V15I5 (Oct/Nov 2013)

ANIMAL WELLNESS

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Annual

Why do pet food RECALLS

Nutrition Issue

10 SECRETS Top

keep happening?

What a

commercial pet food manufacturers DON’T want you to know

RACKET!

PREY MODEL AND B.A.R.F. DIETS

NUTRITION UTRITION TIPS FOR

Get informed about these popular feeding choices

Learn how to stop him from barking at the door

SENIOR DOGS

Beth Ostrosky Stern

Wh th Why the model, d l actress,TV t TV persona personality and foster “mom” tirelessly promotes animal adoption

MLSPUL WELLNESS /PW JVVS HUK OLHS[O`

11FUN FACTS about cats How well do you really know your feline?

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER Display until November 25, 2013

UPSCALE

dining

$5.95 USA/Canada

Why cats, especially flat-faced breeds, BENEFIT from raised feeders

Lily’s

Leukemia Acupressure for bette DIG better DIGESTION D DIGES ESTION EST ES STION ST ION

Born with FeLV, this LOVING cat taught her family a lot about this SERIOUS disease

Wh When she h ccan’t an’t an ’t hunt, h nt this hi technique will help your kitty absorb nutrients

VOLUME 15 ISSUE 5

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

BONUS INSIDE!

feline wellness

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Contents October/November 2013

FEATURES

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18 SHOULD HE TAKE A MULTIVITAMIN? A young, healthy dog on a high quality diet probably doesn’t need a daily multi. But there are times when such supplementation is necessary. Here’s what to look for when choosing a product.

23 IBD IN DOGS

It’s a complicated condition that may have symptoms similar to other common canine bowel problems.

24 TOP 4 NUTRITION TIPS FOR SENIOR DOGS Help your older buddy stay healthy and live long by feeding him right and keeping his weight down.

30 WANT A TREAT?

Healthy, high quality treats are important at any time, but especially if your dog has specific wellness issues.

33 WELLNESS INSIDE AND OUT Biotin and antioxidants are key ingredients in this company’s supplements for healthy skin, shiny coats and overall well being.

34 WOOF WOES

Does your dog explode into barking whenever someone knocks at the door or rings the bell?

Here are 6 ways to help him simmer down.

38 PERFECT MATCH

Thanks to Pets for Vets, military veterans with PTSD are reducing their symptoms by adopting specially trained shelter dogs as companions.

40 STOMACH THIS!

Raw green tripe might look and smell disgusting, but it’s a rich source of nutrients for dogs.

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42 “MAKE IT STOP!”

You know dogs have a keener sense of hearing than we do. What you may not know is that some are extra sensitive to sound, and can develop fearful behavior because of it.

46 BETH OSTROKSY STERN

62 ACUPRESSURE FOR NUTRIENT ABSORPTION

The act of predation is a key part of the feline digestive process, and without it, your kitty may not absorb nutrients as well as he should. This acupressure session can help enhance digestion.

64 11 FACTS ABOUT CATS

How serendipity and a bulldog named Bianca transformed this model, actress and TV personality into an adoption advocate.

How well do you really know your kitty? Test your knowledge with this list of fun and fascinating facts about felines.

50 HE IS WHAT HE EATS Prey model and B.A.R.F. diets are popular choices, but there are some factors you need to consider before going this route.

You’ve been learning about better nutrition for your dog, but commercial pet food manufacturers can be good at obscuring the truth about their products. Here are the top 10 secrets they don’t want you to know.

53 PURE GOLD

76 ON THE REBOUND

68 INSIDE INFORMATION

What do you get when you combine a love of dogs with dedication to quality? A premium pet food company whose products go the extra mile.

Why do pet food recalls keep happening, and what’s being done about it?

58 UPSCALE DINING

Green tea isn’t just an enjoyable beverage. In supplement form, it offers a variety of impressive health qualities your canine companion can benefit from.

Raised feeders aren’t just for dogs. Cats, especially flat-faced breeds, also benefit from eating in a more elevated position.

60 LILY’S LEUKEMIA

Born with FeLV, this affectionate pure white cat only lived three years, but she left behind plenty of happy memories, and taught her family a lot about this serious disease.

84 TEA TIME!

89 LEAKY GUT SYNDROME Also called hyperpermeable bowel, this condition has a strong relationship to the immune system and the development of chronic disease.

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68 SOCIAL MEDIA Tips, contests and more!

Like us /AnimalWellnessMagazine Updates, news, events! @ AnimalWellnessMagazine

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Product reviews and tutorials!

AnimalWellnessTV

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COLUMNS 12 Yakkity yak 65 Feline Wellness book reviews 72 Warm & fuzzy 80 To the rescue 82 Passages

DEPARTMENTS 8 Editorial

87 Book reviews 98 Tail end

49 Product picks 54 Animal Wellness resource guide

66 The scoop 74 Social media

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93 Marketplace 96 Classifieds 97 Events calendar animal wellness

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VOLUME 15 ISSUE 5 EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Managing Editor: Ann Brightman Senior Graphic Designer: Dawn Cumby-Dallin Senior Graphic Designer: Kathleen Atkinson Social Media Manager: Natasha Roulston Social Media Managing Editor: Jasmine Cabanaw Cover Image Courtesy of: Howard Stern

ADVERTISING SALES National Sales Manager: Ann Beacom, (866) 764-1212 ext. 222 annbeacom@redstonemediagroup.com

COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary Ellen “Angel Scribe” Karen Becker, DVM Anthony Bennie Claudia Bensimoun Christine Boyd Amy Fiumarelli Brett Flahr Anne Henderson Jean Hofve, DVM Sara Jackson Deva Khalsa, VMD Johnny Lopez, PhD Tracey Lowery, DVM Anabelle Lee Macri Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA Shawn Messonnier, DVM Sandra Murphy Barbara Nefer Terry Lynn Rader Amberly Scott Hindler Robert J. Silver, DVM, MS, CVA Amy Snow Charlotte Walker Nancy Zidonis

MidWest US: Pam Boyd Bombyk, (903) 714-2172 pambb@redstonemediagroup.com

ADMINISTRATION & SALES President/C.E.O.: Tim Hockley Office Manager: Sherri Soucie Operations Director: John Allan Administrative Assistant: Libby Sinden

ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF: Howard Stern

Despite her busy career as an actress, model and TV personality, Beth Ostrosky Stern makes time in her life and room in her heart for animals.

She works with several animal organizations, fosters dogs and other critters, and has even put together a book to help others with their questions about animal care. Turn to page 46 and read Beth’s full story.

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SUBMISSIONS: Please send all editorial material, advertising material, photos and correspondence to: Animal Wellness Magazine, 160 Charlotte St., Suite 202, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 2T8. We welcome previously unpublished articles and color pictures either in transparency or disc form at 300 dpi. We cannot guarantee that either articles or pictures will be used or that they will be returned. We reserve the right to publish all letters received. Email your articles to: info@redstonemediagroup.com.

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

Western Regional Manager: Becky Starr, (866) 764-1212 ext. 221 becky@redstonemediagroup.com

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Sherri Soucie classifiedads@animalwellnessmagazine.com TO SUBSCRIBE: Subscription price at time of this issue is $19.00 in the U.S. and $26.00 in Canada, including taxes for six issues shipped via surface mail. Subscriptions can be processed by: Website: www.animalwellnessmagazine.com Phone: 1-866-764-1212 US MAIL: Animal Wellness Magazine, 6834 S University Blvd PMB 155 Centennial, CO 80122 CDN MAIL: Animal Wellness Magazine, 160 Charlotte St., Suite 202, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 2T8 Subscriptions are payable by VISA, MasterCard, American Express, check or money order. The material in this magazine is not intended to replace the care of veterinary practitioners. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor, and different views may appear in other issues. Redstone Media Group Inc., publisher of Animal Wellness, does not promote any of the products orservices advertised by a third party advertiser in this publication, nor does Redstone Media Group Inc. verify the accuracy of any claims made in connection with such advertisers.

Refund policy: call or write our customer service department and we will refund unmailed issues.

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

Animal Wellness Magazine (ISSN 1710-1190) is published six times a year by Redstone Media Group Inc. Publications Mail Agreement #40884047. Entire contents copyright© 2013. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Publication date: September 2013.

IMPROVING THE LIVES OF ANIMALS...

ONE READER AT A TIME.

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EDITORIAL

Fooglorious d, food!

We’ve had a lot of company at our cottage this summer. Friends we don’t get to see very often visited with kids and dogs in tow, and as an early riser, I was usually the one to let out the dog “pack” in the morning and feed everyone. Inevitably, the guest dog would peer at the other dogs’ bowls, then at his own, and finally at me with a look that could only be interpreted as “You’re joking, right?!”

It’s not that these dogs aren’t on good foods (they’re on very good kibble diets), but rather the fact they could smell their fourlegged friends’ bowls and knew with complete certainty they were missing out. Since I had more time, I had adapted some of the recipes from our Animal Wellness Natural Cookbook for Dogs. My dogs were happily chowing down on lightly cooked ground turkey, steamed broccoli and carrots, and organic brown rice – with a dollop of yogurt and pumpkin for good measure.

No wonder the other dogs were refusing to eat! Feeling bad, I secretly added a little of our dogs’ food to the other dogs’ bowls.

The looks on their faces quickly turned into “That’s more like it!” and they set to work enjoying their breakfasts.

I’ve discovered over the years that most people are afraid to feed table scraps, or vary their dogs’ diets at all, but can you imagine eating a bowl of porridge twice a day for your whole life, from your toddler right through your golden years? Over the years, I’ve found that one diet does not fit all, and we need to be prepared to change up our animals’ nutrition as their activity levels and overall health changes.

In this issue of Animal Wellness, we explore nutrition from several different angles. For example, on page 50, Dr. Karen Shaw Becker provides a fascinating and detailed look at the

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pros and cons of prey model and B.A.R.F. diets, while on page 24, Dr. Deva Khalsa gives you advice on how to feed your senior dog. Dr. Jean Hofve will bring you up to date on what’s being done (and what isn’t) about the ongoing problem of pet food recalls (page 76). Wondering if your dog needs a multivitamin and how you should go about choosing one? Read Dr. Patrick Mahaney’s article on page 18 for the answers to your questions. You’ll also learn about the health benefits of raw green tripe, and green tea supplements, and what to look for in the realm of healthy, low-cal treats. And to help you become better informed when shopping for pet food, get some inside information on the top ten things commercial pet food manufacturers don’t want you to know (page 68).

We also offer some nutritional tips for kitties in our Feline Wellness section, including the advantages of raised feeders (page 58).

On the lighter side of things, turn to page 46 and read about actress, model and TV personality Beth Ostrosky Stern and her amazing work with animals. Or check out a unique organization called Pets for Vets that brings together shelter dogs and military veterans suffering from PTSD, with healing and happiness for all involved. It’s a true Thanksgiving story!

Happy reading – and happy Thanksgiving!

