treating my animal allergies through exposure

I have a confession to make.

It's not something I advertise or want my clients to know. In fact, I go to great length to hide this fact from new clients, especially:

I am a professional pet sitter and pet blogger who is allergic to animals.

Huh?

Yes, you heard me correctly. 

This fact that I have not revealed publicly came to mind recently because I had a consult with a lovely, yet exuberant, English Bulldog who I was pretty darn allergic to. She basically wanted to make out, and, of course, I wanted to, too! I did pet her lots, which I intend to do during each and every visit, but I had to do my best to hide my "disease" to her human parents. During our discussion of the ins-and-outs of this pooch's routine, I fought back the sneezes. As soon as I sneeze once, it's all over. Best to keep it under wraps, if possible. I let my eyes water a bit, instead. I feel like if my allergy is apparent during a consult (when it is likely at its worst), my new clients might feel I'm less than capable or feel insulted that I think their animal is "dirty," neither of which is the case. 

When I left the consult, the insides of my arms were welted up from the cuddles and my cheek was red from kisses. Sigh.

Does this stop me? No way! I am madly in love with this dog already. She'll get kisses and pets from me no matter what. It's part of the job. And, besides, I love it.

The good news? The more I pet and kiss her, the better things will be. My method of treating this allergy is to build up a natural tolerance. I do not take medication. I am lucky because my allergy to animals does not affect my breathing. Those who have trouble breathing around animals should not use this method. 

treating my animal allergies through exposure

This is my inside forearm a couple of hours after my consult.

My allergy is primarily a contact allergy, accompanied by sneezing. That means that my skin welts up and itches in areas where I've had contact with the animal's fur or saliva. You can tell when I've been "making out" with an animal because I come home with a fat lip and itchy arms. The worst is when I accidentally rub my eyes after petting an animal. Itchy, puffy eyes result, and the symptoms take hours to subside.

Instead of popping pills or taking injections, I treat my allergy by increasing my contact with these animals and building up a tolerance. I know...sounds crazy. It's a bit uncomfortable at first, but, in the long run, it's effective! I am not at all allergic to my own pets or those I see on a regular basis. I have lots of contact with them, and my immune system has built up a tolerance.

I am most allergic to dogs, cats, small caged animals, horses, and goats. I am also highly allergic to hay, so any animal who eats hay is a double-whammy (horses, guinea pigs, etc.). Brand-new clients definitely have a break-in period for me. I just love on them as much as possible, and after a few visits, things get better. My body fights off the allergen. I also notice that certain dog breeds cause a more severe allergic reaction in me than others. Contrary to popular belief, it's not about fur length. It's about dander and saliva. Frequent grooming helps, but only a little.

The toughest breeds for me are labs and retrievers because their skin typically carries a lot of dander, even when groomed well. Bulldogs and pugs, and other flat-faced breeds are also tough because they typically rub and project saliva on to those around them. Do I love these breeds any less? ABSOLUTELY NOT! In fact, they are some of my favorites!

Thankfully, I am not allergic to fish, reptiles, or birds. 

So, yes, I'm a pet sitter and pet blogger who is allergic to pets, and I treat my symptoms naturally, if unconventionally. Please don't hold it against me. 

what is veterinary acupuncture all about?

Though acupuncture may not be the first thing you think of in terms of veterinary care, for many ailments, perhaps it should.

Acupuncture is an ancient form of healthcare (its exact date of origin is debated, but it is thought to be at least 3000 years old), and it's use on animals (on a more limited basis) dates just as far back. It is used to promote healing, whether used preventatively or as a treatment for an existing condition. An acupuncturist accesses points on the surface of the skin with small needles to balance the body's energy–Qi (pronounced "chee"). Laws concerning who can practice acupuncture on animals vary by state. Some states require that a person be a veterinarian trained in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine to perform acupuncture on animals, and some states allow licensed acupuncturists to practice on animals with a veterinary referral.

A licensed acupuncturist friend of mine treats her own animals and animals from the shelter at which she volunteers, which fascinates me. She directed me to the acupuncturist who taught her, Becca Seitz.

I spoke with Portland-based Becca Seitz, MAcOM, LAc, and owner of Thrive Acupuncture, who treats both people and animals with acupuncture. She is board certified with the NCCAOM in Oriental Medicine (Acupuncture and Chinese Herbalism), is licensed with the Oregon Board of Medical Examiners, and is board certified with the American Board of Animal Acupuncture.

