V11I4 (Aug/Sep 2009)

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Animalwellness For a long, healthy life!

SPECIAL

Living pawsitive!

NUTRITION ISSUE

Chewing the fat

The case for

kibble

Canine obesity and what to do about it

What to look for in a dry food

Top

10

healing herbs

Switching to raw?

Advice on complete frozen diets

Meet “America’s most popular dog”

Preston Casanova Can you over-supplement?

When

Find out inside

disaster

Nutritious recipes!

strikes

How to prepare your dog or cat for evacuation

Food on tap

August/September Display until Sept. 22, 2009

A closer look at automatic feeders and fountains

$5.95 USA/Canada

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 4

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Contents August/September 2009

features 18 Is fido finicky?

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Most dogs are food fiends, but some can get picky. What should you do when he turns up his nose at dinner?

22 Balancing act Can you give your dog or cat too many vitamins? While it is possible to have too much of a good thing, the main culprit behind supplement toxicity is a lack of balance.

26 Step dogs

Too many dogs end up at shelters because of changing family dynamics.

When you meet someone new, follow these suggestions to help everyone adapt, human and canine.

30 The case for Kibble

Today’s premium pet food manufacturers make dry diets that pack plenty of healthy nutrition.

34 Raw made easy Raw meat diets don’t have to be messy.

Today’s frozen raw foods for dogs and cats are convenient, easy to feed, and offer complete quality nutrition.

44 Are you ready?

Fires, floods and storms can strike at any time, often without warning.

Wherever you live, a disaster preparedness plan that includes your companion animals is a must.

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47 Caring with crystals One woman’s journey of self-healing led to a business that helps both people and animals.

48 Dinner’s ready!

Can’t get home in time to give Fido or Fluffy his supper? An automatic feeder and fountain ensures he has access to fresh food and water when he needs it.

50 Off to the cottage

It’s fun to share summer getaways with your dog, but cottage country can present some hazards to canines. Remember to consider his health and safety before you kick back and relax.

54 Shall we dance?

From living rooms to nursing homes to auditoriums, musical canine freestyle is taking the world by storm.

64 packing on the pounds

Canine obesity is a big problem (no pun intended). Learn how to keep your dog slim and trim – without diet pills.

68 Born to be a star: Preston Casanova

How the irresistible Pomeranian has won the hearts of legions of fans.

74 “where’s the proof?”

It’s what skeptics ask when questioning if holistic and integrative therapies really work. In actuality, a large body of evidence stands behind the benefits of an alternative approach.

80 Top 10 healing herbs

Spice up her menu with these favorite culinary herbs. They add flavor and variety – and some terrific healing benefits too.

86 Dust in the wind

You probably won’t hear about valley fever on the nightly news, but depending where you live or travel it’s something you should know about.

88 Pest control, naturally Organic cedar oil is the winning ingredient in this company’s flea and tick products.

Top: Hogan Carter (page 4), Top: ©Maszas | Dreamstime.com (page 5), Btotom left: Mohamed Aly (page 5).

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26 Columns 14

Yakkity yak

40 Dr. Martin Goldstein 62 Warm & fuzzy

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78 Communication 84 Passages

Departments

89 Book reviews 98 The tail end

8 Editorial 12 Mail bag 29 Product picks 58 Wellness resource guide 72 The scoop 91 Ad spots 96 Events calendar

30

97 Classifieds

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Topics include: disease prevention natural diets and nutrition natural health care

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Volume 11 Issue 4

Editorial Department Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Managing Editor: Ann Brightman Senior Graphic Designer: Stephanie Wright Graphic Design Intern: Deanna Hall Cover Photography: Grace Chon/Shine Pet Photos Tail End Illustration: Leanne Rosborough Columnists & Contributing Writers Franco Cavaleri Audi Donamor Michael W. Fox, BVetMed, PhD, DSC, MRCVS Erica Garven Martin Goldstein, DVM Shelley Graves Sara Jackson Mary Johnson Tessa Kimmel Jennifer Lopez Lynn McKenzie Alice Mees Shawn Messonnier, DVM Sandra Murphy Laureen Osborne Debrah Schnackenberg Debbie Swanson Charlotte Walker Administration & Sales President/C.E.O.: Tim Hockley Office Manager: Lesia Wright Circulation & Communications Manager: Jamie Conroy Operations Director: John Allan IT Manager: Rick McMaster Administrative Assistant: Libby Sinden

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On the cover photograph by:

Grace Chon/Shine Pet Photos shinepetphotos.com He’s taken the world by storm, thanks to his spunky grin and irrepressible personality.

Preston Casanova, canine companion to Hollywood actor and producer Laura Nativo, is a diminutive Pomeranian who not only stars in TV commercials and shows, but is also a certified therapy dog, has his own online Internet show, and enjoys a talent for surfing and skateboarding. Read his full story on page 68.

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Improving the lives of animals... one reader at a time.

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editorial

Variety is the spice of life W

hen we adopted Sasha, our German shepherd/ husky cross, from the local Humane Society, she came with a warning. “Be careful after she eats. She tends to have really runny stool,” said the administrator.

comes to the best diet for our animal companions. If you have time to prepare Fido’s meal along with yours, fabulous! But if you have a busy lifestyle, you can still ensure you’re putting quality food into their mouths.

While others may have been scared off (perhaps that’s why she had waited four months for her new forever home), I considered it a minor fix. After all, the dog had been literally starving when she was seized from her former home. The Humane Society staff had done what they could, but I was pretty sure their knowledge of nutrition and access to quality food were somewhat limited.

In this issue of Animal Wellness, you’ll find wonderful information on high quality kibbled and raw diets, as well as tips on how to feed your finicky friends and what to do for overweight animals.

Thankfully, over the years of publishing our annual nutrition issue of Animal Wellness, I’ve learned a thing or two. And I’ve had the animals to teach me more.

There’s no doubt that good nutrition is the cornerstone of health – for us and our animal companions. But a one-size diet does not necessarily fit all animals. In the last decade I’ve had four dogs and a cat and they’ve all thrived on a variety of diets, from high quality kibble and canned, to raw and homemade cooked. So much depends on their level of health, their age, and their personal tastes.

Fortunately, animal nutrition has evolved over the last few years so we have a wide range of choices when it

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You’ll find a wealth of articles on other topics as well, including whether or not it’s possible to over-supplement your animal, what to look for when shopping for an automatic feeder or fountain, how to prepare your companion for a natural disaster, and the fun phenomenon of musical canine freestyle.

As for Sasha, I’m happy to report that her little issue resolved itself within a couple of weeks of arriving at our home. And while her diet changes, depending on exercise and traveling schedules, she’s happy and healthy. What more could we possibly ask for?

Dana Cox Editor-in-chief

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contributors

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1. Veterinarian Michael

3. Franco Cavaleri graduated

5. Audi Donamor has been

W. Fox is a member of the British Veterinary Association and an Honor Roll Member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. He graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in London in 1962. In 1961, he was awarded the gold medal and Fellowship of the Royal Veterinary College Medical Association for his report on the effects of poor nutrition on the health of working sheepdogs. Now living in the U.S., Dr. Fox has published over 40 books, and writes the syndicated newspaper column “Animal Doctor” (twobitdog.com).

Turn to page 13 for his Good Dog Cookie recipe.

from the University of British Columbia with a BSc degree in Nutritional Science and Biochemistry. He is conducting post-graduate work on the latest gene and insulin-related nutraceutical research. His findings have been applied to improving human and animal health and lifestyles (biologicnr.com/bioceo.htm).

He recently wrote the book Potential Within: A Guide to Nutritional Empowerment, and is also the author of Your Dog’s Health. Learn if it’s possible to over-supplement your animal by reading Franco’s article (page 22).

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 two-time recipient of the Golden Retriever Club of Canada’s Silmaril Kennel Trophy for the Human/Animal Bond.

See page 80 for her tips on healthful culinary herbs.

2. Veterinarian Dr. Shawn

4. Lynn McKenzie is an

Messonnier is author of the award-winning Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats, The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, and 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog. He is also the pet care expert for Martha Stewart Living’s program, “Dr. Shawn – The Natural Vet”, on Sirius Satellite Radio. His veterinary practice, Paws & Claws Animal Hospital (petcarenaturally.com), is located in Plano, Texas. Dr. Messonnier writes about evidence-based medicine on page 74.

Animal Intuitive and publisher of The Divine Mission of Animals newsletter. She specializes in helping others attune and awaken to the teachings and wonder that all sentient beings wish to share.

Lynn offers nationally available teleclass training on healing and communicating with animals, and a self-study audio program on Crystal Healing for Animals; she can be reached at AnimalEnergy.com.

Check out her article about animal communication courses on page 78.

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6. Tessa Kimmel has over 20 years’ experience in animal care and was employed as a veterinary technician for nearly ten years. She owns MedPet & Cozy Critters Pet Care Services, a Toronto-based business specializing in care for animals with medical conditions and special needs.

She recently opened a division of the business in London, Ontario where she now resides with her three rescue kitties.

For this edition (page 48), Tessa writes about automatic pet feeders and fountains.

7. Laureen Osborne is a Master Dog Groomer, and the author of three books on dog grooming including The Pet Owner’s Guide to Dog Grooming, available at

Larkspurpublications.com. She is also the editor of Canadian Groomer magazine. On page 50, she writes about the hazards of cottage country and how to keep your dog safe and happy.

8. Debrah Schnackenberg joined the American Humane Association in April of 2006 as the director of the Red Star Animal Emergency Services Division. She is also chairperson of the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition formed after Hurricane Katrina. Debrah is a veteran of the Douglas County (Colorado) Search and Rescue team, and a past member of its board of directors. She is completing a degree in emergency management and planning. Debrah lives with two search and rescue dogs of her own. See page 44 for her tips on disaster preparedness.

9. Debbie Swanson is a freelance writer living near Boston. She contributes regularly to many animal magazines, and lives with her family and a collie named Duncan. On page 18, she offers suggestions on how to get finicky dogs eating better.

10. Sara Jackson lives on a 12-acre farm in American Canyon, just outside the Napa

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Valley. She is a graduate from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and has a B.F.A. in Screenwriting. She is also a freelance writer for several publications, and has written on a range of topics from politics to animal rights. She has also written a number of short stories and two horror scripts which are being read by two production companies in England. Her first book, Jack’s Dreams Come To Life, will be published later this year (sarajackson.typepad.com).

Sara discusses solutions to canine obesity on page 64.

11. Erica Garven has worked with

12. Alice Mees is a certified

dogs in various capacities for over 16 years. After the passing of her beloved boxer Mack, she began working as a Canine Life Coach and formed The Dog’s Assistant (thedogsassistant.ca). Her work is geared towards finding the right solutions for every aspect of the dog, including training, nutrition and lifestyle. She specializes in family integration and coaching for expecting mothers who also have dogs. Check out her article about “step dogs” on page 26.

dog trainer with a focus on canine behavior. She has spent many years volunteering at animal shelters, with animal therapy programs, and with greyhound rescue organizations across the country. She recently started a “Meet and Greet” for Greyhound Rescue in Annapolis, Maryland in order to promote greyhound adoption and educate society about the greyhound racing industry.

Her program, Better Dog Behavior (betterdogbehavior.com), is designed to position dog lovers

in a confident leadership role, and enhance communication skills and reestablish trust with their dogs.

Read about her experience with valley fever on page 86.

Sandra Murphy lives in St Louis, Missouri. When she’s not writing, she works as a pet sitter, teaching her more musically inclined clients to dance in the living room.

Read her article on page 54 for her take on the phenomenon of canine musical freestyle.

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mail bag With regard to “Is Buster blue?” by Stacy Peardot-Goudy (Apr/May 09), my rescued greyhound Buffy (and her predecessor greyhound, Rosie) loves winter! Even in her boots and thick sweater, she’s like a puppy when she gets outside; the crisp, cold air energizes her (even when there’s no snow to race through).

IS buSter blue? waiting for the warm It’s been a long winter, and on your dog. Here’s weather to arrive can be hard yours!) on those how to raise his spirits (and go out. can’t wet spring days when you t-Goudy

by Stacy Peardo

It’s summers here in Manhattan that are so draining. Even for those long greyhound muzzles and big lungs, it’s hard to breathe in the muggy pollution.

Patricia M. White New York, NY

Editor’s note: Many dogs do love winter, especially if they’re protected from

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Photo: ©Yuri_arcurs | Dreamstime.co

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the cold and wet with boots and a coat, like your Buffy is. And you’re right that hot summers, especially in the city, can be almost as problematic. Keep an eye out for our Oct/Nov issue when we look at some of the risks that city animals face, including pollution, and how to minimize or avoid them.

Good dog cookies Mix all ingredients, slowly adding rice milk or pure water, and knead well to make a stiff dough.

(Don’t drown the miller!) Roll out to ¼” thickness on floured baking sheet and score into bite-sized 1” squares. Cook at 375°F for 25 to 35 minutes until crisp. Store in an airtight container.

You can find most of these ingredients in any health store or good supermarket. Ideally, all should be organically certified. Buckwheat is one of the most nutritious grains and is naturally lacking in gluten.

4 cups buckwheat flour ½ cup rolled oats ¼ cup shredded non-sweetened coconut ½ cup flax seed meal ¼ cup of olive oil ½ cup good quality canned dog food or fresh ground meat, or 2 eggs, or ½ cup peanut butter, shredded white cheese or sardines in oil 1 tablespoon powdered calcium or multi-mineral supplement 1 tablespoon brewer’s yeast 1 tablespoon powdered kelp or other seaweed ¼ teaspoon salt

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You can also add unsweetened shredded coconut, minced dog grass or wheat grass. Try some ginger for car sick dogs, and turmeric for arthritic ones.

All these will help dogs with digestive problems.

Editor’s note: Renowned veterinarian Dr. Michael W. Fox, also the co-author of Not Fit for a Dog: The Truth about Manufactured Dog and Cat Food, created this tasty and nutritious biscuit recipe for dogs, and sent it to us to share with our readers. It’s easy to make, and we’re sure your canine companions will love it too. Thanks, Dr. Fox!

Stormy weAther does rover start quaking when he hears thunder? here are some ways to help him over his fear. by beth rASin

A I was so happy to see your article “Stormy Weather” (Volume 11, Issue 3). My dog is deathly afraid of storms and trembles uncontrollably when one goes through.

If I’m in the room, he’ll actually crawl right up into my lap. He doesn’t return to his normal self again until the storm is over. I always just assumed it was the thunder; I never really considered things like air pressure changes and specific smells.

beautiful summer afternoon can take a terrifying turn for dogs with storm phobias. While some don’t turn a hair at thunder and lightning, others find it a frightening and stressful experience. Instead of letting your dog frantically pace, pant or try to hide under the bed, take some steps to ease her anxiety.

Behaviorial conditionin g

Dr. Suzanne Hetts, a certified applied animal behaviori st, starts to address a dog’s fears by determining which aspect of a storm frightens her the most – is it the thunder, the wind, a change in barometr ic pressure, or certain smells?

If the problem is thunder, Dr. Hetts recommends a program of counter condition ing and desensitization.

“Through gradual exposure, you create an easier version of the stimuli the dog is scared of, like a recording of thunder at low volume, paired with something that makes the dog happy, like a food treat, playing ball or petting,” she says.

“You gradually make it more intense until it’s like the real thing. Then the real thing no longer elicits fear because you’ve replaced it with something good.”

She adds that this method works best if you can prevent the dog from experienc ing a real storm before training is complete. This means you need to start before storm season arrives and make a dedication to practice.

“The time to work on this is not in the middle of storm season,” says Dr. Hetts.

Photo: ©Jolita | dreamstime.co

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calming with flowers

For another approach, veterinarian Dr. Mark Newkirk

suggests Bach flower remedies. Aspen is the classic remedy for storm phobias.

“If you’re going to work, you can put some Aspen in the dog’s water bowl, and even if the storm comes six hours later, as he drinks all day,

I’m going to try some of the suggestions in the article, starting with Dr. Hetts’ advice on desensitizing him. I bought a CD of thunderstorms so we’ll see how it goes.

By the way, I absolutely love your magazine. Keep up the great work!

A.A., Toronto, ON

Editor’s note:

Many dogs, and humans too, feel anxious during thunderstorms. We’re delighted that you’re using the article to take positive steps in dealing with your dog’s anxiety naturally.

When I first looked at the current cover I thought “why are you promoting Michael Vick’s name?” I hate that guy! But it was good to read that the dogs are doing well, despite their rocky start. They certainly deserve for the rest of their lives to be happy ones.

J.S., via email

Editor’s note:

We couldn’t agree more.

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 AnimalWellnessMagazine.com animal wellness

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yakkity yak Still standing tall

Butt out!

You might have seen him on Oprah or The Tonight Show.

Gibson, the Guinness World Record’s World’s Tallest Dog is a seven-year-old great Dane who weighs 170 pounds and stands over 3.5 feet high at the shoulder.

This past spring, Gibson was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and had to have his front right leg amputated. The surgery gives him a more than 95% chance of surviving.

Gibson is a certified therapy dog and also the official spokesdog for K9Grass by Forever Lawn, who has set up a donation fund to help pay for Gibson’s medical expenses (k9grass.com/gibson).

The American Legacy Foundation added an extra dimension to Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month this past April by challenging dog and cat guardians to quit smoking.

“Nicotine from secondhand smoke can have effects on the nervous systems of cats and dogs,” said Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant of the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center. “Studies have shown increases in certain types of respiratory cancers in dogs that live in homes with smokers. In addition, exposure to secondhand smoke has been shown to cause many of the same harmful inflammatory changes in the airways and lungs of dogs as their human counterparts.”

Saying goodbye

“Gibson is a loving, gentle dog who provides joy to those who meet him,” says his guardian, Sandy Hall.

“The loss of his leg will not slow him down. His ability to uphold his world title will continue to put smiles on people’s faces and uplift the spirit of those who are survivors of bone cancer.”

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Learning that a dog or cat is dying is heart-breaking. Colorado State University’s Argus Institute offers a new printed guide for animal guardians to help them through those difficult times.

What Now? Support for You and Your Companion Animal is a comprehensive guide that includes information about the emotional process of preparing for the death of an animal, techniques for decision-making, approaches for talking to family members, especially children, and self-care tips for dealing with grief.

To order a copy, call 970-297-4143 or visit argusinstitute.colostate.edu.

Music to our ears What do animal welfare and music have in common? A lot, when it comes to the recently released double CD Giving Animals a Voice Through Music: The Best Friends 25th Anniversary Collection. Organized by the Animal Media Foundation (AMF) and two years in the making, this unique CD features 24 recording artists who support animal welfare, including John Oates, Cyndi Lauper, Emmylou Harris, and Neko Case. Half the proceeds from sales of the album go to Best Friends Animal Society.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to introduce this very compelling CD to the general public,” says Dexter K. Brown, a musician/producer and AMF co-founder. “All the musicians were more than willing to become involved with the project.” He describes the CD as “an upbeat, contemporary recording... with a really positive, energetic vibe.” To order, visit animalmedia.net.

has demonstrated a link between gum disease and heart problems in dogs.