Dana Cox Editor-In-Chief

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CONTRIBUTORS

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1. Veterinarian Dr. Karen Shaw Becker received her degree in veterinary medicine from the Iowa State School of Veterinary Medicine in 1997, and became certified in Veterinary Acupuncture and Homeopathy. Dr Becker owns Natural Pet Animal Hospital, Feathers Bird Clinic and TheraPaw Rehabilitation and Pain Management Clinic in Illinois. She has appeared on Animal Planet, is the veterinary consultant for Mercola Healthy Pets and a member of many associations, including AHVMA and IVAS. On page 50, Dr. Becker discusses prey model and B.A.R.F. diets.

2. Veterinarian Dr. Robert Silver is a 1982 graduate of Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and practices at Natural Animal in Boulder.

He is a veterinary acupuncturist and herbalist, and experienced in the use of nutraceutical and functional foods. Dr. Silver developed RxVitamins for Pets, a line of nutraceuticals. Turn to page 89 for his article on hyperpermeable bowel.

3. Nancy Zidonis and Amy Snow are the authors of Acu-Cat: A Guide to Feline Acupressure 2nd Edition and Acu-Dog: A Guide to Canine Acupressure. They founded Tallgrass, offering books, manuals, DVDs, apps and meridian charts. They also provide handson and online training courses worldwide, including a 330-hour Practitioner Certification Program.

Contact 888-841-7211, animalacupressure.com or Tallgrass@animalacupressure.com. On page 62.

Amy and Nancy write about acupressure for nutrient absorption in cats.

4. Veterinarian Dr. Deva Khalsa authored Dr. Khalsa’s The Natural Dog and co-authored Healing Your Horse: Alternative Therapies. She lectures internationally and is a professor at the British Institute of Homeopathy. She has almost 30 years of experience in holistic modalities.

In this issue (page 24), Dr. Khalsa offers four nutrition tips for senior animals.

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5. Veterinarian Dr. Patrick Mahaney graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. He is a certified veterinary acupuncturist from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. His practice, California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness, offers integrative medicine. Dr. Mahaney writes a veterinary blog for patrickmahaney.com and is working on his first book, The Uncomfortable Vet. On page 18, he provides advice on choosing a multivitamin for your dog.

6. 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’s the pet care expert for Martha Stewart Living’s “Dr. Shawn – The Natural Vet” on Sirius Satellite Radio, and creator of Dr. Shawn’s Pet Organics. His practice, Paws & Claws Animal Hospital (petcarenaturally.com), is in Plano, Texas. See page 84 for his article on how green tea can enhance canine health.

7. Dr. Jean Hofve is a retired holistic veterinarian, and co-author of The Complete Guide to Holistic Cat Care with nutritionist Dr. Celeste Yarnall.

They are currently working on a book about the complete holistic lifestyle for dogs. Her awardwinning website (littlebigcat.com) is a respected source of information on pet health, nutrition and behavior. Dr. Hofve offers the latest info about pet food recalls on page 76.

8. Mary Ellen “Angelscribe” is an award-winning photojournalist, author and animal newspaper columnist. Her column “Pet Tips ‘n’ Tales” is filled with knowledge, inspiration, humor and warm-hearted stories (angelscribe.com/ tipsntales.html).Her internationally known swimming cats have appeared on Animal Planet’s series Must Love Cats. On page 60, Mary Ellen discusses raised feeders for cats.

9. 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. For this edition (page 46), Barbara talks to model and actress Beth Ostrosky Stern about her passion for helping animals.

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

She is a graduate of the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and has a BFA in Screenwriting.

She is a freelance writer and has written a number of short stories, two scripts and a book (sarajacksonwriter.com). In this issue, Sara profiles Pets for Vets, a non-profit that brings military veterans and shelter dogs together (page38).

11. Amberly Scott Hindler owns and operates Lux Dog Daycare, Inc. in West Los Angeles, (luxdogdaycare.com). She worked in Client Services at high-traffic veterinary hospitals in Los Angeles for many years after graduating from the University of Southern California where she won awards and honors for her writing. See page 30 for Amberly’s overview of healthy dog treats.

12. Claudia Bensimoun is a freelance writer in West Palm Beach who specializes in writing about dogs and horses. In this issue, she looks at sound sensitivity in dogs, and how the problem can be alleviated – see page 42.

13. Tamra Bolles writes under the pen name of Anabelle Lee Macri. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, and is a freelance writer. For this edition, Anabelle explores the growing availability of memorial stones and markers for animals (page 82).

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14. Anthony Bennie is a companion animal nutritionist and the author of many articles on the subject of holistic and natural pet nutrition. He has guest lectured at several colleges of veterinary medicine, and is the Founder and President of Clear Conscience Pet, (clearconsciencepet.com).

In this issue (page 68), Anthony reveals the top secrets commercial pet food manufacturers don’t want you to know.

16. Terry Lynn Rader is a freelance writer who kept her beloved companion Kayla, an Aussie diagnosed with chronic immune disease at six months of age, healthy and happy for 15 years with holistic therapies. She also cares for a wild feral cat colony using TNR and feline leukemia and FIV testing (lookintotheireyes.wordpress.com/ posts). On page 58, read Terry’s story about a young cat with FeLV.

15. Amy Fiumarelli is the owner of Amy’s Animals Holistic Canine & Feline Nutrition Center in Wantage, New Jersey (amysanimals.net). She specializes in companion animal nutrition. She is an academic member of the AHVMA and has twice spoken at their annual conference. Check out Amy’s article on the nutritional benefits of raw green tripe (page 40).

Veterinarian Dr. Tracey Lowery is a small animal veterinary medical clinician with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University. Her areas of expertise are preventative and internal medicine. Her practice is located in Decatur, Alabama. In addition to private practice, Dr. Lowery’s medical experiences range from civilian

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contractor for the US Army Veterinary Services to emergency medicine. Turn to page 23 for her article on IBD in dogs.

Sandra Murphy lives in St Louis, Missouri. When she’s not writing, she works as a pet sitter.

She writes on what to do about dogs that bark at the door, on page 34.

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YAKKITY YAK DRIVEN TO SAVE ANIMALS Starting an animal sanctuary is a huge undertaking, but for NASCAR racer Michael Annett and his girlfriend Heidi Spillane, it’s a life dream. In order to learn more, the couple recently visited Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah to “learn from the best”, as Michael puts it. While at the sanctuary, he and Heidi attended a workshop and toured the facility.

Photo courtesy of Robert LeMaire

KUDOS TO SANTA PAULA There aren’t many no-kill towns or cities out there yet, but Santa Paula is one of them. With a 99.5% save rate, it’s proud of its status as Southern California’s first and only no-kill community.

This past June, the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC) celebrated its first anniversary with a big block party. Special guest stars included FOX’s Good Day LA’s TV personality Mar Yvette and Ms. California Christina Meredith. Ms. Yvette was the media spokesperson for the festive family and animal-friendly event; a champion for animals, she recently featured SPARC on the Good Day LA morning show. santapaulaarc.org

Left to right: SPARC’s Executive Director William LeFeuvre, Ms. California Christina Meredith, Mar Yvette, Officer Randy Haumann and Hozy.

“The most important thing people need to know, if they want to help homeless animals, is that the problem starts with people, not the animals,” Michael says. “It is our responsibility to spay and neuter them. We can build a million sanctuaries but if people are not spaying and neutering their animals there will never be enough homes.

“When we were at Best Friends, I learned about red collar dogs – those with special behavior issues. Best Friends never gives up on them. And we can never give up on the dream that we NASCAR ra cer M two of the pooc ichael Arnett meets can save them all.”

Animal Society. hes at Best Friends bestfriends.org

Spending quiet time with your dogg iss a great g wayy to at thee end of the day day.y.

FINDING THEIR WAY What do a rescue dog and a teenager in a juvenile detention center have in common?

They’ve both lost their way and are in need of some help and a second chance. The West Michigan Humane Society’s B.A.R.C Program (Building Adolescent Responsibility and Compassion) has teamed up with the Kent County Juvenile Detention Center to give youth the chance to learn responsibility by caring for, rehabilitating and training dogs.

It’s a win-win situation because the kids gain a better sense of self-worth and compassion by working with the animals, while the dogs themselves become more adoptable. hswestmi.org

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quality de-stress

Project B.AR.C. helps teach responsibility and compassion to teens at Kent County Juvenile Detention Center.

OFFICE DOGS REDUCE STRESS Workplace stress and its associated ills – absenteeism, burnout, low morale and productivity – is a widespread problem. But according to a Virginia Commonwealth University study, employees who bring their dogs to work produced lower levels of the stress-causing hormone, cortisol.

The researchers compared employees who bring their dogs to work, employees who do not bring their dogs to work, and employees without dogs in the areas of stress, job satisfaction, organizational commitment and support.

“Although preliminary, this study provides the first quantitative study of the effects of employees’ dogs in the workplace setting on employee stress, job satisfaction, support and commitment,” says Dr. Randolph T. Barker. “Dog presence may serve as a low-cost, wellness intervention readily available to many organizations and may enhance organizational satisfaction and perceptions of support.”

A recent survey of 50 companies that welcome pets found: 1. Lower stress levels and less absenteeism than in pet-free offices.

2. Productivity and employee morale got a boost when canine companions joined the work force.

3. Employees were more willing to work overtime, thanks to the addition of pets in the workplace. vcu.edu

MEET THE RAT TERRIER Originally used to hunt rodents and vermin, rat terriers were among the most common farm dogs from 1910 to 1930. But they also make great companions, since they’re loyal and active and love being part of the family. In June of this year, the rat terrier gained full recognition by the American Kennel Club, growing the organization’s number of recognized breeds to 178. Joining the terrier group, rat terriers come in two sizes – standard and miniature – and need regular brushing. akc.org

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Rat terriers make loyal and lovi companions.

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YAKKITY YAK HARLEY TO THE RESCUE

SUPER BUGS ON THE RISE

As a 13-year-old oneeyed Chihuahua, Harley may seem an unlikely hero. But after spending ten miserable years as a commercial breeding dog in a puppy mill, Harley was rescued and has since become an ambassador for Harley had a rough life, but he’s now a “spokesdog” for other puppy mill rescues across puppy mill dogs. the country. He has his own Facebook page dedicated to spreading awareness of puppy mills and raising funds for non-profit rescue groups. His campaign “Harley to the Rescue” started out as a way to raise $2,500 to fund one rescue mission, but his fans went above and beyond the call of duty and in May of this year, Harley hit the road along with Teddy, another puppy mill rescue, and a team from National Mill Dog Rescue (a non-profit that rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes commercial breeding dogs from puppy mills), to travel across the country and save approximately 30 dogs from puppy mills.

As of this writing, another roadtrip is in the planning stages. facebook.com/harleyfreighttraintaylor or milldogrescue.org

In the first half of last year, nearly 200 US human healthcare facilities found themselves dealing with carbapenemresistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). This “nightmare bacteria” is basically untreatable. Although CRE has not been reported in dogs and cats, Jane E. Sykes, BVSc (Hons), PhD, DACVIM, of the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine reminds us that the rate of antibiotic resistance to other b bacteria infecting aninals has increased to frigh frightening proportions an emphasizes that and m more than ever b before, we need to b be prudent with aantibiotic use. The go good news is that hol holistic alternatives can ggreatly decrease our reliance o on antibiotics. veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm/ArticleStandard/Article/ detail/814500

WILDFIRE FALLOUT

untreated

Left , periodontal disease can eventually cause in the kidneys, liver and heart.

problems

Among the many natural disasters that struck the planet this year was the devastating fire that charred Colorado’s Black Forest in June. Covering almost 15,000 acres, the wildfire destroyed hundreds of homes and was ranked the most destructive fire in the state’s history. Black Forest Animal Sanctuary was just one organization that helped rescue hundreds of animals affected by the disaster by evacuating, treating, sheltering and reuniting them with their families.

