tag:www.naturalawakeningsnj.com,2005:/categories/natural-pet?page=6Natural Pet Natural Pet | Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey Page 6Healthy Living Healthy Planet2019-08-15T21:03:06-07:00urn:uuid:4b6d2334-e978-42d4-b342-bb76e8667f2b2019-08-15T21:03:06-07:002019-08-15T21:03:06-07:00Do-Good Dogs Do Almost Anything: Service Animals Train to Help People in Need2018-01-31 10:03:30 -0800Sandra Murphy<p><span class="dropcap">S</span>ervice dogs help an aging population live full lives in spite of limitations, no matter the size, age or breed of dog. Plus, hundreds of thousands of canines make living with disabilities both possible and more pleasant.</p>
<h3>The Rules</h3>
<p>“Service dogs don’t eat on duty, and should be on the floor, not put in a handbag or shopping cart,” advises Maggie Sims, project manager for the Rocky Mountain Americans with Disabilities Act Center, in Colorado Springs. “If the dog disrupts business, the person can be asked to remove the animal and then return. Emotional-support dogs are not provided for by the disabilities act, because the dog does not perform a specific task.</p>
<p>“We get calls from people concerned about fake service dogs when owners try to bring them into places where pets generally aren’t allowed. Usually, they’re the ones that behave badly,” Sims says. Service animals are not required to wear a special vest or have documentation.</p>
<h3>Educating the Public</h3>
<p>A motorcycle accident left Matthew Smith dependent on using a wheelchair or crutches. An administrator at Comcast Cable, in Baltimore, Maryland, Smith relies on his pit bull, Jericho, to fetch dropped items, open doors and help him maintain balance. “Gravity is my specialty,” he jokes. “If I fall, he braces me so I can get up. Moving about stresses my shoulders, so Jericho pulls the wheelchair on days when I’m in pain.”</p>
<p>Although working service dogs should not be petted or approached, Smith tells Jericho, “Go say ‘Hi,’” if someone asks to approach him. “Pit bulls have an undeserved bad reputation, so I’ll take a minute to let people meet him to change that perception. When Jericho is the subject of conversation, it also takes the spotlight off of me,” he says.</p>
<p>Jericho was trained by Apryl Lea, a certified assistance dog trainer for the Animal Farm Foundation’s Assistance Dog Program, in Kingston, New York. She explains, “The pit bulls I train are from shelters, and must be good with people and other animals and be comfortable in social settings that match the person’s lifestyle.”</p>
<h3>Overcoming Obstacles</h3>
<p>“When a counter is too high, a service dog can pass money to the cashier. Dogs will pull a rope to open a heavy door. In the event of seizures or fainting, our dogs react based on location; at home, they find another family member, but in public, will stay with their person,” Lea says.</p>
<p class="pullquote">When someone brings a dog into a place of business, we can legally ask only two short questions: “Is this animal needed for a disability?” and “What tasks has the animal been trained to do in relation to the disability?”</p>
<p>The muscles of a patient with Parkinson’s disease may freeze while walking. Dogs brace against a resulting fall or touch the person to help unfreeze the muscles. Tethered to an autistic child, the dog provides distraction from repetitive behaviors like flapping hands or crying, while keeping the child in a safe area. Some dogs are trained to track the child, as well, in case of escape. Likewise, dogs can give Alzheimer’s disease patients a bit of freedom without getting lost.</p>
<h3>Sounding Alerts</h3>
<p>Hearing dogs alert their hearing-impaired person to the sound of a doorbell or ringing phone. In the car, they’ll nudge the driver with a paw if they hear a siren.</p>
<p>Riley the Chihuahua’s job is caring for Jennifer Wise, an aromatherapist and owner of Enchanted Essence, in Toledo, Ohio. Wise has a neurological disease that affects her legs and makes her prone to falls. “Riley’s trained to bark for help if I am unable to get up,” she explains. “If barking fails, he’ll grab someone’s pant leg or shoelaces and pull in my direction. He’s small, but determined.”</p>
<p>Michelle Renard, a stay-at-home mom in Woodstock, Georgia, relies on Mossy, a goldendoodle trained by Canine Assistants, in nearby Alpharetta, to detect high- and low-blood sugar levels. “She’s never wrong,” says Renard.</p>
<h3>Comfort and Joy</h3>
<p>Linda Blick, president and co-founder of Tails of Hope Foundation, in Orange County, New York, observes, “A veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder may not show outward symptoms, but have anxiety. Dogs are trained to turn on the lights, lick their person’s face or apply reassuring pressure by lying across their person’s chest to bring them out of night tremors.</p>
<p>“One of our veterans was so uncomfortable in public, it was difficult for him to even speak to the veterinarian about his dog’s torn knee ligament,” Blick explains. “For the sake of the dog, he managed to discuss care, a big step for him.” </p>
<p>As Sims states, “True service dogs literally give people with disabilities their lives back.”</p>
<p><br>
<em>Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at <a href="mailto:StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com">StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com</a>.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<h3><strong>Service Dog Resources</strong></h3>
<p><strong>TO CONTACT AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT CENTERS:</strong><br>
Ten centers serve the U.S. and calls are directed to the one closest to the caller. Call 800-949-4232 or visit <a href="http://adata.org">adata.org</a>.</p>
<p><strong>TO SUPPORT THE TAILS OF HOPE FOUNDATION:</strong><br>
This nonprofit provides critical and life-saving help to veterans, first responders and search-and-rescue teams. Operating on donations, it covers the cost of purchasing a trained dog, as well as lifetime veterinary care when necessary. <a href="http://TailsOfHope.org">TailsOfHope.org</a></p>
<p><strong>LEARN ABOUT DOGS TRAINED FOR SPECIAL CONDITIONS:</strong><br>
Parkinson’s disease – Davis Phinney Foundation at <a href="http://Tinyurl.com/HelpingPawForParkinsons">Tinyurl.com/HelpingPawForParkinsons</a><br>
Disabled children – <a href="http://4PawsForAbility.org">4PawsForAbility.org</a><br>
Alzheimer’s disease/dementia – <a href="http://Rover.com/canine-caregivers-dementia-alzheimers">Rover.com/canine-caregivers-dementia-alzheimers</a><br>
Sight-impaired – <a href="http://GuideDogs.org">GuideDogs.org</a></p>
<p><strong>SAMPLE SERVICE-DOG VIDEOS:</strong><br>
A pit bull-lab mix that saves a veteran having a seizure: <a href="http://Tinyurl.com/DogSavesVeteran">Tinyurl.com/DogSavesVeteran</a><br>
A pug that helps a veteran with post-traumatic stress: <a href="http://Tinyurl.com/DogCalmsPTSD">Tinyurl.com/DogCalmsPTSD</a></p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the February 2018 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:6b602799-99f4-4968-b748-ca40530597072019-08-15T21:01:09-07:002019-08-15T21:01:09-07:00Don’t Overfeed Fido: Plus Other Tips to Keep a Dog Cancer-Free2017-12-29 10:10:26 -0800Karen Becker<p><span class="dropcap">C</span>ancer is the leading cause of canine fatalities in the U.S., Europe and Japan. Often diagnosed too late, the risks, heartache and expense of aggressive traditional treatments have many people searching for healthy alternatives. Although the causes are not well understood, we can give our companion the best possible chance of prevention.</p>
<p><span class="dropcap">1</span> <strong>Avoid Pet Obesity</strong><br>
In studies across species, caloric restriction has been shown to help prevent tumor development and progression. Obesity is strongly linked to increased cancer risk in humans and is assumed so in dogs. For people, cancer is also connected with excessive glucose, increased insulin sensitivity, inflammation and oxidative stress. Overfeeding a dog is not a loving thing to do.</p>
<p><span class="dropcap">2</span> <strong>Choose an Anti-Inflammatory Diet</strong><br>
Creating or promoting inflammation raises cancer risk by facilitating abnormal cells to proliferate. Current research suggests cancer is actually a chronic, inflammatory disease. Because cancer cells require the glucose in carbohydrates as an energy source, limit or eliminate carbs present in processed grains, fruits with fructose and starchy vegetables. Cancer cells generally can’t use dietary fats for energy, so appropriate amounts of good-quality fats are nutritionally healthy.</p>
<p>Another major contributor to inflammation is poor-quality, processed pet food, which is typically high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3. Omega-6s increase inflammation; omega-3s do the reverse.</p>
<p>A healthy, moist dog diet contains real, whole, organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) foods, preferably raw—also plenty of high-quality protein, including muscle meat, organs and bone; moderate amounts of animal fat; high levels</p>