Top right: ©Devonyu | Dreamstime.com (page 14), Top: ©Sswartz | Dreamstime.com (page 15).

A Purdue University study

Best of both Integrative medicine encompasses alternative and conventional treatments and therapies, recognizing that they can work together to achieve optimal health in dogs and cats. On September 10 and 11, Fitchburg, Massachusetts is hosting the first Integrative Health Pet Expo. Through exhibitions, lectures and other resources, this inaugural event will give the public the opportunity to hear cutting edge information on integrative health care options for their animals, including acupuncture, homeopathy, nutrition and more. ihpe.info animal wellness

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yakkity yak Animal Oscars

Spay standards High-volume, low-cost spay and neuter clinics are an effective way to deal with animal over-population, but how do you ensure quality of care? To set some needed standards, the ASPCA has endorsed the Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ (ASV) Veterinary Medical Care Guidelines for Spay-Neuter Programs.

A task force of 22 veterinarians was convened by ASV to create guidelines for high quality, high volume spay-neuter programs and set the bar for these programs nationwide.

The guidelines discuss standardization of animal care regardless of where sterilization occurs, whether it’s in a mobile unit, stationary clinic or Humane Society. They include information about patient selection, pain management, surgical procedures, anesthetic monitoring, record keeping and identification of sterilized animals.

American Humane Association Safety Rep, Gina Johnson, poses with Marley, the canine star of Marley and Me.

Productions that have an AHA Safety Rep on set and follow their “Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media” are awarded the famous “No Animals Were Harmed” end-credit disclaimer. When asked what films they would recognize if the organization had their own version of the Oscars, the AHA Film & TV Unit voted for: •The Dark Knight •Marley & Me •Beverly Hills Chihuahua •Appaloosa.

•Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

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Grapes of wrath Veterinary Pet Insurance has released a list of plants and plant products most likely to poison animals, based on claims received in 2008.

1. Raisins/grapes 2. Mushrooms (backyard variety) 3. Marijuana 4. Lily 5. Walnuts 6. Onion 7. Sago palm 8. Macadamia nuts 9. Azalea 10. Hydrangea

Left: American Humane Association(page 16), Top right: ©Websubstance | Dreamstime.com (page 16) Bottom right: ©Forwardcom | Dreamstime.com (page 16).

Through its Los Angeles-based Film & TV Unit, the American Humane Association has a long-standing presence in Hollywood. The AHA has overseen the use of animals in filmed entertainment since 1940, and is the only organization authorized to monitor the safety of animals on the sets of movies, TV shows, commercials and music videos.

Healing legacy Cancer is a growing problem among dogs and cats, which is why the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph is building Canada’s first cancer center for animals. The project got a big boost recently, when the College came into possession of a $7.5 million legacy from Canadian businesswoman Mona Campbell, who died last May. Half the money will be used for the cancer center, and other half for animal welfare programs. The first stage of the cancer center is expected to be open by late 2011.

Keep them cool Despite multiple warnings every summer, people continue leaving their dogs in cars during hot weather. You can help save canine lives with the new “My Dog is Cool” campaign from United Animal Nations, a national non-profit animal protection group. The campaign includes free resources such as fliers you can leave on windshields, downloadable temperature warning posters that can be hung in store windows, and a weather forecasting tool that allows people to enter their city or zip code and see if it’s too hot to take a dog in the car.

MyDogIsCool.com

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Is Fido finicky?

Most dogs are food fiends, but some can get picky. What should you do when he turns up his nose at dinner?

by Debbie Swanson

W

hen Rusty was a puppy, he’d leap in the air as Jay approached him with a bowl of food.

“One of the first things I taught him, purely for my own benefit, was to sit and wait while I gave him his food,” says Jay. “It saved me from cleaning up a lot of spills after he ambushed me to get at the bowl.”

Lately, the two-year-old border collie became much less enthused about mealtime. “When I put down

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the bowl, he just sniffed at it and walked away. He’d wait all day to eat his breakfast. Many days, breakfast became dinner.”

Jay switched Rusty’s diet, thinking he needed a change. That sparked some renewed interest, but Rusty soon bypassed that food too. Next they made a trip to the vet where the dog was declared to be in perfect health. “Rusty was fine, no health or weight

Illustration: Stephanie Wright (page 18), Bottom left: ©Robeo | Dreamstime.com (page 19), Top right: ©Czalewski | Dreamstime.com (page 19).

problems. That was good news, but it still seemed wrong, a dog who’d go all day without eating.”

After further discussion with the vet, Jay realized he was overfeeding Rusty and began offering less food. He also took away any untouched food, rather than leaving it out all day in the hopes Rusty would eat it. “He’s still not a big eater, but with a smaller dinner the night before, he eats his breakfast more often now.”

nausea, and doesn’t want to eat. A holistic vet may do a Metabolic Nutritional Analysis of the blood, then use homeopathy, herbal remedies or digestive enzymes to restore the balance.”

2all. Realize that not dogs are big eaters

1. Get a clean bill of health

Most dogs are known for being voracious eaters, but a finicky dog is not uncommon. “It also varies by breed,” says veterinarian Dr. Anne Hermans. “For example, Labs notoriously eat everything, while poodles tend to be pickier.”

Whenever your dog exhibits a prolonged change in appetite – either eating more or less than usual – your first step is to rule out illness, parasites or other medical conditions. Dental problems, such as pain from tooth or gum disease, can make a dog avoid eating. A visit with a holistic or integrative veterinarian will help rule out any physical issues.

Before you start worrying, realize that dogs tend to be very selfregulating, and eat when and what they need to. A dog in the wild might go days without a meal, or might bypass one food to seek out something he is nutritionally craving.

If your own dog is acting finicky, follow these four steps to solving the problem.

“Routine blood work may determine that the stomach or intestines are sick, but it won’t determine if a stomach is out of balance – for example producing too much or too little acid,” says veterinarian Dr. Mark Newkirk. “The dog may feel low-grade

“You shouldn’t worry about an occasional missed meal,” says Dr. Newkirk. “As long as he’s drinking water, seems happy and playful, a dog can go up to five days without food, particularly if he’s overweight to begin with.”

3. Improve his diet Switching your dog’s diet may be a solution. There may

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“If your dog is avoiding his low-end kibble, but is interested in bits of human food, try switching to a high quality, minimally or unprocessed dog food,” says Dr. Hermans. “Your dog may eat less, but his nutritional needs will be better met.”

It’s also important to give him a variety of foods and flavors. If you had to eat the same meal every day, you’d soon get tired of it no matter how good it tasted at first.

Rotate protein sources and flavors on a regular basis to give your dog a change.

Spark his appetite To occasionally trigger a dull appetite, mix these in with your dog’s regular food: •Warm water poured over the food (to release the smell) •Yogurt or cottage cheese •Chopped cooked sweet potato or pumpkin •A sprinkling of minced garlic

4. Look at his lifestyle Apart from medical or nutritional problems, lifestyle issues can cause finicky behavior.

•Dogs are quick learners, and develop behaviors based on your reactions. “If the dog doesn’t eat his dinner, and you run off and make him scrambled eggs, he learns to wait and see if something better will come,” says Dr. Newkirk. “You can also cause nutritional deficiencies by doing this – he isn’t getting a steady, balanced diet.”

•A sluggish appetite may be a symptom of boredom or inadequate exercise. Add an extra walk or playtime each day, and give him his meal shortly after exercise, when he’s naturally invigorated.

Add mental exercise by offering a meal of high quality kibble inside a Kong toy or canine puzzle.

•If your dog appears to be skipping meals, you may be feeding him too often or too much. The frequency a dog needs to eat can vary greatly depending on his size, level of activity and age. Some dogs prefer one large meal a day; others may like two or three smaller meals. And don’t depend on commercial pet food feeding suggestions to determine how much your dog should eat daily, Dr. Newkirk warns. “Unless he’s very active, that quantity is usually too high for the average dog. Ask your veterinarian for the ideal amount your dog should be eating.”

•Like people, a dog that snacks too much will lose interest in meals. If you need to offer frequent treats for training or agility work, use a premium kibble or nutritionally dense treat. Factor these into your dog’s daily food intake, and offer smaller meals on a high-treat day.

Yogurt

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It’s worrying when your dog loses interest in food, but realize that your own reactions can perpetuate the problem. Once you’ve ruled out medical concerns, keep an eye on how he’s acting. If he’s drinking water, playing and otherwise acting normal, explore some diet and/ or lifestyle changes. Be patient and he’ll soon be looking forward to mealtime again!

Bottom left: ©Petarneychev | Dreamstime.com (page 20), Top right: Kong Company (page 20).

be something about his current food that he is reacting to. It’s also possible he has become bored with his diet.

Always choose the best quality dog food you can afford.

©2009 Blue Buffalo Co., Ltd.

Mom, I like chicken, not chicken by-products. Let’s switch to BLUE.

Most dog foods contain ingredients like chicken by-products† and corn gluten.

BLUE, on the other hand, uses the finest natural ingredients— real meat is always the first ingredient, followed by wholesome whole grains, garden veggies and fruit. Plus, we add our exclusive LifeSource® Bits, a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists.

And your dog can enjoy all of this wholesome goodness for as little as 64¢ a day.* TM

How does your dog’s food compare to BLUE? Deboned Chicken, Fish or Lamb is the FIRST Ingredient Wholesome Whole Grains Garden Veggies & Fruit LifeSource® Bits All Natural** NO ANIMAL BY-PRODUCTS† NO CORN, WHEAT OR SOY

Your Dog’s BLUE Food

� � � � � � �

? ? ? ? ? ? ?

You’ll find BLUE at leading pet specialty stores.

Compare your dog’s food to BLUE™ at

TrueBluePetFood.com. † As “by-products” are defined in the 2009 AAFCO Official Publication.

* Based on MSRP of a 30-lb. Adult bag for a dog weighing 40 lbs. Actual cost may vary depending on the weight and breed of dog, and size of bag purchased.

** Fortified with vitamins and minerals.

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Balancing act Can you give your dog or cat too many vitamins? While it is possible to have too much of a good thing, the main culprit behind supplement toxicity is a lack of balance.

by Franco Cavaleri

A

bby is confused. She’s been doing a lot of research on supplementation for dogs, and has added quite a few to her own canine’s daily regime. “He takes a multivitamin, plus fish oil, antioxidants, digestive enzymes and glucosamine. I know all these are good, but I sometimes wonder if I’m going overboard and am giving him too much. Is that possible?”

You’ve probably heard or read reports about the dangers of too many supplements, but in fact the phrase “over-supplementation” is misleading. Confusion reigns because those reports fail to disclose all of the facts.

Toxic outcomes are possible when any substance is administered incorrectly and in very high doses. Even water can be over-consumed in unreasonable quantities, altering osmolarity in the cells and body to the point of death.

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But that’s no reason to limit nutrition the body requires to maintain optimal health. In fact, it’s more likely we and our animals are undernourished than over-supplemented.

Research irrefutably demonstrates that supplementation with antioxidants, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals is the best way to ensure the immune system is fully empowered to resist disease and prevent premature aging. In short, supplementation is safe as long as it is complete and properly balanced.

Working together The negative outcomes sometimes associated with supplementation are usually caused by incomplete supplements. Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients work in codependent partnerships in the body. If a single

supplement or incomplete combination of supplements is used too aggressively, the missing nutrients create an opportunity for oxidation (toxicity) to prevail in the body. The lab tests that make the news with discoveries of harmful effects are usually based on megadoses of one nutrient, such as vitamin E or beta carotene, administered without including a proportional quantity of the necessary partner antioxidants.

Even raw food depends on the feed the animals received and how the produce is grown. Meat sources from animals in the wild have a different nutrient profile that might include higher mineral, vitamin and even antioxidant levels.

We know this to be true when we compare wild and farmed salmon and other fish. It’s no different for other

The science of balance Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, catechins, flavonoids and polyphenols of plant origin supply the electrons needed to neutralize free radicals so the latter don’t steal electrons from the atoms that make up vital molecules, cells and tissues. This offering of electrons neutralizes the reactivity we often speak of as oxidation.

Dog photo: ©Isselee | Dreamstime.com (page 22), Pills photo: ©Silentiger | Dreamstime.com (page 22), Scale photo: ©Tforgo | Dreamstime.com (page 22), Top right: ©Cybernesco | Dreamstime.com (page 23).

Antioxidants work in synergistic combinations. For example, vitamin E can’t replace the function of vitamin C or grapeseed extract, and vice versa. These vitamins and antioxidants also work in a chain sequence by passing the free radical danger down a series of reaction steps. Each step lowers the reactivity of the free radical (oxidation). By limiting the availability of these antioxidants in the body we might be taking away one of these important steps, leaving the oxidation in a reactive state and making tissues vulnerable.

It’s easy to induce a toxic outcome with a megadose of vitamin E, for example, if its nutrient partners are not included in the supplement mix. This is exactly what unaware scientists or those with an agenda do when they show negative effects with antioxidant administration.

By reporting these findings without completely disclosing all the facts, they give rise to confusion and doubt about antioxidant supplementation at a time when we and our animals need this protection more than ever.

Why we must supplement Commercial pet food labels may list a wide array of nutrients but a dog or cat’s body may not be able to extract them all, leaving his cells vulnerable to premature aging and illness. Processing food to make it bag- and can-friendly commonly involves high heat, light and oxygen exposure that damage the nutrients. Think about it: how healthy would you be if all your meals came out of a cereal box? Manufacturers of commercial breakfast cereals claim their products are complete, but processing and shelving inevitably compromises nutrition.

protein sources like chicken and beef. Domestic meat sources also provide different fatty acid proportions that might not be as healthy as the fatty acid profiles found in wild meat sources. Fruits and vegetables, meanwhile, are nutrientcompromised due to commercial agricultural practices.

They are engineered to grow fast in chemically fertilized plots, and picked earlier in their maturation phase to ripen during shipping. All this reduces their nutrient density.

Supplementing any diet with vitamin, mineral and phytoantioxidants, as well as polyunsaturated fatty acid blends, increases the food’s nutrient density and health potential.

This is necessary not only because of the nutrient limitations of the food. When we add environmental pollution and lifestyle stresses, the body simply cannot cope. These influences create a higher demand for antioxidants that food alone cannot meet.

The key to producing optimal health is to choose the highest quality food and supplementation you can.

However, the supplementation must be perfectly balanced and complete to ensure the diet offers the nutrient density and balance needed to protect the body and empower maximum immune system health.

Supplement synergy Fatty acid supplementation has become widely accepted, and for good reason. The essential and other polyunsaturated fats important to health are easily destroyed during processing and shelf-storage because their molecular structure makes them extremely delicate. To compensate animal wellness

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3 steps to

supplementation 1. Give your dog or cat the best quality food you can afford.

2. Supplement it with a properly balanced fatty acid system designed for your animal’s metabolism.

3. Complete the program with a properly balanced vitamin, mineral and phytoantioxidant supplement.

A holistic or integrative vet can help you design the right supplementation program for your companion.

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for this deficiency, many people are supplementing their animals’ food with these precious nutritional fats to improve immunity and longevity. But it’s not as simple as throwing in some cooking oil or fish fats. Fatty acids also depend on important vitamins, minerals and other cofactors to work properly.

Fatty acid supplementation should be done with a blend of essential (flaxseed and/or olive oils) and conditionally essential (cold water fish oils) fatty acids to achieve the proper balance. The body depends on important enzymes and vitamins to process fatty acids in the cells so these must also be supplied in proportional quantities. Antioxidants are critical to fatty acid metabolism because they protect the delicate fatty acids in the cells from the damage uncontrolled oxidation can cause. Some of these highly specialized antioxidants also serve as guides, escorting the fats down the right pathways. Supplying these other supportive nutrients maximizes the benefits of fatty acid supplementation.

If the vitamins, minerals, enzymes and/or antioxidants essential to this process are missing, the body may not be able to use the fatty acids to maintain health and prevent disease. If any one of these important cofactors is limited, the expected results of fatty acid supplementation will also be proportionally limited.

Your companion’s health depends on your nutrition choices. Buying the best quality food you can afford and supplementing it properly (see sidebar) will vastly improve his chances of living a long and healthy life.

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Step dogs Too many dogs end up at shelters because of changing family dynamics. When you meet someone new, follow these suggestions to help everyone adapt, human and canine.

by Erica Garven

A

s the nuclear family generation draws to a close, the era of the step family begins. A story written by Jim Willis called How Could You? focuses on an increasing issue for dogs in this new world…single gets dog and develops a deep bond with her; single meets partner with children; they fall in love and get married; dog becomes part of new family but is eventually surrendered to a shelter because she’s no longer a priority.

What if the single, and subsequently his or her new family, had taken steps to ensure the dog was a priority? Can “step dogs” continue to live happy lives amid ever-shifting family dynamics?

The Ontario Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that approximately 45% of dogs surrendered to shelters are there because of family changes, including becoming part of a blended family, the arrival of a baby, or a change in housing. Many of these situations arise from a lack of planning on the part of the family for how these changes will affect the dog. “Families need to take the time necessary to make a new living arrangement work for all, including the canine members of the

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family unit,” says Linda Lloyd of Boxer Rescue Ontario.

Many other rescue organizations that take in surrendered dogs agree.

Make your dog a priority There are many things to consider when incorporating a dog into a changing family. They include training issues, financial responsibility, accommodations, teaching any children how to relate to the dog, and even cultural differences within the family.

When people have planned ahead, “getting rid of the dog” is usually not an option. “If I did that, I wouldn’t have been the person [my partner] fell in love with and I wouldn’t be true to myself,” says Alison, who has three boxers, two Jack Russell terriers and a Rottweiler, and who also fosters for rescue groups. “My partner is a neat freak so you can imagine the horror of a house with dogs sneaking in with a dirty paw or two. We have fostered un-housetrained dogs in the past – heaven forbid someone was sick to their stomach! Sleeping arrangements were a huge issue. And special diets and

vet bills can be a sore point for sure.” But because Alison was open about her lifestyle before committing to sharing a home with her partner, this newly formed family continues to enjoy a happy, balanced life with the dogs.

Approximately 45% of dogs surrendered to shelters are there because of family changes, including becoming part of a blended family, the arrival of a baby, or a change in housing.

Five steps to a happy family

1

©Maszas | Dreamstime.com (page 26), Bottom right: ©Vnosokin | Dreamstime.com (page 27).

Talk to your new partner about your dog’s needs before committing to a living situation. If you are planning to share accommodations, make sure your partner and dog are already familiar with one another. Discuss who will be responsible for what and review the dog’s schedule. Be open about the expense of having an animal so that if a vet bill comes in, or the food bills are high, it’s not a surprise to your partner and he/she will be willing to accept the costs.

2

If children will become part of the family – prepare, prepare, prepare! Many trainers and training books outline how young children should interact with dogs, and how to prepare your dog for a baby. Young children need to learn their limitations with the dog, such as not teasing or chasing her or pulling her tail or ears.

