The Power of Natural Therapies
Dr. Mercola, a well-known advocate of holistic health, asserts that “we can solve well over 90% of all chronic diseases with simple, inexpensive natural therapies.” This statement speaks to the profound impact that natural remedies can have, not just for humans, but for our pets as well.
Infectious disease microbiologist and immunologist Dr. Bennett adds, “bacterial infections, viral infections, and immune system fatigue cause a host of disease problems in humans and pets, especially in very young and older animals.” The immune system plays a critical role in both preventing and fighting diseases, and it’s clear that many issues can be traced back to an overburdened or weakened immune system.
Chronic Diseases and the Immune System
Dr. Will Falconer, DVM, explains that “most chronic diseases we commonly see in animals (and humans) have an immune basis, including diabetes, allergies, asthma, thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, repeated ear infections, cancer, and more.” According to Dr. Falconer, while these conditions can be cured through careful homeopathic treatment, the road to recovery can be long—often taking years, especially if the animal has suffered from these conditions for an extended period.
Understanding Coccidia
One of the many health issues dogs can face is Coccidia, which is often triggered by stress, immunizations, or parasites. You may notice loose stools that are mucousy and sometimes streaked with blood. Many veterinarians will immediately assume your puppy is full of parasites, but Coccidia is actually a protozoon that resides in the intestinal tract of all dogs.
To combat Coccidia, I provide my puppies with Milk Kefir, which is a natural and effective way to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the intestines. A strong presence of good bacteria prevents the overgrowth of Coccidia. I start newborn puppies on this regimen, and they stay on it until they leave my care. Milk Kefir is full of beneficial bacteria and is now available for you to make at home.
The Dangers of Antibiotics
Antibiotics are commonly given to puppies, often unnecessarily. While antibiotics may kill harmful bacteria, they also destroy the beneficial bacteria in the gut, disrupting the natural balance. Even one course of antibiotics can cause yeast to flourish, leading to health problems like candida, which can become systemic if left unchecked. This is why gut health is crucial for both humans and pets. Without a healthy gut, it is impossible to maintain overall well-being.
The Spread and Danger of Coccidia
When Coccidia is present in a puppy’s intestines, it can quickly spread throughout the system, even reaching the lungs, and if left untreated, it can lead to pneumonia and death. The first signs of Coccidia often manifest as a puppy losing interest in food. If you notice these signs, contact your vet immediately.
However, diagnosing specific viruses can be difficult. I have taken stool samples to different veterinarians and received varying diagnoses. This is not uncommon, as many viruses mimic each other in symptoms, and tests for conditions like Parvo can be unreliable.
Parvo and Its Misdiagnosis
Parvo is a viral disease that affects puppies far more frequently than adult dogs. The virus targets rapidly dividing cells, primarily in the intestinal lining, causing severe diarrhea, vomiting, and a suppression of white blood cells. In very young puppies, the virus can even attack the heart muscle, leading to sudden death.
However, it is not uncommon for a puppy to be misdiagnosed with Parvo, especially if they have recently received a Parvo vaccination. Vaccination can cause a false positive on Parvo tests, leading the vet to believe the puppy has the virus when, in fact, they do not.
The Impact of Vaccinations
Many holistic veterinarians have observed that puppies vaccinated for Parvo are more likely to contract the virus than those who are not. Dr. Jeannine Day shared that “most puppies admitted with Parvo had been vaccinated.” Contrary to popular belief, the vaccination does not always prevent Parvo and, in many cases, vaccinated puppies experience more severe symptoms and have a harder time recovering.
Furthermore, Dr. William Pollak, DVM, highlights that “severe nutritional deficiencies and toxic states have been known to mimic almost every known disease in veterinary medicine.” These conditions are often exacerbated by vaccines, leading to long-term health issues.
The Risks of Vaccination
Studies have shown that a significant percentage of dogs who contracted Parvo, distemper, and other diseases did so within three months of being vaccinated. For example, a Canine Health Concern survey in 1997 found that 68.2% of dogs with Parvo had been vaccinated for the virus within the previous three months. Similar findings were reported for distemper and hepatitis.
In one striking story, a woman took her non-vaccinated puppy to visit a friend, whose vaccinated puppy later contracted Parvo. The non-vaccinated puppy never became ill, highlighting the resilience of dogs who have not been subjected to vaccinations.
The Parvo Hysteria
Parvo has become one of the biggest money-makers in the pet vaccine industry, but much of the hysteria surrounding the virus is driven by misinformation and fear. Mogens Eliasen, a well-respected expert in the field, notes that Parvo is a man-made virus, and the rapid spread of the disease across continents is likely due to the distribution of the virus through vaccines.
Eliasen also explains that adult dogs are rarely at risk from Parvo, and puppies are most vulnerable when their immune systems are weakened by vaccinations. The best way to protect puppies from Parvo is to ensure they have strong, healthy immune systems, something that vaccinations can compromise.
Building Strong Immunity Naturally
The solution to preventing diseases like Parvo is not more vaccinations but better health practices. A healthy, raw diet and minimal intervention with chemicals or vaccinations can strengthen your puppy’s immune system, making them far less susceptible to illnesses. As Eliasen points out, unvaccinated puppies tend to recover from Parvo more quickly, and many avoid the disease altogether.
The real key to maintaining a healthy pet lies in supporting their natural immune system, not in overloading it with vaccinations and chemicals. Let’s move away from the fear-driven vaccine industry and focus on holistic, natural care that ensures long, healthy lives for our beloved pets.
