TREATING ALLERGIES WITH FOOD THERAPY

     In ancient China, doctors relied upon their sense of sight, smell, hearing and touch to diagnose and treat illness.  The practice of, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a unique insight toward the treatment of allergies in our dogs and cats.

   Addressing the allergy conditions of our pets can be frustrating and may leave some owners feeling at a loss for how decrease their companion's discomfort.   Owners may have been presented with an onslaught of information and their pets prescribed medications that are laden with serious side effects.  Traditional Chinese Medicine offers some solutions.

   An allergy is defined as a hypersensitivity or abnormal reaction to a particular allergen.  When the allergen is ingested, inhaled, or comes in contact with skin an allergic response manifests itself as hot itchy skin, weepy eyes or ears, hot spots, and irritability. 

   The traditional western veterinary treatment approach would most likely involve the prescription of steroids.  Steroids help to curb allergy symptoms in the short term but are well known to have negative side effects on the liver.  Long term use causes more heat within the pet's body and results in excessive panting and drinking, seeking cool places, and a greasy, foul smelling coat.

   Traditional Chinese Medicine would address allergies using food therapy, herbs and acupuncture.  Food therapy for a pet with allergies would include low grain diets that contain meats as well as foods that have a cooling or neutral affect on the body.  Cooling proteins, that are relatively easy to obtain, include rabbit, duck and whitefish.  Salmon, beef and pork and considered neutral protein sources.  Foods that have a warming effect on the body should be avoided, these include chicken and turkey.  Avoid feeding lamb and venison to  allergy suffering pets as these are the hottest foods and would exasperate their condition.

Go For Green

  

    Whether you wish to admit it or not, dogs, both domesticated and wild, are members of the carnivore family.  Anatomically, they are built for it. 

    Long before the creation of dry kibble, dogs survived in the wild by catching their food and devouring nearly all of it.  The flesh (good source of protein), fat (for energy), bone (calcium), muscle and organ meat, as well as the stomach with its contents (enzymes, minerals, pre-digested plant material consisting of herbs and grasses) each played an important role in the dog's vitality.

      Green does not necessarily refer to this organ's color.  It refers to the fact that it has not been cleaned, bleached and scalded.  It's actual color is brown and sometimes it has a green tint due to the grass or hay eaten by the animal.  Unfortunately, most grocery stores sell "white tripe".  It has a honeycomb look, has been bleached, scalded, and sterilized before packaging, a process that removes the beneficial enzymes and nutrients from the organ.  Sure, it doesn't have the pungent smell of green tripe, but why bother feeding it when you are wanting your pet to experience green tripe's full range of benefits. 

    Tripe is the stomach organ found in ruminant (grazing) animals including cows, sheep, deer  and bison.  This organ contains many important digestive enzymes, gastric juices, and amino acids.  Tripe has a calcium-phosphorus ratio of 1:1 which is very beneficial for dogs.  It has a relatively low fat content with a good amount of essential fatty acids,  potassium, B vitamins and magnesium that strongly support the health of our dogs and cats.  Digestive enzymes purify and cleanse the blood, remove toxins including parasites and fungus, as well as improve metabolism, promote proper hormonal function and boost the immune system. Thanks to yogurt company marketing we know that pro-biotics aide digestion. Tripe contains the naturally occurring   pro-biotic,  lactobacillus acidophilus to keep our companions' tummies in a well balanced state.  Because it is a strong digestive aide, green tripe is a good food choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs and/or skin allergies.

    Green tripe is an incredibly gentle food.  It is often the first thing that raw feeding breeders introduce puppies to, as young as 4 weeks old.  Tripe is also indicated for dogs suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.  It often eases the discomfort of dogs who are not digesting their food well without giving them large quantities of chemically created traditional medicines. 

    Due to its low phosphorus levels and palatability, green tripe is also a good food choice for dogs with chronic renal failure.  Many dogs with CRF are put on low or no protein, hard to digest, manufactured prescription diets and as a result, lose interest in their food.  Dogs rarely refuse tripe and its optimal phosphorus/calcium ratio, mid-level protein level and slightly acidic Ph make it a safe and effective food for them. 

    The pros certainly outweigh the cons when it comes to feeding raw green tripe - improved skin and coat, whiter teeth, healthier digestive system, improved eating habits for sick or picky dogs, and more energy.  The cons? Well, there's really only one and that's for us humans.  It's the smell.  Trust me, your dog won't mind that at all!   

 

Fireworks Got You Worried?

    Many pet owners I know have already begun to become fretful over the upcoming July 4th celebrations and how the prolonged loud noise activity adversely effects their dog or cat.   I'll share a few tips that will help encourage and support a calm state for your beloved companions.  

    First and foremost, you must maintain a calm and balanced presence for your pet.  They look to us for direction and read our body language and movements very well.  If your pet hides, let it.  I recommend checking that he or she is in a safe, secure place then it is best to leave them.  

    Secondly, some of you may use medications to help your pet through the noise and distress, others may have found compression shirts and herbal supplements work well.    Those who are using herbal tonics or flower essences, consider beginning to dose your pet at least 3-5 days ahead of expected firework displays.  This will help their bodies metabolize the herbs,  spreading them evenly throughout their systems.  

