Catherine O'Driscoll

Complementary Healthcare Therapies

Animal Communication

There are several ways of communicating with animals.  One way is that animals use their bodies to help us understand them.  They will look at us and then look meaningfully at something, such as their water bowl which might need refreshing.  They might go into the kitchen and sit pointedly at the place where you prepare their food.  You can tell a lot about an animal just by looking at their body language.  I love it when a dog’s ears prick up and their body tenses, saying they’re getting ready for the hunt.

Muscle testing, or kinesiology, is another way of getting feedback from animals.  You simply ask your body, or the animal’s body if they are present, to respond in one way for ‘yes’ and in another way for ‘no’. 

Kinesiology can help you to ascertain whether anything is wrong on a mental, emotional or physical level.  It can also, by asking further questions, indicate solutions – such as dietary requirements, supplements needed, homoeopathic remedies, or other therapies.  On an emotional level, you can ask yes/no questions about the animal’s happiness, living conditions, feelings, and wants. 

Dowsing, using a pendulum, is another way of getting answers from animals.  But, like kinesiology, it does limit you to yes/no answers. 

Automatic writing is, I find, a very good way of communicating with the animals.  This is where you hold a pen to a piece of paper, connect with the animal, and allow the words to form themselves, without directing them.  I have had many surprises whilst communicating with animals in this way – because they frequently come out with things I wasn’t expecting, or details about their lives which only their human companion can corroborate. 

It’s worth saying here that animals are good-hearted souls.  They don’t judge, criticise or condemn. 

And then there’s telepathy, or thought transference.  We all have experiences of telepathy.  You’ve probably had the experience of thinking of a friend or relative, and the phone rings and it’s them.  Or you might be thinking of something when someone you’re close to comes out with the very thing you were thinking of. 

It’s possible to train yourself to listen deeply to the animals, and telepathically hear what the animal is saying.  Some people report that they can hear actual words.  Others get pictures which they will then interpret.  Others, still, get a knowing, which they then form into words.  I tend to work with pictures and feelings. 

Dogs are lovely people to talk with.  Although they each have their own unique personalities, they do tend as a species to want the best for their human companions, and they see the best in us.  Cats can also be very loving and affectionate, but they tend to be more independent and hilariously arrogant.  Horses, too, can be loving – but they know that humans can tend to be dense!

I have been using my telepathic skills all of my life.  I guess you could call me an empath.  I pick up thoughts and feelings from people and animals more easily than I remember names (which can be a bit of a problem sometimes).

 

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Canine diet

Nature has developed a diet for dogs that has kept them on the planet for millions of years. Processed pet food, on the other hand, has only been around for just over a hundred years: and it’s now that we’re experiencing chronic illness in our dogs. More accurately, they’re not actually ill: they’re malnourished.

If you want healthy dogs, you absolutely must get the diet right. It’s the foundation of good health.

What Dogs Eat

In the natural state, dogs eat small to medium sized prey. This would include rabbits, birds, fish, rats, mice, and lamb. They would frequently eat the whole carcass, including stomach, intestines, organs, meat and bones.

Dogs also forage for other foodstuffs, such as eggs and fruit. Vegetable matter and grains are provided in the stomach and intestines of prey.

To mimic the natural diet for your dogs (since they can’t go out and catch their own food in this modern world), you can feed:

Raw meaty bones
Raw organ meats such as tripe, liver, heart
Raw fresh eggs
Fresh raw fish
Steamed vegetables
Fruit
Table scraps

Our own dogs are given raw meaty bones for breakfast, including chicken wings, rabbit chunks (with bone), oxtail, and pheasant. Also, because we live in the country, they often catch their own meals. In the evening, they are given meat such as rabbit, chicken, tripe, beef and lamb, and offal such as liver. To this we add steamed vegetables six evenings a week. They are fasted one morning a week. Occasionally they have table scraps, including porridge, cooked meats, vegetables and fish. They also love the occasional dog biscuit treat.

