Itchy Dog

Thousands of dogs scratch incessantly, chew their paws and engage in other destructive behaviors in order to attempt to ease skin discomfort caused by allergies. Conventional wisdom tells us to offer our furry friends antihistamines, medicated shampoos and steroids to ease their discomfort.

However, approaching this issue from the outside doesn't do as much good as we would like. We treat the symptoms and never address the root of the problem.

Cause and Effect

Itchy skin is symptomatic of the body's attempt to rid itself of disease and toxins. Our bodies and the bodies of our dogs attempt to 'store' disease or illness in the organs which aren't essential for life functions - and the skin is an ideal place for symptoms to fester, because the condition of the skin can deteriorate and become seriously damaged without too much danger to the major life support systems. Skin is the largest eliminative organ, and as such our dog's bodies attempt to utilize this organ to expunge most of the toxins our pets are exposed to.

And consider that our pets live on our floors, which are cleaned using dangerous chemicals (many of which have warning labels about skin exposure on the container!) and on our carpets many of which are made using chemicals, plastics and emit toxins. Many of our pets are fed processed diets and exposed to routine application of chemical pesticides. Our dogs are at snout level with the fumes emitted by cars, so urban dogs are constantly being directly exposed to car emissions. To top it all off, our dogs have become generationally more susceptible to allergens and toxins because we have exposed them to these toxins consistently through their lineage! No wonder itchy dogs are so prevalent!

A tangential note about multi-generational toxic exposure: Some pets are born with sensitivities because of how their parents and parent's parents were raised. For those pets, normal may never be perfect - but there is much to be done to reduce the symptoms for these pets. For animals in this situation, it is vital to reduce their overall toxic load.

It is important to understand that almost ALL skin issues are external manifestations of internal chronic disease (barring insect stings, contact with poisons, etc).

Re-thinking Allergies

I'd also like to propose shifting the way most of us conceive of allergies.

Allergies are NOT caused by an allergen, rather, when the immune system has become over reactive for one reason or another (see above!) and then is exposed to a substance, the otherwise harmless substance can cause the immune systems to react (or overreact) as if invaded by a toxin. You might have heard someone say they 'used' to be allergic to pollen/ nuts/ cats, etc. The body is capable of re-balancing itself when properly supported and the immune system can stop being hyper-reactive to a former allergen! It is sometimes possible to reverse the progression of the immune system's reaction to a substance, or at least, strengthen the immune system to minimize the affect that substance has on a pet's system.

Vaccines, poor diet, emotional stress and exposure to chemicals, poor air and other toxins are the major stimulus for causing the immune system to become overactive (especially vaccines!). Emotional stress also should not be overlooked and ensuring that your dog has clean water, plenty of exercise, love and affection can be very helpful.

The Solution

How to reverse or halt the progression of itchiness?

Diet is the foundation of health - but this is so much more crucial for dogs with skin symptoms.

Many of us feed out pets whatever is convenient and packaged and so long as they eat it, we continue to feed it. Unfortunately, the majority of dog foods contain grains, potatoes, corn and meat byproducts...(See the article Kibble Kills for a more in depth look at what packaged pet foods contain)...and our dogs are scavenger carnivores! So, while a scavenger will eat this so called 'food,' this is not the path to optimum health. Their systems are simply not designed to handle the digestion of grains, fruits and vegetables. A dog's digestive tract is primed to digest a raw meaty bone and offal based diet - and feeding against their nature destabilizes their sugar levels, instigating chronic inflammation, the over-production of internal yeast and other subtle processes not immediately visible to the pet's guardian. Over time, the destabilized sugar levels can cause a chronic systemic yeast infection, destabilizing and suppressing the immune system.

Unless a dog goes on a raw, unprocessed diet, carnivore specific diet - he will never be able to be fully relieved of his itching. A grain free diet may be able to provide some relief or slow down the progression of whatever imbalance exists, but sadly, feeding a dog with a sensitized immune system products other then that which he was designed to eat will not allow the system to re-balance itself.

There are some mild remedies that may sooth the dog as he transitions from a processed diet to a natural one. I recommend a consult with a veterinary naturopath to help determine some essential oils to use along with cool water rinses. Consulting with a traditional homeopath might help aid in finding some remedies to quell the itching...but skin itching is really only going to be healed through a raw diet, limiting toxic exposure in the household and the stopping of all use of cortisone and other symptom suppressants which merely serve to drive the illness deeper into the animal's system.

Resources:
Veterinary Naturopaths
Dr. Kim Bloomer
Dr. Jeannie Thomason

Sparkly Hound's Tooth

Recently, Louis and Ella Bean received a thorough dental cleaning - including scaling, polishing and detailed attention to their periodontal health. BUT - they didn't go under any risky, unnecessary anesthesia! They were wide awake the entire time. Houndstooth Non-Anesthetic Veterinary Dental Services provides thorough dental health care without anesthesia.

According to Louis and Ella Bean's dental technician, Kathy, one of the major reasons anesthesia usage for routine canine dental care has become commonplace, is due to the insurance policies for the veterinary practices. If a technician or vet gets bitten, the employee files for worker's compensation and the insurance has to pay! Well, given that many vet techs aren't trained in animal behavior, getting bitten was a typical occurrence before the implementation of standard anesthesia for dentals.

Insurance companies began to deny approval for insurance policies covering non-anesthetic dental procedures - and now it is the norm for dogs undergo unnecessary anesthesia for financial reasons that are separate and unrelated to the health of our companions. Many dogs and cats suffer unnecessary damage from the anesthesia and/ or equipment used during these procedures. The risks associated with anesthesia are simply best reserved for acute situations.

Of course, in cases where an extraction may be required or there is extreme periodontal disease, anesthetic dental care may be necessary - but Kathy has very successfully treated some extreme cases without the use of anesthesia. Her patience and ability to soothe the animals into a calm state is incredible. Click here to read some of those animal's stories. Kathy is even able to deep clean subgingivally (between the gums and the basal part of the crowns of the teeth) without the use of anesthesia.