Taking these steps can lead to a safe, fulfilling relationship between the dog and children.

3

Resolve training issues in advance.

You may not mind your dog being a jumper or a rough player, but those behaviors might not be acceptable to new family members who are smaller or unable to handle a dog with these issues. Training out these behaviors will help everyone accept the dog more easily and feel comfortable spending time with her without unwanted behaviors causing resentment. animal wellness

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Talk to your new partner about your dog’s needs before committing to a living situation.

4

Maintain the same primary caregiver. This is especially important when transitioning the dog into the new family dynamic.

Trusting that the same person she always relied on for food, walks and playtime will still fulfill those needs regardless of the upheaval around her will help her learn those changes aren’t really a big deal and are something she can accept and adapt to.

5

If you’re moving to a new home, be aware of the local resources that will or will not be available to your animal, and how you will adjust her schedule based on those changes. Perhaps you will no longer have time for an early morning run with your

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dog, and will need to teach her the ways of the local leash-free park instead. Or you may be moving to a highrise where those easy midnight backyard breaks won’t be so easily accommodated, and the dog’s internal clock may need to be slowly adjusted.

Your dog is an important member of your family. When that family changes, make sure you help her, your partner, and any children fit into the new dynamic so everyone stays happy and comfortable.

Product picks Ticks be gone!

Keep it cool

What’s more disgusting than a tick? Thing is, most dogs or cats pick up at least a few in their lifetimes, especially if they spend any time in long grass or wooded areas. Now there’s a quick and simple way to get these blood-sucking parasites off your companion – the Tick Key. Just place the key’s teardrop hole over the tick, slide the insect into the specially tapered slot, and pull the key away from the skin.

The tick comes with it, head and all. Made of high-strength anodized aluminum, the Tick Key is available in six colors. $5.95 tickkey.com

Your dog feels the heat too. A perfect way to help him stay cool and comfortable during summer heat waves is with a Cool Vest from Gramercy Distribution. This durable, lightweight vest is made with a special non-toxic fabric that absorbs and retains water. It utilizes a simple scientific principle – cooling through evaporation. Soak the jacket in cold water until it absorbs the moisture, then put it on your dog. It will keep him cool without making him wet for up to two hours, depending on air temperature and humidity. Available in a range of sizes. $49.99 - $62.99 coolvest4dog.com

Berry healthy Cranberries, blueberries and raspberries are three of the world’s healthiest foods. Packed with antioxidants, they contain natural phytochemicals that offer anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. Now your dog or cat can enjoy the super health benefits of these fruits with VaryBerry. Made from certified organic berries, this natural whole foods extract is added to your companion’s diet to help improve urinary tract health, dental health, and boost his immune system. A percentage of sale proceeds goes to The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund.

120 grams: $15 endlesspawsibilties.ca

Memorialized in silver There are many ways to memorialize a beloved companion animal, and jewelry is one of the most popular. The Rainbow Bridge Necklace from Pawprints Jewelry features a beautiful pure silver charm adorned with a paw print and a Mosaic Rainbow Opal.

Designed by Linda Roberts, each necklace is individually handcrafted with a dog or cat’s paw print and is personalized with your animal’s name. You’ll also receive a copy of “The Rainbow Bridge” poem with your necklace. $89 pawprintsjewelry.com

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The case for

kibble

Today’s premium pet food manufacturers make dry diets that pack plenty of healthy nutrition.

by Ann Brightman

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I

n your quest for better pet nutrition, you may have come across some bad press about dry foods.

It’s true that low end grocery store kibble brands probably aren’t the best choice for your companion’s diet – they usually contain too much grain and very little real meat, and are full of any number of by-products, preservatives, coloring, artificial flavors and carbohydrates that contribute to weight gain and other health problems.

Dry foods are very convenient, though, so it’s not surprising that a lot of people choose them to accommodate their busy lifestyles. The good news is that several manufacturers have found ways to create dry diets for dogs and cats without sacrificing good nutrition.

lean meats, veggies, whole grains and healthy oils in the correct proportions for optimum wellness.

Some premium pet food companies even use certified organic meats and produce, giving them yet another edge over cheap commercial diets. Learn to read labels and look for the following:

• The first ingredient in a premium

dry dog or cat food will be a whole, named meat or meat meal, such as chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, whitefish or other lean protein source. Low end foods will often use general terms such as “poultry”, or worse, “by-products” to describe their first ingredients.

• Premium dry foods either use no grains at all, or else whole

Whether you feed

your animal a dry or wet food, always make sure he has 24/7 access to fresh, purified water.

©Amaviael | Dreamstime.com (page 30).

Wholesome ingredients Low end dry foods may list a poultry or meat meal as the first ingredient on their labels, but the next three ingredients might be grains such as corn, wheat or soy, which means the food actually contains more grain (carbs) than meat (protein) – not a good balance for a carnivorous animal.

A good dry food uses quality ingredients as its cornerstone. This means

grains, which contain more nutritional value than highly processed grains such as white rice or wheat flour. Look for brown rice, barley and/or oatmeal, and avoid products that contain a lot of corn, wheat, soy and/or glutens. Some animals are allergic to the wheat, corn and soy found in many cheap commercial dry foods.

• To keep their dry diets low in

calories and high in a variety of animal wellness

31

Carrots

Blueberries

You probably won’t

find premium dry foods at your local grocery store, but more and more pet supply stores are carrying them, thanks to a rising demand for better nutrition.

Spinach

Cranberries

vitamins and minerals, quality manufacturers also add fresh vegetables and fruit to their formulas.

Again, these should be named ingredients, and can include veggies like carrots, broccoli, spinach and antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberries and cranberries.

• The essential fatty acids Omegas 3, 6 and 9

are an important component of a healthy diet.

A cheap dry food doesn’t offer these crucial oils, which is one reason why dogs and cats on these diets often develop skin and coat problems.

Most premium companies add fish and/or flaxseed oils to their kibble diets.

• High quality dry foods do not contain the

preservatives, coloring and other additives found in cheap diets. To help keep the food fresh, they instead use natural preservatives such as vitamin E or rosemary. Other companies use special barrier packaging and/or re-sealable bags to lengthen the food’s shelf life.

What’s cooking?

One of the drawbacks of traditional dry food is that much of its nutritional value is degraded or even lost during processing. A lot of kibbled products are rapidly cooked at high temperatures in a specialized pressure cooker called an extruder, which also shapes the food into bite-sized pieces. The food is then sprayed with oils or flavorings to make it more palatable. Unfortunately, high cooking temperatures deteriorate or destroy the vitamins and minerals found in the food’s raw ingredients.

Premium pet food companies have come up with some innovative ways to get around this problem. For

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Congratulations Elliott Harvey MH is now Pet Assures Natural Remedy Consultant!

Broccoli

example, Great Life Performance Pet Products coats their kibbles with a nutrient-dense layer of freeze dried raw food made up of raw meat (muscle and organ), digestive enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and other vital nutrients. Nature’s Variety also coats its kibble diets with a blend of freeze dried enzymatically-active raw foods and oils.

The Blue Buffalo Company, meanwhile, combines their dry foods with “cold-formed” bits that contain a blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Because the bits are produced without high heat, their nutrient potency is preserved. Breeder’s Choice offers a line of oven-baked foods that are slow-cooked to keep the nutritional value of the ingredients intact, while Petcurean uses a slow, low-temperature steam-cooking process.

It should be clear by now that there’s a big nutritional difference between these foods and the run-of-the-mill kibble diets lining the shelves at your local grocery store. Yes, you’ll pay more for a premium dry food, but when you consider how much better it is for your dog or cat, you can’t help but come out the winner.

Introducing:

KrunCheros

Freeze Dried Complete Meals • Organic and Natural Ingredients • Grain and Potato Free • Dogs Love The Taste No Chemical Additives Pasture Raised Beef or Chicken No Freezer or Refrigeration Needed

Shelf Stable Full Active Nutrition Allergenic Free Various Protein Levels Made in USA

Helping Pets Maintain a Healthy, Fit & Trim Lifestyle

The Ultimate Healthy Pet Food!

“The Healthy Wholistic Dog” “The Healthy Wholistic Dog” is the premiere Natural Healing Book, containing over 261 therapies for today’s pet health concerns, syndromes and disease descriptions.

Chicken Pot Py

Beef Wellington

PRODUCTS you can TRUST!

www.greatlife4pets.com • 805-991-7449

Resources Looking for a high quality dry diet for your dog or cat? Check out these companies.

•Breeder’s Choice, breeders-choice.com

•Petcurean, petcurean.com

•Evanger’s, evangersdogandcatfood.com

•PetGuard Organics, petguard.com

•Great Life Performance Pet Products, greatlife4pets.com

•Solid Gold, solidgoldhealth.com

•Halo, Purely for Pets, halopets.com

•The Blue Buffalo Company, blueholisticlongevity.com

•Nature’s Variety, naturesvariety.com animal wellness

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Raw made easy Raw meat diets don’t have to be messy. Today’s frozen raw foods for dogs and cats are convenient, easy to feed, and offer complete quality nutrition.

As with any diet, though, it’s important to look at the list of ingredients.

by Charlotte Walker

C

utting up raw meat is no one’s idea of a good time. Yet there’s no denying that a raw food diet offers excellent nutrition to dogs and cats. It used to be that if you wanted to feed your companion a raw diet, you had to make it from scratch, and that meant buying all the ingredients, cutting up the meat,

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adding veggies and supplements, and putting it all together yourself. A lot of people still prefer to do that, but it’s not the best solution for those who are strapped for time or just don’t like handling raw meat.

carnivores consume organs and bones when they eat their prey, so including these ingredients in a raw diet makes good sense.

Premium pet food manufacturers have responded to this issue by making frozen raw diets that offer the same quality nutrition as home-prepared raw food without the hassle and mess. Freezing not only keeps the diets fresher longer, but also helps preserve the nutrient value of the natural proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins in the ingredients.

2. Complete nutrition

Here’s a look at the benefits these tasty, convenient and healthful products give your dog or cat – and yourself!

Title photo: ©Frenc | Dreamstime.com (page 34), Bottom left: ©Szakaly | Dreamstime.com (page 35).

1. Meat matters As carnivores, dogs and cats need whole meat in order to thrive. Cheap commercial pet foods don’t offer enough of this valuable protein source. A raw frozen diet made by a premium manufacturer is guaranteed to include fresh whole meat as the food’s base, without the by-products and grain fillers that make up many commercial packaged foods (excepting canned and dry foods made by premium companies – turn to page 30 for more on today’s healthy dry diets).

Even carnivores need some greens, not to mention other nutrients that raw meat on its own doesn’t offer, such as essential fatty acids and certain vitamins and minerals.

Those who make raw diets at home need to educate themselves about canine and feline nutrition, and make sure they add the correct proportions of vegetables and supplements to the food to ensure optimum health.

Most frozen raw diets are formulated to include all or most of these additional nutrients, and in the right amounts, so you don’t have to worry about whether or Continued on page 37.

Makes of raw frozen meat diets know the importance of variety, and draw on a range of protein sources, from chicken, turkey, lamb and beef to venison, duck and salmon. Organ meats and ground raw bones are also included in most complete frozen raw diets – wild

animal wellness

35

Shopping List

Frozen raw diets are more readily available than ever before. Check your pet supply retailer for these brands, or order online where offered.

Company Bravo!

Meat protein sources

Added veggies & fruits

Product forms

(varies depending on individual diets)

Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, pork

Green beans, acorn squash, broccoli, yellow squash, turnips, celery, yams, zucchini, Romaine lettuce, carrots, bok choy

Tubes, burgers

(bravorawdiet.com)

Northwest Naturals

Beef, bison, chicken, salmon, turkey, lamb

Broccoli, carrots, Romaine lettuce, apples, watermelon, cantaloupe, celery

Nuggets or bars

Chicken, bison, turkey, beef

Broccoli, carrots, celery, apples, squash, sweet potatoes, cucumber, kale, beets, bok choy, green snap beans, parsnip, blueberres

Medallions, patties, rolls and mini-rolls

Chicken, turkey, pork, beef, duck, salmon, rabbit, herring

Leafy green vegetables

Nuggets (?)

Beef, buffalo, chicken, lamb, sardine, turkey, duck, pheasant, quail, venison, salmon

Kale, carrots, yams, broccoli, apples, cranberries, blueberries, celery, squash, green beans, turnips, papaya, chard, mango

Nuggets, patties or chub rolls

Chicken, turkey, duck, beef

Broccoli, Romaine lettuce, carrots, cantaloupe, celery, peppers, watermelon, apples

Nuggets or patties

(nw-naturals.com)

Paw Naturaw (pawnaturaw.com)

Paws-itively Raw Foods (paws-itivelyraw foods.com)

Primal Pet Foods (primalpetfoods.com)

Steve’s Real Food (stevesrealfood.com)

N.B. These diets also include ground organ meats and raw bone, as well as added oils, herbs, vitamins and minerals.Â

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animal wellness

not your companion is getting a balanced diet. Some do require you to add some extra supplements. Most diets usually include a variety of fresh vitamin-rich vegetables and fruit such as broccoli, carrots and berries, as well as fish or flax oil for EFAs, natural sources of vitamin E, herbs, and taurine in the case of cats.

3and. Convenient clean

or dry diet – all you need to do is thaw and serve. There’s no prep time involved, apart from taking the package out of the freezer – a real boon for those who don’t have time to make meals from scratch but like the idea of feeding raw.

Frozen raw diets give They offer dogs and fresh, whole raw foods, in convenience. Who be a hassle?

us the best of both worlds. cats the health benefits of and their guardians the ultimate says good nutrition has to

One of the things people like most about frozen raw diets is the way they’re packaged. There are no slabs of raw meat to

handle. The products come in a variety of convenient cleanlywrapped or packaged forms such as tubes, medallions, patties and bite-sized nuggets. In most cases you hardly need to touch the meat at all, a welcome advantage for those who are squeamish about raw meat. (It’s important to realize, though, that as long as you practice good hygiene and thoroughly wash hands, bowls, utensils and surfaces afterwards, it’s okay to handle the meat.)

The packaging is especially designed to add to the convenience value of these diets. The foods are as easy to feed as any canned animal wellness

37

Diet & G-Whiz Neutralizer Adding new value to ordinary foods. G-Whiz Neutralizer is a pre-biotic solution rich in amino acids, minerals and polysaccharides, when added to food or water, can repress ammonia levels internally to help reduce dog urine burns in lawns, breath, gas and waste odors,. Also available in delicious treats. info@earthsbalance.com, 1-877-DOG-ONIT (364-6648).

Young at Heart Young at Heart, natural canine supplement is designed to return your dog’s metabolism back to its prime. Great tasting, natural ingredients are specially processed for better absorption to combat muscle wasting, support joint health and mental function, protect eye and heart health and more. Available at Show and Sport showandsport.com (760) 868-0676

The Honest Kitchen

Bravo!

Quality, simplicity and choice are at the heart of every Bravo! raw diet and all-natural treats product. Bravo! offers the industry’s widest variety of top quality proteins, giving pet owners a full range of raw feeding solutions. All Bravo! products are made from antibiotic-free poultry, fresh fish, hormone-free grass-fed red meats. Visit bravorawdiet.com, or call 1-866-922-9222.

Iceland Pure Iceland Pure latest addition of high-quality oils offers superior benefits from the high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids, up to 30% more than our Salmon oil. Like all of our oils, this fabulous new product is so very lightly scented. Housed in our exclusive Brushed Epoxy Coated Aluminum Bottles.

For more info visit icelandpure.com

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animal wellness

The Honest Kitchen’s dehydrated raw diets are produced in a human food facility to ensure the highest quality standards.

Dehydration helps maintain the natural nutrition in the raw ingredients, to provide a healthy product that helps combat itchy skin, ear infections and GI upset caused by over-processed foods.

Thehonestkitchen.com or 1-866-4 DRY RAW.

Dr. Harvey’s Discover Dr. Harvey’s all-natural and organic pre-mixes – Canine Health and Veg-to-Bowl. Find the easy way to make homemade fresh food for your dog. No kibble, no cans, no preservatives, no dyes. Made in USA with only 100% human grade ingredients. Thousands know that feeding Dr. Harvey’s improves health and increases longevity. Find out more at drharveys.com or call Toll Free 1-866-DOC-H-123

Nutrition

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Holistic Veterinary advice

Talking with

Dr. Martin Goldstein

Dr. Martin Goldstein has been practicing holistic veterinary medicine for 30 years. Based at Smith Ridge Veterinary Center in South Salem, New York.

Dr. Goldstein is the author of The Nature of Animal Healing, published

by Random House. You can also 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).

Send your questions for Dr. Goldstein’s column to: Dr. Martin Goldstein, e-mail: info@animalwellnessmagazine.com Dr. Marty responds to questions in his column only. We regret he cannot respond to every question.

Q A

Q

Q

A

My friend has an 11-year-old dog with a hernia on his rear that is interfering with his going to the bathroom. The vet said the operation is too hard for his age and my friend is giving him fiber.

He has heard of some mineral that works in humans. Is there anything that might help this dog?

My favorite product for conditions like this is the herb slippery elm. Psyllium could also help, as would adding cooked pumpkin or squash and a good fish oil to the food.

I do not want to disagree with your friend’s veterinarian, having not examined the dog myself, but one of my philosophies is that if a patient can’t live a quality life without surgery, and if performing a surgical procedure can potentially correct that, then it is worth exploring that option. Eleven is not so old, and we have been very successful over the years doing surgeries in situations like this where it initially appeared they would not work.

My six-year-old Siberian husky has been on a home cooked diet for the past two years. I’ve had blood work done on him each year to make sure I’m feeding him correctly. Each year, everything is in normal range except for the amylase level. Last year it was 148, and this year it’s 163. The test says 290 to 1125 is normal. I was originally giving him half a teaspoon of amylase, then increased it to 3/4 of a teaspoon. I did this for a few months, but he started getting bad breath. I’m using Animal Essentials Plant Enzymes & Probiotics. Do you have any suggestions?

A

I have rarely seen any side effects from adding enzymes to food, even at higher doses than label recommendations, so

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the common sense answer would be to just keep increasing the dose by 25% until his values normalize.

The product you are using is a good one, as is the other very popular and similar Prozyme. At my practice, when we have dogs needing higher medicinal levels of digestive enzymes, we use NESS’s formula V1.

My Australian shepherd is 13 years old. He has red type pimples on his back, and the skin is pink and very sensitive. He bites and scratches. This redness is only on the very back hind quarter, not on his neck, head or chest. The hair on that part of his body has always been quite thin in comparison to his neck and chest.

I check him for fleas daily but do not find any. I feed him home cooked food – rice, chicken, beef and pork with sweet potatoes and a natural supplement called Nupro. We have him on Benedryl but the problem will not go away although he does get some relief.

His back is so sensitive you can’t touch him. What can I do?

