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Expert: - 2/8/2010


Question
Hi,
We give our senior dogs one who is 9 year old lab the other a 13 year old mix shepherd/retriever fish oil as well as glucosamine HCL liquid.  Now I am reading so many good things about flax seed and Boveine Cartilage and Shark Cartilage.  I have been giving the fish oil and glucosamine for years and think it is helping because my oldest girl seems to be holding her own doing stairs still alright and the lab who has arthritis is not limping.  Are the supplement I am giving the best or should I be giving the flaxseed ect..?

Thank you
Candice

Answer
Candice, this will be a briefer answer than usual because I am not at my computer - no electricity for several days due to snow. I will try to send more later.

There is no BEST supplement, nor best diet, nor best treatment. The key is to pay attention to the early warning signs (www.ChristinaChambreau.com), energy level, happiness and specific symptoms. If whatever you are doing is working - keep it up. I would continue the supplements you are using.

The one thing I would suggest is to also treat the underlying energy field imbalance with acupuncture or homeopathy+ to help your dogs live even longer lives. I know labs who lived to 20 and shepherds to 17. There are a lot in Canada. www.ivas.org; www.theAVH.org, www.AHVMA.org, www.TCVM.com.

I have a journal you could buy for each dog that would help you keep track of symptoms and treatments to know what is helping the most.

Also, maybe switch to a raw meaty bone and pureed vegetable diet.

Please stop all vaccines and chemical treatments (fleas and maybe even heartworm) now. Continue only with legally required Rabies.

My practice section of the web site has a little bit of that information in it.

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Dr. Christina Chambreau

Expertise

I can give you the holistic approach to any problem in any species, though mostly I work with dogs and cats. Depending on the condition and the type of animal, I will be able to give very specific treatment suggestions such as what flower essences, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements, diet changes, lifestyle changes or herbs that may be helpful - not drugs. I can also suggest where you can go for further education or to find a specialist in a specific holistic field. I can help you understand why your animal is ill and what improvements can be expected. I do not check messages more than every one to two days, so PLEASE DO NOT ask about EMERGENCIES - call your local veterinarian. I cannot diagnose your animal. I cannot prescribe specific treatments. I am no longer very current with conventional treatments, so cannot answer questions on those. I am not an expert on birds or small critters. I will give you helpful connections about hose species.

Experience

I graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980 and began using homeopathy in my practice after a client introduced me to it. By 1988 I was using exclusively holistic treatments. I began lecturing in 1987 and have spoken at veterinary conferences, health food stores, people's homes, churches, veterinary college conferences - anywhere people want to learn more about keeping their animals healthy.

Organizations
Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (I helped found this one) American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association National Center for Homeopathy American Veterinary Medical Association

Publications
I have written in many magazines, journals and newspapers. A few include Bark Magazine; Journal of the AHVMA; Baltimore Dog Magazine; Whole Dog Journal; Tiger Tribe; Wolf Clan. I have also been frequently interveiwed on radio and TV.

Education/Credentials
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Certified Veterinary Homeopath (CVH)

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