Why Clean Your Hound's Teeth?

I actively promote the benefits of raw feeding, touting dental and periodontal health as one of the main reasons to feed your pet a natural, species appropriate diet...so why do my dogs need dental cleanings?

Well, I noticed Ella Bean was having some breath issues (don't mention it to her - she gets touchy on the subject) and that her gums were a little inflamed. I also noticed some tarter on some of her front teeth, especially where her teeth are crowded. I blogged about her puppy dental issues in my articles, A Stinky Tooth Fairy and A Stinky Tooth Fairy Part Deux - she retained almost all of her deciduous (baby) teeth and needed to have them pulled while she was being spayed. As she has morphed into a gorgeous full grown Bean, I noticed that her adult teeth, mostly the front ones, have come in crowded.

Kathy explained to me, while she expertly cleaned Ella's teeth and tended to her gums, that dogs have 42 teeth, just like wolves. As we humans bred dogs down into the desired sizes and shapes we now are familiar with, dogs retained this number of teeth. Ella Bean, like many other toy breeds, has a jaw that is simply too small to hold all those teeth! As such, teeth have crowd together forming some ideal zones for debris to get caught and plaque to form. Subsequently, the formation of plaque pockets in the gums begins the deterioration of dental health, marking the beginning of periodontal disease.

In order to maintain Miss. Bean's dental health, we are committed to a regular oral hygiene routine to care for her teeth and gums and regular cleanings (in addition to raw feeding, without which, she would be in seriously bad shape). With some diligent care and hard work, we can avoid progressive periodontal disease and the problems associated with it.

As for Louis, he had developed a tiny bit of plaque on a few back teeth and some minor deposits on a few front teeth. A quick (under five minute) teeth cleaning from Kathy revealed some plaque which was scraped and polished off and a lesson from Kathy on how I can maintain both dog's generally good dental health.

Some tips and tricks shared by Kathy:

Take a picture!
By photographing your dog's smile after their dental cleanings, you can compare their current state each month and make sure there aren't any changes during their home dental routine. If you notice any changes, it will be easier to address them early, rather then waiting until they progress.

Feed your dog a tooth friendly diet!
Whole foods (raw meaty bones such as backs and necks are ideal), which require chewing exercise the jaw and act as a natural floss.

Maintain a consistent oral care routine!
Based on the recommendations of your technician, you will be directed to wipe your dogs teeth, use a diluted Hydrogen Peroxide flush, or utilize other tools to maintain your dog's unique dental needs.

Have regular examinations by a veterinary dental technician!
Regular oral exams and cleanings can spot issues before they become problems, maintain oral health, and provide a baseline for future changes.

For more information, please visit www.houndstoothpetdental.com

Kibble Kills.

As one of the organizers of a dog meetup group, I am often asked, 'Which kibble do you recommend?' - My answer is always the same.

I don't!

Inevitably, the pet owner continues on, "OK....well, if you had to recommend a kibble, which one would it be?" - I respond that I simply cannot, in good faith, recommend a kibble to feed their dogs. I realize this is harsh. I realize people are regularly confused and grossed out by my feeding my dogs raw meaty bones and offal - though the same people are often impressed by my 3 pound Ella Bean, tearing through a chicken thigh!

I realize people ask me about kibble because their intentions are to provide their pets with optimum nutrition. They know that we are what we eat - and our pets are what they eat. However, the institution of 'no human food for pets' is so strong, that it has become against our cultural norm to provide an animal with fresh, whole foods - and what has become normal for companion animals and livestock, instead, is packaged feeds.

I thought that I would talk a little about why I cannot, in good faith, recommend kibble as a way of feeding our pets (aside from the whole scavenger-carnivore issue, which is another article for another day.)

Labeling

Many people who feed high quality and very expensive kibble point to the nutritional facts label as proof that their choice of kibble is a healthy diet.

That said, labeling is really confusing when it comes to understanding the quality of the food. There are factors beyond the actual ingredients and percentages in play here...for instance, the digestibility of a given ingredient. Each protein may comprise an ideal protein percentage in the food, but the digestibility of that protein varies with its source. Some proteins, like chicken feathers or horse and cattle hair (often rendered into feed) are high in protein, but nearly impossible for the body to break down. So, even if your label says xx% of protein is included in their super, fantastic kibble, it may not be a highly digestible protein. Manufacturers are only required to list the crude protein content, rather then the percent your pet can actually digest and use.

By-Products

One of the ugliest parts of the pet food industry....by-products. The term 'meat by-products' can - and do - include the most disgusting of animal parts. I'll be brief. Meat by-products, can - and do - include connective tissues, leather, fecal waste from farm animals, tendons, and hair or feathers (Pitcarin, pg. 11).

The same is true for fish-meal, lamb-meal, poultry-meal or chicken-meal. These 'meals' are the absolute least nutritious and the cheapest protein sources. These are the left-overs from the meat industry.

There is also evidence to suggest that even in pet foods containing 'fresh, real meat' - that this may not be the good stuff. It is also important to note that there are no legal standards for using the term 'organic' in pet food.

Dr. Pitcarin's book, The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, cites a source who witnessed firsthand the USDA Inspectors trimming the diseased and rotting parts of chickens off the animals and dropping them into garbage cans - and the contents of those cans was transported directly to a pet food factory (Pitcarin, pg. 17). Legally, this can still be advertised as yummy, fresh meat in your pet's food.

Ann Martin's book, Food Pets Die For, provides considerable evidence that another regular protein source for pet food is euthanized dogs and cats (Martin, pg. 17). Martin's evidence comes directly from the source - carcasses are transported directly from veterinary clinics and shelters to rendering plants and used by pet food companies.

This is all perfectly legally. There are no laws to mandate how companion animals are to be disposed of. For more detailed information on this issue, I suggest Ann Martin's book, Food Pets Die For. It's an eye opening, well researched and rather quick read.

