Eagle Crest Holistics

Canine Wellness
                                              EAGLE CREST
                                 CANINE WELLNESS PROGRAM

The goal of a "wellness program" is to keep our pets healthy for their whole
life, maximize the animal’s comfort and utility, and extend the animal’s life
expectancy.  However, health is more than the absence of clinical disease.  
Health is started by planning  a good  genetic background.  That is the
breeder's responsibility.  A well bred animal results in  limitation of any
predisposition to chronic disease problems.  Health is then optimized by the
human caretakers of the pet, starting at the time the pup is  whelped.  A
holistic, healthy, clean environment is not only visibly clean, but free of
harmful toxins and chemical agents, i.e.  a home where daily exercise and
human interaction occur, and where pure water, air and whole foods and
nutrients are available in the correct proportions for the specific type of
pet.  A holistic home is where the proper nutrients are available, where
stress is minimized, and where loving care and training is abundant.  These
are the things that foster a healthy lifestyle for your pet.  Proper nutrition is
paramount to good health and  results in a strong immune system which will
support the body in its continuous battle to ward off bacterial and viral
invasions.  However, many nutrients required for optimum health cannot be
purchased in a bag or can and may not be available in the grocery store or
at Wal-Mart.  If you want the best for the dog, expect to pay a fair price for it.  
You'll get what you pay for.  

The following are KEYS in establishing a pet's wellness program:

1.      DIET.   The average commercial foods contain the incorrect ratio of fat
and protein, low quality proteins such as soy and corn which are not well
digested by pets, the wrong types and amounts of fiber, no enzymes,
dangerous chemical preservatives, synthetic vitamins, lack of friendly,
beneficial bacteria (probiotics), minerals and antioxidants, too much sugar
and salt, cheap fillers, second class ingredients and animal by-products
from the human food processing system, fragmented vegetable and grain
(flour) matter and even diseased, dying or contaminated animals.  A proper
holistic wellness program begins with a premium food with no corn, no
wheat and no soy since corn and wheat gluten often cause allergic
responses in animals and soy is not bio-available to dogs and cats. A high
quality commercial food can be obtained from distributors or directly
purchased from the manufacturers (See our recommended list.  For further
information on brand ingredients for many foods on the market, see our web
site link to Earl Wolfe's comparison of ingredients).  We also recommend
following a bonafide raw food plan, either of a published “time tested”
formula such as the BARF diet or a pre-packaged brand (See our
recommended list) as long as careful calcium-phosphorus ratios are
followed and the proper ratios of enzymes, minerals, vitamins, oils and
antioxidants are added.  Perhaps the best for convenience is the use of a
combination diet:  Part premium dry food plus raw meats and bones added
several times per week, or even daily.  Substitution of some rolled natural  
freeze dried foods can be used in lieu of raw meat, bone and vegetables as
long as the salt and nitrate content is low.

2.      SUPPLEMENTATION.   Organic dietary or primary yeast (not brewer's
yeast), cold-pressed fatty acids with Omega 3 and 6, fish oils such as
salmon, menhaden and cod supply EPA, sea vegetables such as kelp, quality
whole herbal based vitamin and mineral supplements, probiotics (beneficial
acidophilus and bifidophilus bacteria) should be selectively added to a
holistic dietary plan, based on the specific needs of the animal.  Remember,
each pup is an individual and has individual dietary requirements  (See the
attached recommended list).  Another misconception about canine and
feline diets is equating the fat content of foods with human dieting.  Animals
require more fat than people.

3.      VACCINATIONS.   The puppy's immune system was boosted at whelping
by the colostrum from the mother.  Our practice is to assist the mother in
transferring immunity by giving her and the pups beneficial bacteria as soon
as the first milking is completed.  The first immunization against parvovirus
and distemper is administered after weening.  We strongly recommend
separating immunizations into single shots and only recommend parvovirus
and distemper two additional times plus rabies per your local legal
requirements. Each shot needs to be separated by at least 2-3 weeks to
allow the immune system to recover from the last shot.  "Shotgun"
vaccinations have been proven to cause the immune systems of pups and
kittens to be overwhelmed, which can cause epilepsy, toxic shock
reactions, HOD and even sudden death (symptoms similar to "crib death" in
humans).  We especially avoid leptospirosis vaccines because of their
highly antigenic nature and frequent side effect reactions.  The rest of the
routine vaccines normally recommended are not necessary, especially if #1
and #2 above are religiously followed (or in the case of pets who react to
everything allergically, do not use vaccines at all, use homeopathic nosodes
only).  After a series of three puppy shots and an initial rabies vaccine,  
annual boosters are not indicated unless a blood titer is drawn proving a
low immunity exists.  Vaccinations for "kennel cough" are virtually useless,
since this viral disease is little more that equivalent to the human cold and
the shot frequently causes the disease to occur.  Canine diseases other
than parvo, distemper and rabies are not life threatening and only rabies is
required by law (since it alone is a hazard to humans if transferred by a rabid
animal).  Again, refer to #1 and #2 above.  Keep your dog healthy with good
nutrition and the practice of life long vaccinations is an unnecessary and
unwarranted invasion of the animal's immune system that could actually hurt
them instead of immunize them.  Remember—titer, then decide if
immunization is indicated.  And NEVER immunize an animal that is not in
perfect health.  Immunizations administered during an illness could be fatal
to the animal.

