How do toxins affect our pets?

Peppi was our miniature German schnauzer. She died in 2003 from congestive heart failure after she had been very sick for several years. She died the month before her 9th birthday. She was more than "just a pet." She was part of our family and we were heartbroken and very sad when she died. I still cry sometimes when I think about her. She was my favorite pet.

Over the years, I've become more educated about environmental toxins and how they affect not only humans but also our pets. I no longer use strong chemicals for cleaning or air fresheners. I use more natural and less toxic cleaners and air fresheners. I don't use flea and tick solutions on the 2 dogs we have now but I put garlic powder on their food, and that seems to work for them. They also have eco-friendly dog beds and toys that have been tested for safety and are nontoxic.

When pets do get sick, they can be given holistic care and become well. The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood is a book about holistic pet care. The author, Nadine M. Rosin, tells about her 8-year-old dog that was diagnosed with cancer and given 6 weeks to live but, with holistic treatment, including removal of toxins from its inner and outer environments, "Buttons" became cancer free and lived another 11 years and died of old age.

Had I known about holistic pet care 10 years ago, I think Peppi would have lived much longer and may even still be here today.