<p>Consider adding both vitamin/mineral and other supplements like probiotics, digestive enzymes, medicinal mushrooms and super green foods. Work with a holistic or integrative veterinarian to determine the best regime.</p>
<p><span class="dropcap">3</span> <strong>Reduce Exposure to Toxins</strong><br>
Harmful toxins include chemical pesticides like flea and tick preventives, lawn chemicals, tobacco smoke, flame retardants and all common household cleaners. A six-year study by the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, at Tufts University, showed that exposure to lawn pesticides, specifically those applied by lawn care companies, raised the risk of canine malignant lymphoma up to 70 percent.</p>
<p>Conventional flea and tick preventives are pesticides, whether spot-on treatments, pills, dips, solutions, shampoos or collars. Chemical spot-on products attracted U.S. Environmental Protection Agency attention based on reports of 40,000 adverse events in 2008, including 600 animal deaths.</p>
<p>Because avoiding all toxins is nearly impossible, consider periodic detoxification based on a vet’s recommendation. For a dog with constant exposure to toxic chemicals all summer, a daily oral detox protocol is sound. If the only source is a monthly dose of a flea and tick product, limit a detox to the week after each pill or topical treatment.</p>
<p><span class="dropcap">4</span> <strong>Refuse Unnecessary Vaccinations</strong><br>
To properly maintain a dog’s first line of defense—the immune system—don’t overstimulate it with vaccines. Tailor vaccine protocols to minimize risk and maximize protection, considering the dog’s breed, background, nutritional status and overall vitality.</p>
<p>A good protocol with healthy puppies is to provide a single parvovirus and distemper vaccine at or before 12 weeks of age, and a second set after 14 weeks. Cautious vets then order a titer test (at a lab that uses the immunofluorescence assay method) two weeks after the last set of vaccines. If the dog has been successfully immunized, it’s protected for life.</p>
<p>If titer tests indicate low vaccine levels (unlikely), try a booster for only the specific viruses that titered low, and only those to which the animal has a real risk of exposure. Combination vaccines (four to eight viruses in one injection), a standard booster at many veterinary practices, is not recommended.</p>
<p><span class="dropcap">5</span> <strong>Maintain Physical Integrity Until at Least 18 to 24 Months of Age</strong><br>
Studies from Purdue University, the University of California, Davis, and others show a clear link between spaying/neutering and increased cancer rates in dogs, especially large breeds. These include increased risk of osteosarcoma in Rottweilers neutered or spayed before their first birthday; double the risk of bone cancer in neutered or spayed large, purebred dogs versus intact (not neutered) dogs; and three to four times the cancer rates for spayed female golden retrievers versus intact females. Opting for ovary-sparing spays (hysterectomy) is another option that preserves sex hormones while rendering the animal sterile.</p>
<p>Applying these five suggestions in caring for a dog throughout its life offers a pet a good chance for a cancer-free and overall healthy, high-quality life.</p>
<p><br>
<em>Karen Becker, a doctor of veterinary medicine, is a proactive, integrative practitioner who consults internationally and writes for <a href="http://HealthyPets.Mercola.com">Mercola Healthy Pets</a>.</em></p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the January 2018 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:be3f306f-2c4e-419e-823f-4b0297d53ffe2019-08-15T21:03:55-07:002021-03-22T11:45:59-07:00Pets Love Music: Each Species Grooves to Its Own Beat2017-11-30 14:14:12 -0800Sandra Murphy<p>Just as dogs’ and cats’ noses are more efficient than ours, they also have better hearing, reacting to a broader and higher range of frequencies and vibrations.</p>
<p>“We sense our world from where our ears are. Our plane is generally five to six feet high; animals closer to the ground hear things differently,” says Janet Marlow, founder and CEO of Pet Acoustics, in Washington Depot, Connecticut. The internationally renowned musician, composer and sound behaviorist has invented species-specific music based on her 30 years of research.</p>
<p>Humans hear up to 23,000 Hertz (Hz), which differs substantially from that of many other creatures (<a href="http://lsu.edu/deafness/HearingRange.html">lsu.edu/deafness/HearingRange.html</a>). A Hertz is a standard unit of frequency set at one cycle per second.</p>
<h3>Horses Hear Up to 33,500 Hz</h3>
<p>Marlow found that horses prefer rhythmic pieces matching their natural movements. “When a Tennessee walking horse breeder played music during a birth, the foal and mother recovered faster than usual.” After that, “The horses ran to the barn upon hearing the same music.”</p>
<p>Sally Morgan, a physical therapist and advanced certified Tellington TTouch practitioner in Northampton, Massachusetts, who has enjoyed freestyle performance riding, says, “I liked to play our songs in the barn. Five CD players can keep horses relaxed most of the day. They don’t like country-western music; it’s often sad and in the wrong cadence. Classical music like Bach is calming. When I played Pachelbel’s<em> Canon in D</em> on my flute, my Morgan gelding, Ten Penny Moonshine, listened for hours.”</p>
<h3>Rabbits Hear Up to 42,000 Hz</h3>
<p>“Rescued rabbits like long tones, common in music accompanying yoga or reiki,” Morgan relates. “Long tones hold a chord with layers of notes on top.”</p><div class="image-with-caption image-align-right">
<img alt="Roman PyshchykShutterstockcom" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/573978/Rabbit-Head-Phones.png"><div class="small">Roman Pyshchyk/Shutterstock.com</div>
</div>
<h3>Dogs Hear Up to 45,000 Hz</h3>
<p>“People hear in stereo, animals in mono,” says Marlow. It’s why dogs tilt their heads left to right—to allow more sound waves into their ears—collecting information from various angles.</p>
<p>Sound frequency and intensity keeps an animal alive in nature; they learn to flee in another direction, not analyze. Separation anxiety is often due to a sound the dog doesn’t recognize, Marlow explains. Sound triggers behavior, whether good or bad, as dogs relax or are stressed. Music releases tension from their being ever-vigilant as seen in their posture. To understand what a dog hears, sit or crawl on the floor. Electronic speakers are usually positioned at heights conducive for our ears, not theirs.</p>
<p>“For the holidays, my dogs and horses like <em>We Three Kings</em>, <em>The Holly and the Ivy</em> and especially <em>Greensleeves</em> for their baroque roots and repeating patterns,” notes Morgan.</p>
<h3>Cats Hear Up to 64,000 Hz</h3>
<p>Marlow credits her cat, Osborn, with inspiring her interest in music for animals. When Osborn was injured, she visited the veterinary hospital and sang to him to keep him calm. Her home state’s Litchfield Veterinary Hospital became her initial testing ground for species-specific music.</p>
<p>“We use Pet Acoustics music boxes in the cat ward, recovery rooms and exam rooms,” says Heather Florkowski, a certified technician at the facility. “In our experience, stress inhibits the healing process. Like people, animals are anxious when ill and visiting the doctor’s office. Music helps ease their stress. At home, when I move the music box to another room, my dog follows it.”</p>
<p>He could tell by the way animals walked that they were keeping time to some kind of music. Maybe it was the song in their own hearts that they walked to.<br>
~Laura Adams Armer</p>
<p>“During a TTouch session, cats are completely relaxed when I play New Age music for them,” says Morgan. “Pick music that fits the cat’s personality. You can tell what they like from their body language; it’s not always what you’d expect.”</p>
<h3>Aquarium Fish Hear Up to 3,000 Hz</h3>
<p>“Fish are frantic animals that must always anticipate their next meal,” says Sam Williamson, a former marine biologist in Edinburgh, Scotland. “When I started playing classical music at feeding time, I noticed my three betas became calmer. A piece by Benjamin Britten, started two minutes before feeding, led to them expect food only when the music played.”</p>
<h3>Domesticated Birds Hear Up to 8,500 Hz</h3>
<p>In the wild, birds are part of a flock. At home, they’re often solitary. “Birds are the most musical and communicative of all animals,” remarks Marlow. “Without companionship, birds can get neurotic and pull their feathers out. Provide a sense of the outdoors by including nature sounds in played music.”</p>
<p>“Animals need us to be aware of their hearing,” Marlow advises. “Holistic pet people have addressed improved diet and medical procedures. Understanding how music supports their well-being also enables us to better care for them.”</p>
<p><br>
