Protecting Pets From Lyme Disease

Prevention And Symptom Management Tips

by Paige Cerull

When the weather is nice and we crave outdoor adventures with our pets, we may not want to think about Lyme disease, but it’s a good idea to take precautions to avoid an infection. One bite from an infected tick could lead to troubling health concerns. Despite the risks, there is no reason to hide indoors, as there are numerous actions we can take to protect our animal companions from infection and to relieve their symptoms should they contract the ailment.

Disease Prevalence in the U.S.: According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, Lyme disease is spread by bites from blacklegged deer ticks or western blacklegged ticks that carry the disease-causing bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. While cases have been reported in nearly every U.S. state, Lyme disease is most common in the Northeast, Upper Midwest and Northwest.

A 2018 study published in Environmetrics found that the prevalence of Lyme disease in dogs is getting worse in the Northeast and spreading into regions that weren’t previously considered to be high risk, including areas in North Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Tennessee.

Symptoms

in Cats, Dogs and Horses: Lyme disease affects animals differently. Veterinarian Erin O’Leary, founder of Heal House Call Veterinarian, explains that cats with Lyme disease are asymptomatic. “We don’t see any symptoms in cats, so we don’t tend to test or treat for Lyme in cats,” she explains.

Canine Lyme disease is a different story. Per O’Leary, dogs often exhibit lameness that may shift among the legs. Fever and swelling in the joints are common. Dogs can also experience a serious kidney complication called Lyme nephritis that causes them to feel very sick, drink lots of water and urinate more. Two studies performed by IDEXX, a developer of diagnostic and

Preventing

Tick Bites:

Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian with The Vets, notes that pet owners can naturally reduce their pet’s risk of being bitten by a tick by keeping their yards in check. “Ticks prefer to live in areas with tall grass, weeds and leaf litter,” she says. “Keeping your yard tidy by mowing your lawn and removing any dead leaves or debris can help reduce the number of ticks in your yard.”

Pet owners may also use food-grade diatomaceous earth, a non-toxic powder, to help kill ticks in areas where pets like to spend time. Several natural fly sprays, many of which help to repel ticks, are also available for horses.

Removing a Tick: It’s important to carefully inspect pets for tick bites after spending time outdoors. “If you can remove the tick within 24 to 48 hours of the bite, it won’t transmit Lyme disease,” O’Leary maintains. She recommends tools like the Tick Twister or a pair of tweezers to safely coax a tick from their pet. “If you can get down to where the head is inserted and squeeze that with tweezers, that’s the easiest thing to do,” she says.

Savageau suggests keeping pet hair trimmed short, which can make it easier to spot and remove ticks, and cleaning the bite site with soap and water or an antiseptic solution to prevent infection. It’s important to watch for signs of inflammation or infection, like redness, swelling or discharge. “If any of these symptoms appear, or if the pet develops a fever or lethargy, the owner should contact their veterinarian for advice,” she says.

Caring for an Infected Pet: According to O’Leary, the antibiotic doxycycline is the best available treatment for Lyme disease, and giving the pet a bit of turmeric to eat can relieve inflammation, though it is best to consult with a veterinarian regarding the most appropriate treatment options and dosages. To reduce a fever, soaking a towel in cool water and applying it around a pet’s paws and ears will help.

Savageau highlights the importance of feeding pets a balanced and nutritious diet that supports the immune system, as well as supplements and other natural remedies. “This may include adding probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids to their food to support gut health and reduce inflammation. Herbs like echinacea may help stimulate the immune system and support the body’s ability to fight infections,” she says, adding, “Always consult with a veterinarian before starting any natural or alternative treatment for pets, as some may be harmful or interfere with prescribed medications.”

Calendar Of Events

NOTE TO OUR READERS:

Call ahead to confirm event

All events were accurate at press time; we suggest confirming these the hosts before attending. Please check NaturalTucson.com to enter your events or find others. Thank you for your understanding and stay well.