You are describing the classic distribution pattern of typical flea allergy dermatitis. Even though you are not finding any fleas, they can live most of their lives off the animal. I will give you several of many possible recommendations to address fleas and the problems they cause: •First, a good fish oil supplement is highly recommended.

•To also help reduce inflammation, try Betathyme

by Best For Pets.

•The herb nettle has a natural antihistamine effect. An herbal

formula with nettles we frequently use is Spring Tonic by Animals Apawthecary.

•Homeopathic products I like are Flea Relief by Dr. Goodpet and Flea Aid by Professional Complementary Health.

There are many natural flea control products for animals and the environment. One of our favorites is a spray for fleas and ticks by the Quantum Herbal Company. We also use a product named Flea Flicker by Silk Road Oils. Natural Chemistry also has a whole line of natural flea control products.

Q

Our five-year-old husky mix had a small lipoma which more than quadrupled in size immediately after receiving both rabies and leptosporosis vaccines last May. Although our vet said there was no link, I’m not so sure. I try to avoid vaccination, but the vet has strongly suggested lepto. As it is an annual vaccine I am concerned about giving it again this year. We supposedly had some cases in our area (Muskoka in Ontario, Canada) and according to our vet all the animalsdied because differential diagnosis is difficult.

As for the lipoma, I have not had any luck treating it with Thuja (I tried for two months after its enlargement) and am confused/ overwhelmed with the products available for this type of tumor. I would appreciate your opinion and help.

A

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A fundamental principle of healing is that there is no such thing as coincidence. Given this, and the list of documented adverse reactions occuring seven to 45 days post-vaccination, including immune system suppression, I would say your suspicion of a link is well founded.

There are a number of different strains of leptospirosis, some of which are not covered by all the available vaccinations.

Before even considering vaccines, it would be wise to first find out which of the strains were linked to the deaths in your area, and if those specific strains are included in the vaccinations being recommended.

For the lipoma, several favorite products we use at my clinic are Megalipotropic and Betathyme by Best For Pets, Lipocomplex by Progressive Labs, and especially the Chinese herbal formula Chih ku & Curcuma by Seven Forests. With a little investigation, you could also find homeopathic lipoma nosodes.

Q

Would you please tell me your thoughts on a partial spay? I have a five-month-old female golden. My previous female golden developed incontinence from early spaying. I feel the sexual hormones are there for a reason, and wonder what problems are caused by removing them so early. animal wellness

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A

This is a very good, interesting and controversial question.

Several of the more significant problems caused by early removal of sexual hormones are increased risks of bone cancer and hemangiosarcoma, hypothyroidism, orthopedic disorders and obesity as well as the common one you mentioned, urinary incontinence. Realize that these problems are reported secondary to total spay, and not just to removing the uterus.

the benefits of not spaying. I’m in favor of spaying, especially when you couple it with other health factors such as minimal vaccinations and a good diet with proper supplementation. After 36 years in practice, I have not performed a partial spay and don’t think I ever will. I feel the issue is to either spay or not.

Editor’s note: For an article on natural hormone replacement therapy for dogs, see our Feb/Mar 09 issue.

Q

The above list is countered by a number of beneficial effects of spaying. First and foremost, it greatly reduces the risk of mammary cancer, the number one cancer in female dogs. The overall consensus in the literature is that the benefits of spaying outweigh

My 2½-year-old rescued greyhound has developed BTS on one side. My vet printed out some information for me and I also viewed some web info on fish oil. I would like to try some nutritional approaches. She eats a super premium food and takes a daily vitamin. Would you suggest biotin as a supplement? I haven’t fed many additional foods since she is prone to loose stools. Any help would be appreciated.

A

BTS or Bald Thigh Syndrome is a condition exclusive to greyhounds. Although the cause is not definitively known, it is suspected (especially by studying microscopic changes in the skin and hair follicles at the affected areas) to be related to disorders associated with endocrine or hormonal functions.

Giving a fish oil supplement is good, and it is also okay to give biotin, even though I don’t think either will reverse the problem.

My number one recommendation would be to search out a testing and specific supplementation program of which I was one of the originators. It’s called the Nutritional Blood Test (NBT) and it is now available to veterinarians across the United States through a laboratory named Antech. The reason I say this is because the program lends itself to the specific support of the individual patient, especially his glandular or endocrine system, and is based on his own blood results.

Another suggestion would be a newer supplement called Humanofort by Dogtor Rx. It helps support and regulate hormonal function and I have seen it help hair grow back on dogs with chronic, symmetrical hair loss.

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Are you ready?

Fires, floods and storms can strike at any time, often without warning. Wherever you live, a disaster preparedness plan that includes your companion animals is a must.

by Debrah Schnackenberg

“

W

e never dreamed we’d have to worry about a disaster in our area,” says Kiera. “We live on a hill, so it never floods here, and this isn’t an earthquake or hurricane zone.” What she didn’t count on was a chemical fire at a nearby factory that filled the sky with toxic black smoke and forced her to evacuate.

Kiera never dreamed of leaving her two cats behind, but she admits she was poorly prepared to take them with her. “They weren’t used to going anywhere except the vet once a year, and I had to pull my closet apart to even get their carriers out. And then I forgot to take any cat food with me. Luckily, we could go home next day, but it was a stressful experience for all of us.

Next time, I’ll be ready.”

There were more than 75 weather-related disasters in the United States alone last year, and scientists are predicting even more in years to come. And this doesn’t take into account manmade crises such as fires and chemical spills. According to a study by the American Humane Association, 47% of animal lovers would refuse to be rescued in a disaster if it meant leaving their companions behind. So wherever you live, it’s important to have an emergency plan that includes your dogs or cats.

New law includes animals

These two dogs are lucky to be alive after being left behind after Hurricane Katrina. Many people are unable to take their dogs or cats with them when disasters strike, exposing a real need for pre-planning for animals.

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During Hurricane Katrina, we were bombarded with heartbreaking stories of people being forced to leave their animals behind when the region was evacuated. Many of those dogs and cats ended up stranded on rooftops in the ensuing flood, or left alone to die in the debris.

This tragedy was a clear sign to animal welfare professionals and emergency management personnel at both state and

federal levels that planning for disasters needed to include companion animals. Representatives from both sides have worked together to initiate new legislation.

In 2006, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act came into law. It requires state and local emergency management agencies to consider the needs of animals in their emergency preparedness and evacuation plans during a major disaster or emergency.

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Assemble an emergency kit for your animal. Keep it in an easy-to-access area of your house. It should have the following:

•Three days’ worth of food, water and any medication your animal might be on.

• Important paperwork such as copies of your animal’s

medical records. Some people like to store valuable information in a small leak-proof, fireproof safety box so they can grab it and go in a hurry.

But individuals also need to do their part to help prepare for the unexpected. With another hurricane season coming, now is the best time to get ready.

• A spare collar and ID

Covering your bases

tag; include your cell phone number and a friend or family member’s contact information.

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Start by writing out a plan with your family.

Where will you go if you need to evacuate? Who in the household will be in charge of packing up your animal? If you plan on going to a hotel, is there one that accepts animals? You also should have a backup plan in the event you are not at home when a disaster strikes.

Will a neighbor be able to get to your companion? After all these details are arranged, post your plan on the refrigerator as a reminder, and even if it sounds silly, rehearse it with your family.

Photos: American Humane.

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• Photos of you with your Above: AHA Emergency Rescue Responders Diane Robinson (left) and Ginger Adams (right) rescue puppies from a flood in Miami, Oklahoma.

Below: John Maretti provides water to a dog left behind during Hurricane Katrina.

Make sure your animal has current ID tags and a microchip. A microchip is important because your dog or cat can easily lose his collar in a disaster situation. Many rescue organizations offer free or low cost microchip clinics. Include the phone number of a friend or family member who lives outside your area on the ID tag, just in case you are unable to use your own phones, a common situation during many disasters.

animal – a picture can help identify him if he’s lost, or help prove that he’s yours.

• A leash and harness; even well-trained dogs might get scared and try to run off during a storm.

• Favorite toy; playing with a familiar toy can keep your animal calm in a stressful situation.

• Animal first aid kit

including a cotton bandage roll, bandage tape, scissors, Rescue Remedy and other natural remedies.

• A portable carrier, large enough for your animal to stand and turn around in.

• If you have cats, you’ll need to take a litter box and litter.

• Heat stroke can be a risk if the weather is hot.

Some companies make cooling vests that can help animal wellness

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depending on the severity of the disaster. For the safety of both you and your companion, when it looks like you will need to evacuate, do so quickly, calmly and using the plan you put in place before the disaster struck.

An AHA Emergency Rescue Responder rescues dogs who retreated to higher ground during Hurricane Floyd.

guard against this danger; the Cool Vest from Gramercy Distribution is one example.

What not to do Remember – if it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for your animal. Never leave him at home or tethered in the backyard when you evacuate. Don’t assume he’ll be okay at home with a few days’ supply of food and water.

In a disaster, you never know when you might be able to return home. A few days could turn into weeks,

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If you do not have a plan in place when a disaster strikes, or were not able to find anywhere ahead of time to shelter your animal, check to see if any temporary animal shelters will be set up near human shelters. Since Katrina, many communities have worked to co-locate animal and human shelters to help ease the stress and make it easier for people to take care of their companions while waiting to go home.

Want to do more?

Groups like American Humane organize and perform animal rescue before, during and after disasters. These organizations are always looking for volunteers willing to be trained and deployed to areas where animals need the most help. These volunteers have saved the lives of thousands of animals over the years.

You don’t have to have a background in veterinary medicine, just a sincere willingness to help. For more information on American Humane’s animal rescue services, go to americanhumane.org/redstar.

Caring with crystals

One woman’s journey of self-healing led to a business that helps both people and animals.

by Ann Brightman

Using crystals helped both Sara and Jody return to health.

I

f you’ve noticed your dog or cat sometimes seems to take on your health issues, you’re not the only one. “When my health was bad, especially my hips and legs, what was fascinating was how my standard poodle Jody developed the same problems as myself,” says Sara Brown. “I knew on some level that our animals make us feel better but it was not until then that I realized the extent to which our animals are our personal healers.

In my case, Jody took on my hip and leg troubles to save and help me as much as possible.”

A dog groomer for 27 years, and an intuitive energy healer since 2000, Sara had always wanted to do something more to help her furry clients. “I have had a love affair with animals for as long as I can remember.” Her experiences with her own health and with Jody seemed to be a catalyst. “I got into the field of crystals and their healing energy through my own healing journey,” she says. “I would say it was a natural step to bring this wonderful energy to the animals I so love.”

Sara formed her own company, Hope Brown, which specializes in healing crystal pendants for people and clip-on collar crystals for dogs and cats. When worn, the crystals transmit balancing, healing energy into the body. “I work with three kinds of crystal: rose quartz (emotional body), clear quartz (mind/mental body) and amethyst (physical body). By working with these bodies

we can bring back balance, and when we have balance we have good health and are happy.”

Sara tried her first crystal clip-ons with Jody. “I watched over the next few weeks as she got better and better. The happy jumping clown had returned! I too felt better. This showed me exactly how the clip-ons worked.”

Sara explains that animals are our healers, and their systems can sometimes get overwhelmed when they take on our problems and stresses. For example, skin problems can be an animal’s way of trying to release the energies of worry and stress absorbed from his human companion. “As another example, a client’s wee dog stopped being happy when going out, became fearful of many things and seemed to have lost her spark. After using a clip-on, she very quickly returned to her old self.

About a month later, her person popped in and told us she was also getting out more, had a social life, and was enjoying life again. The crystals help the animals so the animals can help us without getting overloaded.”

Though based in Fife, Scotland, Sara ships her products across the U.K. and North America as well as to Europe and Australia. She called the company Hope Brown because her middle name is Hope. “And it’s also my ‘hope’ that animals and people will always have a healthy, joyful and harmonious life together.” animal wellness

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Dinner’s

by Tessa Kimmel

Can’t get home in time to give Fido or Fluffy his supper?

I

t’s five o’clock and you’re about to go home for the day, when your supervisor calls you into an emergency meeting that will last at least two hours. You immediately think of your animal friend. Thankfully, the dog walker let him out earlier in the afternoon. Now if only there was a way he could feed himself some dinner.

Dogs and cats like routine. They like to eat at the same times every day. Trouble is, life often gets in the way, our schedules get disrupted, and meals don’t always happen when they’re supposed to. If you’re like a lot of animal lovers, you worry when you can’t get home to feed your dog or cat on time.

Investing in an automatic food dispenser and water fountain is one way to help eliminate that worry. Automatic feeders are designed to dispense preset quantities of food at certain times, while fountains offer a continuous supply of fresh aerated water.

A variety of excellent products are available, but they’re not all made the same. Along with ensuring you’re getting a quality system, you also have to consider your companion’s needs.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when looking for a unit.

• Choose a product made from high quality durable materials.

Avoid models made from cheap plastics. Plastic scratches

easily, harbors bacteria and can cause allergic reactions in many animals, especially cats.

• Look for models that encase moving parts so inquisitive paws aren’t caught and injured.

• Make sure the unit is easy to clean.

• It should include a fail-safe back-up system. This is a very important consideration in case of power failure.

• Many feeders accommodate dry food only. Be sure to avoid cheap commercial kibble and choose a premium product made from high quality meat-based ingredients.

• The 8 Day Autopetfeeder from Ergo Systems is one unit that can be used for dry and/or canned food. The unit comes with ice packs that sit between the base and bowl to keep canned food fresh for up to 12 hours.

• Animals are smart, especially where food is concerned, so look for a product that isn’t easy for paws to open.

Animal lover Scott McIlarky was inspired to create the Perfect Petfeeder when his two cats became expert at opening the compartments of other feeders. They would quickly

Feeders | MORE RESOURCESautopetfeeder.com 8 Day Autopetfeeder,

LeBistro Portion Control Feeder, petmate.com Furry Feeder, furryfeeder.com Perfect Petfeeder perfectpetfeeder.com

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ready!

An automatic feeder and fountain ensures he has access to fresh food and water when he needs it. deplete the entire food source and that didn’t do much for their waistlines. “There was an acute need to get our beloved cats to a reasonable, healthy weight,” says Scott. The Perfect Petfeeder is especially designed to prevent animals from opening it up and accessing the reservoir of food.

• If you have a multi-animal household, you’ll want a system that can feed more than one at a time. Another of Scott’s motivations for designing his own system was that he needed a unit that would feed both his kitties; the Perfect Petfeeder can be configured to feed two dogs or cats at the same time.

“We have a lot of customers who choose to purchase multiple units when one of their animals is on a special diet or they simply do not get along eating side-by-side.”

• Find out how many feedings a day the system can dispense and how it can be timed and programmed. “We set out to develop a system that could dispense very small portions, allowing us to spread out our cats’ daily allowance throughout the day,” says Scott. If your animal is diabetic and must eat controlled amounts of food every few hours, you’ll need to invest in a system that can be programmed as needed. Furry Feeder makes an electronic feeder that will dispense small measured food portions up to 14 times a day.

• Some units offer additional features. For example,

the Perfect Petfeeder has a sensor that will sound when the food chamber is low.

• Many veterinarians recommend investing in a fountain, especially for cats. Notorious for their low thirst drive, cats are very picky about the freshness of their water. Water that sits in a bowl quickly becomes stagnant and cats are easily turned off. The goal is to encourage cats to drink so they are adequately hydrated. Petmate’s Fresh Flow Pet Fountain and the Catit Drinking Fountain by Hagen for Pets both have a large reservoir that enhances water oxygenation and continually circulates the water to keep it fresh. The level of water in the Fresh Flow can be adjusted to suit a cat’s comfort level. The water runs down a little slide into the reservoir, creating an additional source of interest for many cats.

• Good quality feeders and fountains range between $80 to over $100.

A busy lifestyle means your schedule can be unpredictable.

An automatic feeder and water fountain ensure your dog or cat won’t be left waiting for his meals when you can’t get home on time. And it can save his life if a crisis hits and you’re unexpectedly kept away for a few days. Knowing your beloved companion has access to food and water, no matter what, means one big worry off your plate!

Fountains

Drinkwell® 360o petfountain.com

Deluxe Fresh Flow Pet Fountain, petmate.com

Catit Drinking Fountain, hagen.com animal wellness

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Off to the

by Laureen Osborne

cottage It’s fun to share summer getaways with your dog, but cottage country can present some hazards to canines. Remember to consider his health and safety before you kick back and relax.

H

omer loves going to the cottage. The five-year-old husky mix can’t wait to race along the lakeshore, explore the woods, and go for boat rides with his “dad”. One September day, however, the fun was interrupted when Homer came faceto-face with a porcupine and wound up with a nose full of quills.

His family had to pack up and drive him 35 miles to the nearest veterinary clinic, bringing the weekend to an unpleasant close.

In the anticipation of escaping the rat race and going someplace peaceful for a couple of days or weeks, it’s easy to forget that cottage country presents its own risks, especially for active canines. Protect your dog from injury or illness so you don’t have to cut your sojourn short to make an emergency vet visit.

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Before you go

• Pack a holistic first aid kit for

your dog. It should include a first aid book for animals along with natural remedies like flower essences, aloe vera gel and calendula ointment. Be sure to include bandages and tweezers, and know what to do in an emergency.

make sure your dog is protected from this disease when going where he might come into contact with wild animals. Also find out if leptospirosis might be an issue in the region and if you’ll need to vaccinate against that as well. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection affecting the blood, liver and kidneys. It’s most commonly transmitted by ingesting an infected animal’s urine, which could be present in puddles.

Another commonsense way to protect your dog against these diseases is not to let him roam at large while at the cottage.

• Know where the nearest

veterinarian is located and have his or her phone number handy.

In and around water

• Wet dog smell is unavoidable at

times, but if your dog smells without being wet, he may need grooming. Brush him completely before heading to the cottage.

• If your dog likes to swim, he’ll

Title photo: ©Sykosys | Dreamstime.com (page 50), Bottom right: ©Stanko07 | Dreamstime.com (page 51).

• Put a collar and ID tag on your

dog if he doesn’t have one already.

The tag should include the number of your cottage and/or cell phone, not just your home number. Have your dog microchipped so he can be identified should he get lost.

• While frequent rabies vaccines

are believed to be unnecessary (although it’s currently the law to vaccinate for rabies at least once every three years), you need to

probably want to spend a lot of time in and around the water.

This can be a problem if he has a thick coat that may not dry properly. The moisture on his skin can cause redness and irritation, and that can make him scratch. Bacteria can enter the skin and cause infection if your dog scratches himself then swims in a bacteria-laden pond or lake. A bacterial infection will need to be treated by a vet, so check his skin often and if you see inflammation keep him out of the water until he receives treatment.

Try to remove any dead undercoat trapped in his hair.

A well-brushed coat will dry quicker. After brushing, bathe him with a natural deodorizing dog shampoo. Rinse him thoroughly in clean water.

Continuned on next page.

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• You might also ask your groomer to give your

dog a summer clip before going to the cottage.

She will shorten his coat and trim his legs, and that will reduce drying time.

