacuated, he had an increasingly easier time of it. If this is not the case, and kitty is unable to get rid of the stool, wait until the stool recedes and then administer another 1/4 inch of the DSS.
After your cat appears to be finished, gently wash the bottom with warm water, drying it thoroughly.

Following an enema, cats are always exhausted, and may sleep for hours.

Enemas are a very traumatic ordeal for cats, but the alternative (bowel obstruction) is certainly fatal.

Other Cat/Dog Issues

To Pill a Kitty

I no longer recommend pilling cats due to the reasons stated above. There is too much of a risk of tracheal obstruction.

To Pill a Dog

Dogs are MUCH easier than cats to pill. All I do is roll a little bit of organic hamburger around it and toss it to him or her. If the pill is really bitter, you can always break it in half and put it in a gelcap of practically any size, roll the raw hamburger) around it, and your dog will most likely consume it in one gulp!

Hyperthyroidism in Cats & Dogs

Veterinarians say that the primary cause of hyperthyroidism in animals is caused by inadequate nutrition. In an attempt to avoid any more of my kitties developing diabetes, I ran the gamut of various low-carb cat foods, ostensibly designed for older cats. They were high fiber, low fat, and low protein. I also tried the freeze dried high protein diets, as well as high protein dry foods. These foods caused the constipation issues described above, and - because of inadequate nutritional content in some of the foods - two of my kitties developed hyperthyroidism. Signs and symptoms of this unfortunate condition are very rapid resting heart rate (200+), weight loss, excessive thirst, and chronic dehydration (in spite of his or her excessive drinking pattern). It is critical to get blood work done in order to determine whether your animal has hyperthyroidism or kidney issues, as the symptoms are very similar. A wonderful, predigested source of nutrition for your hyperthyroid animal is Seacure (http://propernutrition.com), on which I have placed all of my animals. It has benefited all of my dogs and cats - even those without health issues.

There is also an oriental herb formula called Thyroid Calm, given twice daily. I cannot attest to the effectiveness of this herbal combination, but if you do choose to use it, be very cautious when pilling your kitty. Place the pill on the back of your kitty's tongue and let him or her swallow it. If you try to force it down the throat, you can cause it to go into the trachea. This can kill your cat. For months, I regularly pilled my kitties in order to administer a variety of distasteful medications, in No. 0 gelcaps. When I pilled my kitty Kai (pictured below) with a gelcap filled with psyllium and it went down the wrong way, he started to dry hack and wander around in a panic. I immediately got a 3 cc. syringe and repeatedly filled it with fresh water, which (fortunately) Kai lapped up. After about 60 ccs. of this treatment, he was able to clear his throat. He survived. I now only pill kitties when absolutely necessary, using the method described above.

Managing Mange

I rescued a wild kitty (Eeyore) in May, 2008. After the trauma of being neutered, he began furiously scratching his neck, with this result:

I consulted several vets, and no one could tell me what he had. Upon the advice of my homeopathic vet, I gave him a single dose of Rhus Tox in raw hamburger, and he began clearing up. This is how he appeared approximately 10-15 days later:

And a month later:

Eeyore Today:

In December 2008, My 17-year-old kitty Oliver was misdiagnosed with ringworm. My husband said he had what Eeyore had, but I didn't listen. This is how he looked when he first became symptomatic:

I treated him with a 'natural' cream. This was the result:

Oliver stopped eating normally and lost over a pound in a single month. He was properly diagnosed in late January. He received three courses of Ivermectin injectable, as did the other 10 kitties in the household. Improvement was temporary, and - after the last shot - I saw ataxia (instability in Oliver's gait), so I was forced to stop the Ivermectin.

The protocol that finally worked for my household of 11 cats involves a homeopathic remedy coupled with a significant dietary change. This is Oliver today:

To access the mange-prevention protocol that worked for me, please click on one of the following options:

To make a minimal contribution to my daily, ongoing research on how to improve the health of our companion animals, click the button below. (After submitting the desired amount of your contribution, you will then automatically be directed to the Mange-Resistant Diet and Protocol page.)

Or Proceed without contributing

Diabetes in Cats and Dogs

History

Two years ago, when another of my kitties, Cecil, was drinking tons of water, I deduced that his blood sugar was high. I therefore gradually increased his Insulin, until the poor cat was on 5 units twice every day. One afternoon, I found Cecil in full seizure mode: Wailing, blind, and walking in circles.

Vet-Recommended Treatment for Convulsions due to Low Blood Sugar

Rub 1/4 tsp. honey or Karo syrup directly on the gums and tongue. Repeat until the animal starts to respond (i.e., stops convulsing and seems to relax. Administer every hour thereafter until you or a vet can check his or her blood sugar.
Give 25 - 50 ccs. of 5% glucose/Lactated Ringer's saline solution subcutaneously, depending on the size of your animal. IMPORTANT: Ask your vet for the proper dose of these and any other fluid replacement therapies.

