Soybean Lecithin:

Lecithin is a fat-like substance found in the cells of the body. It may combat atherosclerosis, improve memory, and fight Alzheimer's disease in human beings. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. One the other hand, lecithin is harmless. It is not necessary as a supplement unless you elect not to use the diet proposed above. (There is plenty of soybean lecithin in the tofu.) If you decide to use commercial dog food, add 1-2 tsp of soybean lecithin granules to the food at each feeding.

Coenzyme Q:

Coenzyme Q also called Co-Q-10, is a natural substance that assists in oxidative metabolism. It may improve the utilization of oxygen at the cellular level, and patients with heart, muscle and nerve problems may find it worth trying in doses of 30-100 milligrams a day. Some human beings report that it increases their aerobic endurance. Coenzyme Q may help stabilize blood sugar in people who have diabetes, and to slow heart disease. It also maintains the health of gums and other tissues. There is evidence that coenzyme Q can prolong survival in women with breast cancer, too. Coenzyme Q is harmless, but not cheap. It is probably not worth supplementing your dog with Coenzyme Q, if it is healthy. However, patients who suffer from nervous system problems, muscle wasting or need aerobic endurance should receive 30-100 mg Coenzyme Q daily.

L-Carnitine:

L-Carnitine is an amino acid which helps promote healthy muscle and nerve function and is useful in treating many muscle problems. It is available from most health food stores, but can be expensive. I recommend 1000 mg of L-carnitine twice a day.

Tonic herbs (natural remedies):

Ginkgo leaves:

One tonic I recommend is an herbal preparation made from the leaves of the ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba). Recently extracts of ginkgo leaves have attracted much attention from researchers because of their ability to increase blood flow to the brain. You can buy capsules of these extracts in most health-food stores, although different brands vary considerably in their content of active ingredients (ginkgolides). Ginkgo is nontoxic. For dogs with nervous system disorders, give 1 capsule twice a day.

Ginseng: (males only)

Two species of ginseng are available: Oriental ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium). Both are full of compounds (ginsenosides) that work on the pituitary-adrenal axis, increasing resistance to stress and affecting metabolism, skin and muscle tone, and hormonal balance. Oriental ginseng is more of a stimulant and can raise blood pressure in some people, so I recommend using only the American species for dogs. Ginseng probably has little to offer young dogs, but may provide an increase in vitality to older one. I recommend using 1 capsule of American ginseng once or twice a day in male dogs over 6 years of age.

Dong quai: (females only)

Dong quai is a Chinese herbal remedy made from the root of Angelica sinensis, a large plant in the carrot family. It is often called "female ginseng," because it is a general tonic for women and the female reproductive system in much the same way that ginseng acts as a tonic for men and the male reproductive system. Dong quai is available in the form of encapsulated extracts. It is a good general remedy for female dogs who lack energy. I recommend using 1 capsule of dong quai once or twice a day for female dogs over 5 years of the age.

Green tea:

Green tea is a good general tonic and has some cholesterol lowering effects. It also contains theophylline which can help boost energy. It is available as a capsular extract or you can make green tea and add it to the diet. I recommend 1 capsule (or cup) twice a day for dogs.

Grape seed extract: A great deal of recent evidence supports the value of grape seed extract in reducing free radicals and decreasing the chances of developing chronic diseases. It is best to use standardized extracts. Alternatively, your dog can drink 1 cup of "purple" grape juice a day. The dose of the extract is 1 capsule daily.

Siberian Ginseng:

Siberian ginseng is derived from the root of a large, spiny shrub (Eleutherococcus senticosus) found in Siberia and northern China. It is a relative of true ginseng, but has entirely different properties. Siberian ginseng has "adaptogenic" properties and reduces physiologic responses to stress. Scientific investigations suggest it increases physical performance and endurance and improves immune function. For dogs, give 1 capsule twice a day.

Feverfew:

Feverfew is a natural NSAID compound without the side-effects of presrciption drugs. It can be used in dogs with pain or arthritis to help reduce inflammation and discomfort. I do not recommend it for routine use; but, if your dog has pain from arthritis, give 1 capsule every 8-12 hours as needed. You can use this for 5 days out of the week, safely.

Astragalus root:

Another Chinese herbal remedy with similar properties comes from the root of a plant in the pea family, Astragalus membranaceus. This plant is a relative of our locoweed, which is toxic to livestock. The Chinese species is nontoxic, the source of a very popular medicine called huang qi that you can buy in any drugstore in China for use against colds, flus, and other respiratory infections. Recent studies in the West confirm its antiviral and immune-boosting effects, and preparations are now available in most health food stores here. Follow the directions for adult dosing.

Echinacea:

American Indian medicine gave us a useful native plant that is another immune-system booster: purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea and related species. The root of this ornamental plant is held in high esteem by herbalists, naturopathic doctors, and many lay-people because of its antibiotic and immune-enhancing properties. You can buy echinacea products in any health food store: tinctures, capsules, tablets, and extracts of fresh or dried roots. Although few medical doctors in America are familiar with echinacea, much research on it has been done in Germany, and the plant is in widespread use as a home remedy in Europe and America. Follow the directions for adult dosing.

Valerian root:

Valerian root is an old herbal remedy used to prevent seizures and help induce sleep. It is safe. It has fewer side-effect of many sleeping aids. When barbiturates were discovered, the use of valerian root to treat seizures was lost. It may be an important adjunctive therapy (or primary therapy) in many cases. I recommend trying 1 capsule twice a day in mild seizures.

Milk Thistle:

Milk thistle is an herbal product that help protect the liver from toxic damage. It may be useful in treating chronic active hepatitis or as a prevention of injury from other drugs. It has been used to protect the liver from damage from chemotherapy in human patients. It may help prevent damage from traditional anti-convulsants (phenobarbital). I recommend starting at 1 capsule twice a day.