<em>Connect with Sandra Murphy at <a href="mailto:StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com">StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com</a>.</em></p>
<p><br>
<em>This article appears in the December 2017 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:800cc5af-d09b-4294-ab9c-3205463e96602019-08-15T21:27:17-07:002019-08-15T21:27:17-07:00DIY First-Aid for Dogs: Seven Natural Home Remedies2017-10-31 09:55:10 -0700Karen Becker<p><span class="dropcap">M</span>any pet parents check their kitchen cabinets first when treating their canine companion’s minor health issues. Three helpful basics are canned, 100 percent pumpkin, povidone iodine antiseptic and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, plus apple cider vinegar and coconut oil.</p>
<p><span class="dropcap">1</span> <strong>Constipation, Diarrhea and Other Minor Digestive Issues</strong><br>
<strong>Solution: Canned pumpkin.</strong> For occasional mild tummy upsets, give a teaspoon of pumpkin for every 10 pounds of body weight, one to two times a day, either in food or as a treat, for non-allergic dogs. Pumpkin’s soluble fiber can ease diarrhea and constipation.</p>
<p><span class="dropcap">2</span><strong> Minor Skin Abrasions, Cuts, Infections or Hot Spots</strong><br>
<strong>Solution: Povidone iodine.</strong> The gentle Betadine brand can allay staph, yeast and most common bacteria. It’s safe if a pet licks it.</p>
<p>Dilute the povidone iodine until it looks like iced tea, soak a clean cloth and gently wipe infected skin areas. Rinse the cloth, wipe the skin, and then pat dry. Repeat twice daily for a minor issue.</p>
<p><span class="dropcap">3</span> <strong>Itchy, Irritated Paws</strong><br>
<strong>Solution: Footbaths.</strong> About 50 percent of a dog’s foot licking and chewing can be alleviated by simply rinsing off allergens and other irritants from its paws. For large dogs, soak one foot at a time in a bucket. Stand small dogs in a sink or tub, or dunk one paw at a time in a small container of solution.</p>
<p>Dilute povidone iodine to the color of iced tea and add to the footbath. Swish it around while the dog stands in it for two to five minutes. Talk soothingly and offer treats as needed.</p>
<p><span class="dropcap">4</span> <strong>Fleas<br>
Solution: Apple cider vinegar (ACV).</strong> It doesn’t kill fleas, but helps deter them. Put a solution of equal parts raw, organic ACV and water in a spray bottle and spritz the pet before they head outdoors plus dog bedding. Consider adding it to a dog’sfood as well; one teaspoon for every 20 pounds of pooch.</p>
<p>During baths, pour diluted ACV of one cup of vinegar to one gallon of water over a freshly bathed dog (avoid the head) for a flea-preventive rinse. Massage the ACV solution into their coat and towel dry. Don’t rinse. Alternatively, add about two cups of apple cider vinegar to their bathwater.</p>
<p><span class="dropcap">5</span> <strong>Crusty Skin and Nail<br>
Solution: Coconut oil.</strong> Skin treatments using 100 percent organic, cold-pressed, human-grade coconut oil can reduce flaking and improve skin quality, especially for seniors with crusty patches of skin and funky nails.</p>
<p></p><div class="image-with-caption image-align-right">
<img alt="Ewais/Shutterstock.com" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/574404/Dog-Stethoscope.png"><div class="small">Ewais/Shutterstock.com</div>
</div>Bathe the dog, and then rub the oil into the skin all over their body, especially on dry areas. Let it absorb for about five minutes. Follow with another bath (not much lather) and a very light rinse. Also, dab it directly on hotspots, eruptions and rashes after disinfecting.
<p><span class="dropcap">6</span> <strong>Skunk Encounter<br>
Solution: Skunk rinse.</strong> In a pail, mix one quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, one-quarter cup of baking soda and two teaspoons dishwashing liquid. For a large dog, double, triple or quadruple the mixture, based on their size and coat.</p>
<p>Apply the mixture to the dog’s dry coat, taking care to avoid the eyes. Massage the mixture into the coat and skin for about five minutes or until the skunk smell starts to dissipate. Use a sponge to apply the solution to the chin, cheeks, forehead and ears. Rinse thoroughly. When rinsing the head, tilt the dog’s chin upward to protect the eyes. It may be necessary to repeat the entire process up to three times. Rinse off the solution completely.</p>
<p><span class="dropcap">7</span> <strong>Toxin Ingestion<br>
Solution: Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting.</strong> Use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and give one teaspoon for every 10 pounds of dog weight. Add a little vanilla ice cream or honey to encourage swallowing, or simply syringe it down their throat, if necessary.</p>
<p>Walk the dog for a few minutes—movement helps the hydrogen peroxide work—which typically occurs within 15 minutes. If the dog doesn’t vomit in 15 minutes, give a second dose. If after another 15 minutes they still haven’t vomited, call a veterinarian.</p>
<p>Don’t induce vomiting if the dog is throwing up already, has lost consciousness or can’t stand, or it’s been more than two hours since they ingested the toxin. Harsh chemicals can cause burning both as they are swallowed and come back up. For these problems, seek veterinary care immediately.</p>
<p><br>
<em>Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative veterinarian in the Chicago area, consults internationally and writes <a href="http://HealthyPets.Mercola.com">Mercola Healthy Pets</a>.</em></p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the November 2017 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:83a13747-a440-4f53-b200-62015bdd6c042019-08-15T21:04:37-07:002019-08-15T21:04:37-07:00Feline Workforce: Why a Job is the Cat’s Meow2017-09-29 17:53:11 -0700Sandra Murphy<p><span class="dropcap">S</span>ome cats started their careers in barns with minimal job opportunities. With updated skills, they now boost office morale, encourage reading, promote products and provide therapy. Community cats even work in private security.</p>
<h3>In the Office</h3>
<p>Millennials, now comprising a third of this country’s stressed-out labor force, according to the Pew Research Center and American Psychological Association, are among those that can benefit from having a cat around. Lowered blood pressure is one result, according to research by psychologist Karen Allen, Ph.D., conducted at the University at Buffalo. Even when comfort breaks are hard to schedule, insistent cats cannot be ignored.</p>
<p>“Pompous Albert, a rejected show cat, works at SafeWise, in Salt Lake City,” relates Sage Singleton, who handles Albert’s Instagram account. “He boosts morale, reduces stress and provides entertainment.”</p>
<p>Carlos, a former rescue kitten, greets employees at PetNovations, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, each morning. He’s the star of the corporate Instagram account and blog, and promotes the company’s eco-friendly Cat Genie litterless cat box.</p>
<p>Smith’s Ace Hardware and Housewares, in Princeton, New Jersey, has Dusty patrol its 18,000-square-foot facility, often escorting customers along the aisles.</p>
<p>At St. Augustine Health Ministries, in Cleveland, the furry receptionist is Oreo. This black-and-white stray claimed the job by installing herself at the front desk to welcome guests and visit with residents that miss having their own pet.</p>
<h3>Therapists</h3>
<p>At the University of California Medical Center in San Francisco, Duke Ellington Morris visits with patients while nurses check vital signs; he’s part of an animal-assisted therapy program through the city’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.</p>
<p>With the help of his humans, Jessica and Eric Hagan, of Pennsylvania’s Wolf Creek Township, Draven was certified through a local Love on a Leash chapter that qualifies pet-provided therapy animals. He showed <em>My Cat From Hell host</em> Jackson Galaxy his hospital routine for a segment called “My Cat From Heaven.” Draven regularly visits the Grove City Medical Center, in Pine Township, local nursing homes and service groups.</p>
<h3>Literacy Aids</h3>
<p>“At 18, Cleo, my small, gray cat, retired from therapy visits and missed the attention,” says Michelle Cardosi, a retail clerk in Silt, Colorado. “Kids reading to her at the school library provided a solution that satisfied everyone.”</p>
<p></p><div class="image-with-caption image-align-right">
<img alt="FotoYakov/Shutterstock.com" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/573989/Cats-at-Work.png"><div class="small">FotoYakov/Shutterstock.com</div>
</div>In 2010, the public library in White Settlement, Texas, adopted Browser to remedy a rodent problem. Five years later, the city council cited pending renovations and a potential impact on allergies in backing a motion to oust Browser. Supporters, pointing out that the cat brought children through the doors, successfully petitioned to keep the four-legged employee.
