Kidney Dogs...there is a natural alternative

As many of my customers know, there is often a natural alternative to both medications and prescription diets - without the harmful side effects. I have recently had many questions about dogs with kidney disease and renal failure.  Conventionally, a veterinarian will say to put the dog on a low-protein diet.  If you look at the label of some such diets, you can see that their ingredients are low-quality.  Among the first few ingredients in Hills k/d are Brewers Rice (a by-product of rice), Pork Fat, and Corn Gluten Meal.  Although the Royal Canin mp and lp are better choices, they still contain both Corn, and Corn Gluten Meal.  I began to ask around, "What is the alternative?" I know these formulas contain 11%-15% protein and no natural food I have found has a protein level that low.  I started researching the topic and emailed a holistic vet about the issue.  What I found is that it is not, in fact, the protein itself that cannot be processed by the kidneys; it is the substance used in processing the protein that is not easily digested.  There have been many scientific tests done which point to the fact that high protein is bad for a dog with diseased kidneys, however, all such tests were done with processed proteins.  More modern research done using high quality, unprocessed proteins show that in fact, a higher protein diet with a low phosphorus content is preferable. 

The holistic vet I contacted had this to say: "I suggest feeding a high-protein, raw meat based diet.  I have seen dramatic reductions in elevated kidney blood tests within two weeks for some patients. Why does conventional medicine do the opposite? Because all of the conventional nutrition research is done with processed foods." 

A raw diet may be easier to feed than you think.  Nature's Variety makes a raw diet that is complete and frozen.  You simply thaw the patties and serve them at meal time.  It is easy and healthy!

Please let me know if you want more information on this topic.  I have several websites I can refer you to, plus I can send you a copy of my correspondence with the vet. 

**I have recently heard of a remedy called Kibow.  The research I have found on the product explains that it is a combination of three good bacteria that work together to absorb the toxins that diseased kidneys do not break down.  Check out: http://www.kibowbiotec.com/ for more info on this product. 

Traumeel

I have spoken with many customers and fellow animal lovers about a product called Traumeel -I believe that many animals could benefit from its use and therefore I wanted to provide a little more information on the product. 

 

Traumeel is a natural anti-inflammatory, analgesic that is beneficial in many ways, including relief from pain and stiffness caused by:

"Injuries of all kinds (sports, accidents) such as sprains, dislocations, contusions, burns, effusions of blood and effusions into a joint, fractures etc; post-operative and post-traumatic edema and swelling of the soft tissues; inflammatory processes and degenerative processes associated with inflammation on the various organs and tissues, including, in particular, on the support and mobility apparatus (tendovaginitis, styloiditis, epicondylitis, bursitis scapulohumeral periarthritis, arthrosis of the hip, knee and small joints); parodontitis, suppuration of the gingival pockets, paradontosis, commotio cerebri." (nutritiondynamics.com)

Many of you know that when I got Juno, she had a very hard time walking, running, jumping, and even standing up.  After several weeks on a great diet and supplements of Traumeel, she is running and jumping with the other dogs.  Although she still needs the surgery on her hind legs, she is FAR more comfortable as she waits for us to raise the funds.  Several people have even commented "there's nothing wrong with that dog!" This product is amazing!

I am working on bringing it into the store.  Currently, I get it at Whole Foods in the liquid form.  When I get it in stock, I will let everyone know.  Feel free to call me if you have any questions.   

A Benefit For Juno

Throw Juno some $BONES$!

Juno is a beautiful lab who came from the Greenville shelter earlier this year.  There, they decided she was not healthy enough to rehabilitate and adopt out and therefore she was placed on the euthanasia list.  Before she was sent to her sad, sad fate, WILD HEIR LAB RESCUE stepped in and saved the life of this amazing dog.  Many of our customers have come to love Juno dearly.  With her laid back disposition and eagerness for a belly scratch, who could resist her?  Many people come simply to show Juno the love and affection she so deeply craves.  

When she was picked up, she was heartworm positive.  She went through heartworm treatment (which is very intense and painful).  She was also sent to be spayed and when opened up, it was evident that she had already been spayed.  While under, she had fatty tumors removed from her stomach.  After several weeks of inactivity, Juno is now ready to have the procedures she needs to repair her hind knees.  

In both of her back legs, Juno has torn ACLs.  The specialist has said that she also has bad cartilage damage.  She will need to have two surgeries.  The first on her right knee (the worse of the two).  The ligament and cartilage will be repaired and she will go through 6 weeks of rehab; both inpatient and outpatient.  Once she has recovered, we will do it all over again on the left side.  

This is where we need help!  Although the wonderful vet we are using has discounted the price of the procedures, it is still VERY expensive.  We need to raise $5,500.  We had a benefit Wednesday, June 4 at Red's Ice House where we raised $260.  We have been collecting money at Lucia's Premium Pet over past few weeks as well.  We are also selling raffle tickets for the Grand Opening Celebration of the store.  Many gracious friends of Juno have donated cool prizes to the raffle so stop by and get a ticket for a chance to win! Wild Heir Lab Rescue will be at Lucia's Saturday, June 7 for the celebration (Publix Shopping Center, Downtown Daniel Island) .  We will have all sorts of fun and goodies for humans and pets so please stop by our party with a cause! We are on our way to raising the money and we will NOT stop until she is all well. If you cannot attend but would still like to give, please send checks to 

Lucia's Premium Pet

162 Seven Farms Dr. Ste 115

Charleston, SC 29492

Made out to Wild Heir Lab Rescue (for: Juno)

Thank everyone so much for your generous donations and support.  See you Saturday!!!

-Katharine, Juno, and Lucia!