Part of the Family
Myra Nissen, CCH, & Margo Adams Homeopathic Consultants
Published: Community
Kids, February 2008, Volume 5, Issue 2
Most of us who grew up with a dog understand both the responsibility
required and the unconditional love a dog can bring into
a family. Introducing a new dog into your home requires
careful reflection. As we consider our circumstances and
determine what we want to add to our children’s lives,
we must consider why we might want a dog and what type would
be the best for our family. If our children are young and
they are not able to participate in the daily walks and
feedings, we must consider how much time we have as parents
to devote to our extended family member. Are we able to
make the necessary commitment of time and expense that caring
for a dog over its lifetime involves? Does our lifestyle
warrant a certain type of dog or perhaps even a different
type of pet? Are we settled and constant or do we live in
a crazed, hurried flux? Are allergies a problem for anyone
in the house? Are there moves planned in the future of our
careers? Is a mature dog, a puppy, a male, or female appropriate?
Size and temperament of the new addition are also important
considerations. Resources to assist in this decision are
listed at the end of this article.
Once you have made the decision that a companion pet is
workable, choose the appropriate time to acquire your new
dog. For example, however fun it may seem to receive a pet
as a holiday gift, there may not be the necessary time and
peaceful environment needed for proper orientation of a
new addition to the family. Allow for both family and pet
adjustment time. Your dog deserves to feel secure and welcome
in its new home. It is important for the family to agree
upon who is responsible for the tasks required for the care
of the animal. Once you have chosen your dog, introducing
it to its new living situation can be eased. The dog is
going to be just as apprehensive about the new home as the
family is going to be excited about a new pet. First, decide
on a quiet, private place for your dog to at least initially
reside in your home. This is especially important while
your dog and your family are getting acquainted. Sometimes
an animal will become apprehensive with a lifestyle change.
A great tip on introducing a pet into the home is the use
of Rescue Remedy. Rescue Remedy is a Bach Flower product
made from the essences of the flowers of Impatiens, Star
of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum, Rock Rose, and Clematis and are
prepared similarly to Homeopathic remedies. Rescue Remedy
has a soothing calming effect on both people and animals.
It comes in spray or liquid form. Spray your pet’s
bed as opposed to your dog itself. You can also add a few
drops to your pet’s water bowl. Another tip to consider
is signing up for a puppy or dog training course. These
classes give your family great pointers about what to expect
and how to handle those inevitable issues that arrive when
faced with the challenges a new addition brings. A training
class provides a welcome partnering option as well as teaches
an older child care –giving tips and responsibilities.
Diet is an issue to consider when we desire the best for
our furry one. There are numerous choices. Both of us have
fed our pets a home prepared diet for many years. We believe
the benefits of a home prepared diet far outweigh the time
and energy needed for this commitment. The book, Dr. Pitcairn's
New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by
Dr. Pitcairn, is an excellent resource on animal diet and
nutrition, with many useful pointers on care. Preview book.
The same basic
Homeopathic remedies you have for your family can be useful
in animal care as well. Arnica 30C for bumps, bruises, and
other traumas. Calendula 30C for minor scrapes and cuts.
Hypericum 30C for injuries to paws and tails. Ledum 30C
for puncture wounds and bites.
There are many benefits a furry addition can bring your
family. Young children can discover the wonder of another
live being. Older children are given the opportunity to
care for another live being. We believe there are health
benefits to having a pet in the home. Most of us have noted
the calming effect petting an animal has on us. A recent
research study conducted at the Medical College of Georgia*
indicated that early exposure to two or more dogs or cats
might help to reduce the development of common childhood
allergies to such things as dust mites, cats and dogs, grass,
and ragweed. Allergies are best addressed with homeopathic
constitutional care. Constitutional care requires working
with a professional homeopath who can address a person’s
susceptibility to allergies. Look for our upcoming article
about allergies, which will include home treatment tips.
Pets are gifts to us. It is our privilege to feed, walk
with, and ponder on their beauty. We get to learn from their
ways and marvel at their smarts. We get to laugh at their
antics and learn to communicate differently. We get to simply
observe another creature. We get to love them. And they
offer love in the most unconditional ways, in ways we learn
by committing ourselves to their care.
To learn more about choosing the right pet and pet adoption
visit Benicia
Vallejo Humane Society, Solano
County SPCA in Vacaville, or Solano
County Friends of Animals. Consult your veterinarian
if you have concerns about your animal’s health.
To learn more about healthy food choices for your dog, join
us at our class:
“Home
Cooking for Your Dog: Improve the health of your beloved
pet through home made recipes,” April 5th,
from 10:00 a.m. to noon, through the City
of Benicia Parks and Recreation. Participants will
receive Dr. Pitcairn’s book, plus a sample of homemade
dog food for their animal! If interested, call 707-750-4455.
Keep abreast of useful information, sign up for Myra’s
complimentary eNewsletter, Feel Better. Naturally! at www.myranissen.com.
Contact Margo at margo@homeopathyblessed.com.
Myra Nissen, CCH, and Margo Adams are homeopathic
consultants with practices in Vallejo, Benicia, and Pleasant
Hill.
*Ownby DR, Johnson CC, Peterson LP. “Exposure to
Dogs and Cats in the First Year of Life and Risk of Allergic
Sensitization at 6 to 7 Years of Age.” Journal of
American Medical Association. 2002;288 (Reprinted.)
