Barbara Royal's Blog
March 7, 2016
March 5, 2016
The Most important Pet and Planetary Advice You'll Read This Year
My Top three ways to save your pets and save the world.
At my clinic I see a different person nearly every 20 minutes. I am often impressed by my clients who come in caring about the well-being of their animals and are worrying about the well being of our planet.
I know many of us feel overwhelmed by all the doom and gloom stories we see in the media. My clients know I am often in contact with activists and have been involved in many organizations focused on improving the condition of our planet, so they ask me if they, as one person, can even make a difference. Most don't even know where to start.
As an advocate for my clients and their pet and human families, I offer this advice:
Make a difference where you live. Make a difference with the people and animals that are already in your life. Find the thing you can do and do it well.
As a veterinarian, I recommend to my clients the top 3 things that are essential for your pet's health. As an earth advocate, I have my top 3 things that are essential for global health. I've always believed that the earth is my patient too.
Top 3 things that make a difference for your pet's health:
1)The most important health decision for a pet is what you choose to put in the food bowl. A species appropriate diet means dogs and cats eat diets that are made for carnivores - mostly meat and fat and light on the carbs. Commercially available preprepared frozen raw foods make the most sense biologically. I've watched animals eat themselves healthy with raw foods in the last 20 years of my practice. They are good for the body, for weight control, immunity, strength, create healthy teeth and gums and regulate healthy GI function.
Kibble foods make the least sense biologically and in terms of health in my experience. They have too many carbs, too many additives, too much filler and are typically high heat processed which makes two potent carcinogens in every bite.
Canned foods can be useful as an option, but we still have to worry about ingredients and also the lining of many of the large cans is BPA - a carcinogen.
2) Judicious use of vaccines makes sense. Don't overvaccinate and don't do all your vaccines in one appointment. Wait a few weeks between vaccine injections. Vaccination are serious immune stimulating injections and can potentially have some serious side effects. We should follow the science about vaccines, not the scare tactics and mis-information that we get from the companies that make and sell the vaccines.
Ask your vet about doing titer testing for some vaccines to prove that immunity is still present and that you don't need to vaccinate. The titer tests are often accepted by boarding, day-care and grooming facilities for at least 3 years. They are worth it.
Wherever possible ask how long vaccines really last, and ask for the vaccines that last longer. Typically the longer lasting vaccines are not stronger or a larger dose, they are simply the same product that is now proven to last longer than previously thought.
Rabies is the only vaccine that is required by law. Ask about the real need for any other vaccinations before giving them.
If you are near a holistic veterinarian, ask for a post-vaccine detox - this can include homeopathic supplements. Support proper laws and information that follow the science about vaccination.
3) Don't use pesticides and chemicals on or in your pet. They are not healthy additions for your pet's well-being, for the world or for your family. Just because we can use them doesn't mean we should. There WILL be exposure to your pet, and there WILL be exposure to your family, and they add more pesticides and chemicals to our world. There are organic essential oil sprays and squeeze-on products that contain essential oils that are very effective in repelling fleas and ticks.
Top 3 things that make a difference for your planet's health:
1) Don't support animal abuse anywhere. This includes asking about where the food animals that are feeding your pet are from. How are the food animals treated? Do they have access to sunlight, exercise, fresh foods, clean, healthy environs? Are they free from the overuse of antibiotics, growth hormones and chemicals? Are they raised in an organic and healthy manner?
How we treat our food animals affects our pets, our world and says something about our own humanity. If we love animals, we should love the animals that feed our pets. We need to demand better care and better management of our food animals. This will have a good effect on the management of our planet too.
2) Don't use pesticides, herbicides and fungicides on your lawn or in your house. Not only are they are implicated in many serious health concerns for pets as well as humans, even when properly applied, but using them hurts our planet as well. When we kill broad swaths of species with chemicals, we are negatively impacting the precious balance and health of our natural world. Is it worth it in favor of a well-sprayed monoculture of green lawn and a weedless garden? Pulling weeds can be another way to exercise... There are other ways.
3) Go Organic, non-GMO and local in every way you can. Choose vegetables, fruits and meats that are not full of chemicals, consider growing your own garden, even if you are in an urban setting, it's possible. Buy from smaller stores that source locally. It's not only shown to provide healthier foods, but it will help our planet too. And while you're at it, conserve and filter your water too.
When I hear from clients, "I'm so overwhelmed every day, I just want to give up and go back to bed!" I can give them my top 3 for pets and my top 3 for the planet, but I also have my new book, to give them: One Hundred and One Reasons to Get Out of Bed. An inspiring and tangible answer in book form -- flip through colorful photos and read the engaging success stories of 101 single individuals who found their "one thing" to improve their world and made it happen. These amazing people who are doing surprising and often quietly heroic deeds all answered three simple questions for this book, that think we should all answer:
1)What gets you out of bed and why,
2)What you are doing about it,
and
3)What everyone can do about it.
With proceeds from the book going back to the charities suggested by the contributors, we hope it encourages our readers take part and to take a moment to find the thing that gets them out of bed and take small planet steps to become big planet heroes themselves.
http://www.101reasonstogetoutofbed.com
At my clinic I see a different person nearly every 20 minutes. I am often impressed by my clients who come in caring about the well-being of their animals and are worrying about the well being of our planet.