PetAid Disaster Services, meanwhile, deployed members of Colorado’s Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps to assist with large and small animal care during the fires, including evacuation and emergency sheltering. They estimate that at least 2,000 animals were housed in emergency animal shelters or with private individuals in El Paso, Elbert and Douglas counties.

Though the fire has been out for several months, these organizations and others are still reeling from the financial fallout caused by the disaster, and are in need of donations – visit bfasfarm.org, petaidcolorado.org, or loveanimals.org to learn more.

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YAKKITY YAK IS RELIGION GOOD FOR HIM? A new research project in the UK will examine whether animals benefit or suffer thanks to religion. Organized by the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics (an independent facility that aims to pioneer ethical perspectives on animals through academics, research, teaching and publication), the study will explore whether or not religious traditions are animal-friendly. It will be multidisciplinary, multifaith, and draw in not only theologians and religious thinkers, but also other academics including social scientists, psychologists, historians, and criminologists.

“We want to know whether religion makes any difference for animals,” says Professor Andrew Linzey, the center’s director. “We often hear of how religion is detrimental to human rights, but is it also detrimental to animal protection?”

The first stage of the project will culminate in a Summer School on Religion and Animal Protection to be held in July of 2014. oxfordanimalethics.com

65 YEARS AND COUNTING

POOCH PARENTS

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Morris Animal Foundation.

In celebration, the organization launched a Matching Gift Challenge earlier this year that has raised enough donations to fund more than 250 studies for improving animal health. For example, the funding will help scientists: • Determine how dietary interventions can reduce cancer risk in dogs.

• Evaluate a new strategy that may significantly increase the odds for dogs with lymphoma.

• Test a new strategy for relieving postsurgical pain in neutered dogs.

Anniversary celebrations culminate on October 19 with the Morris Animal Foundation Gala of Hope – An Evening with Betty White. This special event highlights the organization’s history as a leader in animal health science, and honors Betty White for her 42 years as a Foundation trustee. The evening will be held at the Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey and includes dinner, music, auctions and more. morrisanimalfoundation.org/about-maf/morris-animal-foundationgala.html#.UhI-veBzZjp

Do people laugh when you refer to yourself as a dog “parent”? They shouldn’t. Rover.com has conducted a survey of 1,270 dog guardians across the country to investigate how Americans live, work and play with their canines – and the numbers speak for themselves: • More than 75% identify themselves as dogg “parents”, p , not “owners”.

• Over 80% take as much care choosing a dog sitter as they would a babysitter.

• 43% of “dog parents” feed an organic diet, and 16% feed a raw food diet.

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Use

biodegradable poop

bags – plastic bags gs can take over a century ry to in a landfill.

decompose

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Should he take a

multivitamin?

By Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA

A young, healthy dog eating a high quality well-balanced diet probably doesn’t need a daily multivitamin. But there are times when such supplementation necessary. Here’s what you need to know – and what to look for iis n when choosing a product. w

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elissa takes a daily multivitamin. Lately, she’s been wondering if her dog should also be taking one. “I try to feed him a good diet, but I still don’t really know if he’s getting everything he needs to stay healthy, or if he might be deficient in one or more nutrients,” she says.

In my veterinary practice, this is a question I commonly hear from clients. The answer is never a one-size-fits-all response, because many factors of a pooch’s particular state of wellness, illness, and life stage must come into play to ensure that additional vitamin supplementation is beneficial and non-harmful.

Vitamins are essential for promoting specific and diverse chemical reactions in our dogs’ bodies. Cellular activity relies

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on the interactions between vitamins, enzymes and minerals.

If this complex relationship is left unfulfilled, then many normal bodily functions, including tissue growth (muscle, bone, skin, hair, etc.), digestion, blood clotting, nerve and spinal conduction of electrical impulses, the immune system’s safeguarding from infectious organisms, and others, will not be properly carried out.

When it comes right down to it, however, not all dogs have to take a multivitamin. The need for a vitamin supplement varies, depending on the vitamin content of the dog’s current diet, his age, environmental factors, and the degree of disease in the body for which management could be enhanced through supplementation.

Whole food vs. synthetic vitamins Vitamins come from whole foods, are added to commercially available foods, or are even produced by the body (e.g. dogs produce their own vitamin C). According to Judith A. DeCava’s Good Foods/Bad Foods: A Little Book of Common Sense Nutrition, whole food-based vitamins are the most chemically appropriate for absorption, as they contain irregular edges that better bind to receptors inside the body than their synthetic counterparts do. Synthetic vitamins (those created inside a laboratory or manufacturer setting) have smooth borders that less efficiently bind to the body’s receptors than natural vitamins.

I always suggest to my clients that they choose products made in the US or Canada, with ingredients also sourced domestically.

Whole food-based vitamins don’t provide the same degree of dose certainty in comparison to synthetics. Yet, an awareness of the exact quantity of a particular vitamin in a supplement seems less important than the ability of the vitamin to better bind inside the body and be efficiently absorbed. This is why I am more a proponent of animals (and humans) getting their vitamins, minerals and other nutritional substances from whole foods (human-grade meat, vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, etc.) instead of low-grade processed foods that contain added vitamins.

TM

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When is a multivitamin needed?

Consuming vitamins is necessary for all life stages, yet a multivitamin supplement may not be necessary if the dietary supply is sufficient, and there are no to few disease processes occurring that require nutritional support. A multivitamin may also be inadvisable when a dog is having digestive tract upset (decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea).

Continued on page 20.

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Continued from page 19.

• Growing puppies and highly active adult dogs have a greater need for calories from fat, protein, carbohydrates and vitamins to support normal tissue development and repair, so they may benefit from a multivitamin.

• Geriatric animals and those affected by disease may also benefit from multivitamin supplementation to help combat the effects of age-related, degenerative, infectious and cancerous ailments. Vitamins having an antioxidant effect, such as A, C and E, can potentially benefit the body by slowing the aging process associated with tissue and cellular oxidation and disease processes.

Shopping for a product It’s best to ask for a specific recommendation from an integrative or holistic veterinarian so an appropriate multivitamin can be chosen for your dog. This will help you avoid over-supplementation and potentially harmful substances in poor quality products (e.g. xylitol, meat/bone meal, protein/grain by-products, artificial colors and flavors, propylene glycol, etc.). Some supplements can potentially irritate the stomach and intestines or damage other internal organs (liver, kidneys, pancreas, etc.).

Beyond this, when choosing a multivitamin, look for an animal-appropriate product providing a wide breadth of vitamin types. Decide what format will best suit your dog (see sidebar) and consider the difference between water and fat soluble vitamins.

Continued on page 22.

Pills or powders?

The format in which you choose to provide a vitamin supplement to your dog is another vital consideration to ensure he receives an appropriate dose. Common formats include tablets, capsules, powders, liquids and even treats.

• Tablets are a fairly standard format that can be disguised whole in food or a treat, or crushed to mix with food or liquid. Unfortunately, palatability can be an issue with tablets, as well as with capsules and powders.

• Like tablets, capsules can be camouflaged in food, but also have some extra advantages. The contents of the capsule are nicely disguised by the gelatinous capsule so are often easier to directly “pill” (insert into dog’s throat for swallowing) or hide in food or a treat than tablets are. Additionally, capsules can be opened and more easily dissolved in liquid.

• Powders are often similar to capsule contents and therefore have similar advantages over tablets. However, the flavor of a powder can render them less palatable (just like a tablet).

• Liquids are wonderfully easy to administer, but may contain flavoring agents or other ingredients that require refrigeration and shorten the shelf life as compared to tablets, capsules and powders.

• Vitamin treats are a novel and useful concept, as they often have high palatability. However, stick to high quality products.

Individual ingredients in commercial treats may not necessarily agree with your dog’s digestive tract and can even contribute to an allergic/inflammatory response in the skin if there is an allergy to grain or certain protein components.

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…whole food-based vitamins are the most chemically appropriate for absorption, as they contain irregular edges that better bind to receptors inside the body than their synthetic counterparts do.

Continued from page 20.

1. Water soluble vitamins are minimally retained within the body and are excreted within a short time after their consumption. As a result, water soluble vitamins need to be taken on a daily basis, either from a whole food or supplement source. Examples include many forms of vitamin B, such as B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 (cyanocobalamin), along with biotin, vitamin C, and folic acid.

2. Fat soluble vitamins are stored within the body in the adipose (fat) tissue and liver, and therefore don’t have to be consumed on a daily basis. Examples include vitamins A, D, E and K. There is a greater chance that fat soluble vitamins can have a toxic effect as opposed to water soluble vitamins, due to their accumulation in the body. Recommended dosing guidelines for supplementation should always be followed.

I always suggest to my clients that they choose products made in the US or Canada, with ingredients also sourced domestically.

Labels that indicate US Food and Drug Administration’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) were followed can also increase confidence in the product’s efficacy and safety.

Before giving your dog a multivitamin, get veterinary advice on whether or not he actually needs one. If he’s eating a high quality balanced diet, and is in overall good health, then he may not require one. If his diet isn’t up to scratch, and/or he’s very young, highly active, geriatric or ailing, then a daily multi may give him just the nutritional boost he needs.

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IBD in dogs

By Dr. Tracey Lowery, DVM

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an uncomfortable condition that occurs in the intestines. It involves the infiltration of an abnormal number of cells from the immune system into the intestinal tissues. IBD is referred to as immune-mediated because some of these cells may control or mediate the disease process.

Normally, the intestines absorb water and nutrients slowly, but if they are irritated, as may be the case with IBD, the process speeds up. This may cause water and nutrients to be expelled in feces rather than absorbed by the intestines. This irritation in the dog’s bowel may be chronic, and may frequently prevent the efficient absorption of vital nutrients.

IBD in dogs is a complicated condition that may have symptoms similar to other common canine bowel problems. There might be several symptoms associated with this condition, including discomfort after eating that may result in reduced food intake; diarrhea that may contain a lot of mucous and sometimes blood; and small, frequent bowel movements. Dog IBD can also result in nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, reduced protein levels, and other problems related to reduced food/nutrient intake.

It may cause nutrient malabsorption due to the decreased functionality of intestinal tract cells. Dog IBD can also cause intermittent vomiting. Symptoms can depend on where the inflammation is within the intestines. For example, inflammation in the upper portions of the intestine can result in more vomiting than inflammation in the lower intestine or colon.

The symptoms and severity of dog IBD may depend on the type of immune cells involved. These include lymphocytes and plasmacytes, eosinophils or neutrophils. The lining of the intestine may or may not become inflamed and scarred from the infiltration of immune cells. Neutrophils can be involved with bacterial infection and the veterinarian might choose to rule this out first. Lympocytic, plasmacytic IBD is the most common form of this condition, with eosinophilic IBD being the second most common. The latter can be more serious than the former.

