Pet medicine
(Page 4 of 6)
PERIODONTAL DISEASE
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Common in both cats and dogs, periodontal disease is caused by a
buildup of bacteria that destroys the cement that holds the teeth
and gums together and, over time, causes teeth to fall out.
Bleeding gums, bad breath, drooling, painful chewing signified by
dropping food, loss of appetite, and loose teeth are signs of
periodontal disease.
Prevent periodontal disease by giving your pets a good diet and
hard, durable toys to exercise their teeth on. If periodontal
disease has set in, your veterinarian may advise corrective
surgery. Recovery is painful and uncomfortable. Either of the
following treatments can help a pet during the recovery period.
Echinacea Swab
Simmer 1 teaspoon dried chopped echinacea root in 1 cup water,
covered, for 10 minutes, then steep for 1 hour. Strain and gently
swab the decoction on the gums twice a day for no longer than 10
days. If the swelling or infection doesn’t subside, check with your
veterinarian.
Goldenseal Flush
Make a tea of 1 teaspoon dried, powdered goldenseal root and 1
pint of water, let cool, and strain it. With a syringe or turkey
baster, squirt all of it gently over the affected area and out of
the mouth. Do this twice daily for ten days.
DIARRHEA
Milk intolerance, allergies, chronic pancreatitis, roundworms,
colitis, infections, or poisoning may all cause diarrhea. At the
first sign of diarrhea, withhold food for twenty-four hours, then
feed your pet a bland meal of rice and unseasoned hamburger or
chicken. If diarrhea continues for longer than two days, consult
your veterinarian. Painful or bloody diarrhea requires immediate
attention.
A preparation made from slippery elm powder can soothe an
irritated intestinal tract. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
has approved it for this use for humans.
Slippery Elm Soother
1 rounded teaspoon dried, powdered slippery elm bark
1 cup cold water
Combine the powdered bark and the water in a pan and bring to a
boil, stirring constantly. Turn down the heat and continue cooking
over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
Remove the pan from the heat and let cool. Give cats and small dogs
1/2 to 1 teaspoon every 4 hours; medium-sized dogs, 2 teaspoons to
2 tablespoons every 4 hours; and large dogs, 3 to 4 tablespoons
every 4 hours.
EAR DISORDERS
Head shaking, constant ear scratching, and smelly discharges
from the ears are signs that your pet has an ear disorder. Cats and
dogs alike can contract ear infections from allergies, ear mites,
or trapped grass seeds, among other causes. Dogs with flopping,
furry ear flaps are more likely to get ear disorders than cats or
dogs with erect ears.
Calendula Flush
A calendula flush will help keep ears free of discharge and
reduce irritation. Use it once or twice a day. You may cut this
recipe in half for smaller animals.
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