This column may be described as the scrap yard of the moggy and doggy newsletters. It will cover everything from homeopathic tips to favourite home made doggy biscuits (tried and tasted by three pedigree mongrels all from the Shelter and their mum!!!). Regarding the homeopathic tips I do stress if you are concerned for your pe's health you do seek your vets advice. However there are some simple remedies that appear to have helped Lucky (8) Candy (6) and ( Gabby ( 1).

Evening Primrose Oil, Garlic and Brewers Yeast.
Several summers ago Lucky began scratching her stomach area quite violently to the point it became red and very sore. There appeared small raised spots in this area which was also inflamed. After a visit to the vets we were informed she was allergic to grass mites. Try and telling her that! She loves nothing better than running and attempting to hunt in long grass. She was placed on a course of medication for the inflammation and irritation, medication she would need every spring/summer. Although the medication worked we were concerned at the annual use of these chemicals

By talking to other owners and researching homeopathic alternatives we gave Lucky evening primrose oil and garlic tablets once a day and since them she has not needed any more medication. Homeopathy is not just confined to the human field of medicine there is an increase in owners seeking alternative treatments for their pets.

Another example of this is how to repel fleas. Apparently these little pests do have taste buds and hate garlic and brewers yeast. By sprinkling about a tablespoon on your pets food every day (dogs of 501bs can have two teaspoons of garlic and smaller dogs can have one quarter to half). Cats have problems with garlic so a safe limit for them is one eighth of a teaspoon a day for 2 weeks at a time. The garlic and brewers yeast alter the taste of the animal's blood so just as garlic works on Dracula it works on fleas (have you ever tried
driving a stake through the heart of a flea)!!

This was a brief introduction to this column I hope- to bring more in the next edition including a tasty dog biscuit recipe Candy and Gabby's favourite one of cheese and garlic no less. At the end of this column is the source I use for homeopathic tips but please contact the Shelter if you have any queries. But most importantly if in doubt check with your vet.

Souroe: New choices in natural healing for Dogs and Cats by AlIly D Shojai
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Barbara you must stop watching these late night horror movies but when it comes to stakes you do cook a nice one.
Karen