A veterinarian will often choose to rule out all other possible causes of chronic symptoms similar to the ones found in dog IBD. A biopsy of cells from the intestinal lining might be necessary to positively confirm a diagnosis of IBD. The biopsy can reveal the quantity and type of immune cells in the intestinal lining. Treatment consists of several different components, such as dietary modifications.

The cause of IBD in dogs is still largely unknown. The overall outcome is an exuberant infiltration of cells of the immune system into the intestinal tissues. These cells release factors that cause painful inflammation. Dog IBD may encompass a wide variety of disease entities. Rather than trying to identify a single source or pathogen, scientists are targeting the cells involved in modulating the inflammatory process to provide a more universal and comprehensive treatment strategy.

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4

TOP

nutrition tips for SENIOR dogs

By Deva Khalsa, VMD

Help your older buddy stay healthy and live long by feeding him right and keeping his weight down.

When I first saw

Casey, a 12-year-old cocker spaniel, she wasn’t a pretty picture. She was grossly overweight with no energy and a smelly, greasy coat. She’d even stopped wanting to go for walks.

“Everyone says she’s just getting old,” said her “mom”, Sally.

“But I thought I’d try holistic treatments to see if they could help her.”

The first thing I did was change Casey’s diet. I also added a quality general supplement along with some antioxidants.

When she returned just three weeks later, she was a different dog. She looked great, had lost weight, loved going for walks and after many years had started playing with her old toys again.

She was aging, but her problems did not arise from getting old.

She was just getting unhealthy.

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aanimal nima ni nima mal we w wellness ell lln lln neesss

Your older dog’s diet is the single most important factor affecting his health and longevity. The great thing is that you’re the one controlling his diet so you can do a lot to keep him well and happy. Here are some tips for keeping your older dog healthy and young at heart during his golden years.

1

Don’t

tip the scales

It’s important to keep your canine senior citizen at a healthy weight. There are many reasons he can become overweight, the most common of which are improper diet and lack of sufficient exercise. Weight gain may also be due to a hypothyroid condition, so if you’ve been reducing your dog’s caloric intake over time and notice no weight loss, it’s important you take him to the veterinarian and get his thyroid function checked. Once any medical reasons for obesity are ruled out, the other reasons for weight gain need to be addressed.

As dogs age, we love them more and more and may tend to give them lots of treats. While our unconditionally-loving canine companions deserve the best, over-treating generates weight gain.

This doesn’t mean your dog can’t enjoy treats; simply change what he eats to healthier fare. One large wheat-based biscuit contains 500 calories – over a meal’s worth of calories for a small dog. It’s easy to create treats from foods that are both healthy and delicious. Many dogs love broccoli stems or slices of apple, pear or watermelon. Freeze-dried chicken breast makes a welcome and low calorie treat. Vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, string beans, broccoli, yams and sweet potatoes can be very lightly dribbled with olive oil and baked at a low heat until they are golden brown and then cooled. There are so many options that even finicky seniors will have their favorites.

2

Keep up the quality

In addition to healthier treats, it’s important to learn how to decipher quality ingredients by reading labels. Many commercial pet food manufacturers use corn and corn gluten as a cheap

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alternative protein source. Corn is not a natural food source for dogs and contains eight grams of carbohydrates to every gram of protein. Avoid foods with corn, meat by-products and animal digest. I don’t recommend special weight loss diets since they typically include substantial quantities of low quality fiber such as soy mill run, peanut hulls and wheat middling. It’s better to look for foods with quality fiber sources such as pumpkin seed, flaxseed and fresh vegetables. Healthy carbohydrates to look for include oats, barley, sweet potato and brown rice.

you’re used to feeding a high quality packaged food and are concerned about the home cooking commitment, know that you don’t have to cook every day and can alternate with the packaged food if you wish.

4

3

Watch the protein

Traditional recommendations are to reduce the protein content in an older dog’s meals. The best way to do this is by making up the difference by adding vegetables to his diet. Adding more fruits and vegetables along with sweet potatoes to his food will give him the special phytonutrients (compounds in foods that both prevent disease and improve health) his cells need to eliminate toxins and stay in top form. Most dogs love steamed veggies with a bit of olive oil or butter on them. If your dog shies away from this, try adding a small amount of Parmesan cheese to the mix.

Home cooking for dogs is becoming more popular. With home cooking, you can easily adjust protein levels in your dog’s diet and add lots of healthy produce to his meals. If

Up the antioxidants

Antioxidants are extraordinarily important for retarding the aging process and maintaining good health. They deter aging by helping your dog’s cells and organs resist damage. They inhibit the destructive effects of oxidation, a process that begins when toxic substances in the environment cause damage to cells. Freshly cooked vegetables are filled with healthy antioxidants.

The antioxidant vitamin E occurs naturally in grains, nut oils and dark leafy green vegetables.

Kale is an excellent vegetable for it contains not only vitamin E but also special phytonutrients that dump toxins and

Good ol’ home cooking Treat your senior to these tantalizing recipes.

Full-figured fare

Get those vegetables in omelette

A morning meal of: • ¼ to 1 cup oatmeal • 1 teaspoon uncooked coconut oil • ½ to 1½ cups cooked vegetables, or as much as you need to satisfy your dog

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup finely chopped broccoli ½ cup finely chopped kale 1 clove diced or crushed garlic 1 tablespoon parsley 4 eggs, beaten

An evening meal of: ¼ to ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese, ricotta cheese or farmers cheese OR ½ to 2 eggs OR ¼ to ¾ cup lean meat or poultry • ¼ to 1½ cups high fiber bran breakfast cereal • cooked vegetables, as many as your dog wants • 1 teaspoon uncooked coconut oil

Add the oil to a 10” to 12” frying pan.

When warm, add garlic and lightly sauté for a few seconds. Add broccoli, kale and parsley and sauté lightly for one minute.

Pour beaten eggs into the pan and over the vegetables. Cover and cook over low heat for 4 to 6 minutes until done. Cool and serve.

•

Adjust according to the size of your dog, and include a high quality multivitamin/ multimineral supplement.

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Recipes from Dr. Khalsa’s Natural Dog

carcinogens out of cells ten times faster. Vitamin E is even more effective with vitamin C (another antioxidant); they create a powerful one-two pre-emptive punch against cancer and other chronic diseases.

{

getting quality balanced nutrition. It’s one of the simplest – and most important – ways to ensure he’ll be by your side for many more years to come.

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Antioxidants are extraordinarily important for retarding the aging process and maintaining good health.

Fat-soluble vitamin A is found in animal fats, egg yolks and cod liver oil. Carotenes are the water-soluble form of vitamin A. Beta-carotene is found in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables have been found to decrease cancer risk in humans by 30% and it’s no different for dogs. Variety is the key and good old home cooking provides the opportunity for plenty of variety.

Feeding your dog healthy organic vegetables and fruits, free range eggs, and lots of variety will give him anti-aging antioxidants every day.

In many ways, feeding senior dogs is similar to feeding younger ones. But the older your canine gets, the more important it becomes to watch his diet and weight, and make sure he’s

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treat?

Want a

By Amberly Scott Hindler

high quality

Healthy, treats are important at any time, but especially if your dog has specific wellness issues.

Walk into any pet supply store and you’ll see a vast array of dog treats. But a lot of those colorfully packaged goodies are unhealthy choices. Full of questionable ingredients, not to mention artificial colors and flavors, they’re little more than junk food for dogs. The good news is that rising consumer demand for healthier food and treat choices has resulted in a growing selection of high quality dog treats made from whole, natural ingredients. The trick is separating the good from the bad when you walk into the store.

As you would with pet food, start by reading labels and avoiding all products that contain a lot of grains, animal by-products, synthetic additives and other chemicals. Also avoid treats that aren’t manufactured and sourced in North America. Jerky treats and bully sticks from China can be

30

animal wellness

d there have been recalls on these especially problematic, and veral years. For quality, natural, products over the last several y sticks and jerky treats, domestically-sourced bully ADK Antler Products is one example of a good company to turn to. minate gluten. “Gluten It’s also a good idea to eliminate genic for [many dogs] and wheat are highly allergenic and cannot be digested well,” says Queny Villanueva of Savvy Beast Treats. Keep in mind o highly manipulated that these ingredients are also rains or genetically by man. “Avoid GMO grains erinarian Dr. Jodie engineered foods,” says veterinarian Gruenstern of the Animall Doctor plex.

Holistic Veterinary Complex.

Chia

“These can be a source of pesticides in the body and potentially cancer-causing.”

Choosing healthy treats is crucial for every dog, but you need to be even more vigilant if your canine is a senior or has specific health concerns such as obesity or allergies.

“What treats should I give my overweight dog?”

Overweight and obese dogs should avoid treats high in carbohydrates and starch, according to Holly Sher, President of Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company. Dr. Gruenstern adds that protein is a key ingredient to look for when deciding which treat to give an overweight dog, and that a simple freeze-dried meat is ideal as a low-calorie treat.

Low-calorie treats are also ideal for avoiding weight gain during training. You can easily go through a few dozen treats during an in-depth training session. To avoid weight gain, cut the treats into small pieces. For example, if you start with six calories per treat and cut each one into small pieces, you could give your dog as little as one calorie per positive reinforcement. Many trainers use this method of low-calorie treating so they can cover a lot of ground without risking weight gain in the dog.

“What treats should I give my senior dog?”

Many senior dogs are just as healthy as their younger counterparts, but if your older canine has a sensitive stomach, you need to be extra careful when treating. One thing you can do, says Holly, is freeze some of his regular food in an ice cube tray and give him the frozen bits as treats.

Otherwise, avoiding stomach upset means staying away from fatty ingredients in treats. Look for ingredients that offer meat without the fat. For instance, some treats contain “chicken fat, but no chicken,” says Queny. Always check the ingredients list on a treat package to ensure it mentions whole meats, and not just the fats from those meats.

Queny advises giving your older dog treats that contain “coconut oil, sweet potato and chia.” Beyond tasting great, these ingredients produce energy, an important consideration for senior dogs that may be tired or listless. Savvy Beast Treats uses these ingredients in their own organic treats. Front Porch Pets offers all-natural sweet potato-based treats, while Oscar Newman features organic coconut chips for dogs.

Coconut

Dr. Gruenstern adds antioxidants to the list of seniorappropriate treat ingredients. “Look for cranberries or Freeze-dried chicken

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blueberries or dark, leafy greens listed on the label. Seniors with constipation issues may benefit from treats that contain fibrous vegetation such as pumpkins or green beans.”

“What treats should I give my allergic dog?”

As we touched upon earlier, gluten and wheat often produce Blueberries allergies in dogs. Holly adds soy and corn to that list as well. Corn is a popular filler in cheap, low-quality dog food and treats because it is easily mass produced. Both we and our dogs have a hard time avoiding corn because not only is it a common filler, but farmers often feed cows and other livestock corn in place of grass.