<h3>Private Security</h3>
<p>Less socially developed feral felines can provide needed services. The Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward Cats rescues such cats from Los Angeles shelters. Each is vetted, spayed/neutered and microchipped. “When they’re adopted out in threes, community cats are more likely to stay on the job,” notes founder and headmistress Shawn Simons.</p>
<p>“In Southern California, working cats are employed as assistants to brewmasters at the Monkish Brewery to protect the grain and hops and at Saluti Cellars as vintner support in charge of gopher population control,” says Simons. “More traditionally, cats at the Portuguese Bend Riding Club barn discourage mice and make friends with horses and riders.”</p>
<p>The school’s Working Cat Program partners with area recycling centers, golf courses, warehouses and industrial parks that could otherwise lose hundreds of millions of dollars annually due to vermin-related structural damage, including gnawed wiring and other potential fire hazards. “Businesses get an all-natural, safe and effective way to control pests and cats live life naturally,” says Simons.</p>
<p>Working cats of many stripes are becoming increasingly common. For a business, it’s a money-saver; for a cat, it’s a lifesaver.</p>
<p><br>
<em>Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at <a href="mailto:StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com">StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com</a>.</em></p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the October 2017 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:86052725-b9eb-49c5-9d6a-64315faf91aa2019-08-15T21:29:08-07:002019-08-15T21:29:08-07:00Fluoride Alert: Excess in Food and Tap Water Harms Pets2017-08-31 09:45:00 -0700Karen Becker<p><span class="dropcap">I</span>n 2009, an Environmental Working Group (EWG) study found that bone meal and animal byproducts in eight of 10 major national dog food brands contain fluoride in amounts between 1.6 and 2.5 times higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended maximum dose in drinking water. Some fluoride from tap water used in the manufacturing of pet food contributes to this.</p>
<p>Olga Naidenko, Ph.D., lead researcher of the study, remarks, “A failed regulatory system and suspect practices by some in the pet food industry puts countless dogs at risk of ingesting excessive fluoride.”</p>
<p>Fluoride occurs naturally in rocks, soil and thus some food plants and water supplies. More enters food via use of fluoride-based pesticides and commercial processing facilities. The EWG advises that two-thirds of all Americans, along with pets and farm animals, are exposed to artificially fluoridated tap water.</p>
<h3>Fluoride Dangers to Humans</h3>
<p>While fluoride exposure hasn’t been studied in dogs or cats, according to Dr. Joseph Mercola, ample research points to the dangers of fluoride to human health, including:</p>
<p>• Arthritis<br>
• Bone cancer (osteosarcoma)<br>
• Bone fractures<br>
• Brain damage and lowered IQ<br>
• Damaged sperm and increased infertility<br>
• Deactivation of 62 enzymes<br>
• Dementia<br>
• Disrupted immune system<br>
• Disrupted synthesis of collagen n Genetic damage and cell death<br>
• Hyperactivity and/or lethargy<br>
• Impaired sleep (inhibits melatonin produced by the pineal gland)<br>
• Increased lead absorption<br>
• Increased tumor and cancer rate<br>
• Inhibited formation of antibodies<br>
• Lowered thyroid function<br>
• Muscle disorders</p>
<h3>Fluoride Dangers to Canines</h3>
<p>Dogs are at substantial long-term risk for exposure to unacceptably high levels of fluoride. They are, for example, at significantly higher probability for bone cancer than humans, with more than 8,000 cases diagnosed each year in the U.S., compared with about 900 human cases.</p>
<p>According to the EWG, a dog drinking normal amounts of tap water would be exposed to 0.05 to 0.1 milligram (mg) of fluoride per kilogram (kg) of body weight daily. A 10-pound puppy that daily eats about a cup of dog food would ingest approximately 0.25 mg fluoride per kg body weight a day, based on average fluoride content in the eight contaminated brands it tested. Altogether, the puppy could be exposed to 3.5 times more fluoride than the EPA allows in drinking water. Large breed puppies may be exposed to even more fluoride due to higher water intake.</p>
<p class="pullquote">
<strong>Fluoride-Free Feeding Tips</strong><br>
• In homemade food preparation, avoid Teflon-coated pans, which may increase the fluoride levels in food.<br>
• Avoid cooking with fluoridated water, which concentrates fluoride in the food.<br>
• Avoid toothpaste or oral rinses intended for humans, to brush canine teeth. Dental health products made for pets are fluoride-free.</p>
<p>Whatever the size and the appetite of a dog, combined fluoride exposure from food and water can easily become unsafe. Eating the same food every day, they may be constantly consuming more fluoride than is healthy for normal growth, leading to health problems and higher veterinary bills later in life.</p>
<h3>Prevent High Ingestion of Fluoride</h3>
<p>The EWG recommends owners purchase pet foods free of bone meal and other meals made from animal byproducts. It also suggests that government set fluoride limits in pet food that protect both puppies and large breeds most at risk for bone cancer.</p>
<p></p><div class="image-with-caption image-align-right">
<img alt="Javier Brosch/Shutterstock.com" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/574444/Dog-Water-Bowl.png"><div class="small">Javier Brosch/Shutterstock.com</div>
</div>Dr. Michael W. Fox, an internationally recognized veterinarian and former vice president of the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, recommends providing pets with fluoride-free water; spring water or reverse osmosis filtered water also works well.
<p>In preparing homemade food for a pet, make sure any added bone meal is free of fluoride and lead. Ethical bone meal producers will test for these contaminants; verify with the source.</p>
<p>Fox suggests a good bone meal substitute might be fossilized oyster shell, dolomite or a synthesized or refined calcium supplement like calcium citrate, ascorbate, stearate or gluconate. Or, consider a pure tricalcium and dicalcium phosphate, blended with magnesium.</p>
<p>Fox attests that bones from longer-lived food animals such as dairy cows, laying hens and breeding stock likely contain higher levels of fluoride than shorterlived animals like chickens, calves and lambs. In his article “Fluoride in Pet Food: A Serious Health Risk for Both Dogs and Cats?” he writes: “Fluorides accumulate in farmed animals over time from phosphate fertilizers, phosphate supplements, bone meal and fish meal supplements and pesticide and industrial-pollution-contaminated pastures and animal feed. The bones, fins, gills and scales of fish are often high in fluoride.” He recommends raw food diets that avoid ground bone from older animals like beef cattle and adult sheep.</p>
<p><br>
<em>Dr. Karen Becker is a proactive and integrative veterinarian in the Chicago area, consults internationally and writes <a href="http://HealthyPets.Mercola.com">Mercola Healthy Pets</a>.</em></p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the September 2017 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:ad275385-f81a-4e04-b3ec-e04965be5ed72019-08-15T21:51:21-07:002019-08-15T21:51:21-07:00Dogs at Work: Finding the Right Dog for the Job2017-07-31 09:11:53 -0700Sandra Murphy<p><span class="dropcap">E</span>very dog needs a meaningful job. Like us, some need help figuring out what they want to be when they grow up; others choose their own specialty. With imagination and experimentation, even a problem pooch can became an unexpected blessing.</p>
<h3>Comforting Companions</h3>
<p>A 7-year-old hound and canine-style Houdini named Gumby was adopted seven times, surrendered to the shelter eight times and thrice became a stray. An unprecedented 11 return trips to the Charleston Animal Society, in South Carolina, convinced the staff he prefers shelter life. Now his selfappointed job is comforting and helping new arrivals adjust to their temporary home.</p>
<p>Dentist April Patterson owns Dr. Patty’s Dental Boutique and Spa, in Fort Lauderdale. After attending a local Humane Society fashion show, she returned to her office with Oliver, a four-pound Pomeranian mix of undetermined age. This cutie’s job is to steady nervous patients. “It wasn’t planned,” says Patterson. “Oliver will bark nonstop when left alone, but being one of the staff makes him happy. Meeting Oliver is part of our hiring process.”</p>
<p>Dory, a yellow Labrador certified therapy dog, is approved by the San Diego district attorney’s office to offer aid in court when a victim or witness testifies in front of the defendant. “Dory was the first court support dog in Califor nia and the city’s first of five dog and handler teams,” says Kathleen Lam, a retired attorney and dog handler. “The dogs undergo rigorous testing to demonstrate good behavior in court. Handlers work on long downs and stays, including hand signals.” Dory recently accompanied an 8-year-old girl testifying against her father; he had killed his wife in front of her two years before.</p>
<h3>Public Ambassadors</h3>
<p></p><div class="image-with-caption image-align-right">
<img alt="Dory, the first court support dog in California. (courtesy of Kathleen Lam)" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/574882/Court-Support-Dog.png"><div class="small">Dory, the first court support dog in California. (courtesy of Kathleen Lam)</div>
</div>Deemed “too large to sell,” Bert, a chocolate Pomeranian, wound up in an Oklahoma shelter. Kathy Grayson, owner of The Hole, a New York City art gallery, saw his photo on <a href="http://Petfinder.com">Petfinder.com</a> and fell in love. She immediately traveled to adopt him. Bert, whom she characterizes as quiet, refined and perfectly suited to the art world, loves being at the gallery and has attended art fairs in major U.S. cities. Follow Bert’s adventures via <a href="http://Instagram.com/bertiebertthepom">Instagram.com/bertiebertthepom</a>.
