V11I5 (Oct/Nov 2009)

ANIMAL WELLNESS

OctOber/nOVember 2009

AnimalWELLNESS For a long, healthy life!

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SIZE DOESN’T

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MATTER Check out the best

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STYLE

GPS AND

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Trendy crates, carriers and strollers

The dangers of stray

APARTMENT

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HUNTING?

Find out how to avoid it

How to find an animal friendly pad

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Contents October/November 2009

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features 20 Don’t get zapped

If you live in an urban area, be aware that stray voltage can pose a danger to you and your companion.

24 Going hairy?

Shedding can be a year-round problem.

You’ll probably never have a completely fur-free home, but these four solutions mean he’ll shed a lot less.

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28 Size doesn’t matter

The best dogs for city living don’t have to be small. Temperament and exercise requirements are the top criteria.

32 Brain games

78 Think you have a cover canine?

For growing puppies and kittens, mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise. Explore six ways to help your young companion reach her full potential.

Losing your companion can be one of the most unnerving experiences you’ll ever face.

Equipping him with a microchip or GPS will help ensure he gets back to you safely.

37 New breed of dog park

68 Under the table

80 Trick or treat!

There’s no reason you can’t share some table scraps with your companion. The key is to give her only healthy choices. Here’s what’s good for her – and what’s not.

47 Moving on up

Halloween means costumes, candy and a busy doorbell. It might be fun for us, but it can be a scary experience for your animal. Here’s how to keep him safe and stress-free.

74 Style to go

86 Cutting edge

Today’s facilities go out of their way to cater to the needs and enjoyment of both canine and human visitors.

It’s getting a little easier to find animal friendly apartments, but you still need to do some legwork to land the best possible place for you and your companion.

54 Safe in the city

From heavy traffic to high rise balconies, urban life presents its own safety and health risks. These five suggestions can help protect your dog or cat from harm.

64 Follow that dog!

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Want him to travel in comfort and fashion? Check out the latest in carriers, crates and strollers for dogs and cats.

76 Focus on probiotics

This father and son company takes pride in formulating all-natural nutritional supplements for digestive health.

Enter our Cover Dog Photo and Story Contest and you could win!

Your dog or cat has access to medical therapies and technologies that were unheard of not long ago. Here are four advances in veterinary care that have made the news in recent years.

88 Mercy’s legacy

Helping dogs and cats live long, happy lives is the motivation behind this innovative dental product.

24 COLUMNS 12 Yakkity yak 40 Dr. Martin Goldstein 44

Communication

62

Warm & fuzzy

32

84 Passages 89

Book reviews

98

The tail end

DEPARTMENTS 8

80

Editorial

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Mail bag

31

Product picks

58

Wellness resource guide

72

The scoop

91

Ad spots

96

Events calendar

97

Classifieds

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ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY:

Marilyn Volan Although size doesn’t really matter when it comes to urban dogs (see page 28 for more), small terriers like this one are ideally suited to city life. Their exercise requirements are moderate, and they’re easy to take places, whether on a leash or in a fashionable carrier. This little one is enjoying the last of the warm weather before fall sets in.

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EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Managing Editor: Ann Brightman Senior Graphic Designer: Meaghan McGowan Graphic Design Intern: Deanna Hall Cover Photography: Marilyn Volan Tail End Illustration: Leanne Rosborough COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sue Becker Luise Bolleber Carole Raphaelle Davis Nick DeMarino Martin Goldstein, DVM Suzanne Hetts, PhD, CAAB Sara Jackson Gail MacMillan Shawn Messonnier, DVM Sandra Murphy Barbara Nefer Juniper Russo Tarascio Sarah Schaffner Shirley Scott Debbie Swanson Charlotte Walker

for the 3rd year

disease prevention natural diets and nutrition natural health care

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Animal Wellness Magazine (ISSN 1710-1190) is published six times a year by Redstone Media Group Inc. Publications Mail Agreement #40884047. Entire contents copyright© 2009. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Publication date: September 2009.

IMPROVING THE LIVES OF ANIMALS...

ONE READER AT A TIME.

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EDITORIAL URBAN

FLAIR W

hen a friend of mine left the area last year to take a job in Toronto, her shepherd mix Morse went with her. Julie later told me that moving from a bungalow with a backyard to an apartment with a small balcony was a challenge for both of them. It was especially difficult for Morse, who found the high rise environment constricting.

He was used to being let out the back door to play in a grassy tree-filled yard, and couldn’t understand why he was no longer allowed to go anywhere without a leash. He didn’t like the elevator and the incessant traffic noise upset him.

Julie seriously considered finding another home for Morse in the country. Then she spoke to a co-worker who’d been through the same thing a few years earlier with his own dog. He gave her some tips to help Morse adapt, which included taking him to a local dog park where he’d have some space and freedom, and training him to more calmly accept traffic, crowds and noise. It took awhile, but it worked. Morse is now happy and contented, loves visiting his canine friends at the dog park, and has come to enjoy all the sights, sounds and people that characterize urban life.

As Julie discovered, city living requires some flexibility and adaptation, especially if you have dogs or cats. In this issue, we celebrate urban animals and take a look at their lifestyle and needs. Check out our articles on the top

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breeds for city living, and dog parks that offer something extra to their canine and human visitors. There are tips on keeping your animal safe in the city, and advice on stray voltage, an insidious danger lurking under some urban sidewalks. We offer guidance for finding animalfriendly rental accommodation, and present the latest in trendy carriers and strollers as well as the benefits of microchipping and GPS systems for dogs.

And there’s more. Does your dog or cat shed excessively?

We have the answers in this edition. You’ll also find ways to keep your puppy or kitten mentally stimulated, and get ready for the holidays with some suggestions for Halloween safety, and tips on the best (and worst) Thanksgiving table scraps for dogs and cats.

Enjoy a healthy autumn!

Ann Brightman Managing Editor

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1. Dr. Suzanne Hetts, PhD, is a certified applied animal behaviorist who with her behaviorist husband Dan Estep, PhD, helps cat people and professionals through their website HelpingKitty. com. Check out her article on page 32 and learn how to use mental stimulation to enhance your puppy or kitten’s development.

2. Veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier authored the 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 the pet care expert for Martha Stewart Living’s “Dr. Shawn – The Natural Vet” on Sirius Satellite Radio, and the creator of Dr. Shawn’s Pet Organics.

His practice, Paws & Claws Animal Hospital (petcarenaturally.com), is in Plano, Texas.

In this issue (page 86), he writes about major advances in veterinary care and technology.

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3. Sue Becker is an animal communicator, a registered practitioner for Bach Flower Remedies and Tellington TTouch, and does intuitive distance healing.

She has helped thousands of animals and their people worldwide and receives numerous veterinarian referrals. Sue teaches for organizations at animal-related events and also through private consultations, workshops, telecourses for longdistance learning, articles and individual mentoring.

On page 44, she explains how your animal’s name can affect his attitude and behavior.

4. Carole Raphaelle Davis is the author of The Diary of Jinky, Dog of a Hollywood Wife and the West Coast Director of the Companion Animal Protection Society.

She is also an investigative reporter and is currently working on a new book about a group of women who took

on the puppy mill industry.

She lives with her husband and four rescued dogs in Los Angeles and Nice, France. Turn to page 20 for her article on stray voltage, a little-known danger lurking under many urban sidewalks.

7. Barbara Nefer is an animal lover and freelance writer living in Celebration, Florida.

She shares her life with three cats, two horses, and a Quaker parrot. In this issue, she writes about the best dogs for city living (page 28).

5. 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 54, she shows you how to keep your companion safe in a city environment.

8. Sara Jackson lives on a 12-acre farm in American Canyon, just outside the Napa 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 and has 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, is available through Amazon. (sarajacksonwriter. com). Turn to page 84 for Sara’s article on cremation keepsakes for animals.

6. Nick DeMarino is a freelance writer in Ashtabula, Ohio. His feline companion Basti can sit, shake hands, and edit articles on command. She prefers to eat tuna and sleep in sunbeams. Their shared writing interests include kitty cats and death metal. See page 47 for Nick’s tips on finding animal-friendly apartments.

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9. Juniper Russo Tarascio is a freelance writer and natural health consultant with a passion for natural living. She writes articles, guides and essays for multiple online and print-based publications.

Juniper lives in the southern U.S. with her husband, daughter and two cats. For her article on the best and worst table scraps for animals, turn to page 68.

10. Sarah Schaffner is a freelance writer and editor.

She and her husband, Jeff, own Luv My Pet Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Service in Baltimore, Maryland, where they live with their son, Avery, and three dogs Auggie, Bandit and Spot. On page 37, Sarah visits some dog parks that go the extra mile for their visitors.

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11. Shirley Scott is an animal communicator and clairvoyant in Walla Walla, Washington, and will soon be opening The Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue Ranch. To learn more, visit animaltalkhealing.com or animalrescueranch.com. In this issue, she helps you and your companion get ready for Halloween with some safety tips (page 80).

Sandra Murphy lives in St Louis, Missouri. When she’s not writing, she works as a pet sitter. Read about the advantages of microchipping and GPS systems for dogs in her article on page 64.

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YAKKITY YAK DOGS OR CATS? Are you a dog or cat person? Which is easier on the wallet? According to industry research firm IBISWorld, the total average cost of raising a dog and cat for the full duration of their lives (an estimated 13 years) is $13,330 and $8,506 respectively. The study revealed that people spent more money on dog food than cat food over the lifetime of their animals, and that significantly more was spent on dogs for vet bills and miscellaneous items (toys, accessories, etc.).

GOING WILD Domestic and wild animals don’t usually mix. Veterinary Pet Insurance recently reviewed its 2008 laceration/bite wound claims for a list of the top ten wild critters that can attack dogs and cats:

1. Snake 2. Coyote 3. Raccoon 4. Squirrel 5. Scorpion 6. Javelina (peccaries) 7. Porcupine 8. Ground hog 9. Skunk 10. Rat

10% OF DOGS AND 18% OF CATS IN AMERICAN HOUSEHOLDS ARE ADOPTED FROM SHELTERS. – IBISWorld 12

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SPOT ON Commercial flea products such as spot-ons can adversely affect a dog or cat’s health. A few months ago, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it will intensify evaluation of topical spot-on pesticide products. The change was triggered by the Center for Public Integrity’s Perils of the New Pesticides project, which highlighted the dangers of these products. The project focused on an in-depth analysis of the EPA’s Pesticide Incident Data System, which contains a database of more than 90,000 pesticide exposure incidents from 1992 through 2007. publicintegrity.org/investigations/pesticides/articles

A BITE ON SAFETY Every year, 3.5 million children are bitten by dogs in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To address the problem, the American Humane Association has created KIDS: Kids Interacting with Dogs Safely, a unique dog bite prevention program designed for children ages seven and under.

Using games, activities, worksheets, songs, a coloring book and a DVD, the program teaches youngsters consideration for a dog’s feelings in certain situations, tapping into their instinctual sense of empathy in a way that’s easy for them to grasp. The goal is to reduce the number of dog-bite injuries and emotional scars affecting children; lower medical costs and insurance claims associated with dog bites; and decrease the number of dogs relinquished to shelters or euthanized for biting children. americanhumane.org/store

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YAKKITY YAK GREYHOUND GALA Actress Linda Blair was a special guest at Greyhound Friends of New Jersey’s 2nd Annual Greyhound Gala on August 22. The annual fundraising event also featured a buffet dinner, musical entertainment, a raffle and silent auction. Along with her acting career, Linda is also an animal rights activist who founded the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation, a California non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates abused, neglected and abandoned animals from the streets of Los Angeles as well as overcrowded city and county animal shelters in the area.

DISCRIMINATION IS COSTLY Breed discrimination is not only unfair to dogs, it’s also unfair to you. Legislation that targets pit bull-type dogs is an expensive waste of tax dollars, according to an economic study commissioned by Best Friends Animal Society.

Based on data from a variety of sources including the Federal government, the study estimates it would cost over $450 million to enforce a nationwide ban on pit bulls, which would include costs of enforcement, kenneling and veterinary care, euthanizing and disposal, litigation and DNA testing.

A new online Fiscal Impact Calculator that allows state and local governmental entities to calculate the true cost of implementing and enforcing breed discriminatory legislation will hopefully encourage lawmakers to think twice. guerrillaeconomics.biz/bestfriends

THE CANINE INFLUENZA VIRUS WAS FIRST REPORTED IN FLORIDA IN 2005.

– Texas A&M University

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A GOOD LIVING! Think being a pet sitter is just a casual or part-time job that yields minimal income? Think again! Pet Sitters International recently revealed that 11% of its members make $75,000 or more a year. Their secret?

According to Tammy Roussin, a PSI member who makes $100,000 annually through her professional pet sitting and dog walking service in St. Louis, the recipe for success includes hard work, a positive attitude, and a will to persevere. petsit.com

IF THE SHOE FITS Many poor regions of the world can’t afford the funds needed to spay and neuter stray and homeless animals. To help, the Zero Additional Pup-ulation Project (ZAPP) has started a new initiative to raise funds for spaying and neutering in San Felipe, Baja, where animal overpopulation is at crisis levels. Shoes for Spays takes donated, gently used men’s and women’s shoes, details them, and resells them out of their eBay Shoe Store to raise money. So far, the program has been very successful and has allowed San Felipe to spay and neuter more than 5,500 animals. sfzapp.com

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YAKKITY YAK HAIRY HEROES The Humane Society of the United States has announced the winners of its Second Annual Dogs of Valor Awards. These awards honor dogs who have heroically helped a person in need.

This year’s top Valor Dog is Baby, a great Dane who went for help when his 82-year-old guardian Elwood Cardon drove his SUV off a remote mountain road one night. It took ten hours for Baby to attract the attention of a local resident, but he bravely persevered, frequently returning to his trapped guardian to warm and comfort him.

HOMES FOR THE HOMELESS If you manage or volunteer for a shelter or rescue, you’ll be interested in Best Friends Animal Society’s No More Homeless Pets Conference in Las Vegas from October 23 to 25. Participants will have an opportunity to participate in presentations and panel discussions on a range of topics, from fighting puppy mills and saving community cats to planning successful adoption events, improving public relations, no-kill shelter management, fundraising and much more. bestfriends.org

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Runners up include Boo, a shepherd/bloodhound mix who barked for assistance when his guardian fell and injured his head on a slippery sidewalk; and Charley, a West Highland terrier who sensed when a neighbor three houses down fell off a ladder, barked and paced until his guardian took him out, and led her straight to the victim. humanesociety.org/dogsofvalor

Baby saved his guardian’s life after a serious SUV accident.

MAIL BAG Thank you for the article on crystal healing for animals in your June/July 09 issue. I have been using crystals and stones for a couple of years for personal healing, and am also reading books and taking a course in crystal therapy. At first, I was kind of skeptical, but the more I’ve learned, the more sense it makes. Certain stones seem to have a noticeable effect on my well being. Some help to ground and calm me, while others seem to make me feel kind of spacey.

Lynn McKenzie’s article inspired me to start using stones and crystals with my cats as well. They are even more tuned into them than I am!

My one cat seems to really be drawn to a piece of green calcite I keep on my dresser, while the other is attracted to clear quartz; his favorite sleeping spot is at the end of the sofa by the end table where I keep two large quartz points. And they both love being in the room where I keep most of my stones and crystals on display, as if they’re absorbing the healing energy as they nap!

Thanks again for a thought-provoking article!

Char Cumming via e-mail

Editor’s note: Congratulations on deciding to share the healing benefits of crystals with your feline friends! A lot of people think crystal healing is a New Age fad, but it’s actually an ancient modality. As you say, it makes good sense when you understand that crystals emit vibrational energies that can have a healing effect on the bodies of both people and animals.

Good news -- we’re now on Facebook! Just type in “Animal Wellness Magazine” to join our interactive community of animal lovers. You’ll find all kinds of tips, photos and fun videos, and we invite you to share your own images and stories with us, or start a discussion with your fellow readers. See you there! animal wellness

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MAIL BAG SPOT’S CHICKEN STEW 2½ pounds whole chicken ¼ cup chopped fresh garlic 1 cup green peas 1 cup coarsely chopped carrots ½ cup coarsely chopped sweet potato ½ cup coarsely chopped zucchini ½ cup coarsely chopped yellow squash ½ cup coarsely chopped green beans ½ cup coarsely chopped celery 1 tablespoon kelp powder 1 tablespoon dried rosemary 11 to 16 cups spring water For dogs only: add 8 ounces whole barley and 6 ounces rolled oats, and adjust water content to a total of 16 cups or enough to cover the ingredients. According to Halo veterinarian Dr. Donna Spector, cats require zero carbohydrate content, so this is an unnecessary addition for them.

Combine all ingredients in a ten-quart stainless steel stockpot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then turn down heat as low as possible and simmer for two hours (the carrots should be quite soft at the end of the cooking time). Remove from the heat, let cool, and debone the chicken. With an electric hand mixer, or using a food processor and working in batches, blend all the ingredients into a nice puree; the stew should be slightly thicker for dogs and soupier for cats. Using Ziploc bags or plastic yogurt containers, refrigerate what you’ll need for three days and freeze the rest.

Serving sizes vary depending on age, activity level, current health, weight and season. The average adult cat will eat roughly one cup a day. Dogs vary in size, so consult the table below. The amount shown should be split into at least two meals daily.

