Canine coprophagia is an event that does not seem to happen too rarely to our four-legged friends. For those who do not know the term coprophagia, it means that the animal eats his own excrement. Surely,  the subject is not pleasant to deal with, but we can assure you that it is very common for many animals. The only exception are female dogs and cats who have had their puppies and deliberately ingest their feces.

Coprophagia is also common in other animals such as rabbits, rodents, pigs, horses and even primates. However, the issue is more significant in dogs as they lick (kiss) our face! Puppies regularly eat poop because they like to chew and will eat anything. The problem arises with the development of an habit. In some dogs it is a sign of a nutritional deficiency.

 The reasons

There are actually many reasons explaining why dogs eat their own excrement. Sometimes there is an underlying medical condition such as enzyme deficiency or pancreatic insufficiency that can be of a genetic nature.

In the majority of cases it is caused by poor nutrition (we will cover this later in the article).

Even intestinal malabsorption or parasites are among the most common medical causes of coprophagia. The advice is, in these cases, to check your four-legged friend every six months in order to find out if there are any parasites in the intestine. Fecal examination twice a year can determine whether there are parasites in your dog's body and thus become a very useful tool to overcome this problem.

The pancreas and its functions

The dog's pancreas secretes enzymes that support the digestion of food that is introduced in the body.

If the pancreas does not work properly and therefore the enzyme's production is not sufficient, the animal will automatically eat other animal's stools which are a good source of digestive enzymes. This explains why coprophagia occurs. For example, rabbit's excretions are also a source of B vitamins in addition of digestive enzymes. Dogs who follow a dry diet often seek other sources of digestive enzymes that can offset a chronic enzyme deficiency caused by this diet which is physiologically inadequate.

The same is true for some cat foods that being of poor quality lead to enzymatic deficiency and malabsorption. Being able to benefit from cat excrements becomes a unique temptation for dogs. Cheap fkibble often contain ingredients that are impossible to digest and therefore pass through the gastrointestinal tract of the cat and are excreted with the feces. Once out they become a real temptation for dogs who eat them directly from the litter box.

The most common solution for some animals will be a change / improvement in diet. First of all, I suggest switching to at least  a premium wet food and gluten-free kibble. If your pet is already eating quality cans or kibble you can switch to raw food (the BARF diet) or add probiotics, enzymes and a detoxifying supplement. Studies show that foods rich in fat, protein, dietary fibre and low in carbohydrates reduce the tendency to coprophagia.

The addition of probiotics and enzymes will then lead the animal to no longer have to look outside for the deficient substances.

Behavioral causes

In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are some behavioral causes that lead to copraphagia. When dogs live in a kennel, they may feel anxious or stressed out about the situation which leads them to eat excretions.

Even puppies, who often suffer from hunger and who are struggling to access food, become vulnerable and can therefore suffer from canine coprophagia. Often, eating excretions may also be a behavior learned from older dogs.

Older dogs could actually give an incorrect example by encouraging younger ones  to inherit this bad habit. There are also examples of very selective dogs that only pick certain types of excrements with particular characteristics such as frozen or those of certain breeds or only in a given period of the year.

A case study on this eating behavior

Researchers from the University of California conducted a study by collecting data from 1500 pet owners in order to deepen their knowledge on coprophagia.

The study pointed out the following data:

•    16% of dogs eat feces with frequency and 85% eat excretions of other dogs. Dogs eating excretion are most likely living with other animals and have some degree of voracity and greed in consuming this product.Among the various breeds 40% of Border Collie and Shelties are fecal eaters. It has also been noted that 90% of dogs eat stool within two days of the evacuation from the body. Based on the data of this survey, researchers at the University of California have established that dogs who eat stool prefer a fresh product. It also emerged that food additives are only effective as deterrents in 2% of cases. In addition to this, the electronic collars and clicker training are certainly ineffective. The best solution, according to experts, is to keep your dog under control and immediately clean the environment where he lives.

   

Advices and useful remedies for all owners of animals suffering from coprophagia.

For owners who have an animal suffering from coprophagia it is important to have him on a diet that contains proteins, preferably uncooked , probiotic supplements as well as digestive enzymes that can help contain your dog’s urge to look for external sources of the latter found in excretions.