Cecil survived his ordeal by receiving the 5% Glucose solution every hour for 24 hours.

Signs and Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar

Severe: Convulsions, wailing, walking in circles (blindness), panting, disorientation.
Sleeping in unusual places or hiding.
Inhaling any form of food in sight.
Unstable gait.
Shaking legs when sitting.
Important: If your animal is diabetic, monitor any unusual behavior changes.

Suggestions for Monitoring Blood Sugar

Obtain a simple Accucheck machine.
Check your animal's blood sugar a minimum of once per month (explanation below) and if any of the above signs or symptoms are observed.

How To Check Your Cat's Blood Sugar (To check a dog's blood sugar, talk to your vet about the best method. I have no experience in this area, and a dog has major blood vessels in the ear that will bleed uncontrollably if you go deeper than the skin)

Either sterilize a small needle, or cut the end off of a sterile, No. 21 Guage Catheter.

Place one of the test strips into the Accucheck machine. The first thing you will see is the numeric code that identifies the container of Test Strips. You will then see a flashing blood drop symbol. This indicates that the test strip is ready for the blood drop.

Gently place your forearm around your cat, tucking him in toward you. Then gently grasp the edge of the ear between your thumb and forefinger, identifying where the small veins run along the very outer edge of the ear.

Carefully and lightly scratch the edge of the ear with the needle until you see a tiny drop of blood appear. Then carefully place the orange portion of the test strip directly on the blood drop. You cannot transfer blood to the machine. It only works with direct contact at the source.

Read the results and document them on a calendar for future reports to your vet.

An "E-4" message means that you didn't get enough blood.

If this happens, insert a new test strip, and gently squeeze the ear until you get a decent droplet.)
While you are waiting for the test results, apply gentle, direct pressure on the testing site with your thumb and forefinger at the site. (If you can't stop the bleeding, apply a small pinch of cooking flour to the site and apply direct pressure with your thumb and index finger for a few seconds.)
Once you have tested the blood sugar, call your veterinarian if you are uncertain of how to change the cat's dose of Insulin. As a general rule, vets have told me that giving too little Insulin is always better than giving too much.
Important: I never increase Insulin by more than 1/2 unit per day, and wait for three days prior to initiating another increase. Consult your vet in this regard.

Vaccines

I stopped vaccinating my animals in 1998, when my 8 year old Tweek developed a vaccine-induced sarcoma. Since that time, I have lost several of my cats and an English Springer to diseases that were suspected as being either caused by or enhanced by chronic exposure to vaccinations. Furthermore, the animals who were vaccinated - either one time or every year - were far more susceptible to autoimmune gingivitis, diabetes, kidney failure, and - in the case of my Springer - Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia.

Our 8 month old labrador received her puppy shots, and will receive nothing more in the way of vaccinations for the rest of her life (except for rabies, and only as required by law).

For further information on the hazards of vaccinating your pet, please refer to healthfreedomusa.org, mercola.com, and ThinkTwice.com.

Mule and Horse Conditions

Rain Rot in Horses and Mules

What it looks like:

Post treatment with once daily application of Cedarcide Best Yet spray (3-5 days)

Post treatment with once daily application of Cedarcide Best Yet spray (seven to ten days)

Protocol:

Daily application of Apple Cider Vinegar OR Cedarcide until you can no longer detect problem areas.
- NOTE: You will notice that the condition may initially become more widespread after treatment starts. Persist with the daily application of the spray, and the condition will gradually subside - usually within four days. Apple Cider Vinegar works just as well as the Cedarcide Best Yet, and is significantly more economical.

Colic in Horses

Our 30-year-old horse Bodie used to colic at the drop of a hat. We resolved the chronic colic problem with dietary adjustments.

Causes of Colic in Horses

Sudden dietary changes.
Sudden atmospheric or temperature changes.
Internal parasites, such as strongyles.
More uncommonly, a tumor can cause this problem. If the protocol suggested below doesn't work (as with my horse, Candy - who had never had a gastrointestinal problem in her life), the horse needs to be seen by a vet equipped with the necessary tools to determine the cause, such as radiographic imaging, and the capacity to determine if her peritoneum has burst. Sadly, in this case (as with Candy), the horse needs to be humanely sent to Heaven as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Signs and Symptoms of Colic

Laying down, and looking at his or her side.
Appearing bloated.
Incessant rolling (the horse does this in a vain attempt to relieve pain).
Elevated heart rate (normal is 44 beats per minute, abnormal is 50+ beats per minute, critical is 70 - 80 beats per minute). (You can hear the heartbeat by placing a simple stethoscope in the crease just behind the front leg and pressing inward.)
Excessive sweating.

