… a tiny chameleon that can fit on the head of a match!

http://news.discovery.com/animals/mini-chameleons-120215.html#mkcpgn=emnws1

Four new tiny chameleons found on an island off Madagascar measure just tens of millimeters from head to tail.

All animals are happy and healthy by nature. However, modern living can be stressful and make it tricky for animals to experience their natural wellbeing.

Definition of stress

Stress is the consequence of the failure of an organism — human or other animal — to respond adequately to mental, emotional, or physical demands, whether actual or imagined. (Hans Selye, 1956)

When an animal perceives a threat the natural response is called the stress-response (also called the fight-or-flight response). In natural environments the stress-response has an important purpose. When threatened, the stress-response provides animals with the means to be focused and alert, ready for emergency action. Involving the whole animal, mind and body, this built-in safety feature ensures an animal responds quickly and effectively to the threat, and helps ensure their survival.

However, if stress continues to be present over an extended period it can be detrimental to an animal’s health. Long-term stress, even at low levels, results in animals being unable to fully relax. The resulting anxiety and nervous tension can lead to a range of disorders affecting an animal’s mood, physiological functioning and behaviour.

What experiences are perceived as stressful and how the stress manifests is influenced by many factors. These factors vary from species to species, and individual to individual. For example, a cat may be stressed by neighbourhood cats coming into the garden, a new baby in the home, or vet visits. A dog may be stressed by being left alone, thunderstorms or kennel stays. The cat may show it is stressed by urinating inappropriately in the home, compulsive over-grooming, or developing cystitis. The dog may manifest stress with diarrhoea, aggressive behaviour, or skin allergies.

Herbs that have an effect on the nervous system have traditionally been called Nervines. Nervines are usually further categorised into Nervine Relaxants that relax the nervous system;Nervine Stimulants that stimulate the nervous system; and Nervine Tonics that strengthen, nourish and restore the nervous system.

Modern science can now explain many of the effects of Nervines. Research into the functioning of nerves at a molecular level has led to the discovery that a number of important chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) can be influenced by herbs. These chemical messengers play different roles in the healthy functioning of the central nervous system.

The neurotransmitter that is primarily responsible for relaxing the nervous system is called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric-acid). A number of nervine relaxant herbs have now been shown to promote the activity of this important chemical messenger. Herbs like Chamomile, Passionflower, Valerian and Withania all support GABA function and help to relax the nervous system.

The herbs with relaxant (GABAergic) effects have an important role to play in stress-related behaviours and illness in animals. When used appropriately, these herbs can ease the symptoms of stress by helping to relax the nervous system. Relaxation, mind and body, is essential for an animal to be restored to health and normal, balanced functioning.

In animals suffering with stress-related disorders herbs are best combined with other stress-busting strategies. Touch therapies, acupuncture and massage have a role to play. Depending on the individual, relaxation can be further supported by enriching their environment, providing companionship, encouraging play, regular exercise and a wholesome diet. An integrated, holistic approach and the support of a qualified animal behaviourist will help you understand your animal’s individual needs and how best to meet them.

Important: Always consult your veterinarian if your animal is on medication, pregnant, lactating or undergoing surgery before using herbs.

Herbs have an important role to play in stress-related problems in animals. When used appropriately, and as part of an integrated approach to wellbeing, herbs can ease the symptoms of stress by helping to calm the mind and relax the body.

Modern science can now explain many of the effects of these herbs. Research into the functioning of nerves at a molecular level has led to the discovery of a number of important chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that can be affected by herbs. These chemical messengers play a number of different roles in the healthy functioning of the central nervous system. Traditionally, herbs that affect the nervous system are referred to as nervines and are broadly classified by their effects on the nervous system:

• Nervine Tonics that generally strengthen, nourish and restore the nervous system and nervous tissues (like St John’s wort and pennywort).
• Nervine Relaxants that relax the nervous system (like chamomile, passionflower, lemon balm and valerian).
• Nervine Stimulants that stimulate the nervous system (like rosemary, black tea and coffee).

Because modern living is stressful at times, the relaxing and tonic herbs have an important role to play in human and animal wellbeing. Getting to know them better and understanding their uses allows you to play a more active role in the wellbeing of your animals.  Many herbs can also easily be grown in your own garden and used as first-aid in mild upsets, or to help prevent disease.