Simply put, your pet's pancreas no longer digests all the cooked food that is ingested (cooked meat and crocks) and tends to swell up creating other issues such as diabetes; undigested foods will remain in the colon and the entire body becoming a feast for parasites, worms and harmful bacterias (the same thing happens with humans !).

By feeding your pet with raw meat of controlled or organic origin, or at least  offering premium products without gluten, adding probiotics , digestive and systemic enzymes and a herbal detoxifying supplement EVERY DAY you will have a good chance of eliminating this habit.

Here are the suggestions / remedies I advise in this case:

1) Barf diet (get very good advice before starting it and consult with a holistic veterinarian or an open-minded one). Initially,  it is recommendable to still add probiotics and enzymes. The downside of Barf is that the packs are minimum 500 g and they come frozen so it is difficult to make smaller portions and the sight may be a little rough to a « sensitive stomach ».

The advantage: it costs less than the best premium products and after an adaptation period (it takes some patience) your pet will feel great and thank you for life!***

*** Fitopets has found an excellent alternative to raw diet, which is dehydrated human grade pet food. The brand is called Pure Pet Food and it is available in differente tastes in our webshop.

2) Add probiotics,  possibily clincically tested for pets. Probiotics help strengthen the immune system, eliminate toxins and improve the absorption capacity of other nutrients by about 40-50%.

3) Add vegetal digestive enzymes to support the pancreas and prevent our friend from searching for them in the excretions as we have seen before.

Ideally, it would be a product with a mixture of digestive enzymes such as amylase, protease, lipase together with bromeline and beta-glucanase which are both digestive and systemic enzymes; The latter are extremely useful in case of candidosis (beta-glucanase) and in case of inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis (bromelina).

4) Add a supplement with detoxifying propreties.

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) is an excellent herb for countless aspects including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hepatotoxic properties.

It is precisely on the liver that the curcuma exerts a strong detoxifying action by depleting it from excessive waste accumulated over time.

Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinalis) also works on liver detoxification but also has a prebiotic action, thus improving gastrointestinal function.

Burdock root (Articum lappa) is a detoxifying herb as it supports liver function and helps its regeneration when damaged (infections, contaminated food, etc.).

There are multi-herbal supplements in the form of alcohol-free glycerin macerates which are specific for dogs and cats.

I would personally recommend picking a kosher, no GMO and possibly certified USP (American Pharmacopoeia).

As mentioned above, it is essential to always pick up the stools in order to keep everything clean. If there is a cat in the house you must always keep the litter box clean and make sure is out of reach to your dog.

Adding probiotic and digestive enzymes in your cat’s food is a good idea so that his stools becomes less appealing to your dog.

Always leave toys to your dog in order to stimulate his mind and avoid boredom. Take him for a run or a walk and play with him ; these are essential steps to help prevent sedentarity and boredom which can lead to particular behaviors such as those listed above.

If you do not see any improvement after following these tips, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian in order to rule out any medical reason that may be the underlying cause of this behavior.

Nuclear sclerosis, as mentioned earlier, modifies the lens of the eye and usually develops in both eyes simultaneously. Animals older than six years are more at risk: the problem starts slowly and worsens overtime. It does not cause pain and  the animal adapts gradually to these changes in vision without too much trouble.

In young animals, which are obviously not affected by this disease, the eye lens is clear and this is because it is composed of tissue fibers that are perfectly organized and in good health. Obvously, with age, these fibers will grow old with the animal and as they are closed within the capsule they have no ability to expand when they receive new fibers. As a consequence, old fibers are pushed toward the center of the lens clumping together causing a compression which leads to opacity of the lens.

The vet, thanks to an ophthalmologic examination, can safely diagnose if your pet is suffering from this condition with the help of a device called a slit lamp.

It is important to understand that if your pet has nuclear sclerosis that does not mean they will automatically lose their eyesight. We said that nuclear sclerosis is a condition that can occur with aging of your best friend.  For this reason, the only thing we can do is to slow the age-related changes. Since we do not have a magic wand to stop time and therefore aging, the only thing in our power is to try keeping our animals as healthy as possible by following a few simple rules.

First you will have to keep your animal in great physical conditions and you can do so by have him maintain an ideal weight.

