V10I5 (Oct/Nov 2008)

animal Living pawsitive!

wellness For a long, healthy life!

Special 10thAnniversary Issue!

Top 10

Animal-friendly Cities

Women making waves

10 steps to good health –naturally

heart healthy

Understanding the canine mind

recipes and supplements

Top 10

Integrative vet advice

advances in Animal wellness

Answers to your top 10 questions

Cat’s Eyes

What they can tell you about your feline’s health October/november Display until Nov. 18, 2008

$5.95 USA/Canada

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 5

www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

animal wellness

animal wellness

animal wellness

contents Features 22

Ten tips For good health

Follow this comprehensive holistic approach and your furry friend will be with you for years to come

28

Stepping out

Don’t have an off-leash park? Here’s how to find a safe place where your canine can roam free

30

Have a heart!

35

Enter our Amazing Animals Photo Contest

These healthy recipes and supplements will help keep his ticker going strong

Send us your best shots and you could win!

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Getting better all the time!

50

Through Rover’s eyes

54

Top 10 animal-friendly cities

60

Women making waves

A look at the ten most significant advances in animal wellness over the past decade

Training dogs isn’t always straightforward – your path to success means understanding how the canine mind works

Discover which urban centers are going out of their way to make life better for dogs and cats

Meet ten pioneers of the holistic animal care industry

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Crate craft

You want your dog’s crate to be his safe haven, but accidents can happen if it’s not used properly

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Blast from the past

82

Smart surgery

Celebrating ten years of Animal Wellness

Spaying and neutering do a lot more than reduce the number of homeless dogs and cats

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animal wellness

86

For old bones

89

Fun facts about dogs and cats

90

In the blood

94

Cat’s eye

How to help your creaky canine get around more easily

A kennel-full of canine and feline trivia

Feline anemia is a symptom, not a disease

Your kitty’s peepers are a window on her well being

Oct/Nov 2008

Click on this icon to visit featured links

columns 16

Yakkity yak

36

Dr. Martin goldstein

69

Communication

74

warm & fuzzy

92

passages

97

book reviews

106

tail end

Photo courtesy: Michelle Bernard

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Departments 8

Editorial

12 45

mail bag

41

product picks

65 45

wellness resource guide

80

the scoop

99 76

ad spots

104

events calendar

105

classifieds animal wellness

Introducing…the hip, cool and healthy magazine for cats

Feline Wellness Magazine

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New from the publishers of Animal Wellness and Equine Wellness comes Feline Wellness, the trendiest natural cat publication on the market today!

Each issue is packed with fun, informative articles on everything from health care, diet and grooming, to the latest in toys, furnishings, and accessories.

Coming up in our next issue: • Healthy premium cat foods • The latest in cool cat carriers • Acupressure for your cat • Outdoor enclosures • Cat agility

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He’s not yet a year old, but Izzy is already getting into the birthday spirit by celebrating our 10th anniversary with us.

In this comical image captured by photographer Shaina Fishman, the feisty bulldog pup looks like he’s puckering up to blow out the candles on our cake. Pass the forks, please!

Animal Wellness Magazine (ISSN 1710-1190) is published six times a year by Redstone Media Group Inc. Publications Mail Agreement #40884047. Entire contents copyright© 2008. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Publication date: September, 2008

animal wellness

Editorial Department Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Managing Editor: Ann Brightman Editorial Assistant: Stephanie Bossence Senior Graphic Designer: Stephanie Wright Graphic Designer: Leanne Martin Cover Photography: Shaina Fishman Columnists & Contributing Writers Sue Becker Michelle Bernard Danielle Bolahood Luise Bolleber Jan Burak Schwert Audi Donamor Martin Goldstein, DVM Jean Hofve, DVM Janice Huntingford, DVM Marcia Martin, DVM Barry Potoker Debra A. Primovic, BSN, DVM Steve Rose Mimi Slogar Danny Wilson Sylvia Wilson Administration & Sales President/C.E.O.: Tim Hockley Office Manager: Lesia Wright Editorial & Marketing Assistant: Jamie Conroy Administrative Assistant: Elizabeth Sinden

• A look at litter and litter boxes

…and lots more!

Volume 10 Issue 5

Submissions: Please send all editorial material, advertising material, photos and correspondence to: Animal Wellness Magazine, 107 Hunter St. East, Unit 201 Peterborough, ON, Canada K9H 1G7.

We welcome previously unpublished articles and color pictures either in transparency or disc form at 300 dpi.

We cannot guarantee that either articles or pictures will be used or that they will be returned. We reserve the right to publish all letters received. Email your articles to: submission@animalwellnessmagazine.com.

National Sales Manager: Lesley Nicholson (866) 764-1212 lesley@animalwellnessmagazine.com Western Regional Manager: Becky Starr (213) 793-1867 becky@animalwellnessmagazine.com Canadian Regional Manager: Anne Gibson (416) 504-4310 agibson@animalwellnessmagazine.com Classified Advertising: Lesia Wright classified@animalwellnessmagazine.com To subscribe: Subscription price at time of this issue is $22.95 in the U.S. and $24.95 in Canada, including taxes for six issues shipped via surface mail. Subscriptions can be processed by: Website: www.animalwellnessmagazine.com Phone: 1-866-764-1212 US Mail: Animal Wellness Magazine, PMB 168, 8174 S. Holly St., Centennial, CO 80122 CDN Mail: Animal Wellness Magazine, 107 Hunter St. E., Unit 201. Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9H 1G7 Subscriptions are payable by VISA, MasterCard, American Express, check or money order. The material in this magazine is not intended to replace the care of veterinary prac titioners. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor, and different views may appear in other issues. Redstone Media Group Inc., publisher of Animal Wellness, does not promote any of the products or services advertised by a third party advertiser in this publication, nor does Redstone Media Group Inc. verify the accuracy of any claims made in connection with such advertisers. Refund policy: call or write our customer service department and we will refund unmailed issues.

Dealer Inquiries Welcome: Animal Wellness Magazine is available at a discount for resale in retail shops and through various organizations. Call 1-866-764-1212 and ask for dealer magazine sales, fax us at 705-742-4596 or e-mail at sales@animalwellnessmagazine.com.

www.animalwellnessmagazine.com

animal wellness

editorial Celebrating a perfect

10!

In our home we live by the mantra “Life is a journey, not a destination.” And what a journey it has been! Never did we dream that rescuing a sickly Siberian husky stray ten years ago would lead us down this wonderful road to helping and healing. My husband Tim Hockley and I had no idea that, along the way, we’d meet so many incredible, like-minded individuals, many of whom would end up contributing to the magazine. And we’re still somewhat in awe of our readership – the most caring, enthusiastic people you could find anywhere. I am incredibly humbled when I read testimonials about Animal Wellness from our readers on third-party websites.

everything from the availability of integrative healthcare to anti-cruelty legislation. The results may surprise you.

Dr. Jean Hofve also reports on the Top Ten advances we’ve seen in animal health care over the last decade – changes that empowered consumers and enlightened veterinarians have helped to drive. If you’ve ever wondered about how your dog’s mind works, you’ll enjoy ten pieces of advice found in Sylvia and Danny Wilson’s article on the canine psyche. And since it’s our 10th anniversary, we thought it was the perfect time to pay tribute to some of the leading women who have helped shape the natural and integrative movement for animals.

So on behalf of everyone here at Redstone Media Group, I want to thank all of you for your support and commitment to the animals, and for helping spread the word about Animal Wellness.

Of course, the issue addresses other important topics such as arthritis and feline anemia, as well as the usual heartwarming stories we all love.

Now that we’re ten years old (approaching twilight years in doggie terms, and relatively ancient in magazine publishing), we are pleased to put out this special anniversary issue that celebrates the best of the best.

Our “Ten” theme starts with the “Top Ten cities in North America for Animal Wellness”, a report that measures

animal wellness

So grab a comfy chair, sit back and enjoy as we bring you this special anniversary issue!

Dana Cox Editor-in-Chief

animal wellness

contributors

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1. Veterinarian Dr. Marcia Martin is a holistic veterinarian practicing at Calusa Veterinary Center in Boca Raton, Florida. Her treatment modalities include classical homeopathy, acupuncture, non-force chiropractic and herbal medicine. She is also the author of Quit Your Belly Aching, a homeopathic guide to colic treatment in horses. See page 22 for her top ten steps to a long and healthy life.

2. Mimi Slogar is the owner of Strategic Business Development Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in marketing, sales and creative strategy for growthoriented businesses. She is also general manager of PetSTEP International, Inc. and encourages the use of pet ramps for lifelong joint health and injury prevention for dogs of all ages. Mimi and her best friend, Andy, live in Chicago.

For her advice on how to buy a pet ramp for your own dog, turn to page 88.

3. Danielle Bolahood is a long time animal lover and has had animal companions all her life. She has learned

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a considerable amount about them (and the people who love them) while working in a vet clinic and at riding stables. Danielle lives in Oshawa, Ontario and currently shares her home with a dog, two rabbits and a ball python, all of which are adopted. See page 82 for her tips on why everyone should spay and neuter.

4. Luise Bolleber writes from northern Michigan and is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative nonfiction writing at Lesley University in Massachussetts. She and her dog Bailey can often be found wandering the byways, fields, and forests of her area. To learn how you can find your own safe off-leash areas, read her article on page 28.

5. Sue Becker is an animal communicator, a registered practitioner for Bach Flower Remedies and Tellington TTouch, and does intuitive distance healing. She has helped thousands of animals and their people in countries worldwide and receives numerous veterinarian referrals. Sue

teaches for organizations at animal-related events and also through private consultations, workshops, telecourses for long-distance learning, written articles and individual mentoring. Turn to page 69 for her article on how communication can help solve inappropriate urination.

6. Veterinarian Dr. Janice

also served as a practicing veterinarian and four-term President of the Rocky Mountain Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, and has a unique perspective on the pet food industry and nutrition.

For this issue, she writes about the top changes in animal wellness over the past decade – see page 42.

Huntingford practices integrative medicine in Essex, Ontario. She is certified in animal chiropractic, acupuncture and rehabilitation therapy. Her clinic also features a state-of-the-art underwater treadmill and fitness pool for dogs. Dr. Huntingford is married and lives on a farm/winery complete with her three children, horses, dogs, cats, cattle and chickens.

On page 90, she tells you what you need to know about feline anemia.

8. Audi Donamor has been

7. Veterinarian Dr. Jean Hofve

of Raising Cats Naturally, has spent over a decade researching natural health for cats. A freelance writer who breeds American shorthairs, she has kept her own cats vibrantly healthy

has researched pet food and nutrition for more than 12 years. During two years as an animal advocate for the Animal Protection Institute, she was a liaison to AAFCO. She has

creating special needs diets for dogs and cats for a long time. Following the loss of her beloved golden retriever, Blues, she founded The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund through the University of Guelph’s Pet Trust. She is the only twotime recipient of the Golden Retriever Club of Canada’s Silmaril Kennel Trophy for the Human/Animal Bond. In this issue (page 30), she shares dietary information and recipes for animals with heart disease.

9. Michelle Bernard, author

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since 1993 using a raw meat diet, homeopathy, and plain common sense. Michelle is renowned for her sound approach to rearing cats and her writing on many aspects of holistic cat care. She offers nutritional and natural health consultations from her home in North Carolina. Turn to page 94 for her article on cat’s eyes.

10. Veterinarian Dr. Debra A. Primovic is a graduate of

Ohio State University School of Nursing and the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine.

Following her veterinary medical training, she practiced in a general small animal practice. For the past eight years, she has been staff veterinarian at the Animal Emergency Clinic of St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Primovic divides her time between veterinary emergency practice, writing, and editing and indexing

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for veterinary publications.

She has three cats, Sammy, Pepper and Beanie. For her lifestyle tips on helping arthritic animals, check out page 86.

Sylvia and Danny Wilson are expert dog trainers and authors of many dog-training books.

As head of an RSPCA shelter in Australia, Sylvia studied the behavior and communication methods of dogs. She was saddened by the number of

dogs she saw being maltreated, abandoned or euthanized for behavioral problems. In 1989, she and Danny started Bark Busters Home Dog Training, which uses gentle, natural training techniques that teach people to train their dogs through voice tones and body language. Turn to page 50 for their advice on how to better understand your dog.

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mail bag

I

have two dogs at this time. Both are fairly large and they love cheese. I have had dogs in the past that I have always given cheese to as a treat and didn’t see a problem with them having the cheese. My boyfriend just told me that he has heard cheese is not good for dogs. I had never heard that and am doing research on it. Could you tell me what you believe is true about cheese for dogs?

© Eriklam | Dreamstime.com

Kathleen Johnson Arizona Editor’s note: Dr. Martin Goldstein comments: “I agree, basically, just as with humans, that cheese and most dairy products are not what was intended for them to consume and are not that healthy. This is especially true with allergy conditions.

Cow milk was intended for the consumption of calves growing to heifers. However, with that said, I don’t see much of a problem in cheese being given as a little treat, here and there, especially if there are no noticeable problems observed.

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Johnnie, a ten-year-old female bull mastiff and American Staffordshire terrier mix, has been a beloved member of our family since she joined us in 1997. She was healthy up until July 2007 when one morning I found her lying in her bed unable to get up. She had urinated and defecated on herself. I rushed her in to see the vet we’ve used since moving to Austin, Texas in 2001.

The vet told me that in his professional opinion he thought Johnnie had bone cancer and had only a few months to live.

On August 11, I flew to California to visit a physicist whom I learned was manufacturing a Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy device. The PEMF uses a pulsed electromagnetic field that provides natural energy to the cells of the body. This increased energy helps the body restore itself to its healthy state. I was very fortunate to obtain the PEMF device and training.

When I returned home, I was eager to get Johnnie started on the PEMF therapy. Each day we noticed that she showed more and more improvement from the magnetic pulses.

After just one week of using the device, my wife Jill called me at work with excitement in her voice and said, “I let Johnnie out to pee and she is using her leg.” I truly cannot express the joy I felt.

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We continued using the PEMF device on Johnnie as we witnessed dramatic improvements each day for the entire month.

Two months passed and Johnnie continued to improve. She looked great and was barely limping. The most significant thing was that most of her lost muscle mass had returned.

In October, I called my vet to share with him how Johnnie had bounced back from the “death sentence” he gave her. I brought with us the PEMF machine to demonstrate how I applied it to her. The vet x-rayed Johnnie’s leg and this time there was no evidence of the mass.

The vet was not as impressed as I expected he’d be. I was also distressed to find he was now “back peddling” on the comments he made when he believed she had bone cancer just three months back and written her off. To my added disappointment, he has severely limited his support and participation in my attempt to get the word out on how beneficial the PEMF device has been on Johnnie’s leg.

The PEMF device was the only modality, besides prayer, that we used on Johnnie. I even offered to loan my machine to him so he could try it on other animals with the same condition, but he declined.

My family and I are saddened for all of the other animal guardians whose beloved family members were put to sleep because traditional veterinarians are not willing to explore and utilize the technological advancements that are available.

Robert Tushinsky via email Editor’s note: Although an increasing number of vets are becoming more open-minded to alternative modalities, there will always be some who continue to distrust any treatment that hasn’t been officially approved by the traditional veterinary establishment.

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might be to search out an integrative vet who combines the best of both conventional and alternative therapies in his or her practice.

Abandoned, Stray, Abused). A shelter usually won’t take in anything unless it is in this category.

Things to remember when you go to a shelter:

There is no safety flap on our heavy duty paper shredder. The automatic feed chewed and then would not release our two-year-old golden retriever’s tail. We called 911 for the local police.

Part of the tail had to be amputated.

Thank God our caregiver was at home or what would have happened? Would the dog have bled to death? Those with animals and small children, beware!

Pauletta Fritz via email Editor’s note: Many thanks for the warning. Unfortunately, we don’t always consider the hazards that common household items can pose to our animal companions or children, until it’s too late. When not in use, paper shredders and other potentially dangerous machines should be unplugged from the power source.

When people think of a shelter, they usually think of sadness and death.

This does not have to be the case.

I worked and volunteered at a shelter for several years and can tell you that in some cases the shelter was the best place for the animals to be. There are many things that people don’t understand about shelters, mainly because people don’t talk about them.

Some days are sad and some are happy but you must always look at the bright side of all the situations – even if you cannot find one easily. First things first, a shelter is for the N.A.S.A (Neglected,

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• The older animals will be put down first as well as the ones who have been there the longest. This is not because people there are cruel but because there is just not enough room for all the stray animals out there.

• The older animals are already trained.

They are the size that they will be. They are the temperament they will be. And they are perhaps more full of love because they have seen “the dark side”. I say that because all the animals I have adopted and have heard of being adopted people say that they are almost thankful to be in a good home.

• It can be good to adopt more then one animal at a time but unless they are litter mates not on the same day.

There will be issues they are going through until they get used to you that will need a few good months of one on one time. In some cases you can get them the same day but make sure that they get along and remember there could be double the trouble.

• Remember this is a life long commitment of hopefully four to 30 years (depending on what you got). So really take your time with this decision and take a few days on it.

• If you got a dog you may want to look into obedience training. It will help you bond to your new dog – so he gets used to your rules and the way you talk to your dog. Remember he had an owner who either did nothing or probably the wrong thing (like hit

him or not follow through with cookies and praise).

Carrie Austin via email Editor’s note: Very true. Adopting a dog or cat from a shelter is one of the best ways to gain a wonderful new companion, while giving a needy animal a caring forever home. But it’s also important to do your homework before making a choice, and be ready for the long-term commitment that adding a living being to your household necessitates.

Many shelter animals come from questionable backgrounds and may carry a lot of fear, separation anxiety, or other behavioral issues. They therefore need extra attention, training – and above all lots of love – while transitioning to a new environment. Be patient, and once your new friend settles in you’ll be rewarded many times over with years of loyal and loving companionship.

