Columnists :: Holistically Speaking
Taking care of our four-footed friendsFriday Nov 20, 2009 Question 1: I have 2 cats who are great feline companions--unless the weather turns stormy, with lots of lightning and thunder, or they’re about to have their toenails trimmed. Are there any natural ways I can help them calm down?
Friend of Felines
Response: When "meow" turns to "yeeoowwwww," we all need help with calming crazed kitties. In addition to keeping them in a safe area, like a quiet room or other place where they can be as comfortable as possible, homeopathy offers a potential way to deal with the situation. Homeopathy is based on using diluted versions of a variety of natural remedies, including herbs or other nutrients. Each remedy is diluted thousands of times, resulting in an end-product that no longer contains the original material, only its electromagnetic essence.
Edie Snow, Shiatsu therapist at Pathways to Wellness, is a cat aficionada who has rescued several felines. She recommends using Rescue Remedy, a homeopathic approach to calming people or animals. It is a liquid dispensed from a dropper, and can be applied to a cat’s gums or inner lips. Rescue Remedy helps to relax an animal after any trauma, and can be used to deal with wild kitty behavior, fear, or over-stimulation. Rescue Remedy can also be used on the way to see your veterinarian.
To read more about homeopathy, we suggest a book by Kaetheryn Walker called "Homeopathic First Aid for Animals" (Healing Arts Press, Rochester VT, 1998).
Another at-home pacifier for cats is called Feliway--it comes in a plug-in diffuser and mimics facial pheromones that are produced by cats. These naturally produced chemicals calm and soothe kitty. It can be purchased at most pet stores, many vet offices and online.
Question 2: My dog is no longer a young pup; he’s a loving companion who has spent the last dozen years with me. Climbing the stairs or getting into the car isn’t as easy for him anymore as when he was in his prime. Can you suggest any ways to help make his later years more comfortable?
Bromley’s Human Companion
Response: It’s not easy watching our friends age when weakness or other arthritic conditions become more prominent. However, there are a few approaches you can take that come from Traditional Chinese Medicine. For his diet, we suggest offering less red meat and more chicken and fish. Feeding an older dog twice a day, with smaller portions, is also a good way to relieve the strain of digestion.
Keeping circulation stimulated is a good way to relieve pain and slow down the progressive nature of the condition. You can massage along his spine and limbs; think of this as "petting with a purpose." Follow your instincts and your dog will let you know what feels good. A five-to-10 minute massage a few times a week offers a great way to spend time together, as well as to offer some therapeutic relief to your friend.
Using the "aspirin point" on the lower leg can be very helpful as well. This acupuncture point can be stimulated with massage to help relax the muscles and relieve stiffness or pain of the neck, back, or legs. It’s located on the outside of each hind leg, in the depression at the base of the Achilles tendon; this is where your dog’s "ankle" would be if he had one. Grasp the inside of this area and rub up and down; your dog will let you know how much pressure to use because he’ll like it when you’ve got the right amount. If you’re using too much pressure or stimulating the area too vigorously, your dog will pull his leg back.
To learn more about using diet and massage to help any of our four-legged friends, we suggest a book by Cheryl Schwartz, DVM; it’s called "Four Paws, Five Directions: Guide to Chinese Medicine for Cats and Dogs" (Celestial Arts Press, Berkeley CA, 1996).
Acupuncture is very popular among doggie devotees to help everything from arthritis to digestion to stress behaviors. Similar to acupuncture in people, there are specific energetic points located on dogs (and other animals) that will elicit a certain response. Using gentle and hair-thin pins to stimulate certain areas can reduce pain and stress. Animal acupuncture is a specialized field that requires additional training. To find a veterinary acupuncturist ask your vet for a referral or go to The American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture at www.aava.org.
Kristen Porter, MAc, Lac, and Beth Sommers MPH, Lac, are the executive director and research director of Pathways to Wellness, respectively, the award-winning nonprofit wellness center in the South End. They are national columnists for "Acupuncture Today" and lecture worldwide. Submit your questions on natural approaches and holistic living to kporter@pathwaysboston.org. Please put "SE News" in the subject line.
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