Pawsitively Healthy
In this new monthly column, Sharon Melville at Heartful Animal Healing, explores different ways to incorporate holistic health into your pet's daily routine.
With over 30 years’ experience as an energy healer and animal communicator, Sharon practices a holistic approach, influencing the health and well-being of animals through energy balancing, emotional release work, chakra balancing, and positive intentions. All the aforementioned are designed to reduce stress, pain and allow your pet to feel healthier.
The Seaweed Superstar
I am a keen follower of Juliette de Bairacli Levy’s work. A talented herbalist, who pioneered the natural rearing pet care movement over 70 years ago. She strongly recommended giving dogs Kelp, a nutrient powerhouse, which supports the immune system, helps regulate blood sugar levels, soothes the gastrointestinal tract, and eases joint pain. When used in small amounts on a regular basis, this sea vegetable can apparently help prevent cancer and is also a great post cancer supplement, as it is believed to fight heavy metal accumulations in the body. Kelp is also beneficial for horses with digestive health issues, low appetite, poor tolerance to cold weather or a dull, dry coat. Always try to source certified organic kelp where possible.
Crystal Clear
Crystals have many beneficial properties that can be an aid to your pets emotional, mental and physical needs. They can used to treat physical symptoms, such as inflammation, migraines, muscle soreness, backaches. On the emotional side they can help soothe the nerves, bring balance and peace. Citrine is a mood-boosting stone. It promotes relaxation so it’s effective for insomnia, anxiety, and digestive issues of all varieties. It is also aids self-esteem, helping your super shy cat find the courage to venture outdoors. You can attach stones to your pets' collars or place it in your pet’s bed or favourite sleeping spot. I will be sharing more crystal healing advice in future articles.
Nuts About You
I am big fan of incorporating raw, virgin, cold pressed, organic coconut oil in to pets healthcare routine. I have been using it for my own animals for years and recommend it to my clients. I have one client, who started mixing the oil into her podenco’s food each day and within a few months people would literally stop her in the street and comment on her pooches shiny coat. Coconut oil can be beneficial for dogs, cats and horses, both taken internally and used externally.
DOGS
It can be used to clean their teeth. The lauric acid kills the bacteria that causes tooth decay and stinky breath. It has natural antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties, making it perfect for cracked pads.Makes an effective moisturiser if your dog suffers from dry skin or has dandruff.
CATS
It can reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract that can occur when your cat regurgitates hairballs. For senior cats, it can prolong brain health and slow the progression of feline cognitive dysfunction. It’s a safe way to give your cat relief from constipation.
HORSES
The anti-microbial effects are perfect for treating mud fever and helping to prevent reinfection. Can be fed to horses as a weight gain supplement. Helps horses with Recurrent Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (tying up.)
I personally use the Natur Green Coconut oil from Green Village in Nueva Andalucia, but any local health food shop will stock good quality coconut oil.
A Kitty Herbal Garden
Giving your cat access to an all-year-round herb garden or windowsill herb garden, gives your pet the ability to nourish itself and have access to essential nutrients that may be lacking in their diet. Creating a botanical haven, will also offer a sensory delight, that your cat craves no matter where you live. Eating grass and other plants is a normal part of a cat's diet, and it's thought that the added dietary variety brings several benefits. Herbs can keep your pet’s skin healthy, repel fleas, improve digestion, boost your cat’s mood and even enhance their memory. Whatever the reason for cats enjoying a herbal side dish, providing a ready supply of edible greenery is an important part of feline wellbeing.
Herbs Safe For Cats
CAT GRASS ~ Contains valuable nutrients, especially folic acid. It provides your pets with fiber which aids digestion and can help with hairballs. Since grain is poisonous for cats, it’s best to prevent your cat grass from setting seed.
CAT NIP - Not only will this herb give your cats pleasure and relieve their stress, but, when mixed in a tea, it can be applied to the coats of cats with itchy skin.
LICORICE ROOT ~ a natural cortisone, it can be used to soothe allergies, endocrine and digestive issues, as well as respiratory problems like colds, since it soothes mucus membranes.
Always check with your veterinarian before trying something new in your pets diet.
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