• Many dogs like to drink lake water

while swimming, which often results in a bout of diarrhea. Keep a bowl of clean water nearby to discourage this habit.

• Your dog should wear a canine

life vest anytime he is in a boat.

If the boat capsizes, he may be unable or unwilling to swim to shore. A passing boat could also strike him if he is in the water.

A life vest will help make him more visible.

Field and forest • After a walk or hike,

check your dog’s coat.

If you find any burrs or twigs, tease them out by gently pulling a few hairs away from them at a time. If the object is really embedded, you may need to cut it out. Thinning shears will leave less of a mark in his coat than scissors. When cutting, hold the object away from your dog’s skin so you don’t accidentally cut him.

• You may notice your

dog licking his paw.

Examine the underpad to see if anything is stuck in the hair between his toes.

Twigs or stones can be cut out using small, blunt-tipped scissors. Place your fingers between the object and your dog’s pad so you don’t accidentally cut him.

• Pine tar or gum may be more difficult to remove. Saturate the area with vegetable oil. Leave it on for a few minutes, then wipe off. Remove the vegetable oil with a little natural liquid soap and rinse completely.

Do not use any other lubricant as many are poisonous.

• Don’t let your dog eat any

mushrooms, and be on the lookout for toxic plants such as poison ivy. Always keep him on a leash when walking in an unfamiliar area. He may accidentally brush against these plants and spread the irritants to your skin

when you touch him. Remove any plants from your cottage property that you know are poisonous.

By planning ahead and taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy your “dog days” at the cottage to the full!

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Shall we

dance?

From living rooms to nursing homes to auditoriums, musical canine freestyle is taking the world by storm.

by Sandra J. Murphy

K

evin Costner danced with wolves. On television, there’s Dancing with the Stars. I dance with dogs – at nursing homes, hospitals and special needs schools. Hollywood and ABC have yet to call.

And then there’s musical canine freestyle. It’s the ultimate in dog dancing and an increasingly popular sport, with costumed human/canine teams competing in sophisticated dance routines at international events. “Musical freestyle is a choreographed musical program performed by handlers and their dogs,” says Patie Ventre, founder of the World Canine Freestyle Organization. “The object is to display the dog and handler in a creative, innovative and original dance, using music and intricate movements to showcase teamwork, artistry, costuming, athleticism and style in interpreting the theme of the music.”

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Top: Complete with costume, routine and music, Cassandra Hartman performs with her golden retriever dance partner, Debbie.

Below: Rachael Ray (second from left) and Bruno (Dancing with the Stars judge) with three dog dancing teams: Laurie Sullivan and Timber, Laurel Robschutz and Ben, and Patie Ventre with Dancer.

It all started in 1989 when Val Culpin of British Columbia, Canada developed the sport. Dawn Jecs of Puyallup, Washington and her border collie Checkers were the first to do a dance routine at a seminar. Today, WCFO has 5,000 members and 40 chapters worldwide, including Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Canada, South Africa, the United States, and most recently, Israel and Germany.

it. I have found, for example, that nursing homes will say, “Yes, we have a 15’x15’ space for dancers,” but the space will also contain an atrium or aquarium, 20 wheelchairs, and at least one person attached to an IV. Freestyle dancing at competition level involves more generous spaces – from 1,200 to 2,400 square feet. Cushioning or matting is needed on floors to prevent falls, since many performances include jumps or quick moves.

“Step, two, three” Canine freestyle is based on obedience training, so if you want to try dancing with your own dog, he needs to be able to obey training commands. If he’ll work from hand signals, you’ll hear the “oohs” and “aahs” over the music!

According to WCFO, there are three steps to becoming a canine freestyle team:

Photos: World Canine Freestyle Organization & WCFO clubs.

1. Start by selecting a musical

Natasha executes a dance move with her

composition to dance to. Choosing border collie partner. a song is fun. Listening to it 400 times while matching obedience moves to the beat is not, so pick a song you love and that your audience can identify with. I hope when I’m living a nursing home, someone will come and dog dance to Iron Butterfly’s Inna Godda Davita or the Bee Gees high-pitched Stayin’ Alive!

2. Next, you need to choreograph a routine. “This

means you should design steps and movements for yourself and your dog to execute that relate to the music you have selected,” says Patie. “They may be comprised of basic obedience steps, dressage movements, tricks or any new step you may create.”

The determining factor in choreography is the amount of space available, depending on where you’re going with

3.

In canine freestyle, costumes are a must. “Your outfits should coordinate with the theme of the music you have selected and be pleasing to an audience.” A dog who will tolerate a hat, sunglasses or a Hawaiian shirt gets attention by adding color and theme to your routine. “Once you have completed these three basic steps and put it all together, you now have a musical canine freestyle performance that you can take to a demo or competition event,” advises the WCFO website.

Can any dog dance?

Some dogs may not like performing and shouldn’t be forced, but in general dogs and music seem to go together.

All ages and breeds, mixed breeds included, can be great

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Cassandra and Debbie do a high-stepping marching number.

Play list Some songs ideal for dog dancing Izzie and I have danced to the following: •Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy •St Louis Blues •Singin’ in the Rain •Theme from Rawhide •Alley Cat •The Entertainer •Boot Scootin’ Boogie •Great Balls of Fire •Put on a Happy Face •Popcorn Additional suggestions: •Puttin’ on the Ritz •Ballroom Blitz •Me and My Shadow •My Best Friend •In the Mood •Poodle in Paris •Centerfield •She’s a Lady •Sugar Sugar •Pennsylvania 6-5000 •Crazy Little Thing Called Love •Baby Elephant Walk (especially for large dogs)

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dancers. “Sassy Seniors is Freestyle for dogs over nine years old and/or handlers over 65,” says Patie. “Handi-Dandi Dancers is for creatively challenged dogs and/or handlers. One of our members dances with a blind golden retriever.”

Dogs as small as Pomeranians or as large as mastiffs can enjoy dance if you shape the moves to their size and speed. There is no easiest or hardest thing to teach; watch your dog to see how he moves naturally.

Does he turn around three times before lying down? If so, you can teach him to spin. Does he jump up on your legs? Let him jump, lure him behind you with a treat, and start walking. You’ve taught him to Conga, which makes a great exit for your routine.

The best moves Your dog will have her favorite routine – my Izzie loved Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy but hated Boot Scootin’ Boogie because she had to wear a cowboy hat. At the end of the dance, we raised our hats and yelled “Yee-haw!” Izzie took this opportunity to lift a paw and scrape the hat off her head. The best moves are the ones your dog discovers herself.

A dog can and will embarrass you in a number of ways, so humiliation is pretty much guaranteed. One day at a nursing home, when St Louis Blues cued, I started off in march step only to feel the leash tighten.

I turned and saw my Izzie sitting up, her back to the audience, engrossed by fish swimming in a big tank. We’d forgotten to train for fish distraction. “If the dance move or trick you’ve bragged about goes south, think fast and come up with a new line of patter,” says Pam Duke, who dances with her standard poodle, Apris.

“Freestyle for me is the ultimate in creativity and challenge,” adds Gaby Grohovaz of South Africa. “In no other dog sport do you have the possibility of this true interaction with your dog. I love the ‘free’ in freestyle.

“There are no compulsory moves. The entire routine, the training and discovery of new moves or the combination of moves is left to your own imagination It forces you to be very observant and intuitive to your dog’s abilities, likes, dislikes and general movement. You must work with your dog rather than only teach your dog. It is for you to identify what each dog has to offer. At the higher levels of freestyle we see moves that dogs have invented themselves during training, and it is those moves that make a routine stand out.”

Whether you dance with your dog in your living room, at nursing homes or schools, or compete for professional titles, there is perhaps no other activity that creates a closer bond between you and your dog. It’s also good exercise – for body and mind, dog and human. So give it a try: waltz with your whippet, cha-cha with your chow, or tango with your terrier!

For more information on musical canine freestyle, including membership, recommendations for trainers, conferences, workshops and seminars, visit worldcaninefreestyle.org.

Klaas Dunnik and his Dutch shepherd Esley adopt a native American theme for their routine.

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Animal Wellness

Resource Guide • Communicators

• Natural Product Retailers

• Holistic Healthcare

• Pet Sitting

• Integrative Vets

• Reiki Therapy

• Massage Therapy

• Schools & Education

• Natural Product Manufacturers & Distributors

• TTouch Therapy

View the Wellness Resource Guide online at: AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

COMMUNICATORS CALIFORNIA

NEW YORK

Janice DeFonda Can We Talk Fayetteville, NY USA Phone: (315) 329-0116 x1 Email: angelwhispurr@gmail.com Website: ark-angels.org

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Holistic Healthcare – Massage Therapy — Wellness Resource Guide

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East York Animal Clinic Toronto, ON Canada Phone: (416) 757-3569 Email: eyac@ca.inter.net Website: holisticpetvet.com

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Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Conventional & Alternative Medicine & Surgery, Holistic Medicine, Physio & Rehab Therapies

Guelph Animal Hospital Guelph, ON Canada Phone: (519) 836-2782 Email: info@guelphvet.com Website: guelphvet.com

Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Massage, Therapeutic Nutrition, Traditional Chinese Medicine

Autumn Drouin, DVM, ND North-East Newmarket Veterinary Service Newmarket, ON Canada Phone: (905) 830-1030 Email: drautumn@sympatico.ca Website: holistic-vet.ca

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Natural Product Manufacturers & Distributors – Natural Product Retailers — Wellness Resource Guide

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Natural Product Retailers – TTouch Therapy — Wellness Resource Guide

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warm & Fuzzy

LO V E made perfect

by Mary Johnson

E

mma is my rescue dog. The funny thing is, she wasn’t intended to be. I initially wanted to adopt a dog named Rosy from an animal rescue site. Rosy was an Irish setter, pictured sitting on a cushion. She had been spayed. She was crate-trained and housebroken. She sounded perfect.

Emma is also an Irish setter, but was being sold by someone on a puppy website. She was three years old. She stared forlornly from a photo of what looked like a junkyard. Emma (not her name at the time) didn’t have toys, but “played” with her bowl sometimes, tossing it in the air. She wasn’t spayed, housebroken or trained. Despite all this, my only question was: when can I get her?

She now

knows that toys are for play, and people and animals can play together and interact in fun ways.

I knew I would never be able to sleep without picturing that hauntingly sad little face. I would always wonder what happened to her and if she was being cared for. So Emma was shipped to me in Tampa.

From the start, I knew I’d done the right thing. Emma was covered in ticks. I’d never seen ticks on my other dogs and had to be told what they were. There were other problems.

She was underweight and couldn’t be spayed. She almost immediately went into heat and wore little pants around the house for the first month. The first time I told her “no”, Emma dropped to the ground. My family and I looked at

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each other in shock. My other dogs just laughed when I said “no”!

Incredible as it seemed, from the first day I had her she didn’t seem to want to go outside. She had been an outdoor dog, but I figured when she first learned about cushions and pillows, the outdoors didn’t seem terribly exciting anymore. When coaxed, she would spill off the couch in a liquid red clump and end up being half pulled to the door.

seemed to get it. She really loved to ride when she realized we might go through the McDonald’s drive-thru for burgers! And she loved the dog park. She would zip around the field like a red dervish.

But she didn’t know how to play with us or with toys. After much soul searching, we decided to invest in a puppy companion. After the advent of Chloe, Emma seemed to feel complete. Although she was jealous

Emma and Chloe take 40 winks in between play sessions.

As we learned more each day, it was apparent I had indeed rescued Emma.

She was afraid of men. She paced.

She had a fear of thunderstorms. She would hide in corners. She seemed lonely and depressed at times, but was so full of love you couldn’t help but love her right back. So I tried to figure out ways to help her.

Housetraining was not a problem. She was very smart. But she had a funny habit of hiding toys and food underneath her. She’d look at you as if to say: “What? I don’t see anything.”

She reminded me of a naughty child who’s been caught and wants to hide something behind his back.

Socializing Emma was easy. She loved walks and obedience training.

She loved to learn to please. And she loved to be praised. At first, rides in the car depressed her. I thought she might be afraid she was being taken away again, so I started telling her we were going “home”. She

at first, I encouraged her to “groom the baby” and she started licking Chloe’s ears. This is now a daily ritual. The two share everything and play together every day.

One of our watershed moments with Emma came when a couple of fellow dog lovers at the dog park started giving her treats. I liken it to the pivotal moment in The Miracle Worker when the teacher gets Helen Keller to realize she can communicate with the word “water”. Emma now knows that when she goes to the park, people there will lavish praise (and sometimes treats) on her. She also knows that a ride in the car also means treats and praise and sometimes a bit of burger! She now knows that toys are for play, and people and animals can play together and interact in fun ways. She is happy and much more like setters are meant to be.

There are still times when she paces.

She is still afraid of storms. She is

My only question was: when can I get her? needy and will often lie by herself until we invite her to join us. There is a faraway look in her eye that will probably be there forever. When she sometimes cries and whimpers in her sleep, I pat and massage her and she calms down. She knows she is safe and we are always there for her.

After three years, I realize Emma will probably never be completely “normal”. But she is as near to perfect as anyone could want. She’s the most loving dog on the planet, a unique gift. But then anyone who has rescued a dog will tell you the same thing.

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Packing on the

pounds Canine obesity is a big problem (no pun intended). Learn how to keep your dog slim and trim – without diet pills.

by Sara Jackson

J

ust as millions of Americans are overweight, so are our canine companions. Approximately 20% to 30% of dogs in the United States are overweight, and 5% are obese.

The two main causes are too much food and too little exercise. According to the Veterinary Medical Association, obesity is the fourth leading cause of death among canines. Dogs carrying too much weight are prone to heart disease, arthritis, skin and coat problems, trouble breathing, and difficulty controlling their body temperature. Other factors that can cause weight gain are neutering, slow metabolism, and hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease. “The metabolic rate of spayed and neutered dogs drops dramatically immediately after sterilization surgery, meaning they need fewer calories,” says veterinarian Dr. Jean Hofve. “If people understood the need to decrease a dog’s food intake by 25% after sterilization, many weight problems would be avoided.”

An extra seven pounds on a dog that should weigh 35 is equivalent to an extra 30 pounds on a human weighing 150. So how do you tell if your dog is overweight? When you put your hands on your dog’s ribcage, do you feel a lot of fat instead of

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a thin layer of fat across the ribs? Other signs to look for are fat on the lower back and base of the tail, no “waist” when viewed from above, and a thickened trunk near the hind legs. Morbidly obese dogs have protruding abdomens and fat deposits throughout their bodies.

Diet pills not the answer In response to this widespread problem, Pfizer Animal Health recently developed Slentrol, the first FDA approved diet drug for canine obesity. It works by suppressing the dog’s appetite and blocking fat absorption.

It is administered orally, either on the dog’s food or directly into his mouth. Dogs can be expected to lose an average of 3% of their weight every month.

Smart moves

Title photo: ©Spepple22 | Dreamstime.com (page 64), Apple photo: ©Hkuchera | Dreamstime.com (page66).

Exercise must be a part of your dog’s new weight loss program. An overweight or obese dog is not at his peak physical condition, so start slowly and increase the frequency and intensity of exercise.

Jumping into a vigorous exercise program can tax underused muscles and put stress on the dog’s heart and lungs.

Some experts, such as Dr. Hofve, feel that drugs for weight loss are going to the extreme, when diet and exercise are more natural ways to help dogs drop extra pounds.

Dr. Hofve believes these drugs should only be used when the comfort and health of the dog has been so severely compromised that he is in danger of serious illness, incapacitation, or death. “I would not use it except in extreme cases and on a very limited basis,” she says. “To be brutally honest, I think we are so accustomed to ‘quick fixes’ that a diet pill for dogs is just one more way to appeal to human laziness and unwillingness to put any time or effort into a problem that could and should have easily been prevented in the first place.”

Dr. Hofve has heard from other vets that the drug doesn’t work for every dog. “In fact, it only works really well for people who are highly motivated and committed to helping their dogs lose weight. Not surprisingly, these are the same guardians who will comply with a diet

Talk to your vet before starting a sedentary or overweight dog on an exercise regime.

Begin with short walks around the block, and then you can slowly work towards a game of fetch. Make it a habit to set aside the same time each day to exercise your dog, so it becomes part of your routine and not just something you do when you think of it or have the time.

“Every dog is an individual,” says Dr. Hofve.

“It depends on the breed, age, condition, and how overweight the dog is. Starting an exercise program for an obese couch-potato with a five-mile hike is more likely to give you a lot of exercise – carrying the exhausted dog home. For an older, very out-of-shape, very obese dog, a walk to the corner and back might be the most you can expect.

Of course, as the dog becomes better conditioned and loses weight, the amount of exercise can and should be increased.”

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and exercise program that will produce the same good results without the drug.”

Like many drugs, Slentrol has side effects that can include intermittent vomiting and/or diarrhea. “After reviewing the studies and other available information, I have to wonder if nausea is one reason why dogs on this drug eat less,” says Dr. Hofve. “It may also have adverse effects on the liver, and appears to decrease blood levels of fat-soluble vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients.

Since a dedicated guardian giving the dog an appropriate diet and adequate exercise is likely to be successful without the drug, I see no particular advantage and many potential disadvantages to using it. Maybe what we really need is a pill to convince guardians that excess weight on a dog is in fact a life-threatening problem,

Filling up on treats?

Remember to consider how many calories you might be adding with treats. “Some commercial treats contain over 100 calories each,” says veterinarian Dr. Donna Spector. “It is easy to see how giving just a few treats, in addition to regular meals, can be the cause of excess calorie intake and contribute to obesity.

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories For example, an average 20-pound adult dog will require approximately 500 calories each day – therefore, no more than 50 calories should be provided as treats.” Halo, Purely for Pets is one company that’s making it easier to know what you’re giving your dog by putting the caloric content on its treat packaging.

and make them buckle down and help their dogs get healthy! In the meantime, diet and exercise remain the fundamentals of weight management.”

Weighty issues It is up to you to make sure your dog maintains his ideal weight. This means: •Not allowing him to free feed (leaving food down all the time) •Not over-feeding him at meal times •Not giving him high-caloric treats and fatty table scraps While there are diet foods on the market, it's better to feed your dog a high quality food with natural ingredients to help prevent weight gain. When choosing packaged foods, look for named meat sources such as beef, chicken or lamb. Avoid foods that contain corn or wheat gluten; these are cheap waste products from the human food industry that provide an incomplete source of protein not easily digested by dogs. Stay away as well from artificial sugars and sweeteners.

“Many foods are highly processed, contain many additives, and are generally too high in carbohydrates (20% to 30%) for most dogs to metabolize as efficiently as they do meat," explains Dr. Hofve.

If you are unable to resist the pleading eyes of your dog during mealtimes, there are ways you can treat him without piling on the pounds. Make treats small. You can even use a small portion from your dog's own food. Instead of leftover French fries or pizza crusts, try giving him low-calorie snacks such as fresh or frozen vegetables, lean meat and fruit slices.

