Hyperactive Poodle with Disc Disease
Answered by: Kerry Hackett
Question from: Brenda Matute
Posted on: November 27, 2006

Can you give me any suggestions to calm my dog down or help him with disc disease? He has good days and bad days. I have him on an organic dog food, distilled water and green algae. He is a very picky eater and is very spoiled. He also wants to jump a lot and that does not do his condition any good. In addition, I was wondering about a special harness?

It is difficult to comment on your dog’s "disc disease" as you do not state exactly what that is and there are many conditions that affect the spine. However, most dogs do experience a change in behaviour, often calming down once they are on a good, homemade diet. Please see the work of Richard Pitcairn, "Natural Health for Dogs and Cats", "The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat" by Juliette de Bairacli Levy and "The Barf Diet" by Ian Billinghurst for further information and recipes. Do you see any reason for his jumping? Are there squirrels or other small animals nearby that he might want to chase? Is he being teased by neighbourhood children? Has he been encouraged to jump up in the past? There are usually very good reasons for an animal’s behaviour; it often helps to look at the world through their eyes in order to understand an action that has been translated as unsavoury to humans. If you understand the reason it may be easier to determine a solution. In addition, please see the posting on this website (www.richters.com) entitiled "Calming Dogs".

Should your dog be outside on a lead or is walked using a collar and leash, I would suggest the use of a harness rather than a collar. This will stop any extra pressure on the dog’s neck that could contribute to spinal and neurological problems in the future.

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