Dog’s Weight Total Daily Portion Up to 10 pounds 1 to 1½ cups 11 to 20 pounds 2 to 3 cups 21 to 40 pounds 4 cups For each additional 20 pounds, add 2 cups.

Editor’s note: If you’re like us here at the magazine, you enjoy celebrating special occasions with your dog or cat. Halo, Purely for Pets sent us this healthy Thanksgiving recipe to try. It was originally formulated when company founder Andi Brown was struggling with health issues and looking for something she could make in her own kitchen using grocery store ingredients (yes, people can eat it too). Happy Thanksgiving!

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I was really pleased to see your article “Step Dogs” (Aug/Sept 09). As someone who works at a shelter, I can fully concur with the OSPCA when they say that almost half of the dogs that end up in shelters are there because of changes in the family or household.

It breaks our hearts when someone comes in with a dog or cat they no longer want because they are moving in with a partner who doesn’t like animals, or because both people have animals and they don’t get along. Sometimes these people don’t make much effort to solve the problem before giving up their animals, so I really hope they read your article! It really hurts us to see the bewilderment and fear in the animals’ faces when their people turn away and walk out the door to their new life. These aren’t always young animals – some of them are seniors who have lived with their people for years. How can they just betray them and give them up like that?

The author made some excellent points in the article. I’ve made a copy of it and put it up on our bulletin board by the front desk for people to see, and intend to ask people if they’ve tired everything on the list before abandoning their animal. Thanks so much again.

Becky Kusio via email

Editor’s note: In today’s ever-changing society it’s often the animals that suffer most. We hope this article will help people – including those who visit your shelter! – to think twice before giving up their dog or cat when starting a new relationship or joining a new family.

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

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DON’T GET If you live in an urban area, be aware that stray voltage can pose a danger to you and your companion.

BY CAROLE RAPHAELLE DAVIS

L

ast summer, while visiting France, I was window shopping in Nice with my rescued Bichon Frisé, Lamby. I had stopped in front of a boutique to ogle a pair of sandals when my dog suddenly screamed in pain, went rigid and fell over on the ground shaking. I knew I hadn’t stepped on him and neither had anyone else. I checked for blood or any sign of injury and found nothing. For a full two minutes, my dog lay on the sidewalk while I frantically attempted to stabilize him. I thought he was having a seizure or heart attack.

I took him to the Clinique Vétérinaire where I learned he’d been electrocuted – he’d received a severe, high voltage electrical shock from walking on energized concrete on the sidewalk.

Incredulous, I listened to Dr. Chave explain how Lamby was lucky to have survived because, in this case, the voltage hadn’t been quite high enough to

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kill him. If he had been a smaller or older dog, the electrocution might have done him in. Two other dogs in Nice (both his patients) had been electrocuted to death at another location a few blocks away.

When I got home, I did some research and learned that Lamby didn’t suffer a freak accident – dogs all over the world, and people too, were getting zapped by stray voltage, a dangerous phenomenon lurking under urban sidewalks.

How does it happen?

Stray voltage occurs mostly in urban areas where there is a high concentration of people and equipment. Lamp posts, manhole covers, electrical plates, storm drains and even the concrete on the sidewalk can become energized by coming in contact with buried electrical distribution systems. The likelihood of a shock depends on the voltage and the conditions. Higher voltage means higher risk and wet conditions or salt used to melt ice increase the potential for a shock.

“In urban areas, the electric system is buried underground, and over time the insulation on the wires can be damaged by construction, digging and so forth,” explains Dave Kalokitis, the Chief Technology Officer of the Power Survey Company, a service company that does work for the utility industry performing stray voltage detection internationally.

“There can be corrosion from salt. Eventually these conductors come in contact with surfaces underfoot.

It’s an electrocution hazard so stepping on an energized surface can cause a shock or fatal shock.”

A sidewalk doesn’t have to be wet or look damaged to be a risk. “Concrete can conduct electricity,” says Dave. “If there’s something underneath the concrete, part of the electrical system that’s damaged and the insulation has failed, it passes current to the sidewalk. When the dog or cat makes contact with that, they get a shock.”

Stray voltage made the news in January 2004, when graduate student Jodie Lane was killed by an electrified metal plate while walking her dogs in New York City. She died trying to help her dogs, who survived the shock. The city’s utility company, Con Edison, was ordered to pay a settlement of $7.2 million to the Lane family, and had to spend $100 million in citywide detection toward reducing the risk of stray voltage. animal wellness

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HOW TO PROTECT YOUR COMPANION • Stray voltage shouldn’t be a danger when you have a responsible utility company that takes the issue seriously. Powerful and efficient detection service is available. If you suspect an area near you might be a dangerous energized surface, contact your utility company and demand action. Ask them what they’re doing to prevent stray voltage from electrocuting people and animals in your community.

Sidewalks or streets that have been disturbed by construction can increase the risk of stray voltage.

Dogs have also been electrocuted in Toronto, Boston, Chicago and other cities, but we unfortunately don’t have precise data about the incidence of these injuries and deaths. One reason is that people usually don’t know what happened so they don’t report it to the utility company. Another reason is that the utility company may not admit there’s a danger because it would mean allocating a budget, manpower and equipment to investigate. When I alerted the electrical company and City Hall in Nice, for example, officials dismissed my concerns.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR Many more dogs than people have been zapped partly because dogs are barefooted. A pair of dog boots does not provide complete protection because they can get water in them. Water conducts electricity, affecting the level of current that flows through the body, and can actually make a shock worse.

“A severe electric shock short circuits every organ and cell in the body,” explains veterinarian Dr. Emily Southward, who works in the intensive care unit of the Animal Surgical and Emergency Center in Los Angeles. “You can get organ damage.

You get cardiac arrhythmias after the shock – a whole body defibrillation and smaller animals will have more damage. The animal can have seizure-like symptoms. There can be pulmonary

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• Take a cue from your dog and notice if he avoids grates or certain sections of the sidewalk.

Some dogs just know, as in the case of my friend’s Yorkshire terrier. She routinely refuses to walk on electric grates. I’ve watched her jump over them, walk around them or scoot past them with a knowing look. Since Lamby’s incident, I’ve conducted an informal study and have witnessed a number of dogs avoiding metal plates or certain other spots on their walks.

• Avoid walking your dog over sidewalks or streets that have been disturbed by construction.

• Keep your dog away from salted areas.

• Visit a dog park or other green area where there are no sidewalks – being out in nature and away from traffic will help you enjoy your walks more!

• Help educate others, including your veterinarian. Direct them to the Power Survey Company website (powersurveyco.com), which offers a list of FAQs explaining stray voltage.

edema – fluid in the lungs. We look for black spots, a burn.

There’s always going to be an entrance and exit of where the current starts and ends. Exit marks can be anywhere on the body and are not visible on the footpad unless it was a very strong current.” Dr. Southward adds that some animals may seem all right after electrocution, only to have symptoms show up a few days later. “The stomach and the intestines are first to have damage in a dog – thus vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes bloody.”

WHAT’S BEING DONE?

Construction photo: © Mingwei | Dreamstime.com (top left page 22).

Before you start thinking you can never walk your dog on the sidewalk again, realize that efforts are underway to stop the danger of stray voltage in many urban areas. For example, testing and prevention programs implemented

by Con Edison have reduced stray voltage shocks in New York City by nearly 80% since 2004.

But there’s a long way to go yet. Some city utility companies still don’t believe there’s a problem, and many animal guardians and even veterinarians have never heard of the phenomenon of stray voltage. To help raise awareness on the latter front, the Power Survey Company will be working with the Companion Animal Protection Society to reach out to veterinary hospitals around the country and explain the risks.

My dog is pressuring me to move to the country, where the odds of getting electrocuted are much lower. But I’m a city girl, so having to live in the country would be a nasty shock for me. By taking precautions and alerting others to the issue, I’m doing what I can to keep Lamby and other urban canines safe. animal wellness

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Going

hairy?

Shedding can be a year-round issue.

You’ll probably never have a completely fur-free home, depending on your companion’s breed and coat, but these four solutions means he’ll shed a lot less.

by Ann Brightman

O

ne evening, I was at an exercise class when someone came up behind me and began brushing down the back of my dark blue T-shirt. “You have a kitty, right?” my classmate quipped. “You’re covered in white hair!” I looked in a mirror, and sure enough – the back of my shirt was plastered with fur from one of our cats. Before leaving home, I’d taken some time to relax on the sofa with a coffee, forgetting that I’d chosen one of Robin’s favorite sleeping spots to sit in.

In most cases, some shedding is unavoidable, and one of the prices most of us willingly pay for the joy and love our companion animals give us. But shedding shouldn’t be so prolific that it makes a mess of your house and becomes a nuisance and a problem. Some breeds are going to shed more than others, but if your dog or cat seems to be losing more hair than you can cope with, it’s time to

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1. Has he had a checkup?

One of the first things to do is get your animal checked by a vet. “Excessive shedding can be an early sign of illness,” says veterinarian Dr. Marcia Martin. “This is the type of symptom a good holistic vet will use to evaluate the health of an animal long before there are detectable changes in the lab work. I recommend a good physical exam and basic blood work to rule out an underlying disease such as diabetes, liver, kidney or thyroid disease.”

2. What’s he eating?

Shedding can indicate poor coat or skin health, and that can signal a dietary problem. “Excessive shedding may indicate a less than optimal diet,” says Dr. Martin. “Eliminate poor quality commercial kibble and change to a premium holistic canned or raw food.”

Make sure the food is made from ingredients that are as natural as possible, and that don’t include artificial preservatives and coloring. These additives can cause

Cat photo : Jasmine Noor (bottom left, page 26)

Anyone who has dogs or cats will doubtless have similar stories to share. Whether the hair ends up on your clothes, rugs, upholstery, or in dust bunnies under the furniture, shedding seems to be a fact of life when you share your home with an animal companion.

act. Luckily, there are several things you can do to minimize shedding and make your life easier.

allergic reactions that may manifest as skin problems and exacerbate shedding. Wheat, soy and corn can also contribute to allergies so look for foods that eliminate or minimize these grains. Even beef can cause allergies in some dogs, so you might want to try introducing your companion to some alternative protein sources, such as bison or venison, and see how that affects his skin and coat. Some premium pet food companies make diets that are especially formulated for animals with allergies.

Supplementing your dog or cat’s diet with essential fatty acids is also a smart move. The Omega 3s found in fish and flax oils are especially good for an animal’s coat and help prevent dry skin, flakiness, itchiness and shedding.

Consider adding a high quality fish oil to your companion’s food. You can buy fish oil supplements formulated especially for dogs and cats at holistic pet food stores.

Over-vaccination can trigger or worsen skin allergies, so make sure your companion is only getting the shots he absolutely needs.

3. Are you grooming him?

Regular grooming is one of the best ways to cut down on shedding. Invest in a good quality comb and brush and get into the habit of grooming your companion every few days, if not every day. A slicker brush can help rid the coat of excess undercoat and mats. I find it works best for Robin, while an ordinary pin brush is fine for our other cat Renny, who sheds very little.

A lot of people think because cats groom themselves, they don’t need to be brushed. But a cat’s tongue can only remove so much hair, especially if you have a longhaired feline, or an older or arthritic kitty who isn’t as supple as she used to be. Regularly brushing your cat, whether she has a short or long coat, not only means less fur on your sofa or dress pants, but is also an important factor in preventing hairballs.

Have you ever considered vacuuming the loose hair from your animal? Believe it or not, some animals love it. We once had a dog and a cat who both adored being vacuumed. On the other hand, Robin is nervous of the vacuum so we don’t take it near him. Never force the animal wellness

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vacuum on an animal who’s scared of it; you’ll only stress him out and create a negative association with being groomed that might extend to being brushed as well. If your animal enjoys the vacuum, give it a try – but be very careful to keep the tube away from his head and face.

Bathing is another good way to minimize shedding. Most dogs and even some cats come to tolerate or even enjoy being bathed. Just be sure to use a gentle, natural shampoo without harsh cleansers that can dry out the hair and skin and may ultimately make the shedding worse.

If you don’t have the time or inclination to groom your own animal, think about taking him to a professional groomer who uses natural shampoos and conditioners.

4. IS HE STRESSED? Have you ever noticed that your animal’s hair really seems to fly when he’s excited, scared or agitated? “Many animals will shed in response to excess stress,” says Dr. Martin. Take note of your dog or cat’s sources of stress and try to get rid of or reduce them. For example, if your animal gets nervous or overly excited with visitors, provide him with a quiet place to retreat to when people come to the door. “Products like Bach flower remedies, or Feliway diffusers for cats, can help animals handle emotional stressors in a healthier manner,” adds Dr. Martin.

Give these four suggestions a try and you’ll see a decrease in the hair and fur clinging to your upholstery and clothing.

We could all do with less housework in our lives (right?) and best of all, you’ll be helping your dog or cat feel happier and more comfortable.

HAIR REMOVAL If you’ve ever tried to clean dog or cat hair off an armchair, car seat, or your best coat, you know it can be frustrating, if not impossible. Here are some tips to make the job easier.

• Vet’s Best recommends removing hair from upholstery, car seats and clothing as soon as possible, since newly shed hair is easier to get rid of than hair that has had a chance to work its way into the fabric weave.

• Hardware and pet supply stores carry handheld sticky rollers that are especially designed to pick up lint, dust and animal hair.

• Lint brushes (above) feature a napped surface that also picks up animal hair. Just remember to stroke in one direction only, or the nap will flatten out and redistribute the hair over the fabric.

• StickySheets is a product especially designed for removing animal hair from upholstery and rugs.

It’s like a giant piece of sticky tape that you place over your chair cushions or rug; just press it against the fabric, peel it off, and the animal hair comes with it.

• Put on a dampened (not wet) rubber or gardening glove with a raised grip and run it over the fabric, using short strokes in the one direction to scrape up the hair. You can also use your bare hand, again dampened. The hair will roll up onto your hand or glove in a clump that can be picked off and disposed of. A dampened (not soaked) sponge works in a similar way.

• Here’s a novel idea – blow up a balloon and rub it over the fabric. The static will pick up the hair.

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The best dogs for city living don’t have to be small.

When it comes to urban lifestyles, temperament and exercise requirements are the top criteria.

BY BARBARA NEFER

DOESN’T

MATTER

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hink of a purse-sized designer pooch being toted around Paris Hilton style. It’s the city dog stereotype, but it doesn’t present a true picture. In reality, while many small dogs do well in the urban jungle, size has little to do with a breed’s suitability for city living.

BIG DOGS ARE OK “Consider that wild dogs live in a den and therefore are okay with sleeping and living in a small space,” says Dr. Timothy Mann, a New York City veterinarian. Los Angeles vet Dr. Jeff Werber agrees, saying that energy levels and temperament are more important factors than size. “Many large dogs don’t

Title Photo: © Isselee | Dreamstime.com

SIZE

T

need a big living space if you provide other opportunities for exercise,” he says. “Newfoundlands, great Pyrenees, St. Bernards and even great Danes can all live comfortably in the city. They just need to get out for walks or a run in a dog park. Then, when they’re at home, they’ll happily lie around.

The quintessential surprise for many people about dogs that do well in the city is that greyhounds are high on the list. Sure, they’ll run when they have the chance, but most of the time they’re big, lazy couch potatoes.”

Small breeds have advantages, too, particularly for apartment or condominium dwellers. “Many people here in Los Angeles train their small dogs to use a litter box or fake grass on the balcony so they don’t have to worry about rushing downstairs or waiting for an elevator,” Dr. Werber says.

Active canines need space On the flipside, certain popular breeds like golden retrievers and Labs often have problems in urban environments because they have a higher activity level. Hunting and working breeds such as many terriers, collies, Dalmatians and hounds need outlets like agility work, hunting, fly tracking, swimming or herding. “All these activities are available in the city or close by, but is the owner willing to enjoy them with the dog and have the time to do so?” says Dr. Mann.

Choosing the right breed depends a lot on the level of commitment a person is willing to make to ensure the dog gets enough exercise. “For some dogs, a daily walk is enough,” Dr. Mann says. “Others need three walks a day or else some kind of ‘job’ to do.”

Certain popular breeds like golden retrievers and Labs often have problems in urban environments because they have a higher activity level.

Start socializing early Regardless of breed, proper socialization is a must for any city dog because virtually every time he goes outside he will inevitably encounter other animals and people as well as cars, buses, sirens, crowds and general chaos.

Controlled opportunities for play, such as visits to the dog park and play dates with other puppies, are great ways to socialize your dog.

“Originally, it was recommended that a puppy not be exposed to other dogs until he was 16 weeks old and had finished his first series of shots,” Dr. Werber says. “Now we know it’s much better to socialize them early. The optimal socialization time is between eight and 18 weeks, so if you wait, you only have two weeks left. A dog has a much greater danger of ending up at a shelter due to improper socialization than he does of getting a disease from other puppies.” animal wellness

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PERSONALITY TEST “Socialization is essential for city dogs and is the great equalizer; slow, careful, positive exposure can help any breed become a city dog,” adds Grisha Stewart, a Certified Pet Dog Trainer. But she cautions that while any canine can live in an urban area, he needs a solid temperament to thrive in that environment.