    My third suggestion is that you also look at supporting a calm nervous system through their diet.  This process does not necessitate the halting of medications and/or the nerve calming supplements you feed.  Nor does it mean that you must cook for your pet.  Awareness of the foods best suited to a calm mental state and those that may increase nervousness, is a helpful tool when reading pet food ingredient labels.  My knowledge in the subject is a product of working with the energy meridians of the body,  the regular use of homeopathy, and focused study in the fields of  Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda.  

~ Your pet will receive the most benefit from these foods when you begin feeding the diet change 10-14 days prior to a scheduled time of unusual upset and noise.  ~

Helpful, calming herbs include: 

chamomile flowers

lavender flowers

marshmallow root **use caution if using in diabetic pets as it may reduce blood sugar, requiring more frequent level checks**it also coats the stomach which may slow the metabolism of prescription drugs**

meadowsweet

passion flowers

valerian root

vervain

These ingredients may be blended or used individually to create a tea that can be added to drinking water or poured over meals.  There are some wonderful herbal tea blends on the market that contain these herbs.  They are handy helpers to keep in your pantry for yourself as well as your four legged companions.

Calming and cooling foods for your pets include:

egg

pork

turkey dark meat

sardine

whitefish

barley

rice

whole wheat

beets

carrots

celery

green beans

potato

spinach

yam

Avoid the following foods as they tend to increase nervousness and agitation:

chicken - both white and dark meats

turkey white meat

chicken or turkey liver

lamb

rabbit

salmon (this includes regular use of salmon oil - switch to coconut oil or olive oil for 14 days surrounding July 4th)

cabbage

corn

kale

    More pets are reported missing between July 2 and July 6th than at any other time of the year.  Please make sure your pets are safe and in a secure area.  Sudden booms and strong vibrations can cause pets to bolt away from their owners and homes.  Running scared, these pets often become lost and injured.  If you will be away from home, make considerations for the pet(s) you leave such as  playing classical, new age or  jazz music , provide an open crate with blankets, or leave a closet open for them to crawl into.  My uncle had a black lab, Ranger, whose safe place during thunderstorms and fireworks was the bath tub.  He placed a blanket and Ranger's favorite toy there in anticipation of the dog's needs.   

    By taking a few steps and expanding your knowledge base you and your beloved fur-friend will have a calmer Independence Day experience.  

Stay safe and be well.

Warm Day Cooldown

I enjoy finding unique ways to offer my pets refreshing treats on hot days.  

Here are some fun suggestions for your cat or dog.

    Cats
    Mix water with the liquid drained from a can of tuna, stir in a bit of organic catnip, then freeze in an ice cube tray.  The cubes make  fun toys that your cat may bat around.  I suggest giving this to your indoor kitty in a bathroom (even the bathtub!) so any defrosting mess is easily cleaned.  

        Dogs
       Mix low sodium organic chicken, beef, or vegetable stock 1:1 with filtered water.  Fill ice cube trays with the liquid then place pieces of dehydrated liver, tripe or jerky into each cube. 
Freeze until hard. Please keep an eye on your pet while she/he eats the cubes to prevent a choking incident.

     Chill those Kongs!  Fill an appropriate size Kong with a mix of wet and dry food, place in a plastic bag and freeze for 2-3 hours.  If you feed raw or homemade cooked meals, these work well as stuffing also.  When using their food, note how much you use and deduct that from the amount you feed them at mealtime.

    
    
 
 
    

K9 Heat Exhaustion

    Recognize the Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Your Dog

Dogs suffering from heat stroke will normally exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:

• Restlessness
• Panting
• Increased respiratory rate
• Increased heart rate
• Excess salivation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

As the symptoms progress and the dog’s body temperature increases, signs become even more serious.

• Weakness
• Staggering
• Gasping
• Gum color may become brick red, then purple or blue (cyanosis)
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

Treatment of Heat Exhaustion

If you believe your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion, seek veterinary care immediately even if your dog’s condition does not seem serious. Cool water can be used to begin to decrease his body temperature during the trip to the veterinarian. Towels can be soaked in cool water and used to cover your dog. You can also place the towels between his legs and across his neck. Do not use cold water or ice. This may make the situation worse.

Preventing Heat Exhaustion

In many cases, heat exhaustion is preventable.

• Never leave your dog untended in your car, even if the temperature is mild. In a locked car, the temperature can climb rapidly to a dangerous level. A cracked window will not prevent your dog from overheating and suffering heat stroke. Never assume your pet will be okay in the car for “just a minute” while you run into the store or attend another errand. An unexpected delay could endanger your dog’s life!
• Animals should have access to shade and fresh water while outdoors. If the temperature is very warm, outdoor access should be limited to short periods of time and the dog should be housed indoors.
• If your dog is working in warm weather, be prepared to offer him water at regular intervals and understand that he may drink more water than usual under these circumstances.
• Use caution with dogs that are obese, have respiratory difficulties, are geriatric or are otherwise unhealthy. These dogs may be more prone to heat exhaustion than other dogs.
• In addition, short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds of dogs are at higher risk of heat exhaustion than other breeds.