4.      PARASITES and PESTS.   Your puppy is normally dewormed at weening.  
However, only a fecal sample during a vet visit, will ensure deworming is
complete.  In the interim between first parvo shot and second shot, it is
unwise to allow a pup to walk around on any other property except your own
yard until the first vet visit, second shot and fecal sample are complete.  
Repeat a fecal sample every 6-12 months and whenever any digestive
system problems arise.  However, if you follow #1 and #2 above, maximum
resistance to parasites will be maintained.  One herbal supplement that
helps detoxify and prevent worm infestations is HOKAMIX®.  We recommend
using it 3-7 days per month along with #1 and #2 above as an insurance
against parasite problems.  Heartworm testing is a must starting at 6-9
months of age and at least annually thereafter.  Heartworm treatment with
Interceptor or paste ivermectin is a matter for your own conscience and
locale.  If you are close to a mosquito area, we recommend using a
heartworm treatment every 45 days from March through December.  If you
believe in holistic and herbal approaches to health as we do, use black
walnut instead of the pharmaceutical products.  We add a small amount of
black walnut powder directly to the animal’s food twice per week and do
heartworm blood test twice per year.  A nice residual effect is that the black
walnut both detoxifies their large intestines.  It purges all intestinal
parasites and improves adrenal glad action all at the same time.

5.      FLEAS.  Flea control is a must. The methods need to be natural controls
whenever possible (Frontline is highly effective, but also a toxic, noxious
chemical).  Use of diatomateous earth in carpet, nemetodes in yards, herbal
supplements like "THREE" and garlic, use of essential oils and good
nutritional habits, all limit your dog's exposure to fleas.  Once the flea cycle
is broken in your home, less controls are generally required, however, be
on the lookout for new fleas especially if you travel with your dog or go to
dog shows frequently.  Never use flea collars, whole house flea bombs or
other noxious chemicals and poisons on your animals or in your home.  The
side effects are not worth it.  Recently, natural flea control products have
been proven as effective as the chemical brands.

6.      ENVIRONMENT.  Exercise, pure water, sunlight for the pineal gland,
proper training, loving care and grooming are positive aspects of a
"wellness program".  Twice per day exercise helps limit stress, keeps the
animal muscle toned and happy, has positive cardiovascular effects, helps
maintain proper weight and encourages proper excretion and
detoxification.  Besides, the interaction between pet and master is fully
appreciated by the pet and the exercise won’t harm the master either.

7.      KENNEL TRAINING/HOUSETRAINING.   Your pup is normally started in
paper training.  Your main training effort for the first weeks after getting a
puppy will be to train it to eliminate outside where you designate.  Kennel
training is rapid and easy for longer periods when the pup will be left alone.  
Make the kennel its "home" by making it a fun place to go with rewards and
praise.  Get this training done ASAP after getting a puppy.  Bad habits are
much harder to change than good habits are to adopt.  

8.      PERIODIC VETERINARIAN CHECKUPS.   Annual health check ups are
worth the money spent.  Vets are normally great diagnosticians.  Try to find a
vet who is willing to use alternative therapies and natural care whenever
possible.  Special certifications for structural (OFA) and eye (CERF) genetic
issues can be performed by referral from your regular vet.    The Alternative
Veterinarian Association can recommend one of their membership to you by
going to their web site,
http://www.altvetmed.com/.