In addition to that we should avoid overloading our pet with unnecessary drugs or vaccines and have him live in a healthy environment. So no to toxic cleaners, chemical grooming products, industrial pesticides and a healthy diet.

Diet should be rich in antioxidants and if possible include fresh foods especially rich in vitamin C and E that can help to eliminate free radicals which are responsible for aging and in this case for degenerative eye disorders. As the cataract is often present in animals with diabetes,  you would also need to reduce his carbohydrate intake.

It is also important to know that this problem can occur in different types. In fact, there may be different types of cataract which obviously vary depending on the severity of the opacity occurring on the pupil.

We would like to emphasize that cataract, in some cases, can progress but it won't necessarly lead to blindness. Although blindness is a possibility, it occurs in a very low percentage. Both dogs and cats can suffer from cataracts but generally dogs tend to be the most affected.

This condition has been successfully treated and reversed both in dogs and cats thanks to a series of clinical trials that led to the creation of a special natural formula rich in herbal nutrients. As we have previously stated, this disease can develop in different stages of life and most likely in more "seniors" animals who already have other health issues. Aside from surgery that may still have its risks there is a much cheaper and less invasive treatment which offers hope to overcome this problem.

This treatment involves the use of a herbal mix so not a drug, which not only allows to stop the development of this disease but can also reverse the degenerative process.

The synergy of the active ingredients of these herbs have led to incredible results without involving the use of any medications. In order to prevent the development of cataracts we should first avoid the lens protein's oxidation.

In order to do so we must use powerful antioxidants that will neutralize the effects of free radicals.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that blueberry extract  (Vaccinium myrtillus) is particularly effective for prevention and treatment of ocular disorders associated with aging including cataracts , due to its content of anthocyanins.

Anthocyanins are water soluble pigments belonging to the family of flavonoids that have a strong antioxidant power that can neutralize free radicals responsible for the oxidation of the lens protein thus slowing its degeneration.

Ginko biloba is also an excellent plant for the treatment of all circulatory disorders associated with aging as it works on the venous circulation, arterial and on the microcirculation having both vasoprotective , anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Dandelion's root (Taraxacum officinalis) has always been known as a broad-spectrum detoxifier as it works on the liver as a choleretic (by increasing the production of bile) and a diuretic but it also acts on the pancreas by activating the secretion of pancreatic enzymes that enhance digestion and absorption of nutrients.

It also balances the intestinal flora, thus resolves eventual dysbiosis and malabsorption. This is extremely useful for maintaining our best friend's health and well-being.

In addition, according to traditional Chinese medicine, the liver is connected to the eyesight and it has been shown that dandelion's root improves blood circulation and strengthens the retinal tissue. This valuable plant is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C beta-carotene: all valuable allies for both prevention and treatment of ocular diseases associated with aging such as cataracts.

This pool of active ingredients allow your pet to get specific compounds,  physiologically active, in his food (dry or moist). This will transform any food in a very good product for its health and will not just prevent the disease but also provide him with many essential nutrients for his well-being.

These herbs are available on the market in the form of alcohol-free glycerine macerates to be added to any meal of your pet by following the recommended dosage according to his weight.

It 's always very important to monitor any changes, or signs of disease that may occur in your pet even if they have regular veterinary visits and a good diet. An inspection carried out by the owner of dogs and cats is the right method to have a complete and accurate overview of your pet's health. It will allow you to pick up in advance any sign or symptom occurring and therefore predict the onset of potential diseases. 

We must start by checking the head of your pet and see if there are any specific signs. For example the eyes must always be clear and free of any type of discharge around them. It 'also important to always check whether the lens of your pet is clear because if it is cloudy it might be an indicator of cataracts.

Cataracts are caused by free radicals that attack the protein molecules of the lens and oxidise them. It seems that the lens proteins begin to "solidify" or  "freeze" resulting in clouding of part of it. This process will progress overtime compromising more and more the eyesight.

Numerous studies have shown that blueberry exctract (Vaccinium myrtillus) is very effective for prevention and treatment of ocular disorders associated with ageing, including cataracts, due to its content of anthocyanins.

Anthocyanins are water soluble pigments belonging to the family of flavonoids that are strong antioxidants capable of neutralizing free radicals which are responsible for the oxidation of the lens protein thus slowing the degeneration.

