Natural Pet Health

Functions of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas

The liver, the gallbladder and the pancreas are all crucially involved in the digestive process. The liver stores Vitamins A, D, E and K and produces bile, which is essential in the breakdown of fats.

It is also responsible for eliminating and detoxifying the poisons that enter the blood stream. These include medications, processed and unhealthy food and the various toxins your pet is exposed to on a daily basis.

The gallbladder stores the bile which is produced by the liver and releases it during digestion. The pancreas not only produces pancreatic juice which contains digestive enzymes that help in the breaking down of food, it also plays a vital role in controlling the level of sugar in the bloodstream by secreting two important hormones, insulin and glucagon

In the United States, there are millions of Americans who use natural remedies as a way to seek treatment or relief from a minor medical issue. Since many are pleased with the results, ease of use, as well as affordability, many pet owners wonder if natural remedies can be used on their pets. In most cases, you will see that they can.

When it comes to using natural remedies for pets, there are a number of important points that you will first want to take into consideration. One of those points is your source of information. If you decide to use a natural remedy that you got online, be sure to use your best judgment.

Let’s assume your pet contracts tapeworm or any one of a host of illnesses that needs to be treated. Should you check online to find the appropriate medication? If you find a specific type of medication that seems a bit costly, do you look further to find a cheaper brand? Are discount pet medications safe?

Due to the high cost of prescription drugs for humans, we are sometimes forced to purchase generic drugs to save money. Does this mean the drug is not as effective? Does it mean that it is less safe? With any drug, there may be side effects, but it doesn’t mean that it isn’t effective.  Moreover, there are always safety factors to consider when taking a drug for the first time. Unfortunately for most of us, it boils down to trial and error.

A dog can’t tell you when he is feeling sick. Paying attention to his behavior and habits will give you a clear sign when something is wrong. Here are some common canine illnesses and ways to avoid them.

Dogs can develop flea infestation. While fleas do not embed themselves in a dog’s coat, they do feed off of the dog’s skin. To avoid fleas from invading your dog’s body, avoid taking the dog for walks in wooded areas or places where fleas migrate. Most fleas may accumulate in the grassy area of your back yard. Daily brushing using a flea comb is recommended.

Cats just like humans are prone to sicknesses. In fact, cats succumb to two cat viral infections that will be discussed shortly. The good news is that there is a cure.

These two common viral infections are Feline Herpes 1 virus known as rhinotracheitis virus and infection with the organisms called Chlamydia psittaci and mycoplasma.

When a cat is infected, they will experience a fever, have weepy eyes, a crusty nose and sneeze a lot. This can go away with or without treatment but this can come back.

When this happens, the condition is called Feline Keratoconjunctivitis the virus settles in the nerves around their face. Corneal scars can be seen to a little over a centimeter in diameter. This makes it hard for the cat to see and it usually happens due to stresses associated with boarding, weather change, a new pet in the house or as mentioned earlier other diseases.

Why is liver functioning so important for my pet?

The liver is the second largest organ in the body and is often seen as the most important one. In traditional Chinese medicine, for example, a healthy liver is seen as the most critical element in the body’s ability to fight disease and function optimally.

Amongst other important functions, the liver is responsible for eliminating and detoxifying the poisons that enter the blood stream. It also produces bile which is essential in the breakdown of fats and is the organ which stores Vitamin A, D, E and K.

Environmental pollution, processed and unhealthy foods, prescription drugs, frequent vaccinations and sedentary lifestyles all contribute to sluggish and diseased livers. The result? Pets with depressed immune systems, constant fatigue, obesity, sluggish livers and digestive systems, allergies, respiratory ailments, unhealthy skin and many other health problems.