About Laura Murphy Expertise Do you have a question about nutrition, including which food is best for your pet and which should be avoided? If you’re researching homecooked or raw diets, this is the place. I can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about raw feeding. Do you want to know whether or not you need to supplement your pet’s diet and, if so, which supplements are for you? I can help you with just about any question regarding canine and feline nutrition and feeding. Although I believe in the benefits of raw feeding, I respect anyone trying to do the best thing for their pets and will answer questions on any type of pet food.
I can address many areas of holistic pet care, including illness, homeopathic remedies, herbal remedies, and flower essences. We can talk about everything from vaccinating (and when not to), to skin problems, to cancer. Please note that I am not a veterinarian and any health-related information is from my personal experience and research, but I can be a good resource.
I can also answer your questions about pet rescue, including when to use them and what kind of pet is right for you. And I love controversial subjects like puppy mills and animal experimentation. If I don’t know the answer to your question immediately, I’ll research it for you.
Basically, if you’re got a pet question – fire away. Chances are, I’ll have something you can use.
Laura Murphy
Experience An animal lover and owner all my life, I spent years as a foster parent for a national rescue group and as a volunteer at my local Humane League. Many years ago, I began researching and using natural health care methods to treat both my pets and my family. I have worked with holistic vets to develop and provide custom homeopathic and Bach Flower Essence blends for their clients. In 2002, I started Pets By Nature to give pet owners who are seeking a healthier and more natural way to feed and care for their pets a reliable source of education, support, guidance, and products. Relying on honesty, integrity, and openness with respect to natural health care for companion animals, I am able to provide quality products, services, and information with the intent of helping interested pet owners learn about and practice a more natural method of pet nutrition and health care.
Education/Credentials I am a college graduate and full time Business Systems Analyst. I have written many articles for publication on my web site and throughout the local pet community. I have been a vendor at local dog shows and do public speaking on the topics of pet nutrition and holistic health care.
Past/Present Clients My clients range from new pet owners to 4th generation raw feeding breeders. I enjoy a wonderful professional relationship with several veterinary practices who refer my diets, supplements, and homeopathics to many of their clients. I ship supplements and flower essences all over the world, and provide a quality frozen raw food to the Central Pennsylvania area. Virtually all of my marketing is word-of-mouth referrals from my current clients and I consider them all my extended family.
Question Hi Laura; My Elkhound is almost 11 months old. She gets about 2 - 3 hours of exercise every day. We feed her treats on occasion (frozen probiotic natural yogurt/natural applesauce, liver treats, dehydrated sweet potato, the occasional greenie or rawhide, fruits). We don't have the time to feed her a rawfood diet so we picked the best/affordable kibble we could find. We've got her on Innova puppy food. I have two questions:
1. Is a Norwegian Elkhound considered a large breed dog? She's only 40lbs and hasn't grown in the last 2 or 3 months.
2. In the interest of keeping her healthy and helping her maintain her girlish figure (elkhounds gain weight easily), we've been following the feeding guidelines on the package. It says 2 cups a day for her age & weight. However, she seems to be wanting more. It just occurred to us that we might need to be feeding her the large breed puppy formula or switch her to the adult formula. Should we do that asap?
3. Elkhounds are prone to sebaceous cysts and hotspots. She had a few bumps on her skin which were pimple like. We're not sure if they were indeed cysts or not. Are there any supplements out there or holistic treatments for promoting healthy skin and coats?
Thanks so much for your time.
Answer Hi Natalie, I love your question -- (keeping her girlish figure!)
I would not consider the elkhound to be a large breed, but a medium sized dog. Large is usually considered to be 70-100 pounds with 100+ being giant.
My dogs always act starved. They could eat their own body weight in food and still look like they want more. She is simply very food motivated. Don't let her con you. Every individual dog has a different metabolism. The best test of her condition is the look and feel of her. Make sure you can feel but not see her ribs and that there is not a measurable layer of fat between the skin and the rib cage. She should also have a distinctive waistline when seen from above. If she feels good to you, she's getting enough to eat.
My shih tzu also suffers from sebaceous cysts. Some remedies that are usually indicated are Thuja and Natrum Muriaticum. A 6C potency would be sufficient and is usually taken twice a day on alternating days. But I've only ever seen it as treament for existing cysts. I'm really not sure if occasional dosing would prevent them.
Fish oil is the best thing you can do for skin and coats, and your northern breed, especially, needs a good quantity of fish in her diet. That's the only thing I would supplement.