In order to sterilize the proteins before adding them to pet feed, the sources are exposed to high temperatures over a prolonged period of time. Even if a protein starts off from a nice fresh, clean cut of meat, the heat causes the proteins to form compounds that cannot be broken down by the body's digestive enzymes. Given that a dog's digestive tract is designed to break down raw food sources, these cooked products are incompatible with an animal's digestive tract, leaving the feed mostly useless in providing adequate nutrition.

Pet food companies choose the cheapest food sources to generate the required protein, fats, fiber and carb contents in their kibble. Many times the cheapest sources are barely edible, much less nutritious. According to Dr. Pitcarin, "...one veterinarian concocted a product containing the same composition of the basic proteins, fats and carbohydrates as a common brand of dog food by using old leather shoes, crankcase oil, and wood shavings," (Pitcarin, pg. 12).

If you insist on feeding kibble, be especially concerned with generic labeling terms like meal, bone meal, meat by-products (includes poultry and fish), meat by-product meal (includes poultry and fish), and digest.

Additives

Chemical additives and artificial coloring in pet food are another major cause for concern. Again, these are either not regulated for safety or regulated in extremely limited ways. Additives are used as binding agents, to create a desired consistency to the product, preserve the product for long periods of time and sweeteners to make the food more 'desirable' to the pet. Many of these preservatives and additives, such as Ethoxyquin and Butylated hydroxytoulene (BHT) are known carcinogens and toxins. Fed over multiple generations, health issues such as lethargy, behavioral problems, allergies, cancers and chronic digestive conditions present themselves at earlier and earlier ages in our pets. Our conventional veterinarians then 'treat' these illnesses with even more chemicals to suppress the symptoms, rather then heal the pet.

My veterinary acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner was giving Ella Bean her yearly wellness check when she told me that she had seen people who were severely allergic to dogs not present any allergy symptoms in the presence of multi-generational raw fed, un-vaccinated dogs. The dander that our pets shed when their systems are polluted with this chemical stew affects human health as well as pet health.

Whole Foods

We are taught, in order to be healthy humans, we must eat a variety of whole foods. We have our food pyramid, with all the components required to optimize our own nutrition and well-being. Nowhere on this food pyramid is 'packaged meals.'

Pet food is a packaged meal, meant to satisfy every nutrition requirement and take the 'guess work' out of feeding your pet. This is an act of convenience. I can't blame people! In this busy world, preparing another meal for the four legged family members is a chore and extra work at the end or start of a long day. I take the time to consider the health effects of feeding convenience foods filled with waste and byproducts and it's not too hard to motivate myself to chop up a chicken. And honestly, once you get the hang of it, taking control of your pet's diet is actually easier than a human diet; by design, dogs need prey to eat and ingest, ideally a whole (or close to whole) carcass with offal (organ meats) and meaty bones!

We, as consumers have been trained not to feed our pets 'people food.' In a recent survey I took online, I was asked what percentage of my dog's diets comprised of 'people-food' and my answer of 'all or most' ended up resulting in a very low score for my pet's health! Kind of funny, considering how my dogs are thriving!

So, what is it in a 'whole food' that makes it so nutritious?

Life!

It sounds bogus to many of us raised in a culture of instant gratification and processed human foods, but many scientists are starting to prove that an energy field exists around living things and fresh, raw foods. Throughout history, this energy field has been used in the healing principles behind homeopathy and acupuncture. This 'energy field' has now been successfully documented by scientists in photographs. We are still learning what this means, but there is a great deal of evidence that eating 'live' foods promotes much greater health benefits than eating cooked and processed foods.

Kibble is 'de-natured' - that is to say, the 'nature' and life force have been removed. The 'food' is dead. It is contaminated with rancid protein sources, synthetic chemical additives, chemical coloring and flavorings and is essentially the least natural way to eat that could be!

On Animal Talk Naturally, a podcast on natural dog health, veterinarian Dr. Hugh Bassham recently spoke to this subject - and how 'living' foods promote health. You can listen to this podcast by clicking here.

Un-Learn What You Think You Know!

There is a process of 'un-learning' what we have been taught by veterinarians and the pet food industry. We must 'un-learn' that we are too incompetent to feed our pets, that every meal must be balanced and complete (as discussed above, that balanced and complete label is fairly meaningless). An instant diet that is labeled 'free of additives' or 'natural' is still simply cooked nuggets with little to no nutritious value!

When I say 'Kibble Kills' - I don't mean that lightly. There is almost no nutritious value from which animals derive from packaged feed, kibble or canned food. Our pets are dying younger and younger and presenting with degenerative illnesses that are more complex then ever before - causing inordinate amounts of suffering. There is simply no reason for this! This is not normal.

This descent into illness is not a result of 'purebred' breeding. Responsible, natural rearing breeders have lines of purebred dogs who do not present breed specific degenerative illness! I personally know a Boston Terrier breeder and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeder who have achieved such a feat. Both women know that their dogs' wellness doesn't come from a box, bag or can. The myth that mixed breeds are healthier is being debunked as well. The healthiest dogs are cared for according to their carnivorous nature.

Choosing to feed your pets - and yourself - a diet comprised of unprocessed foods is the first step toward living healthy. Add in fresh air, clean water and plenty of exercise and both you and your pet are on a path to overall wellness.

With some effort and research on the part of dog guardians, feeding according to a pet's nature needn't be a costly endeavor. There are plenty of ways to save time and economize, while still providing your pet with optimum nutrition. Consider making a change - the guardians of so many pets who thrive on raw meaty bone diets can attest to the benefits. Your pet depends on you to decide what he eats - don't let the pet food or veterinary industries decide for you.

For more information on this topic, Animal Talk Naturally's show, Kibble is Kibble is Kibble, Naturally, is available for you to download to your iPod or MP3 Player, by clicking here.

References

Dr. Richard H. Pitcarin and Susan Pitcarin, Dr. Pitcarin's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, Rodale Publishing, 2005.

Anne M. Martin, Food Pets Die For, New Sage Press, 2003.