“Adaptability and being able to bounce back quickly are very important parts of a dog’s personality, and they either have it or they don’t,” she says.

“Socialization will do a lot to make a dog comfortable, but for a natural city dog, look for one that’s adaptable, not fearful, but not over-confident. A puppy that hesitates to approach a stranger or cowers when he hears a noise won’t do well in a city without a lot of work.”

Cities aren’t just for small dogs. Any breed with modest energy levels and an outgoing personality can work.

Add the right amount of exercise and socialization and you’ll have a happy dog who loves the big lights as much as you do.

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CITY SLICKERS LARGE BREEDS

SMALL BREEDS

Bulldog Great Dane Great Pyrenees Greyhound Newfoundland St. Bernard

Chihuahua Pomeranian Shih-tzu Yorkshire terrier …and many others

COUNTRY BOYS (AND GIRLS) Collie Dalmatian German shepherd Golden retriever Hound

Labrador retriever Pointer Siberian husky Many terriers Weimaraner

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Treats: $7.99 per 198g bag Grooming products: $14.99 per 237ml bottle animalsensepetproducts.com

Fleas, mosquitoes and other biting pests can remain a problem well into the fall and, in warm southern climates, even during the winter.

Arm yourself and your companion for year-round protection with Natures Defender Insect Control Solution from Cedar Oil Industries. Made from cedar oil, a natural insect repellent, the spray can be used on both animals and humans to eliminate fleas, mosquitoes, chiggers, mites and more.

Comes in a refillable 4oz atomizer that’s easy to carry wherever you and your animal go. $11.95 www.pestigator.com

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Brain For growing puppies and kittens, mental stimulation is as important as physical activity. Explore six ways to help your young companion reach her full potential.

s e m a g

by Suzanne Hetts, PhD, CAAB

A

dopting a puppy or kitten guarantees lots of love and laughter. It also guarantees some added responsibilities.

New animal parents may not experience the same intensity of caretaking duties as new human parents, but what you do for your young companion’s development during the next few months will have a huge impact on whether or not she reaches her full potential both physically and behaviorally. What you may not know is that this includes mental stimulation as well as physical activity.

By six weeks of age, the nervous sensory and motor capabilities of puppies and kittens, while not fully mature, are sufficiently developed to allow them to explore their world and emit a variety of behavior patterns. At this stage, your young animal is willing to try almost anything, as few behaviors have yet been rewarded or punished. These youngsters are learning which behaviors “work” for them and which do not. They are forming behavioral “habits”, or their characteristic ways of coping with the world.

You want your puppy or kitten to develop a variety of behaviorally healthy coping patterns that serve both her and your family well. A young animal who is left to her own devices most of the time and receives little feedback about her behavior has few experiences that challenge her mentally or physically if she lives in a world that’s

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restricted to just a few settings (your house and yard), she will find learning new things difficult and be ill prepared to handle change and complexity.

Because your puppy or kitten is a unique individual, there is no “one size fits all” answer to which experiences, interactions, toys, etc. will best develop her mental capacities. There are, however, six guiding principles you should consider when providing the best mental stimulation for your youngster.

Fear and anxiety interfere with optional mental development.

Learning about the world should be fun, not frightening. Manage your youngster’s new experiences so she happily engages in them rather than cowering or hiding in fear. You must walk the line between overwhelming her and being overly restrictive so that she can’t learn about her world. Appropriate socialization experiences are what prevent fear of the unfamiliar. You want your companion to grow up expecting new experiences to be enjoyable adventures rather than things to be feared and dreaded.

Play facilitates learning.

Behavior scientists have long maintained that play is necessary for normal development. Interactive play with your puppy or kitten increases the strength of your social bond.

Poorly socialized dogs often don’t know how to play with either toys or people. Through social play, you can teach your young companion to control how hard she uses his mouth, to respect your personal space, and to calm down when she becomes overly excited.

Take into account breed and species differences.

For object play, provide toys that encourage a variety of species typical play patterns – chasing, pouncing, stalking, fetching and carrying. Playing with toys allows you to teach your puppy or kitten to release whatever she has in her mouth rather than having to pry her mouth open.

Frequently and forcibly removing what your puppy has in her mouth is thought to be a contributing factor to resource guarding and is something to avoid (except in an emergency).

If you are a dog behavior aficionado then you are familiar with the pioneering research conducted by behavior scientists John Paul Scott and John Fuller in the 1950s and 1960s. Scott and Fuller found significant differences in learning abilities among breeds depending on the task to be performed. Basenjis, for example, excelled at a task requiring manipulation of a dowel and string attached to a food dish. Beagles did better at maze learning, and cocker spaniels did best on specific memory tasks.

Cats love to hide and then pounce at moving objects. Paper bags and boxes, a puppy agility tunnel, or even a large planter with artificial plants make great hiding spots for kitties.

Cats excel at learning different tasks than dogs. They perform better on a dowel and string-type task than do canines. What cats and dogs find rewarding also differs. animal wellness

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l o o c , p Hi ! y h t l a and he GET YOUR THIRD YEAR

Cats are less likely to respond to social rewards and sometimes even food than are dogs. However, opportunities to play and explore can motivate cats.

What this means when providing a mentally stimulating environment for your puppy or kitten is that you should build on her strengths and natural abilities, and not have unrealistic expectations about performance and learning.

Set your puppy or kitten up for success.

Your puppy or kitten begins life inherently wanting and needing to learn. Living creatures must learn in order to survive. Rather than believing you must suppress the behaviors you don’t like, re-program yourself to concentrate on reinforcing and encouraging the ones you do. Dogs and cats that hear “no” much more than they hear “yes” become afraid to try new behaviors.

So if your dog someday refuses to climb stairs he’s never seen before, or your cat avoids her expensive new climbing condo, it might be because her willingness to try was suppressed when she was young.

Social learning is important.

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animal wellness

How easy it becomes for your puppy or kitten to engage with her world and experiment with new behaviors depends in part on her social environment.

Sometimes, your youngster may find it easier to try new things by following other adult animals in your family. For example, housetraining, finding the litter box, and coming when called are generally easier for a youngster who has an adult to follow.

In other cases, the opposite may be true. An adult dog or cat who is uncomfortable with a youngster often tries to suppress her behavior with social intimidation – by growling, hissing, pinning, stalking, chasing, snapping and even biting the little one.

An adult animal that bullies your puppy or kitten can have a significantly negative effect on your baby’s personality. Your youngster may grow up always being nervous and on guard or even develop a defensive attitude toward other animals in general. You’ll need to carefully supervise your animal family to ensure their relationship, if not mutually beneficial, is at least not harmful.

Title photo: © Koljambus | Dreamstime.com (page 33), Kitten photo: © Pryzmat | Dreamstime.com (page 34-35), Puppy photo: © Ivonnewierink | Dreamstime.com (page 36)

Scott and Fuller found that when puppies failed repeatedly to complete learning tasks in the early stages of training, they either stopped trying or showed signs of distress such as yelping or engaging in abnormal behaviors.

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Develop problem solving abilities through creative games and training.

This is where the real fun begins.

Use what you’ve learned from the previous five points to create problem solving games that meet the individual needs of your fourlegged kiddo. Try hiding a treat under one of three plastic cups and encourage your puppy or kitten to “find it”. Cats have good color vision so try teaching your kitten to always choose a cup of a particular color.

Clicker training is really a problem solving game – your young animal must figure out what she must do to get you to click and

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treat. Go to ClickerTraining.com for great suggestions on how to get started.

When young animals have been well socialized and encouraged to experiment with new behaviors and explore the world around them, they may find it easy to create their own games. You can find a great example of this at youtube.com/watch?v=JfGOlEizUUs. If you don’t laugh at this video, you need to check your pulse! It’s unlikely the cat in this clip has been excessively reprimanded for exploring items that could be off limits. Otherwise, he would not have had the confidence to turn a box into a kitty slide.

Sharing life with a companion animal who’s happy, well adjusted, and able to create her own fun from simple daily events and objects will increase your own joy in living. It’s up to you to start the process the day your puppy or kitten comes home!

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NEW BREED OF

DOG PARK Gone are the days when dog parks were little more than empty and featureless fields. Today’s facilities go out of their way to cater to the needs and enjoyment of both canine and human visitors.

Title photo: Chilsholm Creek Pet Resort, Dog photo: Willow Springs Dog Park (page 37) Dog on picnic table photo: Willow Springs Dog Park (page 39)

BY SARAH SCHAFFNER

A

s a dog lover, you know your companion needs daily exercise to stay fit and happy. Dogs need space to run, jump, dig, bark and just be dogs. For city dwellers and other urbanites who don’t have the luxury of a sizable back yard, finding an appropriate area for their canine pals to unleash their wild sides can be challenging. Leash laws in most public parks limit your ability to give your dog the exercise and socialization he craves and needs. And until relatively recently, a so-called dog park might have been little more than a uninspiring corner of a field, with a sparse sprinkling of grass and not much, if any, regulation.

But things are changing. Thanks to the growing population of informed and involved animal lovers in urban centers, many dog parks are being revamped to include amenities for both the four and two-legged. Aesthetic and functional, these new features run the gamut from water stations and exercise equipment to shade trees and picnic tables.

PICK YOUR TERRAIN Some people think all you need for a dog park is a grassy area with a fence around it. Grass may seem the obvious choice for landscaping, but it might not be the most practical. Heavy foot traffic can soon trample it, causing it to brown and die and turn into a muddy mess when it rains. Combine that with the need for watering, irrigation, re-seeding, mowing and general upkeep, and your grassy park might not stay green for long. animal wellness

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Some dog parks have introduced alternative forms of terrain, although the choices differ depending on regional climate, volume of traffic and financial considerations.

Mulch: A relatively low maintenance and cost effective alternative in many new dog parks, such as Scotts Valley Dog Park in Scotts Valley, California. Mulch or wood chips (with the exception of mulch made from cocoa bean shells, which is toxic to dogs) are generally used in areas that have problems with wetness and mud. It requires occasional raking and replenishing, but costs can be cut by getting donations from local tree-trimmers.

Decomposed or pea granite: A unique alternative for dryer climates. It is durable, drains easily, and can be quickly cleaned and maintained. For parks with heavy traffic, like the Shaw Dog Park in Washington DC, it’s a good alternative to harder and less appealing surfaces like concrete.

Astroturf or “dog turf”: Perhaps the most expensive yet best all-round terrain. This artificial surface is durable, easy to clean and maintain, and is soft on dogs’ paws.

It requires an irrigation system and should be watered regularly to get rid of any lingering smells. Cost is a major factor, but Jackass Acres K9 Corral in Arizona gets its turf donated from local stadiums.

Fun and functional features • Some dog parks, including Ohio’s Bow Wow Beach and Quiet Waters Dog Beach in Annapolis, Maryland, incorporate natural beaches. These parks, and others like them, include separate rinse stations or dog showers to help with all those sandy paws. Other parks, like Chisholm Creek Pet Resort Dog Park in Wichita, Kansas, bring the beach to the park by adding a mound of sand for digging and climbing.

• Safety features are a major consideration at dog parks.

Most, if not all, are enclosed with some sort of fencing, and many feature a double gated entry. This allows you to enter a separate enclosure before reaching the actual play area, a design that helps keep loose dogs from running away and facilitates a smoother entry into the canine pack. Some parks, like Willow Springs Dog Park in Johnson City, Tennessee, also have a keyless entry for members’ only access. Other members-only parks require a monthly or yearly fee, which helps pay for other safety features like lighting and parking.

• Dogs are not created equal, at least in size. Many parks are designating separate play areas for small and large dogs.

• Access to water is a necessity after all that exercise, and almost all dog parks come equipped with some kind of water station, like hoses or drinking fountains for dogs and people. Locust Point Dog Park in Baltimore, Maryland has a unique, hi-tech water feature that’s activated when the dog steps on it. Wading pools, like those at Ossining Dog Park in New York, provide cool relief on hot days. To keep puddles from accumulating and making a muddy mess, most parks now have irrigation systems in place to ensure proper drainage.

• If chasing a ball isn’t quite enough stimulation, a lot of parks now boast separate areas for agility courses and/ or play equipment. Delaware’s Bark Til Dark Park and Nevada’s Dog Fancier Park even offer areas for one-onone training.

• Picnic tables, benches, shade trees, artistic features such as sculptures, walking trails, port-a-potties, and community bulletin boards are among the other amenities frequently included in dog park designs.

Unleashed Indoor Dog Parks in Dallas offers plenty of room to play and run.

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• Last but not least, what about waste management? Well, here’s the scoop. Most parks come equipped with some kind of removal system, whether it’s mutt mitts, plastic bags, or pooper scoopers and trash receptacles.

• Some parks incorporate earth-friendly features into their designs.

Jackass Acres K9 Corral is an all-green dog park. It uses solar power for all its electrical needs and was constructed using green techniques. From decorative features to play equipment, everything is made from recycled materials. Even the dog waste is recycled into usable materials.

• Too wet or cold to go outside? Unleashed Indoor Dog Parks in Dallas, Texas, is a 50,000 square foot roofed facility with large, safe indoor play areas fitted with K-9 turf. While your dog plays, you can enjoy the onsite café and lounge overlooking the action.

The latest dog parks are designed to provide you and your dog with an enriched, safe and attractive setting for exercise, fun and enjoyment. Remember to use proper park etiquette and maintain control of your dog at all times, and we’ll see even more of these great facilities springing up!

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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

My 12-year-old Schnauzer has been diagnosed with very mild vestibular disease. I understand there is no known cure because not much is known about it, but I would appreciate your thoughts. My holistic vet is only treating him with acupuncture. Are there herbs or supplements I can give him for nausea, dizziness, etc.?

A

Vestibular disease was first documented as a disease affecting cats, typically in the northeast United States and especially around the fall season. It has since become more widespread, not limited to location or season, and is now also reported in dogs.

A

According to Dr. Alexander deLahunta, my teacher at Cornell University who I consider the best veterinary neurologist, most patients get better despite therapy.

However, with these patients I will typically add more support in the form of Neurotrophin by Standard Process Labs, a phosphatidyl serene complex supplement. For the symptoms, I use Heel’s Vertigo or Dizziness homeopathics (one or the other). If nausea continues, use their Nausea remedy. Acupuncture is a good choice, although the most important factor is good old time.

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Q

I have a six-year-old shepherd/whippet mix who scratches her paws and face incessantly during August and September until she breaks her skin. Cortisone shots seem to help and we try oatmeal baths and stop-itch creams. After reading your articles, I ordered some Betathyme since it’s a natural cortisone, and have started giving her two pills a day to hopefully build up resistance in her body. I also give her salmon oil once a day. I’m also thinking of adding the Chinese herb Xanthium 12 which supposedly helps with itchy skin. Do you think this is a good plan? Is there a time limitation on giving Betathyme?

I think this is a very good plan. There is no time limit on Betathyme because it is not a true steroid with side effects, but rather a healthy sterol. I’ve had patients take it daily for a decade with no adverse reaction. Many other herbals and remedies can be used or tried. The rule of thumb is to use the one that works; at times, it comes down to some trial and error. Also, the fewer things you use to create a positive effect, the better. I have not prescribed Xanthium much, but it is one of the remedies indicated for this condition.

Q

Our vet indicated that our dog Sadie may have laryngeal paralysis. Is there anything that can be done to help this condition outside of surgery? We have raised her food bowl which has seemed to help. My main concern is reducing the risk of her aspirating her food.

What do you think?

A

True laryngeal paralysis, especially if its signs are progressing, is a surgical case. It’s a physically obstructive or anatomical problem causing a potentially severe respiratory condition. In early cases with mild symptoms I’ve had some limited success using herbal cough syrups, especially one named Olbas, as well as Heel’s BHI homeopathic Cough, sometimes mixed with their Bronchitis remedy.

Q

I was about to take my 11½ -year-old old border collie to the vet for his immunizations and to get his heartworm medicine. After reading your book, I have some questions. Am I right in assuming he probably does not need a parvo virus booster at this age? Also, would most vets agree to titer before giving a rabies booster and does one need to titer individually for each vaccine -- for example, one for rabies, one for Lyme, one for parvo. Is it expensive?

If I don’t get his rabies booster I can’t get a license for him, but since I have yet to be confronted and asked to see if he is really licensed, that risk seems small. My best friend when I was growing up was a beautiful red collie mix who never had a vaccination.

She lived to be over 18. I foresee a dispute with the veterinarian but I want this best friend to be around even longer!

A

Your concerns are very well founded. I wrote that chapter in my book over a decade ago and, since then, there has been even more documentation supporting these animal wellness

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Q

concerns. The chances of an 11½ -year-old dog needing any vaccinations is near zero. The general consensus is that it is not even warranted to take titer tests once dogs get over the age of five.

The diseases we do titer testing for are distemper and parvo. The only exception, because it is legally mandated, is rabies. Fortunately, the Rabies Challenge Fund is in the process of making the laws more appropriate, and aligning them with true needs and recommendations.

The cost of titering is more than worth it, especially considering how much you will save by not having to treat the more serious conditions that can result from vaccines not needed in the first place.

Q

My nine-year-old cocker spaniel, Benny, had surgery to remove a mass between his hard and soft palate. He received 19 treatments of radiation -- after the first few treatments the left side of his mouth/jaw started to draw shut. By the last treatment, his right side had done the same.

