Did you know that a variety of human foods may remedy some common health problems in pets? Our Sirius Radio pet host, Dr. Marty Goldstein, is armed with dozens of items you probably have right in the kitchen that can alleviate symptoms and also provide special health benefits.
Dull Fur and Flaky, Itchy Skin
Add salmon and sardines to regular dry dog food. Fatty acids are good for your pet's hair, skin, heart, and joints. Fish oil can also be added to a dog's diet, as it is an excellent anti-inflammatory and good for immune system support as well.
Diarrhea
Try the following potato diet to reduce loose stools and diarrhea, but only for 5 to 7 days, as it is not an appropriate maintenance diet. See a vet if original problem returns.
Potato Stew
Ingredients: White potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnip, slice of leek, boiled chicken or beef
Instructions: Boil vegetables until stew-like and mix with the boiled meat -- which should be equal to 30 percent of the total recipe.
Intestinal Support
A meal of equal parts canned pumpkin and boiled chicken is good for diarrhea and intestinal support. Or, try serving a mixture of hard boiled egg, cottage cheese, and brown rice.
Ear Infections
If your pet has an ear infection, try mixing 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into 1/3 cup water in a glass. Using a pediatric syringe, insert the mixture directly into your dog's ears.
Cancer Prevention
To help prevent cancer in your animal, serve the following, cooked: broccoli, yellow squash, kelp, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Adding fish oil to your dog's food helps as well.
Nausea and Motion Sickness
If your animal is nauseous, make a tea with ginger and peppermint sprigs and administer into your dog's mouth using a pediatric syringe.
Healthy Teeth and Gums
To promote healthy teeth and gums, give your dog raw neck bones, marrow bones, raw carrots, and bully sticks and straps -- they are great for gnawing because they strengthen the teeth and exercise the jaw.
Animal Burns and Skin Irritations
If your pet experiences a skin irritation, simply take a cut leaf from an aloe plant, and apply directly to the wound or irritated area.
Martha's Favorites
Martha likes to give her dogs banana, mango, butternut squash, and chopped meat.
Foods to Avoid
Dr. Marty Goldstein advises never serving your pet the following foods:
Raisins and Grapes
There is an unknown toxic compound in the "fleshy" part of the grape. Many dogs like raisins and grapes. They should only be given in a very limited amount on an infrequent basis, and should not be left where a dog or cat can have access to them. The unknown toxin damages the kidneys.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains obromine, which is toxic to dogs in sufficient quantities.
Onions
Onions contain N-propyl disulphide, which destroys red blood cells in cats, causing a form of anemia called Heinz body anemia.
Garlic
Garlic contains a similar substance as onions in a lesser amount.
Resources
Special thanks to Dr. Marty Goldstein for sharing this information. Listen to Dr. Marty's Martha Stewart Living Radio show, "Ask Martha's Vet" every Monday from 8 to 9 p.m. ET on Sirius Radio 112, XM 103. Get more healthy pet tips.