The Better to Hear You With...

The canine ear is a remarkable part of a dog's remarkable anatomy. I learned a lot about it after practically having a standing appointment at the vet’s office to deal with Louis’ chronic ear infections, as a puppy, prior to starting a raw diet.

According to Monika Wegler’s book, Dogs: How to Take Care of Them and Understand Them, “Dogs hear high tones in particular much better than humans do. Humans can pick up an average of 20,000 acoustic vibrations per second (kHz), whereas a dog is able to perceive between 40,000 and 100,000 vibrations.”

I don’t understand much of this hullabaloo about acoustic vibrations and frequencies, but I can garner the essence of the above statement: dogs hear a lot better then we do. So, if you need to yell at your dog in order for him to pay attention, you should probably work on your relationship. He can hear you when you whisper - you don’t need to yell. Think about that…

In addition to hearing better then us, their ears are anatomically different then our. Our ears each have a mere one compartment, theirs have two! The following description comes from Dr. Dennis W. Thomas’s article An Ear Full of Auditory Advice (which you can read in its entirety by clicking here).

Beginning at the opening of the ear canal, the vertical canal travels downward towards the dog’s jaw. Then it makes a 45 degree turn and travels horizontally towards the ear drum. This makes visualization and treatment of the entire canal more difficult. Also, as a rule, most breeds have a much longer ear canal than humans. These differences predispose the dog’s ear to infection as well as make treatment more difficult.

Apparently, breeds with pendulous ears, like my little monster, are far more susceptible to ear infections then those breeds with upright ears. This is mostly because those adorable floppy ears act like trap doors for moisture, yeast and other culprits. But before we all run out and crop our dogs ears, problems can happen to any dog (for instance you wrinkly dog lovers should know that your dog’s ear canals are probably wrinkly as well and those beasts with super hairy ears, beware!)

There are a zillion culprits that can affect your dog’s ears. These issues can stem from foreign objects, yeast, mites, oil secretion differences, dermatological issues, allergies - the list goes on and on.

A good habit to get into is a routine ear hygiene regimen. I know what you are thinking - feeding, walking, trips to the vet, baths, playtime, etc. With all the care these guys require, it should be a full time paying job to care for them. The fact is, when we take it upon ourselves to add any members to our household, it is our duty to give them the best care we can. Especially in the case of our family members who cannot speak up for their needs, we must be diligent in the care we provide for them.

This does not mean waiting until there is a problem and running Spot to the vet. Ear cleaning takes all of a minute, once your dog gets used to it, and it can be a nice relaxing and bonding experience. Additionally, even with Louis’ floppy ears, cleaning two times a week, after baths and if its raining out is sufficient. That's about 5 minutes a week, in total. Another benefit of ear cleaning is that you become familiar with your dog’s ear anatomy and what is normal for him as far as color, temperature, texture, etc. You will be aware of any changes and can act before serious issues arise.

Louis chronic ear infections started during his first summer, as the heat and humidity, coupled with a poorly functioning immune system, created a literal yeasty breeding ground in his floppy ears.

This story is from before my journey to holistic health and my previous vet attempted to treat Louis, unsuccessfully and recommended an ear cleaner sold in her office. The treatment dried out his ears, but what made the situation worse was the cleaner. His skin redder then ever and skin was literally peeling off from his ears, inside and outside. Upon closer inspection, I found the cleaner was made from over 50% rubbing alcohol. On a superficial note, the cucumber melon scent was awful and the product made his hair all greasy. I would never apply anything with 50% alcohol to my own body, so I certainly wouldn’t want to do that to Louis.

I decided to try something else. I found Halo’s Natural Herbal Ear Wash at Whole Foods. As things couldn’t get much worse, I decided to give it a go.

According to Halo’s website:

• A full strength blend of herbs in a base of witch hazel
• Can be used for any problem ear condition, heals any kind of infection or abrasion
• Works on contact, is very gentle and is never greasy

Description: The most effective ear solution available today is great for ANY problem ear condition. This soothing blend of herbal extracts (in a witch hazel base)gently eliminates ear wax, odors, prevents infections, heals abrasions, and promotes healthy new cell formation. Natural Herbal Ear Wash is never greasy and always easy to use. Enjoyed by pets and pet lovers everywhere.

My review - it smells nice and fresh, doesn’t affect the texture of his fur and leaves his ears fresh and soothed. I can tell he enjoys cleaning time. (After cleaning he writhes and rolls along the floor, trying to get all the moisture out, but its cute!)

The one caveat: be sure to buy a nasal aspirator (they sell them for babies) with a bulb for application. The bottle recommends ‘pouring 1/2 to a capful’ in the ear. You will get the product all over yourself and your dog’s face. That doesn’t work. The aspirator makes things simple. Be sure to give your dog a nice ear massage to work the product into the canal and relax him. You’ll hear it kind of sloshing around in there if you have done it right. Keep your aspirator clean.

Louis has not had an ear infection in over a year and a half. If you are interested, there are some sites on the Internet that list recipes you can make yourself that are similar to Halo’s product, but I admit that I am searching for a little convenience in the sea of care I give to Louis. Call your vet if you think there is anything wrong with your dog and don’t forget to clean his ears.

Not to totally restate what I write in every other post...(but, its my blog, so I can write what I want too) but ear infections and systemic yeast infections in particular are all to common in our pets due to kibble diets, overvaccination, ect. Yeast infections are the result of a common organism that lives in the gut going into overdrive. Antibiotics, stress and poor diet can throw the system out of balance and cause this fungus to go into overdrive causing systemic yeast infections throughout the body. Paw chewing, irritated underarms, itchy inner thighs and a host of other issues are directly related to an over abundance of yeast. Yeasty bodies have a very distinct smell and many people just think this is a 'doggy odor,' but I can assure you, this is NOT normal and proper nutrition and care go a long way toward eliminating itchies!

Another substantial reason to keep your pet on a diet of raw meaty bones and offal! Stave off the yeast to keep those ears happy!

