A holistic veterinary approach
By LAURA MCCUTCHEON The Daily Journal
Article Last Updated: 01/25/2007 08:38:54 AM PST

Booger does. So does Scooter.

Katy Sommers, local veterinarian and co-author of “The Complete Holistic Dog Book” inserted tiny needles into both of the canines last week. Booger, a 14-year-old English Cocker Spaniel seemed oblivious to the needles, and Scooter, a 15-year-old terrier mix seemed thoroughly relaxed after one was placed in his head.

Acupuncture has helped with Booger’s arthritis and “his everything,” his owner Janny Hancock said as she sat in the waiting room at Mendocino Animal Hospital. “He sleeps less now … it took years off of him,” she said, noting he has been getting acupuncture for about a year now. “When he leaves here he’s like, ahhh’” she said, sighing to describe a sense of relaxation.
click here to read more from The Ukiah Daily Journal

Here are some blogs related to acupuncture and nutrition for humans:
MyAcuDoc.blogspot.com
dailybreadjournal.com
acu-punk.blogspot.com

Holistic pet care: Paws and reflect
By JULIE JACOBSON asap contributor
www.mexiadailynews.com

Samantha, a yellow Labrador retriever at the ripe old age of 15 years, was diagnosed 18 months ago with a brain tumor and a disease that caused her to lose her equilibrium and the ability to walk.

The doctors said she would be lame and wouldn’t live more than six months.

That was before she started visiting the Vet at the Barn veterinary clinic in Chesnut Ridge, N.Y., which offers a host of complementary treatments such as acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, chiropractic and Chinese herbal remedies.

Nowadays, Samantha lays relaxed and calm as Danielle Riviera massages and stretched her joints and muscles. Soon after, she greets Dr. Galit Levin for her acupuncture treatment.

After a change in diet, massage and acupuncture treatments and regular doses of various herbal remedies, Samantha is enjoying life.

”Her health is a lot better now since coming here,” says her owner, Debbie Pingitore, of Manhattan. ”She’s up all day and enjoying herself, and I’m enjoying her. I’m not trying to elongate her life. I’m trying to give her a happy, comfortable and natural aging transition.”

Samantha is among a growing number of pets being treated at veterinary clinics that offer holistic treatments in addition to conventional medicine.

”Acupuncture on animals, just like on humans, was once seen as quackery,” said the clinic’s owner and head veterinarian, Beverly Cappel.

But now, more vets are studying acupuncture and adding it to their treatments. Cappel says most of their clients are referrals from conventional vets who have gotten stuck — especially with chronic illnesses.

”There’s no placebo effect in animals,” Cappel said. ”It either works or it doesn’t.”

Jeanie Marie Kraft, Lic.Ac. is keeping tails wagging on the North Shore of MA with K9 acupuncture house-calls. Visit FourPawsAcupuncture.com for more information.

This is Nikki a 7 year old schnauzer celebrating her seventh birthday.

Nikki is one of my dog patients who responded very well to acupuncture. Somehow 2 years ago she had injured her rear cruciate ligament. The vets recommended surgery, which was not the option her owner took.

It was not only acupuncture and Chinese liniments that helped Nikki. The fact that her owner cooks a wonderful organic meal for her everynight has made one of the biggest impacts on her health.

You can read more about Nikki’s story and other happy dogs who love acupuncture in the Happy Dogs section of fourpawsacupuncture.com

Jeanie Marie Kraft, L.Ac. is keeping tails wagging on the North Shore of MA with dog acupuncture house-calls. Visit FourPawsAcupuncture.com for more information.

Don’t forget to clean your dog’s feet after a walk with warm (not hot) water to remove any salt, road chemicals and ice particles.

Make sure your dog is warm enough during the day and night. Monitor your thermostat and keep it at least at 65 degrees while you are away.

Place an extra blanket near it’s bed. Place away from any drafty areas in your home.

Jeanie Marie Kraft, Lic.Ac. is keeping tails wagging on the North Shore of MA with K9 acupuncture house-calls. Visit FourPawsAcupuncture.com for more information.

Azalea- vomiting/diarrhea

Amaryllis and bulb- can be fatal Japanese yew, esp the berries can be fatal

English ivy- can upset stomach Mistletoe- mild reaction, harmful for dogs with kidney or cardiac problems

Eucalyptus, holly , poinsettia- mild intestinal reaction

For the complete list of poisonous plants visit www.aspca.org
Or the Humane Society www.hsus.org

Jeanie Marie Kraft, Lic.Ac. is keeping tails wagging on the North Shore of MA with K9 acupuncture house-calls. Visit FourPawsAcupuncture.com for more information.

*Chocolate
*macadamia nuts
*onions
*Pear pips, the kernels of plums, peaches and apricots, apple core pips (contain cyanogenic glycosides resulting in cyanide posioning)
*Tylenol deadly poison
*antifreeze
* Potato peelings and green looking potatoes
* Rhubarb leaves
* Moldy/spoiled foods
*Alcohol
* Yeast dough
* Coffee grounds, beans & tea (caffeine)
* Hops (used in home brewing)
*Tomato leaves & stems (green parts)
*Broccoli (in large amounts)
* Raisins and grapes

Symptoms of chemical poisoning:
unexplained vomiting
unusual drooling
unusual behavior
difficulty breathing
convulsions
unconsciousness
burns around or on the inside of the mouth
Get your dog to the vet ASAP!

Jeanie Marie Kraft, Lic.Ac. is keeping tails wagging on the North Shore of MA with K9 acupuncture house-calls. Visit FourPawsAcupuncture.com for more information.

Unusual care works for dog
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
LaNIA COLEMAN
THE SAGINAW NEWS

Ten months after unexplained paralysis nearly cost him his life, Wolf has made close to a full recovery with love and acupuncture.

“He’s doing great,” said Tittabawassee Township Police Officer Julie L. Nagel, who owns the 6-year-old dachshund. “He’s awesome.”

When The Saginaw News last visited with Nagel in April, acupuncture had put Wolf on the road to recovery, but it was long and uncertain. click here to read more from www.mlive.com

Jeanie Marie Kraft, Lic.Ac. is keeping tails wagging on the North Shore of MA with K9 acupuncture house-calls. Visit FourPawsAcupuncture.com for more information.