He has not lost any weight and eats everything I give him but it takes several hours in the morning and again in the evening for him to finally slurp it all up. I have been giving him lots of Chinese herbs and supplements. I read an article about another pup in the same situation and his diagnosis was masticatory myositis. How would you treat this disease? Benny is a happy little dog and too full of life to give up.

A

If this is an inflammatory process affecting the muscles that control jaw movement, I’ve had success using acupuncture, especially electro-acupuncture, across the involved muscles. I have also seen response to a combination of Heel’s two homeopathics, Neuralgia and Inflammation. Sometimes a steroid effect is needed. We start by using Betathyme by Best for Pets and, if something stronger is needed, Natural Hydrocortisone by Pet Health Pharmacy. Even a brief course of conventional steroids prescribed by your veterinarian would be warranted if you get no response from the above.

In some cases, if the jaw is in a frozen position and almost closed, it is very wise to have an experienced veterinarian stretch out the locked jaw under anesthesia and then encourage chewing on things. In several cases, I’ve found this to be the only thing that worked, and in each case it brought almost instant relief.

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animal wellness

My three-year-old yellow Lab mix displayed acute limb jerking late one night last December. The first vet prescribed muscle relaxers, to no avail. The second vet tried pain meds, thinking it was related to pain syndrome. No luck.

Bloodwork was done with no abnormalities. Five days of prednisone lessened the symptoms. A neurologist was consulted and a spinal tap performed to rule out delayed onset distemper. No abnormal results were noted in any of the panels run on the spinal fluid.

The neurologist and vet feel it must be inflammation-related since the prednisone is lessening the degree of intensity. She is now on a regime of 300mg gabapentin twice a day, 5mg diazepam twice a day, and 10mg prednisone every other day. The severity of the jerking is decreased but not the frequency. I am trying to switch the diazepam to valerian. Do you have any other holistic suggestions for inflammation of undetermined source?

A

This is tricky to answer, especially without a definitive diagnosis. For generic inflammation we use Heel’s BHI Inflammation or Professional Complementary Health Formula’s Inflammation Drops. Echinacea is anti-inflammatory, as is a new common product Dog Gone Pain (typically used for arthritics). Betathyme’s beta-sitoserol component is a good anti-inflammatory, and so is the stronger Natural Hydrocortisone. Specific for the nervous system would be Neurotrophin by Standard Process Labs and an herbal formula named Relax Caps by Crystal Star. Have you tried acupuncture?

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communication

What’s in a name?

Choosing a name or nickname for your dog or cat? Make sure it’s something positive. Just like us, animals pick up on the vibrations of words.

M

by Sue Becker

y tuxedo cat Figaro didn’t respond to his name for a year and a half. Whenever I spoke it, he totally ignored me. Whether I used Figaro or Figgie, he would continue to look out the window or snooze on his cat tree.

huge, delighted green eyes that clearly sent this message: what took you so long?

One day, I spontaneously called out “Figgie-Bear”. He immediately sat up, turned around, and looked at me with

What power words have! They can uplift or damage, empower or diminish – we have all felt this personally at

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animal wellness

Words carry vibrations

some time in our lives. Positive words like beauty, brilliance, wonder and fun feel good, whereas negative words like harsh, ominous, failure and bad don’t feel good at all!

How can this be?

Words carry an intrinsic frequency or vibrational signature that relates to their sound and perhaps eons of meaning and intention. Ancients and native peoples recognized the immense influence wielded by words. For example, they understood the wisdom of using strong, powerful names for warriors.

You probably know someone who has changed their name to one they feel more fully empowers them or more accurately describes who they are. Fig responded to Figgie-Bear because it softens Figaro or Figgie and resonates more closely with his personal energy – and he was able to feel it.

ANIMALS MAY BECOME THEIR NAMES Animals can grow into their names, and exhibit attitudes and behaviors that reflect those names.

• Although cats are notorious for adoring high places, Barbara’s cat Machu Picchu spends more time than usual up high, both inside the house and in trees!

• My black kitten Flash came to me at seven weeks of age, fearful and unwell. Her coat was dull and scraggly. I spent three days considering names that would brighten her life and encourage her to move into her fullest potential.

Flash has grown into a bright, joyful being and is an astute student. She is also tremendously quick!

• My Bengal cat Hoss was named after the TV character Hoss Cartwright of Bonanza. Even though Hoss could have no knowledge of the show, he communicated to me that he really liked his name – he felt its essence of generosity, happiness and big-heartedness. This is very much who Hoss is! He picks up my subconscious memory of the TV character each and every time I use his name.

If you have a dog or cat with behavior issues and he has a less-than-positive name, consider changing it! Even nicknames or other ways you refer to your animal can have a huge influence.

named Bailey. He was joyful yet scattered, klutzy and hyperactive. Bailey would literally bounce off the walls.

His humans referred to him constantly as that “crazy dog” or “schizo dog”. It was easy to feel the chaotic energy generated by these words, and Bailey had felt it many times every day for years. I asked his family to change these names to calmer ones. In time, Bailey was able to relax.

• Animal communicator and friend Barbara Janelle named her new black cat Magic, thinking it would help him integrate well with her other cat Houdini. Magic had grown up in an outdoor dryer vent and was extremely difficult to handle. Rather than harmonizing with Houdini, Magic terrorized him daily by jumping on his head. Barbara noticed a definite softening and lightening in his behavior after modifying his name to Magic Bailey.

• The vibration and meaning of a name is compounded by its significance to the person speaking it. You actually send personal energy and meaning along with the name. For example, there can be a world of difference in the energy of a name like Monster. Although a harsh word, Claudia speaks it with soft energy to her dog, evoking the much-loved Muppet Cookie Monster. Conversely, Judy felt compelled to change her dog’s name to Monty once she understood the energy her own dog was experiencing – and responding to!

You actually send personal energy and meaning along with the name.

MONSTER FLUFFY FIGARO

• Many years ago, I worked with a large mixed-breed dog animal wellness

45

COMMUNICATION PRECISION CAN BE IMPORTANT Two-year-old Siamese cat Hades was pacing, vocalizing constantly and not eating well. Kerry was concerned, and also curious if he liked his name. Hades conveyed to me that he was bored, and that he did want a different name, a brighter one with more energy to it. He said Shine would be perfect. I strongly sensed there was no wiggle-room here.

I could feel Kerry’s resistance to the name. She thought perhaps “shine” in Japanese or Chinese might work. But I repeatedly got the message from Hades that he liked Shine. Finally, Kerry agreed to consider it.

Next day, I received an emotional call from Kerry. She’d remembered that she had adopted Hades after her beloved grandfather had passed. Whenever sadness overcame her, she’d pick up Hades and sing You are My Sunshine. Later, life got busy and Kerry stopped doing this. In a profound way, Kerry got Hades’ message that her beloved cat was missing this closeness.

Would Hoss be the same wonderful character if he were named Buzzard? Maybe and maybe not, but he did have one request. Could I please call him Sparkle sometimes?

Above: The author’s cats, Figgie-Bear and Hoss, are at home with their names.

ANIMALS CAN

name THEMSELVES

When many people first meet their animal friends, a name just pops into their head!

Jasmine the Irish setter, golden retriever Piper, and Blossom the tortoiseshell cat all sent their preferred names telepathically to their people.

Below: Shine, formerly Hades.

Above: Machu Picchu enjoys being up high.

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up

MOVING ON

It’s getting a little easier to find animal friendly apartments, but you still need to do some legwork to land the best possible place for you and your companion.

BY NICK DEMARINO

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L

et’s face it, moving is a hassle. There are utilities, bank accounts and credit cards to change, as well as the minutiae of sorting, packing and innumerable other tasks. Animal lovers in search of rental property face an additional challenge: finding an affordable apartment in a good area that allows dogs and cats.

At first glance, the issue of animal friendly rentals appears dogmatically simple – animals are either allowed or they’re not – but there are gray areas you need to be aware of. For example, policies vary from building to building and many “pet friendly” apartments place restrictions on the animals they allow.

GETTING STARTED To begin your search, contact local vets, Humane Societies, and shelters to find lists of animal-friendly apartments.

Another approach is to use websites dedicated to listing apartments that allow animals (see sidebar). You may also contact realtors who specialize in animal friendly apartments, although ultimately it’s your duty to sell yourself and your animal to the person with the final say.

“The first thing to do is ask what a building’s pet policy is,” says Lisa Peterson of the American Kennel Club. “Many times there are restrictions as to the breed, size or weight of the animal. You need to find out what those policies are.” This process helps focus your search and gives you an idea of any restrictions in the area you wish to live in.

HOW TO SELL YOURSELF It’s important to understand why animals cause controversy in rental situations. “Landlords who don’t want animals

RESOURCES

U.S. apartments.com peoplewithpets.com petswelcome.com mynewplace.com Canada petfriendlyrentals.ca/ 48

animal wellness

Consider your landlord’s point of view. Why would he rent to you when he could rent to someone without an animal, who presumably would be less of a hassle? Pet Friendly Rentals in Canada suggests making the following case: Tenants with animals have fewer turnovers. They tend to stay longer because of the difficulties of finding a new apartment and the stress it causes for the animal. In addition, urban animal lovers are a growing, largely untapped market. Letting in one dog or cat may lead to good word of mouth, attracting other responsible animal people. This helps fill units for longer uninterrupted periods, and reduces the costs of advertising.

PROVING RESPONSIBILITY It’s also important to demonstrate to the landlord that you’re going to be responsible with your animal.

• “If you’re serious about finding a place, you may need to provide an animal resume,” says veterinarian Dr. Sophia Yin. This resume includes general information about your animal, health records and letters of reference from past landlords. It should be presented along with your formal rental application.

• “For dogs, include any training classes and G.C.C. test information,” Dr. Yin suggests. The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Test (G.C.C.), is a widely recognized tool for assessing good dog behavior with ten tests that include: accepting a friendly stranger, walking through a crowd, polite reactions to another dog, and supervised separation.

• Spaying or neutering your animal is another sign of responsibility on your part.

• “Offer to put down an extra cleaning deposit,” Lisa adds.

Some renters pay an extra fee per month to house their animals – make sure to check contracts thoroughly and clarify these points.

• Extra money often goes a long way, but will not assuage all concerns. Sometimes an animal interview is requested. “I’ve read of tests where the landlord invites the person and the dog over to the new apartment, has

Title photo (blueprint): © Yamatohd | Dreamstime.com (page 19) Title photo (dog): © Tingberg | Dreamstime.com (page 19)

Websites that maintain lists of animal friendly apartments are invaluable to your search.

Here are a few to try.

have usually had a bad experience,” says Lisa. This ranges from improper waste disposal to noise to damaged carpets and upholstery.

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the person leave, and then knocks on the door to see how the dog reacts,” says Lisa. “A friendly visit goes a long way.” Veterinarian Dr. Babette Gladstein recommends having the interview at your place instead. “It’s hard to predict how the animal will act in a new setting,” she explains. “Showing there’s no damage in the place you live in now is obviously more persuasive than bringing the animals into a new environment and not knowing how they’re going to react.” Dr. Yin also suggests a crash course in preparation if an onsite visit is required. “If your animal hasn’t had practice interacting with other animals and people in different locations, prepare him by visiting others.”

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If you and your animal are accepted, be sure to get the agreement in writing. Even if the landlord verbally consents, you and your companion are not protected by law unless there’s an addendum to your rental agreement.

It should include a minimum statement of how many animals you have and what type they are.

Never, under any circumstances, sneak an animal into an apartment. It may lead to eviction and other legal action.

Moreover, it leaves a bad taste in the landlord’s mouth, making him less likely to allow animals in the future.

“PROBLEM” BREEDS Even so-called animal friendly apartments most often have restrictions on sizes, weights and breeds, especially for dogs. “People tend to be scared of big breeds like animal wellness

49

pit bulls, German shepherds, Rottweilers, and even black Labradors,” says Dr. Yin. “Even though it’s not fair, that’s how it is. People with these breeds need to really focus on training and be able to show proof.”

Although it often requires a longer commute, Dr. Galdstein recommends renting a private home further away from the city. “There’s less opposition with neighbors, but people are still very cautious of some breeds because of how they’re perceived,” she says. “Presentation is everything.

One of my clients gives out a postcard – she has chows that are gorgeous but intimidating – and whenever someone asks a question about them, she gives out the postcard with information about the dogs on it.” Dr. Galdstein also recommends training dogs and even cats as therapy animals to add to their credentials and help contribute to society.

LIFE IN AN ANIMAL FRIENDLY APARTMENT You’ve found your apartment, but the work has just begun.

New environments often lead to flare-ups of bad behavior in animals, often when you aren’t there. This is most pronounced in dogs. “One of the biggest issues in an otherwise well-behaved dog is that he barks at sounds when he’s alone or experiences separation anxiety, something that doesn’t happen in other settings,” says Dr. Yin. Barking will annoy your neighbors, and according to lease agreements and nuisance laws, can even result in eviction.

All-indoor cats tend to be less of

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Dog photo: © Toddtaulman | Dreamstime.com Cat photo (dog): © Isselee | Dreamstime.com

While a television or radio on at low volume can help mitigate a dog’s reaction to outside noise, there are other factors at play. In particular, keeping the dog indoors all day won’t help. Lisa recommends employing a dog walker if you’re away most of the day. “That way the dog doesn’t get cooped up for long periods and become prone to boredom and destructiveness.”

As for separation anxiety, veterinarian Dr. Ann Hohenhaus suggests obedience training. “Trained dogs are less likely to suffer from separation anxiety, which is very disruptive for your neighbors.”

a concern for landlords, but if you have one, make sure there are plenty of stimuli in the apartment to keep him engaged.

Finding the right animal friendly apartment for you and your companion may seem a daunting task, but persistence will pay off and result in a longer, happier stay. Consider your companion’s temperament and make the choices that are healthiest for him.

Remember…when you live with a dog or cat in rental accommodation, you represent all animal lovers. It pays for you both to be on your best behavior!

Check out the stats • According to a recent Apartments.com survey of more than 1,000 renters around the U.S, nearly 90% who responded said they have an animal.

• More than 80% said an animal friendly policy played a major role in where they chose to live.

• 30% sought out an apartment in close proximity to desirable animal amenities such as dog parks, walking trails and a veterinary office.

• More than 11 million searches for animal friendly apartments were conducted on Apartments.com in 2008.

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safe the city

in

From heavy traffic to high rise balconies, urban life presents its own safety and health risks. These five suggestions can help protect your dog or cat from harm.

U

rban environments can be fun for animals. There’s plenty to see, other animals to meet, and endless streets, parks and gardens to explore. But the congestion of city life can present hazards, some of which may not even occur to you. Here are five ways to keep your urban companion out of harm’s way.

1 } High rise syndrome Falls from high rise buildings have become so commonplace they’ve been given a name: high rise syndrome. Each year, hundreds of cats and small dogs end up at emergency clinics after falling from an apartment balcony, window or rooftop garden. Most don’t intentionally jump, but instead lose their balance when concentrating on a bird or other distraction. These falls are often serious, but preventable.

Many animal falls happen despite the family’s good intentions. “People don’t often realize how strong cats are,”

54

animal wellness

by Debbie Swanson

says veterinarian Dr. Christina Chambreau. “They can use their head and shoulders to push open a window you might have left open just a crack.”

Screens alone will not always prevent a fall. Safeguard your windows by installing childproof locks that prevent windows from being pushed open more than a few inches.

Another option is to reinforce windows with bars.

Balconies are a great way to allow your companion to enjoy the outdoors, but most cats and small dogs can easily fit through the railings. “The balcony should be completely screened in, top to bottom,” suggests Dr. Chambreau. “Or have the animal wear a harness.” When using a harness on a balcony, make sure the animal cannot reach the edge when the leash is fully extended.

If your animal ever does fall, even from a low height, take him to an emergency vet right away for a check up.

2 } THEFT PREVENTION Dog and cat theft is on the rise. This year, the American Kennel Club reported almost three times the usual number of dog thefts as compared to early 2008. Purebreds, small dogs, and animals left alone in cars are particularly vulnerable.

Avoid theft by helping your companion keep a low profile. If you fancy a particular breed, don’t broadcast your passion with outdoor signs or car stickers. Be wary of strangers who appear overly inquisitive about your animal. When out, always keep your dog on a leash or in a fencedin yard, and never leave him unattended in a car.

Be sure he has adequate up-to-date ID (see page 64 for more on microchipping and GPS systems for animals). In combination with microchipping, the AKC recommends using a 24-hour recovery service that maintains your current contact information. This is especially useful if you move frequently or travel.

3 } PAWS UP Walking is part of city life, and many leashed dogs and even harnessed cats enjoy their daily explorations along city streets. But in winter, streets and sidewalks are heavily treated with ice melt and road salt, which can be harsh on bare paws or toxic when ingested. Try walking your dog in parks, away from treated roadways. If your animal has been wading through ice and slush, clean his feet with a wet cloth when you return home so he does not ingest the chemicals when licking himself.

Title photo: © Flavijus | Dreamstime.com (page 54), Dog photo: © Ankevanwyk | Dreamstime.com (page 56)

In summer, meanwhile, asphalt can quickly heat up, also causing discomfort to bare paws. When the sun is directly overhead, walk on grass where possible but watch out for areas that are treated with pesticides.