Here is an example of a simple, calming recipe for mild anxiety:

• chamomile flowers
• lemon balm leaves

For dogs, you may use ½ teaspoon of each (per 10 kg) mixed in with some wholesome, tasty food twice a day as a helpful aid in relaxing the nervous system. Because chamomile and lemon balm also have calming affects on the digestion (see carminatives), this recipe would be most helpful when nerves are upsetting the digestion leading to a poor appetite, or mild indigestion.

Important: Always consult your veterinarian if your animal is on medication, pregnant, lactating or undergoing surgery before using herbs (see Herb Safety).

In the great creative cycle, Spring represents a time of youthfulness, flexibility and vibrant growth – for plants and animals.

If well-rested and restored, animals naturally let go of their winter sleepiness and wake up into a ‘good morning feeling’ of Spring filled with renewed curiosity and playfulness. Warming temperatures and increasing light is create a desire for movement and new experience.

Right on cue, Nature provides animals with all they require to respond positively to the impulses of Spring. Playing a central role in this phase is the extraordinary relationship between the liver and bitter tasting plants.

The Liver

The liver is essential to life and is wholly or partly responsible for  literally hundreds of vital functions in animals.  The liver organ is largest in young animals, in the Spring of their lives. In newborns it is even involved in blood production, before the bone marrow takes over this function. With age, the liver naturally becomes smaller corresponding to a reduced liver function.

Functions of Liver (and Gallbladder)

Livers are involved in literally hundreds of vital functions, including:

• Protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism
• Bile production and excretion
• Hormone production and breakdown
• Detoxification and drug breakdown
• Storage of various vitamins and minerals

Supporting healthy liver function throughout an animal’s life is therefore vitally important.

Bitter Herbs

Each season can be seen to embody its own taste or flavour, with the fresh green leaves and shoots of Spring associated with the bitter taste.

Bitter receptors on an animal’s tongue detect a variety of ‘bitter principles’ in the plants (bitter tasting chemical constituents like volatile oils, alkaloids, iridoids or sesquiterpenes). The bitter taste triggers a range of responses via the nervous system, with the degree of the response correlated to the intensity of the bitterness.

Many of these bitter plants have been used as medicinal herbs by humans and animals because of their strong effect on liver function and digestive health. Ttraditionally, these herbs have been referred to as bitter digestives, hepatics,choleretics and cholagogues. These categories refer to the qualities responsible for the ‘blood cleansing’ or detoxifying effects of these herbs.

Effects of Bitter Herbs on Digestive Health

• Stimulate appetite
• Improve digestion and nutrient absorption
• Increase salivation and gastric acid secretion
• Increase bile production and excretion
• Stimulate bowel movement (by peristalsis and mild laxative effect of bile)
• Support healthy bowel flora
• Reduce inflammation and improved digestive immunity

Some herbs are mildly bitter, pleasantly so, and can be used for their cooling digestive and liver tonic effects throughout the year, but especially in Spring. Examples here include – dandelion, parsley, globe artichoke, celery and other nutritious spring herbs. Very bitter herbs are only desirable in special circumstances and are not generally appropriate as part of a healthy animal’s daily diet. Here we can include herbs like wormwood and devil’s claw.

Although the bitter herbs work best when taken before a meal, this is not always easy or necessary in animals. Cats in particular are very sensitive to bitter tastes. Giving them a bitter herb will usually get them to drool profusely (proof if you need it that bitter stimulate salivation!). Mixing in a small selection of fresh or dried herbs with a wholesome, palatable meal is usually all you want or need to keep your animal’s livers functioning optimally.

Creating a Happy Animal Garden with a variety of herbs is also a good idea. Be sure to include dog and cat grass. Make it easy for your animals to self-select what is needed and what makes them feel better. Getting active and taking daily walks out in Nature will provide opportunities for animals to browse and benefit from the many plants Spring provides for a happy, healthy liver.

Animals reveal green, sustainable solutions we can easily apply in our own lives.

Animals keep it simple. Without trying to look good, they have been living sustainably for a long, long time. They are really good at it. You could say they are naturally gifted. Of course humans are animals too, and there was a time when we were totally green. We all used to follow the laws of Nature. Naturally. Perhaps it is time to listen to the animals again so we can all move forward together.

