you have to start all over again,” says Dohmen. Whether commercially pre- pared or home cooked, the number of ingredients can substantially extend a test period. Each item must be com- pletely avoided for about six weeks for an accurate assessment. Environmental allergies, which


encompass everything unrelated to food, range from common grasses to inhaled pollutants. New carpets or rugs, cleaning supplies, a neighbor’s pesticides, dust and pollen are among the culprits that can cause an allergic reaction. Common symptoms are itchy ears or skin, ear infections, sneezing, runny eyes, scratching, vomiting or diarrhea. Veterinarian Judy Morgan, owner


of Naturally Healthy Pets, in Clayton, New Jersey, also uses herbs in her practice to alleviate food and environ- mental allergy symptoms. “They can be tinctures or poultices; one herb or a blended mixture. Some are applied externally, some internally.” Giving the proper dosage for the size of the pet is vital. She particularly likes calendula for


hot spots, despite its odor, because it’s antifungal, antibacterial and antivi- ral, followed by witch hazel to dry them, and then coconut oil or aloe to soothe and soften affected skin—plus


deficiency, or imbalance. “Parsley brings a protein, as well as


several vitamins, to the party,” notes Kimberly Gauthier, a dog nutrition blogger in Marysville, Washington. “It’s a natural anti-inflammatory and also great if your dog’s breath needs a fresh- ness boost.” She suggests rosemary and thyme as ingredients in an antibac- terial, antifungal salve; she mixes these essential oils with extra virgin coconut oil and beeswax to create paw balm. Morgan reminds us that essential


Echinacea to boost the immune system. She uses ginger or peppermint to counteract nausea. “Many people think an allergic pet


should be switched to a lamb and rice diet. In some cases, that makes dry, itchy, skin worse,” she says. “That’s why it’s important to know what they are allergic to before trying out new foods or herbal remedies. Find a holistic vet to work with.” Morgan often prescribes a mixture


of herbs for the best results. “I like licorice because it works like a steroid without the side effects. Probiotics help keep gut bacteria and the immune system healthy. Parsley works well for dry, itchy, skin caused by a blood


oils can be harmful, even life-threat- ening, for cats. “If Kitty has itchy skin, lavender tea can be used as a rinse on cooperative cats,” she suggests. “For a less cooperative feline, chamomile tea as a drink or as leaves mixed into the food soothes itches.” Dohmen cautions, “Herbs and


other homeopathic remedies or flower essences are medicine and should be given as a prescription by a qualified veterinarian.”


Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouis FreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.


Stay out of your own way. —WHOOPI GOLDBERG


GIVE YOUR PET THE BEST INTEGRATIVE VETERINARY CARE


Bowman Animal Hospital & Cat Clinic is a full-service companion animal hospital. We are committed to providing quality integrative veterinary care throughout the life of your pet. Our services and facilities are designed to: Provide preventative care for your young, healthy pet • Facilitate early detection and treatment of disease as your pet ages • Provide complete medical, holistic and surgical care to your pet Offer herbal and homeopathic remedies, low-level cold-light laser therapy and acupuncture Assure that courtesy to you and care of your pet are our top priorities • Value your continued trust and goodwill


CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR PET’S NEXT CHECKUP Open Mon-Fri: 8am–8pm and weekends too! Sat: 8am–6pm; Sun: noon–6pm


Visit our website to fi nd infor- mation about our practice, our fantastic veterinarians and our extensive veterinary services.


I’ve worked with several vets at Bowman and they are all wonderful. I prefer the holistic approach and there are several doctors on staff who use both the Western and the Eastern.


Asked a friend for a recommendation for a holistic vet and he recommended Dr. Bowman!


WWW.BOWMANANIMALHOSPITAL.COM • 8308 CREEDMOOR ROAD, RALEIGH • 919-847-0123 natural awakenings March 2017 53


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