Typically a small sign is put up designating areas that have undergone treatment. Avoid these areas, and wash your animal’s feet if you suspect he may have wandered over treated grass. Some urban areas have banned residential pesticide use, but many still permit it.

Because we wear shoes and boots, it can be hard for us to notice problems with walking surfaces, so stay tuned to your companion when out for a walk If he appears skittish about walking on a particular surface, assume there is a reason and let him move to an area he’s more comfortable with.

Alternatively, consider a set of boots for your dog. It might take him a while to get used to them, but they’re one of the best ways to protect his feet from hot asphalt or road salt. Be sure to choose well made quality boots that can be properly fitted to your dog.

Each year, hundreds of cats and small dogs end up at emergency clinics after falling from an apartment balcony, window or rooftop garden.

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4 } Pollution alert

Crowd control

The crowded hectic conditions found in most cities can stress many animals. Here’s how to help your companion cope.

• Slowly introduce a new or young animal to the bustle of crowds.

• S tart by taking him out during less busy times of day, then work your way up.

•K eep abreast with local goings-on and adjust your plans as needed.

Crowds from sports events, festivals or conventions can add chaos to your animal’s usual route.

• If you travel together on a subway, ride outside of rush hour whenever possible, and be sure your dog is properly restrained.

• If your dog is frequently the target of curious children, don’t hesitate to explain to his admirers how he best likes to be approached.

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Smog and pollution are unavoidable in the city. On hot humid summer days, and sometimes even on mild damp winter days, the air may be declared “poor” and the public advised to take precautions. Don’t let your animal overexert himself on such days, and be sure he has a retreat from the smoggy air. Provide him with plenty of fresh water, especially when it’s hot.

Remember also that dogs or cats walked alongside slowmoving traffic are snout level to car exhaust. Minimize your companion’s exposure to the fumes by avoiding roads tied up in traffic jams, using side streets or a park, and keeping him on the inside of the sidewalk.

You can also protect your animal from the negative effects of pollution by keeping his immune system healthy with a high quality, well balanced diet and minimal vaccines.

5}

Strays and wildlife

Your heart may go out to the many homeless dogs and cats found in cities, but resist the temptation to introduce them to your own animal or take them into your home.

Even if the stray seems friendly, he could be carrying an infectious disease and/or react violently once he encounters your own dog or cat.

Instead, call a no-kill shelter to pick up the stray. They’ll give him food and shelter and, if necessary and wherever possible, help socialize him and turn him into an adoptable companion. If the stray is approachable and you

wish to adopt him yourself, take him to the vet first to make sure he’s healthy and able to safely interact with other animals. Introduce him to your own companion slowly and gradually; your vet can give you some tips on how to do this.

Animals walked alongside slow-moving traffic are snout level to car exhaust.

Cities are often home to wild animals such as raccoons and foxes that have lost their natural habitats due to urban sprawl and are trying to survive the best they can along with humanity. They almost never mix happily with dogs and cats, so don’t let your companion come into contact with them.

City life is full of adventures that you and your companion can explore together. By taking these simple precautions, you can do so safely.

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ANIMAL WELLNESS

RESOURCE GUIDE • Communicators

• Natural Product Retailers

• Holistic Healthcare

• Pet Sitting

• Integrative Vets

• Reiki Therapy

• Natural Product Manufacturers & Distributors

• Schools & Education

View the Wellness Resource Guide online at: AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

COMMUNICATORS

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International Animal Intuitive, offers nationwide consultations in animal communication and energy healing

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CALIFORNIA

Enlighthouse Escondido, CA USA Toll Free: (800) 370-PETS Phone: (760) 796-7949 Website: www.AnimalsAndTheAfterlife.com

NEW YORK

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

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ONTARIO

Sue Becker

Kitchener, ON Canada

Phone: (519) 896-2600 www.AnimalParadiseCommunication.com • 703-648-1866 Email: suebecker@cyg.net Reg’d. Practitioner of Bach Flower Remedies, Tellington TTouch

VIRGINIA

My Soul Impression Christina Codazzi Santa Maria, CA USA Phone: (805) 264-4611 Website: www.mysoulimpression.com

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www.AnimalParadiseCommunication.com • 703-648-1866

.

Massage Therapists Integrative Veterinarians Trainers & Behaviorists Pet Sitters Natural Product Retailers, Manufacturers & Distributors Shelters & Rescues Reiki Chiropractic Acupressure Acupuncture

Holistic Healthcare – Integrative Vets — WELLNESS RESOURCE GUIDE

COLORADO

INTEGRATIVE VETS ALBERTA

Steven Marsden, DVM Edmonton Holistic Veterinary Clinic Edmonton, AB Canada Phone: 780-436-4944

Specializing in Holistic Analysis for pathogens, allergies, chronic degenerative diseases, etc.

CONNECTICUT

ARIZONA

Home Vet Weston , CT USA Phone: (203) 222-7979 Website: www.homevet.com

Judy Stolz DVM ND Arizona City, AZ USA Phone: (520) 494-9571 Website: www.drstolz.com

ILLINOIS

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Every cat is unique! Don’t settle for less than Personalized Service from: Integrative Health International

303-696-1736

www.IHICats.com

Ness Exotic Wellness Center Lisle, IL USA Phone: 630-737-1281 Email: nessexotic@aol.com

Gail Jewell, DVM Kelowna, BC Canada Phone: (888) 622-8300 Website: www.holisticvet.ca Tree of Life Veterinary Care Courtenay , BC Canada Phone: (250) 338-2316 Website: www.animalhealingchoices.com

CALIFORNIA

Affordable Holistic Animal Therapies West Hollywood, CA USA Phone: 323-304-2984 Caroline Goulard DVM CVA Aliso Viejo, CA USA Phone: (949) 836-3772 Email: c.goulard@cox.net Website: www.carolinegoularddvm.com Acupuncture, Chinese herbals, Tui-na

FLORIDA

Coddingtown Vet Clinic Santa Rosa, CA USA Phone: (707) 546-4646

Chidiac Animal Hospital Waverely, ON Canada Phone: (705) 835-7005 Website: www.goldacupuncture.com

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Our readers are looking for quality natural services and turn to Animal Wellness Magazine as the leading source for wellness information. If you provide a holistic service or product you are eligible to advertise in the WRG.

For advertising information: email wrg@animalwellnessmagazine.com or call 866-764-1212

Horizon Veterinary Services Susan Maier, DVM Simpsonville, KY USA Phone: (502) 722-8231 Email: horizonvetserv@yahoo.com Website: www.horizonvetserv.com

MASSACHUSETTS

Canterbury Tails Vet Clinic Ware, MA USA Phone: 413-967-4545 Family Veterinary Center Haydenville, MA USA Phone: (413) 268-8387 Website: www.famvets.com

NEW JERSEY

Mark Newkirk, VMD Margate Animal Hospital & Alternative Care Center Margate City, NJ USA Toll Free: (609) 645-2120 Phone: (609) 823-3031 Website: www.alternativevet.com

EverGlo-Naturals Gloria Dodd, DVM Gualala, CA USA Phone: 707-785-9171 Email: everglo@mcn.org Website: www.holisticvetpetcare.net

Aquapuncture, Cancer Therapies, Chiropractic, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathic, Nutritional Balancing, Phone Consultations

Holistic Animal Care Stephanie Chalmers, DVM, CVH Santa Rosa, CA USA Phone: (707) 538-4643

Homeopathy and nutrition for dogs, cats & horses.

Phone consultations available.

Holistic Veterinary Center Calabasas, CA USA Phone: (818) 880-0838 Website: www.holistic-vet-center.com Integrated Veterinary Clinic Sacramento, CA USA Phone: 916-454-1825

KENTUCKY

Parkway Veterinary Hospital West Roxbury, MA USA Phone: (617) 469-8400

Creature Comfort Oakland, CA USA Phone: (510) 530-1373

ONTARIO

Shingle Springs Vet Clinic Shingle Springs, CA USA Phone: 530-677-0390 Email: drb@deanbaderdvm.com Website: www.deanbaderdvm.com

NEW YORK

Animal Holistic Care Mark Haimann, DVM Floral Park, NY USA Phone: 718-631-1396 SmithRidge Veterinary Services Dr. Marty Goldstein South Salem, NY USA Phone: (914) 533-6066 Website: www.smithridge.com

Advertise your business in the Wellness Resource Guide

1-866-764-1212

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Natural Product Manufacturers & Distributors – Natural Product Retailers — WELLNESS RESOURCE GUIDE

INTEGRATIVE VETS CONT’D ONTARIO

Ballantrae Animal Hospital Margaret Hacking, DVM Stouffville, ON Canada Phone: (905) 640-6809 Website: www.AnimalWellnessCentre.com

TEXAS

Harwood Oaks Animal Clinic Bedford, TX USA Phone: 817-354-7676 Website: www.harwoodoaksanimalclinic.com Acupuncture, Bowen, Essential oils, Nutritional support

P.O.R.G.I.E. Pet Ownership Requires Getting Informed and Educated A HEALTH STORE FOR PETS Natural & Organic & THEIR PEOPLE Products 951-784-9070 www.porgienaturalhealth.com

Burgess Veterinary Mobile Services Dundas, ON Canada Phone: 905-379-3824 Website: www.burgessvet.com

COLORADO

Acupuncture, Animal communication, Flower essences, QXCI Biofeedback therapy,Reiki Nutritional Counselling

Only Natural

Cynthia Harcourt, DVM Queensville, ON Canada Phone: (905) 478-1995

Pet Store

Homeopathy, Nutrition, Food Sensitivity Testing, Flower Essences, Herbalism, TTouch

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

CALIFORNIA

VIRGINIA

Conventional & Alternative Medicine, Homeopathy

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

NATURAL PRODUCT RETAILERS

Visit our online store for a huge selection of natural products for your pets!

1-888-937-6677 www.onlynaturalpet.com

NATURAL PRODUCT

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

MANUFACTURERS & DISTRIBUTORS

CONNECTICUT

Acupuncture, Bach Flower Remedies, Chiropractic Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Reiki, Therapeutic Nutrition

Essex Animal Hospital Janice Huntingford, DVM Essex, ON Canada Phone: (519) 776-7325 Email: essexanimalclinic@cogeco.net Website: www.essexanimalhospital.ca

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: www.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: www.holistic-vet.ca

Bach Remedies, Clinical Nutrition, Herbs, Homeopathy, Physical Therapies

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Our readers are looking for quality natural services and turn to Animal Wellness Magazine as the leading source for wellness information. If you provide a holistic service or product you are eligible to advertise in the WRG.

Advertise your business in the Wellness Resource Guide 1-866-764-1212

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For advertising information: email wrg@animalwellnessmagazine.com or call 866-764-1212

Massage Therapists Integrative Veterinarians Trainers & Behaviorists Pet Sitters Natural Product Retailers, Manufacturers & Distributors Shelters & Rescues Reiki Chiropractic Acupressure Acupuncture

Pet Sitting – Reiki Therapy – Schools & Education — WELLNESS RESOURCE GUIDE

NATURAL PRODUCT RETAILERS CONT’D

WISCONSIN

REIKI THERAPY CALIFORNIA

ILLINOIS

PET SITTING ONTARIO

Home Alone Professional Pet Care Toronto, Ontario Canada Toll Free: (416) 799-4900 Phone: (416) 504-4310 Email: kritrz@yahoo.ca Website: homealonepets.ca

Toronto: Central South West. Dog walking & cat sitting, CPR/FIRST AID, special needs. Behavior issues gently handled.

TEXAS Massage Therapists Integrative Veterinarians Trainers & Behaviorists

Promote your

holistic business

inexpensively to

a targeted market!

Pet Sitters

SCHOOLS & EDUCATION COLORADO

!

Natural Product Retailers, Manufacturers & Distributors Shelters & Rescues Reiki Chiropractic Acupressure Acupuncture

Advertise your business in the Wellness Resource Guide 1-866-764-1212

Our readers are looking for quality natural services and turn to Animal Wellness Magazine as the leading source for wellness information.

If you provide a holistic service or product you are eligible to advertise in the WRG. For advertising information email: wrg@animalwellnessmagazine.com or call 866-764-1212

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warm & Fuzzy

Bailey says

hi “ ” Bringing smiles and comfort to hospital patients is all in a day’s work for this gentle therapy dog.

Above: Bailey visits one of his human friends, Josie Vine.

by Luise Bolleber

T

he man’s rusty brown hair couldn’t hide the jagged scar above his right ear. The nurse lowered his bed and dropped the railings to accommodate a bedside visit from my dog. We stood there for a moment in the intensive care room and watched. Bailey, my congenial and patient standard poodle with a love for all people, sat quietly at my side and observed the scene. He knew his job and waited for the signal.

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“Would you like to say hi to a therapy dog?” the nurse asked the patient loudly.

The man, who looked to be in his late 30s, tried to lift his head to focus on Bailey. But his eyes no longer traveled the same path of sight and peered out at odd angles from one another, like two drooping flowers in a vase. His mouth began working and a few unintelligible sounds came out.

The nurse invited us over and Bailey immediately set to work. With the nurse’s permission, Bailey rose up and rested his front paws and chest on the bed. Then he began licking the man’s hand vigorously. The nurse laughed.

“Are you well enough to say hi to my dog?”

I asked him when he turned to look at us with tired eyes.

“How do you like that?” she asked the man.

“Well, sure,” he said, and Bailey immediately trotted over to him and nuzzled his hand. The man’s face brightened and he started talking.

He shifted around under the blanket and seemed to will his hand to reach out and pat Bailey’s fluffy head, but the effort was too great. Then his face contorted into some semblance of a smile. It lingered for a moment but then melted back into the confused misery of his injured universe. We stayed a few minutes longer and the nurse grasped his hand and placed it on Bailey’s head. We both continued to talk to him as though we were all having a normal conversation. I was curious about him and questioned the nurse outside his room.

“We don’t know how much he understands.

Someone found him unconscious in the park. He sustained a head trauma and they think he was assaulted.” I was grateful that Bailey had played a part in producing that lopsided smile.

Bailey has been a therapy dog for two years and during this time he has brought smiles and good cheer to patients, families and staff at the hospital we visit. We belong to a group of therapy dogs and their handlers who stop by the same facility every other week, and our modus operandi is to slowly walk into a patient’s room and ask if they would like a visit with our dogs. Most of the time people say “yes”. The effect my dog has on people, both patients and visitors, never ceases to amaze me. The nearly universal reaction is to smile in delight, reach for his big silky head, and launch into stories of dogs they used to have, or dogs they miss who are at home.

One day, Bailey and I entered the room of a man I thought might not appreciate a furry visitor. His deeply lined face looked haggard and pained and his thick, unwashed gray hair curved up on either side of his head in the shape of devil’s horns.

“I’m part Indian and I’ve been doing research trying to figure out which tribe I’m from. I’ve decided I’m from the wolf clan because of the way dogs respond to me. Did you know that if you’re walking in the woods and you’re not from the wolf clan, the wolves will stay hidden in the trees? But if you are from the wolf clan, the wolves will come out and say hello.”

“It sounds kind of nice being a member of the wolf clan,” I said.

When I first learned about therapy dogs, I knew right away that my pooch was perfect for the job. He is always a big hit with everyone he encounters and his friendly, gentle demeanor wins over many admirers. It’s truly a joy to see Bailey bring comfort to people in need, and fun to watch as patients do a double-take when we enter their room. The last thing they expect to see in the antiseptic hospital environment is a friendly welcoming dog with tail wagging happily!

Bailey’s sojourns provides a wonderful service to the people we visit, and he benefits as well. He proudly wears his bright yellow tag embossed with “I Am A Therapy Dog” and is very excited when we pull into the hospital parking lot.

As he prances through the front door, I tell him it’s time for him to do his job and earn his keep, and he has never once complained!

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Follow that dog!

Losing your companion can be one of the most unnerving experiences you’ll ever face. Equipping him with a microchip or GPS will help ensure he gets back to you safely.

by Sandra Murphy

A

n unlatched gate, an open door, a loose window screen…a dog or cat can look on these opportunities as his own version of Prison Break. Every two seconds, an animal companion gets lost. It’s your worst nightmare. Whether he’s a streak in the distance or right out of sight, how do you get him back?

Chip on his shoulder Animal organizations such as the ASPCA strongly recommend microchipping as well. A microchip is a radio frequency identification system (RFIS) operating on two main frequencies – 125 kilohertz (more common in the U.S.) or 134.2 kilohertz (used globally). As the name implies, a microchip is small, about the size of a grain of rice. Each chip is first registered to a veterinarian who injects it into the animal’s shoulder area.

Above: GPS units for dogs are small and light enough to be incorporated into a collar.

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A microchip will tell a rescuer who to call once a lost animal is found. A handheld scanner is moved over his shoulder area to detect the chip, and its number is shown on a small screen, like a bar code at the grocery store. The microchip company maintains a database; it’s your responsibility to update your animal’s chip to your own name and contact numbers. This is an important step as shelters say out-of-date information is the biggest obstacle to finding an animal’s family.

Title photo: LovemypetsGPS, Microchip photo: Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health (top left page 66), Dog photo: Spotlight GPS Pet Locator (top right page 66), Collar photo: Spotlight GPS Pet Locator ( bottom right page 66)

Identification is the answer. Without ID, nine out of ten animals won’t be reunited with their families.