Because of this, your dog is eating traces of corn when he eats red meat. With this in mind, avoid treats with corn as a filler because chances are your dog is already getting corn in the meat.

If your dog has allergies, Holly advises having your veterinarian run a test to uncover what he’s reacting to before deciding on a treat. Once this is established, she advises cleansing your dog’s system with a vegetarian diet, since Cranberries dogs are rarely allergic to vegetables. Thereafter, you can begin introducing exotic meat treats such as rabbit and white fish. Dr. Gruenstern agrees that rabbit is a good hypoallergenic meat. “Try to choose a unique meat source which the dog has not been exposed to previously,” she says.

Low-calorie dog treats packed with wholesome ingredients can be given many times throughout the day to enforce positive behavior and good manners. Just be sure to purchase premium products, read the ingredients on the label, and cut up treats so they are roughly the size of your fingernail. Dogs have a very keen sense of smell, and even a tiny treat will have them salivating and eagerly displaying their best behavior!

Spinach

Treat sources ADK Antler Products, adkantlers.com Animal Doctor Holistic Veterinary Complex, animaldoctormuskego.com Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company, evangersdogfood.com Front Porch Pets, frontporchpets.com Oscar Newman LLC, cocotherapy.com Savvy Beast Treats, savvybeasttreats.com m

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inside and out

By Ann Brightman

Biotin and antioxidants are key ingredients in this company’s supplements for healthy skin, shiny coats and overall well being.

A dog’s health is reflected in his coat. If it’s dull and dry, or he sheds excessively, has dandruff or other skin problems, he’s probably not feeling his best either. Conversely, a rich, shiny coat and clear skin suggests he’s in peak condition. Just ask John Owens, the founder and former president of Nickers International, an almost 30-year-old company that makes nutritional supplements for dogs and cats as well as horses and people.

Today, Nickers International’s dog products include not only Bio-Coat, but also a dry shampoo made from vegetable fibers, biotin and aloe, and free of the harsh chemicals in commercial shampoos that can cause irritation and dry skin. Other products include a vitamin E supplement for protection against free radicals, and a gentle anti-diarrheal/constipation remedy made from psyllium seed.

“John owns and rides show and dressage horses,” says Evelina Wisniewska, the company’s sales and marketing director.

“Knowing his horses had special nutritional needs, he created a product called Gen-A-Horse, and other vitamin supplements, to enhance their health and performance.” Not surprisingly, the supplements also made his horses’ coats glow. When John introduced his products to the public in 1984, they became immediately successful, to the point where people started feeding them to their dogs as well as their horses.

“We’re dedicated to promoting and maintaining the health, vitality and longevity of people and their animals by providing quality products, using the highest grade raw ingredients with no animal by-products, artificial flavors or colors,” says Evelina.

“The products are manufactured in a powdered form and contain no excipients, fillers, glazes or the other non-nutritive substances otherwise necessary for conventional tablets and capsules. All our supplements are made in the US. Our goal is to continue being a leader in nutritional supplementation with special focus on biotin and antioxidants.”

“This led to the development of Bio-Coat, a vitamin supplement for dogs and cats,” says Evelina. The product is rich in biotin, a B vitamin and enzyme that synthesizes the fatty acids vital for good skin and coat health. “When people noted the rapid and remarkable improvement in their animals’ skin, and the regeneration of their hair and coats, they started asking if they could use these supplements themselves!” As a result, a line of products for humans was also developed.

Nickers International donates product to no-kill shelters around the country. “We also support organizations that hold schooling/fun and fund-raising animal and horse shows for youth and adults,” adds Evelina. “We enjoy hearing stories from satisfied customers about how our products make a difference in their animals as well as in their own lives. It brings us a sense of meaning, and a feeling of contributing to society as a whole.”

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woes Woof

By Sandra Murphy

Does your dog EXPLODE into barking whenever someone knocks at the door or rings the bell?

Here are 6 ways to help him SIMMER down.

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Ding dong! Chaos erupts as Molly skids barking down the hallway to get to the door before her human, Pat. “She’s such a sweet dog, but why does she act like we’re under attack when someone comes to the door?” asks Pat. To answer that question, Pat needs to think like a canine, says Eileen Proctor, dog lifestyle expert and author of Relief for the Latchkey Dog. “When a dog sees people walk down the sidewalk, he barks and the people go away.

The mail carrier comes to the door, rattles the mail slot, the dog barks and he goes away.

It’s a dog’s job to protect the pack. When intruders leave, he’s successful.”

“The doorway is a high intensity location,” adds dog psychologist Linda Michaels.

“There’s an unseen person on the other side, a human who needs protection on this side, and often, it’s a cramped space. This is the line a stranger crosses that can increase the dog’s desire to protect.”

In other words, when your dog barks at the door, he’s only following his natural instincts.

That doesn’t make it any less nerve-wracking for you, though. Luckily, there are ways you can help train him to stop treating the doorbell or a knock as a trigger for hysterical or aggressive behavior.

q w

Acknowledge his efforts Since a dog believes barking is in his job description, praise him for doing it – but set limits. A warning bark or two is fine to let you know someone’s at the door. Extended barking is not. Retool his job description to “alert” rather than “make the stranger go away”. It’s easier than you think…read on.

Choose a command, and don’t shout

Yelling doesn’t help. Already in a frenzy, the dog may hear “Save me, save me!” instead of “Knock it off” or “Quiet!” when you raise your voice. Choose a verbal cue like “That’s enough” or “No bark”. Use a firm voice rather than a loud one. Eileen uses a simple, “Thank you, good dog.” That says to the

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e

Make it more satisfying not to bark

dog, “Stand down while I check the threat level.” He then knows the two of you are working as a team and the responsibility is not all on him.

“Consistency is the key,” adds Eileen.

“Make sure all the people in the house use the same phrase. Practice makes perfect for both the human and the dog.”

Have everyone in the family work with the dog so he doesn’t think the lesson applies to only one of his humans.

Barking turns into its own reward because it gets attention, good or bad.

To make it more rewarding for the dog to alert and then be quiet, pick a high value treat or toy that stays by the door. Its only use is as a reward for alert/quiet. The goal is to change the meaning of the doorbell or knock from “Danger!” to “Somebody’s here!

Gimme a treat.” Linda concurs: “Teach the dog: ‘I can bark at the door, or I can get cookies.’

“Safety first is always a good rule,” she adds. “To diffuse the dog’s heightened emotions, have him move away from the door to a spot where he can see what’s happening but not be between his person and the visitor.” A baby gate works well as you train for calm behavior.

“A handful of tiny treats scattered over the floor will distract him from territorial guarding,” says Linda. “His guarding instincts won’t disappear.

He’ll just have better control.”

r

Do some practice runs Friends who have the willingness and patience to stand on your porch and ring the doorbell while you train are priceless. Another option could be a neighborhood kid with time on his hands. If all else fails, knock on the inside of the door yourself. When the dog rushes to see what’s going on, show the reward, use the verbal cue and take him to the chosen location where he has more space to move around and time to calm himself.

Several ten or 15-minute sessions are better than 30 minutes of continuous training. End on a successful note. If you or your dog begin to get frustrated, have him do something different, such as a few sits and downs, then reward him and take a break.

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t

Open the door Once he knows the routine – alert, move to the calm spot, get the reward – it’s time to let the person come into the house. If your dog remembers the new division of labor – he alerts, you check it out – the visitor can talk to him from a distance.

If it’s still peaceful, bring the dog closer while he’s leashed. A leash gives you control over sudden jumps, inappropriate sniffs, or a body slam greeting. If he walks nicely, let him approach the visitor. If he gets excited or pulls on the leash, stop where you are to see if he remembers that only good behavior gets a reward. Is he still overly excited? Go back and start again from the calm spot.

Watch for a wagging tail. Give your guest tiny treats too. Your dog needs to see company as a good thing. If he’s relaxed, sit down and talk to your visitor for a few minutes. Take the dog back to his calm spot, scatter treats and then escort your visitor back to the door.

y

Praise good behavior

Whether it’s a practice run or the real thing, remember to always praise or treat your dog when he does what you want him to. “The best way is to use positive reinforcement for wanted behavior,” says Eileen. “Don’t punish bad behavior.”

Friends, relatives, the UPS driver or mail carrier – the number of people who have occasion to come to your door can be legion. And each one can be a learning experience for a happy human and a wellmannered dog!

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By Johnny Lopez, PhD An important way to help animals live a long, healthy life is to look for pet foods that contain well researched and safe ingredients. An ingredient proven to have multitasking duties in the body is a molecule called L-carnitine. L-carnitine helps support animals with their energy metabolism, heart and muscular systems and antioxidant management.

What is L-carnitine?

First discovered in 1905, L-carnitine has been proven fundamental in helping the body break down dietary fat into energy. This molecule assists with transporting fatty acids inside the mitochondria (i.e., the cell‘s furnace). Once inside, the fatty acids can be converted into fuel for the body to use for many necessary purposes. This is why you often find L-carnitine in many weight management pet foods.

Did you know?

• It’s estimated the body can produce only about one-third of the L-carnitine it needs – the remainder must come from food and dietary supplementation. Even when a body requires additional L-carnitine, it won’t naturally produce more.

• It is estimated that approximately 70% of the energy to fuel the heart comes from fat breakdown. But the heart needs more than fat. It needs L-carnitine to generate the fuel (as described above) to keep up with its daily beat, beat, beat. Some breeds are prone to heart issues and consumers with these animals can look for a heart healthy formula that includes L-carnitine.

• Skeletal muscles also require constant energy and L-carnitine helps provide this. Both the heart and skeletal muscles contain

the greatest concentrations of L-carnitine. For growing, active adult and aging animals, L-carnitine helps support muscle function and metabolism following exercise.

• Naturally produced free radicals are constantly being manufactured by the body and can lead to widespread damage to health. When these free radicals come into contact with healthy cells, they can cause loss of tissue integrity and a weakened immune system. New research shows that L-carnitine plays a nutritional role in helping the body turn on its own antioxidant defense to help ward off these free radicals.

Pet foods that are not supplemented with L-carnitine may not offer the full benefits that animals may need because standard ingredients contain varying levels of L-carnitine. It is important to look for pet foods supplemented with L-carnitine. To know if a pet food has been supplemented with L-carnitine, simply check the ingredient label.

Lonza, a Swiss-based and well-respected life science company, developed a safe form of L-carnitine. Our L-carnitine product is sold under the Carniking™ brand name and offered to quality pet food manufactures throughout the world for use in pet foods. Carniking™is manufactured under strict quality control standards.

Dr. Johnny Lopez received a Masters in Animal Science and a Doctorate in Monogastric Nutrition from the University of Missouri. animal wellness

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PERFECT MATCH Here’s more proof that animals have a healing effect. Thanks to Pets for Vets, military veterans with PTSD are reducing their symptoms by adopting specially trained shelter dogs as companions.

By Sara Jackson

Below left to right: Leif with his new canine friend Spyder; Sergeant Doraliza Velezcallazo kisses Lupita; Jose and Ranger have formed a great friendship.

Up to 20% of military personnel returning from overseas duty are estimated to be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This debilitating condition causes anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, flashbacks and acute wariness. Sadly, statistics show that both the physical and emotional traumas suffered by soldiers leads to unemployment, failed or abusive relationships, addictions and apathy.

