Animal wellness
Animalwellness For a long, healthy life!
8
Living pawsitive!
Top Canine fitness trends Case of the
Bald Akitas How toxic products
What’s your
can harm your pets
mutt’s make-up? New dna tests can now tell you
Fuel for
fire
Beating the blues
Look, no needles!
Without words Advice on canine
the
Foods and recipes for extra boost
Needle-free acupuncture makes its debut
body language
Is Spot stiff?
April/May Display until May 18, 2009
Chinese herbs may help
$5.95 USA/Canada
VOLUME 11 ISSUE 2
AnimalWellnessMagazine.com
animal wellness
Contents April/May 2009 Photo: Jeff Perry/Skyhoundz/Hyperflite
48 features
24
20 “What is he?” These new DNA tests can help determine your mixed breed’s genetic makeup
24 Top 8 canine fitness trends
48 Without words
66 Fuel for the fire
30 How’s his Qi?
52 Well lettered
74 Is Buster blue?
Check out these fun and popular ways to keep your dog in good condition
Is Spot stiff? Find out how Chinese herbs can get to the root of his arthritis pain
39 Raising the bar
When it comes to combining convenience with top quality nutrition, this company really walks its talk
40 Factor in fitness!
Regular exercise is one of the cornerstones of wellness for you and your dog
45 Look, no needles!
Needle-free acupuncture is a contemporary take on a traditional healing modality
animal wellness
Learning canine body language will raise understanding your dog to a whole new level
Ever wonder what all those letters after your vet’s name stand for? Here’s a guide to some of the initials you’ll see in the integrative and holistic fields
62 Case of the bald Akitas Some paints can be harmful to your animals, so take the time to source non-toxic products
65 A healing legacy
Thanks to this company, Dr. Bach’s flower remedies are as famous today as they were 70 years ago
Active dogs need an extra nutritional boost; try these foods and recipes to keep your busy canine going strong
Here’s how to raise his spirits (and yours!) on those wet spring days when you can’t go out
76 Acupressure for active dogs Keep your good sport pain-free by complementing his fitness program with this effective healing therapy
80 Rub a dub dub! Regular bathing does more than keep him clean; it also enhances his physical and emotional wellness
86 Greening up
From organic foods to hemp collars, the pet industry offers a growing number of earth-friendly options to eco-conscious consumers
60
Photo: Š Bebcmj | Dreamstime.com
Departments
Columns
45
16 Yakkity yak 34 Dr. Martin Goldstein 60 Warm & fuzzy 72 Communication 84 Passages 89 Book reviews
Photo: Jane Preziose
98 Tail end
10 Editorial 14 Mail bag
74
29 Product picks 56 Animal Wellness resource guide
70 The scoop 91 Ad spots 96 Events calendar 97 Classifieds animal wellness
Top 8
canine fitness trends These days, exercising your dog can include lots more than a stroll around the block. Check out these fun and popular ways to keep your canine in good condition.
by Tessa Kimmel
D
enise was concerned about her best friend, Jack. Because of recent surgery on her knee, she’d been unable to take him for walks and hikes. Once slim and active, her three-year-old beagle/Lab mix had begun to adopt a couch potato lifestyle. He seemed a bit depressed and had put on weight. Denise knew this wasn’t healthy. The vet told her it was essential to get Jack moving. He realized Denise currently wasn’t up to walking him so asked if her physiotherapist had suggested a treadmill or swimming to strengthen her knee. When Denise replied she was doing both, her vet broke into a smile and said: “Get Jack in the pool and on the treadmill too!” As more people realize the benefits of fitness not just for themselves, but for their dogs as well, they’re looking for exciting new ways to give their companions the exercise they need. Why not explore some of today’s most popular canine fitness trends?
1. Tread the treadmill
Photo: Jeff Perry/Skyhoundz/Hyperflite
Treadmills and pools are valuable tools for recuperative therapy, but shouldn’t be limited to that. Both are fantastic ways to exercise your canine companion. Some canine rehabilitation facilities, such as Essex Animal Hospital in Ontario, Canada, and the Canine Fitness Center in Maryland, offer their exercise equipment and hydrotherapy pools to dogs that just need to stretch their legs.
24
Dogs love to run and most can quickly be taught to accept a treadmill. For extra fun, partner with your dog and have him run behind you. A treadmill is perfect if you can’t walk your dog outdoors because of physical problems or inclement weather. If you don’t live near a canine animal wellness
rehab center with a treadmill, you can buy one made especially for dogs. Hammacher Schlemmer is one company that has recently introduced an exercise treadmill designed specifically for canines.
2. The water’s fine Release his inner Michael Phelps! Many dogs love water, are natural swimmers, and revel in a good oldfashioned dip in the backyard pool or at the lake (or indoors at a rehab center during chilly weather).
recent years. You don’t have to be a world class ballroom dancer, and neither does your dog, to enjoy the benefits of this sport. Although some canine dancing styles require considerable agility, you and your dog can choose a style that best suits you both. Canine dancing is a beautiful way to cultivate a deeper bond and partnership with your dog and the fitness benefits are invaluable.
3. Swing your partner! Dog dancing or canine freestyle is another exciting trend. It’s been around since 1983, and has really caught on in
Although Doga isn’t the rough-and-run type of exercise dogs normally engage in, it calms them, strengthens their physical balance, keeps their muscles supple and builds a wonderful bond with their human partners.
5. Agility action
Bring along a Frisbee to toss in the water. It’s amazing what a few rounds of “chase the Frisbee in the wet stuff” will do for your dog’s physical and emotional balance. Better still, get in there and frolic with him! If you have a cottage, take your dog to swim in the lake when the weather gets warm enough. Just be sure the water is safe for swimming. Swim clubs for dogs are part of the new wave of canine fitness activities. A canine swimming or splash club involves friendly competition among a group of dog lovers whose goal is to see which dog can make the biggest splash and jump the farthest into a pool. It’s loads of fun, and a perfect way for your dog to release his energy, socialize with other dogs and stay fit all at the same time. Ask around to see if there’s a canine swim club in your area; if not, and you have a pool, consider starting your own with a few dog-loving friends.
are now breathing and stretching with their humans. “Doga means you are in a yoga pose and so is your dog,” says Suzi. “You can do it anywhere, anytime, and it will keep both of you feeling great.”
If your dog needs mental as well as physical stimulation, agility is an excellent fitness option that can be enjoyed by just about any breed. Many communities across North American
The best deals in the world Photo: Tutor Photography
Suzi and Coali get fit with doggy yoga.
4. Downward
facing dog
Doggy yoga or Doga started in 2002, thanks to Suzi Tietelman’s puppy, Coali. A yoga instructor in New York City, Suzi found that Coali would join her on her mat while she practiced. She began to put Coali in yoga poses that were natural for a dog and soon noticed her little companion becoming more centered, relaxed and limber. Suzi offered Doga at her fitness club and it quickly caught on. Dogs worldwide
Advanced Electronic Pet Training Products Provide containment, safety and freedom for your pet using the highest quality electronic training systems and accessories.
Visit our websites for the best deals on: • Invisible Pet Fencing • Remote Training • Bark Control • Pet Doors • Collars • Batteries • Accessories …and much more!
r Visit oues websit ! today
www.DogFenceBatteryBarn.com www.PetFenceBatteryStore.com animal wellness
25