Start with a collar and tags – would-be rescuers are more willing to approach an animal with a collar because they can see he belongs to someone.

ADVANTAGES OF MICROCHIPPING

GREAT FOR YOU , MADE FOR YOUR PETS

• A microchip cannot be altered, removed or lost.

• Getting chipped is no more painful than a rabies shot.

• With no battery or moving parts to wear out, a chip lasts a lifetime.

• Microchip companies maintain a database with your animal’s medical history, vet’s name, description and photos as well as the microchip number and contact numbers to call when he’s found. Many have a “lost pet” template to use with the animal’s photo for printing fliers to post in your neighborhood.

• When you report a missing animal, the company will send an alert to area veterinarians and shelters.

• Microchipping is very affordable, with the veterinarian setting the price – usually from $25 to $40. Some rescues or shelters may have low cost “chip-a-thons” or “snip and chips” (neutering and chipping in one procedure) as fundraisers.

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MICROCHIP MYTH-BUSTING

1 2 3

Is there any health risk to the animal?

Microchips are no health risk, says veterinary oncologist Dr. Jeff Bryan. “The one thing I would say about microchips is that the association with cancer is minimal. There is no reaction at all in the tissue around the chip.”

Will the shelter’s scanner be able to read the chip?

Microchip companies such as HomeAgain, AVID and Bayer resQ make universal scanners to read both frequencies. The scanners are donated to shelters. To further avoid problems, Banfield, the animal clinic within PetSmart, will inject chips of both frequencies.

Will the chip move after it’s injected?

Veterinarian Dr. Mark Lux routinely scans animals during their first office visit. “In years of checking, I’ve only found two or three microchips that have migrated,” he says. “I recommend microchipping to all my clients.” animal wellness

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The GPS doesn’t need open spaces to work. It can track your dog even in heavily wooded areas.

HIGH TECH TRACKING

Microchip photo: Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health (top left page 66), Dog photo: Spotlight GPS Pet Locator (top right page 66), Collar photo: Spotlight GPS Pet Locator (bottom right page 66)

Global positioning systems (GPS) are shaping up to be the new wave in animal ID. Improved technology permits a GPS unit as small as 2.65 ounces for tracking lost dogs.

Incorporated into a collar or harness, the GPS is water resistant and will send location updates to your cell phone, computer or PDA as often as every 60 seconds.

or $140. There’s usually a one-time activation fee and a smaller monthly fee thereafter.

You might think you don’t have to worry about ID for your companion. But accidents can happen to even the most careful animal lover. Investing in a microchip or GPS system will greatly increase his chances of being found if he ever escapes or gets separated from you. After all, he’s family.

Above: A microchip is the size of a grain of rice.

The GPS doesn’t need open spaces to work. It can track your dog even in heavily wooded areas. Glow-in-thedark banding on the collar or harness will help drivers see your dog at night. If the unit cannot access a GPS satellite, it will automatically search for cellular coverage.

RESOURCES

A GPS can be a godsend for dogs with a wanderlust who are constantly escaping to roam the neighborhood. You can choose a designated area as small as your own backyard, or as large as 1,000 square yards, and when your dog strikes out on his own and leaves the area, the GPS will tattle.

HomeAgain, homeagain.com AVID, avidid.com Bayer resQ, bayerDVM.com Banfield, banfield.petsmart.com

If you travel with your dog, whether on vacation or for companionship on work-related trips, the GPS will bring you back together should you get separated. You can register multiple dogs as long as each has his own GPS collar or harness. If you live or travel in an area prone to natural disasters like hurricanes or flooding, the GPS could be invaluable.

The price of a GPS system for your dog averages $130

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Microchipping

GPS LovemypetsGPS, lovemypetsgps.com SpotLight GPS Pet Locator, spotlightgps.com

animal wellness

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under THE

TABLE There’s no reason you can’t share some table scraps with your companion. The key is to give her only healthy choices. Here’s what’s good for her -- and what’s not.

BY JUNIPER RUSSO TARASCIO

W

ith Thanksgiving and the festive season quickly approaching, you may be more tempted than usual to share table scraps with your furry friends after holiday dinners. But before you allow Rusty to eat a plate of fat trimmings with gravy or Aunt Irene’s fruit cake, read on. Experts agree that the wrong table scraps, especially when given too often, can result in digestive upsets, obesity and sometimes even life-threatening reactions.

However, carefully selected human foods may actually benefit dogs and cats because they add extra nutrients and variety to the diet.

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You should already be feeding your companion a healthy, natural premium food, so whatever the time of year, look on table scraps as treats rather than a substitute for a balanced diet. The basic rule of thumb is that if your table scraps are too unhealthy for you and your family to eat, they belong in the compost or garbage bin – not in your animal’s bowl.

Good judgment can make the difference between a healthy treat and an emergency trip to the vet’s office. Before you let your cat or dog sample table scraps this holiday season, refer to this chart to see what’s good for him, and what could make him sick.

Healthy choices Turkey and chicken Cooked chicken and turkey are excellent holiday treats for pets, but watch out for bones, salt, and seasoning made with onions.

Lean red meat Both cats and dogs adore the flavor and texture of red meat. Shreds of lean beef and mutton are chock full of highly absorbable nutrients.

Boiled or scrambled eggs Free-range eggs are loaded with vitamins, minerals and healthy fats.

Food

Sweet potatoes A great source of beta carotene, which dogs convert into a non-toxic form of vitamin A. Sweet potatoes are a healthy way to satisfy an animal with a sweet tooth.

Carrots Another great source of beta carotene, carrots have a satisfying texture that cats and dogs both enjoy.

Green vegetables Broccoli, green beans, turnip greens, etc. are excellent sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals -- but shy away from anything that has been heavily seasoned or covered with rich sauce.

Fish Fresh and frozen cooked fish can provide a dog or cat with lean protein and highly absorbable vitamins. Cold water fish is also a good source of omega-3 oils. Cats will find the treat especially satisfying.

Apples Animals, especially dogs, can benefit from fresh apples as an occasional treat. Avoid giving cooked apples that have been heavily sweetened.

Unsweetened yogurt Yogurt contains “friendly” bacteria that facilitate digestion and enhance the immune system.

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Give in moderation

Avoid completely

Whole grains Brown rice, corn, quinoa and whole wheat bread can be healthy sources of fiber and vitamins, but on their own do not contain an appropriate nutritional profile for cats or dogs.

Tea and coffee Cats and dogs are very sensitive to caffeine. Many have died after eating coffee grounds and tea bags, so keep these well out of your animal’s reach.

Cheese Cats and dogs digest cheese products more effectively than milk. However, it can still cause gas, bloating and stomach cramps. Cottage cheese is easier on their digestion.

Grapes and raisins Contain potent kidney toxins for dogs. While a dog may not show obvious symptoms of poisoning immediately after eating them, a single serving of these sweet fruits can cause long term damage.

Cooked potatoes Peeled, cooked ripe potatoes can be an enjoyable snack, but cats and dogs get little nutritional value from them.

Unpeeled and unripe potatoes contain phytotoxins that are dangerous to your animal.

Salty foods Hotdogs, tinned soups, deli meats, etc., contain far too much sodium for a cat or dog’s body to process. They can cause electrolyte imbalance, kidney disease, tremors, seizures, vomiting and in some cases even death.

Beef liver Liver can be a healthy source of many important nutrients, but too much may be hazardous. Because liver contains such large amounts of vitamin A, it can actually be toxic when given in very large quantities.

Alcohol Cats and dogs are highly susceptible to alcohol’s toxic effects. Wine, beer and mixed drinks can cause vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea and even liver failure. This holiday season, be sure not to share your nog with your dog.

Beans and soy products Many animals become gassy after eating beans and soybased foods. However, a bite of tofurkey can be a healthy source of protein and key minerals.

Sweet desserts Cats and dogs are poorly equipped to handle sugary foods, and are uniquely prone to developing diabetes. Holiday desserts like pecan pie and fruit cake offer no nutritional benefits to your companion.

Tomatoes Unripe tomatoes contain tomatine and atropine, both of which are toxic to dogs. In moderate amounts, ripe tomatoes contain too little of these compounds to be harmful.

Ham This holiday tradition contains too much sugar, fat and salt to be healthy. If you choose to give ham to your companion, limit it to a few small bites.

Cow’s milk Cats and dogs lack the digestive enzymes necessary for breaking down milk sugars, so cow’s milk may cause diarrhea, gas, bloating and vomiting.

Canned fish Canned tuna and salmon often contain a lot of salt. Select low-sodium options.

Onions This common veggie, often used in turkey stuffing, can destroy a dog’s red blood cells. This can lead to anemia, breathing problems, muscle weakness and death.

Chocolate This favorite holiday treat contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which can over-stimulate a dog’s central nervous system and cause life-threatening problems. Dark chocolate contains the strongest concentration of these stimulants.

Spoiled or moldy food Spoiled leftovers are never an acceptable pet food, unless he happens to be a vulture. They can contain toxic fungal compounds and infectious bacteria.

Cooked bones Avoid all cooked bones, poultry or otherwise. They easily splinter and snap and may cause serious internal problems if swallowed.

Gravy and sauces Most are too rich for a dog or cat and may contain fat, seasonings, sugar and/or cream that can upset your companion’s digestion.

You don’t want to leave your companion out of your seasonal celebrations, of course, but keep in mind as you’re serving Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner this year that not all those table scraps make good treats for your dog or cat. Feed her only what’s healthy and safe, and you’ll both have a happy holiday.

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the scoop It’s elemental!

Exposure to chemicals and heavy metals along with nutrient-deficient foods lower disease resistance and create imbalances in the body. High quality supplements like those from Eleven Elements can help your dog or cat maintain a healthy immune system. These unique supplements include Mono-Atomic Minerals, a blend of organic trace minerals, essential vitamins, amino acids, metabolic and digestive enzymes, zeolite and fulvic acid to boost natural, safe detoxification processes and support overall health and wellness. eleven-elements.com

Wedding bells A growing number of animal lovers want their dogs to be part of their weddings. To help dress them up for the occasion, Flexi has launched its fashionable new GLAM leash line. Each one-of-a-kind retractable leash is embellished with genuine Swarovski Crystals that are hand applied to a high-gloss painted casing. The leashes come in black, white and pink, making it easy to color coordinate your pooch for the big day. flexiusa.com

Letters of love

Supplement for seniors

When Sharon Discorfano lost her beagle Pushkin last winter, she found one of the best ways of coping with her grief was to write letters to him. Her idea expanded and she has now launched a new website that offers people an opportunity to use letter writing as a constructive tool in dealing with the loss of a loved one, whether animal or human. The site includes tips on how to let your creativity flow, and a place to write and post your own letters to lost loved ones. letterstopushkin.com

As dogs and cats age, they become prone a variety of health issues, including arthritis, low energy, weight gain, cognitive problems and decreased muscle tone.

BioSENIOR from BiologicVET is a powdered natural supplement formulated especially for older animals. It provides nutrients and vitamins to help mobility, metabolism, digestion, cognitive function, strength, immunity and overall longevity. Just mix it with your companion’s food. biologicvet.net

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MAD FOR MUTTS

IN THE BLOOD

Daytime television host Rachael Ray is looking for animals to be the beneficiaries of more than $200,000 in proceeds from sales of her Nutrish pet food. This past summer, she launched the Mutt Madness Awards Program to find charitable organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to animal rescue, rehabilitation or adoption. Charities that employ no-kill practices nominated their organizations, and from October 12 till November 22 you’re invited to vote for your favorites once every week, as the finalists are narrowed down by a star-studded panel of animal lovers, including actress and Emmy winner Kathy Griffin (Suddenly Susan) and Rachel herself.

Finding cancer in the body isn’t a precise science, but it may just have become a little easier. Canadian biotechnology company BioCurex announced in June that it has developed OncoPet, a blood test to be used for cancer detection in dogs. In a study including 116 dogs with cancer and 150 control dogs, the test detected cancer in 85% of the affected animals. The testing service will be offered directly to veterinarians, to be done in conjunction with routine blood work. oncopet.net

STAR SUPPORTS ROLDA

rachaelray.com/pets

TO THE RESCUE How about a delicious and healthy treat that’s good for your dog’s joints? Ark Naturals Sea “Mobility” Joint Rescue protects your canine companion by combining real meat with nutraceuticals for a tasty jerky that dogs love. One a day provides 500mg of glucosamine along with MSM and sea cucumber (chondroitin) for hip and joint function, morning stiffness, and lack of flexibility. The treats are available in beef, chicken, lamb or venison. arknaturals.com

During the Communist era, the policy in Romania was to transform rural areas into big industrial cities.

Private homes were demolished, people were forced to move, and dogs and cats were left behind. The result is a serious animal overpopulation problem, especially in Galati, where more than 20,000 homeless dogs roam the streets. The Romanian League in Defense of Animals (ROLDA) is devoted to saving, caring for and adopting out these animals. Recently, Spanish actress and dancer Monica Cruz (sister of Penelope Cruz) joined forces with the non-profit charity to promote their campaign “Have a Heart for Romanian Homeless Animals”. rolda.org

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A

s our society become more mobile, so do our animals. Most people move several times during their lives, and long-distance vacations and business trips are commonplace. Whether you’re traveling to another state, or just going around the corner to the vet, you need a convenient and comfortable way to transport your dog or cat.

In response to this need, all kinds of innovative carriers, crates and even strollers for animals have appeared on the market. They’re designed to not only cater to your companion’s comfort and security, but to also make it easier to take your animal with you when you go places.

• Good quality crates, carriers and strollers are made from durable materials and fasteners so an animal can’t tear his way out or otherwise escape by accident.

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Rocco and Jezebel, roccoandjezebel.com

•M any of the latest products are especially designed to be lightweight and/or streamlined for easy transport.

• Strollers allow you to easily move your animal without any lifting.

• Some crates and strollers are collapsible, making them easy to pack.

• Manufacturers haven’t forgotten fashion. Carriers and strollers come in lots of trendy styles, patterns and colors.

•M any products can be fitted with special washable pads or liners to enhance your animal’s comfort and/or absorb urine in case of accidents.

Keep in mind that even the most luxurious carrier won’t make your dog or cat happy unless it suits him. Use the following tips to help him accept and even enjoy his mode of transport.

Kittywalk, kittywalk.com

m

Want your companion to travel in comfort and fashion? Check out the latest in carriers, crates and strollers for dogs and cats.

by Charlotte Walker

• Make sure it’s large enough for your animal to stand up, turn around, and stretch out in.

• Help him get accustomed to it by leaving it out with the door or entryway open so he can explore it on his own terms. If he only ever sees it when he goes to the vet, he’ll associate it with a negative experience.

• Put a few favorite toys and/or healthy treats inside the crate or carrier, along with a familiar blanket or piece of clothing. These items will help him see the enclosure as a safe and friendly place. In time, he may come to regard it as a comfortable haven that he’ll retreat to by choice.

Leave these items inside the carrier when you set out on a trip.

• To get him used to being moved while he’s inside the carrier, practice taking him around the house or outside; if you have a stroller, take him for walks around the block.

•A void putting bowls of water or food in the carrier or crate while traveling. They’ll only spill, and your animal probably won’t feel like drinking or eating while in transit anyhow. Even if he does, you increase the risk of accidents by feeding him while on the road. It’s important to make sure he stays hydrated and nourished, of course, but wait until you make stops. If your animal doesn’t get motion sick, a few healthy treats en route can help cheer him up.

• If you’re taking your cat on a trip, and your carrier or crate is large enough, put a litter box in the back of it.

Happy travels to you and your best friend!

Sleepypod, sleepypod.com All Designer Pet Products, alldesignerpetproducts.com

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FOCUS

ON

PROBIOTICS This father and son company takes pride in formulating all-natural nutritional supplements for digestive health.

BY ANN BRIGHTMAN

A

nyone who’s into holistic health knows the importance of probiotics. These beneficial bacteria are vital to a properly functioning digestive system and overall well being. One company that really understands probiotics is Cycles of Life, owned and operated by Dr. Jay Dhawan and his son Neil. “Our focus is solely on promoting and offering probiotic products to advance wellness,” says Neil. “Our mission is to educate people with accurate information, not just marketing hype, and to provide safe, effective, quality products.”

When the company started in 1994, it specialized in probiotics for people. “As for introducing a product for animals, I owe a debt of gratitude to our customer, Liz Collins, who wrote a letter to a journal praising our Geneflora Capsules for relieving her spaniel’s chronic yeasty ear problem,” Neil explains. “Other customers started ordering the capsules for their animals too, and were very happy with the results. Then we started getting calls from people who wanted the product in a powder as they were tired of having to open the capsule and sprinkle the powder on their animals’ food. So in 2005, after about ten months of research and development, Geneflora for Pets was introduced to the market. I love animals, so when the opportunity to be part of the animal market presented itself I welcomed it with open arms.”

Several of the company’s other products have also been applied to animals. “We have recently had great success using YeastBuster to treat various skin conditions in

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animals. And a few holistic veterinarians use our NuImmune product because of the extra ingredients they find beneficial, like curcumin and aloe.”