Animal acupuncture may seem like just one more trendy thing we can do to spend money on our pets in extravagant ways, but Seitz explained the history to me:

Some very limited acupuncture was used in animals as far back as the history of acupuncture. It was typically done on farm animals, however, it looked nothing like the acupuncture we know today. There were only a few points ever located on animals (11-13, depending on the species, as opposed to the over 400 in common use today), and there wasn't really a system to it, just a 'poke here for this symptom.' Acupuncture being done on animals in current times and in its current form was introduced by my friend Gene Bruno back in the late 1960s (before the Nixon trip to China!). He and a couple of friends started treating their own dogs and found that there was no one else doing it at the time–not even anyone in China.

I wondered how acupuncture for pets differs from that for their human counterparts and learned from Seitz that it differs very little. It can help all of the same conditions that are treated in people, which include:

digestive disorders

urogenital disorders

gynecological disorders

respiratory disorders

circulatory disorders

disorders of the bones, joints, and muscles

disorders of the nervous system

immune disorders

sleep and stress disorders

emotional and psychological disorders

supportive therapy for many chronic and debilitating disorders

The only difference is a positive one: Seitz stated that pets usually require fewer treatments than humans. But, why? Seitz says "No one is quite sure why this is the case. Many believe it is because pets don't tend to internalize and hang onto their daily stressors. Perhaps it is because pets are natural meditators and thus promote the smooth flow of Qi all the time."

All I could imagine was someone trying to "pin down" a rambunctious or uncooperative pet for an acupuncture session. I mean, humans have enough trouble allowing needles to be inserted into their skin, and they can understand the possible benefits. How does an animal stay still without being sedated? Seitz said "To tell you the truth, they usually just do. No anesthesia or sedatives are required. Once the needles have been inserted, many pets actually fall asleep during their treatments!"

Seitz reports that the most common ailment she treats in pets is arthritis. "Acupuncture is great for treating pain, and many people in Portland have either experienced that pain relief for themselves, or they know someone who has, so they want to try it for their pets, as well." The second most common ailment she treats in pets is allergies, the issue she had that got her hooked on acupuncture in the first place. In animals, skin allergies are the most common and can be caused by a variety of reasons. Seitz says that treating skin allergies in pets is her favorite thing to do because she can usually achieve very fast results. Seitz most often treats dogs and cats but has also treated iguanas, ferrets, and rabbits.

Hybrid Rasta Mama, Jennifer, witnessed veterinary acupuncture success, herself, when she worked in a chiropractor's office. The chiropractor she worked for treated a great number of patients with service dogs. Jennifer stated that "she would treat the service dogs who were 'load bearing' dogs, meaning they helped physically support their owners. All the patients would rave about how energized the dogs were after treatment."

I asked Seitz to tell me about a success story:

One of my favorite success stories was in a dog named Tilly. She was an English Bulldog mix. When she first came to see me, she had very little hair and her skin was bright red from scratching non-stop. She was four at the time and had been on cortisone for the itching since she was just six months old. Needless to say, it didn't seem to help much. I treated Tilly for the itching and gave her owner some herbs to give her over the next week until her next appointment. The next week Tilly was almost completely better, except for a red patch on her belly. After just a couple more visits, she was completely better except for needing 'tune-ups' during the worst allergy seasons.

Veterinary acupuncture can be a tough sell for some, but acupuncture.com reports that acceptance is increasing:

Along with acupuncture's increased use in human medicine, veterinary acupuncture has moved closer to mainstream practices. It also might be said that the mainstream has moved closer to acupuncture, given that chapters on acupuncture now are standard in many major veterinary texts. In addition, acupuncture has become a big business worldwide. Today nearly 3 million veterinary and medical practitioners, assistants, and pharmacists are trained in acupuncture. Of this number it is estimated that 150,000 are veterinarians and 700,000 are paraveterinary assistants.

Seitz is currently writing a textbook for acupuncturists on acupuncture point location on small animals. She and Bruno will use the textbook for their certification course (in development) for licensed acupuncturists to learn how to treat animals safely and effectively. She and Bruno continue to make a positive impact on this ancient, yet growing practice.