<p>“Edie, a boxer mix puppy, started training as an assistance dog, but her personality proved better suited to the hospitality industry,” says Julie Abramovic Kunes, public relations manager for the Fairmont Hotel, in Berkeley, California. Kunes’ Edie was hired by the Fairmont Pittsburgh Hotel in 2011, before making the career move west with her in 2017. A former shelter dog, Edie greets visitors as a community ambassador.</p>
<h3>Special Rescue Teams</h3>
<p>Mas, a water-loving Newfoundland, redefines “rescue dog”. The <em>Scuola Italiana Cani Salvataggio</em>, or Italian School of Rescue Dogs, is the largest national organization in Italy to train dogs and handlers for water rescue. Helicopters can often reach a swimmer in distress more quickly than a boat. The dog jumps out to circle the victim until they can grab her harness before swimming to shore or a human partner. Mas, the first certified water rescue operative recognized by Italy, France and Switzerland port authorities and coast guards, went on to train her successors.</p>
<p>Bloodhounds are renowned for their super sniffers. Lou, a nine-year K9 veteran, on Pennsylvania’s West York Borough Police Department force, ultimately applied for retirement, passing the harness to Prince, a 3-month-old bloodhound. Prince was sworn in by District Judge Jennifer J.P. Clancy in her Spring Garden Township courtroom. The ceremony emphasizes a K9’s status in the community and within law enforcement. Paired with Officer Scott Musselman for eight months of training, the duo will work with the Missing Child Task Force.</p>
<p><br>
<em>Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at <a href="mailto:StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com">StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com</a>.</em></p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the August 2017 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:09dc0e70-6e58-4f76-a089-c502f943bc1c2019-08-15T21:48:58-07:002019-08-15T21:48:58-07:00Dogs Need Detoxing Too: 10 Ways to Detox Your Dog2017-06-30 08:37:14 -0700Patricia Jordan<p><span class="dropcap">Y</span>ou know that mercury is bad for people. John Moore, a prominent 20th-century mercury and dental health researcher, regarded mercury as a ubiquitous contaminant of everything from plastics to concrete and medicine. But what about your dog? Pets also routinely encounter mercury and other toxic metals like aluminum and lead.</p>
<p>For humans, eating whole, organic and even biodynamic food has become imperative to avoid heavy metals. That’s also true for canines. A species-appropriate raw diet including veggies is often recommended. And any raw meaty bones should be the joints and not the long bones unless purchased from a company that tests for heavy metals.</p>
<p>Here are some preventive and remedial steps.</p>
<p><span class="dropcap">1</span> <strong>Heal leaky gut first.</strong> Like humans, pets with leaky gut will have food allergies. Remove causes like vaccines and processed foods; support the liver; rebalance with prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes; replenish with a healthy whole foods diet, along with aloe, slippery elm and marshmallow root; and restore with homeopathic remedies. Follow up with fermented veggies as part of the diet. Consult a naturopathic veterinarian for treatment.</p>
<p><span class="dropcap">2</span> <strong>Provide clean, filtered water.</strong> Mountain spring water is ideal.<br>
</p>
<p><span class="dropcap">3</span> <strong>Boost nutrients.</strong> Nutrient deficiencies that can arise in conjunction with mercury poisoning include antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and vitamin D, plus the complex of B vitamins, zinc, magnesium and selenium. These also help treat potential post-vaccination immunity issues.</p>
<p>Good nutrient sources to add to doggie meals include:</p>
<p><strong>Vitamin A:</strong> liver, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, dark leafy greens, eggs</p>
<p><strong>Vitamin C:</strong> berries, citrus, red bell peppers (or berry powder supplements; one-half teaspoon per 25 pounds of weight)</p>
<p><strong>Vitamin E:</strong> grains, seeds and their oils, wheat germ oil</p>
<p><strong>Vitamin D:</strong> liver, eggs, oily fish like sardines, mackerel, salmon</p>
<p><strong>B vitamins:</strong> liver, venison (or moringa leaf powder supplement, one-half teaspoon per 25 pounds)</p>
<p><strong>Zinc:</strong> red meat, poultry</p>
<p><strong>Magnesium:</strong> dark leafy greens, seeds, fish</p>
<p><strong>Selenium:</strong> oily fish, grass-fed beef and beef liver, free-range chicken, egg</p>
<p><strong>Turmeric:</strong> a powerful supplement to help treat and prevent gene damage caused by heavy metals and glyphosate (one-eighth to one-quarter teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight per day, combined with a healthy fat like coconut oil and some freshly ground black pepper for better absorption).</p>
<p><span class="dropcap">4</span> <strong>Prevent and treat candida.</strong> Avoid aggravating candida as it can release 60-plus toxic substances, including ethanols and the heavy metals it eats. Eliminate all carbs, sugar and grains from the dog’s diet.</p>
<p><span class="dropcap">5</span> <strong>Greens, minerals and herbs.</strong> The use of juvenile grasses is detoxifying and provides necessary magnesium during a detox. Sea vegetables can supply calcium, iodine and trace minerals. Herbs like curcumin, ginger and cayenne are potent antioxidants; ginger and turmeric help with DNA repair. Nutrients from green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli can enter cells and reduce inflammation; broccoli sprouts also apply, with the most effective delivery method via a concentrated powder.</p>
<p>Blend or lightly steam veggies to enhance digestion, then add one tablespoon for smaller dogs, or three to four for larger dogs.</p>
<p></p><div class="image-with-caption image-align-right">
<img alt="Monika Wisniewska/Shutterstock.com" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/574834/Dog-Food-Detox.png"><div class="small">Monika Wisniewska/Shutterstock.com</div>
</div><span class="dropcap">6</span> <strong>No fake food or vitamins.</strong> Be wary of synthetic vitamins. Whole foods may be properly supplemented with gentle chelators like open cell wall chlorella and super foods like spirulina.
<p><span class="dropcap">7</span> <strong>Probiotics plus.</strong> Probiotics help restore healthy gut bacteria, repair genes, synthesize nutrients and help remove mercury from the body. Cultivating a gut garden of beneficial bugs boosts health. Add a teaspoon or two of kefir or fermented veggies to the dinner of small dogs, up to a tablespoon or two for larger animals. A high-quality refrigerated probiotic supplement is an option; if it’s made for animals, follow the package directions; for human products, assume the dose is for a 150-pound person and adjust for the dog’s weight.</p>
<p>Amino acids, the primary building blocks of proteins, are integral to detoxification; feeding a dog a variety of meats, along with fish and eggs, will provide these. Digestive enzymes also support health; a supplement should include many kinds. Cellulase, a plant enzyme that helps digest plant material, also extracts mercury, which destroys naturally occurring enzymes.</p>
<p><span class="dropcap">8</span> <strong>Plan meals with prebiotics.</strong> Prebiotics occur naturally in common high-fiber foods including cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts and spinach. Carrots, beets and spirulina also benefit the gut. Establishing a healthy gut restores the body’s natural detoxification function, plus its ability to assimilate critical nutrients. Add a teaspoon or two for small dogs; one to three tablespoons for larger dogs.</p>
<p><span class="dropcap">9</span> <strong>Raw food for detox.</strong> Discard commercially processed foods and chemical synthetic vitamins. Go for raw and whole foods, add fermented foods and supplement intelligently with whole food-based supplements. Organic sources, grass-fed animals and even biodynamic food sources are ideal.</p>
<p><span class="dropcap">10</span> <strong>Organ meats.</strong> A dog should have organ meats from clean animals at least once a week or as 10 percent of its diet.</p>
<p>As the body detoxifies, symptoms and discharges may occur. These are less common for dogs with raw, species-appropriate diets and minimal vaccinations. Visible results include old dogs displaying more energy and sharper cognitive function and awareness. Eyes are clearer. Fatty tissues shrink down, coats fill out and become shinier and skin becomes healthier. As the largest organ, skin reflects the state of the immune system as a whole.</p>
<p>A concentrated detox to overturn health issues relies on doctor protocols and individualized treatment. An everyday gentle detox generally keeps pets healthier.</p>
<p><br>
<em>Patricia Jordan is a naturopathic veterinarian in Cape Carteret, NC. Learn more at <a href="http://Dr-Jordan.com">Dr-Jordan.com</a>.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<h3><strong>Doggie Detox Tips</strong></h3>
<p><span class="dropcap">B</span>e aware that glyphosate in Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide is prevalent in nonorganic foods, widely used as a weed killer and to dry crops before harvesting. This hidden poison, in the presence of ingested mercury, makes both the glyphosate and mercury 1,000 times more toxic.</p>
<p>Massachusetts Institute of Technology researcher Dr. Stephani Seneff, author of the article “The Destructive Effects of Heavy Metals and Glyphosate,” reports that glyphosate is a major driver of disease. The toxin stays in a pet’s bones, as well as the bones of the food-producing animals eating genetically modified (GMO) grains that dogs chew on.</p>
<p>• Avoid the chemicals and toxins commonly found in many lawn care supplies, household cleaners and body care products. Grow food or patronize a best practices local farmer.</p>
<p>• Be diligent in sourcing for clean, unprocessed food. Learn about biodynamic farming and step up from organic to biodynamic.</p>
<p>• Don’t hamper the immune system with unsafe and unnecessary vaccinations and drugs.</p>
<p>• Spend time in the sunshine.</p>
<p>• Exercise. The lymphatic system won’t work and the body can’t purge spent mitochondria or make new ones without it.</p>