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BIO-TOUCH MEETUP

July 6 • 5pm

Bio-Touch Center • 5634 W Pima St

Bio-TouchDoveMountain.com/Meetup

BIO-TOUCH

PRACTITIONER TRAINING

July 13 • 9am-4:30pm

Live/Online. 8 Hours of CE for nurses, doulas, and massage therapists JustTouch.com/Learn-Bio-Touch

ADDRESSING CAREGIVING

Using Bio-Touch Healing

July 27 • 6pm

Live on Facebook and YouTube Facebook.com/BioTouchHealing

MONDAY, JULY 3

Full Moon Labyrinth Walk – 8-9pm. Join Janet Salese and some of your metaphysical friends for a meditative practice, walking a beautiful outdoor labyrinth under the light of a full moon. No charge. CSLTucson at Unity of Tucson’s Outdoor Labyrinth, 3617 N Camino Blanco. TucsonCSL.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 7

Simply Planted: WFPB Small Group Coaching - Fridays 12-1pm. July 7, 14, 21, 28, with support all month. Certified Life Coach and plant-based enthusiast Deb Anderson teaches you how to create a simple and fun Whole Food Plant Based life. $188. Via Zoom. DebAndersonCoaching. com/simplyplanted.

SATURDAY, JULY 8

Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path with the Teachings of Bruno Groening – 3pm. No charge. Ward 6 City Council Building, 3202 E 1st St. Call Evey for Introduction, 520-508- 8804.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12

Discover and Explore Your Authentic and Innate Goodness – 5:30-7pm. This three-week spiritual enrichment course is based on Ordinary Goodness: The Surprisingly Effortless Path to Creating a Life of Meaning and Beauty by Dr. Edward Viljoen. $30. Admin@TucsonCSL.org 520-319-1042. TucsonCSL.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 14

Free Webinar: How to Live Plant Based in Real Life – 10am. Coach Deb Anderson shares the top 3 things to do to make Whole Food Plant Based Living simple, easy and fun. Just starting out, or looking to re-commit? Bring your questions. No charge. Register: DebAndersonCoaching.com/ plant-based-life-webinar.

Simply Planted: WFPB Small Group Coaching - Fridays 12-1pm. July 7, 14, 21, 28. with support all month. Certified Life Coach and plant-based enthusiast Deb Anderson teaches you how to create a simple and fun Whole Food Plant Based life. $188. Via Zoom. DebAndersonCoaching. com/simplyplanted.

SATURDAY, JULY 15

Yoga Teacher Training Information Meeting –11am-12pm. Join us for a free information session for the Hatha Yoga Teacher’s Training and Fall Intensive. Classes start September 13. In-studio or online. Free. The Yoga Connection, 3929 E Pima. 520-323-1222. YogaConnection.org.

Calendar Of Events

New Moon Meditation – 1-2pm. As we move into the new moon cycle traditionally it’s a time to revisit and set intentions, pause, reflect, take a deep breath and begin again. Live-streaming and recording will be available if you are not able to attend. By donation. The Yoga Connection, 3929 E Pima. 520-323-1222. YogaConnection.org.

Online eBooklet Discussion on Karma & Reincarnation by Harold Klemp – 4-5pm. Join a lively, facilitated discussion and leave with spiritual gifts to assist you. People of all faiths welcome. No need to have the eBooklet to participate. No charge. 877-300-4949, Welcome@ EckankarArizona.org. EckankarArizona.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

Dr. Sandy Bevacqua Live at Transformational Medicine – 6-7pm. Free monthly educational event and Q&A. Newest Solutions to Cancer Prevention and Control. Call 520-209-1755 to reserve a seat or for more information. Transformational Medicine, 2028 E Prince Rd. tfmnd.com.

Safe Tech Tucson Presents “Generation Zapped” – 6-8:30pm. A revealing documentary about the health risks of wireless technology—from infertility to cancer, and ways to reduce your exposure. $10 suggested donation (kids and teens free). RSVP: SafeTechTucson@gmail.com. Sea Of Glass Center for the Arts, 330 E. 7th St. 520-210-4448. TheSeaOfGlass.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 21

Free Webinar: How to Live Plant Based in Real Life – 10am. Coach Deb Anderson shares the top 3 things to do to make Whole Food Plant Based Living simple, easy and fun. Just starting out, or looking to re-commit? Bring your questions. No charge. Register: DebAndersonCoaching.com/ plant-based-life-webinar.

Simply Planted: WFPB Small Group Coaching - Fridays 12-1pm, July 7, 14, 21, 28, with support all month. Certified Life Coach and plant-based enthusiast Deb Anderson teaches you how to create a simple and fun Whole Food Plant Based life. $188. Via Zoom. DebAndersonCoaching. com/simplyplanted.

