It is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. We hope you are inspired to take better care of our one and only Planet Earth. Here are a few ways you can help:

* Recycle whenever possible.
* Never ever litter! If you smoke please do not throw your cigarette out the car window!
* Bring your own shopping bags to the store.
* Walk or bike whenever possible instead of driving.
* Use biodegradable cleaning products.
* Support local farmers and produce stands.
* Buy organic whenever possible.
* Plant a tree and/or a garden.
* Turn off all TV, radios and lights when possible.

Treating Dogs with TCM
by jeanie mossa kraft, L.Ac. with Norman Kraft, L. Ac.

We did it! Our book is at the publishers and we are anxiously awaiting the proof copy for final editions. This book should be available to TCM practitioners by the first week of May.

This is a guide for the acupuncturist practitioner on the treatment of arthritis, pain and bi syndromes in dogs.

Includes:
Diagnosis
Western Veterinary Medication
Chinese Herbal Medicinals
Acupuncture
Canine Nutrition
Supplements & Lifestyle Recommendations
Laser Acupuncture
Tips on Working With Dogs and Their Owners

If you are interested in ordering a copy of this book or would like info on the recently approved NCCAOM class “Treating Painful Canine Disorders with TCM” please email us at woof at fourpawsacupuncture dot com.

The class is 3 CEU/PDA units and will be available to licensed acupuncturists late May. We will have more information on the cost soon.

Earth Day is around the corner. How can you and your dogs help the environment? Biodegradable poop bags!

“Picking up after your pet is part of being a responsible pet owner. In many communities, it’s also the law. We are constantly amazed when pet owners put 100% biodegradable dog waste into plastic bags that can take over 100 years to decompose. Now owners have a logical solution.”

There are several eco-friendly poop bags now on the market. Save fossil fuel and burn calories by walking your dog to your local pet supply store for a box!

Aromatherapy to the Rescue

April showers bring May flowers with fleas, ticks and other bugs that attack our pets.

Ticks carry the dreaded Lyme disease as well as yellow-spotted fever disease and others. Fleas are annoying to both humans and animals as well as dangerous.

Many people have asked me about recommendations for natural pest repellents for their dogs. There are a few essential oils that can help combat ticks and fleas, however there is no guarantee that these aromatherapy mixtures will completely protect your dog. Always err on the side of caution when bringing your dog into an area that is known to have ticks.

Please note that certain aromatherapy oils are toxic for cats. The following essential oils are for human or dog use only.

Here are a few essential oils to make your own Pest Away Repellent.

* Geranium oil is said to be one of the best oils to repel ticks and fleas. It can also be used as a hair and skin conditioner.
* Lavender oil is soothing, calming and repels most bugs, ticks and even scorpions.
* Lemongrass repels ticks, fleas and mosquitos.
* Sage and thyme are also used with other oils to repel ticks.

To make your own essential oil repellent, take about 4 drops of one or more of the above oils mixed into 8 ounces of pure water in a dark glass spray bottle.

You can use this mixture on your dog, the dog’s bedding and even yourself! Please be careful not to spray near eyes or any orifices.

Too busy to make your own bug repellent? Visit our friends at Bella’s Oils to find natural sprays, shampoos and other green products for you and your pets.

“I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. I speak for the trees for the trees have no tongues.” Dr Seuss from The Lorax

Who will speak for the 500 acres of forest and wildlife bulldozed over to make room for a Super Walmart and a Lowes on Highland Ave in Salem MA? Can we stop Mayor Driscoll and her cronies from demolishing the woods of Salem so that the city can get a tax rebate?

Earth Day is on April 22. Please help save a small portion of it by signing this petition.
www.change.org/petitions/view/save_woods_of_salem

“The public lands of recreation and wildlife of the woods of Salem is on the turn of endangerment. A residential development and a new Lowes/ Expanding Super Walmart/ Expanding Meineke is slating to clear the woods, blast hills made by glaciers and end bike trails in the area north of Highland Ave, Salem Ma. Situated east of Lynn, Spring Pond to Marlborough Road, Salem. Lowes will be situated near an existing Walmart, on the same street as One Way Lumber, Home Depot, and Target where these types of stores already exist. This new development effects nearby residents of three cities which meet at these borders. Bicyclists, Nature Hikers, nearby residents and kids from the camps will no longer be able to enjoy the woods: from Camp Lions, Camp Fire and the Boys and Girls Camp. We’ve spotted deer, vultures, bats, fox… heard the sounds of coyote, woodpeckers, owls, different types of little birds, vernal pools, waterfalls and see many little animals roam these woods. City woods also provide a healthy supply of oxygen to breath from, circulating clean air into congested polluted city grids. We will not have many public green lands left surrounding congested cities for cleaner air and relaxation.

For centuries cities have been fighting to reclaim their waterfronts from old industry. Today we have to send a message out to the City of Salem, that the wetlands and properties near Spring Pond need to be saved. Please encourage law makers to enforce the PUBLIC LANDS PRESERVATION ACT and MASSACHUSETTS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT of Massachusetts. ”

Please sign the petition and spread the word!

www.change.org/petitions/view/save_woods_of_salem

Quercetin is a wonderful supplement for dogs or humans suffering from allergies or asthma. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid (or flavonoid), which is a type pigment found in almost all herbs, fruits, and vegetables. It is also an antioxidant. a natural anti-histamine, and anti-inflammatory supplement

Research has shown that Quercetin’s antihistamine action may help to relieve allergy symptoms and asthma symptoms. Quercetin helps treat allergies by blocking the secretion of histamine in the body. Histamine is what causes inflammation and swelling. The symptoms of a histamine reaction can be stuffy nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, itchy or red skin, runny eyes and more. The anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce pain from disorders such as arthritis.

Quercetin supplements are also available in concentrated powders and tablet or capsule form. It is often packaged with bromelain (an enzyme found in pineapple), another substance that has been found useful for treatment of allergies and inflammation, which is thought to increase the absorption of Quercetin.

I personally use the Solaray Brand since it has bromelain in the formula. The Solaray formula comes in capsules, which makes it is easy to break one apart and sprinkle on your dog’s food. For more information on dosages for dogs please read Do the Math

You can find Quercetin at most natural food stores or online.

This ADORABLE boy needs a home also!!!!! This dog ROCKS!!!
Roscoe is a happy go lucky guy who is content to sit at your feet (or on your lap) and get some well deserved love and attention. At about 5 years old this handsome guy has a moderate energy level and has been great with all of the dogs that he has been introduced to. Though he does not live in a home with cats he has been tested with them and has shown no bad reactions. Roscoe is slowly learning basic obedience and leash walking and is looking for a home that will finish his leash training and take him on nice walks and let him enjoy the outside. Roscoe is crate trained and does just fine in the crate when his foster parents aren’t there and has not shown any destructive habits such as chewing things or eating furniture. Roscoe has done well with all of the Children he has been introduced and is happy to meet everyone who comes to visit him. If you are interested in giving this handsome guy a home please go to our website and fill out an application. Note: Please fill out an application and a volunteer will contact you within 1-2 business days. We do not have a central office facility, all of our pets are housed in foster homes until they are adopted. Your first step in adopting a furry friend is to go to our website www.rainbowrescues.org and fill out an application. At this time, adoption fees for dogs are $175.

www.adoptapet.com