<p>• Incorporate beneficial bugs through prebiotics and probiotics and enzymes. Learn to ferment and sprout, and add these ingredients to family and pet meals.</p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the July 2017 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:b31b3dc8-c051-4b1a-8901-7f53d43e7f2b2019-08-15T22:11:13-07:002019-08-15T22:11:13-07:00Homeopathy for Joint Injury and Pain: Six Remedies for Relief2017-05-31 09:24:52 -0700Shawn Messonnier<p><span class="dropcap">J</span>oint disease, specifically arthritis, is a common problem in dogs and cats, especially as they age. The causes are many and include obesity, inflammation, immune dysfunction and normal wear and tear in joints. Conventional therapies include steroids, non-steroidal medications, analgesic medications to control pain and surgery, when applicable.</p>
<p>Clinical signs of arthritis include joint stiffness, pain, difficulty getting up and down, a pet’s decreased desire to walk or exercise and increased aggression due to pain. Keep in mind that other causes may be misdiagnosed as “arthritis”, but are related to another disease.</p>
<p>Many natural therapies for joint disease include acupuncture, chiropractic, cold laser treatment, physical therapy, Chinese and Western herbal therapies, nutrition and diet, homotoxicology and homeopathy. Several key homeopathic remedies recommended for human relief in osteoarthritic knee, hip and finger joints by Dr. Vikas Sharma, of Chandigarh, India, may also be helpful for pets with joint injury and pain, according to <em>The Arthritis Solution for Dogs & Cats</em> (<a href="http://PetCareNaturally.com">PetCareNaturally.com</a>). Consult a holistic veterinarian for individual treatment options.</p>
<h3>Arnica</h3>
<p>This is a mainstay of homeopathy, as noted in the <em>New World Veterinary Repertory</em>, and applies to anything related to bones and joints. It is useful for chronic arthritis, especially if the painful parts of the body seem to worsen when moved or touched.</p>
<h3>Bryonia Alba</h3>
<p>It’s especially helpful for pets showing signs of stiffness and inflammation with pain made worse as the pet moves, especially when rising and lying down. Offset cold dry weather with warmth and humidification. Discomfort is aggravated when the affected body part is touched, bumped or moved about, which may spur aggressive behavior, so show tender care and respect. Relief typically comes when the pet rests the affected part.</p>
<h3>Calcarea carbonica</h3>
<p>This remedy may ease deeply aching arthritis, particularly if bony or fibrous tissue has formed around joints. Avoid cold and dampness. Signs alerting a veterinarian to the problem may include muscle weakness, fatigue from exertion and a feeling of chilliness or sluggishness (these pets may also be hypothyroid).</p>
<h3>Kali carbonicum</h3>
<p>Pets with advanced arthritis showing joints that are thickened or deformed may benefit from kali. Stiffness and pain are typically worse in the morning from cold, damp weather, so that’s an ideal time for applying prescribed treatment.</p>
<h3>Rhus toxicodendron</h3>
<p>This is useful for many arthritic pets and especially those with rheumatoid arthritis, which is rare. The remedy is also beneficial for pets that start the day stiff and in pain, but improve with continued movement. Protect them from cold, wet weather conditions.</p>
<h3>Ruta graveolens</h3>
<p>Another widely recognized arthritis remedy, ruta grav is for pets whose symptoms may be exacerbated by cold and damp and exertion. It may be prescribed for affected and damaged tendons and capsules of the joints, when arthritis may have developed from overuse, repeated wear and tear and associated chronic inflammation.</p>
<p>The practice of functional medicine teaches combinations of complementary therapies suited to the individual pet’s needs. Homeopathics can be a beneficial element in treating animals suffering from a variety of joint disorders.</p>
<p><br>
<em>Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the author of </em>The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets<em>.</em></p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the June 2017 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:e06a4067-e87e-47d5-b085-c26b7ce5a0682019-08-19T11:54:49-07:002019-08-19T11:54:49-07:00Cats Can’t Cook!2017-05-25 15:12:00 -0700Anonymous<p><span class="dropcap">I</span>n an experiment with over 900 cats, spanning a ten-year period from 1932 to 1942, Dr. Francis M. Pottenger, Jr., fed several generations of cats raw food, and the others a cooked, canned, bottled diet. At the time, he was looking for a way to prevent chronic disease, mitigate acute symptoms, and maintain good health.</p>
<p> He was ahead of his time, and although his solutions were time-consuming, difficult and sometimes dangerous, the results proved significant. The family of cats fed raw food had very good health, as seen in their dental, structural, reproductive and integumentary systems. Each had gentle personalities, (no scaredy cats in this bunch!), shiny fur, straight spines and no disease. They bred easily, and had great bone structure and density.</p>
<p> Cooking the meat (and whatever else is in canned food) created an altogether different result.</p>
<p> Cats fed a cooked diet stopped reproducing by the fifth generation, and suffered with degenerative diseases similar to humans. They had skin irritations, allergies, anxiety, hypothyroidism and parasites. Their bones were soft and spines were curved.</p>
<p> What would create such opposite results? One major factor is the loss of enzymes through the cooking process. Bodies require enzymes to release the energy found in all living things.</p>
<p> The Pottenger experiment serves as a reminder that all food and food preparation is not equal, and that our pets not only need a full body of nutrients, but the enzymes to release those nutrients, to thrive. Although most might find feeding their cats a raw fish, meat, eggs or milk diet to be difficult, providing additional support for your pet’s dietary needs can be as simple as adding supplemental food enzymes to their diet.</p>
<p> Digestive formulas that are safe for animals are available online and through some veterinarians and nutritionists. Enhancing your pets diet will help them sleep, play and stay healthy!</p>
<p><em>Location: Denville. Susan Richter, RN, Nutritionist, CCH, LDHS, has 30 years in private practice, specializing in Alternative Medicine, with focus on diet, digestion and lymphatics. To learn more about Enzyme Formulations visit NextLevelHealing.com. 973-586-0626.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:c8c92cb2-c081-4f83-b6ec-98110ef91faa2019-08-15T21:30:23-07:002019-08-15T21:30:23-07:00Decoding Dog Body Talk: Three Signals of Anxiety2017-04-28 09:20:23 -0700Susan Briggs<p><span class="dropcap">F</span>amily dogs frequently accompany us on errands and outings away from their familiar home environment and we want them to enjoy these expeditions, so understanding their view of the world is important.</p>
<p>To a dog, every experience is either familiar or unfamiliar. The first time they encounter a new sound, place or person, they may feel anxious. We can help with the adjustment by introducing them slowly to each new experience and step aside to provide them distance or space to observe it first at their own pace.</p>
<p>Knowing the “tells” that signal when a dog is comfortable or uncomfortable goes a long way to a harmonious experience. Allison Culver, assistant director of The Lightfoot Way holistic animal learning center, in Houston, remarks, “Knowing how to communicate with your animal can save a lot of heartache.” With a bit of applied attention, we can readily learn to understand the changes in canine body posture and behavior that communicate their emotional state.</p>
<p>Start by observing the dog’s posture when they are relaxed at home. It’s likely that their weight is balanced on all four legs and their mouth is slightly open; movement is relaxed, loose and agile.</p>
<p>When a dog feels happy or playful, notice how their ears may perk up or tilt slightly forward. Their tail might rise and wag, and they may emit a cheerful bark. Using their visual and audio demeanor as a baseline prepares us to be alert for three secret tells that signal a change in their emotion.</p>
<p><strong>Closing their mouth</strong> routinely occurs when a dog is unsure or anxious. When their mouth remains closed for a minute or more, it’s a sure clue that they need more time to process information.</p>
<p><strong>Lip licking</strong> such as quick flicks of the tongue is meant to appease and may prevent an uncomfortable situation from escalating into anything resembling a confrontation. Dogs do it with each other and with us, too.</p>
<p><strong>A look away</strong> that avoids direct eye contact likewise signals that a dog is urgently processing their current environment.</p>
<p>Norwegian dog trainer Turid Rugaas, author of <em>On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals</em>, identifies the lip licking and averting of the eyes as selfcalming behaviors. She affirms, “When dogs are stressed by the environment, they start using calming signals to ease the stress.”</p>
<p>When this happens, first try creating more space or distance between the dog and any perceived threat; this may return them to their body language norm. If not, consider using holistic calming aids like a properly mixed lavender essential oil spray or Bach Rescue Remedy Pet flower essences, keeping these well away from their face.</p>
<p>Also try mentally engaging the dog with learned cues. A quick game of sit, down, sit plus high-five allows them to engage in a familiar activity while they adjust to a new environment.</p>
<p>If the pet does not respond to normal cues and continues to display multiple stress signals for an extended period, leave the scene altogether. Their anxiety hasn’t been relieved. If it’s still important that the dog learns to enjoy the troubling environment, work with a professional trainer that uses positive reinforcement tools to aid the transition (see PetProfessionalGuild. com or apdt.com). The trainer will assist in creating a plan that allows the pet to adjust at a pace that allows them to remain comfortable.</p>
<p>By observing a dog’s posture, we can be confident of choosing mutually good outings.</p>
<p><br>