SATURDAY, JULY 22

Stress-Free Workshop – 12:45-2:15pm. Yoga provides simple yet effective techniques to develop an awareness of what elicits a stress response. In-studio only. Led by certified instructor Hilary Bass. By donation. The Yoga Connection, 3929 E Pima. 520-323-1222. YogaConnection.org.

Develop a Powerful Spiritual Practice – 4-5pm. You’re invited to experience the power and wonder of HU for yourself. Meet others who share a desire to explore their connection with Divine Spirit and engage in spiritual conversation. Questions: Welcome@EckankarArizona.org . No charge. EckankarArizona.org.

SUNDAY, JULY 23

Heart of the Lion: Opening the Heart Center –1-2:30pm. As the sun moves into Leo, to help open the heart center. Open to students of all levels. Led by certified instructor Priscilla Potter. $15. The Yoga Connection, 3929 E Pima. 520-323-1222. YogaConnection.org.

TUESDAY, JULY 25

Gratitude Rainshower – 6:30-7pm. Join Sharon Whealy in a 30-minute gratitude rain shower. Each participant shares gratitudes and then basks in the effervescence of the gratitude rain shower that flows through everyone. No charge. Admin@ TucsonCSL.org for Zoom code. TucsonCSL.org.

markyourcalendar INTEGRATIVE NLP PRACTITIONER TRAINING

July 27-30

Described as a user manual for your conscious and unconscious mind, NLP offers an opportunity to explore how your mind and emotions work in achieving goals, and how to let go of negative emotions and behaviors to create a mindset that can achieve lasting results.

$144; Code: NATURAL. To register, visit NLP.com/training-schedule. Questions: 800-800-6463 or email Info@NLP.com. NLP.com

FRIDAY, JULY 28

Simply Planted: WFPB Small Group Coaching - Fridays 12-1pm. July 7, 14, 21, 28, with support all month. Certified Life Coach and plant-based enthusiast Deb Anderson teaches you how to create a simple and fun Whole Food Plant Based life. $188. Via Zoom. DebAndersonCoaching. com/simplyplanted.

SATURDAY, JULY 29

Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path with the Teachings of Bruno Groening – 3pm. No charge. Ward 6 City Council Building, 3202 E 1st St. Call Evey for Introduction, 520-508- 8804. Tibetan Style Gong Bath – 4-5:30pm. Release that which does not serve you, calm your nervous system, meditate, pray, journey, etc. Please bring a mat, etc, for comfort. It is advised that you not eat within 2 hours of the Gong Bath. $25 per person. The Yoga Connection, 3929 E Pima. 520-3231222. YogaConnection.org.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

SenseAbility Mindful Touch Training – 8/4: 3pm; 8/5: 12:30pm, 8/6: 11:30am. 13 CE hours. If you find that you are efforting through a massage, then it´s time for a shift in your approach. $150 by 7/20; $200 after 7/20. The Yoga Connection, 3929 E Pima. 520-323-1222. YogaConnection.org.

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Fall 2023 Community Arts And Wellness Fair

August 12 • 9am to 1pm

For the purpose of bringing us together through community, arts, health, wellness and awareness. For all straight and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Transformational Medicine, 2028 E Prince Rd, 85719

For information, call 520-209-1755, email Info@tfmnd.com or visit tfmnd.com.

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WOMEN’S ART & WELLNESS RETREAT

November 1, 2 & 3

Celebrate Day of the Dead making art and reviving your spirit! The wellness retreat includes visual journaling, making a retablo, sound healing, local cuisine, art opening and more.

Spiritweave Art Journeys

Sally Blevins BFA MA LPC Ajo, AZ

Email for complete itinerary and pricing. Sally@ConnectTherapiesLLC.com 817-449-5485

Ongoing Events

Daily

Warmpool Peaceful Floating – 10am-6pm. Wednesdays-Saturdays. 90 minutes, by appointment. Santa Rita Springs invites you to float in our indoor warm pool. $20/solo/duet; $35/3-5 guests. Santa Rita Springs, 2301 N Santa Rita Ave, Tucson. Text: 520-990-1857. SantaRitaSprings@ gmail.com. SantaRitaSprings.com.