Correction: In “The Scoop” column of our Aug-Sept issue, we gave the wrong name for the company and product that were part of the greyhound dental study. The correct company name is Healthymouth LLC; the product is dog:: ESSENTIAL healthymouth and it can be found at www.healthymouth.com.

we want to hear from you!

Address your letters to: Editor, Animal Wellness Magazine, and send to: us: PMB 168 8174 S. Holly St., Centennial, CO 80122 can: 107 Hunter St. E. Unit 201, Peterborough, ON K9H 1G7 or by email to: info@animalwellnessmagazine.com www.animalwellnessmagazine.com

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yakkity yak Honk for stray cats

Who will win?

Photo: ŠPatricia | Dreamstime.com

Autumn can be cold in Canada and the northern States.

In many regions, the mercury can dip well below freezing on October nights, and snow is common in November. Stray cats seeking a warm place to sleep will sometimes creep up under a car and snuggle on a warm engine, only to be seriously injured or killed by the fan belt when the vehicle is turned on again. The Humane Society of Canada advises you to honk the horn or thump on the hood of your car before starting the engine on frosty mornings. You could save the life of an unsuspecting kitty.

Easing the pressure The financial and foreclosure crisis afflicting the U.S. has been hurting animals as well as humans.

Many people are being forced to surrender their dogs and cats because they can no longer afford to keep them, thereby putting a greater strain on shelters and rescues already over crowded and strapped for cash. To help ease the crunch, the Humane Society of the United States has created a special fund to assist these organizations. The fund is offering grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 per non-profit shelter/ rescue; to date, 11 organizations across the country have been assisted by the fund. Find out more at www.humanesociety.org/foreclosurepets.

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animal wellness

Meanwhile, Natural Balance is the official sponsor of the Greatest American Dog Sweepstakes. All dog lovers are invited to enter for the chance to win a trip to Pasadena for the 2009 Tournament of Roses Parade.

Winners will also receive a year’s supply of Natural Balance food. To enter, visit www.cbsstore.com.

Photo: CBS Broadcasting Inc.

This summer and fall, dog lovers across the nation have been tuning in to CBS to watch the excitement unfold on the new hit reality series Greatest American Dog. The show launched with 12 teams of dogs (see photo above) and their guardians competing in challenges that put their training abilities to the ultimate test. Each week they face a different challenge and the judges eliminate one team. The last remaining team will receive a $250,000 cash prize and the title of Greatest American Dog.

Walk for wellness

Walking your dog isn’t just good for your health and his; it can also improve the well being of other animals. On October 19, Hemopet/Pet Life-Line is holding its third annual Walk-A-Pet For Life Dog Walk to benefit the Center for Pet Animal Recovery, the nation’s first non-profit alternative medicine rehabilitation center for dogs, cats and other companion animals. Located in Garden Grove, the facility will also serve as the permanent home for Hemopet’s unique greyhound rescue-donor-adoption program. The walkathon takes place in Huntington Beach, California – visit www.hemopet.org for more.

47 million Americans believe having animals in the workplace leads to a more creative environment. – APPMA Are you ready?

It’s hurricane season again, and that means making sure you and your animals are prepared for the possibility of an emergency evacuation. Follow these tips from the ASPCA: • If you receive storm warnings, bring your animals inside and make sure they have plenty of food and water.

• Arrange a safe haven for your animals in the event of evacuation – do not leave them behind. Many disaster shelters cannot accept dogs and cats because of health and safety regulations.

• Keep emergency pet supplies and travel kits handy and make sure everyone in the house knows where they’re kept.

• Get a rescue alert sticker and place it where it’ll be visible to rescue workers.

It should include vital information about your animals and veterinarian.

• Choose a designated caregiver who can take care of your animal in the event you can’t.

Check out www.aspca.org for more suggestions. animal wellness

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yakkity yak When the weather gets chilly, provide your dog with warm bedding in a draft-free area.

Photo: ©Eminozkan | Dreamstime.com

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When undergoing certain treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, there are significant nutritional depletions in macro and micronutrients as well as the potential for damage from the side effects of the treatment itself. These nutrients are crucial to the healthy functioning of the body. Drug-induced nutrient depletions may further be compounded by the lack of adequate nutrition due to poor diet and stressful lifestyles. Without specific nutritional support, the impact of nutrient depletion can worsen over time.

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animal wellness

Mulching your garden this fall?

Then avoid cocoa bean shells.

You may like them because they degrade into organic fertilizer, but they can be harmful to your dog if he ingests them.

Cocoa bean shells contain residual amounts of theobromine, the same substance that makes chocolate toxic to canines.

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Tropical toxins

Cocoa mulch

Sago palms are another issue.

These spiky-leaved plants are increasingly popular in southern gardens and in miniature form in the homes of more northerly residents. They look attractive, but all parts of the plant are toxic to dogs and cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even kidney and liver failure.

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yakkity yak Homing instinct

Down with puppy mills!

Photo: ©Ngo Thye Aun | Dreamstime.com

Homeless animals are a big problem, but Best Friends Animal Society is doing something about it. From October 24 to 26, the organization hosts its national No More Homeless Pets Conference in Las Vegas. The conference includes panel discussions, workshops and optional seminars that explore successful model programs and provide how-to information on community outreach strategies, fundraising methods, increasing adoptions and spay/neuter, feral cat programs and more.

After the conference, attendees are invited on an optional tour of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. Visit www.nomorehomelesspetsconference.org.

A dog for Obama

Oprah recently featured puppy mills on her show, with investigation footage from the Humane Society of the United States. It outraged millions of people who want to know how they can help shut down the puppy mill business. The answer is to take part in Puppy Mill Action Week from November 16 to 22, just in time for the holiday season when puppy mills are at their busiest.

Among other things, the HSUS is asking you to:

1. Go to your local pet stores and encourage them to go “puppy free”.

Election day is looming and it’s been widely reported that – win or lose – the Obamas have promised their daughters a dog after the big day. The American Kennel Club has assessed each breed’s credentials as potential “first dog”, and is asking Americans to vote for the one they think the Obamas should select. You can cast your vote at www.presidentialpup.com.

Meanwhile, Best Friends Animal Society is urging the Obamas to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue rather than a buy a purebred. The organization started a petition which has already reached its goal of 50,000 signatures. Find out more at www.obamafamilydog.com.

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2. Contact your elected officials and let them know you are extremely concerned about puppy mills.

3. Puppy mills have a major impact on shelters; visit your local shelter to adopt an animal or to volunteer!

4. Sign the “Stop Puppy Mills” pledge, promising to boycott pet stores that sell puppies (www.hsus.org).

5. Encourage pet stores to host adoptable animals from shelters and rescue groups, rather than offering animals for sale.

Silver screen super-dog For super-dog Bolt, every day is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue – at least till the cameras stop rolling. When the star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest

adventure yet – a cross-country journey through the real world with an abandoned housecat named Mittens and a hamster named Rhino. From Walt Disney Pictures, Bolt is an animated comedy adventure featuring the voices of John Travolta and Susie Essman. It opens November 26.

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Ten tips for good health Pills have their place sometimes, but they’re not the answer to a long and healthy life. A holistic approach helps ensure your furry friend will stay with you for years to come.

by Marcia Martin, DVM

H

ere in North America, many people associate health with vaccines and medication. Studies show that more than half of all those with medical insurance are on long term medication. Unfortunately, this trend has extended into the world of veterinary medicine.

There are two very distinct models for health. One is the allopathic or conventional medical approach. It views symptoms as disease and measures health through changes in laboratory testing. The holistic model looks beyond symptoms and lab tests. It assesses the overall quality of life and the extent to which the animal is functioning in his or her environment. It may sound more complicated, but in reality it’s the best and most natural way to approach your companion’s well-being. Here are the top ten steps to a hale and hearty life.

1. Wholesome diet Feed a species appropriate raw food diet. Most dogs and cats thrive on a diet composed primarily of raw meat because it closely approximates what they would eat in the wild. Nowadays, raw feeding is as easy as a trip to your local holistic pet food store. Many companies make complete raw diets; all you need to do is thaw and serve.

If you don’t want to go the raw route, look for a high quality premium packaged pet food made from natural whole ingredients and free of artificial preservatives. Avoid like the plague low-end commercial foods made with by-products and additives – cheap, poor quality diets are one of the main reasons why so many dogs and cats suffer from ill health.

2. Pure water Be sure your companion has access to plenty of clean, fresh water. Filtered or reverse osmosis water is best. Cats especially don’t drink much water, so they need extra encouragement. Change the water daily, and/or consider © Martin Valigursky | Dreamstime.com

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investing in a pet drinking fountain; animals are often more attracted to moving, aerated water.

© Kineticimagery | Dreamstime.com

3. Minimal vaccines Take a stand against annual revaccination. You have the right to decline it. Numerous studies show that annual shots are unnecessary and potentially dangerous. For those who worry their animals may not be fully protected against infectious disease, many veterinarians now offer titer testing for parvo and distemper. Titers are one way to measure an animal’s ability to withstand infection.

4. Self education Educate yourself about alternative treatments. Conventional drug-based therapy rapidly suppresses symptoms but rarely cures chronic disease.

It often fails to return the animal to an acceptable level of functioning or improve his overall quality of life. In my opinion, drug therapy should be the last resort. Albert Schweitzer once said, “The good doctor simply awakens the physician within”. Classical homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and chiropractic are safe and effective modalities that act by stimulating the body’s own self-healing ability.

Many holistic veterinarians, especially those practicing classical homeopathy, believe there is a strong link between annual

revaccination and the current epidemic of chronic disease afflicting dogs and cats.

Problems such as thyroid disease, Cushing’s, arthritis and cancer have increased steadily after yearly revaccination became the norm.

good doctor simply awakens the physician within.” – Albert Schweitzer

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Regular visits to the holistic veterinarian of your choice are important.

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Regular diagnostic blood testing should start at the age of three years for large breed dogs, five years for smaller breeds and six to seven years for cats. A veterinarian trained in homeopathy or TCM can find and treat underlying problems even before there are changes in blood work -- the ultimate in preventive medicine! Holistic veterinarians offer a wide range of therapeutic modalities to help your animal stay active into his golden years. For instance, acupuncture and/or chiropractic can be very effective for animals with joint or spinal pain, improving joint function and decreasing dependency on pain medications.

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6. Exercise It’s as important for our four legged friends as it is for us and offers many vital benefits: • It helps with weight control.

• It keeps the animal’s muscular, circulatory and other body systems in good working order.

• Walking a dog provides him with sight and sound stimulation that helps his mind stay active and relieves boredom.

• Exercise has been shown to help lower cholesterol and blood sugar.

• Time spent with your dog provides him with social interaction.

For those who don’t have time to exercise their dogs, many veterinary clinics are incorporating rehabilitation into their treatment schedules. Often, dogs can be dropped off for swimming or time on a treadmill. Daycare is also an option; dogs stay active while enjoying the same social interactions they would in the wild.

Exercise for cats is just as important but considerably more challenging. In the wild, cats spend a great deal of time chasing down and catching prey.

Meaningful exercise for your cat should involve: chase, catch and bite. Motorized mice and wands with attached feathers give cats ample opportunity to “engage their wild side”.

I find animal

7. Stress reduction A dog or cat’s life may not seem stressful to us, but animals can still suffer considerable anxiety. Destructive behavior and house soiling are two signs that may indicate stress. Dealing with a stressed animal can be difficult. Allopathic medicine generally relies on sedatives like Xanax or psychiatric drugs such as Prozac. While these have helped some animals, they merely modify the response to stressors; they do not teach the animal appropriate coping mechanisms that allow him to deal with stress and anxiety in a healthy and normal way.

communicators very helpful for stressed dogs and cats. They can “talk” to the animal and find the cause of the anxiety, thereby helping us select an appropriate treatment. A veterinarian can only make educated guesses as to the causes of anxiety: other household animals, grief, fear of abandonment, past injuries, etc.

Homeopathy, along with emotional release techniques such as craniosacral therapy, is very effective in treating stressed out animals.

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It is especially important to keep older and arthritic animals moving to relieve stiff joints and keep their muscles strong.

8. Training It may seem like work to you, but it’s great fun for your dog and works on multiple levels to keep him mentally stimulated and emotionally stable. Working breeds especially need an outlet for their intelligence and energy.

energy will suffer by becoming bored, lonely and stressed.

A high strung breed, meanwhile, will rapidly decompensate in a hectic home environment with noisy children.

All these factors can affect an animal’s health and overall well being.

By training your dog, you establish yourself as pack leader.

This naturally creates a strong bond between you. Your dog can relax and feel safe in his environment because he has faith in you! As leader of the pack, you establish dominance over type A dogs, thwarting their attempts to rule the household – or, alternatively, provide security and confidence for dogs that are less brave. A well trained animal can be taken anywhere, allowing you both to expand your horizons and enjoy an exciting and stimulating life.

10. Cutting toxins Last but far from least, minimize his exposure to toxins. In this day and age, it’s impossible to completely eliminate toxin exposure, but you can lessen it. Don’t use pesticides on your yard and garden, and don’t walk your dog in areas that have been sprayed. Investigate more natural alternatives to chemical flea products and household cleaners.

Consider an air filter if you live in a region where air quality is poor. It’ll do you good as well!

Having a happy, healthy animal is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Resources To find a holistic veterinarian: © Anke Van Wyk | Dreamstime.com

I tend to focus on dogs when it comes to training but cats shouldn’t be forgotten. Many cats can be trained to fetch, use a toilet, and stay off counters.

9. Lifestyle This isn’t often considered a wellness tip, but choosing the correct animal for your lifestyle helps avoid many problems. All animals have needs and expect you to fulfill them. If you have a busy work schedule and spend hours away from home, dogs with dependant natures or high

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The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy, www.theavh.org American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, www.aava.org American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, www.animalchiropractic.org

Suggested reading: Beyond Flat Earth Medicine, Timothy R. Dooly, ND, MD – a homeopathic primer and a book everyone interested in alternative medicine should read.

Four Paws Five Directions, Cheryl Schwartz – an excellent book detailing Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and application.

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Stepping out Don’t have an off-leash dog park near you?

Here’s how to find a safe place where your canine can roam free.

by Luise Bolleber

E

xercise. I’ve never been a big fan of it. But once there are none in the vicinity. Two former railroad trails I got a dog, I found that taking him for walks grace the area and sometimes we explore those, but in became a most pleasant daily chore. He and I nice weather, they are filled with hikers and cyclists, makboth thrive on regular exercise and a day feels ing my dog’s leash-free walk impractical. incomplete if we miss a walk. Snow, rain or driving wind don’t discourage my pooch at all so I have appropriate I’ve consequently become a suburban dog-walking-site walking gear for any weathdetective. I prowl the streets er. There’s just one chalin search of safe, convenient Leash laws are another concern. In my lenge: I live in the suburbs places where my dog and I where natural open spaces town, dogs must be licensed and on a can walk leashless, without are scarce. interference. My discover-

leash in city parks, but no law prohibits

ies include a path behind a church that leads to a series of trails in the woods. An office building with expansive green lawns provides a good place to stretch our legs after hours and on weekends. The local high school is good on evenings and weekends because we can walk among the tennis courts and around the perimeter of the ball fields, and I can even rollerblade around the huge building, my dog trotting to keep up with me. My latest find is the empty parking lot of a 15,000-seat amphitheater, perfect for hiking in the off season. Winter locations consist of trails,

them from being off-leash elsewhere.

In my area, sprawl has claimed field after field, radiating north from the city.

Empty lots where I once played as a child have given way to single family homes and strip malls. The nearest city park requires proof of rabies vaccinations and $20 for a blue tag I must plainly exhibit if we set foot within its boundaries. My dog has to be leashed there, too, and he and I both favor walks where he can roam freely, taking as long as he wants to sniff a bush, run full-speed, or bark at a squirrel in a tree. An off-leash dog park would be nice, but

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Be sure to consider your personal security if you’re in an isolated area and walking alone with your dog. Stay aware of your surroundings. If you’re in any doubt about the safety of a particular district or lot, stay away from it and find someplace else to take your dog. Avoid poorly lit locales after dark.

parks and other areas that are heavily used during summer months but practically vacant during winter.

As far as trespassing is concerned, I rarely see any signs -- nor do I go past them when I do.

In all my walks, no one has ever complained.

In fact, most people I encounter are enchanted with my dog and want to pet him. If anyone ever did complain, I would simply apologize and promise not to return.

Off-leash walking isn’t for everyone, but if you have a well-behaved dog and are willing to travel down unfamiliar roads and other places you don’t usually drive, you should be able to locate a few decent and safe places to let your dog run without annoying anyone. Happy walking!

Be your own dog-walk detective If you decide to hunt for your own convenient off-leash sites, here ’s what to keep in mind when scouting territory and venturing out with your pooch:

photo: © Bryan Harris | Dreamstime.com

• Find out what the leash laws are in your town or municipality.

• Stick to areas with few or no cars or people in sight.

• Heed “No Trespassing” or “Private Property” signs.

• Don’t park your car illegally. If there isn’t a parking spot onsite, chances are you can find one close by.

Walk to the site with your dog on a leash.

• Train him not to cross a road without your permission, or stay away from roads.

• Train your dog to always stay within sight of you, and to come immediately when you call. Carry some treats in your pocket so he’ll have an enhanced incentive to return when you want him to.

• Clean up after your dog. This is just common courtesy no matter where you and your canine buddy go for a walk.

• Take a leash with you in case you encounter people, other dogs or unsafe conditions such as broken glass or other debris.

• Don’t allow your dog to do his business on public gardens or playgrounds.

• Don’t let him dig or do anything else destructive.

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Have a heart!

