By Colleen Gundlach

Who doesn’t love a hike to the top of Haystack or on one of the many beautiful trails throughout Norfolk? It’s the time of year when people move outdoors to greet the sun, fresh air and…..ticks! Who doesn’t hate ticks? These tiny arachnids become a huge problem this time of year, causing human illnesses ranging from ehrlichiosis and babesiosis to typhus, but ticks are most widely known in this part of the country for spreading Lyme disease.

While not all ticks are infected with pathogens, it is wise to take the widely-publicized precautions against being bitten by ticks, such as wearing tick repellant and tucking pant legs into socks or boots. But how do we protect our pets from the devastating effects of Lyme or other tick-borne illnesses?

Maria Reich, a canine nutritionist and author living in Harwinton, says that while Lyme is not as much of a problem for dogs as it is for humans, we still need to do everything we can to keep them safe. However, she feels we may be doing more harm than good for these pets. “Dogs around the world have ticks,” she says, “but out of fear of Lyme disease, we are poisoning our pets on a daily basis.  Systemic pesticides are not the only way to prevent disease.”

Reich and her husband Phil, who is a master herbalist, own The Pet Health and Nutrition Center, an on-line manufacturer of organic whole food supplements and herbal preparations for dogs and cats.  She says that most dogs handle tick-borne diseases very well. In fact, most dogs who test positive for exposure never show a symptom or suffer any ill effects.She believes we are doing more harm than good by putting topical flea and tick repellants on our pets or giving them ingestible preventatives. “There have also been no long-term studies, on a single population of dogs, done on chemical flea and tick control products.” 

There are natural options available when dealing with Lyme disease. Dr. Stephen Tobin, a holistic veterinarian in Meriden, Conn., recommends homeopathic Ledum as a curative for the disease. The Pet Health and Nutrition Center’s antimicrobial herbal preparation or its tick protection product may also be helpful in supporting the dog’s immune system in combatting Lyme and other tick- borne diseases. 

 “Pet owners are under so much pressure to vaccinate, use chemical pest control products and feed highly processed diets,” says Reich. “When these things ultimately compromise the animal’s health, the owner is left with a fountain of guilt. In our hearts we know that these things are questionable and yet we succumb to the pressure and ultimately our pets suffer. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We can give less vaccines and still keep dogs protected, use natural alternatives to pest control, and provide whole foods at mealtime. Education and action can transform the health of your beloved pet.”

To learn more about herbal and naturopathic remedies for canine Lyme and other illnesses go to pethhealthannutritioncenter.com.