Ginkgo biloba is also an excellent herb for the treatment of all circulatory disorders related to ageing as it works on the venous, arterial and in the microcirculation system. It has antinflammatory, antioxidant and  vasoprotective propreties.

A study conducted in Turkey has shown that ginko biloba has inhibited the development of cataracts due to its antioxidant activity.

The ears should always be checked and cleaned meticulously and avoid wetting. Watch out for scratches on the ears or head as your pet could scratch himself leading to skin infections. If it happens you should wash the ears and the neck of your pet with warm water and then dry everything very accurately. If the problem persists you may want to use herbal formulas for ears cleaning.

The essential oil of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), a native of Australia, is one of the best antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic.

Due to its effectiveness tea tree oil became part of the first aid kit for soldiers during World War II.

Its strong point is its excellent antimicrobial activity while remaining gentle on organic structures.

Essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia is also excellent as an antiseptic, analgesic and to help cicatrize wounds in case of infection.

It 'a safe oil, non-toxic and non-sensitizing making it suitable in a number of situations without causing unpleasant side effects. I recommend to use these two precious substances in the form of ear drops in order to prevent these annoying disturbances and treat them effectively in case they would occur.

The nose is very important when it comes to animals. It should always be fresh and moist but if it is not always the case do not get alarmed. We should dispel a myth that claims that a warm and dry nose in dogs is a sign of disease as it can happen for short periods and it is perfectly normal. However, if your pet's nose appears dry and cracked for some time then it would be advisable to consult the vet. Even in case of excessive nasal discharge it is recommended to have your pet checked because this could be a sign of immunodeficiency.

Teeth and gums should always be checked and a bad breath could be a sign of excessive oral bacteria. Gums should be pink so if they appear bright red it is a sign of inflammation or gingivitis.

In order to figure out if gums are healthy you can use a very simple test. You need to lift a corner of the mouth and firmly press against the gums with your thumb for a few seconds. Once you released you must immediately examine the area and if after pressing the white color under your finger quickly disappear, giving way to natural pink, gums are healthy; otherwise your pet does have a problem.

Once you have finished checking head and neck you can go on and look at the whole body. The first thing to do is touch the whole body to check for injuries, lumps or other abnormalities in the hair. If there is something abnormal run your fingers to determine the size and then contact your vet immediately. A bulge under the skin could be a tumor and it should be immediately analysed. 

You also need to check whether the affected area is sensitive to pain or not.

Nature offers different plants that can be useful in case of cancer, especially in the early stages but it is always recommendable to check with your vet first.

Uncaria tomentosa, also called Fingernail cat,  has strong immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant and anticancerous propreties.

It seems that anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties attributed to the plant have been confirmed by studies conducted both in vitro and in vivo.

The anti-inflammatory activity seems to be exerted through inhibition of TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha) and was due mainly to certain molecules contained in the plant (phytosterols and triterpenes). Furthermore its content of oxindole alkaloids  are responsible for its  immunostimulant activity and some in vitro studies have shown how these alkaloids are able to increase phagocytosis (the process in which the cells of the immune system take in bacteria, viruses and invading microorganisms) .

Another precious natural substance is curcumin, a molecule present in turmeric, which numerous studies have confirmed its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properities.

Adding curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, the human cells with multiple myeloma, Dr. Bharat B. Aggarwal of the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas at Houston and his colleagues have not only stopped the replication of cells cancer but they also kill the remaining cells.

Once the body inspection is done you can switch to the feet in order to check your pet's range of movement.  We must immediately take into account any abnormality in gait as it could be a sign of injury or a neurological problem; if this is the case notify your veterinarian immediately and have your pet checked.

Another very important thing is to check for fleas or ticks and parasites that can cause many problems and lead to rather serious reactions. If you find t parasites on the body of your dog or cat you must immediately use something to get rid of them.

The essential oil of cedar, and the essential oil of peppermint are able to block the neurotransmitter octopamine which is only only present in insects and regulates their nervous system allowing them to operate. When they are no longer able to operate they will die quickly. The advantage of these substances is that they are completely harmless and safe both for pets and humans making them an excellent alternative to synthetic pesticides which are highly toxic.