Blueberry:

A surprising number of plants used in traditional medicine throughout the world slow hypoglycemic activity that is, they lower elevated blood sugar. One that is common in Europe and North America is blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). Blueberry-leaf tea is a mild, safe regulator of blood sugar if taken over a long period of time. Let your dog drink one cup in the morning and one in the evening for at least three months. You may be able to put this with the diet and let it seep in. You can find blueberry-leaf tea in health-food stores, sometimes along with more concentrated tinctures and extracts.

Hawthorn berry:

An alternative to the strong medical drugs to treat heart problems is an herbal preparation made from the berries of a species of hawthorn tree, Crataegus oxycantha. Hawthorn increases coronary flow and is much less toxic than the pharmaceuticals in current use. A starting dose is one to two capsules of freeze-dried extract three to four times a day or one teaspoon of tincture in a little hot water three to four times a day. If your dog has to take stronger drugs, use of hawthorn may enable you to use smaller amounts. This plant also acts as a mild diuretic.

Blackberry root:

A good herbal remedy for diarrhea is blackberry root bark (Rubus macropetalus). It contains tannins, which have a desirable astringent action on the intestinal lining. Boil the root bark in water for twenty minutes, strain, and drink a cup every two to four hours till the diarrhea ends. You may be able to find tinctures of this useful plant in herb stores, or you can make your own if you live in an area where blackberries grow. Use a teaspoon of tincture in water every two to four hours until the diarrhea ends.

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice:

Use a natural product called deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) to protect the lining of the stomach and duodenum. Licorice has excellent soothing and healing properties in cases of ulcer, but whole licorice contains a fraction (glycyrrhizin) that can raise blood pressure. This is removed to make DGL extract. The dose is two tablets of DGL extract chewed slowly before meals or between meals, or one half teaspoon of the powder swallowed at the same times. You can use this remedy as long as symptoms are present.

Aloe:

Aloe vera is a succulent plant from Africa widely grown as an ornamental in warm regions. Many people have discovered the healing properties of the clear gel that fills the thick leaves of this plant. It is a superior home remedy for burns. To use the fresh plant, cut off a lower leaf near the central stalk, cut off any spines along the edge, split the leaf lengthwise, score the gel with the point of your knife, and apply it directly to the burn. It will soon soak into the skin and provide immediate, soothing relief. Use it on sunburn, thermal burns, and any areas of skin irritation or inflammation.

You can also buy aloe products in drugstores and health-food stores. Aloe vera juice, sold in all health-food stores, is intended for internal use. Although many claims are made for it, the only reason I know to take it is to help heal ulcers and other irritations of the gastrointestinal tract. In high doses, aloe is an irritant laxative, so if you want it to soothe the lining of your GI tract, you must stay below the laxative dose. A reasonable amount to try is one teaspoon after meals.

Other Considerations:

Acupuncture:

The traditional Chinese art of insertion of needles into various specific points of the body (with injection of small amounts of fluid or electrical stimulation) has been shown to provide analgesia and relief from acute and chronic pain. This has the advantage of having none of the side-effects of analgesic drugs. In addition, acupuncture can do no harm. Patients who have concurrent arthritis may benefit from acupuncture therapy.

Dietary Cartilage:

In many cases of degenerative joint disease with arthritis, recent studies have suggested that glycosaminoglycans and chondroitin sulfate may help reduce pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis, assisting in the healing process. While these products are available through health-food stores or a pharmaceutical medication through your veterinarian, you can give these to your dog directly by giving cooked cartilage. Sources of dietary cartilage would included cooked and "de-bone" chicken wings or using cooked spare ribs as the meat source in the diet. Why pay for cartilage products if it can be gotten for free in the dietary source. Some people taught the benefits of shark cartilage, but there are no scientific studies to support these claims. On the other hand, increase dietary cartilage can do no harm, particularly in the face of arthritis. In patients with arthritis, I recommend 1-2 grams of dietary cartilage with each meal. Another alternative is bovine gelatin (Knox gelatin) which can be added to the food (1-2 packages per feeding).

Miscellaneous:

You may want to add Essiac tea, Wheatgrass extract, Soybean Concentrate or Chlorella (see www.wheat-grass.com) {these are not proven, only antidotal}

Soybean concentrate contains may of the same compounds found in Tofu, in a liquid form. My feeling is that if you use the diet which is based upon Tofu for much of its protein, you do not need soy concentrates. On the other hand, this might be useful in dogs who remain on commercial dog food. Be careful not to unbalance your dogs diet by adding this as a supplement.

Barley grass, wheat grass, and alfalfa are green plants that some people believe to be full of nutritional blessings. The first two are the young shoots of sprouted grains. Freshly squeezed wheat-grass juice is sold in some health-food stores as are dried green powders and tablets of all three plants. There is no evidence to back the claims made for these products, and I do not recommend using them. Alfalfa may contain natural substances that harm the immune system.

Spirulina and chlorella are two varieties of freshwater algae, primitive plants that are cultivated for nutritional use, dried and sold as dark green powders or tablets. They are very expensive and heavily promoted as miracle supplements. What they provide is mostly protein, which you do not need, along with some vitamins and minerals. Claims made for these products are not substantiated by research.

Visualization and healing touch:

Since your animal cannot do self visualization, you must provide this assistance. Visualize the problem and send healing energy to your dog visualizing this energy assisting your dog's body responding to fight off the problem. This healing touch will help develop a special bond between you and your dog, easing your dog's problems.

Disclaimer: The information presented here is for educational usage. It is not an indorsement of any particular product. You will need to discuss the measures and natural alternatives with your veterinarian. If the problem worsens or new signs develop, discontinue medication and seek appropriate veterinary medical care.

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