Alicia Alatriste - The PAWer of Massage and Reconnective Healing

01/05/2020

How Massage Can Restore Your Pet's Health and Well-Being:

Massage Benefits the Entire Body
Massage therapy acts on the vagal nerve network, which affects almost every system in the body. The vagus nerve travels from the medulla of the brain down through the neck and chest to the abdomen, where it provides stimulation to internal organs and transmits information about the state of those organs to the central nervous system.
Just as acupuncture stimulates body systems and alters function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the moderate pressure applied during massage can create similar changes inside the body.
Pressure massage of the skin that also reaches underlying subcutaneous tissue and myofascia (the fibrous tissue that encloses and separates layers of muscle) stimulates vagal nerve endings. These in turn send signals to the brain that improve homeostasis (equilibrium or balance) of the autonomic nervous system.
Balance between the activity of the two subsystems of the ANS — the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (calming) nervous systems — improves blood flow throughout the body and reduces inflammation, muscle tension, spinal cord wind-up (sensitization) and pain.
A basic understanding of the nervous system explains how and why therapeutic manipulation of soft tissue (massage) improves a number of bodily processes including your pet’s emotional state, sleep quality, immune function, pain control, weight regulation, and digestion.

- Dr Karen Baker

12/12/2019

Natural Dog Arthritis Treatments

DO

-Get a definitive diagnosis.
Use diet and exercise to take extra weight off your dog. Want a complete list of anti-inflammatory foods? We like this one. Just make sure you’re not feeding your dog anything that’s potentially toxic, like large amounts of garlic or onions.
Maintain exercise but change long walks to more frequent, shorter walks.
-Consider nutrition. The best dog foods for arthritis are papaya, alfalfa, celery, and ginger.
-Raising water and food bowls can reduce strain in the neck or back of an arthritic dog; some arthritic dogs may not eat or drink as much as they should without this sort of accommodation. Note, however, that raised bowls are contraindicated for dogs who are prone to bloat. Ask your veterinarian whether your dog is at risk for bloat.
-Put carpet runners on hardwood floors. Try to prevent your dog from slipping, as this creates unwanted stress on the entire body.
-Provide a soft, supportive bed.
-Keep nails trimmed. If nails are too long they can change the gait on the dog, causing skeletal changes and arthritis in the foot/toes.
-Use a ramp where needed (for helping your dog get in and out of the car, on to your bed or sofa, etc.). This will reduce strain on his knees and hips.
-If your dog is having trouble getting up or walking on his own, check out slings, rear-end harnesses, wheelchairs, or carts to help keep him moving.
-Consider physical, laser, and MASSAGE THERAPY, acu-puncture, and dog arthritis supplements. All or a combination of these will improve the quality of your arthritic dog’s life

DON’T:

-Self-diagnose your dog with arthritis.
-Force an exercise regimen that your dog is not comfortable with.
-Try any stretching of limbs without being properly trained.
-Discontinue exercise. A certain amount of exercise remains important for your arthritic dog; it is necessary to help maintain muscle strength and mobility.
-Ignore your dog’s extra weight. Your dog will feel so much better after taking that extra burden off sore joints.
-Ignore sliding or falling. Don’t underestimate how damaging continual sliding and falling can be on the arthritic dog’s body.
Give any medication without veterinary approval.

- WholeDog Journal.

10/08/2019

Antioxidants and Bioflavonoids:

Vitamin C acts in the body as an antioxidant. Oxidation is the chemical reaction of oxygen combining with another substance, and oxidation of food by an animal is a natural process which provides both the heat and the energy needed to keep the body running. Too much or too little oxygen in the system, however, can create toxic by-products called free radicals, which can damage cell structure, impair immunity, and alter DNA codes

As an antioxidant, vitamin C acts as both an oxygen interceptor (thus protecting the cells from being destroyed or altered by oxidation) and as a scavenger of free radicals. It not only prevents oxidation, but will, for instance, return oxidized vitamin E back to its original state by stealing an oxygen molecule away from the E molecule. Thus vitamin C is a restorative substance that inhibits tissue and collagen degeneration by working in conjunction with the other vitamins and minerals that protect the body and its systems

As a demonstration of the antioxidant powers of vitamin C, try the following: Dissolve a 1000 milligram tablet of the ascorbic acid form in a large bowl of water. Take some lettuce that has been in the refrigerator a little too long and is getting slightly brown around the edges. Dunk the lettuce in the water for several minutes, then drain it and notice the change. The lettuce should be crisper, fresher and some or all of the brown tinge will be gone. You have just reversed the effects of oxidation! Apple or potato slices can also be dunked in vitamin C solutions to prevent browning. (Antibrowning agents sold for home canning are usually ascorbic acid powder.)

