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Natural Remedies: Acupuncture For Your Pet?

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011

Pain, arthritis, digestive problems, kidney failure, allergies, anxiety: these are just some of the ailments and illnesses that acupuncture can effectively treat.

…in animals.

Did you think I was talking about acupuncture for human maladies? You wouldn’t be wrong if so: just as in humans, acupuncture can effectively heal and even reverse many of the similar diseases and symptoms that afflict pets.  Even though acupuncture has been used on people for thousands of years in China, it wasn’t so long ago that the Western world only thought of acupuncture as that weird looking, slightly skin-crawling concept of sticking needles all over one’s body, and… eeek… leaving them there. But the results were solid, people started feeling better, yoga devotees, health fanatics and soccer moms alike started swearing by the treatment, acupuncturists proliferated, and techniques in alternative medicine became commonplace. And as holistic therapies become more and more common for people in the West, so too are they becoming accepted forms of treatment for pets here too (though according to the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, acupuncture has been used on animals for at least 3000 years!).

How does acupuncture work?

The principle of acupuncture is based on the belief that a being’s overall physical, mental, and emotional health depends on the state of its Qi or chi, thought of as an indeterminate and immeasurable life force of vital energy that flows throughout the body. If anything blocks the flow of chi, such as bacteria, virus, inflammation, etc., pain and illness can manifest in a number of ways.

Nerve endings in the body contain trigger points or “acupoints” which are stimulated by specifically-placed acupuncture needles to help release endorphins, reduce swelling, relieves spasms, and ultimately, restores the flow of energy, or chi, through the body to provide relief from pain.

Veterinary acupuncture sessions can last from 10 to 60 minutes, depending on the animal’s condition and sensitivity. Veterinarians assess the dog’s condition and ailments, and place the needles accordingly. For example, when searching for the underlying cause of disease, Chinese medicine practitioners will often start with inserting acupuncture needles at the “liver points.” Because the liver filters over a liter of blood every minute, it is responsible for detoxifying, nourishing, replenishing, and storing blood. So it’s not a stretch to believe that the health of one’s liver is a reflection of one’s overall health and well-being. According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of energy throughout the body, so stimulating these points will help release general blockages and stimulate free flow of chi, which will help heal other ailments throughout the body.

What does acupuncture treat (in humans and animals!)?

  • Musculoskeletal problems: Acupuncture is probably best known for treating these kinds of problems, including pain, stiffness, spinal disc problems, soreness, back and neck pain, degenerative joint disease (like hip and elbow dysplasia), osteoarthritis, and sports injuries.
  • Neurological disorders: Seizures, some paralysis
  • Digestive Problems: Gastric ulcers, vomiting, constipation (the ultimate blockage!), diarrhea, etc.
  • Chronic Conditions: Behavioral and emotional problems like aggressiveness, anxiety, irritation; asthma, allergies, hypo and hyperthyroidism, and skin problems.

How to find a qualified veterinary acupuncturist?

Only licensed veterinarians can practice acupuncture on pets in most states in the U.S., and in those that don’t require a veterinarian acupuncturist also have a veterinary license, it is HIGHLY advisable to seek one out with a license regardless! To find a vet who performs acupuncture and has successfully completed an approved veterinary acupuncture course, contact the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture or the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.

Have you ever used acupuncture on your pet? What did you use it to treat? Please share your story with us in the comments below!

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Why is my dog itching? — Identifying and Preventing Pet Allergies

Monday, August 8th, 2011

Your dog is scratching constantly, rolling around in the dirt more than usual, licking its paws, and biting himself like he’s his own vicious enemy.

It’s clear he’s uncomfortable and itchy, but why? It’s probably dog allergies. But is it due to pollen, food, dust mites … or your other pets? There are nearly endless possibilities.

We help you narrow it down to the likeliest ones. Once you know what’s causing your dog to itch, you can take action to provide your dog with some much-needed relief.

First, does your dog itch all year-round, or just in certain seasons?

Seasonal dog allergies. Seasonal environmental triggers are the most common cause of dog itching and scratching. Allergies usually develop after a couple of years of exposure, if they’re going to develop at all. It’s still unknown as to why one individual will develop allergies, while the next one won’t.  Just like in humans, genetics are thought to play a part, since allergies often run in families. Repeated exposure is important, too.

If you’re desperate to pinpoint the specific cause of seasonal allergies in your dog, your vet can do a “scratch test” (again, similar to the kind of test you’d take yourself to find out what you’re allergic to). Extracts of different pollens and allergens are injected just under a shaved area of skin, and reactions are noted a few minutes later.