Acupuncture for animals can be used as an ongoing treatment or in a series based on the needs of the patient. It can also be used in conjunction with conventional (western) medicine and will not affect pharmaceutical or over-the-counter medications. For this reason, it may be more approachable. It's not an all or nothing proposition. Some may arrive at veterinary acupuncture at the first sign of concern, while some may arrive at it as a last resort. Either way, it seems clear that acupuncture is a valuable resource in veterinary care.

Have you tried acupuncture treatment for your pet? Please tell us your story!

This article by me appeared in its original form in December 2013 on Hybrid Rasta Mama, a blog to which I contribute regularly, and has been reprinted with minor changes with permission. 

Please hop on over to Hybrid Rasta Mama and check out my January 2013 article, "Apple Cider Vinegar as a Supplement for your Pet."

relieving canine anxiety the natural way with #ThunderShirt

This article first appeared last month on Hybrid Rasta Mama, where I contribute a monthly article about holistic pet care that you can read on the second Wednesday of each month. Head on over to Hybrid Rasta Mama to see this months article, "Dogs Going Vegan."

It seems everyone is anxious these days. There are bills to pay, mouths to feed, and politics to debate. 

Though they don't give a darn what's going on in congress, our dogs have their own anxieties. These anxieties can seem irrational and hard to understand since our pets can't pipe up and explain their feelings. 

Dogs have their own language to show anxiety. Signs that your dog has anxiety include:

• shaking/trembling

• destruction of things

• hiding/cowering

• pacing

• aggression

• restlessness

• excessive barking

• raised paw (as if injured)

• crinkled brow

• yawning (when not tired)

• excessive itching

• excessive paw chewing (or other body part)

• licking chops

• tucking tail between legs

Anxiety in dogs can be general, especially in a dog who has been traumatized or abused, but is more typically situation-specific. Some common anxiety-producing situations for dogs include storms, fireworks, or other loud noises, fear of certain types of people (children, men, etc.), travel, and separation anxiety.

We have the option to pop a pill to relieve our anxiety. And we have the option to do the same for Fido. But most of us don't wish to live life in a drug-induced haze, and we certainly don't wish to deal with unwanted side effects that these strong medications–however effective–can bring. Herbal remedies are an excellent alternative, as is behavioral modification, or a combination of the two. These methods can take time, and it's hard to be patient while we watch our pet in panic mode. Wouldn't it be great if we could just give our pooch a great big hug to melt his worries away?

We can.

Enter ThunderShirt.

HRMThunderShirt

After doing a lot of research, including case studies of my own, I now recommend my clients and friends try the ThunderShirt as a natural, quick, safe, and effective method to reduce canine anxiety. It doesn't work for everyone, but it does work for most, which is awesome. No medication required. No side effects. It seems almost too good to be true. So how does it work?

ThunderShirt uses gentle hugging to calm your dog or cat. With its patented design, ThunderShirt's gentle, constant pressure has a dramatic calming effect for most dogs and cats if they are anxious, fearful or overexcited. Based on surveys completed by over two thousand customers, over 80% of dogs and cats show significant improvement in symptoms when using ThunderShirt...How does ThunderShirt work? Experts believe that pressure has a calming effect on the nervous system, possibly by releasing a calming hormone like endorphins. Using pressure to relieve anxiety in people and animals has been a common practice for years...

thundershirt.com

Using pressure to relieve anxiety has proven to be effective for infants (swaddling), in people with autism, and by animal trainers and veterinarians to release a variety of animal anxieties.

Not all, but some, veterinarians can be quick to prescribe anxiety-relieving medication. They want to see quick results to help your animal, but some may be uneducated about alternatives, and some even have ulterior motives. I feel that for my family, including my pets, it is important to try natural methods before taking that route. ThunderShirt can provide relief that is just as effective and rapid as harsh medications, so, in my opinion, it's worth a try!

The first step when using the ThunderShirt is to slowly get your pet used to it in a positive way. ThunderShirt recommends that you feed your dog a favorite treat using the shirt as a plate. This way, your pooch will feel good about his new attire right away. The next step is to try the shirt on and use it for very brief periods. Many dogs achieve instant anxiety relief the moment the ThunderShirt is put on, but some may take a bit longer. There are countless stories of animals with extremely high-anxiety levels during a storm, for example, finding instant and complete relief, even falling asleep during a storm that would have otherwise thrown them into a complete meltdown.