These products are available on the market  in the form of sprays.

If your dog is no longer a puppy there are some helpful tips to make his life easier and keep him in good health for a long time. The first thing to know is that nutrition is essential to your pet's longevity.

That is why your dog needs proper energy sources which help metabolic processes and healing in case of illness. However, feeding your pet with only fresh food is not enough as his nutritional needs will vary over the years.

Weight control is important in order to prevent degenerative diseases such as arthritis. Do always cover smooth floors with non-slip mats to prevent your dog to slide and consider acquatic therapies, laser or acupuncture to improve his mobility  as he gets older.

Even the use of natural supplements is important in helping maintain healthy tendons, ligaments, cartilage and joints of your canine friend.

The root of Rehmannia is a plant known for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its strong anti-inflammatory and cortisone-like properties that are very effective in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.

The active ingredients of Rehmannia are the iridoid glycosides which main function is to stimulate the production adrenal cortex's hormones including  cortisol which has powerful anti-inflammatory action.
Sarsaparilla is another plant which is diuretic, purifying, expectorant and emetic.

It is very useful against arthritis, asthma, gout, rheumatism and eczema as it has a strong anti-inflammatory activity and has been used for centuries by the indigenous populations of South and Central America.

Sarsaparilla is also known as "phytodetoxifier"as well as it tolerates metals and accumulates small amounts of lead, zinc and cadmium in its leaves.  Therefore it is useful to reduce the risk of heavy metal's transfer in the food chain which are often the cause of intoxication that in time damages the immune system possibly leading to the development of autoimmune diseases.

Ginger is also a powerful anti-inflammatory in rheumatoid arthritis due to inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) in a natural way without damaging the gastric mucosa as most of NSAIDs (pain killers).

It is' also able to inhibit prostaglandins which are inflammatory mediators. (From the book "Ginger, in Principal and Practice of Phytotherapy")

Several studies have shown that the damaged cartilage contains far less than 33% of sulfur which is crucial to joint's health making supplementation with metylsulfonylmethane (MSM) essential in case of arthritis and rheumatic diseases.

Metylsulfonylmethane is an organic compound containing sulfur in a highly bioavaliable form (very high absorption rate).

Sulfur is an essential component of living cells and represents the seventh or eighth most abundant element in the human body in terms of weight, compared to slightly more abundant than potassium and sodium and chlorine.

MSN has  anti-inflammatory properties, promotes the synthesis of cartilage and helps to reduce pain and inflammation by in creasing joint mobility and prevendendo further cartilage damage.

It is also important to have your dog exercise regularly like running and also socializing with other animals to stimulate his mind. Tests on animals have shown that a dog who is physically and mentally active has higher cognitive abilities than others and will be less likely to develop health issues when ageing.

The veterinarian adds: "Although it's been a decade of heightened awareness on the importance of dental care by the veterinarians and pets owners, periodontal disease is now the most common infection encountered in veterinary practice."

Dogs and cats puppies begin their life with healthy mouth: gums should be pink, stable and not swollen and should hold the teeth steadly.

Overtime a thin layer of plaque begins to form over the enamel of the teeth.

If nothing is done, the plaque slowly becomes tartar, a hard brown bacterial layer, that not only becomes more difficult to remove but begins to inflame the gums. That is how gingivitis or gum disease occurs both in dogs and cats as well as humans.

                                                                            Healthy gums

                                                                           Gum disease

Once tartar increases on your animal's teeth his gums will become red, swollen and bleed easily when touched. This condition will progressively worsen and pain will increase. Our pet may drool more than usual, refuse to eat or have difficulty eating, and have a bad breath. These are all signs of tooth decay.

Gingivitis is reversible in early stages before it becomes periodontitis which first causes receding gums ( gums that pull away from the teeth making them look longer) and then tooth loss.

Here a variety of suggestions to prevent gingivitis:

1. Clean the pet's mouth: wet a small cloth with warm water and rub the teeth gently. This will remove daily food debris. If our animal allows us, we can brush his teeth with a toothbrush and a toothpaste for pets.

2. Since pets can't floss, offering them appropriate objects they can chew is always recommended. Special snacks are avaliable on the market for this purpose, but we should avoid artificial bones that are hard to digest and put our pets at risk of choking.