Slimming down If your dog is already overweight, there are steps you can take to help him slim down. First, aim for a 10% weight loss, which amounts to 1% of your dog’s body

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weight per week. You’ll want to make sure he loses at a slow rate, because losing weight rapidly can cause a loss of lean body mass.

An extra seven pounds on a dog that should weigh 35 is equivalent to an extra 30 pounds on a human weighing 150.

Next, weigh your dog and calculate his daily caloric intake. By doing this, you’ll be able to determine how much weight he should be losing and the number of calories that should be subtracted from his diet. “Dogs should be fed for their ideal weight, not the weight they are,” advises Dr. Hofve. “For instance, a dog that should weigh 30 pounds but is 15 pounds overweight should be fed the recommended calorie intake for a 30-pound dog.” You can find an online calculator at dogfoodadvisor.com.

To start your dog on his new feeding schedule, you can either reduce the total amount of food or change his diet to something healthier. Also, instead of two main meals a day, try giving him mini meals throughout the day. “It’s the same as with people – portion control!” says Dr. Hofve. “And feeding smaller meals more often is better than a single daily meal.”

To all those whose dogs may be overweight, remember that food is not a substitute for love and affection!

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Born to be a star:

Preston Casanova How the irresistible Pomeranian has won the hearts of legions of fans.

by Ann Brightman

P

reston Casanova is proof positive that stature has nothing to do with celebrity status. The diminutive white Pomeranian won the title of “America’s most popular dog” on the hit show Greatest American Dog, after viewers voted for him over the other nine contestants in the competition. Since then, the adorable and intelligent canine has appeared on many commercials and TV shows, including Access Hollywood and TMZ. His sweet face and happy-golucky personality have delighted fans across the globe and inspired thousands worldwide.

The lucky Pomeranian shares his life with Laura Nativo, a successful actor, model and producer who’s also actively involved in issues ranging from the environment to cancer research.

The two make a brilliant team. And while they’re enjoying success now, both had challenges at the beginning of their careers. Though Laura made her TV debut when she was only five, appearing on the popular children’s program Romper Room, the death of her mother from breast cancer a year later cast a shadow on the child actor’s life. With her father working to support the family, Laura shouldered the responsibility of raising herself and her younger sister.

Though she loved animals and would have benefited from the comfort of a canine friend, Laura had to wait until she was grown up to fulfill that dream. “I wanted a dog when I was a little girl, but was never allowed one,” she says. “My dad was very strict. He didn’t understand the power of the human-animal connection.”

Despite all this, Laura never lost sight of her passion for acting,

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and for animals. After being discovered by Woody Allen and appearing in his 1998 film Celebrity, there was no looking back career-wise. She went on to act in a number of movies, including Threshold and Alpha Dog, and has also worked as a movie and music video producer. Most recently, she and Preston starred in the hit CBS series Greatest American Dog. Preston is a purebred Pom, but was the runt of the litter. As tiny as he was, Laura says she fell in love with him from the first moment she saw him in 2002. “His sweet, baby seal face melted my heart, and I was more afraid of what might happen to him if I didn’t adopt him. It was the best decision I’ve ever made... we’ve been inseparable ever since.”

Left: Grace Chon/Shine Pet Photos (page 68), Right: Grace Chon/Shine Pet Photos (page 69).

Like Laura, Preston has always been a natural in front of the camera. He loved performing and with Laura’s help soon became a professional canine actor and model.

Brainy as well as beautiful, Preston understands around

Laura and Preston are best buddies as well as professional partners.

100 human words in English and Spanish, and has even learned to surf and skateboard, much to the delight and astonishment of his fans.

“Preston loves attention, and to him, performing is playing,” Laura adds. He is a very driven, confident, playful dog, which makes him extraordinarily trainable with on-set behaviors. When people speak to him, he looks into their eyes as if he genuinely understands what they’re saying.

On screen, that’s magical.”

Laura adds that Greatest American Dog was Preston’s big animal wellness

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Whether he’s hanging out with Laura, posing for a portrait or putting on a show for his fans, Preston is always a star.

Left: Sharon Montrose, Top right: Grace Chon/Shine Pet Photos

break. “It was also perhaps one of my most life changing experiences. The show aired on almost every continent, and millions of people falling in love with Preston really gave us a gift, to use our exposure for good and give back to animals everywhere.” Working conditions on the set were demanding, but Laura never failed to keep Preston’s best interests in mind. When the little dog fell ill with salmonella, Laura decided to withdraw from the competition.

“It got to a point where the conditions were simply too much for him, and I knew it was time to go home.”

Even though they didn’t win, Laura says being on the show opened a lot of doors for her and Preston. “Thanks to him and that experience, my career has shifted in a new direction,” she explains. “I’m now a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and my life is dedicated to helping dogs and their humans live happier, healthier lives together.

I’m intensely passionate about the importance of positive, everyday, common sense training, finding a way to connect with your dog and make training fun. I’m even more focused on getting into the political realm for dogs, hoping to make the world a more dog-friendly place.”

Along with their busy acting careers, the dynamic duo is involved in a number of organizations that benefit animals, the environment, cancer research and other causes.

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“Nowadays, green is the new black,” Laura says. “It seems as if every company is trying to feed us a more ‘eco-friendly’ lifestyle. But going green isn’t just about using environmentally friendly poop bags, it’s about the simple everyday choices we make. Part of my green approach includes partnering with companies that share my eco-friendly beliefs. Many of Preston’s things are made of recycled materials. His favorite collar is totally re-purposed from a vintage belt. His toybox is a beautiful wooden reused gem from the Goodwill. And his bed is made of recycled soda bottles. I’m far from perfect, but I try to ‘think green’ with everything we do.”

Preston is also a certified therapy dog and “founder” of Preston’s Planet, (prestonsplanet.com) an online Internet show with a blog and live interactive TV dedicated to creating a better, happier and greener world for dogs. He also has his own website, prestoncasanova.com, where fans can keep up with his latest adventures.

When Laura first laid eyes on that tiny white puppy seven years ago, she never dreamed Preston would become her professional partner and a star in his own right, as well as her best friend. “It’s been an incredible ride!” she marvels.

“As long as he enjoys the spotlight, I’ll do everything I can to support him. He’s the love of my life.”

integrative health

Pet Expo September 10 -11, 2009

Courtyard by Marriott - Fitchburg, MA

This two day health and wellness event includes: • Lecture Series - Lectures from leaders in integrative health care for pets

• Exhibition Hall - Exhibitors from natural and healthful products companies

• Resources - Non-profit organizations that support holistic animal care

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All proceeds will go to non-profit organizations

For more information visit www.ihpe.info animal wellness

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the scoop Bag of bones Fresh, raw meaty bones are one of the best ways to keep your dog’s teeth and gums in good shape. Bravo! announces Bag-O-Bones, a new line of 100% all-natural fresh frozen raw bones. The product features high quality beef and buffalo bones. Each is individually wrapped and packaged in heavy-duty freezer-grade reclosable bags for optimum flavor, freshness and appeal. The packages contain two units of either beef marrow bones, beef knuckle bones, or buffalo knuckle bones, while the buffalo marrow bones come in packages of three. bravorawdiet.com

Herbal flea control Conventional flea and tick products contain toxic chemicals that can harm you and your animal.

Dr. Harvey’s comes to the rescue with their line of Herbal Grooming Essentials for Pets. The line includes an Herbal Protection Shampoo, Spray and Concentrate especially formulated to safely protect dogs and cats from fleas and ticks. They’re made from all-natural and organic herbal oils and extracts and contain no synthetic ingredients. drharveys.com

Hip health Your dog can’t enjoy life to the full if his hips and joints aren’t in good working order. Veterinarian’s Best Hip & Joint Formula helps maintain normal healthy joint function and flexibility. Developed by a veterinarian and based on research done at the National Institute for Health, these chewable liver-flavored wafers contain glucosamine and patented cetyl myristoleate, which acts as a lubricant to maintain resiliency and flexibility. The product also feature boswellia, yucca, calcium and zinc to further enhance joint wellness. vetsbest.com

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Which treat today?

Just as you give your dog or cat a variety of foods for optimum health, it’s also a good idea to give him a variety of treats. Halo’s new line of Liv-a-Little Healthsome biscuits and treats give your companion more than one nutritious flavor and health benefit to choose from. Try gluten-free vegetarian dog biscuits with peanut and pumpkin; antioxidant-rich Well-Being treats with chicken and cheese; Skin & Coat treats with wild salmon – and more. All are made from natural, high-quality ingredients. halopets.com

Airline for animals An airline exclusively for animals? It’s about time!

Pet Airways is launching the first ever animal-only airline this summer, with the first flights scheduled for July 14. All animals will travel safely and comfortably in the main cabin, under the care of trained attendants, and not in the cargo hold. To start, the airline is serving New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles, but plans to expand nationwide with easily accessible animal check-in lounges. You can even track your animal’s travel progress online. petairways.com

Something new Is your dog or cat hankering for something different?

Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company has just released two new diets: Pheasant and Whitefish Dry Food for Cats and Whitefish and Sweet Potato Dry Food for Dogs. These new products are high in protein, low in grain, and full of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Like all other Evanger’s products, these foods are made from high quality ingredients and contain no artificial additives. evangersdogfood.com

Eco-friendly play

Celebrating the bond

More and more animal lovers are making environmentally responsible choices when purchasing items for their dogs. Planet Dog’s Orbee-Tuff toys are designed to be earth-friendly as well as durable, colorful and fun.

The line includes balls, bones, tugs and other playthings all made from non-toxic recyclable materials, while the RecycleBALL and RecycleBONE are made entirely from “regrind”, leftover Orbee-Tuff material that would otherwise be discarded. planetdog.com

We share a special connection with our dogs and cats.

To celebrate that special bond, the ASPCA has partnered with IBB Group of Companies to develop and distribute a collection of fine and fashion jewelry for both people and animals. Sporting the tagline “Heart U Back”, this unique collection includes bracelets, charms, pendants and earrings.

A portion of the proceeds from each item sold will support the ASPCA’s ongoing mission to prevent cruelty to animals throughout the United States. IBB will make a guaranteed minimum donation of $125,000. heartuback.com animal wellness

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“Where’s the

proof?”

It’s what skeptics ask when questioning if holistic and integrative therapies really work. In actuality, a large body of evidence stands behind the benefits of an alternative approach.

by Shawn Messonnier, DVM

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“

W

here’s the evidence it works?” Fans of a strictly conventional approach to medicine often ask this question in an attempt to shut down any rational discussion about holistic therapies. In any conversation about holistic or integrative medicine, in fact, it’s not unusual to hear the term “evidence-based” medicine thrown around. Usually, this term is used by opponents to an alternative approach to healthcare.

One of my goals is to start an integrative medicine course at my alma mater for Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. A friend of mine, a proponent of integrative medicine, had the opportunity to discuss my proposal with the dean of the school. His response was that while some of the students and a few faculty members had shown an interest in integrative medicine, most of the latter were opposed to the idea. He stated they were a conservative school and wanted to teach only “evidence-based” medicine.

The evidence is there

Title photo: ©Loppu | Dreamstime.com (page 74).

There is actually a large body of evidence behind the therapies we use in integrative medicine. For example, many years of research have shown the benefits of joint supplements such as glucosamine for arthritis. Not only do the studies show positive benefits when the proper joint supplements are used correctly, but we also have cellular evidence demonstrating exactly how they work in the body.

Omega-3 fatty acids, meanwhile, have been recommended for animals for over 30 years. They were originally proposed to help with allergic skin disease, but we now know through research exactly how omega-3 fatty acids work, and that they have positive benefits on a number of conditions, including heart, joint and kidney diseases and even cancer.

I’ve had the pleasure of writing 12 books on integrative medicine for animals, and have contributed to many other books and articles on the topic.

My books came about after carefully researching the evidence-based medicine that supports the therapies I described. I regularly read textbooks and medical journals in both the human and veterinary medical fields describing evidence-based natural therapies

The “art” of medicine Keep in mind that medicine is part “art” as well as part “science.” While it’s great to have a lot of science behind what we do, integrative medicine also appreciates the art of medicine.

There is no single cookie cutter approach to treating every patient. Experience from treating large numbers of patients, along with staying open to trying whatever therapy might help a particular patient, constitute the art of medicine. Often, the “art” is what is missing from the strictly conventional approach.

Most of what I and my holistic colleagues do is try to find the best therapy for each patient based on historical and examination data. While I have science to back up everything I do, it’s my application of that science (the “art” of medicine) that determines each case’s outcome.

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that can be used in place of, or in conjunction with, conventional therapies.

some can produce immunity for five or ten years, and possibly even for the life of the animal.

Not all conventional therapies are proven

While current recommendations from conventional veterinary experts are for vaccinations every three years, integrative doctors including myself recommend only vaccinating healthy animals based on the results of inexpensive blood titer tests.

Ironically, many conventional therapies have been used in both human and veterinary medicine before a full understanding of how they worked was known. Even today, certain medications are rushed to market in an attempt to help severely ill patients before a full body of “evidence” is obtained.

As a good example, where is the “evidencebased” medicine supporting the worn-out and dangerous practice of annual vaccination?

The easy answer is that there is none. There is no research proving that dogs and cats require annual vaccination for every infectious disease. And if annual vaccinations are so important for dogs and cats, why we don’t vaccinate people every year against infectious diseases? There are really two reasons. The first is that most vaccines produce long-lasting immunity in people (and animals!). In other words, annual vaccination is not necessary, and would actually constitute malpractice in human medical practices. Based on years of research, we know the approximate duration of immunity each vaccine will produce in a given human patient.

What is “evidence”?

The other question that’s tempting to ask is: what constitutes “evidence?” How do doctors gather that evidence?

Whether we’re talking about a drug or natural therapy, evidence is obtained only by using that therapy in patients.

We know, for example, that ibuprofen works well in humans to control headaches, inflammation and mild pain because millions of people have used many doses of the medication. For the same reason, we know the NSAID Metacam works well in dogs and cats to minimize inflammation and pain seen with musculoskeletal problems and following surgical procedures.

The second reason for not administering vaccinations to people on an annual basis is to prevent serious and possibly fatal side effects. These can include serum sickness (a severe allergic reaction to vaccine components), immune diseases of the blood and other organs, and even cancers. Knowing all this, it is tempting to ask why we vaccinate companion animals every year.

Likewise, we know the nutritional supplement choline works very well to help prevent and treat cognitive disorder in animals, and that glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid are great for relieving arthritis pain.

We have evidence these therapies are effective because someone thought they might work, tried them in a small number of patients, and found them to be safe and effective. Finally, many doses were used, confirming those initial findings of safety and effectiveness.

Research done over the last ten years shows that the high quality vaccines we use in practice produce long-lasting immunity in animals, similar to what is found in people.

At this point, we don’t know the maximum duration of immunity for each vaccine, but studies have shown that

Integrative medicine has plenty of evidence to back it up and should be accepted as freely as conventional medicine. Keep this in mind next time someone tries to convince you that only “proven” therapies can help your dog or cat!

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©Hypermania37 | Dreamstime.com (page76).

Whether we’re talking about a drug or natural therapy, evidence is obtained only by using that therapy in patients.

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communication

School’s in!

Want to connect more deeply with your companion? An animal communication course can teach you how.

by Lynn McKenzie

If you are up for the journey, animal communication courses abound. Choosing the right one for you may seem a daunting task, so I’d like to make it a little easier by providing a breakdown of what to look for and expect.

Many Animal Communicators and Intuitives offer various levels of training, from introductory or beginner courses with no prerequisites, to advanced level courses which are usually taken in progression and require knowledge of the previous level’s course content.

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Just beginning?

In a beginner level class with no prerequisites, you can expect to take part in meditations to help you bring your focus inwards, quiet your mind, ground yourself, learn to open your channel as well as your heart, and maintain or raise your trust level. Trust plays a big role when learning animal communication; our inner critic, or “monkey mind” as it is sometimes called, can be an annoying saboteur as we begin our journey into uncharted territory and new realms.

As a beginning student, you can also expect to reawaken innate abilities that may have been lying dormant for years, expand your view of animals, and learn about the sentient wisdom they wish to share with humanity.

Many courses use practice exercises where participants practice telepathy with one another to get the feel for sending and receiving messages, before progressing to animals.

Then comes the exciting (and sometimes scary) process of actually working with the animals. It is at this stage that anxiety and doubt may raise their ugly heads. A skilled

Title photo: ©Michelledekock | Dreamstime.com (page 78).

D

o you ever wish you could have a conversation with your dog or cat? It’s my belief that anyone can learn to communicate with animals. The resurging interest in this type of communication, also known as interspecies telepathic communication, is a sign of the shifting energies of the time, as well as our deep desire to return to our natural birthright. I believe we are meant to communicate with “all that is” at a much deeper level, and that we are instinctively feeling a pull back to this place of connection. I liken the path to animal communication as a journey into our own souls, and a distinct advancement in our spiritual consciousness.

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teacher will offer exercises to help you clear any blocks and amp up your trust level.

In these times of accelerated energy, I personally find that students are grasping communication concepts and skills in record time compared to a decade ago. It’s not unusual to see beginner students receiving accurate and confirmable messages and images within hours of receiving instruction.

One thing to remember is that it’s not a competition to see who gets the best and most profound information the quickest. Each individual will progress at her own speed based on where she is on her own spiritual journey.

Advanced courses Advanced level classes usually help students increase their awareness and deepen their connection with animals (it’s amazing how deep you can go). They also often cover communication with animals over distance and after death, as well as communication with unique and perhaps undesirable species such as fleas and spiders. They may even include communication with “inanimate” objects such as rocks, flowers and trees.

Advanced classes help students receive more detailed messages, develop counseling and problem solving skills, and view animals as the teachers and healers they are.

Ethics, boundaries, safety, and appropriate sharing are also commonly included at this level.

As with anything else, some people will have more of an aptitude for animal communication than others. But I believe everyone can achieve some level of it, especially with lots of practice. It’s an area of study where you definitely get what you put into it, and it’s a wonderful gift, not only to yourself but also the animal kingdom and all of life. Learning this skill may change your life and outlook, as well as the lives of others.

It’s not

unusual to see beginner students receiving accurate and confirmable messages and images within hours of receiving instruction.

Choosing a course The key criteria when deciding which course is right for you include: •The reputation and history of the teacher •The length of time she has been teaching •What her track record is Another marker is the success of past students, whether or not they were able to learn the process using her methods, and if they were happy with the experience. Being a good teacher involves more than being good at the skill you are teaching. It requires a genuine ability and desire to empower students to grasp the material and master the skills for themselves. I feel it is crucial for a student’s success to be given opportunities to practice with other students. It is also beneficial to have CDs and DVDs to review at home once the program ends. animal wellness

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Top 10 healing herbs

Spice up her menu with these favorite culinary herbs. They add flavor and variety – and offer some terrific healing benefits too.

by Audi Donamor

M

y mother was an avid gardener. One thing that really captivated me was her skill at doing just enough to make every plant stand out. A rose trellis was always nestled in delicate greenery, and as you walked by, not only did its fragrance leave a lasting impression, but there was always another scent that sat on the edge, like the top note in a fine perfume. It wasn’t until years later, after leaving home and tending to my own sacred spaces, that I realized the “secret” scents in my mother’s garden came from herbs.