<em>Susan Briggs, of Houston, TX, is co-author of </em>Off-Leash Dog Play: A Complete Guide to Safety & Fun<em>, co-founder of The Dog Gurus and owner of <a href="http://CrystalCanine.com">Crystal Canine</a>.</em></p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the May 2017 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:067a38a6-c22e-4a07-a686-2498383c98102019-08-19T11:54:45-07:002019-08-19T11:54:45-07:00Don’t Let Ticks Bully You Around the School Yard2017-04-26 12:01:00 -0700Jennifer Molzen<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>icks are not particular about where they find their next meal as long as it is in their preferred habitat. Sadly, the habitats of ticks and children overlap all too often. The heaviest concentrations of ticks are found where the lawn meets the brush line and in taller wood/fence-line vegetation. This type of habitat can be found not only in your backyard but transcends to school playgrounds, parks and summer camps.</p>
<p>It is important to keep the following tips in mind when children are outside the classroom:</p>
<p>• Pay particular attention to where picnic benches, sports benches and bleachers are located. These should all be at least 6 feet away from brush lines. The same applies for parents and where you place your camping chairs to watch their children at a sporting event. A simple action like retrieving a toy or sports ball from a brush line could put a child in close proximity to a tick. Change the direction of where the children are throwing/retrieving the ball and they are less likely to come in contact with a tick.</p>
<p>• While at recess, children love to make forts out of low lying branches and gravitate towards brush and trees. Ticks hang out in shady areas where the humidity level is higher. This includes pine trees. Pine cone and acorn retrieval is a favorite pastime for young ones. Ticks lay up to 2000 eggs in pine and leaf litter.</p>
<p>• Ticks thrive in higher humidity. The moister the environment the more likely it is to have tick activity. Keep children away from overwatered grass and soggy fields.</p>
<p>• Walking paths should be at least 6 feet wide and children should walk in the middle of paths. Ticks quest on the edges of paths.</p>
<p>• When conducting fire drills, keep students away from untidy parking lot curbs. The curbs should have short grass and children should be at least 3 feet from the fence line. Shady areas are more likely to have ticks.</p>
<p>• Make sure that outdoor classrooms are located in dry areas, with minimal leaf/pine litter. Keep benches tidy and trimmed from overgrown grass.</p>
<p>• Playgrounds should be maintained and have proper drainage. Mulch and playground materials should never be soggy and the play area should be leaf and debris free. Many playgrounds have fencing to keep children in a protected area. The fences should be maintained on both sides. Leaves and wooded debris tend to build up against them and are the perfect place for ticks to harbor.</p>
<p>Although, the majority of tick borne illnesses are contracted in the summer months, a tick bite any time of the year is just as dangerous. It is important to talk to your child about the threat of tick bites and let them know that they can be bitten not only at home but at school and recreational areas. Try not to scare them. Exercise and fresh air are great for kids. However, since the majority of ticks are found where the grass meets the brush line, why not start there when teaching boundaries for play? Daily ticks checks are also important.</p>
<p> Encounters occur when human/pet activity and preferred tick habitats overlap. The above tips can be applied in a school environment but also among other outdoor facilities including daycare, camp, and doggy daycare facilities.</p>
<p><em>Jennifer Molzen is the founder of Tick Tackler, LLC. Tick Tackler is focused on organic residential tick control with complete service beyond the average “apply and run” pesticide company. The company serves most of Northern and Central New Jersey counties, plus Lehigh, Northampton, Wayne and Upper Bucks counties in Pennsylvania. For information, call 908-612-4736 or email <a href="mailto:Jennifer@TickTackler.com">Jennifer@TickTackler.com</a>. <a href="http://TickTackler.com">TickTackler.com</a>. </em></p>
<p> </p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:fd74af31-18f6-4ab3-8ab7-addf1f327dae2019-08-15T21:03:58-07:002020-02-29T15:42:16-08:00Enzyme Therapy for Pets: A Key to Good Health2017-03-31 07:31:19 -0700Shawn Messonnier<p><span class="dropcap">E</span>nzymes are among the most commonly used supplements for cats and dogs because they are widely beneficial. They support digestive health and enhance nutrient absorption, as well as reduce inflammation and boost overall wellness.</p>
<p>A nutrition school adage states, “If you have a question on your exam and don’t know the answer, put down ‘enzymes’ and you’ll likely be correct.” The point is that enzymes made by the body for specific functions are essential to life because they affect nearly every physical or biological process.</p>
<p>Enzymes help normal, healthy pets use nutrients and support the righting of gastrointestinal disorders, whether involving simple vomiting, diarrhea, chronic or complete constipation, anal sac disorders or inflammatory bowel disease, regardless of cause. Because sick pets often suffer from reduced appetite and impaired digestion, enzyme supplements are often added to a dietetic regimen to improve their nutritional status.</p>
<p>Helpful enzymes include proteases, carbohydrases (like amylase) and lipases that break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats, respectively. Digestive enzymes are highly specific both to the type of food they act upon and the conditions under which they work. They can be derived from pancreatic, plant or microbial sources (bacteria or fungi).</p>
<p>While pancreatic enzymes activate mainly in the small intestines (being inactive in the stomach’s lower pH environment), plant and microbial enzymes begin digesting foods in the stomach immediately after ingestion and likely even on the food being prepared, if the enzymes are added several minutes before they are eaten. Enzymes from microbial and plant origins have a broader spectrum of activity because they are stable and active through a wide pH range of 3.0 to 8.0.</p>
<p>Enzymes may be helpful for pets with inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, dermatitis, allergies, asthma and cancer. In such cases, they should not be administered with food, because otherwise they will be “used up” before the pet digests the food.</p>
<p>It’s also possible to use enzyme supplementation to reduce excessive shedding because enzyme supplementation is widely recognized to increase the absorption of nutrients, some possibly involved in controlling hair growth. Some of these nutrients may be used in thyroid hormone synthesis, which can positively affect hair growth and reduce shedding.</p>
<p>A novel use for enzymes is to help pets practicing coprophagia, or the eating of their own or another animal’s feces. Adding the proper enzymes to the diet is believed to curb this problem, which could result from a nutrient deficiency caused by incomplete digestion and absorption. For pets with behavioral coprophagia, enzyme supplementation is unlikely to help the problem but will still benefit the pet’s overall health.</p>
<p>The recommended dose by breed and weight is based upon experience, the label of a specific product and directions provided by the family veterinarian. Using enzymes according to a professional’s advice is safe, with rare to nonexistent side effects. Talk to the pet’s doctor about the best enzyme products to address individual needs and keep them healthy.</p>
<p><br>
<em>Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the author of </em>The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats<em> and </em>Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets<em>. For more information, visit <a href="http://PetCareNaturally.com">PetCareNaturally.com</a>.</em></p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the April 2017 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:ec7f3342-9217-47b8-853d-b282047b8b782019-08-15T21:09:31-07:002021-03-11T12:48:37-08:00Natural Remedies for Itchy Pets: Gentle Ways to Calm Allergies2017-02-28 09:25:30 -0800Sandra Murphy<p>Rather than routinely giving drugs to dogs and cats to relieve dry, itchy, skin or food allergies, consider more gentle natural alternatives. As with people, knowing what an animal is allergic to is key to finding the right remedy and preventing future outbreaks.</p>
<p>With dogs, about 20 percent of itching and scratching can be attributed to food ingredients. Symptoms can show up as early as 5 months or as late as 12 years old, often combined with inhalant or contact allergies. Chronic ear infections are often traced to food allergies.</p>
<p>“If a pet is suffering mightily, see your veterinarian for shots or pills for immediate relief. Then ask the vet to allergy test for the specific problem,” advises Veterinarian Laurie Dohmen, owner of Purple Moon Herbs and Studies, in Hartly, Delaware. “This isn’t something you can do yourself. I’ve seen pet owners use what worked for a friend’s dog and make their own pets sicker, despite research and good intentions. What works for one pet won’t necessarily work for another.”</p>
<p>While food elimination testing works, it’s a long process that must be done with precision. “If your pet even just nibbles the eliminated food, you have to start all over again,” says Dohmen. Whether commercially prepared or home cooked, the number of ingredients can substantially extend a test period. Each item must be completely avoided for about six weeks for an accurate assessment.</p>
<p></p><div class="image-with-caption image-align-right">
<img alt="pterwortShutterstockcom" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/574071/Itching-Cat-Natural-Remedy.png"><div class="small">pterwort/Shutterstock.com</div>
</div>Environmental allergies, which encompass everything unrelated to food, range from common grasses to inhaled pollutants. New carpets or rugs, cleaning supplies, a neighbor’s pesticides, dust and pollen are among the culprits that can cause an allergic reaction. Common symptoms are itchy ears or skin, ear infections, sneezing, runny eyes, scratching, vomiting or diarrhea.