Animals can also develop PTSD, especially those that have been abused, neglected, abandoned or otherwise hurt or traumatized. Often, these animals end up in shelters, homeless and unwanted.

But it’s not all bleak, thanks to an organization called Pets For Vets (pets-for-vets.com), a non-profit organization founded in 2009 by professional dog trainer Clarissa Black. While working

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with therapy dogs, Clarissa saw how important animals were to recovering veterans and wounded soldiers. “The bonds of friendship formed between human and animal have the power to ease the suffering of our troops when they return from overseas,” she says. As someone who has had her own experience with PTSD, she founded Pets For Vets as a way to say thanks to the country’s heroes, and to provide both returning veterans and needy animals a second chance at life.

With regional chapters across the US, the organization addresses the needs of veterans who are not eligible for service dogs, but could benefit from having a trained companion animal. Returning military men and women who have screened positive for PTSD are eligible to put in an application on the Pets For Vets website. Once a veteran has applied, Clarissa and her team begin the process of interviewing him or her to see

what he or she is looking for in a dog. They then pair a dog with the veteran’s personality and lifestyle.

Pets For Vets dogs are rescued from shelter life and trained to assimilate into a home environment. “We usually look for dogs that are past the puppy stages,” says Clarissa. “We don’t specialize in a particular size or breed; it depends on the veteran’s preference, needs and lifestyle.” Once the right dog has been chosen for a veteran, the animal spends time in the home of one of the organization’s trainers, who begins teaching him basic obedience and socialization.

“Our trainers look for temperament and sociability,” explains Clarissa. “We train according to CGC (Canine Good Citizen) standards, which include manners, obedience and socialization.

Our trainers work with the dogs every day, and take them for walks, rides in the car, on runs and to the dog park.” They introduce them to the types of activities and environments they will encounter with the veterans, and tailor their training to each veteran’s needs and lifestyle, which might include foreign objects like wheelchairs and crutches. Some veterans may just want a lap dog, while others might want a dog that can keep up with their personal activity levels.

Since its inception four years ago, Pets for Vets has placed approximately 50 animals with veterans from the Vietnam War and the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. Clarissa also extends her services and support to shelters and animal rescues, participating in events and helping raise awareness of the importance of adopting. Her ultimate goal is to have Pets for Vets chapters in all 50 states.

The organization is funded through individual and corporate donations that are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Donations can be made through the website and not only help save lives (both human and animal) but go towards providing the necessary equipment for “pet/vet” matches to begin their new lives together.

When asked what her favorite success story has been to date, Clarissa replies that every story is special to her. “It is incredibly rewarding to see the bonds of friendship between the veterans and their dogs, and to watch the animals work their magic.”

In the past, it was mainly people with physical disabilities (veteran or civilian) who benefited from animal-assisted therapy. But studies are now showing that animals are becoming increasingly useful in treating people with psychological as well as physical disorders. In fact, animals have been shown to reduce symptoms of PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in as many as 82% of patients studied. animal wellness

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Raw green tripe might look and smell disgusting to you, but it’s a rich source of nutrients for dogs.

By Amy Fiumarelli

Stomach this!

THERE’S

AN OLD SAYING that goes something like this: “What a load of tripe!” Though the word “tripe” is often used in a derogatory fashion, tripe itself certainly doesn’t deserve such treatment. In fact, you might be surprised to learn how nutritious it is – and how good it is for your canine companion.

Raw green tripe is the entire unprocessed stomach of a cudchewing animal such as a cow or deer. In the wild, carnivorous animals prey on these herbivores. They will consume the entire animal, including the stomach and entrails. Tripe has been a very important component of the carnivore’s diet for millennia.

Though most humans regard it as unusual, raw green tripe is actually more natural and beneficial for dogs than kibble.

Raw green tripe offers many advantages to dogs because of its balance of nutrients and the presence of beneficial bacteria and enzymes.

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1 2

Raw green tripe has been nutritionally analyzed and found to have a desirable calcium:phosphorus ratio. The pH is acidic, the protein is 15.1%, and the fat is 11.7%.

It also has the correct proportions of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

One of the best constituents of raw green tripe is lactobacillus acidophilus, a good intestinal bacteria that keep unwanted bacteria such as e-coli, salmonella and listeria from overpopulating and causing health problems.

The balance of microflora in the gut is extremely important for maintaining good health. The intestines only contain enough food for a certain amount of bacteria, but by adding tripe to a dog’s diet, the population of good bacteria will outnumber the bad. These probiotics help keep his immune system in top shape. Think of tripe as the Activia for dogs.

3

Another beneficial component of raw green tripe is the digestive enzymes. The enzymes that help the ruminant digest his meal will give your dog the same benefits. Dogs do not naturally produce the enzyme needed to break down cellulose, so the nutrients found in raw vegetative matter are not readily available to them. Raw green tripe contains not only these enzymes, but in most cases, some pre-digested green matter as well. This combination of enzymes and nutrients provides dogs with a nutritional powerhouse they wouldn’t have access to otherwise.

Picking a product

The tripe found in your supermarket has been cleaned and bleached. It offers no nutritional benefits to your dog. The best form, by far, is raw green tripe.

• Some companies offer large pieces of fresh tripe that are very tough and abrasive. These help clean your dog’s teeth as well as provide him with needed nutrients. Large pieces are best fed outdoors, as they last rather a long time and are very “aromatic”!

E-Coli

• Freeze dried tripe is another option.

The freeze-drying process makes the tripe shelf stable while allowing it to retain its nutrients and enzymes. It’s usually made into nuggets or small patties. These are great training treats and also come in handy as a food topper for that picky eater.

• Canned green tripe is available for those who can’t find other forms in their area. This tripe is cooked in the can, so it doesn’t contain the beneficial bacteria or enzymes found in other forms, but it is still beneficial. Many independent pet retail stores are now carrying tripe in canned or frozen ground forms.

By offering your dog some raw green tripe, you know he’ll be getting the micronutrients and enzymes he is meant to consume. It gives a whole new meaning to a “load of tripe”!

• Raw tripe is also offered ground, either fresh or frozen. This form can be fed in a bowl and is consumed immediately.

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MAKE IT S*T O%P#! @

By Claudia Bensimoun

You know dogs have a keener sense of hearing than we do. What you may not know is that some canines are extra sensitive to sound, and can develop fearful behavior because of it.

Karen adopted Penny from her local shelter. Sensitive to every sound,

cowering under the coffee table during a thunderstorm, or

the shepherd mix was almost too fearful to go for walks. Determined

the poodle who gets the jitters every time a transport truck

to find a way to help Penny overcome her sound phobia, Karen first

rumbles by.

consulted her veterinarian to check for any medical issues. The next stop was a veterinary behaviorist, who used desensitization and behavior

A new study has gained insight into how domestic dogs react

modification to help Penny regain confidence and generally overcome

to noises. “Our results suggest that the characteristics of dogs,

her fear of noises.

their early environment, and exposure to specific noises are involved in the development of fear responses to noises,�

FEAR RESPONSES TO SOUND

says Dr. Rachel Casey, who led the study at the School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol.

Sound sensitivity, though more common in herding breeds such as German shepherds, border collies and Labradors, can

Dr. Casey says that almost half the people interviewed

affect any dog at any age. Think of the terrier mix who hides

reported their dogs showed at least one behavioral sign

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of typical fear when exposed to noises such as fireworks, thunder and gunshots, even though only a quarter reported their dogs were fearful of noises. The most commonly reported behavioral responses included vocalizing, trembling, shaking, hiding and seeking people. Fear responses to loud noises from fireworks, gunshots and thunder appear to commonly co-occur, suggesting generalization between these stimuli.

Interestingly, many responses to less salient sounds, such as traffic and TV noises, apparently co-occurred with other signs of fear or anxiety; but responses to fireworks, gunshots and thunder did not commonly co-occur with separation-related behavior or behaviors linked to fear or anxiety.

The study concluded that fear responses to less important noises (TV, traffic) probably reflect fearful personality characteristics (as with Penny and the truck-hating poodle), while those to very significant noises (gunshots, thunder, fireworks), may reflect specific exposures and experiences.

DESENSITIZATION - START YOUNG “Exposure to sounds early in life, especially those a dog is likely to encounter as an adult, is an important part of socialization,” says veterinarian Dr. Monique Udell, assistant professor of Animal and Rangeland Sciences at Oregon State University. “Think of humans who have grown up in the city versus those who have grown up in the country - traffic sounds at night are often less disruptive to the former than the latter. Puppies that have the opportunity to experience…sounds that might otherwise be frightening to them as adults, might indeed fare better in some cases, especially if there are other adult dogs or humans around who show either little

Sound sensitivity, though more common in herding breeds such as German shepherds, border collies and Labradors, can affect any dog at any age.

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reaction, or a positive one, to those sounds. However, I think there is still a lot of research to be done on the conditions in which these general predictions hold true, and the situations in which they might not, and to what degree.”

Veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Lord teaches courses in animal behavior and has spent thousands of hours observing hand-reared puppies and wolves. She began to consider how early life experiences contribute to sound sensitivity. “Dogs’ ears open around three

STORM PHOBIAS

weeks of age,” she says. “At that point they have little

Dr. Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, treats many dogs that suffer from

or no fear of novelty. So this is a good time to start

storm phobias. Dogs that are storm phobic not only react to

introducing them to sounds. Sounds they hear at this

thunder but also to flashes of lightning (which always cue a

point, up through eight weeks, will not be frightening

crash of thunder) as well as changes in atmospheric pressure

later. Fear increases as they approach eight weeks, so

or ambient electrical charges. “Dogs affected by noise phobia

caution should be taken the closer they get to this age.

before and during a storm will often bark, pace, whine and

It is best to introduce novel sounds when pups are in

pant,” Dr. Dodman says. “They try to find a safe hiding place,

a comfortable and familiar place. Many sound phobias

shadow the owner and attempt to hide.” More than 50% of

start from bad experiences with novel sounds. If dogs

dogs that are storm phobic will seek shelter in a bathroom by

are familiar with a variety of sounds, they are less

climbing into a sink or tub or hiding behind the toilet.

likely to develop phobias down the road.”

Dr. Dodman recommends finding a safe room or basement where the dog can feel safe during a storm. The room should have no windows, if possible (but do not shut the dog in a closet). He recommends a light be turned on to mask lightning flashes. An open crate with your dog’s favorite toys, treats, food and water should be available. Calming music played at a reasonable volume will distract and help calm your dog. For very severe cases, medication at low doses may be required

“Exposure to sounds early in life, especially those a dog is likely to encounter as an adult, is an important part of socialization.”

from the veterinarian, but you can also try a few drops of Rescue Remedy rubbed into the dog’s ears and feet or over his coat.

According to one study, storm-phobic dogs showed a 207% increase in plasma cortisol when exposed to audio recordings of a storm! However, dogs that were in the presence of other canines in a household displayed a more rapid recovery from this hormonal response.