Think cardiovascular disease is something only humans get? Your dog or cat can develop similar issues. These heart-healthy recipes and supplements will help keep his ticker going strong.

by Audi Donamor

K

nowlish the whippet is ten years old. I have never been a gambler, but based on his condition I would have wagered that he’d never have a chance to enjoy his golden years.

At 12 weeks of age, he was diagnosed with a heart murmur, which at a year old was confirmed as moderately severe stenosis. Today, Knowlish is described as having valvular pulmonic stenosis with valvular pulmonic insufficiency.

Simply put, it means he has a congenital narrowing in the region of the pulmonary valve, which is located between the right ventricular chamber of the heart and the pulmonary artery. As a result, normal blood flow is partially obstructed, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood to the lungs. Eventually, it could lead to congestive heart failure.

Specialists thought Knowlish would live to be five or seven years old, but he obviously had other ideas, and so did his guardians. He has been on a home prepared diet since he was a puppy. Acadian sea kelp, vitamin E, wild salmon oil, hawthorn, and CoQ10 all work together to support his heart problem. Thanks to this regimen, along with wonderful veterinary care including complementary therapies, you would never guess Knowlish is a walking time bomb – although “walking” is really not the correct word. He is a whirling dervish of pure kinetic energy who lives with joy and abandon!

Heart disease in animals Valvular degeneration is the most common form of “noninherited” or acquired heart disease in dogs. It occurs

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when the heart valves are unable to close completely when they should, causing an audible heart murmur (if you are listening with a stethoscope). Cardiac output is also reduced. This condition can be a precursor to poor circulation in the extremities, the formation of blood clots in veins and arteries, and ultimately congestive heart failure.

The most common form of acquired heart disease in cats is hypertophic cardiomyopathy, an enlargement of the left ventricular wall and septum that reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood.

Making changes In humans, heart or cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in North America and Europe. As a result, more and more Drawing of Knowlish food manufacturers are sitting done by the author. up and taking notice of heart healthy ingredients. Plant sterols and omega-3 fatty acids are increasingly common, while trans-fatty acids and saturated fats are being reduced or even cut from a lot of foods.

It’s up to you to ensure the needs of your companion animal are also met. Heart disease often calls for conventional veterinary treatment augmented by complementary therapies, including a home prepared diet and the use of tonic herbs. This article provides you with some recipes and a list of supplements that can help your animal stay healthy if he has been diagnosed with a heart problem.

Jazzy jambalaya

Jazzy jambalaya Ingredients 2 pounds ground meat (e.g., bison/buffalo) 1/4

to 1/2 cup liver, minced

1 cup Thai jasmine rice, organic brown rice flakes, or finely grated sweet potato 3 cups stock of your choice 2 cups vegetable and fruit purĂŠe, (e.g., green beans, celery, zucchini, carrots, blueberries, cranberries)

1 cup tomato purĂŠe 1 large fresh Shiitake mushroom or 1 heaping teaspoon of Shiitake powder 1 clove garlic, finely minced 1/4

cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon Antarctic sea salt with kelp 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon Saigon cinnamon

Instructions Choose locally grown organic products whenever possible. Bring stock to a boil in a large pot. Add rice, gently stirring to avoid sticking, and then turn heat down to simmer, cover the pot, and leave for five minutes.

Add remaining ingredients, combine thoroughly, bring heat back up to a gentle boil, then cover the pot and turn the heat back down to simmer for 40 minutes. Cool, then transfer to containers for storage in the refrigerator or freezer. Your dog will love a fresh sprinkling of parsley before serving, while your cat will love a little catnip.

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“Apple of my eye” fruit crisp Ingredients 4 red apples, diced 1/2

cup pure fruit juice

2 tablespoons extra virgin blueberry oil 2 tablespoons extra virgin cranberry oil 2 tablespoons local honey 1/4

cup whole oat flakes

1 tablespoon whole blueberry flour* 1 tablespoon whole cranberry flour* 1 tablespoon whole cranberry essence, or finely sliced sun dried, unsulphured cranberries 2 teaspoons Saigon cinnamon 1 tablespoon finely ground Brazil nuts (optional)

*If unavailable in your area, whole fruit flours can be replaced with another flour of your choice, e.g., whole oat flour, spelt flour.

Instructions

“Apple of my eye” fruit crisp

Choose locally grown organic products whenever possible. Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients in a Pyrex or baking dish. Bake for 60 minutes. Cool and store.

Top with goat yogurt for an extra special taste sensation.

Cardiovascular tonic Combine the following glycerin tinctures: 2 parts hawthorn 2 parts dandelion leaf 1 part yarrow 1 part ginkgo Dosage: 0.05 to 1.0 ml for each 20 pounds of body weight.

From All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets by Mary L. Wulff-Tilford and Gregory L. Tilford.

Try your hand at making kelp chips for you and your animals. Simply line the bottom of a large pan with macro kelp, drizzle with a cold pressed oil and local honey, and cook till crisp. continued on page 34...

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For heart health Foods

Benefits

Bison/buffalo

Much lower in fat than beef. Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Bison heart is the highest natural source of CoQ10 of any meat.

Blueberries and cranberries

Contain significant levels of resveratol, a natural compound believed to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Brazil nuts

Packed with selenium, a trace element that assists heart function.

Green beans

One of the world’s healthiest foods, and referred to as “cardio protective.”

Kelp

Supports cardiovascular health.

Olive oil

Rich in Omega-9 Oleic acid, a mono-saturated fat that helps protect the heart. “Extra virgin” has most health benefits and best taste.

Tomatoes

Lycopene is effective for artery health, helping to reduce plaque formation in the arteries.

Chamomile

Has a strengthening or “tonic” effect on heart.

CoQ10

Popular supplement for heart problems.

Green tea

May improve the function of endothelial cells that line the walls of blood vessels, boosting cardiovascular health.

Hawthorn

Contains phytochemicals that help improve blood flow to heart and extremities and promote pumping action of the heart muscle. Beneficial for congestive heart failure.

Taurine (for cats)

Deficiency leads to heart problems. Mackerel, clams and raw heart (beef, lamb, chicken) are excellent sources.

Vitamin B1

Essential for proper heart function.

Vitamin E

Helps improve circulation and heart output.

Wild salmon oil

Contains EPA and DHA, two important omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce LDL, raise HDL and lower the high triglyceride levels associated with heart disease.

Symptoms to watch for: Have your animal checked by a vet if he shows one or more of the following signs.

• Choking cough, caused when blood backs up into the lungs from the constricted muscles or valves of the heart • Coughing is more noticeable at night or early in the morning

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• Labored breathing, and/ or wheezing • Gums turn blue (cyanotic) from a lack of oxygen, especially during exercise.

• Bloated or pot belly, which can be the result of fluids backing up from the abdomen • Swollen limbs • Sleeping more than usual • Lethargy

• Difficulty going for regular long walks • Problems going up and down stairs • Stumbling or fainting • Stops jumping up on the bed • Loss of appetite From Dr. Martin Goldstein’s The Nature of Animal Healing, and Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats, Third Edition, Revised and Updated.

© Webdata | Dreamstime.com

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Amazing Animals Photo Contest!

Enter our Amazing Animals Photo Contest and you could win one of many prizes up for grabs, plus your photo will appear in an upcoming issue of Animal Wellness Magazine for all to see. What a great tribute to your special friend!

You can enter in one of the categories below, or simply let our judges choose which category fits best. Enter by November 30, 2008 for your chance to win.

2007 "Best Photo" winner

by Melanie Fuelling, Meridian, MS

• Best photo • Most artistic • Best bond (human/animal) • Biggest attitude • Best nature-lover

The rules are simple: 1. Send a digital photo, scanned at a minimum of 5"x7", at 300 dpi resolution in a tif, jpeg or pdf format to: photos@animalwellnessmagazine.com or send a good quality hard copy original photo (not a color photocopy) of your animal to: Photo Contest, Animal Wellness Magazine,

• Funniest • Best smile • Best eyes • Most athletic • Best pals

short description of the photo. Hard copy photos must have contact information printed on the back of the photo.

3. You may submit a maximum of two photos of each animal in your home.

4. All photos become property of Redstone Media Group. Redstone

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Media Group reserves the right to publish all photos in Animal Wellness Magazine, and on our website. We regret that photos cannot be returned.

2. Please remember to include your name, address and telephone

5. Winners will be notified by phone or mail and winning photos

number, along with your animal's name, sex and age (if known) and a

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Holistic Veterinary advice

Talking with

Dr. Martin Goldstein

Dr. Martin Goldstein is one of the founding contributors of Animal Wellness Magazine. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank you, Dr. Marty, for your gracious support and sage advice over the last ten years.

You are truly a kindred spirit!

A veterinarian for more than 30 years, Dr. Marty is based at Smith Ridge Veterinary Center in South Salem, New York . He is also the author of The Nature of Animal Healing, published by Random House. You can hear him on “Ask Martha’s Vet with Dr. Marty” on Sirius Satellite Radio network channel 112 every Monday at 8PM EST (www.sirius.com).

Dr. Marty has been an integral part of Animal Wellness since its inception. In addition to this column, Dr. Marty has lectured at events sponsored by Animal Wellness, including the Animal Wellness Expo in L.A.and on the Canine College Cruise.

1. Allergies Q: Our 3½-year-old male black Lab has an allergy that causes him to scratch himself. At age six months, when the problem began, the vet prescribed prednisone and a prescription diet. Over the next 2½ years, the problem persisted on and off. Some friends suggested we try a diet of raw chicken as well as natural herbal itch formulas. We also continued with ¼ tablet of prednisone.

The itching seemed to stop, but with the approach of winter we’re back at square one, so we’ve increased the prednisone. We fear its long term use. Can you suggest anything?

A: First, you need to be aware that your dog may be going through a healing crisis. In my book, I talk about a dog that was so bad he lost all his hair and his skin turned

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For this edition, we looked back through the hundreds of questions Dr. Marty has answered and picked ten of the most common health conditions, symptoms and concerns readers ask about. Read on for Dr. Marty’s expert advice on these key issues.

Send your questions to: Holistic veterinary advice. email: info@animalwellnessmagazine.com Our veterinary columnists respond to questions in this column only.

We regret we cannot respond to every question. This column is for information purposes only. It is not meant to replace veterinary care.

Please consult your veterinarian before giving your horse any remedies.

black during the detoxification process and coming off the cortisone, before his condition fully resolved. Sometimes, even though it looks like it’s not working, the dog is actually going through the last stages of healing.

Your Lab’s problem may be vaccine-induced, so you should refrain from further vaccinations. We’d try to replace the synthetic cortisone with natural hydrocortisone and supplements such as Betathyme or Moducare. Kai Yeung is a good Chinese herbal for animals that don’t respond to other herbs, and you could also try Seven Forest Zaocys.

Quercitin is an antioxidant that helps reduce the release of histamines. We have one called Quercinol, put out by the Institute of Traditional Medicine – it has antioxidants with quercitin in it.

2. Anxiety 3. Asthma Q: My dog is fine physically but she seems emotionally upset. Q: My cat, Ozo, has been diagnosed with asthma. The Is there anything I can do?

A: At the top of the list for any kind of stress, especially emotional stress, is Bach Rescue Remedy. They have just released one that is alcohol free for pets. Aside from that, there are a number of homeopathic and herbal remedies for anxiety and emotional distress. The herb valerian is very effective. One of the products I recommend is Calm-Stress by Dr. Goodpet. Another is Serene, an herbal and amino acids combination known to have an almost tranquilizing effect without being toxic.

For a real emotional problem, specific flower essence therapy can help. There are many different Bach flower remedies, and each has a different indication. I recommend you get a book on Bach remedies, read through the indications, and see what you feel your animal is going through. Then you can choose the appropriate remedy.

Aside from this, people must realize that animals are a mirror of themselves, and often reflect a person’s own emotional stress. A huge relationship exists on the emotional plane between people and their animals. Scientifically, if you were able to take an infrared picture of a person and his/her animal, you would see overlapping energy fields. During emotional stress, these energy fields change and there is a sharing of energy between people and animals that has a lot to do with disease and health. We just don’t see it because it is beyond the realm of our physical senses. So people need to work on their own emotional issues as well as their animals’. Again, Bach flower remedies can help.

traditional vet wanted to give him steroids, which I declined. He eats high quality pet food and I have also started giving him a glucosamine sulfate product. Could that have any connection to the respiratory problem?

A: The only way a product like that would have a connection is if the cat is allergic to it. The only way to tell is to try it, take it away, then try it again and take it away.

Personally, I rarely hear of an allergy to glucosamine so I doubt this is the problem.

Asthma is an autoimmune disease so it could be vaccinerelated. Vaccines de-program the immune system, making it more susceptible to some diseases and conditions.

I wouldn’t recommend further vaccinations and try through your veterinarian for medical exemption for the rabies, which is required by law.

At the top of the list for any kind of stress, especially emotional stress, is Bach Rescue Remedy.

To treat a condition like this we use Betathyme (from Best For Your Pets), a natural plant cortisone with thymus extract. BHI makes a product called Asthma, and Seven Forests put out Pinellia 16 (for a cat, use ½ tablet twice a day). For lung support we use Pneumodrops (Professional Complementary Health Products), a glandular support containing raw lung tissue.

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4. Cancer Q: In looking at treatment options for an animal with cancer, what is your initial plan of action?

A: When we first see an animal, we evaluate them on a very individual basis. We focus as much on the animal and his immune system as on the cancer symptoms themselves.

We will use conventional therapies only if really needed.

High levels of intravenous vitamin C is one of our flagship therapies; besides being preferentially toxic to cancer cells, it has a good rejuvenating effect. We do have a myriad of anti-cancer nutraceutical products available. We look at the patient’s wellness and quality of life, because sometimes focusing on destroying the cancer can actually hurt and threaten the animal.

Asthma is an autoimmune disease so it could be vaccine-related.

Vaccinations de-program the immune system, making it more susceptible to some diseases and conditions.

If there’s one thing I could say, it’s that no case has to be treated as “hopeless” – we’ve seen many animals which, by conventional standards, should have passed away years ago. And yet, happily, they’re still running around.

5. Diabetes Q: I have an 11-year-old female cat who was recently diagnosed with diabetes. She has been on insulin for three months. It kills me to give her the injections. Do you have any alternatives?

or even death. Finally, I would recommend feeding an allnatural diet that includes high quality protein sources.

6. Diarrhea Q: I have three dogs. Diarrhea started in one of them eight weeks ago. Two days later, I noticed it in the terrier. My vet thought it might be viral and prescribed Flagyl. About ten days later, the third dog started having diarrhea too.

Stool tests showed nothing, but the diarrhea continued.

An alternative doctor determined they have parasites and prescribed shiitake mushroom. Almost two weeks later, their stools sometimes appear well-formed and at other times very soft or liquid.

A: First thing to consider – were your dogs vaccinated within several weeks prior to the onset of the diarrhea? A percentage of cases of inflammatory bowel disease are autoimmunederived and related to certain components in vaccines; specifically the proteins on which vaccines are grown.

The first thing I would recommend is the potato diet in my book The Nature of Animal Healing. It can be very effective in stopping diarrhea:

The potato diet 50% white potatoes 50% sweet potatoes A slice of turnip A slice of leek

Boil all the vegetables together and then mix with boiled chicken or lamb for flavor.

A: Since it’s a natural product, insulin is not a bad thing, but it’s not curative because the body should produce its own. We’ve been successful in getting some cats off insulin.

We use Pancreas Drops (Professional Complementary Health Products) and raw pancreas glandular. Vitamin E (50 IU twice per day) has a stabilizing effect on the cell walls of the pancreas. Goldenseal supposedly stabilizes blood sugar and I have had patients whose caregivers use it instead of insulin injections. Although their cats stabilized, it didn’t cure them and I wouldn’t rely on it as a primary therapy. We’ve also used a Chinese herbal product from Seven Forests called Rehmannia 16, available through your holistic veterinarian.

It’s very important to make sure you monitor things closely when you’re attempting to reverse diabetes.

I’ve seen some cats lose their need for insulin injections and giving more insulin at this point can cause a seizure

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The supplement Acetylator from Vetri-Science also works phenomenally well for diarrhea. As for herbal formulas, look for one that contains slippery elm, which soothes the intestinal tract and works for both constipation and diarrhea. And colostrum too is one of our favorites in addressing this condition.

Finally, as a more intensive measure, you could put your dogs on a two-day fast. A fast directly addresses the gastro-colic reflex. As soon as the stomach fills with food, it sends a neurological message to the colon to empty. The colon’s job is to absorb water back into the body before it eliminates the waste but if the colon is hyperactive, the water passes through unabsorbed. The result is diarrhea.

Fasting for a couple of days can break the cycle of diarrhea and help the intestine “calm” itself. After the fast, slowly introduce your dogs to a bland diet.

7. Hip dysplasia Q: My dog Jasper, who is 15, has hip dysplasia; otherwise she is quite healthy, eats well, and likes to go for “ambles”. When she stands up or walks more than ten yards, however, she gently collapses on her right side. Her right leg has become weaker and her musculature, especially around the knee, is not what it was. Her vets say she is too old to withstand a hip operation, so I am seeking some viable alternative. Is there a device, like a knee or leg brace, that could be fitted on her to help give her leg some extra support?

•A glucosamine/chondroitin supplement and/or Glycoflex III

by Vetri Science Labs.

•Additionally, you could consider acupuncture and possibly chiropractic.

Stem cell therapy has finally received approval for use in veterinary medicine and Vet Stem is the company responsible for this great breakthrough.

A: Answering the last part of your question should be We look at the patient’s wellness and done by a hands-on veterinarian, preferably one with some orthopedic experience, who can examine Jasper and observe the way she walks. However, I have seen and successfully used slings with handles for the rear quarters of dogs.