Important First Aid Information

    Stemming from my experience with the indirect poisoning of one of my dogs, I now keep activated charcoal in the house.  

  The curious nature of our best friends may put them in danger of being poisoned.

    Over 90 percent of poisonings occur in or around the home and may cause death or severe disability to victims.  It is imperative the treat the pet within one hour of the ingestion of the toxic substance with activated charcoal.  The charcoal will absorb the substance and prevent it from leaving the stomach and entering the body.

    Activated charcoal comes in powder, granules, liquid and tablets.  Personally, I have chosen to keep the liquid form on hand as it is the easiest for me to administer to the dogs and cats in my home.  When a pet ingests a poison, the activated charcoal is given orally to absorb the poison, medications or the other toxic substance and helps to prevent it from entering the pet's bloodstream and doing extensive harm.  Activated charcoal is made up of continuous layers of almost pure carbon that trap and absorb harmful substances in the stomach rendering them harmless.

ASPCA Poison Control for Animals

1 (888) 426-4435 - available 24/7

    If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned, remain calm and call the Animal Poison Control hotline immediately and give the representative the following information:

• Pet's age
• Pet's weight
• The type of poison or medication ingested (if known)
• Time ingestion occurred
• The specific symptoms you are witnessing
• Has your pet vomited?
• What other conditions does your pet have?

When seeking medical attention in the case of poisoning, I strongly urge you to first call the ASPCA Poison Control hotline BEFORE contacting your vet.  Many vet offices are very busy and your vet may not be able to speak with you immediately.  Every moment counts when treating poisoning victim.  After you have given your pet initial treatment, do contact your regular or local emergency vet office.

Activated Charcoal dosage guidelines:

Liquid (also known as "suspension") - dogs and cats, 5 - 10 ml per pound of body weight; horses or other large animals, 2 - 6 ml per pound

Granules - dogs and cats, 1 - 2 grams per pound; horses or other large animal, .35 - .9 grams per pound.  

(To make a thin suspension from granules, mix 1 portion of activated charcoal to 7 parts cold water, mixing vigorously for 30 seconds.)  

    

Spring Cleansing

    Spring is at our doorstep and as I begin work in my own garden and yard, I have been thinking about our pets' exposure to pesticides, poisons, and inorganic fertilizers.  While I strive to keep the areas around my home clear from such things, I know that my neighbors and the city grounds crews do not.  Last year while on a daily walk in the woods behind our home my border-aussie, Indie, suffered from indirect poisoning after he ingested a dead mouse that had eaten rodent bait.  I do not wish this experience on anyone and am using it as a catalyst to remind people about unforseen dangers, even within our familiar surroundings, that our dearest companions may encounter.

    Think about everything to which our pets are exposed.  Rolling on the grass at your favorite park or a relaxing on a chemically treated lawn is a good example.  During this seemingly innocuous respite, they are inhaling the fumes, rolling their skin on possibly irritating chemicals, and  if they nibble a few of those tender young shoots, the toxins are now in their bodies.  Laboratory studies show that a build-up of these toxins can be the root of a myriad of conditions and illnesses including rashes, skin and ear infections, nerve damage, birth defects, neurological disorders and some cancers.  The key to minimizing the damage from pesticides and other harmful chemicals is to help detoxify your pets' bodies. 

    The organ chiefly responsible for helping the body rid itself of toxins, is the liver.  The liver also produces proteins, bile which aids the digestion of fats, and glycogen, a starch analogue whose purpose is the storage of energy. 

    Every 6 months, a 4 week long liver detox is a beneficial plan for our canine and feline friends.  Most recommended by vets is the use of milk thistle.  Milk thistle has been used for hundreds of years to safely and effectively cleanse and repair the liver.

    Milk thistle is available in tincture and capsule form.  I find the tincture the easiest to dose and administer.  The dosage is calculated according to the pet's body weight: For cats: 1 drop per 2 pounds. It is recommended that you divide the dose for 2 or more administrations per day. For dogs:  1/4 teaspoon per 20 lbs, again divide the dose into 2 or 3 administrations per day.

*Please note that during this time, it is recommended that you do not feed your pet other supplements.  Continue giving other medications as prescribed.*

    Thoughtful daily liver support for your pets is quite easy.  There are some foods that are known to have a highly positive effect on the liver.  Lettuce, dandelion leaves, chamomile flowers, watercress, basil and tumeric promote bile floe.  The addition of one of more of these foods to your pet's daily diet will increase the effectiveness of this important organ.  The liver can be harmonized by adding raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to their meal once a day (1/4 tsp for cats and small dogs, 1/2 tsp for medium sized dogs, and 1 tsp for large dogs).  A naturopahtic vet that I have spoken with suggests that, provided your pet does not have diabetes, this may be done in 3-4 days intervals each month.  The addition of apple cider vinegar to your pet's diet has many benefits and I will share those in a later bog post.

    While the environmental toxic hazzards our pets encounter are often unavoidable, I believe we should minimize them and take action to support their health whenever possible.  After all, their presence in our lives has numerous benefits for our own health.  By caring for them, we care for ourselves.