Table of Contents
Support supplements
It is tempting to try every supplement that may help a dog or puppy. It can be difficult to decide what to buy with thousands of products on the market.
Beverly Cappel, DVM, aholistic vet in Chestnut Ridge, NY, says she would start with the natural flora. You can give vitamins and herbs to help fight infections. Adult dogs can take up to 15 drops a day, but puppies only need a drop or two. When dogs or puppies are weak, you don’t want to give them too much of anything, because that can push them over the edge. Make sure they are hydrated and keep them warm.
If drugs are needed, use them. Some animals have acute infections that antibiotics can save their lives, but in many cases, all they need is tender loving care and the right sustenance.
People should use common sense and treat sick puppies the same way they would an infant or young child. Give them any product that supports the immune system and keep them warm, dry, and well fed.
Enzymes
The rate of biological reactions can be speeded up by small amounts of Enzymes. In order for food to be broken down and assimilated, the body must work hard to replace the enzymes necessary for their digestion, which is why cooking inactivates them.
Pancreatin and bromelain are found in the guts of animals. Dogs recover from illness and injury by taking supplements between meals. The digestion and absorption of the powders are improved. Even dogs on an all-raw diet can benefit from the supplements. See “Banking on Enzymes” for more information.
Colostrum and lactoferrin
Colostrum is the milk a mammal produces after birth. In dogs, cows, and humans, the milk is rich in immune system support and protects newborns from infections. Colostrum affects 32 growth factors.
Colostrum and lactoferrin help the body by protecting it and interfering with the reproduction of harmfulbacteria. They are recommended for animals that are weak, elderly, susceptible to illness, and fighting or recovering from a disease.
The immune function of dogs and kittens is said to be enhanced by Colostrum supplements. Lactoferrin is sold as an immune-Enhancing supplement.
Probiotics and prebiotics
Live-culture yogurt or acidophilus contains beneficialbacteria that help fight infections and improve digestion. The beneficialbacteria are nourished by prebiotic supplements. Prebiotics and probiotics help replace beneficialbacteria destroyed by antibiotics or an inadequate diet.
Acidophilus can be added to food or water. You can check your health food store’s refrigerator for supplements.
Sweet whey is a by-product of cheese-making and the clear liquid that separates from yogurt when you strain it through a strainer. The beneficialbacteria in your dog’s stomach is fed by this important prebiotic. Most dogs like the taste of powdered sweet whey, which can be added to food or water to encourage them to drink more. Start with small amounts to make sure the dog will tolerate it. Giving the lactase at the same time can help prevent indigestion.
In Europe and Japan, Jerusalem artichoke flour is added to bread, pasta, and other foods to improve digestion and feed beneficialbacteria. Jerusalem artichoke tubers are juiced and dehydrated to make Inuflora. This sweet powder has been extensively tested in farm animals. The professor of veterinary medicine and chief of the Institute of Bacteriology and Microbiology at the University of Leipzig says that Inuflora reduces the animal’s susceptibility to infections.
Amino acids
Every cell, bone, and fluid in the body is made up of Amino acids. The proper balance of essential amino acids is needed for optimum health.
Seacure is a supplement made from deep-sea fish. Seacure helps dogs recover from illness and speeds wound healing. It’s helpful for puppies that have recently been weaned. Most dogs like its smell. Add to food or mix with water and give puppies one capsule three or four times per day, or two capsule three or four times per day for adult dogs. If the dog is completely well, give one or two capsule per day for a couple of months.