Why Supplements Might Be Necessary

In the wild, dogs are obviously not given supplements. However, they do have the ability to supplement their own diets by foraging for herbs – which they do regularly by using their own inner wisdom.

It is wrong to believe that the needs of every dog are the same. There is no ‘one size fits all’ diet for dogs, just as there is no such thing for humans. We are all unique. Nutritional needs vary according to the age and health status of the dog.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that modern dogs have been fed processed pet food for generations: they’ve been malnourished for generations. This means that the dog in front of you is not the same as a dog in the wild.

In a famous feeding study of 900 cats conducted by Dr Francis Pottenger, raw-fed cats were found to be healthy in each successive generation. Processed food cats fared less well.

The first generation of processed food groups developed diseases and illnesses near the end of their lives. The second generation of processed food groups developed diseases and illnesses in the middle of their lives. The third generation of processed food groups developed diseases and illnesses in the beginning of their lives and many died before six months of age. There was no fourth generation in any of the three processed food groups. Either the third generation parents were sterile or the fourth generation cats died before birth!

This indicates that the errors of faulty feeding are passed on down the line.

Since nutrients can heal disease, and can be used therapeutically, you should use your dog’s body as a guide, and supplement as your dog himself indicates.

For example:

Vitamin C should always be added if there is a history of hip dysplasia in your dog’s breed or line – since research shows that HD is probably scurvy, also known as vitamin C deficiency. There are several types of vitamin C, and you should choose the type most suited to your dog. For example, Ascorbic Acid is good for alleviating cystitis, whereas Ester C has been proven in trials to alleviate mobility problems in dogs. So if your dog has stiff joints, a vitamin C supplement could well solve that problem.

Although it’s true that dogs manufacture their own vitamin C in the body, individual needs differ. Larger dogs, for example, frequently need more C than small dogs, and dogs under stress also need more vitamin C (since vitamin C feeds anti-stress hormones and can become depleted).

Essential fatty acids such as linseed/flax seed, coconut oil or hemp seed should always be added, unless the diet itself is supplying EFAs – which is unlikely due to modern farming and diet practices.

EFAs support the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems. The body needs EFAs to manufacture and repair cell membranes, enabling the cells to obtain optimum nutrition and expel harmful waste products.

A primary function of EFAs is the production of prostaglandins, which regulate body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility, conception, and play a role in immune function by regulating inflammation and encouraging the body to fight infection. Essential Fatty Acids are also needed for proper growth, particularly for neural development and maturation of sensory systems. Foetuses and breast-fed new-borns also require an adequate supply of EFAs through the mother's dietary intake – and if a dog’s mother didn’t get enough EFAs, puppies won’t have either.

If a dog is in the wild, and feeding himself, then he can catch fish and eat vegetation that contains EFAs. However, if your dog is being given a diet concocted by man (including yourself) it’s possible that you will need to add EFAs.

Supplements can also be given to treat specific conditions. There are many natural solutions for arthritis, for example. Dogs have unique responses to these, so if one doesn’t appear to work, try another.

Alfalfa is particularly good for thin nervy dogs, often with digestive problems as well. Give up to one to six teaspoons of the dried herb with the daily ration for long periods depending on size.

Devils Claw has potent anti-inflammatory properties and is found in many of the herbal combinations used to ease the pain of arthritis. It is especially effective for problems in the hips and back.

Yarrow is found in many herbal combination remedies used to control the discomfort of arthritis.

Burdock will help remove the toxins produced by the arthritic joints.
Feverfew is a natural painkiller especially good for hot swollen joints and back pain.

Garlic: This is particularly good for the heavier pet with pain in the back end.

Chondroitin and Glucosamine: These two supplements are often combined in products. The response in some dogs is good, others as with a lot of arthritis remedies seem to show little response. Try them for a while either separately or in conjunction with each other.

MSM, another food supplement, has been very successful in treating arthritis in some dogs and humans. Highly worth a try.