Aside from their fragrance, many herbs are brimming with flavor and healing qualities that you can share with your dogs and cats. Consider adding the following top ten herbs to your garden or kitchen, and introducing them to your companion’s menu as well as your own.

1

Catnip is a member of the mint family.

Best known for eliciting a state of euphoria in cats, it also stimulates appetite, aids digestion, helps calm nervous animals and encourages restful sleep. Catnip contains chromium, iron, manganese, potassium, selenium and other nutrients, including vitamins A and C. It’s also recognized for its ability to support the gastrointestinal system. Catnip tea stimulates bile flow and helps break down fats – steep two teaspoons of dried or four teaspoons of fresh catnip in a cup of boiling water for ten minutes. Catnip repels mosquitoes too!

2

Dandelion contains vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as calcium, fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, silicon and zinc. Dandelion leaves are a richer source of vitamin A than carrots, and the root is an excellent source of inulin, which encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract.

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Dandelion supports liver function, improves tooth enamel and acts as a blood tonic. It supports the cardiovascular system and promotes healthy teeth and bones.

3

Garlic is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins A, B1, B6 and C, copper, iron, protein, tryptophan, zinc, and selenium. It also has manganese, a co-factor of a variety of important antioxidant enzymes. Garlic contains over 100 biologically useful chemicals, including compounds that act as antioxidants and demonstrate anti-carcinogenic properties. The most important nutrient in garlic is allicin, which has potent antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral and antibiotic properties. It supports cardiovascular health and the immune system. (See our Feb/Mar 2008 issue for an article on the safety of garlic for animals.)

4 5

Ginger is recognized as the best anti-nausea herb and is well tolerated by companion animals. It acts as a digestive tonic, relieving stomach aches and intestinal gas. It also stimulates the digestive juices and helps expel worms.

Oregano is often referred to as the “cure in the cupboard.” It’s a source of calcium, fiber, iron, manganese, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C and K. It also contains the volatile oils thymol and carvacrol, which inhibit the growth of bacteria. Oregano contains more antioxidant power than apples and blueberries! Oregano tea soothes an upset stomach and can help relieve muscle pain. Take two teaspoons of fresh or one teaspoon of dried oregano, and steep in one cup of boiling water for ten minutes.

Store fresh oregano in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp towel, or freeze in an airtight container.

6

Parsley is the world’s most popular herb and one of the most concentrated food sources.

It’s rich in vitamins A, C and K, iron, folate and a variety of minerals, and contains a variety of volatile oils, including myristin, which is thought to inhibit tumor formation, especially in the lungs. It also contains histadine, an amino acid that has also been found to inhibit tumor growth. Parsley is a “chemoprotective” food because it may help neutralize a variety of carcinogens, including the benzopyrenes in cigarette smoke. To make parsley tea, steep four teaspoons of fresh or two teaspoons of dried parsley in one cup of boiling water.

Keep parsley fresh by sprinkling it with water, wrapping it in a paper towel, and refrigerating in a plastic bag. Or simply put stems of parsley in a glass of water and refrigerate.

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Sage was introduced to China from Europe. The Chinese developed such a taste for sage tea that they traded their own precious tea for it. Sage was very popular in early medicine. Powdered sage leaves were sprinkled on food, just like pepper.

Slippery elm is good for very young, old or weak cats and dogs. It contains vitamins A, B, C and K, calcium, magnesium and sodium. It coats and heals inflamed tissues and is used for the stomach, ulcers, bowels, kidneys, constipation, diarrhea, dysentery and colitis. You can use it externally for wounds, burns, rashes or insect bites, and internally for the lungs, coughing, vomiting, and for stomach and bowel cancer. Use slippery elm in convalescence. Just mix one teaspoon of the dried inner bark with a teaspoon of honey and water.

9

Thyme contains vitamin K, iron, manganese, calcium and dietary fiber. Its primary active ingredient, thymol, helps inhibit the growth of fungus and bacteria.

Thyme also contains a variety of flavonoids which increase its antioxidant properties.

10

Turmeric gets its color from curcurmin, an orange-yellow pigment. It’s a perennial herb that belongs to the ginger family and is gaining recognition for its antiinflammatory and antioxidant impact. It has more antioxidant properties than vitamin E, and its potential as a cancer preventive has been supported by many studies. Turmeric increases bile production and flow, and protects the stomach and liver. It is the perfect herb to sprinkle on your animal’s food.

Fittini egg loaf

Ingredients 1 cup zucchini, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated 5 free range eggs 2 tablespoons cold pressed extra virgin olive oil 1½ tablespoons fresh or 1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 teaspoons fresh or 1 teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions Choose organic ingredients whenever possible. Preheat oven to 350ºF. In oven to table cookware, combine all ingredients with a whisk or fork. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the centre of the loaf is set and the top is golden. Cool to room temperature. Before serving, garnish with fresh sunflower sprouts, parsley or catnip, and add a dollop of Roaring Raita (see page 83).

Egg loaves can be made with a variety of vegetables, including 2 cups of young “greens” (including dandelion greens). In a pinch, a can of organic butternut squash is the perfect filler.

Continued on page 83.

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Tea anyone?

Tea is another powerful herb. The polyphenols in green tea protect against certain cancers, and are also potent antioxidants that have been shown to be highly beneficial to the heart. Green tea also helps prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

Consider including decaffeinated green tea in your animal’s diet. It is rich in fluoride, which reduces the risk of tooth decay. Green tea’s catechin compounds appear to block the formation of new blood vessels that fuel tumor development.

Other herbal teas are also very beneficial to health. The following recipes originally appeared in Pamela Michael’s book, A Country Harvest, first published in 1980.

Medicinal sage tea Ingredients 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves 2 teaspoons honey Juice of ½ lemon 2½ cups filtered water, boiled

once, or store in the refrigerator for two to three days.

Raw sage leaves clean teeth and gums, and leave a fresh taste in the mouth. Try adding some freshly strained and cooled sage tea to your animal’s food, or use as a “toothpaste”.

Digestive tea Ingredients

Instructions Wash the sage leaves and put them in a jug with the honey and lemon juice. Bruise the leaves with a wooden spoon, then pour on the boiling water.

Cover with a clean cloth and leave to infuse for 30 minutes. Strain and bottle when cold.

Fresh sage tea Ingredients 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves (choose the young tips for this brew) 1¼ cups filtered water, boiled

Instructions Put the sage in a small jug and pour on boiling water.

Cover and infuse for ten minutes. Strain and use at

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4 teaspoons of fresh or 2 teaspoons of dried mint (including catnip) ¼ teaspoon dried sage 1 slice fresh ginger

Instructions Combine ingredients, add one cup of boiling water, and steep for two minutes. Adding a teaspoon of Manuka “healing” honey will make this simple remedy even better!

Roaring Raita with parsley and catnip Ingredients 1 cup fresh parsley ¼ to ½ cup fresh catnip leaves (or other mint of your choice) 1½ teaspoons grated fresh ginger 1 garlic clove, minced ¼ teaspoon sea salt 1½ teaspoons fresh lemon juice (optional) ½ cup yogurt (e.g., Balkan style or goat yogurt)

Instructions Choose organic products whenever possible. This dish can be prepared by hand or in a food processor or blender.

Combine everything except the yogurt.

Transfer to a bowl, stir in yogurt, then cover and refrigerate until serving. This recipe makes a great meal topper for your canine and feline companions. It is very refreshing in hot weather.

Try freezing it in ice cube trays.

Dandelion greens

This is an old Mennonite recipe for cooking and freezing dandelion greens.

1. Cut the roots from the greens and discard.

2. Wash them well (they are very gritty) in cold water.

3. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and put the greens in by the handful.

4. Bring the water back to a boil, and cook the greens just until they are wilted, which will only take two to three minutes.

5. Drain immediately and run cold water over the greens to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out as much water as possible.

6. Wrap the greens and freeze for future use.

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passages

Our angel of love

by Jennifer Lopez

I

remember the day I met a real live angel. Not the kind you see in stained glass windows or a child’s storybook, but an angel nonetheless. He appeared one day at the back door of our cottage and peered at me through the screen, his eyes expressing the need to communicate. Usually strays run away when approached, so I was very surprised when he rubbed against my leg and started purring the minute I went out to see him.

It was September and the weather was perfect. My husband Gio was building an addition on the cottage and while he worked, the cat kept coming around. He leapt onto scaffolding, chased after dropped nails and shared a burger with Gio at lunchtime. We fed him every day, but each evening shut the cottage door tight and bid him goodnight.

Gio called him Chiquito because he was so tiny.

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Late summer turned to fall and it was time to return to the city. Every weekend when we came back up to the cottage, we were greeted by Chiquito. He became so affectionate that we started to let him come inside more and more until he was sleeping in our bed. Each Sunday night when we had to leave, we left a huge pile of cat food for him.

Chiquito comes home Fall turned to winter and I started to worry about Chiquito being outside in the cold all week. Finally, we decided to take him home with us.

Although very friendly, he was used to living in the wild and did not like to be picked up and transported anywhere. It took two tries, but we finally managed to get him in the car and drove him back to the city.

That first night, Gio and I lay awake listening to him meow as he moved about the house. We worried the

change was too much for him – our second floor apartment was a far cry from our cottage. But eventually he settled down.

The next day, and every day for the next three years, Chiquito slept on our bed. Gio and I thought of him as our angel. We took him to the lake and back each weekend, and he loved both places as much as we did. In the city, he sat in the windows and watched birds. At the cottage, he chased frogs and chipmunks from the security of our screened-in porch. He easily became an indoor cat. When we took him to the veterinarian, he couldn’t believe we had converted a once wild kitten to such a gentle and loving cat.

But the vet also had some bad news for us. Chiquito had a heart murmur, a very strong one. He said you never know how long a cat will live with this condition; it could be

a short life or a long one. Gio and I hoped for the best and went on playing with and tending to our treasured companion.

Living and loving After awhile, we adopted another kitten and the most wonderful relationship blossomed between her and Chiquito. We named the kitten Rubi and she treated Chiquito like a surrogate parent. They played every day, chasing each other around the house then curling up together for

downstairs for breakfast. If Gio and I sat on the front porch, he sat in the window seat and looked out over us. The minute we walked in the front door after work each day, he greeted us.

When I was pregnant with our first child, Chiquito sat on my expanding belly. When we brought my daughter home from the hospital, he came running to see what was going on.

If I was in another room and Jolie awoke crying, Chiquito would run to me meowing as if telling me she

Rubi searched the car for him, crying out as if we had left him behind. She also scoured the house looking for him. She wouldn’t play and just sat by herself and napped. For weeks, it truly felt as if joy had departed our lives for good.

If Chiquito truly was an angel, then what was his message? He taught us many crucial lessons, such as the importance of play and loyalty, but I believe his message was that love is the most valuable gift of all. We will never forget these teachings, brought to us by an angel of love in the form of a cat. And Chiquito will forever stay alive in my memory, stretched out asleep on the back porch of our cottage.

Chiquito and Rubi became the best of friends and spent a lot of time together.

a catnap. When we went to the cottage, they refused to be separated and would only be calmed if transported together in the same carrier.

An angel is usually a messenger from a higher spirit. Chiquito’s soft and loving nature let us open our hearts to love more than we ever thought possible. He was our constant companion, sitting on our laps while we watched television or on the counter when we prepared dinner. He would wait in the bathroom while Gio took his morning shower and then accompany him

needed help. Any time we had a bad day, Chiquito would cheer us up with his playful antics and comforting presence.

A short life Last year, while on vacation, we received the devastating news that Chiquito had suddenly passed away.

The vet said it was likely his heart simply stopped beating as a result of the murmur. Gio and I were crushed. He was only four years old.

Nothing could comfort us. On our first car trip after Chiquito’s passing, animal wellness

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Dust in the wind You probably won’t hear about valley fever on the nightly news, but depending where you live or travel it’s something you should know about.

by Alice Mees

I

n 2006, my dogs Shadow, Dasher and I moved from Maryland to southern California for a year. During our six-day drive across the country, we stopped at every possible park along the way. We also drove through the dry dusty land of the southwest, a place of tumbleweed, cactus and blinding windstorms.

When we arrived in California, Shadow was coughing so hard she was gagging. I took her to an emergency veterinary clinic, where it was suspected she had a fungal infection in her lungs. Only a handful of fungal infections are found in dogs: blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, aspergillosis and dandidiasis. Shadow’s symptoms exactly fit one of these – coccidioidiomycosis, otherwise known as valley fever, named for its discovery in the San Joaquin Valley of California.

because physicians and vets may not be familiar with it.

Clinical signs include fever, meningitis, loss of appetite, lethargy, bone and joint pain, and difficulty breathing.

Depending on the symptoms, it may be confused with lung cancer, tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic fatigue syndrome and other chronic lung diseases. The coccidioides fungus commonly disseminates to the bones as well as other organs such as the liver, heart, kidneys and brain.

Shadow’s story

What is it?

Anyone who has spent any time in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, southern Nevada, much of California or the northern Mexican states needs to know about valley fever. It’s caused by the fungus coccidioides, which is found in the soil of areas with low rainfall, high summer temperatures and moderate winter temperatures. The fungal spores become airborne when the soil is disturbed by wind, construction, farming and other activities, including digging. Infection occurs in humans and other mammals when the spores are inhaled.

Valley fever is not contagious, but it can’t be cured and may become a chronic illness. It can be fatal if left untreated or caught too late. Over 400,000 cases occur every year in the southwestern States. It’s often misdiagnosed

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Shadow in happier days, playing at Carmel Beach.

Shadow’s symptoms included fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, bone and joint pain, pain in her neck and head

Minimizing risk If you live in an area where valley fever is an issue, here are some common sense suggestions to minimize your chances of infection: •Stay inside during dust storms and keep doors and windows closed. Be sure to keep your animal indoors too.

•Keep car windows closed when driving on unpaved roads. (meningitis), masses in her lungs, masses the size of marbles in her heart, lumps in her liver, and possible masses in her kidneys. Although the vet initially suspected valley fever, he refused to believe Shadow had it because her blood titers were repeatedly negative for the infection.

Blood titer tests for valley fever are not always positive; if the body is not producing antibodies for an organism, the test will not show an infection.

Title photo: ©Erickn | Dreamstime.com, Top right: ©Terex | Dreamstime.com (page 87).

Over the next three months, I watched my happy, active border collie/Lab mix become critically ill.

In desperation, I located and contacted the Valley Fever Center for Excellence (vfce.arizona.edu), which is affiliated with the University of Arizona Medical Center in Tucson.

The center’s veterinarian urged me to start Shadow on antifungal medication, which would either improve her symptoms or not within a matter of days. (Shadow’s condition was one of those acute and serious cases where a conventional medication was needed to deal quickly with the illness and its symptoms.)

I had a stand-off with the first vet, but would not leave without the antifungal medication. Five days after starting it, Shadow seemed better. I quickly found a new vet who would join me in returning Shadow to health. Over the next three months, her appetite, energy, volume and personality came back. Even more dramatically, the masses disappeared from her heart, lungs and kidneys, although her liver was still inflamed.

Unfortunately, Shadow died a few months later of possible cancer in her liver. Was it caused by the valley fever? We don’t know for sure, but since then, I’ve learned everything I can about this disease. You should too.

•Dust your home regularly with a damp mop or cloth.

•Wet soil before digging in your yard.

•Don’t let your dog or cat dig holes – if you have an outdoor cat, provide him with a litter box in the house so he’ll be encouraged to go to the bathroom there.

•Stay away from dusty agricultural fields

and construction sites.

•Keep your immune system, and your animal’s, strong with a high quality diet and purified water, supplements, minimal vaccines, regular exercise, and reduced stress.

Strong immunity will also help keep symptoms milder if you or your animal do get infected. animal wellness

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Pest control, naturally The winning ingredient is organic cedar oil.

by Charlotte Walker

E

ver wonder why the traditional cedar chest is made of cedar? It’s because this aromatic wood is so good at keeping moths, silverfish and other pests at bay. It’s also excellent for controlling flea and ticks on dogs and cats, says Robert Amarine, owner of Cedar Oil Industries, a company that offers a wide range of safe, organic cedar oil-based products for everything from head lice and mosquitoes to fleas and ticks.

Based in San Antonio, Texas, Cedar Oil Industries was the brainchild of Dave Glassel and Dr. Ben Oldag, who started making natural pest control products about eight years ago and began marketing them to the public in 2008. The two were motivated by a desire to introduce people to safe, organic alternatives to pesticides.

“We’re dedicated to protecting animals, children and their families from the serious health consequences of pesticides,” says Robert. “We work to reduce pesticide use and promote safe, effective all-organic alternatives.”

control agent wherever the water is distributed to make that entire area pest free.

“We use Juniperus Virginiana which mimics the cedars of Lebanon, unlike other cedars,” he adds. “It is all natural and has been used for more than 1,000 years for insects.

Our products, unlike traditional chemical solutions, do not affect honey bees, butterflies, toads and other beneficial insects and animals. Nor do they affect the aquatic life of our waterways and soil.”

This is good news for anyone wanting an effective, earth-friendly alternative to chemical sprays, spotons and pesticides. “Studies show that less than 1% of pesticides actually reach the intended target – the remainder has many unintended recipients including animals, people and wildlife – and insects have developed a resistance to chemicals.

“Our cedar oil products do not enter the bloodstream,” Robert adds. And unlike many other natural flea control products, they don’t just repel pests. “Cedar oil is one of the only known substances that will kill flea eggs and larvae. The oil dehydrates them, eliminating the second generation of insects. Steroid treatments or other medications are no longer required.”

The products were an instant success and the company now has approximately 300 dealers throughout the U.S. and 30 more in other countries including Canada. The company’s line includes Nature’s Defender cedar oil spray for dogs and cats, and Indoor and In/Outdoor Eradication Kits, which include sprays, concentrates and repellent granules to remove fleas from the environment as well as the animal. The Pestigator is one of the company’s trademark products. “It’s a water injection pump that runs from a new or existing Robert is dedicated to promoting non-toxic irrigation system,” explains Robert. organic pest control options.

“It delivers cedar oil formulated insect

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Today’s savvy consumers look for products that go the extra mile, and Cedar Oil Industries lives up to that expectation. The company goes far beyond basic pest control to encompass human and animal health, the natural environment and our wildlife. What could be better?

Book reviews

For aches, pains, healings, circulation and just good ol’ feeling better.

Title: Reaching

the Animal Mind Author: Karen Pryor Based on operant conditioning and non-punitive training, clicker training has become a standby for thousands of people who want to teach their dogs (and cats!) new habits. Now you can learn everything you need to know about this simple but effective technique in Reaching the Animal Mind by Karen Pryor, the founder and leading proponent of clicker training.

