What Do Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Pests & Parasites Have in Common?

macro photography of a tick crawling on leaf with water droplets
Photo by Erik Karits on Pexels.com

What if all these start with what is in the mind? What we think about we bring about. As we think in our hearts so are we. I’ll connect the dots during this long post on stress, anxiety, depression, pests, and parasites. It’s not step-by-step, but rather designed to get you outside of the conventional box and color outside the lines.

And the truth is, all creation groans. Romans 8:18-22

 We are why animals, plants, the earth are sick. We can change that! This is an age-old problem. 

The veterinarians (at least some of them – holistic is what I’m referencing) write most of their articles which will inevitably drive people back to them for help and solutions. That defeats the empowerment model, making us once again dependent upon being told what to do rather than thinking it through and figuring it out for ourselves.

We can change that though. There is a time for receiving help which I reserve for critical care, not much else. That’s where I am in this journey. If your faith isn’t there YET, then by all means seek out the help needed. My goal here is to help you get to that place, hopefully much faster than I have. I’m still on this journey as well and haven’t fully arrived but I am running this race, forgetting what’s behind to move forward quicker and more efficiently – I invite you to join me!

In all transparency I’d venture to say that so are the veterinarians because they often grow frustrated as well. Sadly, there is a high rate of suicide in their profession which I discussed on this podcast with my friend, retired veterinarian Dr. Hugh Bassham. You can listen to these two episodes:

  1. Man in the Mirror
  2. The Business of Sickness

For years I’ve said, when people are saved then animals will be saved. Then the abuse, misuse, cruelty, animal testing (which by the way is NO longer necessary but still highly utilized),etc., ends. This is ALL a lack of identity problem in people. As we venture forth, this will all become more and more evident in all I share here for your benefit. This is an excerpt of what I recently taught in my monthly Holistic Pet Chat for the Holistic American Group on Skool:

What I’ve seen happening is how so many (both holistic vets and holistic animal practitioners) are WAY over-complicating everything. Giving too many supplements, too many modalities, trying to make it all so difficult that the pet owners give up and pay someone to help them on a regular basis, and thereby making them once again dependent on someone else to make the decisions for their animals. Not to mention that the THINKING is disease focused NOT health focused.” ~Dr. Kim Bloomer

I’ll elaborate further as we redirect all of these “problems and disease focused issues” to health SOLUTIONS starting now in upcoming blog posts. The goal here is to shift our FOCUS to health. To learn to live and walk in health and then so will our animals. 

Let’s outline some of the problems first so I can help us get started into this fresh, real, new way of thinking…reference the podcast for deeper insights.

THE PROBLEMS

Golden Retriever
  1. Depression in Dogs: This is, I believe, much more rooted in what is going on with people collectively worldwide, especially the last few years. I’m not going to list all the signs and things that can make you believe this is what is wrong with your dog or cat. I’ll share a story with you in a bit that I heard from an itinerant pastor I follow (and have for years now – the story is available only in the podcast episode above). Anyway, the key phrase I caught in the article (which appears in every vet article I read by the way) is this: “Whenever a dog’s behavior changes, it’s a good idea to check in with your veterinarian“.
  2. Animal Testing: think of the products we’re encouraged to use in our pets as “protection” but what if, this is just a way to use our pets as experiments under the guise of healthcare delivery? There are SO many adverse events and known problems with these pesticides (that’s what they really are) and yet the very veterinarian that will be needed to treat your sick pet as a result of using these products is the very one you purchased the products from!
  3. Flea and Tick Products: “According to this survey, two-thirds of 1,594 dogs given this common treatment experienced an adverse event, such as muscle tremors, reduced muscle control, seizures or death. Is your dog or cat taking any of these nine products that are FDA approved and prescribed by veterinarians?” 
  4. Cancer-causing chemical exposure: While these chemicals’ toxic and cancer-causing nature is well-known, they continue to be used widely across the United States. Do your due diligence and look into the FDA while you research some of this out for yourself – I encourage you to always do that! “cancer-causing volatile organic compounds” (VOCs).
  5. How Air-Scenting Products Can Harm Your Pets: a) the majority of U.S. households use air-scenting products such as air freshener sprays and scented candles; b) these products pollute the air inside your home with chemicals that are dangerous for your pets; studies have found harmful chemicals in air fresheners (all types), scented candles, and incense; c) most of the effects of these products aren’t immediately obvious and may not even manifest as respiratory issues; d) safe, natural alternatives that freshen the air in your home include pet-safe indoor plants, an air purifier, and diffusing diluted pet-safe essential oils (I use Young Living only and have for 20 years – we ditched all this nasty stuff all those years ago. Now I no longer have the symptoms of asthma or allergies). Knowing how intensely our pets sense of smell is, it makes perfect SCENTS and SENSE that we’d do well to be aware of and know these things! 
  6. Heartworm Prevention Medication: “Needless to say, the American Heartworm Society is sponsored by a who’s who of veterinary drug manufacturers, including Bayer, Ceva, Elanco, Merial, Virbac and Zoetis, as well as a couple of veterinary laboratories.

