Naturally Repelling Summer’s Pests
Question: “I have read of many ideas for flea control for my dog but wonder if there is a natural way to deter mosquitoes? Will the flea solutions work for mosquitoes, too?”
Answer: Here’s a great recipe from CJ Puotinene’s The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care:
The rose geranium, palmarosa or opopanax oil will help to repel ticks. Citronella helps repel mosquitoes. Black walnut works to repel flies and fleas while rosemary is an all-purpose repellent much like lavender and clove.
20 drops rose geranium, palmarosa or opopanax oil
3 drips citronella oil
3 drops clove oil
1 Tbsp. bay rum or bay tincture (alcohol base)
1 Tbsp. black walnut hull tincture (alcohol base)
Mix ingredients together, then add to 1 cup water, aloe vera gell or a combination of water and aloe.
You may also wish to try mixing up a quart of white vinegar and water in equal parts, then adding a single drop of either cedar, lavender or lemon oil to make a spray.
Canine Swimming for Fun and Exercise!
Questions:
“I know my 10-year-old lab is overweight and she needs to eat better and get more exercise. We’re making the switch to your wholesome food but run into a problem when it comes to the exercise part. Mostly due to her weight and arthritis, it’s not comfortable for her to walk very far or be active. Also, the heat during the Summer makes her not want to go outside at all. Do you have a suggestion as to how I can get her to exercise when the only thing that motivates her to move at all is feeding time? She loves your food!”
Answer:
I hear you. This is a common concern for those of us with less-active or overweight canine pals. Some of us are not physically able to provide the extra walking and exercise due to our own limitations, physical or otherwise. Some of us find that it’s just too stressful watching our large pets suffer, desperately panting and trying to keep moving despite their obvious discomfort. And because most dogs are hard-wired to hide their true pain from us, it can be difficult to know just how uncomfortable they are until they are in a great deal of pain. Labs, in particular, are so driven to please their owners that they will suffer through tremendous amounts of pain.
This following story will illustrate: While working with a boarding kennel in Jackson, Wyoming, one our favourite regular guests was an excessively overweight yellow lab. She was a happy-go-lucky delight of a girl that just wanted to play and enjoy her time with us. I think she managed to make it up the stairs to the open play yard by sheer power of will. She would not tolerate being left out of the fun and games! One day, she came in with her right hind leg flailing horribly out to one side as she walked. It was the most disturbing thing to see. Her owner’s had not mentioned this to my colleague when she was dropped off. When I called them to inquire about her condition, they reported that she’d been like that for a couple of weeks. She had been eating, walking and acting normal otherwise so they had let it go, not seeking veterinary care. As it turned out, her cruciate ligament in her knee was torn, causing her excrutiating pain. Our vets were astonished that she was still walking. After very expensive surgery, she was on the mend. The vets explained the the stress on her joints caused by the tremendous amount of extra weight is what caused this injury. It was likely that the other knee would go out if she did not lose weight. It was only a matter of time. I’m going to assume all of us wish to avoid this happening to our own beloved pets. Right? Right.
So, here’s an idea for a form of exercise for your older and/or overweight dog, especially good in the heat of the Summer, swimming! Of course, not all dogs LOVE water the way Lab’s do, but many can be conditioned to it and learn to enjoy their regular swims, especially when their health, mobility and vitality improve! There are many reasons why swimming is a great form of exercise and is especially beneficial for dogs that lack mobility, who are too heavy to move comfortably or who are recovering from injury or surgery. For one, due to the resistance of the water, a 5-minute swim is approximately equivalent to a 5-mile run in terms of the workout provided. And, the buoyancy of the water supports the joints and lessons stress. This encourages free movement and provides a safe environment to exercise. Once they get used to it, most dogs find it not only fun but also comforting. Be prepared to get wet, too!
Hydrotherapy is used to rehabilitate dogs who have undergone surgery on their limbs as a form of physical therapy to help them regain strength, tone and mobility to their injure limbs. It is easy to find doggie flotation vests at many pet stores now. Here is a link to the Canine Hydrotherapy Association for more great information and to help find a swimming facility near you. http://www.canine-hydrotherapy.org/
Cats: from kibble to fresh food
Question:
“I have a very finicky 9-year-old cat that will not touch her new raw diet. My younger ones love it but she just walks away. I’ve tried everything I can think of short of starving her. I want her to be healthier and would love to get her off the dry food. What can I do to help her make the switch to Prowl?”