I know many of us feel overwhelmed by all the doom and gloom stories we see in the media. My clients know I am often in contact with activists and have been involved in many organizations focused on improving the condition of our planet, so they ask me if they, as one person, can even make a difference. Most don't even know where to start.
As an advocate for my clients and their pet and human families, I offer this advice:
Make a difference where you live. Make a difference with the people and animals that are already in your life. Find the thing you can do and do it well.
As a veterinarian, I recommend to my clients the top 3 things that are essential for your pet's health. As an earth advocate, I have my top 3 things that are essential for global health. I've always believed that the earth is my patient too.
Top 3 things that make a difference for your pet's health:
1)The most important health decision for a pet is what you choose to put in the food bowl. A species appropriate diet means dogs and cats eat diets that are made for carnivores - mostly meat and fat and light on the carbs. Commercially available preprepared frozen raw foods make the most sense biologically. I've watched animals eat themselves healthy with raw foods in the last 20 years of my practice. They are good for the body, for weight control, immunity, strength, create healthy teeth and gums and regulate healthy GI function.
Kibble foods make the least sense biologically and in terms of health in my experience. They have too many carbs, too many additives, too much filler and are typically high heat processed which makes two potent carcinogens in every bite.
Canned foods can be useful as an option, but we still have to worry about ingredients and also the lining of many of the large cans is BPA - a carcinogen.
2) Judicious use of vaccines makes sense. Don't overvaccinate and don't do all your vaccines in one appointment. Wait a few weeks between vaccine injections. Vaccination are serious immune stimulating injections and can potentially have some serious side effects. We should follow the science about vaccines, not the scare tactics and mis-information that we get from the companies that make and sell the vaccines.
Ask your vet about doing titer testing for some vaccines to prove that immunity is still present and that you don't need to vaccinate. The titer tests are often accepted by boarding, day-care and grooming facilities for at least 3 years. They are worth it.
Wherever possible ask how long vaccines really last, and ask for the vaccines that last longer. Typically the longer lasting vaccines are not stronger or a larger dose, they are simply the same product that is now proven to last longer than previously thought.
Rabies is the only vaccine that is required by law. Ask about the real need for any other vaccinations before giving them.
If you are near a holistic veterinarian, ask for a post-vaccine detox - this can include homeopathic supplements. Support proper laws and information that follow the science about vaccination.
3) Don't use pesticides and chemicals on or in your pet. They are not healthy additions for your pet's well-being, for the world or for your family. Just because we can use them doesn't mean we should. There WILL be exposure to your pet, and there WILL be exposure to your family, and they add more pesticides and chemicals to our world. There are organic essential oil sprays and squeeze-on products that contain essential oils that are very effective in repelling fleas and ticks.
Top 3 things that make a difference for your planet's health:
1) Don't support animal abuse anywhere. This includes asking about where the food animals that are feeding your pet are from. How are the food animals treated? Do they have access to sunlight, exercise, fresh foods, clean, healthy environs? Are they free from the overuse of antibiotics, growth hormones and chemicals? Are they raised in an organic and healthy manner?
How we treat our food animals affects our pets, our world and says something about our own humanity. If we love animals, we should love the animals that feed our pets. We need to demand better care and better management of our food animals. This will have a good effect on the management of our planet too.
2) Don't use pesticides, herbicides and fungicides on your lawn or in your house. Not only are they are implicated in many serious health concerns for pets as well as humans, even when properly applied, but using them hurts our planet as well. When we kill broad swaths of species with chemicals, we are negatively impacting the precious balance and health of our natural world. Is it worth it in favor of a well-sprayed monoculture of green lawn and a weedless garden? Pulling weeds can be another way to exercise... There are other ways.
3) Go Organic, non-GMO and local in every way you can. Choose vegetables, fruits and meats that are not full of chemicals, consider growing your own garden, even if you are in an urban setting, it's possible. Buy from smaller stores that source locally. It's not only shown to provide healthier foods, but it will help our planet too. And while you're at it, conserve and filter your water too.
When I hear from clients, "I'm so overwhelmed every day, I just want to give up and go back to bed!" I can give them my top 3 for pets and my top 3 for the planet, but I also have my new book, to give them: One Hundred and One Reasons to Get Out of Bed. An inspiring and tangible answer in book form -- flip through colorful photos and read the engaging success stories of 101 single individuals who found their "one thing" to improve their world and made it happen. These amazing people who are doing surprising and often quietly heroic deeds all answered three simple questions for this book, that think we should all answer:
1)What gets you out of bed and why,
2)What you are doing about it,
and
3)What everyone can do about it.
With proceeds from the book going back to the charities suggested by the contributors, we hope it encourages our readers take part and to take a moment to find the thing that gets them out of bed and take small planet steps to become big planet heroes themselves.
http://www.101reasonstogetoutofbed.com
March 16, 2015
Lucky Health Tips for Your Dog on St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day is fast approaching. Shamrocks, rainbows, beer, leprechauns, green rivers, and everything lucky -- this holiday has it all. Named after Saint Patrick, the most recognized patron saint (and snake remover) of Ireland, St. Patrick's Day is especially... shall we say 'festive'... in Chicagoland. However for pets, St. Patrick's Day can accidentally become unlucky and even dangerous for a number of reasons. Here are some guidelines for keeping your pet safe:
Alcohol
A little green beer on this holiday? Dogs should absolutely never be allowed access to beer or alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is toxic to pets and can make them extremely sick or even worse. If your pooch insists on joining in the festivities, you can buy or make your own doggie beverage. Try organic low sodium chicken broth in a frosty mug or bone broth poured from a growler (look! A beer-related meaning for the word "growler"...!). Or, if you want a 6-pack beer-bottle feeling, buy a doggie-beer such as Dog Beer or Bowser Beer. These non-alcoholic, non-carbonated treats can be a fun novelty for the human family, and won't harm the family dog. In general it's best to always be on the lookout for natural, organic and chemical-free ways to keep your pet healthy and happy.