<p>Veterinarian Judy Morgan, owner of Naturally Healthy Pets, in Clayton, New Jersey, also uses herbs in her practice to alleviate food and environmental allergy symptoms. “They can be tinctures or poultices; one herb or a blended mixture. Some are applied externally, some internally.” Giving the proper dosage for the size of the pet is vital.</p>
<p>She particularly likes calendula for hot spots, despite its odor, because it’s antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral, followed by witch hazel to dry them, and then coconut oil or aloe to soothe and soften affected skin—plus Echinacea to boost the immune system. She uses ginger or peppermint to counteract nausea.</p>
<p>“Many people think an allergic pet should be switched to a lamb and rice diet. In some cases, that makes dry, itchy, skin worse,” she says. “That’s why it’s important to know what they are allergic to before trying out new foods or herbal remedies. Find a holistic vet to work with.”</p>
<p>Morgan often prescribes a mixture of herbs for the best results. “I like licorice because it works like a steroid without the side effects. Probiotics help keep gut bacteria and the immune system healthy. Parsley works well for dry, itchy, skin caused by a blood deficiency, or imbalance.</p>
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<img alt="Patryk KosmiderShutterstockcom" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/574072/Itchy-Dog-Natural-Remedy.png"><div class="small">Patryk Kosmider/Shutterstock.com</div>
</div>“Parsley brings a protein, as well as several vitamins, to the party,” notes Kimberly Gauthier, a dog nutrition blogger in Marysville, Washington. “It’s a natural anti-inflammatory and also great if your dog’s breath needs a freshness boost.” She suggests rosemary and thyme as ingredients in an antibacterial, antifungal salve; she mixes these essential oils with extra virgin coconut oil and beeswax to create paw balm.
<p>Morgan reminds us that essential oils can be harmful, even life-threatening, for cats. “If Kitty has itchy skin, lavender tea can be used as a rinse on cooperative cats,” she suggests. “For a less cooperative feline, chamomile tea as a drink or as leaves mixed into the food soothes itches.”</p>
<p>Dohmen cautions, “Herbs and other homeopathic remedies or flower essences are medicine and should be given as a prescription by a qualified veterinarian.”</p>
<p><br>
<em>Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at <a href="mailto:StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com">StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com</a>.</em></p>
<p><br>
<em>This article appears in the March 2017 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:329bb3aa-2965-45a6-8a73-36b984bdc6ce2019-08-15T21:42:07-07:002019-08-15T21:42:07-07:00Heart-To-Heart With a Horse: Their Gentle Empathy Helps Us Heal2017-01-31 09:45:56 -0800Sandra Murphy<p><span class="dropcap">P</span>hysical therapists have long used horses to help patients improve balance or strengthen core muscles. Now they’re helping to teach empathy.</p>
<p>Given a horse’s significant size, sometimes distracting surroundings and the need for safety, humans need to learn the animal’s non-verbal cues, and to regulate their own. Close interaction without riding is proving to be helpful for those dealing with addictions, trauma and grief, and for employees to improve their communication and teamwork skills.</p>
<p>Kelly Wendorf and Scott Strachan, co-founders of Equus, in Santa Fe, work with both individuals and organizations. Strachan emphasizes, “This isn’t magic. Horses reflect our feelings back to us. If we’re nervous, the horse will be more skittish.”</p>
<p>“We’ve had executives arrive with cell phones firmly in hand and leave holding soggy tissues instead,” comments Wendorf. “For them, it was unexpectedly emotional.”</p>
<p>For addicts caught up in a debilitating cycle, “Equine therapy gets the brain firing in a new direction,” says Constance Scharff, Ph.D., director of addiction research at Cliffside Malibu, in California. “Patients may say they’re fine when they’re not, but you can’t lie to a horse. They have boundaries; if you’re angry, a horse won’t tolerate your behavior and will walk away.”</p>
<p>Scharff notes, “Equine therapy is complementary to psychotherapy medicine, and one tool we use in approaching addiction. Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be the underlying issue, so we can address it, to understand why the person became an addict.”</p>
<p>Wendorf relates the story of an 18-year-old client facing body image issues. “Five horses approached her and touched her with their noses on her arms and legs. Where they touched was where she had been cutting herself to try to relieve her emotional pain.”</p>
<p>“People feel a powerful connection when they let down their defenses and a horse responds,” says Sheryl Jordan, equestrian director at Salamander Resort & Spa, in Middleburg, Virginia. “Our Equi-Spective life lessons program brings self-awareness and the power to better control emotions. During the session, they may hug, pet and cry on the horse, but they leave the corral smiling.”</p>
<p>The program teamed up with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) serving bereaved military families. Kelly Griffith, a surviving sister of U.S. Marine Corps Major Samuel Griffith, points to the power of equine therapy in a video at <a href="http://Tinyurl.com/Equi-SpectiveVideo">Tinyurl.com/Equi-SpectiveVideo</a>.</p>
<p class="pullquote">Horses help bring back memories for clients with dementia.<br>
~Hearts & Horses, Loveland, Colorado, nonprofit therapeutic riding facility</p>
<p>Susan Wight, a former professional steeplechase rider and ambassador for TAPS in Leesburg, Virginia, says, “My husband was my riding coach. When he passed away, I was numb when facing decisions, but at the session, it felt like one of the horses was the one to choose. The initial flood of emotions and memories from being around horses again wasn’t pretty, but empathy is a specific language, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. Horses are a huge part of my life.”</p>
<p>At Ranch Hand Rescue Counseling Center & Animal Sanctuary, in South Argyle, Texas, founder Bob Williams considers animal therapy a ministry.</p>
<p>“We rescue abused and neglected farm animals, including horses that come into play when patients are not responding to usual therapies,” he says. “It’s important for damaged people to learn to live in the light, and our partnering with the special needs animals helps put them on the emotional path to health.” The rescue’s mission is to provide hope, healing and a sense of security for children and adults that have suffered severe trauma such as abuse, domestic violence and witnessing violent death (<a href="http://Tinyurl.com/RanchHandRescueVideo">Tinyurl.com/RanchHandRescueVideo</a>).</p>
<p>Riding Beyond’s four-session program, in Ashland, Oregon, is free to women recovering from the rigors of breast cancer treatment. Expenses are covered by donations from the community. German research published in the journal <em>Psycho-Oncology</em> reported that 82 percent of participating breast cancer patients studied displayed symptoms of PTSD following diagnosis.</p>
<p>“They often don’t want to touch or be touched, and have trouble with friendships and intimate relationships; issues that can cripple a woman’s life,” says Trish Broersma, founding director and a certified therapeutic riding professional at Riding Beyond (<a href="http://Tinyurl.com/RidingBeyondVideo">Tinyurl.com/RidingBeyondVideo</a>). “The medical team that saved their lives doesn’t treat these issues.”</p>
<p>The first client, unfamiliar with horses, met Mystic, who touched her on the site of the former tumor. She says, “Even weeks later, when I brought her image to mind when stressed, sad or even happy, it brought feelings of contentment, peace and well-being.”</p>
<p>Horses have been serving humans in many ways for centuries. Equine therapy shows they have even more to give if we are open to receive.</p>
<p><br>
<em>Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at <a href="mailto:StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.">StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.</a></em></p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the February 2017 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>