Watsu Aquatic Massage – 10am-7pm. 90 minutes, by appointment. Wednesdays-Saturdays. Shiatsu, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Cranial-Sacral Therapy, Integrative Massage methods in our private indoor 96-degree saltwater pool. $150/90-minutes. Santa Rita Springs, 2301 N Santa Rita Ave. Text: 520-990-1857. SantaRitaSprings@gmail.com. SantaRitaSprings.com.

Sunday

First Sunday Antique Vintage Fair – 8am-2pm. 1st Sunday. Over 100 vendors, great deals, and a beautiful park. No better way to spend your Sunday. Medella Vina Ranch, 4450 S Houghton, Tucson. 520-298-1983.

Meditation – 9-11am. Come together to support spiritual practice through meditation techniques as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda. Join us in deepening your own meditations and spiritual practice. Self-Realization Fellowship, Tucson Meditation Group, 1702 E Prince, #140. 520-792-6544. Worship Service: Casas Adobes Congregational Church – 9:30am. In person and live streamed. Faith-centered, music-loving Christian congregation with a variety of worship and spiritual enrichment opportunities. No charge. Info@CAUCC.org. CAUCC.org/Welcome/Natural.

CSL Sunday Celebration Services In-Person or Virtual – 9:30-10:30am. Join Speakers and the CSLT Band in a Sunday Celebration Service. Contact us to request Zoom link. By donation. CSL Tucson at Live Theater Workshop, 3322 E Ft Lowell Rd. 520-319-1042. Admin@TucsonCSL. org TucsonCSL.org.

New Mind New World – 10-11:15am. Learn how to realize the nature of feelings and how to release unhelpful states of mind. First session free. Kadampa Meditation Center, 5326 E Pima St. 520-441-1617. MeditationInTucson.org.

Tucson Metaphysics Fair – 10am-5pm. Third Sunday. Psychics, Mediums, Intuitives, Angelic, Oracle and Tarot Readers, Reiki and other healers, Pet Psychic, vendors of metaphysical merchandise and jewelry. Prices vary. Tucson Elks Lodge #385 1800 N Oracle Rd. 520-579-8930. TucsonMetaphysicsFair.com.

Be Hear’d: Women’s Support Group at Tucson Counseling Associates – 5-6:30pm. Every other Sunday. Discuss what it means to be a woman with therapists Yadira Rosales, LMSW and Jules Hernandez, LAC. $5-10. Tucson Counseling Associates, 125 E Mabel St. 520-214-0818. TucsonCounselingAssociates.com.

Sunday Feast and Bhakti Program – 5:30pm. 7pm ten-course feast. Govinda’s Hare Krishna temple and vegetarian restaurant hosts a wonderful program. We observe social distancing and pay close attention to CDC guidelines. No charge. Govinda’s Natural Foods, 711 East Blacklidge. 520-792-0630. GovindasOfTucson.com.

monday tuesday

Spirituality Program from Higher Heart Healing – 9am. First Monday. 8-weeks. Help for newly sparked empaths to ditch confusion for clarity and start their spiritual journey, understand their soul path, and make sense of their gifts. Go at your own pace. See website for pricing and information. tinyurl.com/HHHSpiritualityProgram.

Cultivate the Relationship of Your Dreams, with Dreamwork! – 9-10am. Begin with a meditation, and a different exercise each week to breathe life and connection into our dreams, build a bridge with our subconscious and find the magic, wisdom, guidance and more, that dreams offer us. $10. Eventbrite.com/e/470459847067.

Financial Education Workshop – 5:45-6:45pm. This 6-week workshop is strictly educational, however, attendees should set up a no-fee financial needs analysis and coaching with instructor between classes to put the knowledge into action. No charge. Habitation Realty, 641 N 10th Ave. 520-850-4021.

Contemplative Prayer Group – 7-8pm. Weekly Group. Silent 20 minute “sit”. By donation. Via de Dios, 3615 N. Prince Village Place, Ste 101. 520-954-1811. ViaDeDios.org.

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Laughter Yoga Tuesdays – 5-6pm. Come join us as we use laughter, play, fun and deep breathing as forms of exercise and connection for peace and healing. All ages and abilities welcome. Masks required. No charge. Saint Francis in the Foothills Church, 4625 E River Rd, Rm 50.

