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 My five month old weimaraner has in the past few days come up with this, hive like skin problem. started on her hips, now has some on neck, ears and shoulder. They dont bother her one bit, and dont bleed, puss, or have a distinct color or odor.
i take her to the dog beach 3-4 times a week, jogging around the neighborhod 4-5 times a week, and she has been eating the same food. dont recall her being stung or bitten by anything while i was watching.
im just trying to see if anyone has had this problem before and if it may just go away in a few days, or should i take her to the vet to get some antibiotics
thanks alot
eddie murphy
Answer Hi Eddie,
It's probably not something that anti-biotics would cure. It sounds to me to be more like an allergic dermatitis. You don't mention what you feed her, but this is a classic symptom of years of dry dog food. It can take a long time for the body to show signs of poor nutrition (indeed, some dogs seem to do well for many years on what I would consider a poorly designed diet) but eventually, it will show up in skin conditions. The skin is the largest organ in the body and the first to show signs of problems.
I would consider upgrading the diet to the best, natural diet you can. There's a good site called www.dogfoodanalysis.com that rates dry dog food based solely on the ingredients. Look for your food there and see if you can bump up to a better one.
My dog had many issues, including urinary stones, skin conditions, ear infections, etc. for years until I switched him to a raw diet. They all cleared up and he hasn't had so much as a flea in 7 years. (And I don't use any type of flea preventative other than a healthy immune system.)
I believe that diet is the most important aspect in a dog's health and what some of the larger companies advertise as a good diet is actually ill-suited for a dog's digestive system.
