Can Your Pet
Be Allergic?
our animal companions
are just like us in many ways.
by anne Mitchell
G
enetics, along with overexposure to a particular
substance, can create an allergic response in a dog or
cat (or horse, gerbil or parrot!) just as it can in hu-
mans. The signs of allergies in animals tend to occur in the
affected organ system. One of the most common indicators
of allergies in an animal is itching skin. The animal scratches
and bites their skin, sometimes causing wounds. This kind
of allergic dermatitis can be caused by anything from dust
to cleaning products to food. Drug allergies may stem from
penicillin or vaccines. Food allergies can occur from items
such as beef, wheat, or food additives. A reaction to a food
may appear as diarrhea, as well as skin problems. Contact
allergies are often reactions to shampoos, carpets, cleaning
products, insecticides, flea collars, and more. An inhalant al-
affected. It involves gentle stimulation along the spine and
lergy may induce a cough but can also cause skin problems,
then balancing a few acupressure points using manual mas-
as could a drug or an allergic reaction to fleas. The most
sage, a laser or small vibrator. This therapy has been said
common disorders that may be allergy related are skin rashes
to be effective for all sorts of allergic reactions in animals,
and itching, chronic runny or stuff nose, cough, eye irrita-
including problems one might not initially consider aller-
tions, diarrhea and digestive problems.
gies such as: skin problems, digestive problems like bloating,
Medical scientists are still researching to find the exact
gas and diarrhea, recurring infections, unexplained pain,
cause and nature of allergies. Viewed from a holistic per-
weepy eyes, or asthma. Even behavioral problems and failing
spective based on oriental medical principles, allergies are
energy can sometimes be related to underlying sensitivities.
considered a condition of unusual sensitivity of one person
With AAT allergens are cleared (treated) one at a time. One
or animal to one or more substances that are harmless to the
session usually eliminates a particular allergy. Approximately
majority of others. In such a person or animal, the allergic
three to ten treatments are needed to completely eliminate
substance, known as an allergen, is viewed by the brain and
all the pet’s allergies and improve their health.
immune system as a threat to the body’s wellbeing. When
An initial evaluation can run in the ballpark of $150.
contact is made with an allergen, it causes blockages in the
Owners may be asked to bring a pet’s favorite things, samples
body’s energy pathways, which creates interference in the
of food and any medications to that first session. The ensuing
communication between the brain and body via the nervous
treatment sessions usually cost $60 to $85. Sometimes treat-
system. This is the first step in a chain of events that can
ments are conducted in the pet’s home since it is a familiar
develop into an allergic response. The energy imbalances in
environment.
the body lead to a diminished state of health in one or more
With over 35 years of experience in alternative medi-
organ system.
cine, Dr. Anne Mitchell blends many therapies to facilitate
Advanced Allergy Therapeutics (AAT) is a treatment
healing. After practicing as a massage therapist, she became
method originally designed for humans and adapted for
a naturopathic physician in 1982. Her practices include
animals, as well. Rather than simply addressing the symp-
cranial-sacral work, acupuncture and nutrition. In addition
toms, AAT treats the problem at its source by retraining the
to her general practice, during the past 12 years, Dr. Mitchell
body so that it no longer reacts inappropriately to a harmless
has worked to relieve patient’s allergies and autoimmune dis-
substance. AAT merges 21st century technology, knowledge
orders, and is a proponent of Advanced Allergy Therapeutics.
of physiology and allergens with 3,000 year old traditional
For more information on AAT for pets, contact her at
Chinese medicine. It is described as a natural, drugless, pain-
The Pet Clinic located at 116 Center Street in Wallingford, CT,
less, non-invasive method that uses no needles, shots, drugs,
203.265.3546. Please note: In Connecticut, a vet’s referral is
supplements, herbs, sprays or inhalants.
needed to treat any animal. If a veterinarian has never heard
Essentially the treatment identifies the offending sub-
of these treatments, The Pet Clinic will help find someone
stances and the organs and acupuncture meridians that are
who will support this choice. See ad page 11.
March 2009 19
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