Answer:
First of all, congratulations on making the switch to a healthier diet for you feline friends. You and your cats will enjoy the benefits of more natural, more wholesome diet. But, older, more set-in-their-ways felines, can be a bit more difficult to convince.
If they are accustomed to a flavor-coated dry cat food, they are likely “addicted” to these flavors and the crunchy texture. Unless you start when they are young, it can be challenging to get them to eat a fresh diet later in life. The more fresh food they are given early on the better! But, there are many cats, regardless of their age or food history will dive into fresh food without a second thought.
Lisa A. Pierson, DVM, claims that in her experience, “The single biggest mistake I see people make time and gain is to say that their cat ‘won’t touch’ the new food and then panic and fill up the bowl with dry food.” She says, “If you are unlucky like I was, and your cat does not recognize that fact that he is a carnivore and would live a healthier life if eating canned food, (or a home-prepared diet) then you will have some work to do. Some cats that have been on dry food for their entire life will be quite resistant to their diet change and may take several weeks or longer to make the transition to a healthier diet.”
Our dear senior – or just picky – feline friends require patience and consistency. Cats that have been used to free-feeding will be especially challenging to switch to a new food and new schedule of eating. It is very important that you establish set mealtimes. Dr. Pierson warns to “not attempt to withhold food for long periods of time with the hope that your cat will chose the new food.” Especially if your cat is overweight, withholding all food for a long period of time (more than 48 hours) can be dangerous to some cats, resulting in a form of liver disease called hepatic lipidosis. Because of this, we recommend consulting your vet before trying the fasting recommendation below.
Recommendations for Transitioning
Option #1, Gradual:
Begin adding a very small amount of the new fresh food mixed in to their current food, gradually increasing the amount of new while decreasing the old. Eventually, you will reach a 100% switch. This may take as little as a week or longer (over a month) for the very stubborn kitties. If you seem to hit a “roadblock” at a 50/50 mix or other percentage, be patient.
Option #2, Fasting (only for healthy cats, after consulting with your veterinarian):
Fasting, as mentioned above, is suitable for otherwise health and not overweight cats. There are many benefits to fasting outside of enticing them to choose a new food. The length of time that is safe for a cat to fast will vary by cat. “I have never seen a cat develop hepatic lipidosis when consuming at least 15 calories per pound per day”, Pierson claims. She figures this according to your cat’s ideal weight, not factoring in the extra fat weight they may be carrying. So, if your cat weighs –or should weigh- 12 lbs, then you will want to make sure they are getting about 180 calories per day.
- Fasting allows the body to cleanse itself of toxins that build up over years of eating less-than-ideal diets.
- Fasting allows the digestive system to rest, rejuvenate and heal from years of imbalance and hard work.
- Fasting provides the opportunity for you cat to actually feel hunger. This is rare in most of our domestic cats and is very important for good digestion.
The simple process of fasting begins by decreasing the amount of food you normally feed your cat by ½ for a couple of days. Then, begin offering broth and water for a few more days, choosing a low-sodium and organic broth if possible. You might wish to try using Ice Pups for this purpose! This can be served warm as a delicious broth, made with chicken and turkey.
When ready to break the fast, begin by offering them small meals of their new food. Increase this amount gradually until you find what amount your cat will comfortably eat in one sitting or not longer than 30-minutes. After this time, pick up what’s left and either refrigerate (warm before serving) or discard.
If you just can’t bare the sound of your cat crying for food during the fast, try offering them other things instead such as affection, playtime with toys, etc. Remember, cats will hold out for the chance that they will eventually get the reward they seek. If you give in, you will likely have to start all over, finding it increasingly difficult. You must be patient, consistent and committed to making the switch for their well being. Lisa A. Pierson, DVM, reminds us, “The most important issue is making the change, not how fast you accomplish it.”
Other tips:
Here are some suggestions from Dr. Pierson that worked for her cats:
- Try dipping your cat’s paw into the hydrated food. Cats can’t stand to be dirty and as they’re licking it, they’re getting used to the taste.
- Remove all dry food from the house. Your cats can smell it.
- Sprinkle a small amount of tuna or other favorite treat on top of the new food and once they are eating that, press it down into the food so they have to “dig” for it. Be careful not to use too much fish, just a small amount.