Many types of vitamin C sold also contain bioflavonoids, which are naturally-occurring plant pigments which the body can use to manufacture other nutrients. Beta-carotene, for example, is the bioflavonoid used by the body to manufacture vitamin A. Hesperidin, rutin, acerola, rose hips, citrus bioflavonoids, and bioflavonoid complex are all bioflavonoids commonly used in vitamin C products.

Occasionally supplementing your dog’s diet with grated carrots or apples, or offering him any other fresh fruit he finds palatable are great ways to enhance his bioflavonoid intake. Fresh, ripe melons and peaches are two fruits that many dogs enjoy.

Ways to Use Vitamin C on Dogs:

Time and further studies are bearing out Belfield’s findings. Today, vitamin C is routinely prescribed by holistic veterinarians for a number of illnesses, including cancer, kennel cough and other respiratory infections, abscesses, and other bacterial infections. Due to its important role in maintaining the health of collagen, it appears to be especially helpful for slowing – and some say, reversing – degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia, and spinal disorders.
The use of vitamin C as a preventative and immune booster are also celebrated. Some veterinarians suggest giving C to dogs before and after vaccination, to dogs that have been exposed to contagious diseases, to pregnant and lactating dogs, and for healthy teeth and gums. According to Belfield, young dogs and old dogs can benefit the most from routine vitamin C supplements. Due to the extensive stresses faced by puppies and young dogs, such as numerous vaccinations, surgical procedures on dewclaws, tails, and ears, and the demands of rapid growth, he suggests that all young dogs receive C.
As they get old, dogs become less proficient at producing their own supply of vitamin C, and more in need of antioxidants. Administering vitamin C to even very old and feeble dogs, says Belfield, can reinvigorate and strengthen them

- THE WHOLEDOG JOURNAL

Alicia Alatriste (In Paws I Trust!)
The PAWer of Massage and Energy Healing Practitioner
Certified Massage Therapist for Dogs
Cat Boarding – Chiks Cat Resort at my Place
619-218-6030
www.ThePawerOfMassage.com
Facebook: The PAWer of Massage
Linkedin : Alicia Alatriste
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The PAWER of Massage

10/01/2019

10/01/2019

Benefits of Vitamin C to Your Dog:

Vitamin C Benefits Sick and Stressed Dogs
This may be appropriate when dealing with healthy unstressed animals, but recent clinical observations indicate that when dogs are sick or stressed, they can rapidly deplete their bodies’ output of vitamin C. A 1942 study noted that dogs with skin diseases usually have very low amounts of vitamin C in their blood.
Other researchers have found the blood levels of vitamin C to be low – and even non-existent – in dogs with fevers and dogs who have exercised to their limits (sled dogs after a race, for example, or hunting dogs in the middle of hunting season).
Stress is the best-known cause of vitamin C depletion in dogs. Physical stress comes in many forms: gestation, lactation, growth, hard work (dogs used for herding, hunting, tracking, etc.), vaccinations, injuries, tail-docking or ear cropping, or illness. Emotional stress, whether caused by relocation, weaning, or demanding training, can also deplete this reserve. In fact, researchers can measure the level of stress a dog experiences by measuring the degree of depletion of the vitamin in the dog’s blood.
Conversely, many studies have found that dogs (as well as humans) that are supplemented with vitamin C show greater resistance to disease, and a better ability to recover from injuries or illness.
- WholeDog Journal

09/03/2018

Massage has been relieving people of chronic pain, stress and muscle tension for over 5,000 years, while canine massage has developed in North America over the past thirty to forty years.

Humans experience the benefits of massage from registered massage therapists for soft tissue strains, anxiety, digestive disorders, myofascial pain and sports injuries, just to name a few, and now dogs can experience similar benefits from certified canine massage practitioners. Whether you have a show dog, an elderly dog, an athlete or simply a beloved canine companion, massage can offer relief or relaxation for man’s (and woman’s!) best friend. And as more people understand the benefits that massage can provide for their dogs, the more dogs will experience longer, happier, healthier lives!