ThunderShirt is not an affiliate of well minded, though I have been provided the ThunderShirt product in order to conduct some of the following case studies:

• the big, bad world: enter, ThunderShirt, part 1 (Rex)

• the big, bad world: enter, ThunderShirt, part 2 (Jack)

• the big, bad world: enter, ThunderShirt, part 3 (making it through the 4th)

• the big, bad world: enter, ThunderShirt, part 4 (Remington)

ThunderShirt is available for both dogs and cats and can be ordered online or purchased at most pet stores.

Have you tried ThunderShirt or another natural method for reducing pet anxiety? We'd love to hear your story!

using melaleuca oil for natural pet first aid

Melaleuca (alternifolia) essential oil, aka tea tree oil, is a staple in our family's medicine cabinet for the pets as well as the humans. I use it primarily for its antiseptic purposes, but it also benefits the skin, in general, and supports immunity. Best of all, it is completely natural and highly effective, which, in my book, makes it a much better choice than traditional over-the-counter topical medications. I don't know what I'd do without it! One challenge in treating pets with topical solutions is that if they can reach it, they'll lick it. And it feels like they can reach just about every part of their bodies. You know what I mean?

Melaleuca oil is a great fix for this problem because it won't harm them if they lick the  treated area. It also tends to "soak in" and stay where is is supposed to, so even if your pooch or kitty decides to take matters into his own paws...er...tongue, the treatment can still be effective.

Though melaleuca oil is a natural way to heal and care for pets, it is strong, so it usually needs to be diluted. Any carrier oil will work, but I would highly recommend coconut oil for it's lightness and innate benefits to the skin. Some applications recommend another type of carrier oil, such as olive oil or jojoba oil.

Always be sure to test a small area of your pet's skin with a highly diluted mixture to be sure he is not sensitive to melaleuca oil. Cats tend to be more sensitive to it than dogs, so start testing felines with a very diluted mixture.

The following solutions can be used as a guideline:

So how can melaleuca oil help your dog or cat?

Arthritis: Though your arthritic animal should be evaluated by a veterinarian, you may be able to provide some immediate relief by combining 1-2 drops of melaleuca oil with 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil. Gently massage the affected area, and, if your pet will tolerate it, apply a heating pad (on low setting to prevent burning). You can also use this method for minor sprains.

Cuts and minor skin abrasions: Melaleuca oil can be applied ("Recommended Melaleuca Oil Dilutions for Pets") 2-3 times a day directly to the wound to aid in healing. This also helps prevent infection. If the wound has already become infected, keep applying the oil for seven days.  Alternatively, your pet's wound can be bathed with an antiseptic wash. Just add 2-3 drops of melaleuca oil mixed with 3 drops of the carrier oil. Add to a warm bowl of water and stir well. The wash can be applied with a cotton ball twice a day.

Flea repellant: Mix 3-5 drops of melaleuca oil with 1 1/2 cup of carrier oil (jojoba is recommended so that it doubles as a coat conditioner). Store the mixture in a dark glass container in a cool place. In between bathing, sprinkle a few drops over the coat, especially around the neck and either comb through or sponge over the fur.

Dermatitis: Small areas of dermatitis can be treated with the solution mixture recommended above, ("Recommended Melaleuca Oil Dilutions for Pets").

Ear infection: Mix 1-2 drops of melaleuca oil with 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Warm the mixture (be sure it's just warm...not hot), and, using a dropper, apply 1-2 drops inside the ear (do not insert the dropper in the animal's ear). Massage the affected ear, and try not to let your pet shake his head, or the drops may come out. Do this twice a day until the infection is gone.

Ear mites: Mix 1-2 drops of melaleuca oil with 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Using a cotton ball, apply a couple of drops by wiping the inside of the ear. This can be done once a week for ear mite prevention, if you pet is prone to ear mites.

Hot spots: Hot spots can be effectively treated with the solution mixture recommended above, ("Recommended Melaleuca Oil Dilutions for Pets").

Insect bites & stings: If a stinger is present, carefully remove it. Apply the solution mixture recommended above ("Recommended Melaleuca Oil Dilutions for Pets") with a cotton swab.

Mange or rash: Apply the solution mixture recommended above ("Recommended Melaleuca Oil Dilutions for Pets"). This will help with itching and inflammation. Apply twice a day.