Raw diet followers (BARF) give raw bones of the right size, but they never give cooked bones of any kind as they can break while chewing and produce dangerous splinters. Always supervise your pet when he chews bones or snacks of any kind.

3. Supplements: Dr. Andrew Jones who is a veterinarian and a writer believes that there are supplements that can benefit dogs and cats who are prone to gingivitis (http://www.theallineed.com/home/07033181.htm).

This veterinary suggests adding lactoferrin to food.

Propolis is another recommendation for gingivitis as according to this doctor, propolis acts as an antiseptic and soothes sore gums.

Tamara Jankoski writes in this article "The Remarkable Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract" (The Incredibles Benefits of Grapefruit Seed Extract) that grapefruit seed extract is the preferred choice among holistic veterinarians as it has been shown to have exceptional borad-spectrum antibacterial properties.

Grapefruit seed extract is a natural concentrate of vitamin A, C, E, minerals, selenium, zinc, antioxidants and bioflavonoids that stimulate the immune system and prevent cellular aging caused by free radicals.

Doctors have found that grapefruit seed extract appears to be effective in various conditions including gingivitis in dogs and cats (http://www.appliedhealth.com/AHS-Journal/Newsletter/The-Remarkable-Benefits- of-Grapefruit-Seed-Extract /).

Grape seed extract, which is also a bioflavonoid, helps heal gingivitis and inflammation of the mouth, strengthens blood vessels and protects them thanks to its antioxidants.                                              

4. If your pet does not like teeth cleaning with a toothbrush or with a cloth, there are natural products that combine the benefits of grapefruit seed extract, and propolis extract in the form of sprays or gels they can be applied on the teeth.

When using a spray,  just spray on the animal's teeth twice daily until plaque and tartar are gone and then just spray once a day as maintenance.

In order to totally remove the plaque/ tartar you will need to use a toothbrush to help pull away the plaque after at least two weeks of spray/gel application. Although we are already used to brush our four-legged friend's teeth, this spray or gel makes a big plus to their dental health.

A home plan for dental cleaning should be as simple as possible and if followed consistently should prevent gingivitis to affect our pets.

Pets are curious creatures by nature and they are always looking for something appealing to put in their mouth.

This habit can sometimes be dangerous to their health in case they end up on a toxic substance.

Protecting our pets from posions that are stored at home is part of our duties as "responsible parents".
In order to prevent such accidents, here are several substances commonly present in our homes.

Painkillers

Painkillers are a frequent cause of dog poisoning.

Although some of these drugs are sometimes recommended by vets their dosage can be tricky for safe usage.

As an exemple, Tylenol, which contains acetaminophen can be highly toxic to the liver.

Ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure.

Naproxen may cause perfeoration of the stomach, gastric ulcers and acute renal failure and should never be given to dogs.

If we happen to carry around these medications in our purse or in our jacket we should make sure that our dog won't be able to find them .

Antidepressants

Unfortunately antidepressants are being  prescribed more and more for a variety of conditions.

When animals accidentally take these drugs they may experience syntoms such as lethargy, vomiting and signs of serotonin syndrome which is a condition that causes agitation,  high fever, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures and disorientation.

These medicines are often left on the nightstand or in handbags that are easly accessible for pets.

We should be very carfeul with these products and store them into safe containers.

However there are herbs such as fenugreek, also known as "trigonella", a native from Mesopotamia, that has always been used for its tonic and energizing proprieties.
Its content of minerals and trace elements acts favorably on the immune system and contributes to psychophysical balance.

Recent studies, including a paper published in 2008 on Phytotherapy Research, has demonstrated the effectiveness of Tumeric for control and treatment of depression.

Tumeric has no side effects as opposed to synthetic antidepressants that were mentioned earlier.

Tumeric is also a potent antinflammatory and antioxidant and is very effective in the treatment of degenerative diseases.

Shall we rememeber the famous latin saying "Mens sana in corpore sano" which states that if the body is healthy, non intoxicated, the mind will be healthy, bright and vital as well.

However, if the body is intoxicated both animals and humans will tend to be lethargic, irritable, sad and depressed because toxins will travel into the bloodstream and affect congnitive functions as well as physiological ones.