My major recommendation would be one of internal support as this is what I have seen work in tens of thousands of cases over the last three decades. Recommendations include:

•Homeopathic treatment for arthritis such as Muscle Joint Drops by Professional Health Products •An herbal formulation contain ingredients like yucca, alfalfa and devil’s claw. One fairly new product showing favorable results is called Dog gone Pain.

quality of life, because sometimes focusing on destroying the cancer can actually hurt and threaten the animal.

8. Obesity Q: My spayed female cat cries for food every time I go into the kitchen. She weighs about 12 pounds and has a huge stomach.

Her ribs are impossible to find. The vet can find nothing wrong with her but warns me she should not get any fatter. She’s been on 60 grams of food since we’ve had her, about eight years.

One vet suggested only 40 grams but she cried incessantly. Do you have any suggestions?

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A: More often than not, quality of food is much more 10. Vomiting important than quantity. Too many commercial pet foods, Q: My cat is a chronic vomiter. Within a short period of eating, especially the dry bagged ones, are laden with processed carbohydrate by-products. Cats, being true carnivores, are just not meant to eat anywhere near this abundance of carbs, which congest their systems and overwork pancreas function.

Also, it is not so much the actual food but the ability of the cat’s digestion and metabolism to handle it. If you had a car that was running poorly, you wouldn’t search for the best available fuel but would have the engine tuned up, thus enabling it to handle and process the gasoline.

Similarly, with dogs and cats, metabolic enhancing supplements really help. Key among these (without having specific blood samples run) would be digestive enzymes, antioxidants and a good multivitamin/mineral supplement. This would, of course, be in conjunction with feeding “real” food, tending more towards what cats would eat if they were still in the wild.

9. Vaccinations Q: I just got two puppies and was wondering if vaccinations are absolutely necessary, or are there more natural ways one can boost an animal’s immune system?

A: I personally believe in the most minimal program possible. This would include the vaccines considered “core” for where you live, each given once at about 12 weeks of age. After that, I would recommend titer monitoring, if available, or the assumption and acceptance that the vaccines are good for life. For rabies, you’ll need to vaccinate as the law deems.

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she throws up. Nothing the vet has tried has helped. Any ideas?

A: Just off the top, I would try homeopathic nux vomica or ipecac. Often, homeopathy will make something better without you having to make a diagnosis. As well, you could consider two products from BHI called Nausea and Vomitus Heel. That’s one way to start.

Core vaccines for puppies Canine distemper (CDV) Canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2) Canine adenovirus-2 (CAV-2) Rabies

Vomiting can also be a symptom associated to allergies, (especially to certain foods). You should try switching your cat to a bland or hypoallergenic diet to see if that helps.

Cats sometimes get a condition called pyloric stenosis or pyloric spasm but I’ve seen homeopathics take care of it without having to diagnose it.

Toxic conditions can cause vomiting, too. Your cat may be reacting to things like pesticides or flea control products.

Remember, vomiting is not necessarily associated with something in the stomach. It could be a metabolic problem with the pancreas or liver. But my recommendation would be to start with the diet and homeopathic remedies.

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Pick a card Ever wonder what your animal companion truly wants?

You can communicate with him through Messages From Your Animal Companion, a 55-card oracle deck created by Angelica del Mar. Here’s what to do: state your intention (e.g. “I wish to have a meaningful reading with my dog or cat”), then ask a question (e.g. “What would you like to tell me?”).

Shuffle the cards till your intuition tells you to stop, and turn over the top two cards for the message.

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The fresher the foods you eat, the healthier you’ll be.

The same applies to your canine companion. Pepperdogz premium frozen meals are made entirely from fresh whole meats, vegetables, fruits and organic supplements.

They’re ideal for dogs that need to lose weight, have allergies or skin irritations, or are low in energy. Choose from grass-fed buffalo or cage-free chicken or turkey; all meats are hormone and antibiotic free.

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Getting better all the time!

During the last decade, we’ve seen some major advances in how we approach the health and well being of our companion animals. Here are the top ten biggest changes.

by Jean Hofve, DVM

O

nce, dogs and cats were just pets. Today, many people regard them as valued family members full of companionship and unconditional love. Just as they would for any human friend or relative, these people want the best for their furry companions. Thanks to this shift in attitude, veterinary care has undergone some exciting changes over the past ten years. There are more holistic and integrative vets today than ever before, and animal lovers have access to a growing variety of alternative modalities, treatments, and quality food and supplements for their dogs and cats.

1. Fewer vaccines One of the most significant changes is the trend toward fewer vaccines. The vaccine controversy has been raging for more than a decade, and by now every veterinarian has at least heard about it. Many consumers are educating themselves about the issue and forcing the veterinary profession and drug companies to be more honest about the risks and benefits, and to tailor their vaccine protocols to individual animals. © Joop Snijder | Dreamstime.com

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Many in the “old guard” still won’t change, but the level of awareness has risen considerably. Although the pharmaceutical industry continues to crank out new vaccines as fast as it can, many veterinary organizations are now quick to declare them “non-core”, meaning they should rarely, if ever, be given.

More vets are instead using vaccine titers (blood tests that measure antibodies to a particular virus or bacteria) to assess an animal’s immune status and save him from unnecessary and potentially harmful boosters.

Unfortunately, titers are not acceptable substitutes for rabies vaccines, which are required by law.

2. Preventive care To most veterinarians, preventive care still means multiple vaccines and a strict regimen of parasite protection. But many others are becoming increasingly aware of the value of preventive medicine/wellness. As holistic and most integrative vets know, maintaining a strong immune system is a better line of defense against illness than vaccinations and chemicals, including many commercial flea and tick products.

Veterinary schools have been slow to offer education in preventive medicine, but this is changing rapidly and for the better as more schools are developing programs on this important topic.

3. Geriatric care Geriatrics is increasingly important in veterinary medicine. Rather than simply responding when an older animal develops a problem, vets are shifting towards giving older animals more frequent examinations (typically twice a year), as well as asking appropriate questions and using basic tests to catch problems early. Veterinarians and caregivers alike are also embracing the key concepts of optimizing nutrition and preventing and treating old age diseases like arthritis and cognitive dysfunction (senility).

4. Dental care Nearly all dogs and cats over three years old have some degree of oral disease, ranging from mild calculus to severe periodontal disease. Caregivers often attribute grouchiness, a finicky appetite, failure to groom, or overall slowing down to the aging process, when in actual fact the animal has a painful mouth or an inflammation or infection caused by a dental problem.

Correcting dental problems can completely reverse these signs, helping the animal feel better and younger and restoring his health and vitality. Happily, more and more veterinarians are developing the necessary skills and acquiring appropriate equipment, such as ultrasonic cleaners and dental x-ray machines, making dental care for animals easier and more effective.

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There are also several easy-to-use non-toxic products you can use at home to help keep your animal’s teeth and gums clean. Discuss home dental care with your vet, and be sure to buy from a reputable company.

5. Better foods

7. Pet insurance

Perhaps the most encouraging trend has been the rise of high quality pet foods. The standard brands stocked by veterinarians and most stores have been eclipsed by foods that do a far superior job of keeping our dogs and cats healthy. They still provide the convenience of a 50-pound bag of cheap food, but don’t include the massive amounts of corn, soy, by-products, and meat-and-bone-meal that make up the bulk of mass market pet foods.

The idea of pet insurance has been slow to get off the ground, but is becoming much more common. If you are concerned it will lead to the same disastrous mess that human medicine is in, here’s good news! What has ravaged the human health industry is managed care; but the original idea of a thirdparty payer (the insurer) is closer in spirit to car insurance than to human health insurance.

Today you can get complete raw diets in many health food store freezers, or even have them shipped to you from online pet supply stores. There are products that can be added to meat to create a balanced diet. And there are dozens of canned and dry pet foods that use ingredients more comparable to what you’d put in a crock pot than the barrels of decaying, unwanted slaughterhouse “parts” that are the basis of most commercial pet foods.

6. Supplements for animals

© Eugene Bochkarev | Dreamstime.com

The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) is the watchdog organization that holds the industry to a higher standard.

Look for the NASC symbol on supplements you’re considering for your dog or cat. A few good companies still aren’t members, but a quick phone call or website visit should give you more than just a few “miracle” stories and cockeyed theories – make sure they have committed time and resources to studying their ingredients and making sure their claims are true.

The animal supplement industry has exploded over the last ten years.

These days, you can get everything for your dog or cat, from multivitamins, minerals, probiotics and EFAs to supplements for joint problems, anxiety, and urinary tract health. It’s important to keep in mind that while many of these are wonderful products that provide all the promised benefits, there are plenty of shady dealers out there too. Reputable brands put a great deal of research and effort into producing excellent supplements; but it doesn’t take much effort or money for someone to throw some powdered vitamins in a jar and start making outrageous claims about them.

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If you have a young animal, especially a purebred, pet insurance is a reasonable investment given the high cost of veterinary care. Depending on the policy, you will be covered for most common health problems and injuries that can afflict a dog or cat over his lifetime. Each policy has restrictions and exclusions, so be sure you do your homework to find the best option for your companion. You may also want to discuss with your vet which companies he or she finds easiest to work with. Done right, pet insurance is good for everyone.

8. Safer anesthesia

Is the prospect of your animal going under anesthesia a scary one? In the bad old days, many animals were damaged or died due to the use of risky drugs, but the scene has changed completely since then. New generation inhalant (gas) anesthetics, as well as a wide variety of safer drugs, sedate and support the animal through surgery.

The most important improvement is the greater emphasis on monitoring. This includes effective monitoring equipment, as well as an extra pair of eyes and hands to make sure the animal is breathing. Even multiple or serial

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anesthesias (for daily radiation treatment of cancer, for example) are not a problem when done correctly. Don’t let fear get in the way if your dog or cat needs dental work or other surgery -- anesthesia risk today is extremely low, including for older animals.

9. Pain management Pain management has come out of the dark ages of veterinary medicine, and it’s about time, too. It hasn’t been so many years since vets didn’t even remotely consider giving pain medicine to post-operative patients, even dogs and cats who had been spayed. Now, many clinics routinely place time-release pain medicine patches on these animals, as well as provide analgesics (pain killers) to them before surgery and until the patches kick in.

The pharmaceutical industry continues to crank out new vaccines as fast as it can, but many veterinary organizations are now quick to declare them “non-core”, meaning they should rarely,

if ever, be given.

While there are many great options for treating acute and chronic pain in dogs, cats have not fared as well. There are virtually no drugs that are safe for long term use in cats.

Both dogs and cats are prone to painful arthritis in their older years; pharmaceutical pain control for these guys has same people have animals, and want the same type of care made some strides, but the really good news is that there are for them. This interest is driving the expansion of natural many safe, effective alternatives such as acupuncture, homemedicine for dogs and cats. opathy, herbs, and nutritional Even the stodgiest of clinics supplements that can do the is likely to carry products like job just as well as drugs.

While it will still take some time for most probiotics and glucosamine. veterinarians to make the “paradigm While it will still take some 10. Growing interest shift” from the time for most veterinarians to make the “paradigm shift” The word is getting out of the body to a more from the disease model of about alternative “natural” the body to a more holistic treatments for companion perspective of wellness and it’s happening…and animals. At any major vethealth, it’s happening… again, clients can take the credit for forcing erinary conference, practiand again, clients can take tioners can attend multiple this important change! the credit for forcing this sessions explaining holistic important change! modalities and even teach-

disease model holistic perspective of wellness and health,

ing basic concepts. One major veterinary publication carries a regular column on holistic treatments.

Everywhere you look, the public’s burgeoning interest in natural medicine is also on the rise. Of course, most of these

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What about the next ten years? We can expect both natural and allopathic approaches to diverge and develop, but at the same time, many more vets will integrate natural therapies into the way they work. And that’s great news for our dogs and cats!

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Through Rover’s eyes

By Sylvia and Danny Wilson

M

y dog won’t stop pulling on the leash.” “No matter what I do, she keeps jumping up on people.” “He won’t stop barking when I put him in the yard.” If you find yourself nodding in agreement, then read on. Sometimes, the reason we have trouble training our dogs is because we don’t really understand where they’re coming from when they act the way they do. The following ten facts and tips will give you a greater insight into the canine psyche, and help make training easier. “

1. A dog is a dog. A lot of people make the mistake of trying to communicate with their dogs the same way they would another person. Although dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, they still live by the same rules and exhibit many of the same behavioral patterns as their wild ancestors. One of the first things you need to do to effectively train your dog is realize he has different needs than you do.

© Ladykassie | Dreamstime.com

Training dogs isn’t always straightforward.

If it was, we’d all have perfectly behaved pooches! One way to help ensure success is by understanding how the canine mind works.

saying when they bark. A dog’s vocal communication is limited to barking, growling, whining, and other sounds.

By understanding how he vocalizes, you will be better able to know when you may be telling him one thing while your tone is telling him something completely different.

Pack animals not only want to live with others, but want leaders who are strong, consistent and fair.

4. Dogs are not spiteful. People often say things like, “My dog chewed the furniture because I left him.”

There are a number of reasons why dogs misbehave, but spite is not one of them. Dogs don’t reason like we do, so they cannot disobey out of spite.

2. Dogs have a pack mentality. In the wild, 5. Understand what causes aggression. “You dogs have always lived in packs. They instinctively know that living with others, under the leadership of a dominant member of the pack, enhances their chances for survival.

Pack animals not only want to live with others, but want leaders who are strong, consistent and fair. You need to model these characteristics to be accepted as the pack leader and have your dog respect and obey you.

can take the dog out of the wild, but you can’t take the

©Ankevanwyk | Dreamstime.com

3. Dogs don’t understand English. To believe dogs fully understands human-based communication is as unreasonable as thinking we know everything they are

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wild out the dog.” This means simply that a dog’s natural instincts are never far below the surface, and sometimes manifest as aggression. A dog will only do what his

instincts tell him to do, unless trained otherwise. The most common cause of aggression is fear of the unknown – whatever the dog cannot understand or recognize as normal. When a dog is frightened, he will react in one of two ways: fight or flight. One of your responsibilities is to maintain your leadership so you can teach him what is acceptable and what is not.

Visual acuity varies by breed. Due to the positioning of their eyes, short-nosed dogs have more depth perception than those with longer noses.

6. Body language is his main mode of communication.

Dogs rely heavily on body language to communicate what is on their minds. A person’s body language can very easily be misinterpreted by a dog. If a dog jumps on you, for example, and you respond by pushing him down with both hands, he may think you want to play.

7. You can teach your dog to think. You can’t teach your dog to reason the way you do, but you can teach him to think. Dogs are continuous learners and have good memories. The three things that primarily influence his behavior are association, instinct and experience.

Dogs recall information with associative stimuli. For example, you cannot explain to your dog, as you would a child, not to eat food off the floor.

The only way for him to get that lesson is to eat off the floor and learn through voice correction and body language that this is an unwanted behavior. By conditioning your dog, and effectively showing him what you consider good and bad behavior, you can help him change.

8. Unwanted behaviors are often natural. To most humans, behaviors such as digging, chewing and jumping are unacceptable, but to dogs they are natural. In order to teach a dog which behaviors are and

When a dog disobeys, it’s usually for one of three reasons:

He does not understand what you want.

He does not consider you his leader.

He is suffering from some kind of stress or fear.

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are not acceptable, you need to associate an unwanted behavior with a negative experience, such as a disapproving tone of voice, and good behavior with a good experience, such as praise or a treat.

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9. Know the right way to correct him. Dogs will only do what comes naturally or what they have learned through association; therefore it is not productive or even logical for humans to get angry with them. Physical force is both inappropriate and counterproductive. As well, your dog will only comprehend your message if it is delivered in a timely manner. A correction must be issued at the precise moment the dog is actually doing something wrong. Similarly, rewards should be given immediately upon the performance of good behavior.

for a human. A dog’s hearing is also selective – he can sleep beside a blaring TV but wake up as soon as he hears something unrelated to the TV, like the can opener. Dogs only process things they want to hear; make sure your voice is one of those things!

Size matters

Dogs experience the world nose first.

10. Dogs sense the world differently from humans. Smell is the most dramatic sensory difference between humans and dogs. Dogs have about 25 times more olfactory (smell) receptors than humans and can sense odors at concentrations many times lower than humans can. Their night vision is also better and their hearing more acutely developed. The distance from which a dog can hear things is four times further than

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One breed is not necessarily more aggressive than another. A Chihuahua can be just as aggressive as a German shepherd. The only real difference is the degree of fear we feel based on the dog’s size and ability to cause harm.

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Top 10

animal-friendly cities Looking for the best place to live with Fido or Fluffy? Find out which of North America’s urban centers are going out of their way to make life better for dogs and cats.

by Ann Brightman

W

e know you love your animals. But how does the community you live in feel about them?

Animal lovers make up a big percentage of the population nowadays. Many urban centers are listening to their constituents and creating more animal-friendly environments that offer better wellness and lifestyle opportunities for dogs and cats.

For our 10th anniversary issue, we thought we’d revisit a

report we conducted several years ago to see how cities in North America with populations of 100,000+ rank on animal wellness issues. We used a dozen different criteria, including numbers per capita of integrative vets, pet sitters, dog parks, animal-friendly accommodations and retailers carrying premium pet foods. We also looked at other important factors such as air quality, anti-cruelty legislation, Rabies vaccine protocols and the incidence of heartworm.

Was your city in the Top Ten? Read on to find out!

© Jeff Gynane | Dreamstime.com

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Sun, sand, surf, and all the pet-friendly amenities a dog or cat could dream of! Ft. Lauderdale performed strongly in all categories, making it the clear winner in our Top Ten list. It has excellent air quality and a pleasant climate, so you’ll be able to enjoy lots of outdoor activities with your furry friend, year round. You’ll find plenty of retailers selling good quality pet food, and the city is home to

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several integrative vets and practitioners, including animal acupuncturists and chiropractors. When you have to go away, it’ll be easy to find a pet sitter to care for your companion, and there are lots of shelters so you’ll be spoiled for choice when you’re ready to adopt a new friend. And even heartworm is not much of an issue in this southern coastal city, unlike other parts of Florida.