Visit www.halopets.com for more information on Halo's Natural Herbal Ear Wash.

Available at select Whole Foods locations. Visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com to find the closest location to you.

Adventures in Doggy Hypochondria

A rousing trail walk through Rock Creek Park a week and a half ago was great fun. Louis leaped into the creek, fearless of the water and I was so proud to see my 13 pound guy act like a 'real dog.'

Upon arriving home, I noticed what I thought was a big bite on his left side, behind his ear. I treated it using Calendula, an herbal anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial derived from the Pot Marigold plant. I gave him some extra Vitamin C, also a natural anti-inflammatory and antihistimine to ease the itching and applied some Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils.

Oddly, his 'bite' did not heal. It seemed to spread. Three days passed and the entire side of his neck was covered!

I was seriously concerned, as the methods I employed should have been sufficient for the type of bite or rash I thought I was seeing. So, of course, I panicked. Its 11:00 on Saturday night (last week), the vet's offices are all closed and I am convincing myself my dog has somehow contracted Demodectic or Sarcoptic Mange.

I decide that yes, this is in fact, mange and I need a skin scrape done now in order to determine my next course of action. Never mind that these types of mange are contagious and neither Ella Bean or I have presented with so much as an itch, never mind that the pictures of mange delivered by doing a Google Image Search return results looking nothing like Louis, I am, at this moment, certain that microscopic mites are burrowing into my dogs skin, breeding and infesting him.

I haul a kind and patient family member out of bed, convinced them to drive across state lines to drive us to the emergency vet (my car is, of course, in the shop). I drag my sleeping dog out of bed, barge through the double doors and present him at the emergency vet reception station and proclaim, 'My dog has Sarcoptic Mange. I need a skin scrape!' The receptionist takes a look at my dog, squinting at the red, inflamed rash on my dogs neck, all the while his tail wagging and replies, "Your dog does NOT look like he has mange. Let me get your information and the vet will see you shortly."

My mind is racing. I need to somehow, receive diagnostics while rejecting the use of the vet's conventional methods - no antibiotics, no chemical pesticides to kill off mites...In short, nothing 'unnatural.' For those who followed The Poop Chronicles, you will know I have struggled to get Louis' digestive tract balanced and healthy, after gastritis and conventional treatments for doggy diarrhea did far more harm then good. I am all too aware of the side effects of antibiotics, anti-fungals, steroids and other conventional treatments. I am all too aware of the damage they do.

When we are led into the vet's office, I am presented with the standard series of questions.

Vet: What do you feed?

Me: Raw, meaty bones and offal. Dogs are scavenger carnivores. Real food doesn't come in a bag or can. You are what you eat, you know.

(Vet raises an eyebrow)

Vet: When were his last vaccines?

Me: You mean when was the last time I injected modified live or live or even killed disease, adjuvants and other poisons directly into my dog's bloodstream? I don't do that.

(Vet is looking increasingly concerned)

Vet: Do you use monthly flea and tick prevention?

Me: You mean chemical pesticides? No. We adhere to a complete wellness lifestyle.

(Family member buries head in hands, face red with embarrassment)

Vet: I don't know what that means. How do you keep the fleas and ticks away?

Me: (growing impatient at this point) Parasites and pests avoid strong immune systems. They make poor hosts. By feeding a species appropriate diet and supplementing with Diatomaceous Earth, my dog has never had an issue with fleas or ticks.

Vet: Well, wouldn't theory imply that your dog would make a poor host for mange? Clearly you know about dog health. You even said fleas and ticks stay away from your dog! I am having a hard time understanding why you think your dog has mange, especially if no other dog he lives with or has been in contact with is showing any symptoms...and frankly, his only symptom is a little rash!

At this point, its my turn to shut up and listen. This vet makes an excellent point. Little Ella Bean is picture perfect healthy and I haven't seen any signs of itchiness on her...and how could my Louis, with his healthy bright eyes, shiny coat and playful disposition be the carrier of a mite which would render him so uncomfortable, he would be whining and miserable? Not, as he is at that moment, wagging his tail incessantly and giddily trying to lick the vet's mouth.

Me: You know...you are right...I just feel like I need a vet to look at this under a microscope and give me a diagnosis. I don't need your medicine, whatever it is, I can treat it naturally with my Holistic Vet. Can you help?

The vet agrees to do a skin scrape and even agrees to allow me back with her and Louis for the procedure, so I can observe that nothing I do not directly approve of is administered to my dog. She rolls her eyes, but agrees to play along with my insanity.

The skin scrape, of course was unremarkable and the vet determines that this rash was probably a secondary infection from scratching a bite or allergen or maybe a fungal infection. Without an expensive and time consuming skin culture, there is no way to tell. I sigh in relief. No mange.

The vet starts telling me that she recommends that I put him on an anti-fungal and anti-biotic, immediately. She offers a steroid for the itching. She seems to know, even as she is listing off her solutions, that I will refuse. I politely say 'No thanks, I'd rather handle this naturally.'

She asks, "Just out of curiosity, what does that mean?"

I reply that we will be using Colloidal Silver, a natural antibiotic and anti-fungal.

According to Dr. Jeannie Thomason, "The presence of ionic or colloidal silver near a virus, fungus, bacterium or any other single celled pathogen disables its oxygen metabolism enzyme, its chemical lung, so to say. Within a few minutes, the pathogen suffocates and dies, and is cleared out of the body by the immune, lymphatic and elimination systems. Unlike pharmaceutical antibiotics, which destroy beneficial enzymes, colloidal or ionic silver leaves these tissue-cell enzymes intact, as they are radically different from the enzymes of primitive single-celled life."

I also used Colustrum, a powerful immune system booster. I say to the vet, "Don't worry, I will contact our vet. She'll be monitoring him." The emergency vet looks somewhat relieved that this layperson won't be playing 'vet' on her own and my tired family member kind of shrugs at the vet, as if to say, "I think she is nuts, too."

