ASK THE HERBALIST

Dear Pat,

I have an unspeyed two-and-a-half year old border collie bitch who hasn't had a litter yet. I am not ready to breed her, but I hope to in the future. She is a lovely natured dog and so full of enthusiasm for life. She loves to play with everyone and anyone.

However, recently I noticed that when she came into season she seemed to change personality. She seemed depressed and quite "bitchy". She was very irritable with our other dogs and even looked sideways at me a couple of times. Can you help?

Susan

Dear Susan,

Yes, I generally find homoeopathics can be very helpful for this kind of hormonal response. It depends upon the different symptoms or behaviours of an individual bitch as to which homoeopathic is chosen. In your case it sounds very like Sepia would be the indicated homoeopathic. This can be given either as a short course of five days now or it can be given at the onset of or just prior to the next season.

Pat @ www.animalherbs.co.nz

Dear Pat,

My German shepherd has recently given birth to puppies and all but the "runt" are really healthy and developing and maturing as expected. I have kept the runt as he is very slow to develop in size and weight and stages of development. He is five months old and is still very clingy to his mum. He seems to go through his developmental stages way behind the others.

I have kept one of the others from the litter too and see two of his sisters from time to time. They are all much more advanced. He doesn't seem sick and he eats really well. He plays, but is not confident in his pay with with his sister. Is there anything I can do to move him along faster?

Andrew

Dear Andrew,

There may be some dietary things which could be improved and you could let me know what his diet consists of. Also I would like to know how his coat looks. However, taking that into account his brothers and sisters did alright on the same diet I would suggest using a homoeopathic called Baryta carb which is used for puppies such as your little one who are mentally, physically or developmentally slow. This often gives them the boost they need to catch up.

Pat @ www.animalherbs.co.nz