The Five Freedoms for Animals is a set of basic principles of animal welfare that are endorsed by the World Organisation for Animal Health and form part of the United Nation’s One Health programme. Social scientists around the world suggest that loss of empathy is at the root of our troubled and violent world. Cambridge University’s Professor of Developmental … [Read more...]
Banting diet for dogs
The true judge as to whether a diet is “perfect” for both dog and human is based on whether they are able to provide the correct pH balances, with a leaning towards alkalinity. Thus, when one looks at popular human diets, this important formula is always fulfilled. The Banting Diet, promoted by our own legendary Professor Tim Noakes, fulfills these requirements. Often his … [Read more...]
The story of Grizz on happy food
When your best friend goes down you can end up with your hands in your hair for natural solutions, or any solutions which actually work. I adopted a rescue puppy some three years ago from a pretty dire situation. Grizzly is very close to a thoroughbred German Shepherd, so I’m not sure how he became a victim of one of the scourges of our society. Grateful to be alive, my … [Read more...]
Realizing the full potential of your Garden
It’s not so long ago that our gardens were productive as well as aesthetically pleasing, containing a veggie garden, a small orchard, and herbs and medicines too. How wonderful, but perhaps too much hard work? Or so thought some, as gardens moved away in disdain from anything productive or working class, to the opposite extreme of being purely decorative. Some modern gardens … [Read more...]
Let your animals heal themselves
For as long as mankind has been on planet earth, we have been trying to heal ourselves when physical ailments have troubled us. Through the centuries this healing has continually evolved and changed until what it is today. Looking back it all began with the humble plant and noticing changes in our bodies when taken into the system or applied to wounds. In the last 100 years … [Read more...]
Animal Rights and Welfare
As guardians of our domesticated pet, we have a responsibility to protect them from harm and assure them of basic humane rights. That said, it should be our honor and privilege to harbor this companion in our home. A being so loyal, committed, loving and affectionate, you will not find anywhere. Yet, world-wide and in South Africa, animal abuse is prevalent and often … [Read more...]
Keeping a watchful eye on alien reptile numbers
There is a real threat in our country that alien reptiles, introduced by the pet trade, can get out of hand. Reptiles are becoming more and more popular as pets. This explains the increase in the number of alien reptiles establishing non-native populations around the world. Although there are relatively few incidences of this in South Africa, there is concern that the … [Read more...]
Home-made pet food naturally best
The age-old and currently resurging culture of providing your pets with natural home-made food is shrouded in misperceptions. These are carefully crafted by large marketing budgets of the influential multi-national pet food industry, out to stop this return to common sense. Some people even fear that that natural foods are nutritionally inferior or even dangerous and harmful. … [Read more...]
A leather shoe for lunch or granny’s Sunday roast?
A leather shoe or rump steak are both rich in protein. A metal nail or spinach, rich in iron. Which is more nutritious? A spectrum of multi-vitamins from the pharmacy or Granny's Sunday roast of chicken, sweet potato, veggies and salad. Both are balanced in minerals and vitamins, but which is more nutritious? In the pet food industry a healthy nutritious meal is determined … [Read more...]
Wholesome diets are what pets deserve
Australian veterinarian and author, Dr. Ian Billinghurst maintains that 'dogs fare best when fed a natural, unprocessed, raw diet based on bones, meat and vegetables.` Durban veterinary homeopath, Dr. Jane Fraser says that `most commercial foods are cereal and carbohydrate-based and full of by-products and derivatives. They are unnatural and totally inappropriate for … [Read more...]
Communication between animals and children
Last week two emails landed in my inbox. Two young boys were writing to me completely independently. They had started hearing animals speak to them. One boy from Canada had been hearing animals for a year. It all started with wild wolves he encountered in the forest. They approached him, and started to speak. Since this happened to him, he has started hearing all sorts of … [Read more...]
Solving your pet’s skin allergies
Skin and coat problems are often the first indicators of poor health and care, as the skin is the largest eliminatory organ in your animal's body. Yet, almost every pet suffers from some sort of skin condition. Even veterinarians are lost when it comes to treating skin allergies and 'hot spots' and many acknowledge the severity of this ailment. Treating with cortisone or … [Read more...]
Four legs or two – is there a difference?
Four legs or two, is there really a difference? Do our four legged companions have different nutritional needs? All beings rely on nutrition for their well-being, health and longevity. The essential components for nutrition include vitamins and minerals, protein, enzymes, omegas, amino acids and anti-oxidants. In preparing any healthy meal, there are two important … [Read more...]