Boulder, Colorado

photo: Ken Kinder/Wikipedia

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There are more integrative vets, natural pet food retailers and pet sitters per capita in Boulder than in any other city we ranked, so if you want a holistic lifestyle for your companion, this is a prime destination. Boulder also has good air quality and a relatively low heartworm risk, so you and your dog can enjoy the area’s open spaces, hiking trails and off-leash parks with few worries.

Boulder is right on top of things when it comes to animal welfare issues. Eight years ago, the city passed legislation to replace the word “owner” with “guardian”. And the state of Colorado carries the stiffest penalties for animal cruelty in North America, with a maximum $500,000 fine and up to six years in jail for offenders. In fact, the only big drawback about Boulder is Colorado’s vaccine laws, which require animals to be vaccinated for Rabies every year, instead of having a three-year option, as most other states and provinces have now adopted.

city’s off-leash parks. You’ll have no trouble finding natural pet food for your dog or cat, and there are lots of pet sitters and shelters. Quite a few integrative vets practice in Seattle, and travelers have a choice of animal-friendly lodgings, so if you want to check the city out before moving, you’ll be able to bring your dog with you!

Portland, Oregon

© Heather Hood | Dreamstime.com

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Oregon is another state with stiffer-than-average anti-cruelty legislation – offenders can be fined as much as $100,000 and/or spend up to five years in prison. We found Portland to be the most animal-friendly city in the state with its relatively high number of integrative vets per capita, good air quality, and low incidence of heartworm. It has a gorgeous mountain backdrop and boasts thousands of acres of parkland, including over half a dozen off-leash areas, so you won’t run out of places to exercise with your buddy.

Eugene, Oregon

Seattle, Washington

5 3

Located near the Pacific coast on Puget Sound, Seattle is another urban center with superior air quality, and the mild climate means you can take maximum advantage of the

Though a lot smaller than Portland, Eugene also has your dog or cat’s welfare at heart. With a population of less than 150,000, it has the second highest number of integrative vets and animal shelters per capita on our list. It also has animal wellness

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the best air quality. For its size, Eugene offers a lot of pet-friendly accommodation, and there are nearly a dozen pet food retailers selling quality diets. The riverside location provides you with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery, while the city’s several off-leash parks give your dog a chance to stretch his legs in the fresh air.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

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© Ann Badjura | Dreamstime.com

It didn’t make our top ten list last time, but Minneapolis has climbed the ranks since then. It boasts more than 50 retailers selling premium natural pet foods, and nearly half a dozen integrative vets. There are off-leash parks where you can run your dog, and over a dozen pet sitters for when you need someone to care for your companion. The air quality is relatively good in Minneapolis, and even though it’s located on the Mississippi River, its northerly location means the risk for heartworm is low.

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Vancouver, British Columbia

7

Moving from number 13 up to number 7, Vancouver is another city that has improved its animal-friendly status over the last few years. This beautiful coastal center boasts excellent air quality and a relatively high number of integrative vets and premium pet food retailers. It also ranked highest for the number of off-leash parks in relation to its population, so you’ll have no shortage of places to romp with Rover. On the downside, Canada has some of the laxest anti-cruelty legislation in North America, but lobby groups and animal welfare organizations are working tirelessly to change those outdated laws.

San Francisco, California

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San Francisco is more animal-friendly than any other large city over 700,000 we ranked. Quality pet nutrition is easy to find here, and so are pet sitters and dog-friendly lodgings. The city officially recognizes the term “guardian” as well as “owner” and has an open attitude towards holistic and integrative healthcare. Unfortunately, the number of dogfriendly parks in the city has diminished due to some anti-off-leash lobbyists, but the city still has quite a few parks where your canine can roam unfettered.

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© John Kuo | Dreamstime.com

Denver, Colorado

9 10 Raleigh, North Carolina

With its cool, dry climate and oodles of sunshine, Denver is an ideal base for those who love enjoying the great outdoors with their animal companions. This “Mile High City” of over half a million people is situated near the mountains and has good air quality and lots of open spaces to explore with your canine companion. There are plenty of animal-friendly lodgings for those who want to visit, and it’s easy to find high quality pet foods and integrative care for your dog or cat.

Honorable mentions:

The capital of North Carolina, Raleigh has been referred to as a “city of oaks” and a “city within a park”. It boasts over 3,000 acres of parkland so there’s lot for you and your furry friend to do outdoors. Heartworm risk is very low and the air quality is relatively good. The city also has a higher-thanaverage number of integrative vets and shelters per capita than many of the others we looked at. North Carolina’s anti-cruelty legislation leaves something to be desired, but hopefully it will follow the lead of the many other U.S. states that are making their laws tougher on offenders.

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11. Oakland, CA

15

12. Orlando, FL 13. Pittsburgh, PA 14. San Diego, CA

15. Photo: Jack Sanders sxc.hu/photo/864709

15. Sacramento, CA

photo: flickr/lukedollar.com

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13 12

Thank you to Pet Sitters International for sharing their stats on pet sitters for this article.

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Women making waves Natural health for dogs and cats has come a long way over the last ten years. These pioneers of the holistic animal care industry have been key players in this exciting evolution.

by Ann Brightman

Y

ears ago, you’d have been hard pressed to find many alternative healthcare products or services for your dog or cat. It’s a different story now. This exciting growth is due largely to a number of courageous industry pioneers, many of whom started their careers when the alternative approach was still breaking new ground. Among them are the following women:

Andi Brown, Founder Halo, Purely for Pets Est. 1991 When Andi Brown’s cat fell ill 22 years ago, she discovered the veterinary prescribed food he was eating was making him sick. “After whipping up a stew made with fresh chicken and vegetables, he became well. We wanted to share our recipe with everyone,” Andi explains.

Andi started Halo out of her home with only $3,000; today, it’s a multi-million dollar business. They offer a complete line of natural and holistic pet care products, including foods, treats, herbal grooming aids and nutritional supplements.

“People actually used to laugh at me. They thought no one would be interested in buying ‘natural products for pets’.”

Susan Marino, Founder & Executive Director Angel’s Gate Hospice for Animals Est. 1993 Calling Angel’s Gate a labor of love for Susan Marino would be a vast understatement. The facility, under Susan’s direction, cares for animals considered “unadoptable” – the criti-

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Susan Weiss, President Ark Naturals Products for Pets Established 1995 Like many others, Susan Weiss started her business when the holistic approach was still regarded with skepticism. Building her natural remedy and supplements business took patience and faith. “It’s always easy to enter an arena when the chips are up and dollars are climbing – it’s much more difficult to believe in something, invest your own money and hang in there when no one is listening, or cares.”

Annual sales have risen from under $200,000 when the business began to over $3 million. As a founding member of the National American Supplement Council (NASC), the company has also worked to help legitimize the natural products industry for animals.

“I believe healthy animals help keep humans healthy.

How lucky am I to work this hard at something I feel so passionately about!”

cally and terminally ill. It has been recognized as a model for hospices across the nation.

Susan, who also works with physically challenged animals, incorporates holistic approaches, including hydrotherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, essential oils, flower essences, T-Touch, massage, and raw food diets, into her patients’ healing and palliative regimens.

“I believe I have been chosen to do this work,” says Susan. It was very difficult at the beginning, because I got a lot of criticism. But the animals are as much teachers as patients, setting forth life lessons that resonate long after they are gone.”

Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis, Founders & Instructors Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute & Tallgrass Publishers LLC Est. 1998 Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis founded Tallgrass to educate people about the benefits of animal acupressure. “We have a deep and enduring love of animals along with a strong desire to provide people with an opportunity to connect with them,” says Amy. They offer a variety of equine, canine, and feline acupressure books, DVDs and charts to support the learning process.

The dynamic duo also developed a comprehensive Equine and Small Animal Acupressure Practitioner Certification Program and were instrumental in founding the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure & Massage (NBCAAM).

Nancy and Amy’s mission is to continue improving the quality and accessibility of animal acupressure. “I love having played a role in moving animal acupressure from a good idea to a recognized profession,” says Nancy.

Holly Sher, President Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company Est. 1935 Way back in 1935, Fred Evanger wasn’t able to find the food he wanted to give his dogs, so he started making his own. The result was Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company, renowned today for high quality pet foods. “It was revolutionary for that time,” says Holly, who has been company president for six years.

Holly has made some major changes and improvements to the company’s product offerings. “We started the handpacked line, added an organic line, and made it kosher. But the raw ingredients haven’t changed – we still use fresh meats and produce.”

The company is also committed to minimizing their eco-footprint. “Ninety per cent of our ingredients are locally sourced.

I could take home the chicken we used in our pet foods and BBQ it for my family.”

Jean Dodds, DVM, Founder Hemopet Est. 1986 “I used to be a clinician and administrator in the state of New York, and regulated the blood bank industry for people,” says Dr. Jean Dodds. “One day, I thought: why don’t we have one for animals?” She subsequently founded Hemopet, the first private nonprofit animal blood bank, and a greyhound rescue/donor adoption program.

“We rescue the greyhounds, screen them and have them spayed or neutered, then they’re in the blood donor program for no more than a year before being adopted out to new homes,” explains Dr. Dodds, who is also a veterinarian and clinical pathologist.

Hemopet services more than 2,000 veterinary clinics throughout North America with their blood products. “I was basically the grandmother of veterinary transfusion medicine, and got all the schools to start teaching it. I think the most important thing we need to do is be stewards for animals in society. ”

Penelope Smith, Animal Communication Specialist Anima Mundi Incorporated Est. 1978

Photo: Starr Taovil

Animal communication has gained a wider audience over the years and much of that acceptance is due to Penelope Smith, one of the founding pioneers in the field of interspecies telepathic communication.

She offers animal communication training programs and apprenticeships, and also conducts lectures, courses and retreats. Her training has reached thousands of people all over the world.“I help people realize their connection and restore their communication with all species for the greater harmony, unity, and happiness of all,” explains Penelope. “I rejoice in helping to restore the often forgotten yet innate ability of humans to communicate with all life.”

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Sissy HarringtonMcGill, Founder & Owner, Solid Gold Health Products for Pets Est. 1974 When Sissy Harrington-McGill went to Germany in the mid-1970s, she found that the German great Danes were a lot healthier than their American counterparts. They were also living several years longer. Feeling this difference was related to nutrition, she brought some food samples back to the U.S. to have them analyzed. Soon after, she developed Solid Gold Hund-N-Flocken and established herself as one of the pioneers of the natural pet food industry.

When she first introduced her food to the U.S., she was told by the FDA that there was “no such thing” as a natural dog food.

Solid Gold continues producing premium holistic pet nutrition today. “Dogs are not our whole life,” Sissy says, “but they make our lives whole.”

Linda TellingtonJones, Founder Tellington TTouch Training Est. 1970s Linda’s pioneering work on animal behavior, training and healing began decades ago with her favorite subject: horses.

A successful trainer and competitor Linda was always interested in the latest bodywork therapies. Her curious nature led her to discover a series of therapeutic “touches”. From TTEAM for horses she expanded her techniques to include small animals.

“I created the Tellington Method as a system of training, healing and communication that allows people to relate to animals in a deeper, more compassionate way,” Linda explains. “It utilizes a variety of techniques of touch, movement and body language to affect behavior, performance, and health.”

A prolific author and sought-after speaker, Linda’s work has caught on around the world and there are now certified TTouch trainers in 26 countries.

“My passion is for spreading my message of understanding and compassion for animals and their people. For me, it’s all a gift from the animals.” continued on page 64...

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The entrepreneurial spirit Thinking of starting a pet-related business? Here are some more innovative women who have made their mark in the industry.

“I have the best job in the whole world because I spend my days talking with people who love their animals.”

Sarah Clemenson Wapiti Labs – Produces Mobility Formula, an elk velvet antler supplement that reduces joint pain and inflammation and increases mobility.

Heidi Junger Onesta Organics – Creates premium USDA certified organic products designed with the animal’s health and wellbeing in mind.

“It’s so great to work with this company. Every day, I get a call or email from someone telling me their dog is jumping on the bed or chasing squirrels again.”

“Love requires commitment. We love our animals so why not provide them with foods and treats that will make them happy and healthy?”

Beth Cox PetGuard – Provides companion animals with natural and USDA certified organic pet food.

Lucy Postins The Honest Kitchen – Creates high quality human grade pet foods and ingredients; also promotes nutritional awareness and environmental responsibility.

“We are passionately committed to raising the levels of awareness and concern for the chemicals, preservatives, and pesticide residues in our environment, as well as how they impact our health and the health of our animal companions.”

Linda Goodman P.O.R.G.I.E. Puppy Teaching and Natural Health – Started as a positive dog teaching center and grew into an alternative health store for animals and their people.

“I named the business after a precious dog named Porgy. It’s an acronym that defines our purpose and why we do what we do: Pet Ownership Requires Getting Informed and Educated.

We are dedicated to that principle.”

Debra Holte Buddy Beds – Makes orthopedic memory foam beds for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or joint problems.

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“We work diligently to ensure all our products help our fourlegged friends achieve and maintain optimum health.”

Celia Sack and Paula Harris Happy Muzzle – Makers of a stylish yet durable muzzle that takes away the stigma of wearing such a device while deterring barking, biting and scavenging.

“Anyone who has to buy a muzzle for their dog would prefer one that makes people smile.”

Alise Shatoff and Birte Haakansson Canine Genius – designs unique “smart toys” for dogs who need jobs, as well as healthy treats and other products to make dogs’ lives more fun and fulfilling.

“We love making cool toys for dogs!”

AnimAl Wellness

ResouRce Guide • Communicators

• Natural Product Retailers

• Holistic Healthcare

• Reiki Therapy

• Integrative Vets

• Schools & Education 1/24th

• Massage Therapy

Claudia Hehr • Trainers & Behaviorists Animal Communication Specialist

• Natural Product Manufacturers & Distributors

• TTouch Therapy

To Truly Know and Understand Animals World-wide phone consulations, Health and Behavior Issue Workshops, Tele-seminars, Books, Grief Counceling.

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View the Wellness Resource Guide online at: www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

COMMUNICATORS

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CALIFORNIA

Animal Communication Specialist

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To Truly Know and Understand Animals World-wide phone consulations, Health &

Behavior Issue Workshops, Tele-seminars, Books,

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Janice DeFonda Can We Talk Fayetteville, NY USA Phone: (315) 329-0116 Website: www.ark-angels.org

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communication

Soggy situations

Inappropriate urination may have many causes, and solving the problem can be difficult and frustrating. Animal communication can help get to the root of the matter.

by Sue Becker

Communication helped solve Bodie’s urination issues and encouraged him to start using his litter box again.

M

y cat pees all over the house and nothing I can do will stop him,” says Lorraine.

“He’s fine physically, but something is obviously upsetting him and I don’t know what it is.” Lorraine’s frustration is shared by a lot of animal lovers. Inappropriate urination is one of the most common behavioral problems in dogs and cats, and one of the hardest to resolve. “

Can animal communication help? The answer is – yes.

Well, then again...maybe not! The reality lies somewhere in between, and depends on the reason for the behavior as well as the level of emotion surrounding it. Every case and every individual is different.

Rule out health issues When animals change their urinary habits, they are telling us something is very wrong in their world. It is a request for help. First and foremost, ruling out a physical cause animal wellness

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is critical – the animal’s life could depend on it! Lower urinary tract problems are a common reason for animals urinating in the house. I insist that cats especially be vetchecked prior to trying communication, since urinary blockages can be fatal within 24 to 48 hours. Dogs also can experience life-threatening blockages. Other medical issues could be contributing as well. Communication won’t resolve a problem if the causes are physical.

Reassuring Bodie There are also countless emotional causes behind soggy accidents in the home. Bodie, a handsome brown male tabby with green eyes, was three years old when his person Janeen called for a consultation. Adopted from a shelter, he had always been an anxious cat and was now urinating on the new carpet although he would use his litter box intermittently. His vet check was clear so I agreed to communicate with him.

I learned that Bodie had been through a lot in his short life. Although he was a no-nonsense fellow, he was somewhat apprehensive and easily became overwhelmed. His shelter experience had been difficult and he was afraid of change, since in his experience, change had not necessarily meant good news! Now, Janeen was having renovations done to her basement, and Bodie was not feeling safe. He yearned for peace and quiet, and asked for a standard routine where things would happen at approximately the same time every day. He wanted safety and security – no changes, no surprises.

She also started stroking Bodie’s ears to calm and reassure him (from Tellington TTouch), gave him Bach Flower Remedies to de-stress him, and made changes to his litter. Today, Bodie is a different cat – he has no “accidents” anymore and is calm and happy.

I suggested that Janeen talk to Bodie about upcoming changes before they happened so he could prepare himself, and also ensure he had a safe haven to escape to when life overwhelmed him.

Soki’s story

Communication won’t resolve a problem if the causes are physical.

I suggested that Janeen talk to Bodie about upcoming changes before they happened so he could prepare himself, and also ensure he had a safe haven to escape to when life overwhelmed him.

When animals change their urinary habits, they are telling us something is very wrong in their world. It is a request for help.

Resolving Soki’s separation anxiety through communication and flower remedies stopped him from peeing in the house.

Soki is a tiny male Chinese crested/Pomeranian cross, rescued at nine years of age by Danielle. A gentle and somewhat lost soul, he had been through many changes in his life as well as experiencing emotional neglect before finding his new home. One of the problems Danielle continued on page 72

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Does he need a chiropractor?

©Gina Smith | Dreamstime.com

Mikey is a white male Persian who suddenly started using a corner of the laundry room as his preferred spot. He’d been caught in a closet door the day before, but his person said he seemed fine and thought no more about it.

