CasaVerde: Healthy Pet Design w/Dr Lisa Kluslow

Hi Everyone-
Another show that went a bit off topic...but good grief...I learned more in this show than I have in almost any other!  Dr Lisa Kluslow specializes in nutrition & preventative care for dogs & cats, equine & small exotics (mostly small animals).  She is the preferred vet of my 2 dogs Libby & Ossie, and all I have to do is say "Dr Lisa" and their tails start wagging!  Here are some of the great tips from our time w/Dr Lisa:

• Accupuncture dates back over 8000 yrs in China where they've uncovered STONE acupuncture needles that were used back in ancient times.  (How cool is that?)
• Accupuncture & chiropractic treatments deal, in principle, with the energy meridians of the body-just like people!  ALL parts of the body work in relation with the neurological system, hence the reason to keep your spine healthy & energy flowing throughout your body.
• Animals respond BETTER than people to this Eastern modality of treatment as they don't have the external stress that we people have (unless you count stalking chipmunks...) and they don't have the societal stressors of the "coulda, woulda, shoulda" of what works...It just does.

Here are some general tips that Dr Lisa has shared (with me as well for my column!) that you can apply to your pet-specifically if a senior/elderly pet and/or a pet that has undergone any type of surgery, rehab or cancer treatments:

• If a pet has undergone a surgical procedure: a pet needs quiet room, low light, NO stairs/jumping and comfortable place to rest.
• If a pet has undergone chemotherapy: teas will help to calm their digestive tract (chamomile or ginger are perfect!) as nausea is one of the main results of chemo (can work for ppl as well).
• If a pet has undergone radiation treatment: it is imperitive  that they be kept away from direct sunlight/birght light as they will burn.  Keep room dark/low light and curtains drawn.
• A great "home" remedy to keep in your first aid kit for wound/injury care is Liquid Vitamin E and lavendar essential oil.  Mix both together in a 10:1 (E to lavendar) and apply directly to the wound.  Lavendar is a natural anti-bacterial & is one of 2 essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin.  Both items are available at your local health food store.
• Clary Sage essential oil is also great for calming & releasing seratonin.

***Shameless self-promotion...3E Products, products division of Bante Design LLC, has Clary Sage & Lavendar Environment Sprays available for $8.99.  Go to the CasaVerde website at http://casa-verde.weebly.com for buying information!***


General DESIGN tips include:

• NON-STICK surfaces are imperitive so your pet doesn't slide, hyperextend a joint/leg/arm or slam into a cabinet as they make their way around the home.
• Rawhides are OK if made in the USA!!  Rawhides (or other treats/toys) made in Mexico or China contain formaldehyde which is a toxin and can poison your pet (or YOU as it off-gasses).  Canada, the UK & Australia are also OK as they have stringent regulations in place regarding pet care/products.
• Pig Ears are high calorie treats and should be avoided especially if your pet is a "pudge".
• Dr Lisa is a huge proponent of using MUSIC to help calm your pet & also to disguise outside noise (sound familiar?).  Studies have been done that dogs prefer classical/symphony tunes!  (a) my dogs like classic rock, b) WHO did this study?)
• Hard flooring surfaces are best in homes with pets as they are easier to maintain & keep clean.  Area rugs/runners are a must though so pet (and people) don't slip & fall.
• Ramps are perfect, especially for multi-level spaces and/or outdoor entryways.
• Shoes should come off when entering your space as you don't know what you're dragging in.  Even if YOU don't use pesticides on your lawn, your neighbors might.
• Wash your hands before/after interacting with your pet.
• Make sure to wipe your pet's paws off when re-entering your home to wipe off salt, pesticides...whatever.

Since Dr Lisa's passion & mission to help educate & help improve nutrition in animals, here are her tips for ALL pet owners to look for when purchasing food for their fur babies:

• Stay away from WHEAT, CORN & SOY as these are a "gluten" which is basically a "glue" which holds food together (just like people!).
• The first 3 products listed should be MEAT.
• Supplemental vitamins should come from WHOLE FOODS, not by-products.
• Pumpkin is a "filler" and source of fiber.  (This is also great if your pet has "anal gland" issues-gross I know, but it is an issue & helps with the "elimination" process).
• Check out the Whole Dog Journal which is a great source for dog owners.  http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/
• If you want to find a holistic vet in your area, go to http://www.ahvma.org/ for the American Holistic Vet Medical Association.

To contact Dr Lisa check out her personal website on her workshops she offers, pictures of her dog and other great information, go to www.handsonhealing4animals.com.  To contact the Silver Spring Animal Wellness Center (if in SE WI and/or Milwaukee area) call 414-228-7655 or www.vetcor.com/glendale

We'll have Dr Lisa on again to talk more about what we can do to keep our pets healthy & happy!

Make sure to follow us on Twitter at /bantedesign.  Become a FAN of Bante Design LLC at www.facebook.com/pages/bante-design-llc.  Until next time....DeAnna