There is a serious environmental impact when we relying heavily on synthetic drugs for our own health and the health of the animals we care for. There is the effect of the manufacturing process of medicines itself, the disposal of toxic solvents and waste products. There is also the impact of medicine packaging and transport to consider. There is also growing evidence that human and animal medications and their residues are accumulating in the environment. Chemicals are excreted in urine and faeces, unused or out-of-date medicines poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet and are polluting the rivers and oceans.

Green Medicines

So what can animals teach us? Well, in the wild, animals do not have access to a pharmacist, doctor or a veterinarian. They rely on Nature’s pharmacy. By observing how animals are actively helping themselves to stay well, they offer us insights into sustainable healthcare. Scientists have recently realised that this is a valuable source of information, and an entirely new field of study has emerged known as animal self-medication or zoopharmacognosy.

We have all seen dogs and cats eating grass and sometimes inducing vomiting. Other examples of animals self-medicating include reports of chimpanzees eating certain plants to remedy diarrhoea caused by intestinal worms. European starlings and house sparrows line their nests with various plants with properties that repel external parasites like mites and ticks. African elephants have been observed to eat a particular plant that seemed to induce labour. Capuchin monkeys rub the juices of certain plants over their bodies to repel parasites and heal skin irritations.

By listening to animals, preserving their habitats, and making greater use of Nature’s pharmacy, each of us can play a positive role in reducing the impact of pharmaceuticals on the environment.

Here are some suggestions of what you can do at home for you and your animals that can make a real difference to our planet:

• With the support of your veterinarian, explore safe, effective treatment options that may reduce the need for prescription medicines.
• Pay more attention to preventative medicine for your animals, including a healthy diet, an active lifestyle and positive relationships.
• Plant a wide variety of animal-friendly herbs in your garden for animals and humans to use as required.
• Learn basic first aid and preventative medicine strategies for your human and animal family members.
• Dispose of drugs and other chemicals that are not being used, or are out of date, safely
• Be an environmentally aware consumer and support companies that are committed to ethical, sustainable environmental policies.

‘In recognition of this outstanding exhibit, which represented, in the opinion of the judges, imaginative design, fastidious workmanship and marketing expertise‘ is what it says .

The extraordinary 3-day World of Dogs and Cats Expo (WODAC) was held last weekend in Midrand’s Gallagher Convention Centre. We partnered with Healthy-Living Herbs to share all we could on keeping animals happy and healthy with herbs. If you were at WODAC you couldn’t have missed us – we were the first stand (Stand No. 1) as you entered the door. The plant stand with all the happy herbs for animals.

There was a huge turnout this year. Just the Saturday had more people and their animals though the door than the entire 3-day event  last year. Over the three days we managed to speak to many cat lovers who had tried  Happy Cat™ and who wanted to share their stories, buy some more, or introduce a friend. Thank you to all of you. We love getting the feedback. A common strategy this year for those new to Happy Cat™  (including a good few of the cat breeders at the show) was to first buy the new Happy Cat™ Sachet on the Friday or Saturday – check that their cat said YES – and then come back the next day for the Happy Cat™ Box. Just like we hoped.

We are also very glad to have made contact with so many non-profit and for-profit organisations caring for animals. Dogs, horses, cats and many other animals are being cared for by these individuals and organisations dedicated to making it easier for animals. We have a growing number of cat charieties, travel companies and catteries using Happy Cat™ and we are proud that Happy Cat™ is beginning to play a positive role in helping cats relax, adapt to their new environment, and so minimise any stress-related upsets. We now have a number of charities wanting to send representatives on the Herbs for Animals Workshops, which is great news. If you have any clever ideas on how best to fund the full extension of these workshops to all  - we would love to hear from you to brainstorm - hi@happinessis.co.za. We gathered email addresses of all those interested in attending the Herbs for Animals Workshops and subscribing to our Happy Animal Newsletter. We filled pages and pages! It took two of us a whole day just to get the data onto computer. Wonderful.

Tons of you went home with herbs for your happy animal gardens. A big hit was the ingenious indestructible Catnip hanging-basket by Healthy-Living Herbs, and all the other plants that will enrich your animals’ environments – promoting not just happy animals but a happy planet too.

See you all again next year!

To Brian and Sharon – WODAC organisers extraordinaire – a big thank you and well done on a great event for animals.