Treatments:

You should consult your vet to determine the exact reason your dog may be itching, and for specific prescribed treatment of any identified allergies or problems like hot spots. However, using earthbath wipes frequently: after every outside excursion, before you notice your dog starting to try to clean himself, and before bed each night, can really reduce the pollen that clings to your dog’s fur, reducing the likelihood that allergies will develop.

Frequent baths are important, especially in the summer, when everyone is outside playing more. If you’ve never bathed your dog yourself, check our DIY how-to guide in which we take you through it, step-by-step! Using earthbath shampoos with itch-soothing ingredients like Oatmeal and Aloe, Tea Tree and Aloe, or Eucalyptus and Peppermint (great for soothing bug bites and general dermatitis) can really help calm the itchies.

Chances are, the itchies will disappear as fast as the summer sun does, but if not, note that there are only a few causes of year-round canine allergies:

Food: This is the first thing many people think of as causing canine allergies, but it’s actually one of the least likely. True food allergies are uncommon in dogs, with only about 15% of allergic dogs being allergic to certain ingredients. That said, there are some ingredients that some dogs are more sensitive to than others: like humans who are sensitive or downright intolerant of wheat, many dogs are allergic to wheat gluten. Sensitivity to corn and soy can also crop up fairly frequently:  If you have an itchy dog, start eliminating foods containing soy, corn, and wheat.

Try switching to a food with a different protein source or with a different grain content. Test this food for 6 weeks and see if there’s any difference in your dog’s itchiness.

Also, to prevent food allergies, one of the best things you can do is give your dog some variety in his diet. The more exposure to an ingredient, the more likely an allergy will develop — so change it up — not only will his tastebuds thank you (wouldn’t you get bored of eating the same thing day after day? Thought so. So does your dog.), but so will his state of health.

Mold. If you live somewhere humid, or if your kitchen and bathroom are unventilated, mold spores may be causing dog allergies (if they aren’t already causing allergies in you!)  Mold grows wherever and whenever there is moisture. Depending on where you live and what your drainage conditions are like, this can be seasonal or year-round.

What to do? If you live in a humid environment, or if summers get rather damp around your neck of the woods, keep the humidity low in your house by using a dehumidifier and/or air conditioner. Fix leaks when you notice them Use the exhaust fan in the bathroom after showering, and, when cooking, use your stove air vent.

Other animals. You may not be the only one who’s allergic to your cat!  Dogs can become allergic to the potent and persistent allergen known as FelD1, found in cat saliva. When the cat licks himself, the saliva dries and flakes off, then floats away.  It’s no wonder there are so many people (and dogs) with allergies to cats: FelD1 is very lightweight and very sticky. It sticks to walls, furniture, carpet and drapes. It also can stay active in a home environment for at least 10 years (yikes!).

As with cats, even people, other dogs, birds, and any other furry critters (rabbits, hamsters, weasels, ferrets, etc.) are possible allergy-inducers. Again, keeping everybody clean makes a difference: no skimping on earthbaths! Also keep in mind that long-haired or fluffy dogs can easily track pollen in on their fur. Even short-haired dogs aren’t immune: pollen clings to their coat easily, even if it may not look like it.  One good shake and it spreads throughout the house.

Treatments:

Wipe-down:  Keep a box of earthbath wipes by the door and in the car and wipe your dogs down before they come inside. Since earthbath makes four different varieties (Green Tea, Mango Tango, Cherry (Puppy), and Hypo-Allergenic), you’ll be able to keep a different flavor at every entry point! Make sure you get between their pads as well as a quick rub down all over their coat. This will greatly reduce the amount of pollen that clings to their fur.

earthbaths!: Bathe your animals regularly, including your cats, and use wipes to rub them down frequently, especially after they clean themselves. For a great “how-to” guide on bathing your cat yourself, check out our blog post which has a lot of great tips on corralling your kitty in the bath! Good thing earthbath has a great cat shampoo (with a delectable cherry scent) and cat wipes (in both Green Tea and Hypo-Allergenic varieties)!

Clean your house: Obviously “fluffy” surfaces like carpets, drapes, pillows, bedding, and fabric couches trap dander much easier and in greater volumes than wipeable surfaces (like wood floors, tile, stone, blinds, leather, etc.) but in both cases, consistent and thorough cleaning can help keep dander at bay.

Purify the air: HEPA air filters are really effective in trapping large amounts of allergens, including pollen, cat allergens, and other air pollutants. Invest in a great quality air purifier, and ensure your vacuum has a HEPA filter as well.

Have you noticed an increase in allergies this summer? How do you deal with them? Share your tips with us! If you leave a comment below and post it to Facebook, you may receive a little earthbath surprise from us!