Mikey communicated to me that his back was sore and showed me the approximate location. Because the pain kept him out of balance and feeling vulnerable, he started avoiding his litter box in favor of the more secretive place.

After a trip to the chiropractor, he immediately returned to the litter box on his own.

Dr. Jennifer Heick, a chiropractor in Waterloo, Ontario regularly sees animals with inappropriate urination issues. She says some animals house-soil because of pressure on a nerve that blocks their “need-to-go” signal. This may also be cleared up with a chiropractic visit.

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wanted clarity about was Soki’s habit of urinating and soiling in the house when she was away for more than four hours at a time.

Soki told me he became anxious when his beloved new person was away for too long, and then had difficulty controlling his eliminations. I assured him that Danielle would always return and asked if he could try to hold on a little longer. He indicated to me that he would try. I also suggested Bach Flower Remedies for Soki, and because he felt somewhat adrift in his new situation, suggested Danielle try crating him during longer absences.

Soki told me he became anxious when his beloved new person was away for too long, and then had difficulty controlling his eliminations.

A few months later, Danielle reported that Soki had willingly gone into his crate when it was offered to him, and was very content there. He now decides whether or not he wishes to go in, and Danielle often finds him on the sofa upon her return. Understanding that Soki had little control of himself due to anxiety, Danielle also bought a doggy litter with pads and experienced no further accidents in the house.

In both these instances, Bodie and Soki’s anxiety was so intense that communication alone would not have resolved the behavior, which is why I suggested Janeen and Danielle also use Bach Flower Remedies.

Either way, animal communication, either on its own or with other supportive measures, is a powerful way of delving to the root of a urination problem and helping turn a soggy situation into a dry and happy resolution!

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warm & fuzzy Secondhand

Jack

by Jan Burak Schwert

T

he town of La Conner, Washington lies an hour north of Seattle. Tourists flock there in early spring to watch the tulips bloom or view thousands of migrating snow geese, who feed so close together the fields turn downy white. Sometimes they go for ice cream at the Calico Cupboard Cafe.

One day, when a pale sun followed weeks of rain and enticed our family to head for the country, we went to La Conner for ice cream.

The village was quiet that Saturday. We parked at one end of town and strolled along First Street in the direction of the Calico.

I could see what he meant; the pup reminded me of a dog I’d seen in an old children’s book. He looked like a border collie runt, less than a year old, with a matted black coat and white markings almost hidden under a layer of dirt. Still, as I watched him bounce along the sidewalk, his grimy, white-tipped tail waving back and forth, I could tell he was an optimist.

La Conner Ron and nine-year-old Daniel followed me into the antique shop. “That’s a good-looking dog you have,” my husband said to the man behind the counter.

Map courtesy: Google

A scruffy little dog trotted out of an antique shop.

“Look at him,” said my husband Ron. “He sort of belongs in a secondhand store.”

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“Good-looking?” Daniel said, glancing at me. I shrugged my shoulders.

“Ain’t my dog – been around all week. Don’t know where he come from – maybe the reservation,” said the storekeeper, meaning the Skagit tribe. “He probably just wandered away, and nobody tried to find ’im.”

Ron tore out the door. Dan and I peered down the street and saw him a block away, running after the stray. He scooped him up and brought him back to the shop.

Before that moment, we had no intention of getting a dog.

“Can we keep him?” pleaded my husband.

“I don’t know, Ron, what about Robin?” I figured our 12-year-old cat wouldn’t like the idea.

“They’ll get along, I know they will.” The puppy looked at me with his big brown eyes, as if he knew what we were talking about.

“Ya know, Dad,” said Daniel sternly, “a dog’s not like a cat, you have to walk him, wash him, take him to parks....”

How does he know all that? I thought. We’ve never talked about getting a dog. But he was right about the washing – the animal was a mess.

“I’ll take care of him,” Ron promised.

Daniel and I looked at each other in dismay, trying to come up with more arguments. The pup eyed one of us, then the other. I started to relent. “Well, if you really think...”

Daniel started petting the puppy. “Just remember, Dad, you’re the one who’s gonna take care of him.”

“I know, I will,” said Ron, clearly in love.

“Guess we’ve got ourselves a dog,” I told the storekeeper, leaving our name and number in case someone claimed him.

“That’s a good thing,” the man answered. “Little guy’s been bullied pretty bad by the bigger strays.” I pictured the brave puppy struggling to survive on the streets of La Conner. All of a sudden I wanted him, too.

Forgetting all about our ice cream, we headed for the car.

Once inside, the muddy dog curled up on my lap and let out a weary sigh, as if he knew he belonged there.

We called him Jack, after the dog in Little House on the Prairie, and all three of us took care of him. We came to agree that the town of La Conner was clearly all about love. animal wellness

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© Albert Lozano | Dreamstime.com

Avoid using blankets or sheets in your dog’s crate. A mat or pad is better.

Crate craft

You want your dog’s crate to be his safe haven. But accidents can happen if it’s not used properly. Here’s what you should know.

by Stephanie Bossence

O

ne day, my family and I went out to dinner at my grandmother’s house, about five minutes away. Before we left, my sister Nicole crated her whippet, Emma. Because Emma is only ten months old, and a typically curious puppy, she needs crating while we are temporarily out, both for her safety and the safety of our household belongings.

We took all the proper precautions before leaving the house. We took off Emma’s collar, and removed from the crate any toys she could chew the eyes off of, or any bones she might choke on.

ing and Emma nipping us in fear and pain as we tried to restrain her – we were able to remove the blanket. As soon as it was off, Emma lay flat on the bed in relief, a look of pure gratitude in her eyes.

Dos and don’ts A crate is an ideal place for a dog to sleep and spend quiet time in. It can become his personal property and a favorite refuge – as long as it’s not abused. If you crate your dog, it’s vitally important to consider the following dos and don’ts: • Do crate train a dog while he’s still a puppy.

As it turned out, even these precautions weren’t enough.

A few minutes after our return, when Nicole went to let Emma out of her crate, I heard her scream my name in horror. I ran to find out what had happened, and saw that Emma had managed to get her blanket wrapped so tightly around her hind leg that her skin was starting to turn blue.

After several minutes of struggle – my sister cry-

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• Don’t shut an adult dog in a crate if he’s

A safe toy, such as a Kong with some treats or frozen peanut butter inside, will help keep him occupied while he’s crated.

What’s it made of?

Crates are usually manufactured from plastic or metal. It’s important to decide on the material and style that best suits your dog’s personality and needs, so he’ll feel safe and comfortable inside.

Plastic

• Provides better insulation and privacy.

• Can be airline-approved if traveling is a requirement.

• Can be stored or used as a dog bed.

• Lightweight to lift.

• Better for dogs who need to feel safe and secure.

You can make a cover for your crate to keep your dog feeling safe and protected.

Wire

• Provides better ventilation and air movement.

• Can decrease the feeling of isolation.

• Releases odors more easily.

• Easily folded flat for transportation.

never had any experience with one before.

• Do remove your dog’s collar, leash and any jewelry or clothing.

• Do put a proper pad in the bottom of the crate for comfort.

• Don’t use blankets or sheets.

• Do ensure the crate is large enough for the dog to comfortably stand, turn around, and lie flat in.

• Do make sure the door is securely shut and locked.

• Do inspect the crate regularly for any holes, chew marks, or pieces broken off.

• Don’t leave in objects such as bones or toys with parts that might be chewed off and choked on.

• Don’t leave your dog alone in his crate for long periods.

• Don’t crate a dog with unresolved separation anxiety; he could panic when you leave and injure himself trying to get out.

Exercise your puppy or dog before crating him; that way, he’ll be ready to lie down and rest.

Crate injuries often arise from ignorance as well as neglect or abuse. Remember that a puppy is like a small child, and that even while he’s in his crate you need to consider his safety!

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Blast from the past Celebrating ten years of Animal Wellness

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en years ago, the natural pet industry was still in its infancy. There weren’t many products out there and even less education. But our founders, Tim Hockley and Dana Cox, believed passionately that complementary healthcare and good nutrition could do as much for the animals as it had for humans. So they took their savings and launched Animal Wellness Magazine. The first issue was a slim publication produced three times a year. Today, Animal Wellness is published six times a year and is the most respected

magazine of its kind in the world, with 100+ pages per issue. And it now has sister publications -- Equine Wellness is in its third year, while the second issue of Feline Wellness hits newsstands this Fall. In 2007, we also produced our special Pet Food Report to help consumers make sense of the pet food recall.

On these pages we celebrate some of the achievements and landmarks we’ve enjoyed over the past decade.

Below: The Animal Wellness Expo at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA drew thousands of people interested in learning more about integrative health care and positive training. Through the dozens of rescue groups that attended, more than 250 animals were adopted.

Publisher Tim Hockley shares a happy moment with actress and animal advocate Shannon Elizabeth.

Above: Editor-in-chief Dana Cox, center, was in good company when she accepted the Companion Animal Award on behalf of Animal Wellness in New York. Other recipients included Grant Aleksander (The Guiding Light), top left, and Dr. Martin Goldstein, back right.

Above: Hundreds of dogs visited the Living Pawsitive! Relaxation Lounge at Woofstock in Toronto, ON., where they were treated to free massages, TTouch therapy and holistic grooming.

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Above: Publisher Tim Hockley and Laddie a.k.a. Lassie seem to be sporting the same grin in this photo, taken at the SuperZoo trade show.

Above: Publisher Tim Hockley and Western Sales Manager yak it up with actress Valerie Harper at the Genesis Awards in L.A.

Above: Animal Wellness sponsored the Canine College Cruise two years running, helping educate dog lovers about the benefits of integrative health care.

Editor-in-chief Dana Cox, far right, poses with one of the lecturers on board, Linda Tellington-Jones, second from left, and other holistic practitioners.

Our first-ever cover featured Sabrina, left, our founders’ beloved Siberian husky. She was a true testament to the power of integrative care, living in great health to the ripe old age of 15½. Other rescue cover stories have included Mr. Winkle, center, and Faith.

Over the years, we’ve also featured celebrities on our covers who do great work for animals. Clockwise from above, Charlize Theron, Shirley MacLaine, Jamie-Lynn Sigler (who adopted Hailey the Rottie at our Animal Wellness Expo), Linda Blair, Henry Winkler and Diane Keaton.

Like a good TV series, the success of Animal Wellness initiated spin-offs: Equine Wellness, Feline Wellness and The Pet Food Report. animal wellness

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the scoop New set of wheels If you have a dog in need of a wheelchair, Walkin’ Wheels might be just what you need.

It’s a lightweight, totally adjustable fold-flat wheelchair that can be easily adapted to comfortably fit any mediumsized dog. Just fold down the wheels and lock them in place, adjust the width, height and length, put the harness on the dog and snap the finger-lock harness clips in place. It’s that simple! www.handicappedpets.com

Smart solutions Cuts, scratches and insect bites are common. Pet Solution RX is a 100% natural cleansing and healing first aid treatment for dogs, cats and other animals.

The key ingredient is electrolyzed oxidizing water, which helps accelerate wound healing. This product soothes and heals insect bites, sunburns, cuts, scrapes and wounds as well as bacterial and fungal infections. It also sanitizes and neutralizes odors in bedding, water bowls, toys and more. www.millenniumlawns.com

Eat your oats

Service dog census For the disabled, service dogs are a godsend. On June 9, the Service Dog Census Project was launched to provide statistical data about the large number of service dogs working in the United States. The data will be used for various purposes including advocacy, media references, university studies and public support. The Census is open to all service dogs and their handlers, regardless of certification or training status, for any disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. www.censusproject.org

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Some grains cause allergies in animals, but high quality whole oats are full of bioavailable nutrients and may actually offer some interesting health benefits, according to Sojourner Farms and a recent trial study on oats published in the June issue of Petfood Industry.

The study revealed that dogs receiving oats as 20% of their diet had a 14.7% drop in cholesterol levels as compared to a control group. It suggests that a diet rich in oats could be helpful to dogs with high cholesterol, which can occur with kidney disease, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus and other conditions. www.jointoats4dogs.com

Life-saving partnership Each year, millions of animals are euthanized in the U.S., mostly because of behavioral issues. Pets Best Insurance and the Animal Behavior Network have joined forces to help save dogs and cats with their new program, Positive Pet Parenting Saves Lives. This national education campaign was created to help people resolve behavior problems, and includes free online courses that offer step-by-step guidance for raising dogs and cats. http://positivepetparenting.org

Perfect balance Balanced nutrition is key to good health. Bravo! has expanded its offerings with a new product line for dogs and cats. BalanceÂŽ Complete & Balanced Raw Food Diet formulations contain the perfect pre-packaged blend of meat, bone, organ and vegetables. Providing consumers with both quality and convenience, the food come in 4 oz burgers individually wrapped for safe and easy handling. www.bravorawdiet.com

Landmark achievements Leashes for all Retractable leashes are one of the most convenient inventions since sliced bread! Flexi now offers retractable leashes for all sizes of dog (and other small animals!).The Small Animal Retractable Cord Leash is ideal for tiny animals ranging from one to 18 pounds, while the Petite Elegance is for the small dog. For dogs over 100 pounds, the Giant leash features a soft grip handle, single-handed brake and a webbing belt that extends up to 26 feet. www.flexiusa.com

Here’s proof that lots of people want high quality foods for their dogs and cats. Global & Ryan’s Pet Foods, a Canadian chain selling wholesome, natural diets and supplements for companion animals, recently opened its 100th store in Bedford, Nova Scotia. The corporation now has stores in every province and territory across Canada, and has also raised over $20,000 for local animal shelters through its fund-raising initiatives. www.globalpetfoods.ca

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Smart surgery

Spaying and neutering does more than reduce the number of homeless dogs and cats. It also has additional benefits.

by Danielle Bolahood

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orking in a vet clinic has shown me that many people are still hesitant about having their dogs and cats spayed or neutered. The reasons vary from common fallacies (it will make my animal fat and lazy) to the borderline absurd (I wouldn’t be able to look him in the eye afterwards). There really isn’t any reason not to “In my 27 years have your dog or cat spayed or as a veterinarian, neutered – and plenty of good I can vouch that reasons why you should.

1 It keeps them healthy

© Thesupe87 | Dreamstime.com

It’s a common misconception that a female will be healthier if -Mark Newkirk, VMD she is allowed to have one litter.

Spaying prevents the development of pyometra, a serious and potentially fatal uterine infection. It also eliminates the risk of ovarian cancer and reduces the risk of breast cancer in your animal. Neutering, meanwhile, prevents the development of testicular cancer and decreases the chances of prostate cancer.

2 They’ll be cleaner

Even if your animal companions are already “fixed”, read on to find out why you should feel good about your decision.

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90% of breast cancer cases are found in unspayed females.”

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Unspayed females have regular heat cycles. Often when female dogs go into heat they release a bloody discharge that can stain your floors and furniture. Female cats in heat have a tendency to yowl (sometimes all night) and urinate more – often in places other than the litter box.

Unspayed female dogs are susceptible

to pre-menstrual stress and can be temperamental and unpredictable.

Male dogs and cats instinctively mark their territory with a very strong and unpleasant smelling urine, often referred to as spraying. Neutering, especially when done early, can prevent your animal from developing this habit.

3 It helps with behavioral issues

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Although no substitute for proper training, neutering can curb aggression in males and reduce the likelihood of fighting. Neutering also decreases the risk of your animal wandering off or running away in search of a female. Obedience training will also become easier as your dog will find it easier to focus.

4 It can save you money The cost of a spay or neuter may seem high, but it can actually save you money over the course of your animal’s life. Veterinary treatment for pyometra, reproductive cancers, or wounds caused by fighting -- not to mention the cost of raising a litter of puppies or kittens -- will very quickly add up to more than the price of the initial operation.

5 You’ll be saving lives Every year, thousands of unwanted animals are euthanized. Most shelters are filled to overflowing with dogs and cats in need of homes.

Irresponsible or unplanned breeding is a major contributor to the problem of animal overpopulation. Even though you may not have any intention of breeding your companion, it takes only one accidental escape to result in a litter of puppies or kittens.

Some people feel that spaying and neutering isn’t natural, and that animals should be left intact. But when you consider the consequences of dog and cat overpopulation, not to mention the health and behavioral issues and long term costs that can arise from not doing so, it really is a smart move. continued on page 84

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Any side effects?

The pros of spaying and neutering far outweigh the cons, but the operation can have some side effects, just as with any other surgery. ∞ “Generally, complications are rare,” says veterinarian Dr. Mark Newkirk. “They can include bleeding, adhesions, dehiscence, infection, anesthetic reaction and cardiac problems. We are all equipped to handle these problems just as any human hospital would be.

At my practice, we like to use homeopathic arnica before and during surgery to decrease the amount of contusion, bleeding and pain. Intraoperative phosphorous or Yunan Baio are also good for bleeding.

Homeopathic phosphorous and carbo veg are good for helping animals recover from anesthesia.”

age

The at which a puppy or kitten is spayed or neutered may also have

an effect on his later health. ∞ The age at which a puppy or kitten is spayed or neutered may also have an effect on his later health.

In an effort to help curb the overpopulation of strays, many shelter animals are often given this surgery as young as eight weeks of age. “The long term side effects of this early surgery are not known,” says Dr. Newkirk. “It would make sense, though, that since Mother Nature gave dogs and cats hormones for a reason, the early removal of gonads could have effects on growth, development and immunity. I can tell you from personal experience that if these animals have a metabolic nutritional analysis (kudos to Dr. Marty Goldstein) done at nine to 12 months of age, we do see imbalances in their blood tests.” Glandular supplements may be prescribed based on this analysis.

“Most veterinarians wait until six to eight months for this surgery. Some choose to wait until the first cycle is over.”