Milk Thistle is an excellent herb for detoxifying the body by supporting liver's functions and its regeneration in case of damage due to infections or food posioning.

Dandelion is also a liver detoxifyer but acts as a prebiotic thus improving intestinal functions.

All these active ingredients promote the pet's vitality, well-being and greater happiness.

Chocolate

Most people do know that chocolate is toxic for animals,  however this crucial information may be forgotten at times and mostly dogs would take advantage to have a candy or a cookie as soon as they have the opportunity to do so.

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine which are metabolized slower in cats and dogs.

Small amounts can cause vomiting and diahrrea.

Large quantities can cause severe toxicity requiring anti-epileptic medications and drip.

Cats and dogs will only be attracted to chocolate because of its great taste so it is our responsability as human beings to spare them a painful poisoning.

Make sure to keep foods and toxic products on top shelves where animals cannot access them.
Grapes and Raisins 

Many dog owners do not even know that raisins are toxic to dogs as their toxicity has been nted only about 25 years ago.

Until today the reason of their toxicity remains unclear,  although some reaserchers believe it might be due to a mycotoxin (a substance produced by a fungus or mold). After consumption dogs may experience vomiting, diahrrea, tremors, cramping and seizures up to acute renal failure.

The prognosis for recovery depends on the amount eaten and on early medical intervention and treatment.

Onions

Onions can cause anemia in dogs and should not be eaten neither raw nor cooked.Onions contain a substancedì called thiosulfate which is toxic to dogs and cats. This substance damages red blood cells that carry oxygen through the animal's body leading to hemolytic anemia which causes lethargy, dyspnea, vomiting and diahrrea. Even just 5 grams can be toxic.

Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetner which is contained in many foods for human.

It is often used in chewingums, candies, cookies and diabetic products. Xylitol is toxic to dogs and can cause changes in blood sugar levels, vomiting, lethargy and difficulty walking; sometimes they can also experience seizures and liver failure.

The best thing thing would be to replace xylitol with some other form of safe sweetner like stevia.

Rat Poison

Any poison left around the house or in the garden can be eaten by your pet leading to dramatic consequences.

Your dog or cat may be eating the poison directly or consume it through another animal that had eaten it just before.

The majority of rodenticides contain anticoagulant compounds that will cause an hemorrage in rats or mice.

Symtoms of poisoning in dogs can manifest even a week after ingestion with light green stool, nosebleeds, earbleeds and rectal bleeding.

Take your dog immediately to the vet if you notice these symtoms.

Be always very careful with these posions and if possibile let the cats do their instinctive work in a natural way.

Plants

Generally adult dogs live with both indoor and outdoor plants without trying to eat them but puppies are often way more curious and adventourous so they would try to eat anything that seems edible.

The same goes for cats with the difference that cats will eat plants into adulthood. 

If you live in a flat it is recommended to avoid the plants listed below whereas if you have a garden you should try to keep them to a minimum:

Aloe - Amaryllis - Andromeda Japonica - Asiatic Lily (Liliaceae) - Asparagus leaves - Australian Walnut -Croco autumn - Avocados - Azalea - Bird of Paradise - Dulcamara americana - Dulcamara europea - Ivy -  Buddist Pine (Podocarpo) - Horse chestnut (chestnut) - Caladium - Calla lily - Castor oil seeds - Monstera deliciosa - Diffenbachia the Bead Tree or chinaberry - Aglaonema (Chinese evergreen) - hellebore (Christmas rose) - Clematis - Cordatum - ears of corn and wheat crops and cereals - Philodendron (Monstera deliciosa) - Cycads - Cyclamen - Giunchilia (pseudo-narcissus) - Lily - Pothos - common Morella, Grass nightshade (solanum) - Giglio (Easter Lily) - Alocasia (elephant's Ear, Taro) - Ferns - English Ivy - Philodendron - Anthurium (Anthurium, Flamingo Plant) - "Florida Beauty" - Digital - Monstera deliciosa (the American bread Plant) - Gladiolas - Giglio - Dracaena - Nephthysis - Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo) - Hyacinth - Holly - rate - Hydrangea - Cherry d 'winter (Solanum pseudocapsicum) - Kalanchoe - asparagine - Philodendron - Macadamia Nut - Madagascar dragon Tree - Epipremnum aureum - Marijuana - Tree of Mexican bread - Morning glory (Rivea corymbosa) - mistletoe - Sansevieria trifasciata - narcissus - Onion - Oleander - Abrus precatorius (Indian liquorice or tree of the rosaries - large seeds) - walnut of Queensland (australia) - Philodendron - Schefflera - tomato Plant - Yucca - rate.