- Make sure the food is warmed or at least at room temperature, never cold.
- Try using some cooked chicken or meat baby food. You can also try raw whole meats if your cat will accept them. This helps to get them used to a different texture of food than the crunch of kibble.
- Sprinkle a bit of parmesan cheese on the food.
- Crush up some of the dry food that they love and sprinkle it on top of the new food.
- If you need to and as more of a last resort, consider feeding by syringe in the most gentle and patient manner possible.
Good luck to you and please let us know what you find works for you kitty! We’d love to pass on what tricks you’ve discovered!
Resources:
William Falconer, DVM. http://www.alt4animals.com/nutrition_feline.htm
Lisa A. Pierson, DVM. http://www.catinfo.org/TipsforTransitioningPDF12-18-09.pdf
Q & A with Kat: Atopy in dogs
Question:
I just found out that my dog is atopic. What exactly is this and how is it different than other skin allergies? What can I do to help him?
Answer:
According to Dr. Martin Goldstein, DVM, Atopy is a hereditary predisposition to react to certain allergens: molds, trees, ragweed, wool, flea saliva, and especially, house dust. And he claims that more and more of our pets are showing the most common symptoms of allergies: sneezing, itching, tearing, and paw licking. The good news, he says, is that these animals can be helped with homeopathic remedies, herbs and nutritional support. These types of treatments “boost the immune system first rather than suppressing the symptom chemically.”
Dr. Barbara Fougère, BVSc, of Australia agrees, “Atopy is an inborn tendency to be allergic to various environmental allergens.” Perhaps about 15% of dogs suffer from this type of inherited condition. After flea allergies, it is the second most common allergic skin disease. “Once it develops,” she claims, “dogs tend to scratch on and off for the rest of their lives.” Furthermore, she says that “8 out of 10 of atopic dogs are also allergic to fleas, and up to one third are allergic to certain types of food.” Perhaps 80% of these atopic dogs are allergic to house dust mites or house dust, which is a mixture of dander, insect parts, molds, and dust mites.
Atopy, or canine atopic dermatitis (AD), is an allergy to substances in the environment that are either inhaled or absorbed through the skin. These substances do not affect non-Atopic dogs. It is unclear the exact cause but it is likely a combination of genetics, environmental factors and abnormal immune response. The symptoms of Atopy appear very much like symptoms of other allergies or skin disease and they can appear very much like the symptoms of hay fever in humans. By far the most common is itching of the face and paws, sometimes progressing to other areas such as the ears, armpits, elbows and groin. Your dog may be observed rubbing his face, licking his paws, licking or chewing his legs, scratching his armpits, biting his tail or shaking his head. You may also see discharges from the eyes and nose and something resembling a “post-nasal drip”. This is likely to be seasonal at first then, over time, as the animal ages, these symptoms become year-around and not quite so seasonal in nature. Symptoms will usually appear sometime after 4-6 months of age and before 4 years of age (8 years according to some) and is one way to differentiate this from other allergies.
A high percentage of these animals also suffer from recurrent ear infections or skin lesions that have been caused by incessant scratching. Some will end up with pyoderma, a secondary skin infection with hair loss. Still others might show signs of conjunctivitis.
The following are some of the questions asked by traditional veterinarians when making a diagnosis of Atopy and distinguishing it from other possible skin diseases: (If you can answer, “yes”, to these questions, it is possible that your dog is Atopic.)
- Is the dog a breed that has a common genetic predisposition to Atopy? (i.e. Boston Terrier, Boxer, Cairn Terrier, Shar-pei, Dalmation, English Setter, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer, Pug, Scottish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Wire-Haired Fox Terrier)
- Have the clinical signs manifested between 6 months and 4-8 years of age?
- Do symptoms increase and decrease in intensity with the changing of the seasons?
- Do symptoms respond to corticosteroid treatment?
- Has a complete medical history and thorough examination been performed?
- Has a skin scraping been done to rule out demodectic or sarcoptic mange?
- Has a fungal culture been done to rule out ringworm?
- Have skin and/or blood testing been performed to try to determine the specific allergens your pet may be reacting to?
- Has an elimination diet been offered to try to rule out a food allergy?