Dye
Wear green or be pinched! We do not recommend dyeing even the most Irish of Wolfhounds green, but if your leprechaun insists, make sure to use non-toxic, all-natural, non-permanent vegetable dye. Be certain the coloring won't affect sensitive skin and is safe if your dog licks the fur after it's dyed. Murphy Oil Soap (liquid) is perfect as a safe, natural and non-drying dog shampoo to wash that green right out of their hair.
Clothing
At this time of year, there seems to be no shortage of St. Patrick's Day costumes to adorn your precious pet. When dressing your pet for the occasion, take a cute photo as soon as the outfit is on. Then if the costume becomes uncomfortable, you can undress your little shamrock and show the photo instead. Animals can become overheated when wearing clothing/costumes. Signs of overheating include panting, acting lethargic or looking anxious. Overheating occurs more rapidly if the pet is in the sun, on a hot day, or in a warm room. Offering plenty of fresh water, and a cool place in the shade can help, but if your pets seem hot or uncomfortable, let them get naked.
Special Events
Parades and parties will be happening all around town. They can be overwhelming and even hazardous to your pet. When taking your pet to parties, communicate with the host or hostess to determine (a) if your pet is welcome and (b) if there will be a "no disturb" area or room for your pet if she becomes agitated. Make sure other guests aren't tempted to offer unhealthy treats, foods or drink to your dog. Remember that other houses may not be dog-proofed. Table surfing or garbage picking in a bathroom or kitchen may be dangerously appealing to a dog. Pets at holiday parades should be leashed and properly restrained at all times for a parade of reasons.
Adopting
Looking for an Irish dog? Maybe an Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Setter, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Kerry Beagle, Irish Lurcher, Irish Toy Collie, Kerry Blue Terrier, Glen of Imaal Terrier, or an Irish Wolfhound? Whoever you might be looking for as your next four-legged companion, you can adopt an Irish breed at your local shelter or breed rescue. There are many deserving animals waiting to find a home. You'll both find that the luck of the Irish is with you!
Alcohol
A little green beer on this holiday? Dogs should absolutely never be allowed access to beer or alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is toxic to pets and can make them extremely sick or even worse. If your pooch insists on joining in the festivities, you can buy or make your own doggie beverage. Try organic low sodium chicken broth in a frosty mug or bone broth poured from a growler (look! A beer-related meaning for the word "growler"...!). Or, if you want a 6-pack beer-bottle feeling, buy a doggie-beer such as Dog Beer or Bowser Beer. These non-alcoholic, non-carbonated treats can be a fun novelty for the human family, and won't harm the family dog. In general it's best to always be on the lookout for natural, organic and chemical-free ways to keep your pet healthy and happy.
Dye
Wear green or be pinched! We do not recommend dyeing even the most Irish of Wolfhounds green, but if your leprechaun insists, make sure to use non-toxic, all-natural, non-permanent vegetable dye. Be certain the coloring won't affect sensitive skin and is safe if your dog licks the fur after it's dyed. Murphy Oil Soap (liquid) is perfect as a safe, natural and non-drying dog shampoo to wash that green right out of their hair.
Clothing
At this time of year, there seems to be no shortage of St. Patrick's Day costumes to adorn your precious pet. When dressing your pet for the occasion, take a cute photo as soon as the outfit is on. Then if the costume becomes uncomfortable, you can undress your little shamrock and show the photo instead. Animals can become overheated when wearing clothing/costumes. Signs of overheating include panting, acting lethargic or looking anxious. Overheating occurs more rapidly if the pet is in the sun, on a hot day, or in a warm room. Offering plenty of fresh water, and a cool place in the shade can help, but if your pets seem hot or uncomfortable, let them get naked.
Special Events
Parades and parties will be happening all around town. They can be overwhelming and even hazardous to your pet. When taking your pet to parties, communicate with the host or hostess to determine (a) if your pet is welcome and (b) if there will be a "no disturb" area or room for your pet if she becomes agitated. Make sure other guests aren't tempted to offer unhealthy treats, foods or drink to your dog. Remember that other houses may not be dog-proofed. Table surfing or garbage picking in a bathroom or kitchen may be dangerously appealing to a dog. Pets at holiday parades should be leashed and properly restrained at all times for a parade of reasons.
Adopting
Looking for an Irish dog? Maybe an Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Setter, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Kerry Beagle, Irish Lurcher, Irish Toy Collie, Kerry Blue Terrier, Glen of Imaal Terrier, or an Irish Wolfhound? Whoever you might be looking for as your next four-legged companion, you can adopt an Irish breed at your local shelter or breed rescue. There are many deserving animals waiting to find a home. You'll both find that the luck of the Irish is with you!
Lucky Health Tips for Your Dog on St. Patrick's Day
For pets, St. Patrick's Day can accidentally become unlucky and even dangerous for a number of reasons. Here are some guidelines for keeping your pet safe.