05/14/2018

Physical Healing
Dog massage works to rehabilitate dogs who are recovering from injuries and surgery. It:

reduces recovery time after surgery
helps healthy scar tissue form
provides natural healing by supplying nutrients and oxygen to the body
strengthens the body by stimulating muscles
increases the blood flow to help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation
improves the immune system by helping flush ​of toxins
Senior dogs tend to suffer from arthritis, hip dysplasia, cancer and other issues more commonly seen in older dogs.

In these situations, dog massage:

provides relief from muscle stiffness and joint discomfort
decelerates joint degeneration
provides emotional calming from stress, anxiety and depression
enables increased relaxation and a sense of well-being
improves muscle movement and range of motion
provides relief from the chronic pain and discomfort through endorphin release
reverses muscle atrophy from inactivity or disuse
helps to improve digestion
helps to transition dogs and their owners with end of life care
Emotional Healing
“Rescue” dogs have often suffered from abuse, neglect or emotional trauma, so they experience psychological stress. Dog massage:

focuses on the nervous system to provide emotional calming from stress, anxiety, depression and boredom from shelter life
accustoms sensitive or fearful animals to human touch
enhances bonding with newly adopted dogs and their owners
boosts trust and mood elevation
increases relaxation and a sense of well-being
reduces blood pressure
increases blood flow to help alleviate physical and emotional pain
When an animal is less stressed and in good health, it’s more likely to be adopted. Massage is highly beneficial for providing relief to ensure a healthier, happier life for abused, neglected and emotionally traumatized pups.

04/25/2018

Massage has been relieving people of chronic pain, stress and muscle tension for over 5,000 years, while canine massage has developed in North America over the past thirty to forty years.

Humans experience the benefits of massage from registered massage therapists for soft tissue strains, anxiety, digestive disorders, myofascial pain and sports injuries, just to name a few, and now dogs can experience similar benefits from certified canine massage practitioners. Whether you have a show dog, an elderly dog, an athlete or simply a beloved canine companion, massage can offer relief or relaxation for man’s (and woman’s!) best friend. And as more people understand the benefits that massage can provide for their dogs, the more dogs will experience longer, happier, healthier lives!

04/20/2018

Senior dogs tend to suffer from arthritis, hip dysplasia, cancer and other issues more commonly seen in older dogs.

In these situations, dog massage:

provides relief from muscle stiffness and joint discomfort,
decelerates joint degeneration,
provides emotional calming from stress, anxiety and depression
enables increased relaxation and a sense of well-being,
improves muscle movement and range of motion
provides relief from the chronic pain and discomfort through endorphin release
reverses muscle atrophy from inactivity or disuse
helps to improve digestion
helps to transition dogs and their owners with end of life care

Call me if you have questions.

Alicia Alatriste (In Paws I Trust!)
Certified Massage Therapist for Dogs
Reconnective Healing Practitioner
619-218-6030
www.ThePawerOfMassage.com
Facebook: The PAWer of Massage
Linkedin : Alicia Alatriste
Twitter:
Google +: The PAWer of Massage

04/09/2018

What Is Canine Massage?

Canine massage therapy is a therapeutic treatment. It uses hands-on manipulation of the voluntary muscle system, ligaments and tendons. It focuses on the manual manoeuvering of body tissues to assist in the natural processes of pain reduction, improved health and well-being, stress reduction and healing of trauma. The philosophy is based on a holistic model where all the parts of the organism are encouraged to work together in balance and harmony. This includes the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of the whole dog.

Certified Canine Massage Practitioners are animal health professionals who use their knowledge of behavior, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and deep tissue massage techniques to improve a dog’s physical and emotional well-being. There are also many safe, beneficial strokes that you can perform on your own dog at home.

Canine massage can be offered for:

Competition (agility, herding, flyball, sledding, etc)
Occupations (search and rescue, military and police K9, guide dogs, etc)
Rehabilitation (dogs with injuries, post-surgery, rescue dogs, etc)
Relaxation/Well-being

By dogsnaturally magazine

03/21/2018

https://iheartdogs.com/specialty-pet-food-company-faces-lawsuit-for-false-advertising/?utm_source=FB_Pages_IA&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=FB_Pages_IA

Recently, a class action lawsuit has been filed against Champion Pet Food, makers of specialty dog and cat food brands ACANA and Orijen. The lawsuit, which represents consumers in Minnesota, California and Florida, claims that these products exhibit “false advertising” among other …