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Posted in Canine Health, Dogs, earthbath, Grooming, Helpful Pet Hints, Natural Remedies, Pet News, Pet Owners, Skin Care | No Comments »

Summer Coat Care for Dog Paddlers!

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

Remember back when you used to go swimming every day during summer… until your hair turned green from all the chlorine? And then you learned – always to rinse after swimming (good), wash (better), or pre-condition your hair before taking a dip (best).

Just because your dog may not be mortified by suddenly morphing locks of green, this doesn’t mean you can (or should) ignore summer swim coat care for him, just as you wouldn’t ignore proper summer hair care protection for yourself!

If your dog loves jumping in the lake, cavorting on the beach, or even diving into the pool, that summer splash factor can wreak havoc on your dog’s shiny coat and itch-free skin unless you take some simple grooming precautions.

For Pool Pooches:

Chlorine is notoriously drying – and dogs aren’t immune to its parching effects either. Dogs who join you in your backyard pool are likely to be more prone to itchy, dry skin and a dull, dry coat because the pool chemicals strip the skin and coat of their naturally protective oils. Remember, too, that a dog’s skin is more sensitive than human skin, with a pH that is nearly neutral (like pure water) – human skin pH is much more acidic, so we can tolerate the harsher acidity of chemicals (like chlorine) much better than our dogs.

Chlorine could even change the color of your dog’s coat: it could affect dark coats by dulling and even bleaching them out, and even turn those platinum blondes (hey golden retrievers, yellow labs, and snow white malteses – we’re talking to you!) green!

How to avoid these pool pitfalls? Just follow these three simple things:

1) Spray down your dog with a coat conditioner like any of our earthbath spritzes before he hits the pool. This conditioning spray will help create a barrier of protection for both his skin and coat from the drying effects of the chlorine.

2) After every swim, rinse him down thoroughly with pure, cool water. Rinse well longer than you think is necessary just so you ensure all pool chemicals and chlorine is completely gone. Towel dry, and then, if you have time (for an even better protective effect), follow with another spritz of earthbath conditioning spritz in your favorite scent! Comb through to get out any mats before they worsen, and to distribute the conditioning spray evenly.

3) Once a week, comb your dog out completely and bathe him thoroughly with any of earthbath’s gentle shampoos and follow with a conditioner. This will ensure any remaining chemical residue is completely washed out, and will also re-moisturize his coat.

Bow Wow, Beach Dog

Though saltwater and a day in the sun can create perfect “sun-kissed beach hair” for us girls, that same sun, salt, and sand can result in nothing but an itchy mess for your dog unless you prep with a few key items:

1) Prep with a moisturizing conditioner or conditioning spray to protect his skin and coat.

2) Before you leave your day at the beach, make sure to give your dog a thorough brushing to get all the sand and grit out of his coat. Brush against the direction of hair growth, and then with it. Then give him a thorough rinsing in those beach showers – rinse him down completely to get rid of any remaining sand and rinse all of the salt out.

3) If he’s still itching later, or perhaps feels a bit grimy or sticky… it’s time for an earthbath! earthbath oatmeal and aloe or tea tree and aloe shampoos are perfect for itchy dogs, as these natural healers will help to soothe itchy spots and areas of discomfort. Generally, if your dog is spending a lot of time with you outdoors and especially at the beach, lake, or pool, a bath once a week as a necessity to keep him clean and comfortable. Definitely make sure to condition, so you’re protecting his skin and coat every time you shampoo. A perfect spritz for hot, itchy dogs is SheaPet’s Herbal Hot Spot & Itch Relief Moisturizing Treatment with Shea Butter & Tea Tree Oil Spritz, a great leave-on herbal skin tonic and coat conditioner.

4) Keep in mind what hot sand does to tender paws! Apply a soothing shea butter balm like SheaPet Aloe and Treatment Balm which is great to heal cracked pads, sun-sore noses, and hot spots.

“Freshwater” Fidos

Unfortunately, freshwater streams, lakes, and rivers are not quite as pristine as you’d like to believe.  Which doesn’t matter to your dog – who (we know from experience) would relish any opportunity to roll in a mud puddle – or to you, if you’re one of the majority of us who live near a body of water that is not an ocean.  Lakes, rivers, and streams are a blast to play in, but many of them contain fairly high levels of algae, sludge, pollutants, bugs, and even leeches!

This means – any dip in the lake should be followed by a full-fledged earthbath afterwards. Take care to observe all of the usual steps you’d take prior to bathing your dog – comb him out thoroughly to remove any mats or tangles, wet him down thoroughly, and scrub him to the skin with a gentle but effective shampoo. Remoisturize with conditioner.