All the products feature a unique strain of probiotic. “We use a naturally heat-resistant strain,” Neil explains. “When we started, almost every probiotic on the market required refrigeration – ours never did because of the naturallyoccurring, non-protein shell that surrounds the bacteria to protect it from elements that kill the ‘average’ bacteria, such as heat, light, oxygen and especially stomach acids.”

Neil and his father believe strongly in their products, and donate a lot of them to animal shelters and rescues. “We understand the need for proper supplementation with an effective probiotic to help re-establish the health of these abandoned and abused animals.” They are also involved with veterinarian Dr. Margo Roman and her Dr. DoMore cause, a series of DVDs designed to bring alternative and integrative modalities into mainstream veterinary care.

“Ultimately, what I really love about what I do is the feeling I get when a customer calls, crying tears of joy, after our product has restored health in their animal or family member,” says Neil. “After being at their wit’s end, all but giving up hope and spending thousands of dollars on ineffective treatments – when their animal or other loved one has been restored to health – you just can’t put a price on that.”

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Enter our Cover Dog Photo and Story

CONTEST! Is your dog a hero? Does he have a claim to fame?

And does he take a good photo? If so, enter our 1st ever Cover Dog Photo and Story Contest and your pooch could appear on the cover of an upcoming issue of Animal Wellness Magazine! Each winner will also receive a special prize. Enter by January 15, 2010, for your chance to win. What a great way to celebrate your special friend!

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THE RULES ARE SIMPLE:

1

Send us a short story about why you think your dog should be on our cover, along with one or more professional quality digital images of your dog, scanned at a minimum of 5”x7” at 300dpi resolution in a tif, jpeg or pdf format to: photos@animalwellnessmagazine.com. Or send a good quality hard copy original photo or slide (not a color photocopy) of your dog to: Photo Contest, Animal Wellness Magazine US: PMB 8174 S. Holly S., Centennial, CO 80122 CAN: 107 Hunter St. E., Unit 201, Peteroborough, ON K9H 1G7

2 3 4

Please remember to include your name, address and telephone number, along with your dog’s name, sex and age (if known). Hard copy photos must have contact information printed on the back.

All photos become property of Redstone Media Group.

Winners will be notified by phone or mail and winning photos will appear on the cover of a future issue of Animal Wellness Magazine.

Winners will also be contacted for interviews for an accompanying cover story to appear in the same issue.

TIPS FOR WINNING PHOTOS! • Closeups are preferred, but action shots are also welcome. If a closeup, the dog should be facing into the camera.

• Outdoor shots with good lighting are best.

Do not use an indoor flash.

• Be sure the photo background isn’t too busy or cluttered, and that it provides enough visual contrast to the dog.

• Photos must be sharp and in focus.

• The dog should look happy and healthy. animal wellness

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Trick

or treat!

Halloween means costumes, candy and a busy doorbell. It might be fun for us, but it can be a scary experience for your animal companion. Here’s how to keep him safe and stress-free.

by Shirley Scott

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H

alloween is just around the corner and your home will soon be bombarded with hungry trick-or-treaters.

Depending on your dog or cat, it may be no big deal – or it might be a frightening and stressful experience. Consider the following tips for keeping him safe and at ease.

Costume cautions • If you’re going to dress up your animal, make sure the outfit is loose and doesn’t restrict his movement in any way. He’ll have to walk, run and take potty breaks, so the costume must have room in the legs, fit loosely around the body, and not get in the way when he has to go outside.

• The outfit should be easy on and easy off, preferably something with Velcro or pull away fasteners.

• Keep in mind that your companion is probably not used to a costume, so don’t leave him dressed up for too long.

He could get uncomfortable and irritated and shred the costume or lash out with a bite or scratch.

• Doggy sweaters, coats and jackets are great for the outdoors, but don’t make your animal wear outdoor apparel in the house for very long. It can cause overheating.

• When you’re picking out a costume for your animal, remember this: if you wouldn’t wear it, don’t think your animal will feel any different. Many dogs and especially cats don’t like costumes and feel they’re being punished by being made to wear one. Laughing at them can hurt their feelings. When you put a costume on your animal, do it in a calm and light-hearted way to help him understand it’s an enjoyable adventure. The bottom line is to make it fun for your animal so he’ll remember it with good feelings, not fear. If he panics or struggles to get out of it, don’t force him to wear it.

• Look into your animal’s eyes and ask him if he’s okay with the costume. You’ll be able to tell from his expression, actions and demeanor if he’s enjoying the experience or feeling degraded, humiliated, scared or angry.

“Ding-dong!”

Another big deal is the doorbell. The constant ringing on Halloween night can drive your animal to distraction if you don’t take precautions. If he doesn’t like the doorbell, put him in a quiet room with the door shut until all the trickor-treating is over. It will help keep him safe and somewhat animal wellness

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calmer. Give him his favorite toys and some treats to help him feel better and be sure to provide water and, if you have a cat, a litter box. You can also look into a natural remedy with calming herbs or a flower essence such as Rescue Remedy.

Even if your animal likes to greet everyone who rings the bell, keeping him away from the door is still a good idea.

Be aware that those who show up on Halloween night can look very strange to your companion. Your dog or cat isn’t used to seeing people in masks and costumes and he can go into survival mode very quickly. He might bite someone or run out the door to get away from the visitors. I get many calls the day after Halloween about spooked cats and dogs who ran out the door between the legs of Captain Hook or Sleeping Beauty, never to be seen again. So please remember that what we see as fun, our animals might see in a totally different way.

In the same vein, don’t let your animal out alone on Halloween night. Dogs should be escorted into the backyard to do their business, and outdoor cats should be kept inside for the duration. Sadly, there are people who try to hurt animals on Halloween.

Remember that what we see as fun, our animals might see in a totally different way.

TREAT HIM SAFELY Now that we’ve talked about the tricks to keep your animal safe, let’s talk about the treats. Chocolate, raisins and many other candy ingredients are toxic to animals, especially dogs. Sugar is not healthy for them either, so a good rule of thumb is not to give your companion any

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human treats. If you want to treat your animal, make sure it’s something safe and healthy, such as a natural biscuit, chew or tidbits of lean meat. Many dogs enjoy pieces of raw carrot, apple or other fruits and veggies.

Also keep candy wrappers out of your companion’s way.

The smell of the candy will still be on the wrapper and many animals consume this non-digestible waxy or foil paper, thinking it’s edible. Throw all candy wrappers in the garbage right away.

Common sense is the key to a happy Halloween, along with an awareness of how your furry companion might be feeling about what’s going on around him. Keep his needs and safety in mind at all times, and you’ll get through the night without any frights.

Titile photo: © Willeecole | Dreamstime.com (page 80), Cat photo: © Eei_tony | Dreamstime.com (page 82-83)

SPOOKY DÉCOR Animals are naturally curious, so Halloween decorations can be very tempting to them. Watch for nervous chewing on decorations; this is a clue your animal is not relaxed with them.

Streamers of colored paper may cause intestinal blockages if ingested, while electrical cords can cause death.

Play it safe and keep these things out of your companion’s reach.

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passages

Up

from the

ashes Decorative urns, jewelry and other cremation keepsakes are a popular way to preserve the memory of a beloved animal companion.

by Sara Jackson

O

ne of the few drawbacks of dogs and cats is that they just don’t live long enough. Sooner or later, we have to face losing our beloved companions. There are all kinds of ways to help ease the grief, but one trend that’s gaining popularity is having the animal cremated and preserved in an attractive urn, or having his ashes incorporated into a piece of jewelry or other cremation keepsake.

Preserving an animal’s cremains can be a comforting way to keep his memory as physically alive as possible.

“Pet mementos have become so popular because there has been a shift over the past couple of decades about the role animals play in our lives,” says Carol Swann of Serendipity by Carol, which makes glass pendants infused with an animal’s ashes or hair. “For some people, having a piece of their beloved animal with them is very comforting and part of the healing process.”

Veterinarian Dr. James Coghlan of Ashes to Ashes adds that jewelry has long been a common means of memorializing lost loved ones, and that it’s a natural human instinct to honor a beloved being that has passed. “People

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who wear memorial jewelry report a strong healing feeling that helps with the emptiness of loss,” he says.

Urns of all types For many, an attractive urn is the resting place of choice. Urns for dogs and cats come in a wide variety of styles and designs, from elegant wooden boxes to decorative jars and animal figurines.

Many can be personalized with a photo or engraved plate bearing your animal’s name and dates.

Antal Products makes a line of weatherproof polyresin memorials in the shape of bones, hydrants or paw prints, which can be used as either holders for ashes or as memorial markers. If you want to celebrate your dog or cat’s breed, Angel Ashes offers dozens of different breed figurines that can be used to decorate your choice of urn. For the ultimate in elegance, a selection of upholstered urns is available in several colors and sizes from Ashes to Ashes.

Memorial pendants A growing number of companies offer you the chance to carry your companion next to your heart at all times. They create unique artistic pendants and other mementos that incorporate an animal’s ashes or hair right into the piece.

Harry Vogel, the co-owner of My Crystal Companion, says his company requires approximately one to four tablespoons of ashes to create a memorial pendant, ring or touchstone. The raw materials needed to make crystal glass are substituted with the animal’s ashes, along with high heat and pressure.

“Approximately eight to 15 percent of the lab-created stone is cremains,” explains Harry. The animal’s ashes are what determine the design and color of the crystal; without them, it would be

colorless and transparent. So each keepsake varies in appearance depending on the chemical and mineral makeup of the ashes, the thoroughness of the cremation process, the amount of carbon present, and the way the ashes are absorbed.

Serendipity By Carol creates colorful fused glass pendants using either ashes or small clippings of your animal’s fur.

The ashes or hair are combined with a special type of glass, known as dichroic glass, that’s designed to withstand high temperatures. Each pendant requires approximately 1/4 tablespoon of ashes or fur. When the ashes are infused in the dichroic glass, they may appear darker, or may sometimes become hidden by the reflective nature of the glass. “I fire the pendants individually in a small kiln, rather than in batches, to make sure that each person gets the correct memento back,” says Carol.

Both these companies require the ashes or fur to be sent to them in a container secured in a Ziploc baggy or a 35mm film canister. “Most people are okay with this, but if they’re uncomfortable decanting the urn, one of our distributors will do it for them,” says Harry. Carol adds that if people feel apprehensive about dealing with their animal’s ashes, they can send the entire urn to her and she will extract what she needs to create the jewelry and return the rest. “In some cases, the crematory can extract the ashes for the customer and send them to me,” she says. “In those cases I return the completed memento to the crematory for pickup by the customer.”

pinch of your animal’s ashes or a tuft of his hair.

If you share your life with a dog or cat, you know you’ll one day have to say goodbye to him. Honoring him by preserving his ashes in an attractive piece of jewelry, decorative urn or other keepsake will help keep him near you forever, if not in person then in spirit.

Resources Angel Ashes angelashes.com Antal Products www.antalproducts.com Ashes to Ashes ashestoashes.com My Crystal Companion mycrystalcompanion.com Serendipity by Carol petmementos.com

An alternative to glass and crystal keepsake jewelry are sterling silver pendants made by companies like Ashes to Ashes. Numerous styles are available, including star, heart, cross, pyramid, cylinder and pawprint designs, and all are made to hold a animal wellness

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CUTTING

EDGE

Your dog or cat has access to medical therapies and technologies that were unheard of not long ago. Here are four advances in veterinary care that have made the news in recent years.

BY SHAWN MESSONNIER, DVM

N

ext time you take your dog or cat to the vet, you might be surprised at some of the medical options he or she can offer you. Just like human medicine, veterinary medicine is always advancing, and new technologies and therapies are becoming available all the time. In this article, I’ll highlight four new advances that can benefit your companion.

STEM CELL THERAPY Stem cell therapy is a hot topic. But most of the news has centered on human embryonic stem cell therapy, rather than adult stem cell therapy, so the overall slant has been negative. While there have been no reports of the safe use of therapies involving embryonic stem cells, there are hundreds of proven applications for adult stem cells.

The only downside is the cost (several thousand dollars) and the fact that surgery is needed to initially obtain the stem cells. Because adult stem cell therapy is safe and effective, however, it offers a better alternative to NSAIDs in treating arthritic animals.

FIBER OPTICS One of the most exciting developments in the last few years is fiber optic technology. Briefly, fiber optics involves the use of small plastic fibers that carry light along their entire length.

In veterinary medicine, bundles of these fibers are put together in an endoscope. These scopes, which resemble black cables or hoses, are useful for many procedures. For

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Smaller versions of these scopes can be used for diagnosing bladder disorders, urethral problems, and for looking at the internal female reproductive tract. Endoscopes are also useful in emergency situations when an animal has swallowed a foreign object. For the coughing companion, a small version of an endoscope called a bronchoscope can be placed into the animal’s airway for visualization and biopsy.

Formerly, these procedures could only be done through surgery. Endoscopic examination, diagnosis and treatment are much less expensive. There are also fewer complications than an animal would potentially experience through surgery (e.g. infections, bleeding, disruption of the surgical wound).

Thanks to fiber optic technology, it has become routine to diagnose and treat allergic bronchitis and inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and cats.

ANESTHESIA AND ANESTHETIC MONITORING Whenever restraint is needed for a minor procedure, or when a surgical procedure is necessary, anesthetics will be employed. Newer anesthetics such as isofluorane and sevofluorane anesthetize your animal more safely than the older ones. These new gases quickly induce anesthesia, have minimal negative effects on your animal’s internal systems, such as the cardiovascular, and allow the animal to recover quickly when the procedure is terminated.

While your companion is under anesthesia, it’s important that he be carefully monitored. While nothing takes the

Title photo (Stem Cell) : © Vet-Stem, Vet Stem Syringe photo: © Vet-Stem (page 87).

Recently, this unique holistic therapy has become available to dogs and cats with arthritis. Briefly, a small amount of an animal’s abdominal fat is removed for purification and stem cell isolation by an outside laboratory. These stem cells are then sent back to the veterinarian, who injects them into the animal. The results are very encouraging.

example, to aid in the diagnosis of vomiting or diarrhea, the veterinarian can pass an endoscope into a sedated or anesthetized animal and look at or take biopsies of the gastrointestinal tract.

place of a live technician who can watch his vital signs and make sure the cardiorespiratory systems are functioning properly, new technologies have emerged to aid in the detection of any problems that might arise.

One is a machine called a pulse oximeter. This machine measures the saturation of your animal’s hemoglobin with oxygen, providing an indication of how well his tissues are receiving oxygen during surgery. This technology allows the doctor to make adjustments to the animal’s anesthetic levels to ensure he receives adequate levels of oxygen during a surgical procedure. Most pulse oximetry machines also measure other vital signs such as EKG, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature and/or blood pressure.

This technology has been available for several years, so machines are affordable for most practices. I suggest making sure your dog or cat is monitored with one of these machines (as well as at least one live person) during any surgery.

LASER SURGERY Once confined to human medicine, laser surgery has also become available to veterinarians over the last few years. Laser units allow the veterinarian to do surgery without a conventional scalpel blade. It cuts down the time required to do the surgery, decreases bleeding, and may reduce pain.

However, even though these units have come down in price, they are still expensive and may not be worth the cost for every practice. Because of this expense, it will usually cost more for you when the unit is used during surgery. From what I’ve seen, the use of these units can add an extra $50 to $100 or more to the cost of a surgery.

I am not opposed to the use of laser surgery, but have personally not found it practical to add it to my own practice. I can easily control bleeding with my less expensive electric surgical unit. Additionally, through the judicious use of both conventional and natural analgesic (pain-killing) medications, I have not had a problem with post-operative pain. Even when laser surgery units are used, medications must be given to prevent and control pain after the procedure.

Because adult stem cell therapy is safe and effective, it offers a better alternative to NSAIDs in treating arthritic animals.

If laser surgery is something you’re interested in for your own animal, there is likely at least one veterinarian in your area who uses a laser unit for operations.

This is just a partial list of major veterinary advances.

Many additional new therapies and technologies are becoming available all the time, continually improving the health and longevity of our dogs and cats. animal wellness

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Mercy’s legacy Helping dogs and cats live long, happy lives is the motivation behind this innovative dental product.

by Charlotte Walker

W

hen Lise Guerin took her dog Mercy to the vet for dental work back in 1992, she didn’t expect the visit would have a tragic outcome. “She was nine-and-ahalf years old and in excellent health,” Lise says. “I was assured there would be no problems and that it was the best thing to do for her. That turned out to be wrong.

Mercy died after the procedure.”

When Lise broke the news to her friends and family, she discovered many had had similar experiences or knew someone who had. Then and there, she determined to find another way to maintain the dental health of dogs and cats.

“We wanted to give people a teeth cleaning alternative that works so their animals can live long, happy lives.

“After consultation and testing with professionals on different continents, we finally arrived at a combination of safe and effective herbs and created our product, Leba III,” Lise continues. “Next, we had to prove it. Dr. Herald Pook, the head of veterinary dentistry at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, designed a test protocol for double blind trials. These are trials with one group treated with Leba III and the other with a placebo. We had 100% results.”