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Karen draws on her 30-plus years of experience as an animal trainer to present a comprehensive and fascinating explanation of clicker training and how it works.

Through science, stories and expert advice, she’ll show you how to successfully clicker train your own animal. You’ll master basic commands such as sit and stay, as well as fun activities like training your cat to give you a high-five or your dog to find your car keys.

Written by a pioneer of positive reward-based training, Reaching the Animal Mind is a valuable and inspiring read for any animal lover.

Find out why your best pal needs one.

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Soggy Dog Title: Holistic

Pet Care Author: Jeff Coltenback

If you don’t know a lot about holistic health care for dogs, you might feel a bit daunted at first. Jeff Coltenback can help get you on the right track. A long-time trainer and co-founder of Paradise Pet, Inc., Jess is also the creator of Holistic Pet Care – Canine Series, an informative DVD that gives you the advice and direction you need to care for your dog more naturally.

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Much of the program is devoted to the importance of a healthy diet. Joined by veterinarians and other experts, Jeff talks about the drawbacks of commercial foods and why your canine’s well being is so dependent on high quality nutrition. He also provides tips on grooming, exercise and natural rearing.

The material is clearly presented and easy to understand, making this DVD an ideal springboard for anyone who wants to learn more about how a holistic approach can help their canine companions.

Publisher: Holistic Pet Care DVD, holisticpetcaredvd.com

Ask for Soggy Dog at your local pet store 604-833-4907

www.soggydog.ca animal wellness

89

Book reviews Title: Author:

Memoirs of a Bathtub Psychic Bethanne Elion

When she was just a toddler, Bethanne Elion discovered she had a very unusual gift. She could step “inside” the skin of other people to feel and experience their emotions and memories. In Memoirs of a Bathtub Psychic, she recounts her early negative experiences as a child psychic, and how the tragic death of her Newfoundland dog, Sophie, opened the door to holistic healing and led her to an acceptance of her natural gifts, which seem to become especially powerful when she’s soaking in the tub.

An animal communicator and nutrition consultant as well as a psychic medium, Bethanne uses her abilities to help clients ranging from organic dairy farms to ill and recovering dogs and animals with behavioral issues.

If you’ve ever been skeptical about psychic abilities, this book will help put your doubts to rest. Bethanne writes about her amazing experiences with wit, honesty and eloquence, making Memoirs of a Bathtub Psychic very hard to put down.

Publisher: Langdon Street Press

Title: The

Safe Dog Handbook Author: Melanie Monteiro Dogs are a lot like small children – they’re curious and active and easily get into scrapes. The Safe Dog Handbook helps you keep your dog from getting injured or ill by teaching you how to create a safe home and outdoor environment for him.

Written by author Melanie Monteiro, who is also certified in canine nutrition and animal first aid, this beautifully-illustrated guide covers a wide range of hazards and shows you how to protect your four-legged friend. It includes dog- and puppyproofing basics, travel tips, pool safety, and how to protect your dog during hot or cold weather. There’s also a toxic plant list and an emergency first aid guide for a range of situations, such as vomiting, bleeding, burns, choking, poisoning and fractures.

You may think your home and garden are safe, but accidents can sometimes arise in the most sudden and unexpected ways. The Safe Dog Handbook will help ensure this doesn’t happen, and that your dog stays safe and healthy.

Publisher: Quarry Books

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Events August 1-2 – McLean, VA Traveler’s Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary Animal Reiki Level two Workshop This class is for people who have completed Level I Reiki. In this class you will continue on your healing path with Reiki and continue your work with animals. The focus of this class is on more advanced meditations and Reiki practices. This course is unique because we focus on both humans and animals.

For more information: Janet Dobbs, 703-648-1866, janet@animalparadisecommunication.com animalparadisecommunication.com August 22 – Toronto, ON Introduction to Animal Communication with Sue Becker, Animal Communicator/ Consultant. This course looks at our animal friends on many levels. How do they perceive their world - and us? How can we reach a deeper and richer level of communication with our animals, increasing our understanding and theirs as well? This workshop touches on body language and calming signals then moves into the realm of telepathy - it will take your relationship with your animals friends to a new level. An excellent preparation for any Level 1 Communication Workshop.

For more information: Sue Becker, 519-896-2600, suebecker@cyg.net September 12-13 – Kitchener, ON Animal Communication Level 1 Learn how to communicate with animals.

In this powerful workshop, you will learn the essentials of how to get in touch with your animal friends telepathically, discover blocks to communication and learn what levels of communication are possible. Increase your awareness and understanding of animals through exercises and meditations. Learn to quietly focus your mind and practice allowing yourself to be open to animals’ messages and viewpoints through thoughts, images, impressions and much more...

For more information: Sue Becker, 519-896-2600, suebecker@cyg.net Thursday evenings (6 weeks), beginning September 17 Internationally available teleclass SH102: Level 1 Shamanic Animal Healing Instructor: Carla Meeske 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 animalspiritnetwork.com/calendar/month.ph Tuesday evenings (6 weeks), beginning September 22 Internationally available teleclass AC102: Level 1 Animal Communication Instructor: Kristin Thompson This 6-week long teleclass is an opportunity to open yourself to the wonderful and insightful world of communicating with animals.

•Broaden your awareness of animals and their ideas, feelings, thoughts, and viewpoints.

•Learn the foundation skills to telepathic communication with animals and how to access those skills.

•Experience exercises to open your intuitive channels to send and receive messages with animals, both in your presence and across distance.

•Become aware of potential barriers to interspecies telepathic communication that may come up for you and discover ways to move beyond those hurdles.

•Enjoy expanded exercises while sharing experiences with others during the 6-week teleclass and receive mutual support between phone sessions in a dedicated e-mail community of like-minded classmates.

•Practice and deepen these new skills and integrate them into your life with animals.

For more information: Carol Schultz, 815-531-2850 carol@animalspiritnetwork.com, animalspiritnetwork.com/calendar/month.php Tuesday evenings (5 weeks), beginning September 29 Internationally available teleclass AR102: Level 1 Animal Reiki Instructors: Linda Epstein and Mary Butler Reiki is both powerful and gentle and can be

used as an aid in promoting the natural healing process of all living beings. Animals are very open to the healing energy of Reiki, which can be used alone or as a complementary therapy along with traditional Western and veterinary medicine.

These classes will teach you the basic concepts of working with energy. You will learn to perform exercises that will awaken you to your own electromagnetic force field.

You will learn to tap into your consciousness, imagination, and intention to guide energy flow and transformation. These simple exercises focus on body awareness that will build your confidence and help you to stimulate and develop your capabilities of channeling energy to yourself and others.

For more information: Carol Schultz, 815-531-2850, carol@animalspiritnetwork.com, animalspiritnetwork.com/calendar/month.php October 10-11 – McLean, VA Traveler’s Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary 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.

For more information: Janet Dobbs, 703-648-1866, janet@animalparadisecommunication.com animalparadisecommunication.com October 23-25 – Las Vegas, NV No More Homeless Pets National Conference Back for the second year in a row! This year, as Best Friends celebrates its 25th anniversary, join the founders as they remember the journey of starting the sanctuary to becoming leaders in the grassroots animal welfare movement. Get the latest information and be inspired by the experts on lifesaving programs and campaigns. Whether you’re an individual, or with a rescue group or shelter, don’t miss this opportunity to discover the tools you’ll need to create a time with No More Homeless Pets.

For more information on this conference, please visit our website nomorehomelesspetsconference.org, 435-644-2001, conferences@bestfriends.org

Post your event online at: animalwellnessmagazine.com/events 96

animal wellness

Classifieds

Animal Communicators

Books & Publications

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. animalenergy.com, lynn@ animalenergy.com, (214) 615-6506, Ext. 8642.

DOGWISE KNOWS DOG BOOKS AND DOG PEOPLE! – Thousands of dog books and videos online at dogwise.com or (800)776-2665

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 angelwhispurr@gmail.com ark-angels.org LOVING ANIMAL COMMUNICATION – Provides assistance and guidance with Health Issues, Training, End of Life Decisions, Lost Animals, Animals in Spirit, or Personal Messages just for you. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Contact Morgine Today: 360-247-7284. Pacific morgine@wildblue.net TheAnimalTranslator.com SUE BECKER – Interspecies Communication, Registered Practitioner of Tellington TTouch and Bach Flower Remedies. Resolve problems and stress, improve behavior, deepen understanding and your relationship. Emotional healing Consultations by phone/in person, lectures, workshops.

Call (519) 896-2600 suebecker@cyg.net

ANIMALS AND THE AFTERLIFE: TRUE STORIES – This book is a helpful resource and a comforting gift for anyone grieving the loss of a beloved pet.

At AnimalsAndTheAfterlife.com or call 1-800-654-5126

Business Opportunities PET LOVERS WANTED – Join a team of home based business owners. Great tax deductions. Earn $700-3,000/mo. very part time. Not sales. Do what you already do. Call Michelle at (561) 702-5459. oxyfreshww.com/michelle/

Dog Walking/Pet Sitting HOME ALONE PROFESSIONAL PET CARE – Toronto dog walking & cat sitting, customized for your furry friend and to fit your busy lifestyle.

Central & south-west Toronto. homealonepets.ca (416)504-4310. Vet referred, customer preferred.

Events NO MORE HOMELESS PETS NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2009 – Presented by Best Friends Animal Society. Join us October 23-25 in Las Vegas, for the only conference that’s focused on grassroots animal welfare! For more information and to register, please visit nomorehomelesspetsconference.org or call (435)-644-2001 ext 4478. See you there!

Flea Control

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) 6481866 or animalparadisecommunication.com

3 STEP NATURAL FLEA CONTROL APPROACH: indoor, outdoor, pets. Comprehensive, well researched, professionally written ebook shows you how to keep your family and pets flea free without using toxic commercial pesticides.

FleaControlBook.com

SHIRLEY SCOTT – Internationally known Animal Communicator & Clairvoyant connects with your pets here or in spirit. She reads emotional/behavior/ health problems, provides classes & workshops in animal communication & training. animaltalkhealing.com (509) 526-5020

FRESH HOMEMADE JERKY’S – Doggie’s Unlimited offer’s three fresh jerky’s for your pets. Paw “lickin” Good Beef Jerky, Caymus’s Chicken Jerky and Jayden’s Turkey Jerky. All made with fresh meat and six vegetables. Made fresh and shipped same day to insure freshness. Visit us at: doggies-unlimited.com

DEANNA’S ANIMAL COMMUNICATION – An intuitive, heart-centered and practical approach.

Consultations available for living and in-spirit animals. Learn more about Deanna, her work and her love for animals. Visit talks2animals.com.

617.823.1783

Animal Health BIONETIC BODY SCAN FOR PEOPLE & PETS – Non-invasive scan for over 10,000 substances using hair or fur sample: allergies, parasites, chemicals, metabolism, vitamin deficiencies, emotions, etc. IntegratedAnimalTherapy.com.

239-560-6667. Return to balance for the love of your pet!

BEST WOOFWOOF WELLNESS EDUCATOR – WELCOME! You want to provide the best natural care for your dog(s). We guide you to create a safe, healthy home, teaching you to use nutrition, flower remedies, energy balancing for your best friend’s well- being. (416) 783-3379 or bestwoofwoof@eol.ca GENEFLORA FOR PETS – Naturally Building Your Pet’s Health With Every Scoop.

Recommended by Veterinarians, Groomers, Breeders and Animal Lovers Just Like You! Cycles-of-Life.com or call: 800-498-6640.

Food & Treats

EVOLUTION DIET PET FOODS; ERIC WEISMAN, DOCTOR OF HEALTH SCIENCE CONSULTING SERVICES 20th Year. Support our Totally No-Kill Pet Rescue: Purchase Evolution Diet. Virtually Only Pet Food NOT USING ANY Factory Animal Slave Farm Ingredients, Steroid Growth Hormones, Antibiotics, Chicken Meal – Fish Meal, Documented Healthy Dogs 19+ Human Years, Cats 22+. evolutiondietpetfood.com. U.S. 1-800-659-0104; CANADA 1-888-683-7387 BOSTON BAKED BONZ – A wonderfully simple way to send gifts and treats to all the dogs you love! Shop online from the comfort of your home and support local artists, organic farmers, and American businesses! Healthy, inspired gifts for dogs everywhere! At bbbonz.com or call: 781-752-4040

Gifts SHOP FOR DOG LOVER GIFT IDEAS – Including breed specific dog gifts including labrador retriever, bulldog, and dalmation!

Shop for gifts for dogs and owners at Dog Lover Headquarters. dogloverheadquarters.com

Healing Essences PETS HAVE EMOTIONS TOO! – Canadian Forest Tree Essences offers Vibrational Tree

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Essences for cats, dogs, horses, alpacas and other animals... Available for vets, animal communicators, retailers and individuals.

Web: essences.ca, Email: cfte@essences.ca, Tel. 888-410-4325.

Holistic Veterinarians EAST YORK ANIMAL CLINIC – A variety of holistic healing services are available to our patients, including: Homeopathy, Hair Analysis, Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chiropractic, Computerized Organ Stress Immune Testing, Acupuncture, Therapeutic Nutrition, Reiki and Bach Flower Remedies. Dr. Paul McCutcheon (416)757-3569 Fax (416)285-7483 eyac@ca.inter.net holisticpetvet.com ESSEX ANIMAL HOSPITAL, REHAB & K-9 FITNESS CENTRE – Dr. Janice Huntingford, Dr. Glen Porteous, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Conventional and Alternative Medicine and Surgery. Herbal Therapies and Holistic Medicine, Pet Massage, Physio, Therapy Pool, Underwater Treadmill and Rehab Therapy.

Phone consultations available. 519-776-7325 Essex ON. essexanimalclinic@cogeco.net essexanimalhospital.ca GUELPH ANIMAL HOSPITAL – Offers a full range of conventional veterinary services as well as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, herbal and nutritional. Dr. Rob Butler is certified in veterinary acupuncture and is also trained in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. By integrating conventional and complementary therapies, treatments can be tailored to the individual needs and preferences of the animal and client. Guelph Animal Hospital (519) 836-2782 guelphvet.com NEWKIRK FAMILY VETERINARIANS (FORMERLY MARGATE ANIMAL HOSPITAL) AND ALTERNATIVE CARE CENTER – Dr. Mark Newkirk, Chiropractic, Aquapuncture, Herbal, Homeopathic, Metabolic Nutritional Analysis, Ozone Treatments, Laser Pain Therapy, Bach Flower therapy, Applied Kinesiology, NAET (allergy elimination), Nutritional Supplement programs based on your own pets’ blood tests, Alternative Cancer Therapies. Phone consultations. alternativevet.com email: mnewk@aol.com phone: (609) 823-3031 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. (905)830-1030 Newmarket, ON holistic-vet.ca

Paw Protection TAMMY AND TEDDY’S BOOTIES AND MORE – Custom made boots for healthy and special needs dogs. Highest quality available. Fit guaranteed. Hand crafted in the USA. tammyandteddys.com Phone number 860-749-6552.

and many more resources. For more information visit: animalreikisource.com

FOR THE LUV OF ANIMALS REIKI – Peace Wellness Unconditional Luv. We come to You. All animals large or small. Call: Cindy (540) 687-5698/(703) 507-4648 wlfthor@aol.com

Rescues & Shelters ROMANIAN SHELTERS – 450 animals need your support for food, sterilization! Please help tails to wag! Visit our website rolda.org for updates. ROLDA 501-(c)-3 charity in USA, EIN: 32-0176929.

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) companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com 847-782-5725 (fax) LEARN TO HELP YOUR DOG – Establish balance and wellness with PetMassage.

Hands-on canine massage workshops and home study for adults. Support your dogs at the end of their lives with “Transitions: PetMassage Energy Work for the Aging & Dying Dog”. Children learn K9 massage, body language, safety with new “Dogs Kids PetMassage” book, DVD. 800-779-1001 petmassage.com ANIMAL HEALING ARTS TRAINING & CERTIFICATE STUDY PROGRAMS – Animal Spirit Healing & Education® 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 AnimalSpiritNetwork.com or contact Founder, Carol Schultz, 815-531-2850, info@animalspiritnetwork.com CANINE 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. CE courses offered: advanced massage, MFR, CST, acupressure, anatomy, and more. USA and worldwide. NCBTMB approved. Selection of courses AAEP and RACE approved for CEH. Visit: equinology.com and caninology.com Write: office@equinology. com or call (707) 884-9963 INTERNATIONAL ASSN. OF ANIMAL MASSAGE & BODYWORK – IAAMB.org Professional association supports, networks and promotes complementary care for animals through continuing education, website, referrals, newsletters, insurance, conferences, lobbying and credentialing. Welcome practitioners of animal massage and bodywork. 1-800-903-9350

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animal wellness

97

Tail end

Night visitor

By Shelley Graves

I

moved recently, and to celebrate I purchased a beautiful palm tree for my new living room. As soon as I returned home, I unwrapped the cellophane from around the pot, gave the tree some water, and placed it in a corner of the room.

My Chihuahua/terrier mix, Winnie, had always been a good dog, so I was a bit dismayed when twice I returned home from my night shift job to find dirt spread around the pot and in her water dish. Hmm, I thought, after digging in the dirt she must have needed a drink. Both times, I showed Winnie the mess by the pot and told her in a firm voice: “No!” She walked away pouting with what I thought was a guilty look on her face.

On the third night, I was reading in bed with Winnie lying next to me. When I decided I was tired and it was time to go to sleep, I kissed her goodnight, gave her her nightly belly rub, and turned off the light.

Normally, it would be a contest of who’d be snoring first, her or me. But on this particular night, Winnie was strangely wound up, running around the perimeter of the bed and looking at the floor. I couldn’t figure out what had her so upset.

Could she hear coyotes in the distance?

I finally grabbed her and made her lie down beside me, but I could tell she was wide awake.

I was lying there trying to get to sleep when I heard the pages of a magazine next to my bed rustle. Oh, my God... what was in my bedroom? A snake? A rat or mouse? How was I going to catch it? Winnie was as excited as I was when I flicked on the light and jumped out of bed. In my panicked state, I grabbed her off the bed so she wouldn’t get bitten by whatever type of unwelcome visitor was in our room.

I peered around the corner of the bed and there it was.

The biggest toad I have ever seen. Although I’m not an expert on toad facial expressions, I think he felt as panicked as I did. I managed to put Winnie in the bathroom, grabbed a broom, and encouraged Mr. Toad to hop outside.

Suddenly, everything made sense. Winnie wasn’t digging in the pot when Mommy was at work. It was Mr. Toad, jumping out of the palm pot to go for a nice little moonlight swim in my dog’s water bowl. He was probably having a midnight snack of dog food too!

I apologized to Winnie for not understanding that we had a stranger in our bedroom. For several nights afterward, we would hear Mr. Toad croaking in the field behind our home, and I swear Winnie had a “I told you so!” look on her face. I’ve assured her I’ll never doubt her again.

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

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