If you’re hitting the pool, lake, or ocean frequently, it’s more important than ever to be using products that won’t strip away the natural oils of the coat and skin – which could do even more damage than not bathing your dog at all. That’s why, if you’re armed with earthbath, you can bathe as often as you like, and never have to worry about irritations!  The only thing you have to concern yourself with, is which of our 11 delicious fragrance options to use… this time!

And with that, the sun’s shining so… we’re off to the beach!

 

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Posted in Canine Health, Dog Behavior, Dogs, earthbath, Fun Stuff, Grooming, Helpful Pet Hints, Holidays, Natural Remedies, Pet Owners, Pet Safety, Shedding, Skin Care, Staying Active, Travel | No Comments »

Preventing Doggy Swimmer’s Ear!

Tuesday, July 19th, 2011

Summertime brings with it longer days, sun-drenched vacations, and necessary escapes to the nearest body of water to cool down. For dogs who like to hit the lake, beach, or pool with you, this increased time in the water also increases the risk of painful ear infections.

When water enters the ear canal, the perfect environment – dark and wet – is created for bacterial and yeast to grow in. Dogs swim “doggy paddle” style, with their head above water, but that doesn’t mean that water won’t splash up into their ears, and sometimes, dogs submerge themselves to fetch a stick or water toy.

To prevent ear infections in your dog, you can always proactively place cotton balls in their ears (pre-swim and definitely pre-bath), but after a swim or bath, make sure to dry out the insides of your dog’s ears as thoroughly as you can with a towel or more cotton balls. Never use q-tips because it’s just too easy to puncture their delicate ear drum.

Floppy-eared dogs are most at risk for ear infections, because those lovable floppy ear flaps can prevent your dog’s ears from air-drying after a swim, so if your dog has two of these (floppy ears, that is), take extra-special care to ensure they are dried out as much as possible!

Your veterinarian can even prescribe a special ear wash that you can apply weekly or even monthly to help keep ears clean and free of waxy buildup and bacterial and yeast growth – so if you think your dog would be a good candidate for something like this, ask your vet!

Head-Scratching Symptoms?

If your dog starts shaking his head repeatedly or without any discernible cause (or effect), starts scratching at his ears, or if you see any redness inside his ears, it’s definitely time to call the vet. It’s easy enough to treat an ear infection in dogs (just as it is in humans), but if they are left untreated, they can spread deeply inside the ear canal and become extremely painful. It’s up to you to notice any changes in your dog’s behavior and appearance, to ensure he’s his most comfortable and happy, since your dog isn’t going to start speaking English anytime soon (though you may be fluent in “dog”).

 

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Top six (preventable!) pet health problems

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

You already know preventative care is essential for maintaining your pet’s good health and well-being.

The importance of this is confirmed in the 2011 “State of Pet Health” Report, a 40 page comprehensive summary of research conducted by Banfield Pet Hospital, a nationwide network of veterinary hospitals. Compiled from medical data from more than 2.1 million dogs and 450,000 cats, the report lists the most common diagnoses in dogs and cats, and details six specific and preventable health conditions that are increasingly affecting our pets:

•  Diabetes—Since 2006, there has been a 32 percent increase in canine diabetes and a 16 percent increase in feline diabetes cases.

Prevention: Annual, or even better, twice-a-year examinations help veterinarians detect clinical signs of diabetes early.  The best thing that you can do, however, is to keep pets at a healthy weight through proper exercise and feeding a quality diet. Not only will careful nutrition and exercise management help prevent diabetes, but will also lessen the risk of developing many other serious diseases.

•  Heartworm Disease—This is one of the top three health risks for pets living in the Southern United States, though cases have been diagnosed in all 50 states, though incidence is extremely rare in the Western US, and lowest in the Pacific Northwest region. In 2010, this potentially fatal disease was detected in 6.7 percent of  dogs in Mississippi; 6.3 percent in Arkansas; nearly 5 percent in Louisiana; nearly 3 percent in Alabama; 2.6 percent in Texas; and slightly more than 2 percent in South Carolina. Heartworm disease affects dogs, cats, and ferrets, and can be fatal.  Heartworm is typically transmitted by mosquitoes, so both indoor and outdoor pets are at risk for heartworm disease. And although heartworm disease is more common during the warmer months, it is a year-round condition and has been diagnosed in every month and every state. Most frightening is that although there are treatment options for heartworm disease in dogs, it is neither simple nor risk-free, and there isn’t even an option for heartworm treatment in cats or ferrets. The most common symptoms of heartworm disease include cough, lethargy, difficulty breathing and sometimes coughing up blood. Sudden death occurs rarely in dogs, but occurs more commonly in cats, though prevention is as simple as visiting your vet annually.