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Leba III is made from the herbs mint (Lamiaceae) and rose (Rosaceae) stabilized in 25% ethyl alcohol (human, food grade) and distilled water. The herbs are the active ingredients, changing the chemistry in the mouth, stimulating the enzymes and causing the tartar to soften and fall off. “It works with the saliva by stimulating the good flora,” Lise explains. “You hear a lot about probiotics now, because we know that to maintain health in a live system, you fight bad bacteria with good bacteria. When you use a product with an antiseptic, it kills both the good and bad bacteria and puts the chemistry in the mouth even more off balance. Leba III has a completely different action.”

Lise’s company, LebaLab Inc., is also involved in researching and testing other products and is working on going global.

“There is a big demand for Leba III internationally.”

At the end of the day, it’s helping other animals and protecting them from what happened to Mercy that makes Lise love what she does. “We received an email recently from a customer in New York whose dog had terrible teeth and breath. She wrote, ‘It has been life changing as we now allow her to sit with us for hours instead of minutes! Thank you so much for making such an easy to use and effective product.’ We can live on that for a few weeks!

Title photo: Jean Churchill

By 1994, veterinarians all across Canada were buying Leba III to use in their practices. Soon, the product also moved into the U.S. and was being distributed to pet stores and sold directly to consumers as well.

Above: Lise and Mercy in happier days, before a dental procedure took the dogs life.

BOOK REVIEWS TITLE: The

City Dog AUTHOR: Sarah Whitehead City dogs have to deal with many challenges their country cousins don’t. From adapting to miniscule yards to the distractions of noise and crowds, life can be stressful for many urban canines. In The City Dog, pet behavior counselor and trainer Sarah Whitehead gives you step-by-step training tips to help your city dog stay healthy, safe and well behaved.

The author covers a range of uniquely urban considerations, including how to choose the right canine for your home and train him for the many unexpected situations you can encounter in a city environment. You’ll read suggestions for socializing and city-proofing your dog, and keeping apartment-dwelling pooches happy and mentally stimulated.

Whether you live in a moderately-sized town or a metropolis of millions, The City Dog is a perfect guide to ensuring your dog stays contented and on his best behavior, no matter what.

Improves circulation, tissue oxygenation, relieves pain & inflammation, enhances natural healing of bones and wounds.

Electromagnetic therapy for improved physical well-being.

Publisher: T.F.H. Publications

Soggy Dog TITLE: Your

Dog’s Health AUTHOR: Franco Cavaleri, BSc Good nutrition involves more than putting food in your dog’s bowl. Basing his well being on the right nutritional building blocks spells the difference between good health and a deficient immune system. In Your Dog’s Health, Franco Cavaleri, prominent nutritional biochemist and founder of BiologicVET supplements for dogs and cats, explains in detail why nutrition is so important to your canine companion.

Seat Covers

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• works in cargo areas

Learn what comprises a good quality diet, how to assess processed dog food and work with a raw diet. You’ll find advice on nourishing dogs at different life stages, why water is so important, and what the key supplements are for optimal health.

There are also chapters on physical activity and combating common health problems such as arthritis, digestive upsets, obesity and allergies.

Your Dog’s Health offers an in-depth look at the importance of quality nutrition to canine wellness.

Publisher: Biologic Publishing Inc. (free with purchase of BioFats and BioVites at retail locations)

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

www.soggydog.ca animal wellness

89

BOOK REVIEWS Unexpected Miracles AUTHOR: Shawn Messonnier, DVM TITLE:

What would you do if you were told your beloved animal was terminally ill and only had a short while left to live?

Veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier believes no case is too tough to treat, and that healing can occur even when the best minds feel the situation is hopeless. In his new book Unexpected Miracles, he shares some of the amazing healing journeys he and his staff have helped bring about during the past ten years.

Dr. Shawn introduces you to some remarkable animals -- including a chow mix with liver cancer and a dachshund with intervertebral disc disease -- and the guardians who refused to give up on them. Using case studies and highlighting diseases that commonly afflict dogs and cats, Dr. Shawn shows you the integrative methods he has developed to help his patients not only survive but in many cases go on to live long and healthy lives.

Inspiring, poignant and full of fascinating anecdotes, this book will help you realize that serious illness doesn’t necessarily mean a death sentence.

Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates, LLC

TITLE: Introduction

to Small Animal Acupressure AUTHOR: Nancy Zidonis & Amy Snow

One of the wonderful things about acupressure is that it’s something you can do yourself. It doesn’t require any special equipment – just a good understanding of the concepts underlying Traditional Chinese Medicine and how to apply them to an acupressure session with your dog or cat.

You can learn all about it in Introduction to Small Animal Acupressure, a DVD presented by Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis, co-founders of the Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute. During this comprehensive 40-minute video, Nancy and Amy tell you all about Chi energy, Yin-Yang theory, assessment procedures, acupressure session protocol and point work techniques. They also show you how to do a health maintenance acupressure session on your own dog or cat.

This ancient healing modality may seem simple to do, but it can have profound health benefits. Why not give it a try?

Publisher: Tallgrass Publishers, LLC

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EVENTS Animal Spirit Cafe - Mastery Hour & Forums The online gathering place for animal lovers and healers This Cafe is a place we have all dreamed of... where we can meet with a global community to share information and learn about holistic animal care and intuitive healing arts. It’s an interactive and compassion-focused sharing circle of collective intelligence and inspiration. The Cafe sponsors several Mastery Hour live teleconferences throughout the month, connecting you to experts in animal communication, shamanic animal healing, animal Reiki and other holistic animal care topics. The online forums foster authentic dialog with colleagues, students and instructors...all sharing the common goal of expanding awareness and understanding of the animals in our lives. The Cafe is hosted by Animal Spirit Healing & Education® Network online learning institute.

For more information and to join, please visit: http://animalspiritnetwork.com/cafe Ongoing Virtual - Teleclasses, Downloads, & Online Forums Carol Schultz, 815-531-2850 carol@animalspiritnetwork.com October 4, 2009 – Pierce College, Woodland Hills, California Nuts for Mutts - THE WALK! Benefiting New Leash On Life Animal Rescue, Nuts for Mutts - The Walk on OCTOBER 4, 2009 joins animal lovers in a 5K walk to raise funds for New Leash On Life’s education, rehabilitation and adoption programs, including their Lend a Paw program. The Lend a Paw program rescues and trains homeless animals as Social/Therapy dogs to enhance the lives of people in need, visiting hospitals and care centers to offer healing, love and acceptance. Help NLOL FUN-Raise and sign up TODAY! You CAN make a difference!

For more information: Kelly Dorafshar, 661-255-0097 kelly@k9sonly.com, www.nutsformutts.org October 7th to October 28th, 2009 Wednesdays 7 pm - 8 pm ET. - Teleclass Bach Flower Remedies for Animals and People with Sue Becker, Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner, Animal Communicator/ Consultant.

The Bach Flower Remedies are a complete system of safe and gentle wildflower essences which balance emotions and alleviate stress - a simple method of healing that allows you to

take control of your own emotional wellness.

Learn the purpose and action of the Remedies and how to use them for yourself, your family and your animal friends. Includes a Remedy blend and handbook. Four weeks at one hour per week via telephone.

Level 1 Animal Communication Workshop.

Four weeks at one hour per week via telephone.

For more information: Sue Becker, 519-896-2600 suebecker@cyg.net

November 14-15, 2009 – McLean, VA Animal Reiki Level One Workshop Through lecture, enlightening discussion, exercises and practice, you will be led through the basic steps. Students will experience Reiki energy and learn different ways that Reiki can be used as a healing tool for both humans and animals. Upon completion of the two-day course you will be able to do a Reiki self treatment, hands on healing for friends and family and be able to offer Reiki to your own animal companion(s), other animals and even wild animals.

October 10-11, 2009 – McLean VA & Traveller’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 www.animalparadisecommunication.com October 28, 2009 – Internationally available teleclass/webinar EH105: Intro to Clinical Aromatherapy for Pets Instructor: Jen Crippen With this class, you will be given an Introduction to Essential Oils, their history and current usage. Benefits of the oils, and how to select quality oils, will also be discussed.

When treating animals (especially internally) oils must be pure and of the highest quality.

This class will explain how to approach your animal for treatment, and how to decide which oils to use for different issues.

For more information: Carol Schultz, (815) 531-2850 carol@animalspiritnetwork.com November 4th to November 25th, 2009 Wednesdays 7 pm - 8 pm ET - Teleclass Introduction to Animal Communication Teleclasses with Sue Becker, Animal Communicator/Consultant. This course looks at our animal friends on many levels. This course touches on body language and calming signals then moves into the realm of telepathy, and will show you easy every-day methods you can use to help your animal to understand and feel safe. Expect to take your relationship with your animal friend to a new level. This course is also an excellent preparation for any

For more information: Sue Becker, 519-896-2600 suebecker@cyg.net

For more information: Janet Dobbs, (703) 648-1866 janet@animalparadisecommunication.com www.animalparadisecommunication.com November 14, 2009 – Bordentown, NJ AC103: Level 1 Animal Communication Instructor: Dawn Wrobel Introduction to the essentials on how to get in touch with animals telepathically. Enjoy exercises that open your heart, increase your awareness and understanding of animals and your receptivity to telepathic communication.

Practice opening the channel to get across to animals and to receive what they communicate telepathically in thoughts, images, impressions, feelings, messages.

For more information: Carol Schultz, 815-531-2850 carol@animalspiritnetwork.com November 15, 2009 – Bordentown, NJ AR103: Level 1 Animal Reiki Instructor: Dawn Wrobel Reiki is a gentle hands-on balancing technique. The channeling of universal energy balances and realigns the chakras or energy centers in the body on all levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Reiki works with the life force to help with the natural healing process within all living things.

For more information: Carol Schultz, (815) 531-2850 carol@animalspiritnetwork.com http://animalspiritnetwork.com/calendar/ month.php

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Classifieds Animal Communicators LYNN McKENZIE, International Animal Intuitive, offers nationwide consultations in animal communication and energy healing. Create harmony and awareness in your relationships, restore health, improve behavior, enhance performance, resolve conflict, connect with animals that have crossed over. Workshops and lessons available.

Coming soon, correspondence and internet training in Animal Energy Healing. www.animalenergy. com, lynn@animalenergy.com, (214) 615-6506, Ext. 8642.

CAN WE TALK? Animal and Soul Communicator, Janice DeFonda says, “Yes! Bless your Hearts and Souls through the communion this connection can provide. Share your Love, laugh, cry, grow and expand the depth of your understanding with your Animal Friends. Extend your connection with those who are in spirit and Restore Harmony and Balance through energy healing.” Phone Consults (315) 329-0116 angelwhispurr@gmail.com www. 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 www.TheAnimalTranslator.com <http://www. theanimaltranslator.com/> SUE BECKER – Interspecies Communication, Registered Practitioner of Tellington TTouch and Bach Flower Remedies. Resolve problems and stress, improve behaviour, deepen understanding and your relationship. Emotional healing.

Consultations by phone/in person, lectures, workshops. Call (519) 896-2600 suebecker@cyg.net JANET DOBBS – WORKSHOPS AND CONSULTATIONS. Animal communication, Animal/human Reiki. Deepening the bond between animals and humans. For information about hosting a workshop in your area. janet@animalparadisecommunication.com, (703) 648-1866 or www. animalparadisecommunication.com 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. www.animaltalkhealing.com http://www.animaltalkhealing.com 509-526-5020 DEANNA’S ANIMAL COMMUNICATION - An intuitive, heart-centered and practical approach. Consultations available for living and inspirit animals. Learn more about Deanna, her work and her love for animals. Visit www.talks2animals. com. 617.823.1783

Animal Health 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! www.Cycles-of-Life.com or call: 800-498-6640.

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

Books & Publications Cont’d

Healing Essences Cont’d

Reiki Cont’d

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

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

EBOOK - DESIGNING A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR PUPPY - Learn how to change your environment using health-inspired design elements providing healing spaces for your puppy to blossom. www.WellnessDesigns.org - (717)885-3254

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 www.holisticpetvet.com

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

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 www.essexanimalhospital.ca

COMPANION ANIMAL TOUCH & THERAPIES - Hands-on training for small animal massage therapy providers at locations in IL, WI, VA, and NC. Learn to work with animals safely, effectively, and professionally from an experienced instructor. info@companionanimaltouchandtherapies. com 847-782-1963 (voice) www.companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com 847-782-5725 (fax)

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. www.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. www.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 http://www.nomorehomelesspetsconference.org or call (435)-644-2001 ext 4478. See you there!

3

Flea Control

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. www.

FleaControlBook.com

Food & Treats 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: www.doggies-unlimited.com 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+. www.evolutiondietpetfood.com.

U.S. 1-800-659-0104; CANADA 1-888-683-7387

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. www.dogloverheadquarters.com

Healing Essences PETS HAVE EMOTIONS TOO! - Canadian Forest Tree Essences offers Vibrational Tree Essences for cats, dogs, horses, alpacas and other animals…

Available for vets, animal communicators, retailers

ORDER YOUR CLASSIFIED AD

Holistic Veterinarians

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 www.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. www.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 www. 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. www.tammyandteddys. com Phone number 860-749-6552.

Pet Portraits ANNIEO’S PET PORTRAITS - Specializing in oil painting for 31 years. Nationwide clientele.

Portraits of any pet of your choice. Credit card, personal check or money order. 44 Church St., Tilton, NH 03276. (603) 524-3778 Website: www.petportraitsbyannieo.com

Reiki ANIMAL REIKI SOURCE - The leader in Animal Reiki Education: Animal Reiki Training Programs, Practitioner Directory, informational articles, free e-newsletter, monthly telemeeting and many more resources. For more information visit: www.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

Schools & Training

KIDS PetMassage DOGS – LEARN AT HOME AND AT SCHOOL - Jonathan Rudinger, founder of the PetMassage Institute created the new book Dogs Kids PetMassage, the DVD, PetMassage: A Kids Guide to Massaging Dogs, the fun CD, Doggie Songs for Kids, and the PetMassage for KidsTM Curricula for after-school, summer school, scouts and camps. Order the program and receive a FREE patch. www.petmassage.com/ KidZone 800-779-1001 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 www.

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: www. equinology.com and www.caninology.com Write: office@equinology.com or call 707 884 9963 INTERNATIONAL ASSN. OF ANIMAL MASSAGE & BODYWORK - www.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. 800-903-9350

Travel LAKE EDGE COTTAGES – Award-Winning, 4-Season, Pet-Friendly Resort in the Kawarthas, celebrating our 13th year in business. Only 1.5 hours from Toronto, 3 hours from the US/Canada border. Enjoy beautiful Katchewanooka Lake and our 12.5+ acres for fun, rest & relaxation. 1- & 2bedroom Cottages and the Deluxe Kawartha Suite all smoke-free. Fireplaces, Private Hot Tubs, Free High Speed Wireless Internet. Plan your fall or winter getaway today. Now taking reservations for summer 2010. All Pets Welcome! www.lakeedge. com or 705-652-9080 “No one deserves to get away from it all more than you do!”

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

Animal Wellness Magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertising submitted, make stylistic changes or cancel any advertising accepted upon refund of payment made.

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TAIL END

CANINE CULPRITS

BY GAIL MACMILLAN

When Bruiser the Pug came to stay with us for the second time, we were happy to see him. He was the soul of congeniality with his wide-mouthed grin, wiggling pig-tail, and gregarious personality. Bruiser had lived with us while his “mom”, Nadine, had been in boot camp. Now that she’d been deployed to the Persian Gulf on the HMCS Calgary for an eight-month stint, Bruiser had returned to us.

At the beginning of his third week in residence, I let him out for his morning duties with our Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, Molly, and our little no-name-brand foundling, Barbie-Q. I went back into the kitchen to make coffee, confident that they’d be back shortly for their breakfast “beggin’ strips”.

In housecoat and slippers, I hurried out onto the deck and called the absent pair. No response. I called again. Molly, by my side, heaved a great sigh as I turned back into the house to dress before setting out in pursuit.

I didn’t have far to go. Next door, our neighbors kept their husky, Blackie, in a large comfortable outdoor kennel.

Blackie was tied so he could go in and out at leisure. At first, all I saw was Blackie lounging under his favorite pine tree on the grass beyond his quarters. Then, inside the run, I saw two little figures, one white, one dark brown. Both were intently chewing. Sighting me, they grabbed up their booty and headed for home at a run.

“They’re robbing you, Blackie!” I cried.

And indeed, shortly, Molly did return. She opened the back door (her own special trick) and trotted jauntily into the kitchen.

Blackie, a generous soul, simply licked my hand and wagged his tail.

“Where are the two little ones?” I asked her, surprised to see her alone. “Did they leave the yard? Is that it? Molly, where did they go?”

Back at the cottage, I found the Bonnie and Clyde of canine criminals chomping on two large bones. I confiscated both and shooed the purloining pair inside.

“You’re both under house arrest,” I told them.

Both looked fittingly chastised.

Unfortunately that was the day Hurricane Hannah chose to waft over our section of northern New Brunswick. The sting of my punishment fell by the wayside as the dogs snuggled side by side on the kitchen couch, happy to be out of the elements.

Since then, there’s been no repeat of that nefarious type of behavior. I think that serious scolding hit home. I can be pretty intimidating when I scold.

But wait a minute. They’re gone from the deck. I can’t see them anywhere on the property. I’ll have to finish this later. Right now I have a couple of doggie dissidents to track down…and scold…again.

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