Insecticides

Insecticides can be lethal for our pets.

Keep away the animals from the fumigated area during use and ensure that the toys, bowls, gum products and other instruments are removed to avoid contamination.

Keep pets away from the area until the insecticide dries. Signs of insecticide poisoning include excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures. In case poisoning occurs, bring the animal to the vet as soon as possible and bring the insecticide that has been used, so that the veterinarian can deliver the proper treatment. The best prevention would be to use natural insecticides , which today are more and more effective and available in our stores.

Another chemical and aggressive product is the pesticide used for pets.

Fortunately nature offers two amazing essential oils, essential oil of cedar, and  essential oil of peppermint which are able to block the neurotransmitter octopamine which is only present in insects and  regulates their nervous system allowing them to operate.

Their inability to operate leads them to die quickly.

The advantage of these substances is that they are completely harmless and safe both for humans and pets making them an excellent alternative to synthetic pesticides which are highly toxic.
Products for houseold cleaning

Substances such as ammonia and bleach are highly toxic to pets if they are ingested. When these chemicals are mixed together they can produce toxic fumes and can become fatal. Products with chlorine used to clean swimming pools are also toxic. Any type of detergent for floors or for the house might contain a certain amount of these harmful substances, therefore these products should always be strictly locked into the cabinets to avoid unpleasant accidents.

Antifreeze

The anti-freeze contains ethylene glycol which is highly toxic to dogs.

Generally dogs do come in contact with this substance when it drips from car engines, which thus remains on the garage floor where the dog may end up licking. In colder places some people use the antifreeze in toilets to prevent the pipe split and having the antifreeze a sweet taste, dogs may be attracted to it. The product can damage the kidneys, liver and brain of animals. Always keep it on top shelves or in cabinets, and immediately clean up any leaks.

If you suspect your dog has licked the antifreeze, take him to the vet right away.

Fertilizers

Fertilizers for the garden or for plants can also be toxic to pets. Normally animals are not attracted to these substances, but they could contaminate their legs by walking on them and then contaminate the toys or bones to chew.

Before releasing the animals, always add water in the fertilized area so it can descend into the ground faster. Symptoms of fertilizer posioning include excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in some cases, difficulty breathing.

If this happens to bring the animal to the vet right away. Even here the prevention could be the use of more natural fertilizers.

Alcohol

Some manufacturers ofsupplements for animals add dangerous amount of alcohol of grain to their products. The alcohol is a low-cost preservative that allows to keep the products in the warehouse for years with minimal deterioration. According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and a growing number of veterinarians and scientists, alcohol, even in small quantities, is toxic to dogs and cats.

Some products for the oral hygiene for animals that remove plaque and tartar are among the worst on the market and some also contain 25% of alcohol! Since our pets can not read the labels, it is our job to inform ourselves and make the right choices for them. The alcohol level  in dental products for dogs and cats may be from 25% to zero.

Numerous studies and trials have in fact confirmed the efficacy of grapefruit seed extract (GSE) on oral disorders (plaque, tartar, infections and gum inflammation and bad breath).

GSE has both antiviral and antibacterial proprieties and is also active against fungi (responsible for mycosis of the oral cavity), yeast (such as Candida albicans), protozoa and parasites.

It is available  in the form of spray or gel that are easy to use for prevention and treatment of these annoying disturbances that often affect our pets.

Another component that is extremely usefull for the hygiene of the oral cavity is the propolis extract known for decades for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties.

Propolis has a strong anti-inflammatory action due to the presence of flavonoids and caffeic acid, it is  immunostimulant and facilitates wounds healing and is very efficient  in the treatment of mouth ulcers, gingivitis and abscesses.

Propolis is found both as tincture (water-alcohol solution) , or in a spray or gel.

The synergy of these natural substances is very effective for the many oral disorders that plague our companions without the side effects caused by most synthetic products on the market.