Prevention: Annual heartworm tests for dogs and year-round preventitives in either a monthly medication in topical or pill form, or a twice-yearly injection. Cats in heartworm-heavy areas should receive either form of monthly medication, regardless of whether it’s an indoor or outdoor cat (though outdoor cats are much more at risk).

•  Dental Disease— The most common disease in dogs and cats is dental disease, affecting 68 percent of cats and 78 percent of dogs over the age of 3. Just as with humans, dental disease has been associated with changes in liver, kidney and cardiac functions. Interestingly, the top five breeds most likely to develop periodontal disease include: Toy Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Pomeranian and Shetland Sheepdog.

Prevention: Regular dental examinations by a veterinarian and annual professional dental cleanings, especially for dogs and cats over the age of two. There are also things you can do:
• Brushing at least twice a week! See our post on how to brush your dog’s teeth for more detail!
•  Dental chews, water additives and specially formed dry pet food can be used to help prevent tartar build-up.

•  Ear Infection —The second most common disease affecting dogs and cats is ear infection.  This disease has seen a 9.4 percent increase in dogs and a 34 percent increase in cats since 2006, and can be triggered by many different causes. Underlying problems may include food allergies, ear mites, bacterial or yeast infections or irritation from foreign bodies such as parts of plants, shrubs or trees. There are certain purebred dog breeds that are predisposed to ear problems: Basset Hound, Beagle, Bulldog (American and English), Cocker Spaniel (American and English), Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Lhasa Apso, Poodle (all sizes), Pug, Shar-Pei and Springer Spaniel (English).

Prevention: Ear cleaning at least 1-2 times weekly using proper techniques, instructed by your veterinarian, is essential for maintaining
healthy ear canals in dogs that have been diagnosed with ear infections (or are at risk for  ear infections). Certain pets, such as dogs with allergies, may be predisposed to recurrent ear infections. Regular examinations and veterinary-recommended preventive care techniques can help reduce the frequency and severity of ear infections.

•  Fleas and ticks— Overall, the proportion of flea infestation has increased 16 percent in dogs and  12 percent in cats over the past five years. Flea allergy dermatits is one of the most common skin conditions in dogs and cats, resulting in discomfort, scratching, hair loss, and infections. In addition to the allergic irritation caused by the bite, fleas can also transmit tapeworms and spread certain infectious diseases.The prevalence of fleas increases through spring and summer before peaking in early fall and decreasing in winter. Ticks are found in most parts of the United States and can transmit diseases to all mammals (including dogs, cats, and humans) such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, which are potentially life-threatening. October is the peak month for fleas, while May and June are the peak months for ticks. In both dogs and cats, fleas are generally more common in the Southeast and along the West Coast. In 2010, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Florida and Alabama had the greatest prevalence of fleas and ticks in dogs, while Oregon, Washington, Oklahoma, Florida and Arkansas had the greatest prevalence of fleas in cats.

Prevention: Because fleas seek out dark, warm, humid places—usually carpets, bedding, under furniture or in garden debris, they are very much parasites that live among us. There are a number of topical and ingestible flea and tick preventatives, including shampoos, rinses, sprays, mists/fogs, chewable tablets and spot-on treatments. Prevention of tick infestation involves environmental management (such as building fences and cutting back underbrush, hedges, and grass to reduce access to tick habitat) and application of approved products to animals or the environment.  When returning from outdoor activities, a pet’s skin and coat should be inspected in order to identify and remove fleas and ticks. A flea comb can be used on cats and shorter-haired dogs to discover flea “dirt” and fleas – and if evidence of fleas are found, you can administer a “flea dip” in a bath solution designed to kill fleas. If you find a tick – on yourself or your pet – removing it with tweezers within 24 to 48 hours is thought to prevent transmission of most tick-carried diseases.

•  Internal Parasites—Roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms can be transmitted from animals to humans, making them very dangerous not just for your pets, but for you too. Unfortunately, all of these parasites have been on the rise since 2006.

Prevention: In addition to regular deworming of pets, administered by your vet, proper hygiene is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of parasites (and the potential spread of anything to you or your human family!) The recommended frequency of deworming varies depending on the
life stage and individual environment of the pet. Make sure to quickly clean up after pets to remove potentially infective eggs from the environment before they spread, and discourage children (and dogs) from playing in or near kitty litter areas.

Although all of these diseases have increased in occurrence, it is most encouraging to note that they are all preventable!

 

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