Matted coat: Should your pet's coat become matted, which can often happen in animals with long, fine hair, wet the matted hair with 1 drop of melaleuca oil mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of carrier oil. Rub the solution into the matted area and try to de-matt with a comb. Try to gently pull the matt away from the skin so it can be cut without creating a bald spot or damaging the skin.

Mouth sore: Combine 3-6 drops of Melaleuca oil with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and warm water. Apply directly to the sore for faster healing and to alleviate pain. This is most effectively done with your finger, in my opinion.

Warts: If your animal tolerates diluted melaleuca oil, you can apply 1-2 drops of straight oil directly on a wart with a cotton swab. This can help with pain and itching, if it is present. This can be done for several weeks...patience is required. Some types of warts will not respond to melaleuca oil, but if the wart is bothersome, it's certainly worth a try.

High-quality Melaleuca oil is available from most reputable herbalists and natural health stores, and anywhere quality essential oils are sold. I purchase the highest-quality T36-C5 oil from Melaleuca, the wellness company, where excellent discounts can be had with a preferred customer membership. Many of the recipes I use regularly come from R.M. Barry's Melaleuca: The Wellness Guide.

Though I don't shun traditional medicine completely, holistic healing is the first route I take for my family, including my pets. Melaleuca oil is at the foundation of our methods, and is something I recommend to my friends and pet sitting clients with confidence.

How have you used Melaleuca oil to help heal your pets?

On the second Wednesday of each month, I contribute an article on holistic pet care at Hybrid Rasta Mama, a fantastic blog that offers information and insights on conscious parenting, natural living, holistic health, real food, and coconut oil. This post was featured last month.

Please visit me there today to read ThunderShirt Helps Dogs Find Anxiety Relief the Natural Way. Leave me some love! XO

Disclaimer: This article is not meant as a substitution for veterinary care or professional holistic animal care. Please consult your veterinarian or pet care health professional before embarking on any new treatment plan.

the big, bad world: enter ThunderShirt part 4 (Remington)

Remington is a big part of my life. I met him when he was just a puppy, and he's been sweet and sour ever since. Part Winnie-the-Pooh, part devil, this guy has a big heart that has a tendency to grow anxious in certain situations. His anxiety comes out in the form of destruction. He has actually, truly eaten through a metal crate, and he has eaten most of a wall, and he has torn through a friend's couch, and some other stuff (we'll spare him the embarrassment of exposing the full extent of his deeds). His worst enemy: being alone or confined, or worst of all, alone and confined.

His family loves him dearly, so when they embarked on a new canine anxiety-producing adventure, I really wanted to help, both him and them, so I called up my friends at ThunderShirt. They were eager to help me help Remington.

I've been helping Remington's mom open Square Roots Preschool out of her home, so I'm intimately familiar with Remington's new position: being confined to the master bedroom during school hours. His family set him up for success, yet he still floundered. Here are a few examples of his work since the first day of school:

Before Remington's ThunderShirt arrived, his family tried music and a gentle lead,* which kept him busy, but didn't really seem to reduce his anxiety level:

[wpvideo KcGVzNr5]

He eventually just laid down and stared at me, as if to say, "help."

I tried to spend time with him, but school duties called.

Since I'd experienced the success of the ThunderShirt with other dogs, I was very anxious for Remington's ThunderShirt to arrive. I introduced it slowly, at first, as the directions suggested. We offered up his favorite treats, using his new ThunderShirt as a plate:

[wpvideo 3gDgozMR]

He took to it quite nicely, so we tried it on. That's where we hit a bit of a speed bump. Remington was unsure, so he tugged and pulled and twisted.

With a bit of calm encouragement and supervision over several days, he has become more comfortable with the idea of the ThunderShirt, and we're hoping he'll be able to wear it for all anxious occasions very soon.

It's looking promising. Isn't he handsome?

If you'd like to read more about my experiences with the ThunderShirt, please check out the following:

• the big, bad world: enter ThunderShirt part 1 (Rex)

• the big, bad world: enter ThunderShirt part 2 (Jack)

• the big, bad world: enter ThunderShirt part 3 (making it through the 4th)

Disclaimer: I was provided with a ThunderShirt in exchange for my honest opinion. 

* I do not promote or recommend using a product for a purpose other than for what it was originally intended by it's manufacturer.