It's known as many different names: holistic healing, old family remedies, bohemian health and simply natural healing. And now even man's best friend is getting into the herbal remedy craze.

In the past few years, more and more veterinarians are adopting the herbal remedy cure to keep Fido alive longer. And natural medicines are proving more popular every year with owners who grew up in a generation that grew ever more dependent on processed food and cure all antihistamines. And let's face it, dogs survived for a billion years before humans came along. They had to be something right while they were roaming the world. So let's look at some of the most prevalent diseases and health problems faced by today's pampered pooch and the natural remedies that can be used to solve them.

Let's start at the beginning. You bring home your brand new puppy and almost immediately, he gets a bad case of diarrhea. This is caused by the stress of leaving his family and his unfamiliar surroundings. The stress creates a bacterial imbalance in the puppy's stomach. In the past, vets would prescribe an antibiotic to solve this disgusting little ailment. There's a huge with this solution though. Not only does the antibiotic block the bad bacteria, it also blocks the good bacteria. All the antibiotic does is mask the problem for a few days and the diarrhea returns days later. The natural remedy to this problem is simpleGive your dog a probiotic. By using a probiotic, instead of masking the problem like an antibiotic does, you will flood your puppy's system with good bacteria and push the bad bacteria out of the body.

If you are a fan of the breeds whose ears stand straight up, German Shephards being a prime example, you are familiar with the all too common ear infections. Unlike dogs whose ears form a protective flap over the ear canal (Retrievers, Hounds), ear infections is a constant problem. And the symptoms are very easy to recognize. If your own personal Rin Tin Tin is constantly shaking his head to in an apparent attempt to rid himself of imaginary gnats, he likely has an ear infection. To solve this problem in the natural way, CLEAN YOUR DOG"S EARS REGULARLY! Sounds simple doesn't it. Well it is. It's also safer, and cheaper, than what vets have been recommending for yearssteroids. While steroids seem to have an immediate and very visible effect, in the long run, steroids may cause liver and kidney problems later in life for your best bud.

Another long-standing problem with a lot of dogs, especially those dogs whose masters enjoy feeding them "people food," is the ever-present problem of gas. Yes, even Lassie had a problem with the toots. The most natural remedy to solve this problem is simple. Feed your dog... now get this... DOG FOOD. Choose a dog food that is heavy in chicken and beef. If the primary ingredient in your dog's food is vegetables, he's going to be a walking symphony.

Most other dog ailments can be solved the "natural way" just as readily as diarrhea, bad breath and the ever-popular anal symphony. Talk to the elder statesmen in your family. Research your dog's ailment on the internet and don't just concentrate on the veterinarian websites. But most of all use some common sense. There has been a rumor flying around the internet in recent years that says dogs are natural "herbivores." WRONG! They are carnivores by nature's intent. They have teeth designed to rip and tear, not grind and mash. Dogs are designed by nature to eat meat, not vegetables. And if you read the ingredients of most dog foods on the shelves today, you will see an overabundance of vegetable ingredients. And instead of solving the problem via a change in diet, some vets are using the "Ritalin" approach to common dog ailments. That's just not natural.