Protocol for Colic

Call the Vet!
Two to three scoops of 4Life Transfer Factor Livestock Stress Formula mixed with warm water in a 60 cc syringe. (It will likely take one syringe of warm water per scoop of Transfer Factor Livestock Formula.)
Drench the horse (slowly squeeze the contents into the side of the mouth) - or feed as a paste with a small amount of warm water.
After 15 minutes or so, you can take three or four pints of mineral oil and drench the horse with the mineral oil. (I put a little Stress Formula in it for flavor, since my horses love it.)
Note: If you introduce the Transfer Factor Livestock Formula to your horse when there are no health problems - mixed with a balanced, pelletized supplement and a little water - if you then need it for an acute colic, the horse will like it, and have no problems eating it out of your hand.

Preventing Colic

Feed a balanced diet! I feed approximately 1/2 pound of a balanced, pelletized feed from Raemaker's Nutrition. (Purina makes a balanced Senior formula without molasses.) I only feed grass hay. [When it is cold (-14 or snowing) I feed about 4 pounds of grass hay per animal; when it's hot, I feed about 2 pounds per animal per meal.]
Feed three times per day, if possible. This encourages activity in the gut.
4Life Transfer Factor Performance and Show, one scoop per 1000 pound animal.
It would be prudent - in the event that you decide to keep the Livestock Stress Formula on hand for emergencies - to introduce this to your horse or mule slowly, so that if an emergency occurs, he or she will take it readily.

Note: Colic can occur even if you have everything under control with your animal's diet. For example, my horses and mules broke into my guinea hen cage and ate approximately 25 pounds of guinea hen feed one morning. The 4Life Livestock Stress Formula helped to prevent any complications from this untoward event; no one colicked, and no one foundered.

Worming/Parasite Control

About a year ago, I heard about a method for preventing parasites in horses and mules that did not involve the use of poisons, such as Ivermectin (complications of which can be neurological deficits). After the year had passed, I had a fecal done. It showed one tapeworm egg, one roundworm egg, and no strongyles!

Parasite Prevention

I give 20 capsules of the Simplexity Health Probiotics per 1000 pound animal twice monthly on the day of the full moon, and on the day that there is no moon, mixed into one of the three daily mashes they receive.

Hoof Care - To Shoe or not to Shoe?

I do not pretend to be a farrier, but speak from experience. One of my horses walked like a ballerina because his feet were damaged by years of improper trimming/shoeing. As a result, I investigated the issue and reached the conclusion that the barefoot horse or mule has a healthier hoof. (Boots can easily be applied as needed for riding in untoward terrain.)

My horses and mules are therefore barefoot, happy, and will be for the rest of their lives.
Proper trimming is critical - and horses and mules require different types of trimming, since their weight is supported at different points.
If your horse bleeds after trimming, find another farrier.
For further information on this issue, go to http://www.naturalhoof.co.nz/ or http://www.all-natural-horse-care.com/natural-hoof-trimming.html

People

Hypertension
- My husband's blood pressure fell into normal range with this protocol. Consult with your physician prior to implementing these recommendations.
  - MegaFood Men Over 40 Whole Food Multivitamins
  - MegaFood Magnesium as needed
  - MegaFood Potassium as needed
  - MegaFood CardioStrength
  - MegaFood B Complex
  - MegaFood Vitamin D-3
  - Enzymedica Nattokinase (After taking two Nattokinase capsules daily for a month, my husband's evening blood pressure dropped 20 points!)
  - A diet rich in fresh, organic spinach (high in Potassium) and organic peas (high in Magnesium)
  - Bio-available CoQ10 (http://lifeextension.com)
  - Adequate water consumption!!! For further information on how water alone can restore proper blood pressure, refer to the book Your Body's Many Cries for Water by F. Batmanghelidj.
Allergies
- After suffering for his entire life with allergies, the following protocol liberated my husband from this annoying condition. Consult with your physician prior to implementing these recommendations.
  - One (16-strain) probiotic daily (http://www.sedonalabs.com)
  - Three Serraphase caplets daily, two at night and one in the morning (http://www.sedonalabs.com)
  - Two MegaFood Zinc tablets daily
  - One MegaFood Vitamin D-3 capsule daily
Muscle Spasms
- This protocol has absolutely relieved me from myofacial (pre-fibromyalgia) pain. Consult with your physician prior to implementing these recommendations.
  - Two Simplexity Health Zymes with the evening meal
  - Two Simplexity Health Stemplex with the evening meal
  - MegaFood Magnesium as needed or
  - 4Life CM Super as directed

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. All photographs on this site - with the exception of the dog and horse on the banner - are protected by copyright, and may be used by permission only.

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