March 20, 2013
True Health in a Faux Health World: How CNN's Escape Fire Applies to Veterinary Medicine
After watching the CNN documentary Escape Fire, The Fight to Rescue Healthcare, about our failing health care system, I have to admit I was both relieved and dismayed. Relieved that someone is actually shining a light on our dysfunctional health system. Dismayed that we continue to ask the wrong questions about health and disease in this country. We are a nation that is becoming more unhealthy every year, and as a veterinarian, I have seen how we have given this unhappy birthright to our pets as well.
With these uncertain financial times, are all worry that we may not be able to maintain our health insurance in the future. People wonder if they will be able to afford the "quality" of health care that we have in the U.S. in the face of unemployment or retiring from work. But maybe we should be asking: Do we really want this kind of health care? In our zeal to manage our increasing health problems, we didn't notice that many health problems we are working to "manage" shouldn't even be there in the first place. I have seen this trend in veterinary care as well.
Sadly, as we look for medications and procedures to "manage" into each new epidemic of preventable, non-communicable diseases, we never consider looking for the causes of health. We have stopped expecting any true health in our faux health world.
When we think about health care, we think about hi-tech science and a quick fix. Rarely are the basic building blocks of health (nutrition, exercise, lifestyle) part of our medical equation. Natural diets, and lifestyle changes are too complicated. Many people say it is ridiculous to try to resolve heart disease, cancer, or other life-threatening conditions with food. But in my veterinary practice, I have seen it. It's not ridiculous in my book.
In fact, I wrote my book The Royal Treatment, A Natural Approach to Wildly Healthy Pets because I wanted to offer real stories of the animals I have seen recover using less instead of more. To provide more information about how to tap into health rather than manage diseases.
A monkey on the verge of death, recovering completely with good diet and exercise, cancer patients living years beyond their prognosis. A zebra overcoming seizures and arthritis with acupuncture. A puppy weaning off 15 medications by using diet as the real prescription for health. I see opportunities for health in the basics, where others are still looking for a new drug.
Doctors know a lot about medicines and surgeries but not enough about the causes of health. We are not trained to recognize the impediments to health that we ourselves have constructed, much less to remove them. Doctors that spend the time to find and promote health take more time in the exam room, and it doesn't make financial sense. Doctors aren't rewarded for the health of their patients; they are rewarded when their patients are sick and they need testing and medical intervention. And even the most idealistic and dedicated doctors arrive in the profession with large student loans to pay. Volume of patients, not vitality of patients will pay the bills.
Next, please.
I often wonder if we could start a system where the patient pays the doctor a monthly fee when they are healthy. If they get ill, they stop paying the doctor. It would then be in the interest of the doctor to work hard to return them to health. There are clearly flaws to this idea as well, but we do need a solution. We need to find a sustainable health care model for humans and animals.
None of us were born to be unhealthy, to be medicated, hospitalized, surgically-repaired. The body arrives with internal healing mechanisms. The body's system of health is supported by things like proper diet, circulation, musculature, and a responsive immune system. Disease happens when these systems are thwarted somehow. Poor diet, toxins, carcinogens, inadequate exercise, over-vaccination, over-medication, excessive surgical procedures can thwart the body's own ability to heal.
Yet we still believe our own advertisements. We believe that our drugs and surgeries are so incredibly high-tech and effective, they should be used all the time. If a little is good in emergency situations, a lot of it is better. It certainly pays better. But is that really what we want?
In medicine, we are asking the wrong questions. We need to ask why we are a nation of diseases spiraling out of control. Why is there a new epidemic of diseases every month? Cancers, arthritis, thyroid disease, allergies, diabetes, seizures, behavior problems and autoimmune conditions are all too common. Could we be missing something more basic?
Doctors and veterinarians are not trained in nutrition because it will not help them financially. There is much more money in surgery and drugs. We learn our medicine in programs and teaching hospitals that are typically funded by those who have the most to gain financially: the drug companies.
Common sense nutrition takes too much time to learn about and to teach. Vets and doctors have no financial incentive to improve health using what the pet owner or patient will buy somewhere else. And although veterinarians don't tend to be a mercenary bunch, we can only practice what we are taught. And we can only practice if we don't go out of business for lack of funds.
Nutrition can be a complicated subject. I know, because I typically spend about 30 minutes with new clients discussing nutrition. I do it because it makes all the difference. When was the last time your own doctor inquired about diet? Many doctors and veterinarians are afraid to mention that their patient is overweight for fear of insulting a client. Even though we do know that weight and health are related.
We'd all rather take a pill or even have a surgery if it meant we could avoid having to make a hard lifestyle change like eating differently or exercising for our health. In today's world it is much more difficult to find a truly healthy diet for your family -- man and beast -- than to find one that will inevitably cause illness.
My zoo and wildlife patients were typically on the right track. As I describe in my book, the attendant health issues from zebras eating bagels, gorillas eating donuts, and camels not getting enough salts in zoos had been examined, and these practices have generally stopped. Zoo and wildlife professionals know how important diet is to health. Animals that live in the wild and don't interact with humans seem to choose their food well and stay healthy. Owls eat what they should and rabbits know "what's up, doc."
But are dogs and cats being fed carcinogens, toxins and fillers? Are we unknowingly buying foods that are not healthy for them? Does a bear eat berries in the woods? The pet food industry is full of poor diet choices for your pet. Even though they are marketed as veterinary-approved and healthy. High heat processing of dry kibbled foods creates two potent carcinogens. Many pet food cans are lined with BPA. Many dry foods marketed for our carnivores still contain more than 60 percent carbohydrates. Substances like powdered cellulose (a sawdust-like filler) are common in pet foods. I could go on.
