My Favorite Remedies for My Dogs

Fourteen years ago I woke up knowing that I HAD to visit the SPCA.  Most pet lovers know that equals a new pet.  I had lost my beloved English Setter three months prior to brain cancer (horrible) and didn’t feel quite ready for a new dog, but followed my intuition. I spent several fun hours walking and playing with dogs and wished I had a home for all of them, however, I didn’t feel like I had met “the one”.  That changed as I reached the very last kennel and a little black and white puff jumped up on the inside of the kennel and looked me straight in the eyes. We both made an audible sound as our eyes met and DROP! went my heart–I was in love.  I looked further in the kennel and there were two other puppies (approximately two months old) and an emaciated beagle/foxhound mama dog who was extremely timid.  My boy, who I named Zuni Bear (wise guide and healer), came home with me and a week later I went back for Mama Dog, who I couldn’t get out of my head and who was scheduled for execution at the then overfull kill shelter.  I named her Xena, Beagle Princess.

(Zuni Bear, Nov. 2011)

I’ve used lots of my nutritional supplement knowledge over the years for my dogs with great success.  Xena, my true rescue dog, had B.B.’s in her body, a life long limp and scars on her face and soul.  I used a Bach Flower Remedy, called “Star of Bethlehem”, my go to remedy for post trauma, and lots of patience, love and healthy food to help ease her transition from abused, scared stray into my loving home.  I immediately put her on Glucosamine Sulfate (she loved Ark Naturals Sea Mobility Joint Rescue Strips or my Vegetarian Glucosamine capsules in cream cheese) and quality fish oil (Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet is my favorite) for her hips.  I kept her on that until she died 3 years ago.

Zuni Bear has had his share of adventures and health issues, but is doing great and just had his 14th birthday in May.  My boy has multiple food allergies and I have to change his food frequently to keep the insanely itchy food allergy paws at bay.  My current favorite foods for him are Castor & Pollux Natural Ultra Mix Dry Food and Natural Balance® L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets® Potato & Duck Dry Dog Food ( I special order the latter).  I also have him on fish oil and quercetin, a bioflavanoid with powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, especially helpful for any type of allergy (pet or people).  He can be a bit high strung with an ear piercing bark when people come over (love me, pretend to like my dog), and Rainbow Light’s GreenDog Naturals Complete Calm chewables help bring him down a notch when he’s really anxious.  He’s terrified of thunderstorms, fireworks or any other extremely loud noises (as was Xena) and after much trial and error, Homeopet’s Anxiety TFLN works like magic.  He’ll actually lay down and relax within moments of a few drops licked off my finger.  Amazing!  I’ve also used the homeopathic remedies Arnica for pain and stiffness after he has a good run through the woods (he’s 1/2 hound and takes off) or swim in the river (has chased a beaver for an hour to my distress). Homeopathic Hypericum, internally and topically was essential for pain relief and healing of a jaggedly and deeply torn paw pad when he ran on glass at Riverview Park (the vet didn’t think it could be saved, but we proved him wrong).  When he had a horrible hot spot, Keys Metacare lotion healed it within days (miraculous for human itches and rashes too). Well, I could go on and on, but I’ll stop here and say how grateful I am to have access to these remedies for my doggie soul mates and would be happy to help you with dog questions to the best of my abilities.

-Brandon Davis, MS Ed., Supplement & Bodycare Department Manager at Rebecca’s Natural Food

(Brandon & Zuni Bear, Nov. 2011)

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