I used to be one of those who did this. Sadly, my Golden Retriever Fridge paid the price for all those pesticides I used on and around and IN him his entire life! 

These things stress our pets and cause them anxiety. All these things we use on and around them. The wrong kind of nutrition is the foundation of stress for them. Add all of this onto them PLUS our own stress and anxiety over the state of the world and what do you suppose is going to happen? LOWER immune systems making them vulnerable to sickness, illness, disease – refer back to the previous THREE blog posts!

I won’t get into ALL of that in this one blog post and podcast episode. I will ask you to go back and listen to other episodes on nutrition. Plus listen to the 5-part Your Healthy Dog series on my podcast as well. 

opossums and ticks2

Things to remember as we go down the road less traveled these days. First know that fleas, ticks, etc., are attracted as clean up crews to the blood of our pets that are less than ideal – starting with the wrong nutrition that makes their blood palatable to these parasites. They are all blood feeding parasites, with heartworm being internal but from the bite of an external blood feeder (mosquitoes) and fleas & ticks being external blood feeders. 

OPOSSUMS also EAT TICKS!

Like anything, once it gets in and onto your pets then the cycle begins. Rather than trying to go into ALL that this entails, let’s focus on the initial onset: STRESS, which leads to anxiety, which leads to a lowered immune system. 

Today I’ll share a couple of unusual and simple solutions to start with. However, start first with the right nutrition for any animal. Their TEETH are the key to what they need to eat. Here is the simple breakdown:

  1. All teeth are sharp and pointy. No grinding molars. Jaws open and shut like scissors – ripping, tearing, shredding. No sideways movement of the jaw is possible. = CARNIVORE (examples include coyotes, wolves, lions, cats, dogs, etc.)
  2. Both sharp teeth and grinding molars. Jaws can chew, rip, grind. Sideways for chewing. OMNIVORE (examples include bears & pigs)
  3. Only flat grinding teeth – all of them. Sideways chewing and grinding. HERBIVORE (examples include cows, deer, sheep, etc.)

Dogs and cats = CARNIVORE

Now go listen to the audios and series available on my podcast on this topic more in depth. Also, stay tuned to the upcoming availability of a VERY affordable solution for all that ails our pets so they can live healthy and well. 

More…

THE SOLUTIONS

The WATER cure: By Dr. Batman who said, “You’re not sick, you’re thirsty!” I believe that is true for our animals also. Meaning, for example if they are raw fed their natural diets, they get much more moisture than being fed pellets that are denatured and void of any real nutrition. Check out this site that only has one thing they are selling, Dr. Batman’s book, “The Miracles of Water to Cure Diseases“. His last name is so hard to pronounce, everyone just calls him Dr. Batman LOL!

