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| Ringworm |
Ringworm is often treated conventionally with an over-the-counter anti-fungal medication such as Tinactin along with a potent prescription medication called Griseofulvin designed to destroy the fungus. Healing time is usually several weeks as the hair grows back; however, the animal can remain contagious during this period. If you go natural, with supplements, topical and medicinal herbs, you can expect a similar healing time, but with the added advantage of strengthening the body to prevent future recurrences. Drugs do treat the surface problem but they do not get at the source (the immune system). We do not recommend the ringworm vaccine that is available for cats.
If you are dealing with an active case of ringworm, first review and upgrade the Goldstein Food Plan detailed in Chapter One. Giving your animal a natural diet, raw foods and daily doses of vitamins and minerals, while avoiding chronic use of drugs and vaccines, should give your dog or cat the ammunition to fight off any exposure. If your animal falls in the weakened immune system category or is diagnosed with ringworm, we think it is a good idea to add some extra fatty acid supplements, antioxidants and skin-enhancing vitamins and minerals to his or her diet for the next several weeks. These include zinc, flaxseed oil and coenzyme Q10 along with Daily Health Nuggets.
Next, your animal is going to need a topical treatment along with a targeted herbal or homeopathic fungal remedy. First, purchase a pair of disposable Latex gloves at the drug store and clip away the hair in the affected area. Be extremely careful to dispose of the hair in a highly sanitary manner. Vacuum the area, scrub with a disinfectant, wear gloves and discard all of your animal’s bedding. Then remove the vacuum cleaner bag and trash it as well.
Next, shampoo your animal with Earth Animal’s Leciderm or another mild, chemically free shampoo to which you have added the juice from a fresh lemon and a few drops of tea tree oil. You may reinforce with a topical treatment by mixing 20% tea tree oil and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice to 1 cup strongly brewed goldenseal or green tea. Add this mixture to a wash cloth or cotton pad and treat the infected area four times daily. Your local health food store can provide you with tea tree oil or cream, which will soothe and enhance healing.
We also recommend Earth Animal’s No More Worms and Fungi, a medicinal herbal remedy. Its main ingredients are black walnut, wormwood, cloves, quassia and garlic plus flower essences to balance the emotions, as we believe there is a connection between your animal’s emotions and the skin |
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| No More Worms and Fungi (Twice Daily) |
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Cats and Small Dogs (1-14 lb) 5 drops |
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Medium Dogs (15-34 lb) 7 drops |
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Large Dogs (35-84 lb) 10 drops |
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Giant Dogs (85+ lb) 12 drops |
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| Be sure to give your animal plenty of fresh air, exposing the ringworm area to natural sunlight as well. Nature has a way of expediting healing. |
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