9.      DENTAL MAINTENANCE.    The second leading cause for vet visits is
mouth and dental problems.  Even if your pet is on a completely raw natural
diet, they need an effective oral hygiene program and need to be taught as
a puppy to allow you to clean and brush their teeth.  A raw diet will be much
better for the dog's teeth and mouth, however, all dogs need some help to
prevent gingivitis and periodontal diseases and infections in the mouth and
under the gumline that can result in rapid degradation of organ health and
shorten an animal’s life expectancy.  Our program does not eliminate the
need for dental cleaning by a vet, but can extend the time between
cleanings by 2-6 times.  Additionally, our products can mitigate mouth
problems if they have already taken root and even heal damaged gum lines  
(See the recommendation list).

10.  EAR CLEANING.   The third leading cause for vet visits is ear infections.  
Due to the "L" shaped ear canal, wax collects in a dark place and becomes a
breeding ground for mites, yeasts and bacteria.  Weekly ear cleanings can
ensure improved aural health and prevent common ear problems (See
recommendation list).  Look for alcohol free products or herbal formulas
that are safe for daily use.  

11.  GROOMING.  Your pet's skin and coat will automatically be healthy if you
follow #1 and #2 above.  You will need to trim your pet's nails twice per
month and bathe it based on your tolerance for body odors and how much
outdoor dirt your pet drags into your home.  There are a myriad of shampoos
and conditioners on the market.  Use natural and herbal based products that
limit added fragrances, chemicals and whiteners  (See recommendation list).

12.  GERIATRIC MAINTENANCE.   Watch out for overweight conditions as your
pet matures.  Antioxidant use throughout a pet’s lifetime will assure it a
comfortable, long life.  Oral hygiene becomes increasingly important in older
animals.  Joint health can be optimized by use of glucosamine, chondroitin,
MSM, sea mussel, Omega 3 and fish oil products.  If you have followed #1
and #2 above throughout your pet's lifetime, you will have limited health
problems and they'll have a long, active life.  When the common age related
problems start to come up, remember to balance health with appropriate
nutritional support, herbal remedies, homeopathics and alternative
modalities and treatments (see the list below).   Treat the cause, not the
symptom.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

1.      Brands of food to consider (in descending order of preference):  

Dry Foods                              Rolled Foods                        Raw Foods
Flint River Ranch                  Pet Deli                                 HPPI
Life’s Abundance                  Natural Balance                   The Honest Kitchen
                                                     

2.  Supplements (in descending order of preference):

                                                       
Probiotics (beneficial bacteria)
Enzyme & Herbal Supplements
           Fastrack for dogs, cats, horses
Missing Link Canine                              NZymes Bac Pack
Universal Enzyme Formula                   
Nupro
Hokamix
Nutra Vet Enzymes & Supplement
Dinovite

3.   
Anti-parasite products (many herbal and essential oil products are
available from Nature's Sunshine Products)
  Hokamix 30
  Neem oil
  Tea tree oil
  THREE from Nature's Sunshine
  Garlic powder or garlic oil
  Black Walnut Hull powder and extract
 Oxy-Drops

4.      
Dental products:
      Pet Gel from Oxyfresh
      Pet Oral Hygiene Solution from Oxyfresh
      Petz Life Raw Meaty Bones

5.      
Ear Cleaning:
      Pet Ear Cleaner from Oxyfresh
      Herbal Ear Formula from HealthyPetNet
      Absolutely Natural Ear Cleaner
      Oxy-Drops

6.      
Grooming items:
      Pet Shampoo from Oxyfresh
      Herbal Skin & Coat Conditioning Shampoo from HealthyPetNet
      Absolutely Natural
      Nutravet Conditioners and Shampoos

7.      
Geriatric Products:
      Missing Link Plus with Glucosamine
      MSM plus
              Agility Formula for Bones and Joints from Healthy Pet Net     
      Nupro Silver
      Nutravet Products

8.      
Flower Essence Therapy:
      Bach Rescue Remedy and individual essences
      Distress Remedy from Nature's Sunshine

9.      
Aromatherapy:
      Nature's Sunshine, available in singles and combinations
      Nelson-Bach, single oils only

10.    
Eye Health:
      Eyebright from Nature’s Sunshine
      EW from Nature’s Sunshine
      Oxy-Drops

11.    
Natural, holistic treats:
      Cosmos Bait
      HPPI Chicken Hearts

12.  
Detoxification:
      Vaccination Detox from Nature’s Sunshine
      Hokamix

Note:  All the above products and company names are trademarked.  Eagle
Crest is an Independent Distributor/Independent Business Owner that
retails the highlighted quality products above.  

These and many more holistic products are available mail order or drop
shipment.  Contact EAGLE CREST by calling toll free 800-269-7847 or e-mail at
EagleCrest2000@att.net .