Unleash the Power of Play: Also, did you know that PLAY can release SO much stress? I have an audio for that hahaha! I’ll link it for you – The Barking, Howling, Quail-Call Zoomies !

I play the Howling Game, Pt 1 and the Howling Game, Pt2 with my dogs a lot, but not as often as is needed. I also sing with them – and they LOVE that lol! And when they play – more like chase and wrestle each other as the macho boys they are – that also releases stress. Getting to do some outdoor sniffing releases stress. Honor their natures as much as possible and see if that doesn’t bring some harmony to them and your home! Check out this post as well: Sing Baby, Sing!

Make sure they get DAILY exercise! I’ll remind you once again of the 8 laws of health category on this website. I wrote this post in 2016 on Exercise for Your Dog which can also shed some light on this non-negotiable need in their lives.

And lastly…

PETS PEMF FOR ANXIETY AND PESTS

Here is PetsPEMF latest information on their amazing mat that is frequency-based. And yes, FYI I am an affiliate now and using this very pad for my own dogs since January of 2024 as I state in the podcast episode:

  • Are your pets exhibiting signs of stress or anxiety? We understand how concerning it can be when our pets are not their usual happy selves. 
  • PEMF therapy, known for its remarkable effects on the brain and nervous system, offers a holistic approach to pet wellness. By releasing mood-enhancing neurotransmitters and reducing cortisol levels, PEMF therapy promotes relaxation and improves overall well-being. Say goodbye to pet stress and hello to a happier, more relaxed companion.
  • Our Stress Relief program is designed to target your pet’s specific needs. Here’s a recommended stimulation regime to get started:
  • Frequencies: 4 Hz and 6 Hz
  • Intensities: 2.5 mT and 1 mT
  • Position: Plexus (belly), whole body, head
  • Therapy Schedule:
    • Week 1: 3 sessions of 20 minutes each day
    • Weeks 2-3: 1-2 sessions of 20 minutes each day
  • With Petspemf Pad, you can provide your pet with the relaxation they deserve, right in the comfort of your home. Whether your pet is struggling with anxiety, depression, or simply needs a mood boost, our PEMF therapy solution is here to help.
  • Invest in your pet’s well-being today with our Petspemf Pad. Say hello to a stress-free and happier companion!
  • 15 Day Money-back guarantee, free shipping worldwide, 24-month warranty, dedicated FB community.
How PEMF Therapy Helps with Ticks Reducing Inflammation: Ticks attach to pets by biting and burrowing into their skin, causing localized inflammation and irritation. PEMF therapy can reduce this inflammation, making the environment less favorable for ticks to attach and thrive.
Improving Blood Circulation
Better blood circulation, a known benefit of PEMF therapy, can help in delivering essential nutrients to the skin and coat, which may create a less hospitable environment for ticks. Promoting Healing
If a pet is already suffering from tick bites, PEMF therapy can expedite the healing process by stimulating cellular repair and regeneration. This reduces the time ticks have to feed and increases the pet’s overall comfort.
Good news is, they are having a 4th of July sale (2024). Use this code for a $55 discount: PETS55 at PetsPEMF.

That’s all for this time…until next time…

Have a PAWSitively tail waggin’, STRESS-FREE day!

 

DISCLAIMER – PLEASE READ

Kim Bloomer, V.N.D., N.D. is an animal naturopath as well as being certified in small animal nutrition, with years of experience in animal wellness. Dr. Kim is a published author, writer, and blogger. Dr. Kim is the founder of the Holistic American Pet Academy with Doug Reed. Subscribe to her DOGgone Newsletter for updates or to her blog via email. Copyright ©2005-2024 Aspenbloom Pet Care, Dr. Kim Bloomer, All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the Author/Publisher. This article is intended to be educational. However, it is not intended to be a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified animal health professional. Dr. Kim Bloomer and Aspenbloom Pet Care, do not assume any legal responsibility for misuse of the products discussed in this article. The only essential oils referenced on this website are Young Living.

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