Oracle Messages from the Planets – 6-7pm. Second and Fourth Tuesdays. Anna Mana Ra shares messages from spirit channeled to you along with each person getting a private message from spirit. Space is limited. $44.44. Higher Heart Healing, 5930 East Pima St, Ste 108. 520-3336237. HigherHeartHealing.co.

Transformational Coaching Program – 6-7:30pm. Break free from old patterns that have held you back. Reveal and release hidden blocks for clarity and self-empowerment. Vibrational support + insights from group interaction. Personal results in a group setting. $25. Trish Devitt, 520-261-5194, MetamorphosisNow.com.

Meditations on the Stages of the Path – 6:307:45pm. The classes are usually based on a book or a series topic, though drop-ins are welcome as each class can function as a stand-alone subject. First class free. Kadampa Meditation Center, 5326 E Pima St. 520-441-1617. MeditationInTucson.org/gp.

Taizé Service – 6:45-7:30pm. First Tuesday. Taizé is a service of prayer, music, readings, and silence. Contact Steve: 520-400-2137. No charge. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 602 N Wilmot Rd. SJTucson@aol.com

Contemplative Christian Prayer: The Prayer of Silence – 7-8pm. The practice of Contemplation is a way of experiencing the unconditional love of God and is the foundation of our daily journey in life. $30. $20/members. Via de Dios, 3615 N Prince Village Place, Ste 101. 520-4002137. ViaDeDios.org.

Coming In August

wednesday thursday

Business Networking Wednesday – 9am. Second and fourth Wednesday. Non-member charge of $15 per person. 520-370-8232 Arizona Sands Club, UofA Football Stadium, 565 N Cherry Ave. DonZavis.com.

Virtual Psychedelic CommuniTea Support Group – 10-11am. First Wednesday. A safe space to ask professionals your Psychedelics for Healing 101 questions, share and find support and integration in community with like-minded and curious peers. No charge. TucsonCounselingAssociates@ gmail.com. Eventbrite.com/e/461126520837.

Tucson Friendly and Fearless Death Cafe –10-11:30am. First Wednesday. Death Cafés are safe, respectful, open forums to discuss grief, loss, death and dying topics. All welcome. By donation. Zoom ID: 89313889525. Passcode: 583513. Zoom Link: Tinyurl.com/TFandFDCZoom. IsabelDeathCafe@gmail.com. Facebook. com/TucsonDeathCafe.

Aquacize with Rebecca Lennon – 12-1:15pm. Join us in a 96-degree private indoor salt water pool for a safe, head to toe aquatic workout focusing on strength, balance and joint mobility. Free trial class. $200/8 consecutive classes. Santa Rita Springs, 2301 N Santa Rita Ave. Register: 520-444-8636 or B43Lennon@aol.com. SantaRitaSprings.com.

Beginning-Continuing Yoga – 5:30-6:45pm. A multi-level yoga class which introduces variations on poses allowing students to practice at their own level. Also offered Thursday evenings at 6pm and Monday – Friday at noon. In-studio and online $12. The Yoga Connection, 3929 E Pima. 520323-1222. YogaConnection.org.

Meditation – 6-8pm. Come together to support spiritual practice through meditation techniques as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda. Join us in deepening your own meditations and spiritual practice. Self-Realization Fellowship, Tucson Meditation Group, 1702 E Prince, #140. 520-792-6544. Taizé Inspired Worship – 6:30-7:15pm. Second Thursday. Taizé is a quiet, 45-minute Christian service with gentle music, singing, subdued candlelight, scripture readings and includes time for reflection, time for silence and time for meditation. Casas Adobes Congregational Church, United Church of Christ (UCC), 6801 North Oracle Rd. 520-297-1181. caucc.org friday

Don Zavis Sales Training - 9-10:30am. Weekly sales training session. Business Builder Program. The most comprehensive sales training program ever created. No charge. In-person. Encantada Auditorium, 11177 North Oracle Rd, Oro Valley. 248-497-4869.

Beginning-Continuing Yoga – 12-1pm. A multi-level yoga class introducing variations on poses allowing students to practice at their own level. Beginners welcome. Offered in-studio and online. Gift certificates available. $10. The Yoga Connection, 3929 E Pima. 520-323-1222. YogaConnection.org/class.html.