I tell my clients, "The most important health decision you can make for your pets is what you choose to put in their food bowls." So many pet owners are thrilled by the health improvements they see by simply feeding a species-appropriate diet -- plenty of meat protein and fat, a small amount of carbs, and no grains, purchased from companies that have excellent sourcing. I spend time talking about husbandry, logistics, exercise, stress. Only then do I discuss medications or surgery.
Like most of us, our pets can survive for a while with inappropriate foods and poor lifestyles, but they won't thrive. To thrive, we have to give the body the tools it needs to stay healthy.
We can still reverse the heartbreaking trends in our health care system, for ourselves and for our pets. We just need to start asking the right questions about true health and recognize that the answers are more obvious than we expect.
Dr. Royal's new book, The Royal Treatment: A Natural Approach to Wildly Healthy Pets (Simon and Schuster) is available at:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Royal-Treatment-Natural-Approach/dp/1451647697/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363498411&sr=8-1&keywords=the+royal+treatment+by+dr.+barbara+royal
For more by Barbara E. Royal, D.V.M., click here.
For more on pet health, click here.
With these uncertain financial times, are all worry that we may not be able to maintain our health insurance in the future. People wonder if they will be able to afford the "quality" of health care that we have in the U.S. in the face of unemployment or retiring from work. But maybe we should be asking: Do we really want this kind of health care? In our zeal to manage our increasing health problems, we didn't notice that many health problems we are working to "manage" shouldn't even be there in the first place. I have seen this trend in veterinary care as well.
Sadly, as we look for medications and procedures to "manage" into each new epidemic of preventable, non-communicable diseases, we never consider looking for the causes of health. We have stopped expecting any true health in our faux health world.
When we think about health care, we think about hi-tech science and a quick fix. Rarely are the basic building blocks of health (nutrition, exercise, lifestyle) part of our medical equation. Natural diets, and lifestyle changes are too complicated. Many people say it is ridiculous to try to resolve heart disease, cancer, or other life-threatening conditions with food. But in my veterinary practice, I have seen it. It's not ridiculous in my book.
In fact, I wrote my book The Royal Treatment, A Natural Approach to Wildly Healthy Pets because I wanted to offer real stories of the animals I have seen recover using less instead of more. To provide more information about how to tap into health rather than manage diseases.
A monkey on the verge of death, recovering completely with good diet and exercise, cancer patients living years beyond their prognosis. A zebra overcoming seizures and arthritis with acupuncture. A puppy weaning off 15 medications by using diet as the real prescription for health. I see opportunities for health in the basics, where others are still looking for a new drug.
Doctors know a lot about medicines and surgeries but not enough about the causes of health. We are not trained to recognize the impediments to health that we ourselves have constructed, much less to remove them. Doctors that spend the time to find and promote health take more time in the exam room, and it doesn't make financial sense. Doctors aren't rewarded for the health of their patients; they are rewarded when their patients are sick and they need testing and medical intervention. And even the most idealistic and dedicated doctors arrive in the profession with large student loans to pay. Volume of patients, not vitality of patients will pay the bills.
Next, please.
I often wonder if we could start a system where the patient pays the doctor a monthly fee when they are healthy. If they get ill, they stop paying the doctor. It would then be in the interest of the doctor to work hard to return them to health. There are clearly flaws to this idea as well, but we do need a solution. We need to find a sustainable health care model for humans and animals.
None of us were born to be unhealthy, to be medicated, hospitalized, surgically-repaired. The body arrives with internal healing mechanisms. The body's system of health is supported by things like proper diet, circulation, musculature, and a responsive immune system. Disease happens when these systems are thwarted somehow. Poor diet, toxins, carcinogens, inadequate exercise, over-vaccination, over-medication, excessive surgical procedures can thwart the body's own ability to heal.
Yet we still believe our own advertisements. We believe that our drugs and surgeries are so incredibly high-tech and effective, they should be used all the time. If a little is good in emergency situations, a lot of it is better. It certainly pays better. But is that really what we want?
In medicine, we are asking the wrong questions. We need to ask why we are a nation of diseases spiraling out of control. Why is there a new epidemic of diseases every month? Cancers, arthritis, thyroid disease, allergies, diabetes, seizures, behavior problems and autoimmune conditions are all too common. Could we be missing something more basic?
Doctors and veterinarians are not trained in nutrition because it will not help them financially. There is much more money in surgery and drugs. We learn our medicine in programs and teaching hospitals that are typically funded by those who have the most to gain financially: the drug companies.
Common sense nutrition takes too much time to learn about and to teach. Vets and doctors have no financial incentive to improve health using what the pet owner or patient will buy somewhere else. And although veterinarians don't tend to be a mercenary bunch, we can only practice what we are taught. And we can only practice if we don't go out of business for lack of funds.
Nutrition can be a complicated subject. I know, because I typically spend about 30 minutes with new clients discussing nutrition. I do it because it makes all the difference. When was the last time your own doctor inquired about diet? Many doctors and veterinarians are afraid to mention that their patient is overweight for fear of insulting a client. Even though we do know that weight and health are related.
