Dear Pat,
I have a German shepherd who is 10 years old and kept good health until six months ago. She developed an ear problem a few days after she had her regular vaccination. I'm not sure if the vaccination had anything to do with it, but it struck me that she had seemed unwell in herself right from the day of the vaccination. She was given antibiotics and ointment for the ear. It cleared up, but two weeks later she again seemed unwell and had the snuffles. It has continued like that for six months with an infection of one sort or another developing only days or weeks after the last one was cleared up. I am concerned that she has had several courses of antibiotics and now doesn't appear to really be herself even when she is "well". What do you suggest I do? - Sonia (USA)
Dear Sonia,
It is possible that the vaccination triggered a problem in the immune system in your dog. A homoeopath may be able to help you to undo this effect from the vaccination by giving the equivalent homoeopathic. It won't block the vaccination itself. Aside from this, I suggest that you get an immune booster for your dog. This can be a herbal formula which will support the dog's immune system to function more efficiently so that it can once more fight infection effectively.
It would also seem a good idea to give the dog a probiotic (like lactobacillus acidophyllus) which will help replace the gut bacteria that may have been depleted by the antibiotics. - Pat Hunter
Dear Pat,
My boxer cross bitch is four years old and a little sweetheart. However, she is incredibly clingy and hates to let me out of her sight. Its not just that she trails around behind me wherever I go, but she cries if I leave the room and runs almost in a panic to get to me. My neighbours say she howls the whole time I'm away if I leave her at home. This doesn't happen very often, but sometimes I have to.
She isn't very keen on my husband although he loves dogs and has never treated her unkindly. But she seems to be totally devoted to me. We got her as a tiny puppy and she has always been like this but it is getting worse. Lately, she gets really upset if my husband puts his arms around me or if she thinks that my husband is getting any attention from me. She barges between us and tries to separate us! It really is as bad as a jealous child. We have also had to limit friends coming to the house with their own dog as she becomes really frantic and ridiculously jealous of them. In the past she has never shown undue aggression towards other dogs or children, but now I becoming concerned that she may become so jealous she will get vicious.
We have had her assessed and received some help from a dog behaviourist, but it has not helped enough. Then we tried tranquillisers from the vet, and although they help a bit, I hate to have her on them all the time. Is there anything you can suggest? - Anne, New Zealand
Dear Anne,
This is certainly an extreme case of jealousy and it has obviously become difficult if not dangerous to live with. I would suggest the use of homoeopathy plus Bach Flowers to begin with.
Pulsatilla 1M would be the most indicated homoeopathic for her. You would give her a course of once a day for up to three days initially. Then wait and observe progress. You might then need to give her a dose as needed when she is showing jealous behaviour. Rescue Remedy might be useful to drop in her drinking water daily. If this regime is not effective enough I suggest you consult a homoeopath for further help. Calming herbs can assist, but would probably not solve the problem in the way that a homoeopathic could. - Pat Hunter
To read about unexplained overweight and obesity problems in dogs, go to the previous page. Contact Pat on: homeopat@ihug.co.nz