Had I jumped to the antibiotics and steroids, I would have been pushing Louis' symptoms deeper into his system, a major cause of chronic illness. Antibiotics kill off good and bad bacteria in the digestive tract, rendering a dog's immune system further compromised. Antibiotics can often cause severe stomach upset and diarrhea and furthermore, excessive use of antibiotics renders them ineffective should we ever need to use an antibiotic in a life threatening situation.

One week later, we saw our own holistic vet, Dr. Pema at Veterinary Holistic Care. Louis' rash is all but gone, the dry skin and my hasty haircut around the site are the only remnants of this ordeal. She looks him over and informs me that I did the right thing, and it seems to be taken care of. I tell her about my adventure at the Veterinary E.R. and she laughs, knowingly. She doesn't think I sounds crazy, in fact, she was seemed pleased I was so adamant about my beliefs and that I didn't sway under fear based pressure. Many of the most devout natural caretakers often concede their practices in the face of 'infection'.

She explains that because Louis is not from a multiple generation raw fed, vaccine free lineage, even doing everything 'naturally' may not be enough to ward off all allergens. (Mental note: future dogs must be from Naturally Reared lineage!) She thinks that an inhaled irritant, like pollen or grass caused the itching, and sharp nails opened his skin, continued scratching caused an infection...and so on. She says he looks so much better then the ER report had indicated he would and that my natural protocol had worked. He looks great. If it happens again, we can use some herbal supplements to help support him, or I can use the same protocol. Either way works.

Do I think 'conventional' vets are evil? No. And, I do believe in conventional medicine - in conjunction with a species appropriate diet and wellness and natural medicine. Conventional medicine can be lifesaving and when used appropriately, animals who are attacked, injured or contract life threatening illness have a chance. Both modalities have their place, but for me and my dogs, I'll stick to my natural guns.

Flea Flees, continued...

The Dangers of Pesticide Application and the Pests Themselves

Following up on yesterday's post, Flee Fleas!, I wanted to be sure to give and overview of the health ramifications of the fleas and ticks themselves - in addition to the risks of using pesticides as a method of 'prevention'.

Fleas can cause a variety of illness, beyond the annoyance of their presence. Each flea bite instigates minor irritation and some pets develop an allergy to their saliva, resulting in flea allergy dermatitis, which can result in horrible itching, discomfort along with hair loss and and a variety of other skin problems including redness and scabs. In addition, fleas are often associated with tapeworm. When a dog grooms himself, he may ingest a flea carrying tapeworm larvae and the tapeworm will continue to grow in the dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Fleas also can cause flea bite anemia in tiny dogs and puppies. When many fleas feed on a small pup, significant enough blood loss can occur that may require veterinary intervention.

Ticks present a plethora of degenerative illness. Ticks make their way through Fluffy’s coat, dig their heads under the skin and gorge themselves on your pet’s blood. The most common tick bourne illnesses are Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Basesiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Click here to find out which tick bourne illnesses are most common in your area. Be sure to be as diligent in checking yourself and family members for ticks if you find one on your pet and/ or live in a high risk area. It takes 24-48 hours for a tick to transmit disease, so your best disease prevention tactic is to be performing thorough daily checks. If you find a tick, and you are concerned, a good way to determine your dog's risk of disease is to safely remove the tick, pop it in a plastic vial and bring it to your vet for a lab analysis to see what, if any diseases it may be carrying.

Knowing the risks of these pests, I still avidly promote the use of natural flea and tick prevention and care. Consistent use of pesticide application on our pets to control flea and tick infestations are as dangerous as the pests themselves. These health risks are not limited to our pets. Poisonous to the touch, friends and family members giving their dog physical affection are unknowingly ingesting these toxins through their skin. Children are at a much higher risk, as their bodies and nervous systems are still developing and exposure to these pesticides can create risks for acute poisoning.

According to Rose Marie William’s article on BNet,

“Pesticides are neurotoxins that destroy and target pest’s nervous system, promoting an early death. Nerve gases were originally developed during WWII to use against the enemy. At the conclusion of the war, chemical companies were left with stockpiles of these toxins, and peacetime uses were sought…Little or no thought was given to health and environmental consequences and thousands of products were introduced before the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was instated.

Two-thirds of flea pesticides are neurotoxic, some are capable of reproductive damage in lab tests, and the EPA lists approximately one-half as carcinogenic,” (Williams, Safe Flea Control & Organic Labeling - Health Risks and Environmental Issues).

While ineffective against the flea cycle, pet owners spend millions on pest control, unknowingly bringing chemicals into their home that are highly toxic to their pet’s nervous system, seeping into the animals skin, poisoning them through their eyes and nose, permeating into their lungs, heart, liver, kidneys and bloodstream. Dogs who are consistently exposed to these chemicals can suffer from a variety of health repercussions. Exposure often results in immediate or long term disease responses. Common amongst those responses are allergies, respiratory problems, trembling, seizures, vomiting and diarrhea. These may seem unrelated to the pesticide application, but read the packaging carefully. The list of side effects is long. The 'hazard' warnings concerning human contact with these chemicals are dire. Yet we go ahead and apply this stuff directly to the skin of our pets - because it comes from a licensed health practitioner. Therefore, it must be safe...Think again! The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published their concerns a month ago, in an article titled Increased Scrutiny of Flea and Tick Control Products for Pets.

Chronic illness rates are on the rise amongst our pets, as each generation of dogs is systemically exposed to stronger and more potent chemicals (in addition to effects of over-vaccination and commercially prepared, chemical laden diets). Many allergy sufferers derive long term benefits from stopping chemical exposure and allowing the system to heal.

In response to consistent exposure to flea and tick preventative, the flea has a longer life cycle then ever before and is able to thrive in conditions once known to kill them. Responding to the more persistent nature of the pest’s, the multi-million dollar industry of pet pesticides has had to use ever stronger chemicals to eradicate them.