We'd all rather take a pill or even have a surgery if it meant we could avoid having to make a hard lifestyle change like eating differently or exercising for our health. In today's world it is much more difficult to find a truly healthy diet for your family -- man and beast -- than to find one that will inevitably cause illness.
My zoo and wildlife patients were typically on the right track. As I describe in my book, the attendant health issues from zebras eating bagels, gorillas eating donuts, and camels not getting enough salts in zoos had been examined, and these practices have generally stopped. Zoo and wildlife professionals know how important diet is to health. Animals that live in the wild and don't interact with humans seem to choose their food well and stay healthy. Owls eat what they should and rabbits know "what's up, doc."
But are dogs and cats being fed carcinogens, toxins and fillers? Are we unknowingly buying foods that are not healthy for them? Does a bear eat berries in the woods? The pet food industry is full of poor diet choices for your pet. Even though they are marketed as veterinary-approved and healthy. High heat processing of dry kibbled foods creates two potent carcinogens. Many pet food cans are lined with BPA. Many dry foods marketed for our carnivores still contain more than 60 percent carbohydrates. Substances like powdered cellulose (a sawdust-like filler) are common in pet foods. I could go on.
I tell my clients, "The most important health decision you can make for your pets is what you choose to put in their food bowls." So many pet owners are thrilled by the health improvements they see by simply feeding a species-appropriate diet -- plenty of meat protein and fat, a small amount of carbs, and no grains, purchased from companies that have excellent sourcing. I spend time talking about husbandry, logistics, exercise, stress. Only then do I discuss medications or surgery.
Like most of us, our pets can survive for a while with inappropriate foods and poor lifestyles, but they won't thrive. To thrive, we have to give the body the tools it needs to stay healthy.
We can still reverse the heartbreaking trends in our health care system, for ourselves and for our pets. We just need to start asking the right questions about true health and recognize that the answers are more obvious than we expect.
Dr. Royal's new book, The Royal Treatment: A Natural Approach to Wildly Healthy Pets (Simon and Schuster) is available at:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Royal-Treatment-Natural-Approach/dp/1451647697/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363498411&sr=8-1&keywords=the+royal+treatment+by+dr.+barbara+royal
For more by Barbara E. Royal, D.V.M., click here.
For more on pet health, click here.
True Health in a Faux Health World: How CNN's Escape Fire Applies to Veterinary Medicine
In our zeal to manage our increasing health problems, we didn't notice that many health problems we are working to "manage" shouldn't even be there in the first place. I have seen this trend in veterinary care as well.
December 31, 2012
December 30, 2012
Happy New Year From 2,013 Ants
Life is all about carrying on in the face of incredible obstacles. I might think of the megavertebrates -- rhinos in single digits, elephants hiding their tusks, cheetahs and zebras losing room to run, gorilla families dwindling. Animals have taught me much in my life. Or, I could mull over what my son tells me about from his studies in astronomy: black holes and red giants, events in light years and galaxies that extend his own dreams to the ends of infinity. Big ideas for the new year.
But as the new year approaches, I think of ants. Amazing Costa Rican leaf-cutter ants, resonating with their own version of wild health. They do what they are meant to do. I see health in their own form of tenacity, loyalty, productivity, altruism, tenderness, and I believe even an ant form of hope and love.
Each leaf-carrying ant also carries, for miles, an ant friend on the leaf, who is preparing the leaf for cultivation, and will also defend the line if needed. How they learned, why they chose this method to survive, and what makes them keep going are still a mystery to us all. They continue on, over, under, through and around. They get there.
Watch this ant-trail video, each ant passing by with its own green sail propelling them forward. Each leaf inhabited by a single passenger as well. I imagine the faith they must have in doing what they can to fulfill their tiny role on earth.
Small and large, everyone wants a reason for what we do. To know that our future is worth traveling to and where we've been might help get us there. We are all on a path together, and maybe we can't see over the next rock or tree root, but we are going there just the same.
Travel on, hope, love and dream big. We are all carrying each other on this planet.
Have a happy, wildly-healthy New Year!
For more by Barbara E. Royal, D.V.M., click here.
For more on New Year's 2013, click here.
But as the new year approaches, I think of ants. Amazing Costa Rican leaf-cutter ants, resonating with their own version of wild health. They do what they are meant to do. I see health in their own form of tenacity, loyalty, productivity, altruism, tenderness, and I believe even an ant form of hope and love.
Each leaf-carrying ant also carries, for miles, an ant friend on the leaf, who is preparing the leaf for cultivation, and will also defend the line if needed. How they learned, why they chose this method to survive, and what makes them keep going are still a mystery to us all. They continue on, over, under, through and around. They get there.
Watch this ant-trail video, each ant passing by with its own green sail propelling them forward. Each leaf inhabited by a single passenger as well. I imagine the faith they must have in doing what they can to fulfill their tiny role on earth.
Small and large, everyone wants a reason for what we do. To know that our future is worth traveling to and where we've been might help get us there. We are all on a path together, and maybe we can't see over the next rock or tree root, but we are going there just the same.
Travel on, hope, love and dream big. We are all carrying each other on this planet.
Have a happy, wildly-healthy New Year!
For more by Barbara E. Royal, D.V.M., click here.
For more on New Year's 2013, click here.
November 1, 2012
City Living Is for the Birds
The advantages to having chickens foraging in my yard outweigh the trouble of their care. If you are considering chickens, provided your city or suburb's code allows them, here are a few thoughts about their care.