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∞ “Later in life, some spayed females experience urinary incontinence,” says Dr. Newkirk. “This is primarily due to the lack of estrogen causing a ‘leaky exit door’ on the bladder. Estrogen supplementation, or the amino acid phenylpropylalanine, is often helpful.”

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For old bones As they age, many dogs develop arthritis. Here’s how to help your creaky canine get around more easily.

by Debra Primovic, DVM

© Anke Van Wyk | Dreamstime.com

A

rthritis is one of the most common diseases affecting senior dogs. These simple lifestyle and household changes will make your companion’s life a lot easier if he isn’t as mobile and flexible as he used to be.

tis, and include waterbeds, hammock beds, and beds with plenty of cushions.

Ramps or cubes

Stairs and furniture can become difficult obstacles for your aging companion. Ramps or specially designed cubes can Slip-free flooring help dogs safely climb stairs, or get in or out of bed or Hardwood and tile floors are slippery and can be very dif- your vehicle. Ramps can be made of plastic or wood. One ficult for dogs with arthritis to move around on. Carpet product features soft modular cubes which fit together and area rugs (with non-slip in various combinabackings) will help secure your tions that permit dogs to Give him time canine’s footing, and prevent climb up and down from Don’t rush a dog with arthritis. It may often take him from injuring himself. beds or sofas. The cubes him extra time to walk, climb stairs, or get in and are made of soft rubber, out of the car.

Be patient, let him take as long as Soft bedding have rounded corners and he needs, and support and help him if needed.

A good soft bed can help supwashable covers. port your dog’s bones and joints and make him more Moderate exercise comfortable. This is especially important for slender dogs Modest daily exercise can help. Special care is needed, with bony prominences that are likely to rub on hard sur- though, so it’s important to first see your veterinarfaces. Some beds are made especially for dogs with arthri- ian and let him/her recommend an appropriate exercise

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Give him a lift What to consider when buying a ramp for your dog

by Mimi Slogar

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5. Convenience and handling – Set up the ramp to get a feel for how easy it is to use. Note storage dimensions and make sure it will fit safely in your vehicle.

6.

Overall quality – Does the ramp look like it will last? Look for construction and components rugged enough to stand up to rigorous use.

s your dog having trouble getting in and out of the car, or jumping on his favorite old sofa? Maybe it’s time to consider a pet ramp.

Before deciding which model to purchase, be sure to visit a store that sells them, get recommendations from staff, and take the products out of the box to get a feel for their quality. Look for these key features:

1. Weight capacity/sturdiness – A run-

7. Finally, try it out at home – Some dogs take to new activities easier than others, so some training may be required. Try walking your dog across the ramp while it’s on the ground.

Then use the same technique on a small incline, such as a curb. Incrementally work up to the desired height. Generous praise, treats, and a little patience go a long way and typically result in success.

Photo: PetSTEPInternational ning or jumping dog creates a dynamic load many times his own weight.

If your dog weighs 65 pounds or more, look for a product with a 500-pound weight capacity. Ramps with less structural strength may warp or bow with normal use.

2. Surface – Look for a raised texture, scaled to the pads of a dog’s paws, that provides a secure footing. Avoid abrasive sand paper that may delaminate over time and damage clothes or vehicle finishes, not to mention paws! Carpet may attract moisture and mold if the ramp is used outside.

3. Dimensions – A width of 17” is recommended for most dogs. The ramp should have a side-rail tall enough to prevent paws from slipping off, yet short enough to avoid injury should your dog accidentally step on it. To reach the height of most SUV bumpers, you’ll need a ramp with a 70” length.

4. Weather resistance – If your ramp will be left outside or used in rainy or snowy conditions, make sure all components are rust-proof and that the walking surface will provide non-slip performance when wet.

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Larger breeds, those weighing 60 to 90 pounds, are most prone to arthritis as they get older.

program. Moderate exercise, however, can strengthen your dog’s muscles and ligaments, reducing his injury potential and risk.

Weight control Because older dogs aren’t as active as their younger counterparts, they’re more prone to becoming overweight.

Obesity greatly increases the pressure on his bones and joints, and can make the arthritis worse. Be sure to keep your dog at a healthy weight as he ages.

Consider a bed that includes therapeutic magnets. They can help improve circulation and reduce pain and inflammation.

Massage By massaging your dog, you can increase his flexibility, circulation, calmness and general sense of wellness.

A professional animal massage therapist can give your dog a more thorough treatment.

Peace and quiet As your dog ages, he may not be as tolerant or patient as he used to be. Sore joints make it difficult for him to enjoy rambunctious playful children, for example. Supervise playtime and consider keeping your dog away from very young children. Even parties and holiday time can be distressing for an arthritic dog. On the other hand, he may want to join in the festivities regardless of his discomfort. To reduce joint pain and inflammation, you may want to limit his time as the center of attention.

Not all elderly dogs get full blown arthritis, but most get stiffer and slower as they age. Isn’t it good to know there are things you can do to help him enjoy his senior years with a minimum of discomfort?

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Fun facts about dogs and cats

by Stephanie Bossence

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hey’ve been our best friends for a very long time. In fact, dogs and cats have been our loyal buddies for thousands of years.

Because of their long history as human companions – and the eternal fascination we have for their characters, quirks and habits – we’ve accumulated a lot of interesting facts about them down through the centuries. Here we celebrate some of the more unusual, fun and interesting ones.

You’ve heard of the “dog days of summer” but do you know where the phrase comes from?

The ancient Romans believed the brilliant star Sirius, also called the “dog star”, gave off heat and made summers hotter.

Does your dog use his right or left paw when batting toys or shaking hands? Studies have found that just like people, dogs and cats are either “right” or “left pawed”.

Who says cats can’t talk? They can have up to 100 different vocalization sounds.

Cats are said to wash behind their ears before rain, perhaps because of the drop in air pressure. Next time your kitty gives her ears a good grooming, check the weather forecast!

Here are two new words for your vocabulary: a group of adult cats is called a “clowder”, while a group of kittens is a “kindle”.

There’s nothing new about collars. Images of dogs wearing collars can be seen in ancient Egyptian art.

Check out these Guinness World Records: • The longest ever ears on a dog belong to Tigger, a bloodhound who lives with the Flessner family in Illinois. His ears are more than a foot long – 13.5” to be precise!

• The oldest cat ever recorded was Creme Puff; this Methuselah among felines lived an amazing 38 years.

• The smallest living dog is Heaven Sent Brandy, a female Chihuahua who measures a mere 6” from nose to tail.

This tiny girl lives with Paulette Keller in Florida.

You may think you love cats, but the ancient Egyptians worshipped them. When a favorite feline died, family members would shave off their eyebrows as a sign of mourning.

Cats seem to respond better to women than to men. It may be because women have higher voices.

A dog’s nose prints are as unique as your fingerprints and can even be used for identification purposes.

The Basenji is the only breed of dog that can’t bark.

The world’s smartest dogs are believed to be the border collie, the poodle, and the golden retriever.

Cats are commonly thought to be fish eaters, but their original natural habitat is the desert.

The fish connection is thought to have arisen during WWII, when meat was scarce and expensive, so cat companions were given fish instead. animal wellness

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In the blood

Feline anemia is more common than you may think. It’s important to recognize that it’s a symptom, not a disease, and can signal a variety of health issues.

by Janice Huntingford, DVM

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any people assume a lack of anemia better prognosis mainly because their causes can frequently means you’re not getting enough iron. be corrected. Most are caused by: While this can be true in some cases, the answer is usually not that simple, • blood loss from wounds (internal or external bleeding) especially when it comes to cats. Yes, cats can get • blood-sucking parasites (such as fleas or hookworms) anemia, too! It’s a common clinical and laboratory • blood cell parasites such as Hemobartonella felis (the diagnosis. But what exactly is it and only cause of infectious anemia known what does it mean for your feline in the cat) Some cats with nonfriend?

These anemias can be corrected by responsive anemias can deworming or defleaing the cat, giving be helped with What is it? medication for the blood cell parasite, or stopping the bleeding source. After Anemia is simply a lower than normal the bleeding has stopped, the cat’s number of red blood cells. These cells bone marrow will produce more red carry oxygen to all parts of the cat’s Acupuncture and herbal blood cells and within a few weeks the body. A low number can cause your cat number of these cells will be normal. supplements may also to become weak, faint or even die.

iron supplements & vitamin B. be helpful.

Anemias are classified into two categories: responsive and non-responsive.

Non-responsive anemias occur because

the bone marrow, the site of red cell production, has stopped producing those cells.

1.

Responsive – means the cat’s body is working hard to produce more red blood cells.

• Decreased red cell production can be caused by nutritional deficiencies of iron, vitamin B, vitamin E and other trace elements. They cause the bone marrow to produce few or abnormal cells. Fortunately, with good nutrition and supplementation, most of these anemias can be reversed.

2. Non-

responsive – means the cat’s body is not producing more red cells or has given up producing them.

Responsive anemias carry a far

• Diseases that invade or affect the bone marrow will produce anemia in the cat. Feline leukemia, a virus that causes cancer in cats, can affect the bone marrow and cause anemia. The leukemia virus causes the bone marrow cells to produce large numbers of abnormal cells. These cells take over the marrow, crowding out the normal red blood cell-producing cells. The result is anemia. © Olga Zanchurina | Dreamstime.com

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• The panleukopenia virus can also affect a cat’s bone marrow. It causes not only anemia but a deficiency

Keep your house and garden free of plants that may adversely affect your cat. © Giuseppe Porzani | Dreamstime.com

of all types of blood cells, and is frequently fatal.

• The bone marrow can also be adversely affected by drugs, medications or toxins. The drug chloramphenicol can cause problems with the bone marrow that lead to anemia in both humans and cats. Chemotherapy drugs and radiation frequently suppress the bone marrow’s production of red blood cells.

• A common cause of feline anemia occurs secondary to chronic kidney disease. When a cat is in chronic kidney failure, the damage to the kidney affects his ability to produce erythropoietin, which regulates the number of red blood cells produced by the bone marrow. If erythropoietin is low, the number of total red cells produced will also be low and anemia will result. Other chronic diseases can produce anemia in the same manner.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for many of these conditions, but non-responsive anemias can be treated by blood transfusions and sometimes medication. If a cat is suffering from anemia due to kidney disease, erythropoietin can be given to boost the red cell numbers.

Preventing anemia

Some anemias can be prevented. Ensure your cat receives good, balanced nutrition and is free of parasites. Kittens should receive necessary vaccinations to prevent panleukopenia, but adult cats in general should not be over-vaccinated as this can over-stimulate the immune system. Be careful about the type of drugs, supplements and other products you use on your cat. Many natural products that are safe for humans can be deadly for your cat. Ask a holistic or integrative veterinarian before you use any of these products.

Remember that anemia is not a disease but rather a sign of another problem. If your cat is acting anemic take her to the vet. The sooner the problem is diagnosed and treated, the better her chances!

General symptoms of anemia • pale gums and nose • weakness • loss of appetite • increased heart rate

• increased breathing rate • heart murmur • low blood pressure

One responsive anemia that may not carry a good prognosis is immune mediated hemolytic anemia. It occurs when the cat’s body sees its own red cells as foreign and mounts an immune response against them.

The cells then rupture inside the vessels or spleen. The cause is often unknown, although sometimes these immune diseases can be related to exposure to vaccinations, medications or toxins.

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passages

Two fish and a dog

by Steve Rose

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t ages four and three, my boys Charlie and George brought home their first animals.

With great anticipation, they helped release their two new goldfish into a bowl of water.

Charlie named his fish Bumpy for the irregular markings on his sides, while George’s was named Minnehaha, after a creek near our home. Bumpy and Minnehaha schooled about their small habitat, and beat the goldfish odds by surviving their first year. Having passed that milestone, they earned a new and larger habitat, and a promotion from the kitchen table to the kitchen counter.

Before the birth of our sons, our baby was a Welsh terrier named Roger. High energy and high maintenance, he helped prepare us for the challenges of parenthood. His frequent and self-inflicted veterinary visits challenged our patience and checkbook. More than once I reminded him, “I wrote a check to bring you into this world, and I can write a check to take you out.” But Roger didn’t take it to heart, and seemed to understand just how far we could be pushed.

Roger and I started our days early. To prevent waking the light-sleeping Charlie, I would avoid the nearby bathroom and prepare for the day at the kitchen sink. Roger was at my side, not as a devoted companion but as a beggar of toothpaste. He would put his paws on my leg until I gave him a tiny taste. It was a routine we both enjoyed.

Roger saves Bumpy Early one dark winter morning, I was brushing my teeth at the kitchen sink as usual when Roger surprised me with a sharp bark. One of his few redeeming features

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Roger

is that he is not a barker, nor has he ever barked inside the house. I glanced down and saw him looking at the kitchen floor -- at Bumpy. The fish lay motionless, not showing any sign of life. I picked Bumpy up by the tail and dropped him into the water. To my surprise and delight, he rejoined Minnehaha in his two-fish school.

Until he hit the water, I did not know he was still alive.

Investigating the scene, I saw two wet fish prints on the kitchen counter between the fish tank and the floor.

Thinking back to what might have happened, I recalled rapping my toothbrush on the side of the sink near the

fish tank. The recently topped-off tank and my startling toothbrush rap must have set Bumpy up for a hasty tank exit.

Had Roger not barked, I would have stepped on or over Bumpy. Charlie’s fish would have either dried in place or possibly been eaten by our famously omnivorous terrier. But Roger had unwittingly saved his life.

After hearing the story of Roger’s heroic bark, Charlie rewarded him with a grateful hug.

Minnehaha’s fate Fast forward five years. Roger was now 15, and Bumpy and Minnehaha were six. Roger was nearing the end of his life, and sliding down the slope of cognitive decline. He had adjusted to life with poor vision and hearing, but seemed to be losing brain power. He slept during the day and paced during the night, bumping into fixed objects whose location he once knew. He paced the perimeter of rooms during his waking hours with amazing energy, considering his age.

Bumpy and Minnehaha, meanwhile, had outgrown their tank and moved into a more spacious one, which we located back on the kitchen table. The extra space gave them room to grow, and they attained a size that could best be termed huge. Visitors would marvel at the size of their tails. Life was good.

Visitors would marvel at the size of their tails. Life was good.

While pacing his perimeter, Roger would sometimes find himself stuck under a chair or tripping over power cords. The pump that added air to the fish tank water was connected to an outlet on the kitchen wall, behind the table. One day, while walking this wall, Roger inadvertently pulled the power cord from the wall and unplugged the pump.

By the time we noticed the pump had stopped, it was already too late for Minnehaha. We restarted the pump but she was in distress from the oxygen change, and did not recover. She died later that day.

Just as he had saved Bumpy five years earlier, Roger had accidentally killed Minnehaha. It was as symmetrical as life and death. Now, Roger approaches 16 and Bumpy nears seven. It will soon be time for us to say goodbye, but even after they are gone I will remain struck by how closely linked the lives of Roger and our two goldfish were.

“... Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you...

I loved you so – ‘twas Heaven here with you.”

“This is such a great gift. It will mean so much to a grieving friend.”

Dr. Liane O’Hora

Toad Hill Veterinary Services Since 1994 - Here when you need us.

800.284.0491

www.furryangel.com It’s perfect for you, your friend, client or customer looking for a memorial tribute for their own “furry friend” or as a gift.

Wholesale inquiries welcome

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side effects. As is the case with all vaccinations, they do not offer total protection and may cause subsequent chronic disease.

Photo courtesy: Michelle Bernard

Cat’s eye

Few things are more beautiful than the bright eyes of a happy, healthy cat. Aside from being gorgeous, your feline’s peepers can also tell you quite a lot about her well being.

by Michelle Bernard

It’s said that the eyes are the window to the soul.

In cats (and other animals) they can also be the window to underlying health.

Are your cat’s eyes bright and clear, or is there redness or chronic discharge?

What does it mean if your cat’s third eyelids are visible? Is a change in eye color or pupil size reason for concern?

The conjunctivitis connection Numerous infectious diseases cause eye problems in cats. Most are due to upper respiratory viruses

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will become stuck shut and that can result in corneal ulcers. Oral antibiotics are usually not effective because all three of these upper respiratory problems are viruses. If your kitten or cat is suffering from conjunctivitis, it is important to keep the eye moist and lubricated. An antibiotic ointment will do this, but I have always used artificial tears lubricant whenever I had kittens with conjunctivitis.

Corneal ulcers, should they occur, are serious and should be treated by a veterinarian. I have had great success in treating corneal ulcers using both homeopathy and the application of liquid, food-grade vitamin E and vitamins A/D in the eye several times a day.

Vitamin E in particular helps heal scarring.

Many veterinarians will recommend supplementation with the amino acid lysine to help with herpesvirus flare-ups. I have had more success supplementing my cats’ diet with taurine, an essential amino acid for felines. A diet insufficient in taurine results in central retinal degeneration (eye lesions) which can lead to blindness. Taurine can also protect against cataracts and diseases of the retina.

like rhinotracheitis (a herpesvirus), calicivirus and chlamydia. All three cause, among other things, conjunctivitis (swelling of the conjunctive tissues). Kittens, older cats and those living in When your cat is getting ready to pounce on a toy, you may see multi-cat enviher moving her head rapidly from side to side. She is doing this ronments are to better judge the distance between herself and her “prey.” more susceptible. Because rhinotracheitis is a herpesvirus, a cat that There are vaccinations More red flags had it as a kitten may have against rhinotracheitis, calirecurrent flare-ups when civirus and chlamydia. The Glaucoma – Can be difstressed. first two are core vaccines ficult to diagnose in cats and should be received by because their eyes are able If the conjunctivitis is mild, all kittens, but the chlamydia to withstand much greater it can be treated at home. vaccine is usually not rec- pressure elevation without Often, though, the eye(s) ommended due to potential visible evidence of disease.