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OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS Desensitization and counter-conditioning can help restore a sound-sensitive dog’s confidence, especially during fireworks or storms. Basically, it involves exposing the dog to the upsetting noise in gradually increasing increments, while providing him with positive reinforcements, to help him eventually lose his anxiety towards the noise and associate it with something less negative and fearful. Victoria Stilwell’s Canine Noise Phobia Series is specifically designed to reduce and prevent noise phobias and anxiety in dogs.

Wraps and shirts that are especially designed to calm fearful dogs can also be used to alleviate sound sensitivity, including phobias to storms and other loud noises. The Anxiety Wrap, for example, applies pressure to certain calming acupressure points on the dog’s neck, chest, belly, shoulders, mid-section and hindquarters.

The Anxiety Wrap is one example of a product that can help calm sound-sensitive dogs.

AnxietyWrap.com

Thanks to Penny’s treatment, she’s now able to accompany Karen on long walks and no longer panics when she encounters a loud, unexpected or unfamiliar noise. It took awhile, but she’s now a happy and well-adjusted dog who enjoys life to the max. animal wellness

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Photo courtesy of Howard Stern

Beth’s love for animals is in her blood. “In my family, it was important to keep animals safe and nurtured,” she says.

Beth

Ostrosky Stern

By Barbara Nefer

S

serendipity

How and a bulldog named Bianca transformed this model, actress and TV personality into an adoption advocate. ate.

he’s known for many things, from her modeling career and roles in True Beauty and She’s Got the Look, to being the wife of famed radio shock jock Howard Stern. Perhaps less well known, but just as important, is Beth Ostrosky Stern’s passion for dogs and other animals, and her work on their behalf.

Beth’s love for dogs, cats and other critters started early. “It’s in the blood,” she laughs. “The firstborn in my family was a mutt named Suzie Dog. She was a big collie mix who came along before my mom had any children. She was there first and was always treated as a member of the family.”

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Growing up outside Pittsburgh, Beth says she and nd herr ttwo wo bro brothers others th were always around animals. “My mother really believ believed rescuing ved in re escuing from local shelters,” she says. “We always had dogs, ogs, cats, caats, guinea guin nea pigs and fish. We even had chicks for Easter one yearr and d watched watcheed them grow up on a friend’s farm.” That love extended ed to o wild aanimals, nimals, too. “Whenever there was wildlife that was hurt, t, wee would call the local rescue. In my family, it was important to keep animals eep an nimals ssafe afe and nurtured. That was a key part of growing up for me.”

Beth also had a passion and talent for modeling, and beg began gan her ccareer areer while still in her teens. Her work took her to Europe, ope, where wh he she llived here he i ed iv

for five years. When she returned to the United States, a serendipitous offer gave her a special opportunity that allowed her to combine her success with a way to help homeless dogs.

“Back in New York, I got a call from my agent, who said: ‘I know you’re a big animal lover, and North Shore Animal League is putting out feelers to agencies looking for models to donate time to their annual luncheon.’ They wanted to have a fashion show with models carrying adoptable dogs. I didn’t know much about them, but I said: ‘Count me in!’” The luncheon was a big success. “I was there in my couture gown, holding a dog, and I wouldn’t leave the stage until the last dog was adopted.”

Beth and Howard are honoring Bianca by embarking on a capital campaign to raise $7 million for a 15,000-square-foot addition to North Shore Animal League.

Howard is just as much an animal lover as Beth, and plunged wholeheartedly into supporting her advocacy work. Just as Beth’s first childhood “sibling” was a dog, the couple’s first “child” was an English bulldog named Bianca, who shared their lives for nine years. “I think that was a turning point in our relationship, when we decided to adopt an animal together,” Beth says.

The couple’s heart was set on an English bulldog, but at the time, they didn’t know about breed-specific rescues and spent a year finding a reputable breeder.

Continued on page 48.

Photo courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society

The folks at NSAL recognized Beth’s passion and asked her to continue working with them, promoting adoptions on daytime TV shows and other venues. Just as she hadn’t known much about the organization before the luncheon, they had no idea she had just started dating Howard Stern and was becoming a public figure with a perfect platform for promoting adoptions. She threw herself into volunteer work with the group, giving them publicity and coming to the shelter to do hands-on work with the animals.

Beth recently visited Best Friends Animal Society – and got a big kiss from Merry, a sanctuary resident.

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47

“We finally naalllly found on o onee aand nd w went ent to her home to ssee ee thee dog dogs,” them kept Howard asked says Beth. ““One One of the heem ke ept climbing on us and dH owarrd ask ‘What’s this one’s ‘You don’t want the breeder: ‘W Wh What’s th his on ne’s story?’ She said: ‘Y You don on on’t n wa Bianca puppy that one.’ It turned e out Bia ed anca was a show pup ppy who o got ttoo wiggle and Howard didn’t old and developed a wigg gle in her walk.” Beth an nd How wa did wa ward longer “It care if Bianca was no o lo onger show-worthy. “I It was a ccase ase of tthe dog our lives.” do d og picking us. We took too ook her, and she was thee llove ove off o ur lives Biancaa w was as one year old when the Sterns ado adopted opted her op her, r, and remain r, remained until devastating when with them mu un ntil her death eight years later.. ““It It was d evastating wh w lost her,” Beth we Beeth says. “She was so open ope pen and kind. kind. She was just ju lovely when rescuing them love veely to my cats wh hen e we started re esc scuing the em as well.” works bulldog organization Island Beth now w orks with a bu b ulllldogg organi iza zation called Long Isla fostered And Bulldog Rescue, an aand d has fost stter ereed sseveral ev everal ev dogs for them. A Howard honoring way this fall, she and How ward are ho ono n ring Bianca in a very big w capital by embarking on a capita taal ca ccampaign am mpaign to raise $7 million for a (located 15,000-square-foot addition to North Shore Animal League (locat in P Port W Washington, New Y York), be called Bianca’s h N k) to b ll d B ’ FFurry FFriends. d According to Beth, the addition will be a second floor for the shelter. The new area will be devoted to cats, with a wellness center and a cageless, homelike living space, including skylights and tunnels. Currently, both dogs and cats are housed on the shelter’s single floor, so moving the felines upstairs will mean freeing up more room for the canine residents. Beth says

that having the entire first floor available for dogs will allow NSAL to save more and have extra space for largescale projects like puppy mill rescues. Although she wasn’t a shelter dog herself, Bianca’s legacy means that countless shelter dogs will have a safe place to stay when the addition is complete.

Beth is also a big fan of Best Friends Animal Society in Beth models with a canine Utah, which she praises friend. for its spacious, cage-free environment. “They have dogs and cats there, and so many other kinds of animals, like horses and guinea pigs. It’s a beautiful place.”

“I was there in my couture gown, holding a dog, and I wouldn’t leave the stage until the last dog was adopted.”

While Best Friends and NSAL are both no-kill shelters, ters, Beth also saves animals from high-kill facilities by fostering them until they can find homes. “I know they’re safe when they’re at NSAL,” she explains. “Howard and I take in fosters from places where they’re in danger.”

In addition to her work with animal shelters, Beth has put together a book called Oh My Dog (Gallery Books, 2010) that was inspired by all the questions people ask her because of her work with dogs. “People would see me on TV promoting North Shore Animal League, then they’d see me walking down the street and think I was an expert,” she says. “They’d come up to me and say ‘my dog has a bald patch’ or ‘my dog has diarrhea’ and ask me what to do. I’m not an expert, but I do my own research and have access to incredible resources. I know Oprah’s dog trainer and have access to vets and behaviorists because of my associations. I took all the questions I’ve been asked to the experts, compiled all the answers, and came up with a 500-page reference book.”

It’s clear that Beth’s love for animals has had a huge impact on her life – and she and Howard are paying it forward in an equally huge way.

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animal wellness

Photo courtesy of Howard Stern

Continued from page 47.

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it’s

a sound principle. Dogs and cats should be nourished with the food their bodies are designed by nature to thrive on.

But species-appropriate nutrition cannot be found in the vast majority of commercially available pet foods – a fact many savvy folks are catching onto. Add in the rash of pet food recalls, starting with the 2007 recall for melamine contamination, and the result is a growing number of people looking for alternatives to low quality processed foods.

organ meats, eggs and fish, pureed veggies and a small amount of fruit (to mimic intestinal contents of prey) as well as supplements necessary to balance the diet.

Both the prey model and B.A.R.F. (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, or Bones And Raw Food) diets are founded on the principle of natural nutrition. The basic difference between the two is that the prey model attempts to be a near-perfect replication of the diet of canines and felines living in the wild.

It has a couple of variations. One is to feed whole prey and nothing else. The other is to feed chunks of meat with some bone, plus organs and eggs.

• First and foremost, you’ll be faced with a significant sourcing problem. Exactly how and where will you find enough whole prey to feed your companion? I can’t in good conscience recommend this option for the majority of proactive dog and cat lovers, given the challenges of finding a good variety of fresh, raw, whole, legally obtained wild game.

The B.A.R.F. diet usually consists of feeding ground meat with a calcium supplement or edible bones (i.e. chicken wings, backs and necks) that can be fed ground or whole,

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While it’s feasible that you can give your companion balanced nutrition using the prey model, there are some important things to consider.

• If you’re considering the second option, be aware that feeding chunks of meat and bone doesn’t equate to feeding whole prey. Many people who think they are feeding their animals a prey model diet are really feeding a pieces-and-parts diet that, over time, can cause serious nutritional imbalances.

For example, when a wolf eats a deer, he eats the entire animal save for the stomach contents and a few very hard skull and leg bones. He may gnaw on the larger bones, but he doesn’t crunch them up and swallow them as a source of calcium and trace minerals.

The wolf will eat muscle meat, smaller bones, internal organs (kidneys, lungs, blood, intestines, liver, heart and brain), the eyes, tongue, thyroid, adrenal and other glands, and assorted additional goodies.

Many of these parts of the prey animal provide important nutrients for your dog (or kitty), so if you’re not feeding the whole prey, your animal is not getting all the essentials he needs to be healthy (see sidebar on next page).

• Another consideration is that large, wild, grass-fed prey (deer, bison, etc.) are different nutritionally than animals bred on farms. The way an animal is raised determines its nutrient content and fatty acid profile as food for your companion. So if you feed your dog whole small prey like chickens or rabbits, she will still benefit from the nutritional variety provided by cattle, bison, moose, deer, etc. Large prey cannot be fed whole, obviously, but have great nutritional value.

• Whether your animal eats small prey, large prey or a combination, he will still require additions to his diet for nutritional balance.

I recommend a B.A.R.F. diet over the prey model because again, sourcing and nutritional balance are major roadblocks to feeding the prey model successfully.

I believe we can improve on the diet our companions’ wild counterparts eat by adding certain carefully-selected foods and supplements that provide optimal balanced nutrition. After all, we must account for nutrients lost through soil depletion, antibiotics and hormones added to meat sources, contaminated water and produce, not to mention our inability to provide animal wellness

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prey-derived sources of whole blood, pituitary glands, raw whole pancreas, etc.

For instance, instead of feeding our carnivorous companions entrails (guts) found in whole prey, I advocate a “gut replacement” of pureed veggies and probiotics. Guts can contain parasites that negatively affect your dog or cat’s health. A veggie replacement is guaranteed parasite free.