October 30, 2012
Trick or Treat for Animals
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. -- Ghandi
Animals are always making the news. When I hear that a captive baby panda is born with liver disease and cows are being fed chocolate, I wonder about how we are treating our animals. I also wonder if that means those cows will give chocolate milk?
But seriously, my heart goes out to the farmers who are struggling in drought conditions. I realize they feel forced to come up with alternative solutions to the high-cost and dwindling supply of corn in order to feed their cows. I have heard the "creative" solutions include feeding the cows not only chocolate, but also gummy worms, leftover tacos, French fries and other sub-par candy and foods that companies would throw away. Really? Are we going to condone giving our feed animals food that even a junk-food loving nation doesn't want -- food that we find inedible? As a veterinarian, I must object.
In regard to the panda, it troubles me to think there may be a connection with the toxicity of our world and a newly-born panda liver. I know how dedicated zoo keepers are, having worked with them. They tirelessly recreate a wild habitat for the animals in their care. Yet I have seen zebras noshing bagels, gorillas downing donuts, camels craving salt, bears lured by baguettes, and dogs and cats eating carcinogens and fillers. (Read more about all of these in my book The Royal Treatment: A Natural Approach to Wildly Healthy Pets.)
We are the only species of animal that has developed a diet that is essentially toxic for us. We are now giving this "nutrition" to our pets, livestock, and zoo animals, not realizing that we are dooming them to follow us on our path to poor health. According to the findings in the December issue of Food and Chemical Toxicology, 20,000 cancer cases could be prevented if half of the U.S. population would increase their consumption of fruit and vegetables by one serving per day.
I am sad to say that I treat many preventable cancers in pets every day. Despite the Mad Cow epidemic in Britain in 1997, pigs and chickens are still in a pitiful condition in factory farms where they are fed the bones, brains, and feces of their own species. It is heartening to see that more and more Americans are becoming aware of the cruelty and suffering of animals involved in our modern meat production.
I would not recommend feeding an anemic hummingbird a steak any more than I would suggest giving chocolate to a cow. Nor would I feed mustard to a hot dog. "The cows love chocolate -- they root around and go for the chunks," said one farmer. (It sounds just like what I would do in a barn.) No matter how much the farmer thinks the cows love chocolate treats, it still shouldn't be fed to them, even if they arrive at the front door in a human costume on Halloween.
A cow's many stomachs and fermentive intestinal tract is not adapted to this type of food option, if you can even call this a food. A cow or sheep may seem partial to candy corn or perhaps to Chardonnay, but that doesn't mean these should be offered to them. Perhaps they would root around for crack/cocaine too if it were in their feed. We humans, as their stewards, must provide "real" options for diets within the context and confines of each species, keeping in mind their gastrointestinal biology.
For us omnivores: We can no longer blindly believe the food chain goes untainted. We know that every link in the food chain depends on the strength of every other link. Good soil produces a good crop. A good crop provides healthy nutrients for thriving herbivores and omnivores. In turn, carnivores thrive on healthy meat that lived on healthy vegetation. When we eat meat from improperly-fed cows, we are a link on a degraded food chain that can lead to poor health. We don't need a double-blind study to logically sort this out.
I have treated hundreds of species. All species are healthier when fed an appropriate diet based on their evolution. An appropriate diet is a species-specific diet. Many animals are resilient enough to make do with nutritionally-unsound foods for a while. Again, what choice do they have? However, poor nutrition will eventually cause signs of adverse health.
It is in the interest of zoos, farms and pet owners to maintain healthy, active animals. In fact, it is everyone's interest to keep the world healthy, even if currently it seems more and more difficult. These days it is easier to follow a diet that will eventually cause disease than to find one that will lead to true health. But ignoring the effects of diet in a treatment plan is one of the biggest mistakes a veterinarian or any doctor can make. I tell all my clients, "The most important decision you can make is what you put in your pet's food bowl." For myself, I believe offering sound nutrition is a Hippocratic mandate of my profession. Without it, the foundation of optimal animal health is not possible.
Happy, Healthy Halloween!
He who takes his medicine but neglects his diet, wastes his doctors time. -- Chinese Proverb (Recently quoted in the wonderful movie Forks Over Knives -- see http://www.forksoverknives.com/.)
Tricks and Treats for Your Dog or Cat:
Feed treats that make sense -- meat and protein based treats are the best.
Top Four Tricky Things to Avoid in Treats for Your Dog or Cat:
1) Wheat
2) Corn
3) Soy
4) Peanut Butter
And as for tricks, feed them excellent nutrition and teaching them tricks will be easier!
Chocolate a human treat or a bad trick for animals? Lets keep our junk food to ourselves...
Go to the Royal Treatment Vet Center website and see fun tricks owners have taught their dogs and cats! http://www.royaltreatmentvetcenter.com
Do you know what a true pet emergency is? Are you aware of which vaccinations are safe? When to start and stop heart worm medications? What a giraffe looks like when it is born? Do you know how to get the most out of a vet visit? The best way to apply tick meds? Which snacks and foods are truly healthy for your pet? Need easy-care pet tips on a variety of subjects? Please check out my new book called The Royal Treatment: A Natural Approach to Wildly Healthy Pets, Emily Bestler Books/ATRIA (an imprint of Simon & Schuster). It's a great way to educate yourself about your pet, and read some wild stories about all kinds of animals. And, as a pet owner, you might learn some new tricks yourself.