Cross-eyed?

© Vitalij Schaefer | Dreamstime.com

Signs to watch for: Increased size in the cat’s eye and/or pupil, a cloudy appearance.

Cataracts – Relatively rare in cats and usually related to complications from diabetes or uveitis.

Some purebred breeds are more susceptible than others. With cataracts, it pays to catch the problem early. Long-term cataracts are harder to remove.

Signs to watch for: A distinct dis-

in the back of the eye that supplies nutrition to the retina). Uveitis may occur spontaneously or secondary to diseases such as feline leukemia, FIV or FIP.

Signs to watch for: A change in iris color may indicate uveitis or iris melanomas. With both of these, cats most commonly develop a brown color change that affects much of the iris.

Uveitis – The uvea consists of three

All of the above conditions are serious and may lead to blindness or eye removal. If you notice any changes in your cat’s eyes, she should be seen by a veterinarian.

parts: the iris, the ciliary body (the tissue immediately behind the iris) and the choroids (the vascular layer

Take the time to stare into your cat’s eyes on a daily basis. Not only

parity in eye clarity, increased opacity, cloudiness or a change in pupil size.

continued on next page...

Strabismus is a term used to describe the abnormal positioning or direction of the eyeball. If both eyes deviate towards the nose, the cat is referred to as cross-eyed.

This is common in Siamese cats and also occurs in other color-pointed breeds like Himalayans and Birmans. It is generally a cosmetic problem and does not affect quality of life.

Strabismus can also occur as a result of injury and may be seen in a cat that has a disease of the vestibular system (part of the ear that helps him keep his balance).

Searching For Pet Care? www.

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the most comprehensive information about each

The third eyelid Cats have a whitish or pink membrane, sometimes called the third eyelid, at the inner corner of each eye. Its purpose is to protect the eye and retain moisture. This “nictating membrane” normally stays concealed but may intermittently appear when a cat is drowsy and content. If it remains partially visible, protrudes or appears swollen or red, contact your veterinarian. The third eyelid of some breeds, especially the orientals, may remain visible with no apparent signs or presence of disease. In general, however, continued visibility of the third eyelid is an indication of illness.

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will you enjoy the visual interaction, but it also gives you a chance to notice if there’s anything amiss with those beautiful orbs.

Did you know…?

• The cat evolved as a nocturnal predator, so her pupils can get much larger than ours can. This lets in more light, but at the expense of good depth of field.

• When a cat’s pupil contracts, it doesn’t stay round like a person’s, but instead becomes a vertical slit.

Why? Slit pupils can change size much faster than round pupils can. The disadvantage is that they create optical interference that makes perfect focus difficult.

• A cat’s lens is much larger than the human lens. This enables it to gather more light, but there’s a tradeoff. A smaller lens can change shape to focus light over a great range of distances. Because a cat’s lens can hardly change shape at all, felines have difficulty focusing on objects very close to them.

• Cats have large eyes and retinas for their size. The retina contains two important kinds of cell:

1. Rods – which respond to very low levels of light and do not distinguish between colors.

2. Cones – which need a higher light level, but can respond to many different colors.

A cat’s retina is rod-rich with very few cones. In fact, the level of retina illumination is about five times higher in your cat’s eye than in yours. The tapetum lucidum in the back of a cat’s eye reflects light back to the receptors in the retina to give it a second chance to receive a signal. That’s why cats’ eyes reflect light in the dark.

• The feline brain is hardwired to detect and react to motion. Because cats evolved as carnivores, their eyes are in front of their heads – unlike prey animals which tend to have them on the sides of their heads. When your cat is getting ready to pounce on a toy, you may see her moving her head rapidly from side to side. She is doing this to better judge the distance between herself and her “prey.”

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Book reviews Title: Mutts Author:

Shelter Stories

Patrick McDonnell

You’re likely familiar with Patrick McDonnell’s charming cartoon strip Mutts. Well known for his dedication to helping homeless animals, McDonnell often focuses on animal welfare issues in his cartoons. Now he has produced a delightful new book that celebrates the happy stories of dozens of adopted shelter dogs and cats as well as birds, hamsters and other critters.

This irresistible volume features heartwarming tales and quotes accompanied by beautiful color photos and interspersed with humorous and touching Mutts cartoons.

It’s sure to convince even the greatest skeptic that shelter animals will fill your life with love. Guaranteed.

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Title: Pawprints Author: Cathy

of Katrina

Scott

It’s been three years since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, but the memories are still recent. For those who lost beloved animal companions, or were reunited with them after a distressing interval, those memories are particularly poignant.

Katrina triggered the largest animal rescue effort in history. Journalist Cathy Smith was at the scene, helping Best Friends Animal Society rescue as many animals as possible and either reunite them with their families or find them new homes. In Pawprints of Katrina – Pets Saved and Lessons Learned, she writes compellingly about her experiences.

This moving book looks at both the triumphs and the tragedies, and celebrates the invincible spirit of both animals and humans as they put their lives together again.

Publisher: Wiley

animal wellness

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Book reviews Title: Dog

Park Wisdom Author: Lisa Wogan Whether playing at the park, hiking the trails, or kicking back at home, you love to share recreational activities with your dog. Lisa Wogan’s Dog Park Wisdom -- Real-World Advice on Choosing, Caring For, and Understanding Your Canine Companion can help ensure your time with Fido, wherever you spend it, stays fun and safe.

This step-by-step book opens with a section on how to choose the right dog.

Subsequent chapters take you to the park, the hiking trail and on the road, and cover everything from off-leash etiquette and backwoods rules to car safety and what to pack for your canine when going on a trip. You’ll also find suggestions for dog-smart home design and tips on taking your dog to the office.

This book is loaded with great stories, color photos, and an abundance of humor that makes it fun to read as well as educational.

Publisher: Skipstone

Title: In

Search of the Truth About Dogs Author: Catherine O’Driscoll Many young dogs develop debilitating diseases and die years before their time. When three of her beloved golden retrievers died too young, Catherine O’Driscoll founded Canine Health Concern, an international organization advocating real food for dogs.

In her new DVD, In Search of the Truth About Dogs -- An Introduction to Natural Canine Health, Catherine is joined by renowned experts veterinarian Dr. Michael Fox and veterinary homeopath Dr. Christopher Day to teach you how to give your dog a long and healthy life.

Learn how to feed your canine companion for optimum health and longevity, and why it’s harmful and unnecessary to vaccinate every year. You’ll also find out why vets and other professionals now have the courage to speak out and challenge the system, and how dog guardians around the world are keeping their canines healthy and happy.

Publisher: Dogwise

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Events October 4 – Algonquin, IL In-person event at The Gathering Place in Algonquin, IL. Led by Linda Epstein & Mary Butler.

9:00 am - 5:30 pm Central Time November 8-9 – Newfane, NY In-person event held in Newfane, NY. Led by Kristin Thompson.

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Eastern Time November 8 – Bordertown, NJ In-person event held in the Bordertown, NJ area. Led by Dawn Wrobel.

9:00 am - 5:30 pm Eastern Time November 15 – Barrington, IL In-person event at Relax4Life Center in Barrington, IL. Led by Carol Schultz.

9:00 am - 5:30 pm Central Time AC103: Level 1 Animal Communication Introduction to the essentials on how to get in touch with animals telepathically. Discover your blocks to communicating with animals and the levels of communication possible.

Learn how to experience animals’ perspectives, how you may have already communicated telepathically with animals, and how to expand on that. Enjoy exercises that open your heart, increase your awareness and understanding of animals and your receptivity to telepathic communication. Deepen your communion with all of life.

Part 2 (3.5 hours): Learn how to quiet and focus your attention when being with animals. Practice opening the channel to get across to animals and to receive what they communicate telepathically in thoughts, images, impressions, feelings, messages.

For more information: Carol Schultz, (815) 531-2850 carol@animalspiritnetwork.com www.animalspiritnetwork.com October 25-26 – Spotsylvania, VA Traveler’s Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary Animal Reiki Level I workshop Through lecture, enlightening discussion, exercises and practice, you will be led through the basic steps. Students will experience Reiki energy and learn different ways that Reiki can be used as a healing tool for both humans and animals. Upon completion of the two day course you will be able to do a Reiki self treatment, hands on healing for friends and family and be able to offer Reiki to your own animal companion(s), other animals and even wild animals.

For more information: Janet Dobbs, 703-648-1866 janet@animalparadisecommunication.com www.animalparadisecommunication.com

For more information: Tracy Veale, Workshop Coordinator 905-542-2900 tveale@cantox.com, www.cantox.com/AIC

November 8-9 – McLean, VA Basic Animal Communication Workshop Janet Dobbs will lead you through the basic steps of animal communication with guided meditations, enlightening discussions and telepathic exercises. This two-day workshop will give you an overview of what animal communication is and how you already communicate with your animal companions, animal friends and even wild animals.

November 11- December 16 (Tuesday evenings) Internationally available teleclass SH102: Explore the animals’ perspectives through Shamanic journeys in non-ordinary reality. Firmly connect with your Spirit Allies, undergo shamanic initiations. Practice combining shamanism with your other modalities.

Your understanding of animals will deepen as you discover how they view the world. You will learn how to quiet and focus your mind, opening the channel between you and the animals as you send information and receive back from them their thoughts, images, feelings, messages, etc.

For more information: Janet Dobbs, 703-648-1866 janet@animalparadisecommunication.com www.animalparadisecommunication.com November 9-11 – Toronto, ON Agriculture is Changing (AIC) 2008 In this inaugural year of AIC we are exploring opportunities for innovation in the application of natural products to livestock production and animal health. This is the first meeting of its kind anywhere in the world, and will attract a mosaic of industry stakeholders, researchers, manufacturers, venture capitalists and regulatory experts. Do not miss this extraordinary opportunity for networking and education.

AIC 2008 will present 4 half-day sessions, comprising expertise in Research & Development and novel applications of natural health products in food production from animals. Each session will consist of plenary lectures, short lectures, and product presentations inside the presentation theater, and a graduate student poster competition immediately outside the presentation theater.

The American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists, ARPAS, recognizes our program and 8 continuing educational units (CEU) will be awarded towards their certification upon successful completion.

The shamanic journey is simple to learn and amazingly effective for connecting with animals “spirit to spirit”. We open our minds and actively use our imaginations to receive the information from our animals and Spirit Allies. It works!

This course is designed for anyone who wishes to learn animal communication using the shamanic method. Shamanism is a gentle and powerful way to engage in spiritual work.

It doesn’t matter if you have previous training in telepathic communication or any training in energy techniques. Attendees range from complete novices to experienced telepathic communicators, and everyone takes away magical information and spiritual gifts.

For more information: Carol Schultz, (815) 531-2850 carol@animalspiritnetwork.com www.animalspiritnetwork.com November 21-23 – Mundelein, IL BC Dog Training Introduction to Small Animal Massage This hands-on class is focused on massage techniques used with animals and an approach to getting the animals to work cooperatively with the practitioner; it includes an overview of anatomy, business and ethical issues. Limited to eight participants. Prerequisite to the Evaluation & Ethics class.

For more information: Companion Animal Touch & Therapies 847-782-1963 info@companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com www.companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com

Post your event online at: www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/events 104

animal wellness

Classifieds Animal Communicators LYNN McKENZIE, International Animal Intuitive, offers nationwide consultations in animal communication and energy healing. Create harmony and awareness in your relationships, restore health, improve behavior, enhance performance, resolve conflict, connect with animals that have crossed over. Workshops and lessons available. Coming soon, correspondence and internet training in Animal Energy Healing. www.animalenergy.com, lynn@animalenergy.com, (214) 615-6506, Ext. 8642.

CAN WE TALK? Animal and Soul Communicator, Janice DeFonda says, “Yes! Bless your Hearts and Souls through the communion this connection can provide.

Share your Love, laugh, cry, grow and expand the depth of your understanding with your Animal Friends. Extend your connection with those who are in spirit and Restore Harmony and Balance through energy healing.” Phone Consults (315) 329-0116 www.ark-angels.org

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NORTH-EAST NEWMARKET VETERINARY SERVICES – Dr. Autumn Louise Drouin, Veterinarian, Naturopath. Cozy outpatient office. Detailed history, physical examination, laboratory tests. Individualized treatment protocols suit patient’s condition and client’s needs. Homeopathy, Herbs, Clinical Nutrition, Bach Remedies, Physical Therapies.

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WONDERING WHAT YOUR ANIMAL IS THINKING or feeling, experiencing behavior or emotional problems with them? Have concerns about their death or dying? To request a telepathic communication go to www.komfortkonnections.com.

JANET DOBBS – WORKSHOPS AND CONSULTATIONS. Animal communication, Animal/human Reiki. Deepening the bond between animals and humans. For information about hosting a workshop in your area. janet@animalparadisecommunication.com, (703) 648-1866 or www.animalparadisecommunication.com CLAUDIA HEHR – TO TRULY KNOW AND UNDERSTAND ANIMALS – Internationally known Animal Communication Specialist, Author, Speaker, Coach. World-wide consultations. Health, behavior, afterlife.

Workshops, speaking engagements, tele-classes, grief support groups www.claudiahehr.com, (705) 434-4679 SUSAN J. SQUITTIERI – Providing high quality cost effective Nationwide Consultations, Classes, and Workshops in Animal Communication and Reiki for People & Animals. For more information contact Susan at (845) 613-7774, spreadreiki@yahoo.com or visit www.spreadreiki.com

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See www.yorkierescue.com.

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Schools & Training COMPANION ANIMAL TOUCH & THERAPIES – Hands-on training for small animal massage therapy providers at locations in IL, WI, VA, and NC. Learn to work with animals safely, effectively, and professionally from an experienced instructor. info@companionanimaltouchandtherapies. com 847-782-1963 (voice) www.companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com 847-782-5725 (fax) PETMASSAGETM helps dogs create balanced “inner environments”. Learn how. Workshops/ Home Study Courses New Children’s DVD’s, teach doggie massage, canine body language, safety. 800-779-1001 www.petmassage.com ANIMAL HEALING ARTS TRAINING & CERTIFICATE STUDY PROGRAMS – Animal Spirit Healing & EducationTM Network provides distance learning and on-site courses in Animal Communication, Shamanic Animal Healing, Animal Reiki, Grief Support Skills, Flower Essences, Species Behavior, Tellington TTouch, and Holistic Animal Health. Learn more at www.AnimalSpiritNetwork.com or contact Founder, Carol Schultz, 815-531-2850, info@animalspiritnetwork.com CANINE BODY WORKER AND EQUINE BODY WORKER CERTIFICATION – Serious hands on training from leading specialists and veterinarians for hands on work. Progressive certifications beginning at 250 hours to the Master’s series of over 2000 hours. CEU courses offered: advanced massage, MFR, CST, acupressure, anatomy, and more. USA and worldwide Visit: www.equinology.com and www.caninology.com Write: office@equinology.com or call 707 884 9963 TRAIN AT HOME WITH THE BEST TRAINING MANUAL FOR YOU & YOUR PET! Hi, My Name is Laura Lawrence. I am a professional Pet Trainer & Animal Behaviorist.

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1-866-764-1212 or classified@animalwellnessmagazine.com

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Tail end

Home is where the hair is

by Barry Potoker

T

umbleweed hair clumps peeking out from under the furniture, swirls of fur balls collecting along the baseboards, strings of canine fleece clinging to clothes like Christmas icicles…. Let’s just say dog hair has become part of our home fashion statement.

Lucy is a gorgeous golden retriever with a long blond coat and regal flowing feathers, almost champagne in color.

She’s eight years young now and gradually showing wispy hints of gray and white patches as she gracefully ages into senior citizen status. But she is still a hairmaking machine. Wherever she goes, tufts of hair softly descend along her route. When she shakes, hundreds of fur follicles leap into the air, frantically seeking a cozy refuge in our home. And because she sleeps with us, we engage in excessive laundering and the frequent purchase of new comforters and sheets. Our goose down pillows have been transformed to dog down.

Luckily, Lucy is passionate about being brushed. Other than swimming and rolling around outside, it’s her third favorite activity. Her “spa” night, as we call it, happens

several times a week. It’s a bonding ritual for us. After hearing the word “brush”, she ceremoniously follows me to the family room, tail frenzied with hopeful exuberance and her marvelous canine smile spreading from ear to ear. She goes directly to the right spot and lies down in the “ready and willing to accept being fussed over position.” I marvel at how she rolls over on her back (with a little help), subtly reminding me to comb through her underbelly of wavy golden locks. The resulting pile of hair is substantial and she curiously sniffs it as if to verify that it’s indeed hers.

But even these frequent grooming sessions only scratch the surface. If the vacuum doesn’t grab it, the rest will adorn our home in many special ways.

Lucy’s hippie-length hair is also a magnet for all sorts of interesting debris. After rolling around on the lawn, she inevitably drags in some gooey pine needles, grass clippings, prickly branches or fresh foliage. During the winter, her frolics in the snow reward us with “gifts of the season” like frozen encrusted mini-pine cones and decomposing autumn leaves. The dripping ice balls matted in her coat are especially popular, offering us new dimensions in housekeeping as they drop off and melt into little puddles.

Like most dogs, our adorable pooch relishes her windblown jaunts in the car. Our black Jeep interior is literally covered with a blanket of yellow hair, and will never be the same again.

Why do we tolerate, even welcome, our dog’s hair? For me, it’s simply a way of life when living with Lucy. It’s just accepted. And she more than pays us back with the unconditional love she gives us. Yes, we might have had a poodle or some other non-shedding breed. But wouldn’t that take all the fun out of living?

Photo: Marinela Prodan

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If you have an amusing story you’d like to submit, send it to: Tail End, at submissions@animalwellnessmagazine.com

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