Green Lipped Mussel Extract, a shell fish, is rich in nutrients that can help in many cases of arthritis.

Potters Tabritis – a herbal mix found in most health shops – is used specifically for gout in humans. It helps to rebalance uric acid in the body, and many arthritic dogs respond well to it.

Vitamin C – a must for arthritic dogs.

Essential fatty acids (such as linseed, hemp or coconut oil) – another must for arthritic dogs.

Urinary infections can often respond well to dietary supplements:

Cranberry juice is very useful; or you can buy cranberry tablets and capsules.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can also clear up urinary infections.
Propolis (bee pollen), alongside ascorbic acid, should resolve the problem.

Allergies, too, respond well to supplements.

Vitamin C is nature’s anti-inflammatory.
Aloe Vera juice reduces inflammation.
Essential fatty acids reduce inflammation.
Transfer Factor (colostrum/mother’s milk) balances and supports the immune system, thus reducing inflammation.

So… you see …. it is wrong to rule out supplements altogether. On the other hand, it is wrong to throw supplements at your pet without knowing why you are adding them. Nutrients can be toxic if over-used – so research before you use.

Having said this, don’t be discouraged or lose confidence in yourself. A mountain is moved a stone at a time, and you will become an expert one piece of knowledge at a time.

Nutritional Support for your canine friend

The vast majority of dogs show health improvements when you mimic the diet they would eat in the wild. This means, of course, raw meaty bones or whole carcasses, vegetables, fish, fruit and a small amount of grains.

Some dogs, though, need special treatment. Elderly dogs, for example, might need less protein than they used to have, or they might need their food cooked. Some breeds need less protein than others. Some individual even fare better on commercial pet food. I believe much of this is to do with what their ancestors ate, and what the breed has become used to. German Shepherds, for example, usually respond well to a natural diet, but I have come across a few who can't tolerate the energy in real food. Collies, also, can occasionally suit processed food better.

As with any discipline, Canine Nutrition information is given in accordance with the veterinary surgeons act and supplied to enable you to make an informed decision regarding your animal's diet and nutritional requirements, in conjunction with any diagnosis made by a veterinary professional where appropriate and relevant.

Books: We recommend Give Your Dog a Bone by Dr Ian Billinghurst, Raw Meaty Bones by Tom Lonsdale, A Holistic Guide to a Healthy Dog by Wendy Volhard (check out Crosskeys for the UK and Dogwise outside the UK), and What Vets Don't Tell You About Vaccines & Shock to the System by Catherine O'Driscoll. Click here for links to resources and books about canine nutrition.

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Vaccination

Most dogs are suffering from vaccine damage. The following conditions can have vaccination at their root:

Aggression
Allergies
Arthritis
Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
Other autoimmune diseases such as Addisons and Graves disease
Brain and central nervous system damage
Cancer
Car sickness
Colitis
Diabetes
Digestive upsets
DNA damage
Ear problems
Epilepsy
Eye problems
Fear
Flea bite allergy
Hair loss
Heart problems
Inflammatory diseases
Kidney problems
Leukaemia
Liver problems
Nervousness
Skin problems
Thyroid disease

I have substantiated these claims in two books, What Vets Don’t Tell You About Vaccines, and Shock to the System, available from the following link click here

Because vaccine damage is so common in dogs, and because it undermines and destabilises the immune system, it is – in my view – necessary to treat vaccine damage in all dogs. This is especially necessary when your dog is suffering from an inflammatory, allergic or immune-mediated disease.

Good homoeopathic or holistic vets will recognise vaccine damage and treat for it. Alternatively, energy therapies such as Emotional Freedom Technique and BodyTalk can treat underlying vaccine damage. Check these out on our site. Also check out the Canine Health Concern web site for further vaccine information - www.canine-health-concern.org.uk

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Veterinary Drugs

NSAID SIDE EFFECTS

The American Food and Drug Administration has called for client information sheets to be made available to pet owners when Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories are prescribed. These include the side-effects that can arise. The following data come from the FDA web site http://www.fda.gov/cvm/Documents/N141213cis.pdf

What are the Possible Side Effects That May Occur In My Dog During Metacam Therapy?