In my first post on the subject, Flee Fleas!, I discuss how I go about controlling fleas and ticks without the use of pesticides. While researching the topic, I found a plethora of information available with plenty more suggestions on how to do so.

It is becoming increasingly obvious to consumers that pesticide application is compromising the health of our pets, yet veterinarians, those who are supposed to be looking out for Fido and Fluffy’s best interest, continue to push prescription pesticide products, luring pet parents into a false sense of security regarding their pet's health. In taking on the responsibility of pet guardianship, we also assume responsibility to think outside of medical conventions, which are all too often based on precedent, not on the efficacious ability to prevent disease.

The National Resources Defense Council has published a highly informative article on the risks of flea and tick preventatives, for more information on the topic.

It is time for responsible pet owners to look beyond the industries and individuals who push these products and decide for themselves if they will pay for expensive pesticide products - in addition to the emotional and financial cost of veterinary care that their pets will need from exposure to chemicals. Diligent prevention and care of your pet will be more effective then any chemical pesticide.

Flee Fleas!

How to Avoid Pest Infestation, Naturally

I do not use prescription or chemical flea and tick control. I live in Washington D.C., one of the ‘riskiest’ places for fleas and ticks in the spring and summer.

In the “puppy packs” that I received from my vet when I got Louis and adopted Ella, there it was, Frontline, with pamphlets to emphasize the importance of flea and tick control and the havoc that these pests can wreak on a dog’s health. Those scare tactics work. I was scared - so scared that I gave Louis an application of the stuff right after his puppy checkup, 48 hours after he arrived at his new home. (Is fear-mongering the best reason to use a product? I don't think so. Its a sales tactic!)

I hated the toxic smell and the oily residue it left on Louis’ coat. I hated that he fervently scratched at the application area for the next month. The packaging said to avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing and wash my hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the product.

OK, so am I just not supposed to touch my beloved puppy???

This is a pesticide. Would you apply a pesticide to your own skin???? Didn’t think so. I tossed the next month’s application in the trash. It wasn’t easy. I was blatantly ignoring a veterinarian’s advice. What kind of mom ignores a doctor’s advice? Ultimately, I felt I had to trust my gut instinct. This was a few months before my holistic education began, and often this is the type of event that leads pet owners down a holistic path.

Flea and tick prevention is not easy. It is a struggle for every pet owner, especially in warmer climates and during the summer when it is most fun to be outdoors with your pal. The truth is, I meet people all the time who tell me, “I use (insert choice of prescription pesticide here), every month like my vet said too, but Fluffy still has fleas and ticks!

Yeah, these products don’t completely protect your pets. Stinks, but its just another myth in the million dollar industry of dogs, flea and ticks. So, before I get into the health ramifications of applying a pesticide monthly directly to Fluffy’s skin, let me please say that even if you choose to use a veterinarian prescribed or over the counter flea and tick pesticide, you still have your work cut out for you. Nothing is as foolproof as being a proactive pet owner.

Owning a dog is a lot of work. Bearing in mind that my dogs weigh in together at a total of maybe 18 pounds, I am respectful of those who choose to parent Louis and Ella’s large breed cousins. Big dogs are awesome! But, they also need a lot more time invested in controlling fleas and ticks. Make sure you are ready for the commitment the dogs you own require, be they big, tiny, hairy or hairless, its a lot of work.

Since abandoning the standard flea and tick prevention route, I have taken on a routine that has kept my pups relatively problem free.

First off, please note that fleas and ticks are far more likely to infest the immune deficient pet. Your pet is likely to be immune deficient if he is eating a commercially prepared, chemical laden diet, if he is subject to routine vaccination, if he is in poor mental health or is neglected in any way. Unfortunately, any one of these descriptions are true of most pets. Flea and tick infestations are indicative of immune and vitamin deficiency and any infestation should be ample warning that your pet has an underlying health problem that will continue to progress without care.

The first step to being flea free is nutrition. Feeding a whole diet that is fresh, natural and chemical free is the beginning. These products are beginning to become increasingly present in retail venues, making them easier to obtain then ever. Don’t rely on the packaging to tell you that the food is natural, look at the ingredients. Is there real meat and offal instead of byproducts and wheat gluten? Read up on animal nutrition. The book, Whole Health for Happy Dogs: A Natural Health Handbook for Dogs and Their Owners contains the gold standard in what to look for as far as natural health for your pet. It is easy to understand for beginners and is extremely valuable in easily understanding natural pet health. The book also offers insight into raw feeding and is conscientious while describing the how-to's and rewards.

I am a raw feeder. The immunity benefits of raw feeding have been tremendous for my dogs. In addition, I use supplements catered to their specific needs. I use an enzyme supplement, so the dog’s derive the maximum health benefits from their food. I use a high quality Wild Salmon oil to promote skin and coat health, but the real benefit of the oil are the Omega-3s that promote immunity and overall well being. I also use an all around natural immunity booster called Pawier. Supplements such as Brewer's yeast that make the blood of your pet unpalatable to pests. Our pals over at PuppyLuv make a delish doggie treat containing Brewer's Yeast!

Don’t forget to stay calm and happy in your own life, as your stress and struggles are obvious to your dog and when he picks up on that and is subjected to it in extremes or over a long period of time, his immunity will be compromised. Dogs are exceptionally tuned into their pack or family. Louis had a tick hop on him (removed promptly, before he began feasting), had some diarrhea and a sore on his ear while I was in the thick of my move to D.C. He had taken on my stress and fears, resulting in compromised immune function. Louis’ doctor’s prescription was for me to practice relaxation and meditation techniques with Louis in the room or on my lap. All that was unwell has resolved, for us both! Simple and inexpensive!

The second step (in my home) to a flea free friend is frequent bathing. I aim for twice a week and up to four times a week in hot weather, more often if anything buggy has arrived. I know people say over washing dogs can lead to dry skin, but with proper nutrition and a gentle shampoo and good conditioner that contains skin soothing ingredients, I have not had any problems. A serious scrub with warm water kills fleas, removes their eggs and often reveals ticks that have latched on. If I see a flea or tick on one of my dogs, we head straight for the shower. I am not going to lie - sometimes its a pain to do this, but imagine the fleas or ticks in your bed at night or crawling onto your skin while you give your dog hugs and affection. That is enough to motivate me to get scrub happy. If that's still not enough, check out that gross picture of the flea I have included. Eww.

