An integrated natural healthcare solution to re-balance Ruby, the Cockapoo

Anna Webb – as a Canine Nutrition and Behaviour expert, Anna combines her psychology degree, with study at the College of Integrated Veterinary Therapies (CIVT) and over 20 years - experience. Host of the award-nominated A DOG’S LIFE podcast, she lives in London, and is owned by Prudence, a Miniature Bull Terrier and Mr Binks, a re-homed English Toy Terrier. www.annawebb.co.uk

When Liz Turner reached out about Ruby, a 6 year old Cockapoo, she had a few issues, including recurring cystitis. She also had some digestive reflux problems and was quite anxious with respect to sounds.  Ruby had begun some ‘fly-catching’ behaviour, (gasping at the air as though catching imaginary flies), which is very distressing.

I advised Liz that as part of my ‘Wellness consultation’, we’d look at her nutrition, including supplements, the physical frame, and use training and behaviour therapy to work holistically to re-balance her.

We began by switching Ruby from her overly processed ‘inflammatory’ diet -  prescription ‘urinary tract’ formula to an ‘anti-inflammatory’ fresh wholefood alternative.

Despite the prescription diet initially keeping Ruby’s cystitis at bay, I explained that ‘overtime’ the burden of feeding ‘anti-nutrients’ comprising ingredients like maize, poultry meat meal, ‘hydrolysed animal proteins’ along with a raft of synthetic minerals, vitamins, and additives would be compromising Ruby’s immune system, and creating inflammation, and quite possibly the cystitis flare ups.

Working on the assumption that her ‘flycatching and reflux were related to a possible injury to her upper GI tract, Ruby’s vet prescribed Omeprazole in February 2023, which she was still taking this when we first spoke in April this year.

Delving into Ruby’s background I discovered she had received all her vaccinations for a six-year old, including annual boosters, and secondary vaccines like Kennel Cough. Plus, regular flea and worm treatments.

As ‘Fly Catching Syndrome’ is known as a symptom of Vaccinosis – a reaction to vaccines, I explained to Liz that from now on there would be no reason to ever get Ruby vaccinated!

I recommended she should test her immunity by doing a ‘Titre Test’. Presenting Liz with the science from the World Small Animal Association, enabling her to make informed decisions on whether to vaccinate Ruby. 

I recommended transitioning from Ruby’s prescription diet to a raw, balanced and complete option, choosing low phosphorous meats including, Raw Green Tripe, Turkey and Duck. I explained that overtime anti-nutrients including sweet potatoes, potatoes, often included to bulk foods in lieu of using grains like barley, compromise digestion due to being pH alkaline and a dog’s digestion being highly pH acidic.

A run of blood diagnostics on May 10th revealed that Ruby’s liver readings were high, which meant re-advising onto a cooked wholefood alternative, not raw. Concerned the raised blood readings could have been triggered by a combination of Omeprazole, and an initially raw food switch Liz liaised with her vet to stop Ruby on this antacid, and we explored other diets.

Working on food being Ruby’s medicine, I suggested adding a little organic brown rice, to help take some ‘load’ away from the liver function, as it hopefully restored to ’normal’ levels. Ruby’s kidney function read within normal range, but considering her previous outbreaks of cystitis, I advised on an overall boost to the immune system avoiding red meats.

I suggested using Different Dog, which provides freshly cooked options that similarly arrive frozen to thaw and serve. On my recommendation Liz added plenty of omega rich foods, including poached duck, chicken, even quail eggs, along with steamed white fish, green beans and cooked organic chicken, and goat and sheep cheeses and yoghurt, and lots of leafy greens, not least to use for interactive, enrichment toys.

Working on the premise that the gut is our second brain, boosting Ruby’s gut function would in turn hopefully help re- balance her ‘Fly Catching Syndrome’. Upping the ante on a variety of protein sources served to boost and nourish the trillions of hairy bacteria residing in Ruby’s microbiome.