To order the book, click here.
Animals are always making the news. When I hear that a captive baby panda is born with liver disease and cows are being fed chocolate, I wonder about how we are treating our animals. I also wonder if that means those cows will give chocolate milk?
But seriously, my heart goes out to the farmers who are struggling in drought conditions. I realize they feel forced to come up with alternative solutions to the high-cost and dwindling supply of corn in order to feed their cows. I have heard the "creative" solutions include feeding the cows not only chocolate, but also gummy worms, leftover tacos, French fries and other sub-par candy and foods that companies would throw away. Really? Are we going to condone giving our feed animals food that even a junk-food loving nation doesn't want -- food that we find inedible? As a veterinarian, I must object.
In regard to the panda, it troubles me to think there may be a connection with the toxicity of our world and a newly-born panda liver. I know how dedicated zoo keepers are, having worked with them. They tirelessly recreate a wild habitat for the animals in their care. Yet I have seen zebras noshing bagels, gorillas downing donuts, camels craving salt, bears lured by baguettes, and dogs and cats eating carcinogens and fillers. (Read more about all of these in my book The Royal Treatment: A Natural Approach to Wildly Healthy Pets.)
We are the only species of animal that has developed a diet that is essentially toxic for us. We are now giving this "nutrition" to our pets, livestock, and zoo animals, not realizing that we are dooming them to follow us on our path to poor health. According to the findings in the December issue of Food and Chemical Toxicology, 20,000 cancer cases could be prevented if half of the U.S. population would increase their consumption of fruit and vegetables by one serving per day.
I am sad to say that I treat many preventable cancers in pets every day. Despite the Mad Cow epidemic in Britain in 1997, pigs and chickens are still in a pitiful condition in factory farms where they are fed the bones, brains, and feces of their own species. It is heartening to see that more and more Americans are becoming aware of the cruelty and suffering of animals involved in our modern meat production.
I would not recommend feeding an anemic hummingbird a steak any more than I would suggest giving chocolate to a cow. Nor would I feed mustard to a hot dog. "The cows love chocolate -- they root around and go for the chunks," said one farmer. (It sounds just like what I would do in a barn.) No matter how much the farmer thinks the cows love chocolate treats, it still shouldn't be fed to them, even if they arrive at the front door in a human costume on Halloween.
A cow's many stomachs and fermentive intestinal tract is not adapted to this type of food option, if you can even call this a food. A cow or sheep may seem partial to candy corn or perhaps to Chardonnay, but that doesn't mean these should be offered to them. Perhaps they would root around for crack/cocaine too if it were in their feed. We humans, as their stewards, must provide "real" options for diets within the context and confines of each species, keeping in mind their gastrointestinal biology.
For us omnivores: We can no longer blindly believe the food chain goes untainted. We know that every link in the food chain depends on the strength of every other link. Good soil produces a good crop. A good crop provides healthy nutrients for thriving herbivores and omnivores. In turn, carnivores thrive on healthy meat that lived on healthy vegetation. When we eat meat from improperly-fed cows, we are a link on a degraded food chain that can lead to poor health. We don't need a double-blind study to logically sort this out.
I have treated hundreds of species. All species are healthier when fed an appropriate diet based on their evolution. An appropriate diet is a species-specific diet. Many animals are resilient enough to make do with nutritionally-unsound foods for a while. Again, what choice do they have? However, poor nutrition will eventually cause signs of adverse health.
It is in the interest of zoos, farms and pet owners to maintain healthy, active animals. In fact, it is everyone's interest to keep the world healthy, even if currently it seems more and more difficult. These days it is easier to follow a diet that will eventually cause disease than to find one that will lead to true health. But ignoring the effects of diet in a treatment plan is one of the biggest mistakes a veterinarian or any doctor can make. I tell all my clients, "The most important decision you can make is what you put in your pet's food bowl." For myself, I believe offering sound nutrition is a Hippocratic mandate of my profession. Without it, the foundation of optimal animal health is not possible.
Happy, Healthy Halloween!
He who takes his medicine but neglects his diet, wastes his doctors time. -- Chinese Proverb (Recently quoted in the wonderful movie Forks Over Knives -- see http://www.forksoverknives.com/.)
Tricks and Treats for Your Dog or Cat:
Feed treats that make sense -- meat and protein based treats are the best.
Top Four Tricky Things to Avoid in Treats for Your Dog or Cat:
1) Wheat
2) Corn
3) Soy
4) Peanut Butter
And as for tricks, feed them excellent nutrition and teaching them tricks will be easier!
Chocolate a human treat or a bad trick for animals? Lets keep our junk food to ourselves...
Go to the Royal Treatment Vet Center website and see fun tricks owners have taught their dogs and cats! http://www.royaltreatmentvetcenter.com
Do you know what a true pet emergency is? Are you aware of which vaccinations are safe? When to start and stop heart worm medications? What a giraffe looks like when it is born? Do you know how to get the most out of a vet visit? The best way to apply tick meds? Which snacks and foods are truly healthy for your pet? Need easy-care pet tips on a variety of subjects? Please check out my new book called The Royal Treatment: A Natural Approach to Wildly Healthy Pets, Emily Bestler Books/ATRIA (an imprint of Simon & Schuster). It's a great way to educate yourself about your pet, and read some wild stories about all kinds of animals. And, as a pet owner, you might learn some new tricks yourself.
To order the book, click here.