If you are not using any homeopathic remedies, and you are having serious and consistent problems controlling the issue, you can use a product containing essential oils that are unfriendly to fleas and ticks. Some of these may include tea tree oil, pennyroyal, eucalyptus, cedarwood, sage or citronella. There are other oils that I know I have left out. It is important to ensure your Essential Oils are of therapeutic grade, so that they are the most effective.

My next step is going to seriously make you think I am completely neurotic. Each night before bed, I comb both dogs out with a flea comb. Everywhere. Leave no ear unturned and no paw un-lifted. Examine your fur kid as often as possible, even if in the context of playtime or belly rubs, poke around and make sure he is flea free. Make sure to diligently check in areas that are warmer, like the sensitive and vulnerable ears, his adorable belly, around his tail and the inside or outside of his thighs. These are common places for pests to take up residence. For darker dogs, like Louis, I use a really bright flashlight as I am combing to make sure I am seeing everything. Its easy to perform this ritual while watching evening T.V. shows or relaxing in the living room with your dog.

Some of my holistic minded friends use natural repellent sprays, comprised of Essential Oil blends before each trip outside. These essential oils that render the dog undesirable to pests. This is another great option for big and or really hairy dogs. Spritz ‘em down! Again, if you are using any homeopathic remedies, your practitioner or guide will advise against this, as essential oils may disrupt the remedy’s process of stimulating natural healing.

Do not use essential oils or the suggested supplements on cats without consulting someone well versed in natural cat care. They have different flea and tick needs - there are plenty of great natural cat rearing resources on the internet and at your bookstore.

This is the advice I dole out to dog owners. Between living in sunny south Florida, and the hevaily wooded tick laden woods in Washington D.C., with regular walks, romps through the park, and year round flea/tick presence, I have only ever found three ticks on Louis. Only one of them had attached and begun to burrow, and this was during the period while I was transitioning his diet to raw meaty bones. The other two were just hanging out, pretty bummed that they hopped on a guy who was to healthy and un-tasty to snack on!

I have yet to have a flea infestation. I have found “flea dirt” (bits of dried blood from flea excretion), so Louis and Ella Bean have been bitten, but those pesky fleas didn’t hang around. A good week of scrubbing every other day terminated the problem.

Finally, frequent vacuuming and cleaning of carpets, floors, upholstered furnishings and all bedding will kill anything that fell off your pet. Some people soak a cotton ball in Tea Tree oil and plop it into the vacum cleaner's collection bag to kill any pests that get vacumed up. Added benefit - this also smells nice! One flea on your dog can mean about thirty fleas are in the house. Sick! Be conscious of using non-toxic cleaning products to eliminate unnecessary exposure to chemicals, which may compromise both his and your immune system.

I realize this is all very time consuming. Assuming responsibility for a pet means a huge lifestyle change. As with children, we are the ones responsible for our pet’s health and well being. Its not easy being covered in fur! All kinds of things can get hidden in there. Its up to us to check it out.

There is plenty more to say on the subject and I will be following up with information about why fleas and ticks are dangerous, the health risks associated with these icky creatures and the risks associated with the standard pesticide pest controls. Fleas and ticks needn’t keep our dogs from enjoying a fulfilling outdoor life.

Responsible pet ownership is multi-faceted and each dog has his or her own unique set of needs. Getting to know your pet is ultimately the best thing you can do, know his needs, moods, likes and dislikes. Each dog, like us is an individual and when treated as such, its a safe bet that at the end of your leash is a dog brimming with vitality, spirit and health.

Itchy dog cartoon courtesy of Photobucket Media.

Whoa! Another Star in our Midst!

Another handsome buddy on The Daily Puppy? I am surrounded by famous boys!!! Too bad they are both neutered, 'cause they are STUDS!

Anyway, turns out, my pal Chewie was featured on the The Daily Puppy, too! Chewie is the best Mini Australian Shepherd. Like Louis and me, he consumes a raw, meaty diet which I am certain contributes to his overall handsomeness.

Since he was a little guy on The Daily Puppy, Chewie has grown into an awesome adult, with an encyclopedic knowledge of obedience training. He can do just about anything!! See below, Chewie at his most recent graduation from doggie trick school!

Chewie is Fenway's pal and business partner, and his mom is the co-founder of PuppyLuv gourmet doggie treats, which are extra-yummy-delicious. These treats are SO good, they can even coax me into plopping my posterior onto the ground, deigning to reduce myself to obeying commands in order to just get one of those yummy morsels of goodness...

OH and Chewie's Mom is the super-star Arlington Dog Nanny and she and Chewie keep the canine population of Arlington exercised, obedient and happy!

Click here to see the cuteness that is Chewy over at The Daily Puppy!

Kisses,

Ella Bean

Hurray for Fenway!!

One of Louis and my bestest pals, Fenway, was featured on the awesome website, The Daily Puppy!

The Daily Puppy features new, adorable puppies and grown up doggies every day. This means lots of cute for web-surfing humans to enjoy.

You need to be extra handsome to make it to The Daily Puppy, because they get tons of submissions. Clearly, Fenway fits the bill...swoon...Fenway is an avid Red Sox fan, living in Washington, D.C.

Fenway's mom is one of the co-founders of the company, PuppyLuv, which bakes high quality, human grade puppy treats, cakes and pupcakes, all made out of natural and organic ingredients. Thats one of the best things about Fenway - whereever he is, delicious treats are sure to follow! Fenway's likeness is also used in the PuppyLuv logo. He really is just that good looking!

Check Fenway out on The Daily Puppy, by clicking here.

Kisses,
Ella Bean

The Divinity of Dogs

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