So, what do you do if your dog turns out to be Atopic? Here are some holistic options to consider:
- Manage the flea population in your home and environment. Try washing your dog’s bedding on a weekly basis to help control the flea population and removing any particles they may be contributing to their allergies.
- Consider trying a hypoallergenic mattress or pillow cover.
- Control dust mites, pollens and molds in the home with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter and change filter on a regular basis.
- Try a soft t-shirt to help protect her skin from environmental allergens and booties or try washing her feet after outings.
- Improve your dog’s diet to include wholesome, preservative-free, fresh natural foods and consider an elimination diet.
- Try supplementing with fatty acids including fish oil as well as evening primrose, borage, flax, safflower or sunflower oils. Many dogs respond well to this.
- Supplementing with Quercetin or Vitamin C, which has an antihistamine-like effect.
Overall, the best way to minimize and manage your dog’s symptoms and keep him or her as comfortable as possible is to be proactive and keen to the first signs of allergy symptoms, treating them when they first appear and before they become more severe. The sooner they are treated and addressed, the better. And remember to keep your dog’s immune system strong with a healthy, nutritious fresh diet and a well-managed environment.
Resources:
Dr. Barbara Fougère, BVSc, The Pet Lover’s Guide to Natural Healing for Cats & Dogs
Dr. Martin Goldstein, DVM, The Nature of Animal Healing
Susan Gayle Wynn, DVM, http://www.jaspenhof.com/article/Allergic%20Skin%20Disease.pdf
Narda G. Robinson, DO, DVM, MS,
Jan Allegretti & Katy Sommers, DVM, The Complete Holistic Dog Book
Acupressure for Our Animal Companions: A Gentle Noninvasive Healing Technique.
Acupressure is an ancient healing art that comes to us from Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is based on the Taoist principles of balance, harmony and chi (qi). Acupressure is a complementary form of healing and is not a panacea but many conditions can be gently and markedly improved or alleviated using this powerful healing technique. It is always highly recommended to seek the guidance of your animal’s health care provider before introducing any new form of therapy, whether alternative or allopathic. Acupressure does not substitute for professional veterinary care.
Photo: luckydoghealth.com/dogacupressurechart.htm
Dogs and cats are very receptive to acupressure and experience has shown that it can increase your animal’s comfort, emotional stability and overall state of health when offered with the right intention and base of knowledge. Anyone can learn how to help heal with acupressure and great benefit is obtained just in the act of paying attention to your animal with the intent of healing. These are just a few of the specific areas that acupressure can benefit:
- Relief of muscle spasms,
- By helping to remove toxins and increase blood supply, acupressure can speed recovery from injury,
- Reduce swelling by releasing natural cortisone (cortisol) in the body,
- Boost the strength of the immune system,
- Reduce pain by releasing endorphins,
- Aid in training and performance by increasing mental clarity and focus.
Acupressure is proven to aid in such physical conditions as arthritis, acute allergies, gastrointestinal disorders including constipation, diarrhea and bloat, hip dysplasia, lower back issues, neutering or spaying, respiratory conditions such as kennel cough, hearing and vision problems, shoulder pain/ stiffness, skin conditions including dry, itchy skin and lick granulomas, and for general trauma and shock. It is also very helpful for behavioral issues such as aggression, anxiety, fear, grief or sadness, and general focus and mental clarity. This incomplete list is just to give you an idea of the wide range of ailments that can be alleviated or reduced with acupressure. To learn more about this wonderfully rewarding and effective healing technique, please visit:
- Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute – http://www.animalacupressure.com/. Be sure to check out their great list of books!
- The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association – http://www.ahvma.org/. If you click on http://www.holisticvetlist.com/, you can search for a holistic vet specializing in Traditional Chinese Medician, acupuncture or acupressure. You might also want to check the listing for massage therapy, as you may find an animal therapist specializing in acupressure masssage.
- The Well-Connected Dog: A Guide To Canie Aupressure by Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis.
- Acu-Cat: A Guide To Feline Acupressure by Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis.
- Equine Acupressure: A Working Manual by Amy Snow, Nancy Zidonis and Marie Soderberg.
- Four Paws Five Directions: A Guide to Chinese Medicine for Cats and Dogs by Cheryl Schwartz, DVM.
- For more in-depth study (a great book!) The Web That Has No Weaver: Understaning Chinese Medicine by Ted J. Kaptchuk, O.M.D.