Ruby & Liz

Offering a multi-faceted approach, we discussed the importance of the Vagus nerve as being key to overall wellness, but particularly its relationship with digestion and reflux.

 Teaching Liz some simple TTouch massage techniques to reduce Ruby’s hypersensitivity, I also recommended investing in a Photizo Vetcare, LED sourced red and near-infrared light – in the silent version! Adapted for noise sensitive dogs, this silent alternative has the marker beep sounds (signifying the end of a pre-programmed dose starting and finishing) removed.

I explained that the Vetcare was designed for use at home enabling owners to help their dogs, not only physically post injury or post- surgery, but emotionally. Several studies highlight the calming effects offered using the Vetcare as triggering dopamine and endorphin release. Helping balance the effects of stress on our bodies, the Vetcare is a product I could not live without!

Advising Liz step by step, Ruby noticeably calmed using the Photizo Vetcare.  Absorbing its biological effects deep at a cellular level. Promoting blood flow it reduces inflammation, increases lymph flow to help boost cellular energy, otherwise known as ATP. The evidence based pre-programmed doses made it easy for Liz to monitor accurately, and introduce to Ruby gradually training her that this new object was nothing to be afraid of!

The approach focused on targeting her lymph nodes, and her sternam - soothing and stimulating the elusive Vagus nerve.  Using the Vetcare on Ruby’s  liver and kidney acupressure points as well as her right kneecap and hip joint (an injury from her over enthusiastic puppyhood which could have exacerbated Ruby’s sensitivity to noise).

The Vetcare’s LED sourced red and near-infrared light key mechanism is happening in the mitochondria to increase the production of ATP, the energy that drives all cellular processes to facilitate natural healing, promote blood flow & circulation, increasing lymph flow and reducing inflammation and promoting natural anti-oxidants such as melatonin.

I explained that this biological response has been termed Photobiomodulation by MeSH in 2015. As a distinct modality, it remains one of the biggest areas in natural healthcare with burgeoning research highlighting its healing potential not only physically, but emotionally.

Working to balance Ruby’s energy levels through the day with some proactive play games indoors and outdoors, the aim was to increase Ruby’s focus with fun cues that could be deployed as and when she began any ‘fly catching’ behaviour.

I also recommended some key supplements including Dorwest’s Skullcap & Valerian tablets to help with calming and her noise sensitivity. Liz added species appropriate pre and probiotics from Four Leaf Rover.

Plus, my favourite tried and tested raw unpasteurised colostrum from QuraDea SwissBioColostrum. Colostrum is known to be arguably the biggest immune system boost containing immunoglobins (=antibodies), growth factors, hormones, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

To focus on Ruby’s sound sensitivity, I advised on some simple sound therapy techniques and adding a Pet Remedy diffuser into the main living area. With its clever formula of calming herbs, it offers a natural alternative to stimulate the neurotransmitters and promote calm.

Keeping in touch with Liz regularly over six weeks, Ruby progressed well, gaining more vitality, responding to training, and the effects of her new diet, home massage and the Vetcare. Her bloods were taken again in mid- June with all readings back within normal range.

I’m delighted to also report that her ‘Fly Catching Syndrome’ is no longer a problem, and Liz has the skills to deflect and offer Ruby an alternative behaviour in the event a rare ‘flare up occurs.  Ruby’s reflux is similarly managed with fewer flare ups, and both Liz and Ruby are enjoying the benefits of a natural ‘holistic’ lifestyle.

Liz Turner commented:

“I am so grateful to Anna for helping me discover a natural path for Ruby. Her advice has changed my world with Ruby for the better and I hope helped ensure a longer, less anxious life going forwards.  I’ve learnt a lot on the way too, and my Vet is also impressed. It’s a testament to learning and seeing health from a holistic perspective.”

Find out more about how Photobiomodulation can help you and your pet by clicking the link below: