Originally published October 5 2005
Pet doctor recommends daily vitamins to supplement your pet's diet
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Dr. Fox answers questions regarding pet nutrition and health with practical natural cures that are tested, tried and true.
She is in very good health, but I would like to know if it would be safe to give her a human one-a-day multivitamin in her food every day.
Dear D.B.: While many so-called "experts" say vitamin supplements are a waste of money for consumers and cats and dogs don't need this because commercial pet foods provide all the necessary nutrients, I disagree.
Many ingredients in pet foods are poor-quality human food-industry byproducts, and processing can destroy some vitamins and other nutrients.
For a 30-pound dog, give half of a daily human multivitamin and multi-mineral tablet (a whole one for a dog that's 60-pounds or more).
Minerals are important for them (and us), since many food ingredients are deficient in minerals.
Dear Dr. Fox: I have a well-behaved, sweet but very skittish 1-year-old female Ragdoll cat.
My husband and I brought her home at 11 weeks old and she immediately bonded with our very sociable male Ragdoll.
After letting out the warning meow she will allow us to pet her and appears quite contented.
Ironically, she is the one who will occasionally sleep on our bed or will curl up in a basket right next to my computer.
Fear/anxiety may play some role, so a short course of treatment with alprazolam (Xanax) prescribed by her veterinarian may help.
Simply holding the cat, gently but firmly, initially for a few seconds and then for gradually longer and longer periods, while talking to her in a calming voice may also help her become desensitized and enjoy being held.
Hand signals work as well as sound with him.
The only drawback to this is if he is on a scent trail, he is slow to respond to my commands.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml