Animals Self-Medicating

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Animals in the wild and herbs:

A reference the vast majority of individuals with Feline companions will be aware of is how Cats draw to eating grass, Dogs can also be known to perform this behaviour. The most interesting fact is there is no known validated reason for this, it is presumed due to its ability to influence positively on their digestion, however this remains unproven.

Many species of animals have established their own effective ‘pharmacies’ of botanical ingredients that are available right here in nature. Chimpanzees, Elephants, Birds, Lizards and Bees all share a common survival traits in that they all have the capacity to ‘self- medicate’. These animals actively source and eat materials that relieve illness, reduce pain, prevent disease, eradicate parasites such as worms, viruses, bacteria or to facilitate digestion. The medical science of animals ‘self-medicating’ is termed ‘zoopharmacognosy’ deriving from the ‘Zoo’ (animal) ‘Pharma’ (Drug) and ‘Gnosy’ (Knowing). It is uncertain how much is actually associated with learnt behaviour or self-preservation, but animals seem to have harnessed a very innate ability to distinguish and differentiate between plants that have active constituents of benefit.

Chimpanzees have been observed in the wild teaching their young self-medicating principles. This practice is developing more attention and interest to those in the Veterinary and Botanical industries, the more research conducted the more awareness of this practice is seen among the whole animal kingdom. A variety of animals, insects and birds actively scout herbs, trees and plants when they require a remedy.

• A variety of Carnivorous animals in particular Elk, Deer, Bears and Apes have been observed consuming medicinal plants in attempt to self-medicate various conditions.

• Some Lizards have been observed in response to a venomous snake bite to consume a particular root to counteract the toxic effects of the venom

• Ethiopian Baboons consume leaves of a particular plant to eliminate the flatworms responsible for Schistosomiasis

• Even fruit flies have been shown to preference particular trees high in ethanol to lay their eggs to deter parasitoid wasps, a defensive measure to ensure survival of future generations

• Some Caterpillars when struggling with parasite infestation will intentionally consume a poisonous plant in attempt to kill the infestation

• Ants are known to incorporate Resin in their nests in an attempt to ward off microbe infestations

• Sheep have been shown to draw to plants high in Tannins when they have worm infestation, the Tannin content assists with killing digestive worms

• Many animals particularly Green and Red Macaws will consume clay to benefit the digestion process, in particular for antibacterial properties

• Brazilian Spider Monkeys have been observed in response to breeding timings to consume particular plants to either harness or reduce fertility

• Pregnant Lemurs have been shown to eat Fig and Tamarind bark and leaves to assist with milk production and eliminating parasites, all in favour of a healthy birth

• Pregnant Kenyan elephants have been shown to draw to particularly tree leaves when necessary to induce labour

It is estimated researcher have observed this animal self- medicating behaviour in 25 regions incorporating over 40 different plants!

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References:

Shurkin. J. 2014. Animals that self-medicate. National Center for Biotechnology Information

<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4267359/>

Villalba. J, Provenza. F & Shaw. R. (2006). Sheep self-medicate when challenged with illness-inducing foods. Animal Behaviour. 71. 1131-1139.

<https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222233064_Sheep_self-medicate_when_challenged_with_illness-inducing_foods>

de Roode JC, Hunter MD. 2019.Self-medication in insects: when altered behaviors of infected insects are a defense instead of a parasite manipulation. Curr Opin Insect Sci. 2019;33:1-6.

<https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31358187/>

Helping your pet during reduced home isolation:

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As the majority of us rejoice with the small pleasures of being able to dine out, enjoy local cafes and essentially embracing all be it distance socialising, bear a thought for those family members who undoubtedly will not be thrilled with our reinstalled freedom…. our furry family members!

Speaking personally my 3 were living their best lives having us working from home, the attention, sneaky extra snacks and just general company makes for a very happy feathered, furry, scaled (whatever shape and form) animal companion. Now with our expanding lives they will be attempting to adapt to this seemingly very rapid change. I have adopted my own personal methods and tips I utilise with own animals, to help them adapt to their human companion transitioning back into day to day life.

1.       Start initially giving them time alone when you are in the house, be it outside time or simply allowing them to have their own time in a separate part of the house. I myself am a big softy but I do force myself as ‘tough love’ is a very necessary part of caring for animals

2.       Animals love routine particularly Dogs and maintaining as much consistency as possible will provide them with reassurance allowing them to feel safe

3.       Radios or general music are great resources for any companion animal to hear voices and feel assured

4.       Keep them occupied: Safe toys can be great tools at keeping animals minds busy, fill it with their favourite treats; I personally recommend ‘Tumeke Liver Strips’ a protein packed treat that’s irresistible to Canine family members

5.       Cats also enjoy stimulation and a chew toy won’t necessarily appeal to them as much, however I keep mine occupied with cat trees; cats love to perch and cat trees are great vantage points to watch the environment, particularly if you have indoor cats.

6.       Reward good behaviour: Food treats can be very helpful in doing this and I utilise tasty but nutritious ‘Tumeke Ovine Tripe’ great for the digestion and skin health

7.       We cannot forget the simple act of playing with your pet! The majority of furry family members love playful interaction with their Human companions; my Feline family members enjoy ‘hide and seek’ and interaction with prey simulated toys. While our Canine family members quite enjoy ‘Zoomies’ and chase like play involving toys.

I wish you and your furry family members all the best while adapting to our changing way of life, animals have been shown to be fantastic at reducing stress and increasing feel good hormones, so if you’re struggling sharing some time with our animal family members may just help.

My furbabies: Oogie (Left) Ziggy Stardust (Top right), Prince (Bottom right)

My furbabies: Oogie (Left) Ziggy Stardust (Top right), Prince (Bottom right)

History of Commercial Pet Food

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Development of Commercial Pet Food:

Prior to the late 1800’s dogs were essentially fed ‘table scraps’ or discards of the family meals. However in the 1860’s this all changed when James Spratt an American visiting London came up with an idea that would change the pet food industry forever – now the creator of commercial pet food was not from an occupation you would expect to be associated with Pet food, but an electrician! Walking down the Thames in London he noticed the amount of dogs consuming ‘old hardtack’ crackers discarded by the sailors, this inspired him to create the first canned commercial dog pet food; initially consisting of Meat, Vegetables and Beetroot, it was a hit amongst owners, he expanded his business and succeeded with developing the product amongst the American market.

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Now Cats don’t receive a lot of mention in the early stages of pet food development, but they should as it is them that this ‘convenience’ food has impacted the most in terms of negative health consequences. In the 1930’s Cats were fed our leftovers or given meats from the ‘Knackerman’ or ‘Cat Meat Men’ but naturally with the success of the Canine counterpart biscuit feed it was inevitable it would make its way into the feline food market.

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During World war two there was a mass shortage of tin and priority was sending metal for weapon production so an alternative had to be created, Purina had at this stage already starting using their cereal production and adopted it to dog food, by 1946 dry commercial food represented 85% of the market.

The next major revolution in the industry came in the 50’s with the development of the extrusion production method developed by Purina. This involves the ingredients being cooked together in a liquid state, pressurised through a mechanical extruder, this produces an expanded product which is then baked. The end product is larger and lighter than previous methods of production and gave the assuming satisfaction to the consumer with ‘more for your money’ appeal. Convenience at this stage was the major marketing ploy with these foods. For production purposes there were large quantities of starch necessary for the extrusion process to be effective and ingredients to bind efficiently. It was necessary for nutrients to be added post cooking to replace the large volume lost during the high heat cooking performed twice, fats and additional flavourings were added post production to ensure palatability and to produce a product aesthetically pleasing to owners also.

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Companies then began to market their products as a ‘complete’ food, trying to reinforce the idea that feeding table scraps was actually dangerous and an unhealthy choice for pets. In 1964 the pet food institute started a campaign to educate owners on the perceived dangers of feeding table scraps and how imperative it was to be feeding processed food to your pet. Kibble feed was marketed to owners with attractive colours, appropriate shapes for animals and equally catchy names. The next development was with the production of ‘prescription’ foods sold primarily through Veterinary clinics; this was initially developed by Hills (upon purchase from Colgate 1976) after their large success marketing toothpastes through dentists. The predominant message was pet food is very complicated and ideally left to the ‘professionals’ or experts.