Metacam, like other drugs, may cause some side effects. Serious but rare effects have been reported in dogs taking NSAIDs. Serious side effects can occur with or without warning and in rare situations result in death. The most common NSAID-related side effects generally involve the stomach and liver or kidney problems. Look for the following side effects that can indicate your dog may be having a problem with Metacam or may have another medical problem:

· Decrease or increase in appetite
· Vomiting
· Change in bowel movement (such as diarrhea, or black tarry or blood stools)
· Change in behaviour (such as decreased or increased activity level, incoordination, seizure or aggression)
· Yellowing of gums, skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
· Change in drinking habits (frequency, amount consumed)
· Change in urination habits (frequency, color or smell)
· Change in skin (redness, scabs or scratching)

What are the possible side effects that may occur in my dog during therapy with DERAMAXX tablets?

DERAMAXX tablets, like all other drugs, may cause some side effects in individual dogs. These are normally mild, but rare serious side effects have been reported in dogs taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including DERAMAXX. Serious side effects can, in rare situations, result in death. It is important to stop the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog may have a medical problem or side effect while on DERAMAXX tablets. If you have additional questions about possible side effects, talk with your veterinarian or call 1-800-3322761.

Look for the following side effects that may indicate your dog is having a problem with DERAMAXX tablets or may have another medical problem:
· Vomiting
· Change in bowel movements such as diarrhea or change in stool color
· Change in drinking or urination
· Decrease in appetite
· Change in behaviour, such as depression or restlessness

What are the possible side effects that may occur in my dog during Rimadyl therapy?

Rimadyl, like other drugs, may cause some side effects. Serious but rare side effects have been reported in dogs taking NSAIDs, including Rimadyl. Serious side effects can occur without warning and in rare situations result in death.

The most common NSAID-related side effects generally involve the stomach (such as bleeding ulcers), and liver or kidney problems. Look for the following side effects that can indicate your dog may be having a problem with Rimadyl or may have another medical problem:

· Decrease or increase in appetite
· Vomiting
· Change in bowel movements (such as diarrhea, or black tarry or bloody stools
· Change in behaviour (such as decreased or increased activity level, incoordination, seizure or aggression)
· Yellowing of gums, skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
· Change in drinking habits (frequency, amount consumed)
· Change in urination habits (frequency, color or smell)
· Change in skin (redness, scabs or scratching)
It is important to stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog has a medical problem or side effect from Rimadyl therapy. If you have additional questions about possible side effects, talk to your veterinarian.

What are the possible side effects that may occur in my dog during Zubrin therapy?

Zubrin Tablets, like other drugs, may cause some side effects. Serious side effects have been reported in dogs taking NSAIDs, including Zubrin Tablets. Serious side effects with NSAID therapy can occur without warning and in rare situations result in death.

The most common side effects associated with Zubrin Tablet therapy involve the digestive tract (for example, vomiting diarrhea, or bleeding). Liver or kidney problems have also been reported with certain NSAIDs. Look for the following side effects that can indicate your dog may be having a problem with NSAID therapy or may have another medical problem:

· Decrease or increase in appetite
· Vomiting
· Change in bowel movements (such as diarrhea, or black tarry or bloody stools)
· Change in behaviour (such as decreased or increased activity level, incoordination, seizure or aggression)
· Yellowing of gums, skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
· Change in drinking habits (frequency, amount consumed)
· Change in urination habits (frequency, color or smell)
· Change in skin (redness, scabs or scratching)

It is important to stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog has a medical problem or side effect from Zubrin Tablet therapy. If you have additional questions about possible side effects, talk to your veterinarian or call 1-800-224-5318.

All great drugs, passed as safe by the licensing authorities! Note that the protective agencies in the UK – the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and the Veterinary Products Committee – have NOT seen it necessary to warn pet owners of these dangers.

Antibiotic usage in animals

Antibiotic use is very important when medically indicated for the treatment of susceptible pathogens (usually bacterial.) However, there are some major concerns about antibiotic use. First among the concerns is that fact that the most common diseases are viral in origin, none of which are susceptible to antibiotic therapy. In addition, widespread antibiotic use may reduce the animals' innate flora (colonisation) resistance, actually worsening outbreaks of disease. Finally, widespread use of antibiotics may promote the evolution of resistant strains of bacteria.

Documenting that an infection is there

You should only treat a dog or cat with antibiotics if you are sure that an infection is present. Unfortunately, many vets will prescribe antibiotics ‘just in case’. The best way to determine if an infection is present is through a laboratory culture of an appropriate sample. Culturing has the additional advantages of confirming the identity of the bacteria and determining which antibiotics are appropriate choices for treatment. The next "best" indication of infection would be if the animal is sick in a way that suggests an infection: fever, elevated white blood cells, inflammation, and/or x-rays or other tests with results that suggest certain types of infection.

Adverse effects of antibiotics

There are three main problems with using antibiotics. One is direct medical side-effects such as toxic effects (e.g. aminoglycoside antibiotics are toxic to kidney cells) or allergies (which can be life-threatening). The second is that your antibiotic could kill the normal flora and leave the patient more vulnerable to pathogens (often which are resistant to antibiotics). The last problem is that using antibiotics genetically selects for antibiotic resistance in your bacteria. It may develop if the bacteria has a genetic mutation, but this is an uncommon source of the problem. More commonly, other bacteria in the environment share genes that code for resistance on plasmids. If bacteria are spreading plasmids to other bacteria in the environment, they pose a risk to any animal the bacteria could infect (including humans). Whenever you use an antibiotic, you are applying artificial selection for resistance genes.

Specific antibiotics and their side-effects

Penicillins: Cidal, disrupt cell wall. Spectrum: broad except bacteria with specific resistance. For general use. Side-effects: allergy, fever, rash, loss of white blood cells, anaemia, GI upset.

Aminoglycosides: Cidal Used for severe or resistant gram-negative bacteria, must be injected (except neomycin). Side-effects: severe kidney damage, hearing loss, facial swelling, nerve damage.

Amikacin, Gentamycin, Neomycin: Not given by injection because of severe kidney damage, not absorbed into bloodstream if eaten/used as enema/applied to skin but will treat bacteria in GI tract, on skin.

Cephalosporins: Cidal, disrupt cell wall. Main use: skin disease, susceptible infections. Side-effects: allergy (cross-reactions with penicillins), GI disease, diarrhoea

Tetracyclines: Static, inhibit protein synthesis. Broad-spectrum (but many resistant bacteria), rickettsias, other bacteria that live in cells. Main use: hemobartonella, susceptible bacteria. Side-effects: GI upset, discoloured teeth, liver/kidney disease, hair loss, photosensitivity.

Clindamycin (Antirobe): Static or cidal, disrupts protein synthesis. Spectrum: gram-positive bacteria, anaerobic bacteria. Main use: dental disease, abscesses, diarrhoea. Side-effects: GI upset.

Erythromycin: Mostly static, inhibits protein synthesis of bacteria. Spectrum: gram-positive bacteria, rickettsias, Chlamydophila, et al. Main use: Giardia, anaerobes, diarrhoea. Side-effects: neurological problems, white blood cell reduction, liver damage, blood in urine, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Tylosin (tylan): Static, inhibits protein synthesis of bacteria. Spectrum: variable. Main use: diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease. Side-effects: few.

Enrofloxacin (baytril): Cidal, inhibits DNA gyrase, synthesis. Spectrum: gram-negative bacteria, Brucella, Chlamydophila, Staph, Mycoplasma. Main use: various infections resistant to other antibiotics. Side-effects: cartilage damage in young animals, urine crystals, GI disease.

