The Beverly Animal Natural Health Center was founded in 1998 to offer holistic care for dogs and cats in a veterinary hospital setting. We are located at 409 Cabot Street in Beverly, MA.
Our approach to treatment plans is holistic. We draw from various methods that are available and select with our clients the one that is the best for the patient not only in the short term but long term as well.
Many alternative treatments such as homeopathy and nutritional supplements take longer to achieve effect but offer better results than traditional medications. Our blend of cutting edge technology and resources combined with compassionate, patient driven care makes our work very rewarding. By promoting client education and participation in the medical process, we are able to nurture the human-animal bond and achieve rewarding outcomes.
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Check out our monthly newsletters for interesting news and events, disease highlights, memorials and our new section, Pet of the Month.
Bugs! Bugs ! Bugs !
It appears that fleas have jumped onto pets early this year with many clients having to deal with flea issues this early in the summer. Typically, August and September were the classic flea months with high humidity.
Here is a little information about the flea life cycle:
Adult fleas are mobile and jump to dogs, cats, and other haired animals in order to have their blood meal. They lay the eggs on the hair coat which will then fall off the host into the environment. Eggs are resistant to insecticides, but susceptible to various insect growth regulators. Larvae develop in the host’s environment and feed on adult flea feces (blood) that fall out of the hair coat of the pet. Larvae are susceptible to traditional insecticides, borates and insect growth regulators.
Larvae eventually spin cocoons (often within carpet fibers) for pupation. Pupae are resistant to freezing, desiccation, and insecticides. Pupae can lie dormant for many months; they are stimulated to expupate as emergent adults by vibration, warming and increased carbon dioxide. Normally, expupation occurs when a host is near and the new flea finds the pet within seconds of emergence. Emergent fleas are fairly mobile and can survive a few days without a host, if in a suitable environment. New fleas begin feeding within hours of finding a dog or cat. The cycle continues…..
To break that cycle, one needs to stop the life cycle in more that just one place. This is were IGRs ( Insect growth regulators) come into play for efficacy and safety. Frontline Plus for Cats and K9Advantix for dogs contain products that kill and repel adults as well prevent the eggs from hatching. A small metal tooth comb, a flea comb is a great way to remove fleas physically from the animal. Bathing will also kill fleas but we do not recommend flea dips as they can be harsh to pets. Cats are much more sensitive to many products due to their unique physiology and inability to metabolize certain compounds.
If you have any concerns about using a product on your pet, please contact us as we can make recommendations based on the individual and their environment. One treatment does not fit all. For instance, multi cat household vs single cat; long hair vs short hair. If an owner or pet has a flea bite allergy, they will want more effective and quicker treatment. If an owner has asthma, they may not be able to tolerate some of the natural oils that may be effective in other circumstances.
Wash bedding in hot water. If you have rugs, vacuum them thoroughly and throw out the used vacuum bags.
If you are interested in OTC products, please be sure to read the instructions and recommendations very carefully. Even natural products may be toxic to some species or if not used correctly. There are many websites that have information but it may not be accurate so please check with us if you have any questions.
Stay clean and flea free!
For the cat that is having litter box “aversion” issues, try Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract. There are several different types of litter as well as a special litter attractant that can be obtained at local pet stores. This can really make a big difference! The website for the product says you cannot buy the litter additive but it is available at Petsmart, PetCo and other retailers under the name “Precious Cat” litter additive. Check out this website for more information: www.preciouscat.com
Urine Away is a pet urine eliminator spray that works even better than Nature’s Miracle! Works at the molecular level and permanently gets rid of stains and odors. Available at BANHC.
The Thundershirt is a "shirt" that is used to help modify anxious behavior that many pets may suffer during a thunderstorm, travel or other anxiety producing events! It works by exerting gentle pressure on the dog to calm them. It is inexpensive, backed by 100% guarantee and is easy to use. If your dog suffers from any thunderstorm anxiety, give it a try at www.thundershirt.com.