 

In the 60’s and 70’s cats were brought indoors so it became necessary to resize canine foods to fit with a cats requirements, however unfortunately the formula wasn’t changed and this resulted in mass Taurine deficiency and not until 10’s of thousands of cats had died that ‘Hills’ and ‘Purina’ acknowledged the catastrophe (March 1987). Since then there has been one further major food manufacturer disaster in the Melamine contamination recall 2007 which lead to ‘Food safety modernization act 2011’

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In the 90’s predominantly feline guardians began to get frustrated with the poor quality food available and started the raw feeding movement, dry food companies responded by increasing protein in feeds but not lowering the carbohydrate content (A futile health move) Just replaced grains with potatoes and tapioca while maintaining the high carbohydrate content which is the real health issue with commercial pet foods and our furry family members, they ARE NOT designed to consume a high Carbohydrate diet they are predominantly carnivorous. I cannot emphasise enough the long term health benefits of feeding your Canine and Feline family members “Foods they need to thrive not just survive!”

Reference:

Gates. M. 2019. A brief history of commerical pet food. Feline Nutrition Foundation.

<https://feline-nutrition.org/features/a-brief-history-of-commercial-pet-food>

Natural Nutrition- Dietary recommendations for Cats & Dogs

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There is a growing movement with animals becoming even more integral members of our family, owners develop interest in investing in their furry family members health and seek knowledge as to areas they can be proactive in not only treating disease but preventing it. Nutrition is an area of animal health I am extremely passionate about, the foundations of holistic medicine is based on quality nutrition and nutrition appropriate to that species.

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means due to their teeth design, gastric secretions and bowel length they are designed to specifically eat meat; more precisely 80% protein base and 20% fats & fiber, with this in mind they certainly are not designed to eat diets carbohydrate based- grain free diets are beside the foundational issue, cats bodies are not created for a diet high in dry highly processed carbohydrates. Some kibble based products do announce high protein content- I would be sure to investigate the source of this protein and the temperatures at which this was cooked, as high heat naturally denatures protein. Long term consumption of an inappropriate diet leads to malnutrition and inflammation, chronic inflammation can cause free radical issues and toxin accumulation, eventually cells will start to behave abnormally, abnormal cell proliferation being the foundation for cancer adjunct to a compromised immune system. With a background in holistic medicine specifically Chinese Medicine the perception of feeding an inappropriate diet long term depletes the digestive system of crucial energy, this eventually leads to inefficient metabolism and essentially elevated undesirable by products of the digestive process, the dried nature of kibble is detrimental to the bodies fluids and encourages inflammation, this drying influence on fluids puts pressure on renal function and as many feline owners are aware renal failure is a common ailment in elderly domestic cats.

Our Canine family members should also be considered when discussing appropriate nutritional requirements, dogs traditionally were scavenger animals with this in consideration most of their diet would be the discards of human food. They are omnivores in that they have capabilities of digesting a combination of meat/ organ and vegetable based feed, reflecting on their evolution as a human companion this most likely being the food materials they would have received. Their ideal diet is sitting at a 60% protein base (meat/ organ) and 40% carbohydrate (vegetables: carrots, potatoes, kumera etc), the common dietary choice for canine owners is indeed kibble based, as you can appreciate not so in line with what’s essential for their digestive needs. The majority of kibble products are cooked at extremely high temperatures destroying a large portion of the protein content, protein is essential for healthy muscle development and maintenance of strength. A common ailment I have encountered with Canine Acupuncture  and rehabilitation therapy is the rate of muscular-skeletal issues in our canine family members, in a Chinese medicine paradigm we perceive this as due to the lacking meat and conversely protein in the diet there is insufficient blood being produced in the body (this is not meant in a physiological sense such as anemia but purely as an analogy reference) interestingly in Chinese Medicine blood is seen as an integral part of maintaining muscle condition and strength, with a depletion being the reverse: atrophy and inefficient muscle firing.

Vast majority of holistic practitioners see the value in feeding raw based feed to their companion animals, to me the key is in educating the importance and extreme long term health benefits this kind of nutrition provides. The additional financial and time investment early in their lives will sow seeds that will display as they age with less health issues such as allergies, skin conditions, excessive weight gain, arthritis, gastrointestinal issues and generally improved vitality and increased life span.

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