Sulfa drugs: Static, interferes with enzyme systems essential to normal metabolic and growth patterns. Side effects: nausea, vomiting, fever, anemia, leukopenia and irritation of the liver or kidneys.

Metronidazole (Flagyl): cidal, disrupts DNA synthesis? Spectrum: anaerobic bacteria, some protozoa (Giardia, amoebas). Main use: Giardia, anaerobes, diarrhoea. Side-effects: neurological problems, white blood cell reduction, liver damage, blood in urine, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Rifampin (Rifadin or Rimactane): cidal or static, inhibits RNA polymerase. Spectrum: intracellular bacteria (Mycobacteria, Staph, Rhodococcus, Chlamydophila et al.), some fungi, some viruses. Main use in cats: with anti- fungals in brain fungal disease. Side-effects: discoloured tears and urine, GI upset, liver damage (very high doses).

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Learn Emotional Freedom Techniques with Catherine O’Driscoll

You can learn to use EFT for yourself and your animals by attending one of our weekend workshops. Or, to deal with a specific problem, you can book a One to One EFT session.

Our dogs are so connected to us. They are monitoring our emotional state on a continuous basis. People who are close to the animals know that dogs care more about how their human friends feel than they do about anything else.

Are you happy? They want to know. Are you relaxed, confident, comfortable, safe and secure with yourself and others? Are your relationships and your career fulfilling? Is your life filled with health, love, joy, peace and celebration? Do you love, honour and respect yourself? Do you give loving attention to yourself at all? Even if these questions have never really crossed your mind, I believe that they cross your dogs’ minds – if not on an intellectual level, then certainly on an energetic level (just like children who might not understand why mummy is upset, but they do know that mummy is upset).

Do you think it possible that your dogs pick up on your emotions and thoughts, and that your emotions and thoughts have an effect on them? I personally believe that they do. I’d go one further: I believe that our animals are deeply spiritual beings who often take on our emotional and mental suffering, and seek to transmute it. And some dogs take on far more than they can cope with.
Many people notice and understand that their dogs mirror, or act out, their owners’ emotions. If you’re nervous and anxious, you might also see that your dog is nervous and anxious, too. If your dog is aggressive towards strangers, you might also realise that you don’t trust strangers either! If your dog is highly strung and excitable . . . do you see that in yourself, too?

Humanity is beginning to realise that their thoughts and emotions have a direct impact on the world around them. If you’re in the company of someone who is at peace with themselves, you soon feel infected by their ‘peace virus’. If you share space with someone who is bad tempered or who easily takes offence at things you say, you’re looking for the exit – fast.

And yet our dogs don’t have that choice. They live with us for better or worse.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a fast-track tool for personal growth, bringing peace and harmony into our lives in direct proportion to the amount we use it. From personal experience of using EFT, I know that when we use EFT on ourselves, we are taking care of ourselves and the animals in our care. After all, we can’t give our dogs anything that we ourselves do not have.

Emotional Freedom Technique works on the energy body, and is used to release emotions and thoughts which cause problems in our lives, and which can lead to ill health. EFT is great for behavioural problems in animals, too. It has been shown to work powerfully for both humans and animals.

What is EFT?

EFT is similar to acupuncture, but instead of using needles, you stimulate energy points on your body by tapping them with your fingertips. The process is easy to memorise and you can do it anywhere.

EFT is based on time-honoured Eastern discoveries that have been around for over 5,000 years and, more recently, Albert Einstein, who told us back in the 1920's that everything (including our bodies) is composed of energy. These ideas have been largely ignored by Western healing practices and that is why EFT often works where nothing else will.

Where humans are concerned, one to one EFT can be conducted in person or by using the telephone. Animals can also be treated in person, and by telephone, and also by email, since Catherine will be communicating with your animal telephathically as well.

It's good to meet in person if you live locally, but telephone tapping (no pun intended) can also be highly effective. In the latter case, you will be sent a chart showing you where to tap.

 

This video demonstrates EFT for humans, but it is equally powerful for animals:

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