If you do feed whole prey (including entrails, which may contain parasites), please check a stool sample with your vet at least every six months.

a rich dose of their prey’s diet passed up the food chain, including finely chewed grasses and berries. Like most raw feeders, I believe feeding foods that mimic a prey’s intestinal contents provides sources of phytonutrients, antioxidants, enzymes and vitamins not found in muscle meats, and are very beneficial to our companions’ overall health.

In the wild, dogs and cats consume small prey whole (such as moles, voles and mice), but eat selectively from larger prey, sometimes leaving the stomach and entrails behind. When canines and felines consume intestinal contents, they receive

However you decide to feed your companion, it’s always important to do some homework first. Prey model and B.A.R.F. diets are both fundamentally excellent choices, but it’s wise to educate yourself about the potential drawbacks as well as the benefits, so you can ensure your best friend will enjoy optimal nourishment. Most importantly, it’s our job as guardians to make sure the diets we choose for our companions are nutritionally balanced to provide the optimal requirements for overall health.

I have clients tell me they are feeding a “whole prey diet” when

E and B12, iodine and choline. A diet of nothing but chicken parts

in fact they’re just feeding chicken legs. Although leg quarters

has an unbalanced fatty acid ratio, not to mention a complete

are a good source of protein and some minerals, when they are

deficiency of phytonutrients, antioxidants and enzymes (nutrients

compared to AAFCO minimum nutrient requirements, they do not

AAFCO doesn’t evaluate).

represent a balanced diet. If chicken legs are fed as a sole food

Although AAFCO standards leave room for improvement, they

source, your animal will become deficient in essential nutrients

do at least set the bare minimums for nutrients a food should offer,

such as potassium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, vitamins A, D,

and chicken legs by themselves don’t even meet the minimums!

Percentage of AAFCO minimums per 1,000 calories of chicken leg quarters

MINERALS Calcium (g)

At AAFCO safe upper limit

Phosphorus (g)

At AAFCO safe upper limit

Potassium (g)

70%

Sodium (g Na)

OK

Magnesium (g)

OK

Iron (mg)

26%

Copper (mg)

14%

Manganese (mg)

71%

Zinc (mg)

30%

Iodine (mg)

0

Selenium (mg)

OK

VITAMINS

52

A (iu)

50%

D (iu)

< 1%

animal wellness

E (mg)

30%

Thiamin (mg)

OK

Riboflavin (mg)

OK

Pantothenic acid (mg)

OK

Niacin (mg)

OK

B6 (mg)

OK

Folate (mg)

OK

B12 (mg)

33%

Choline (mg)

56%

Ratio Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids is 15:1 (desired is no more than 7:1) Protein as fed: 18% Fat as fed: 12% Protein: 44% (vs. ancestral diet at 49%) Fat: 65% (vs. ancestral diet at 44%)

Company co-founder John Allen with National Champion, Dark Man, a descendent of Black Gold.

Pure

gold

By Charlotte Walker

What do you get when you combine a love of dogs with dedication to quality? A premium pet food company whose products go the extra mile.

Black Gold is a star in more ways than one. Raised and

trained by John Allen, he’s a National Champion American foxhound. But he also has a dog food named after him, and his picture appears on most of the company’s bags.

Black Gold Dog Food was founded by John and his brother Don in 1997, but the two men’s experience in the pet food industry dates back much further. “We have been involved in the dog food distribution business since the early 1960s,” says John.

“Don worked in the feed industry for many years, and I was an engineer and human resource manager for a large electrical manufacturing company. We both went through many corporate buyouts and ownership changes and were tired of the rat race. Being interested in performance dogs and having a dog food sales background, we decided to start a small company.”

The brothers started out by making a reasonably-priced high quality performance dog food. “Our goal was to sell the equivalent of a tractor trailer load per month in all of the lower 48,” says John. “This goal was surpassed in a few months. We now offer a complete line of dry dog food from economicallypriced maintenance formulas to high quality grain-free formulas, and everything in between. We are also national distributors for Dog Forte brand energy enhancement supplement.”

John and Don’s success can be directly attributed to their dedication to quality. “We adhere to strict quality standards and

always use ‘fixed formulations’ for consistency in every bag of food. This is a necessity in performance dog diets. Most pet food companies vary their formulations depending on which commodities are lower in price at the time. This causes variation in nutrition and performance.”

Additional products are always in the works for Black Gold Dog Food, and they’ve just introduced two new grain-free foods – one made from salmon and white potato, and the other from chicken and sweet potato. “The market is currently moving toward ‘all natural and grain free’,” says John. “We are also looking at developing a specific formula for the ‘Bully’ breed to aid in muscle building and growth. We are always looking to expand our offerings for specific niche uses, based on customer requests.”

Along with donating to a variety of independent shelters, the company also sponsors the UKC (United Kennel Club) Triple Crown. “As well, we sponsor various other state and national competitions for the UKC in Coonhounds and Beagles, as well as PKC (Professional Kennel Club), AKC (American Kennel Club) and NKC (National Kennel Club).”

John says one of the things he enjoys most is interacting with dog guardians. “We are dog lovers and competitors ourselves,” he says. “Everyone who works for Black Gold is a dog lover first, and a dog food worker second.” animal wellness

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CHIROPRACTIC

Ballantrae Animal Hospital Margaret Hacking, DVM Stouffville, ON Canada Phone: (905) 640-6809 Website: www.AnimalWellnessCentre.com Beechmount Animal Hospital Waterloo, ON Canada Phone: (519) 888-6590 Website: www.beechmountanhosp.ca

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animal wellness

Horizon Veterinary Services Susan Maier, DVM Simpsonville, KY USA Phone: (502) 722-8231 Email: horizonvetserv@yahoo.com Website: www.horizonvetserv.com Integrated Veterinary Clinic Sacramento, CA USA Phone: 916-454-1825

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Family Veterinary Center Haydenville, MA USA Phone: (413) 268-8387 Website: www.famvets.com

Secord Animal Hospital Toronto, ON Canada Phone: (416) 486-1700 Email: secordanimalhospital@yahoo.ca

Gail Jewell, DVM Kelowna, BC Canada Phone: (888) 622-8300 Website: www.holisticvet.ca

Paws to Heal Vet Clinic Vienna, VA USA Phone: (703) 938-2563 Email: info@paws2heal.com Website: www.vetrehab.org

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Sharon R. Doolittle DVM Smithsfield, RI USA Phone: (401) 349-2668 Website: www.holisticanimalvet.com Dr. Shawn Messonnier Paws and Claws Vet Clinic Plano, TX USA Phone: (972) 712-0893 Email: shawnvet@sbcglobal.net Website: www.pettogethers.net/healthypet SmithRidge Veterinary Services Dr. Marty Goldstein South Salem, NY USA Phone: (914) 533-6066 Website: www.smithridge.com

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Well Animal Institute Brighton, CO USA Phone: (303) 514-0076 Email: info@wellanimalinstitute.com Website: www.wellanimalinstitute.com

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animal wellness

55

56

feline wellness

MLSPUL WELLNESS /PW JVVS HUK OLHS[O`

11

FUN FACTS

about cats How well do you really know your feline?

UPSCALE

dining

Why cats, especially flat-faced breeds, BENEFIT from raised feeders

Lily’s Leukemia Acupressure for er DIGESTION better

Born with FeLV, this LOVING cat taught her family a lot about this SERIOUS disease

When she can’t hunt, this technique will help your kitty absorb nutrients

feline wellness

57

UPdining scale

By Mary Ellen “Angel Scribe”

Raised feeders

aren’t just for dogs.

Cats, especially flatfaced breeds, also from eating in a more elevated position.

benefit

Put yourself in your cat’s place. Get down on “all

fours” facing a floor-level plate or bowl and pretend to eat or drink from it. Your stomach is “crunched” into your chest. Is this what your kitty experiences while eating?

You might argue that cats are built by nature to stand on four legs, while we stand on two, but I nevertheless noticed that our four Persians seemed to suck their food off their plates, then gulped it down along with air, creating a propensity to vomit afterwards. They also spilled as much food on the floor as they took in. In addition, their whiskers became bent during floorlevel dining, which seemed to make them feel uncomfortable.

To help alleviate these issues, we decided to switch to raised feeders for our kitties. Raised feeders are often used for dogs, especially those prone to bloat, but they can also be great for cats. In fact, when given the choice between raised level or floor level dining, our cats always choose the former.

You can either purchase or build an elevated feeder to suit your and your cat’s needs, your individual tastes, and even your home’s

58

feline wellness

décor. Raised feeding stations are available in pet stores, and vary in height, shape and size. They can be created from wrought iron, plastic, ceramic, and many types of wood ranging from mahogany to bamboo. Some are designed for holding one, two or three bowls.

Before buying or building C Consider the number of cats who will be using the feeder and whether or not to include the water bowl in the feeder – it’s a good idea to do so!

K Keep in mind that cats are natural “crouch” eaters; they do not like to eat in a standing position. The ideal height for a raised feeder is the cat’s knee height (approximately 4” to 6”); this eliminates the need to lift up the head while eating or drinking.

A Avoid the use of deep bowls in elevated feeders. Most stainless or glass bowls fit easily into elevated feeders. With minimum effort on your part, your cats can eat from clean dishes at every meal since glass or stainless bowls are dishwasher safe.

We opted to make our own raised feeders. We combed the internet for ideas before building two sets of elevated feeders out of wood. We have four cats, so we chose to make two feeding

What are the

benefits?

While flat-faced felines like Persians may have more issues eating from floor level than other breeds, any cat will enjoy a raised feeder – and so will you!

1 Elevated feeders eliminate gulping.

2 They provide a better feeding experience for older cats with arthritis, spinal issues or other joint problems.

3feeding Less or no food is spilled on the floor, leading to a cleaner, more sanitary area, and less cleanup for you. Water bowls also are held securely in raised feeders, resulting in less spillage.

4because Elevated feeders are great for people who are disabled or arthritic you don’t have to bend as far to remove or replace the bowls.

5floorA feeding station means no more dishes “nose-shoved” across the to cause a tripping hazard. Pushed up against a wall, a raised feeder remains neatly and sturdily out of the way.

6 Nocatstransition period is needed to introduce most to a raised feeder. They will usually take to it immediately after it is filled with food.

stations with holders for two bowls and a water dish holder to separate them. I painted the feeders to match our décor. I use Corningware bowls which, like stainless steel, are rust-free and non-leaching.

(Plastic bowls end up with teeth marks and scratches that can harbor unhealthy bacteria). Our cats prefer shallow glass bowls over deep metal bowls, but both types are easily sanitized in the dishwasher.

The author’s four Persians love their home built raised feeders.

“Before, my three cats would scatter their food across the floor,” says cat lover Atria, who has also started using raised feeders. “Now there is no more mess or fuss, it’s more sanitary, and I spend less time cleaning up. My Persians can now dine without having to put their entire flat faces into the bowls, and when they drink, the water isn’t sucked up into their noses, or dribbled down their ruffs. And there’s no more snorting water and sneezing after they drink.”

Before building or ordering an elevated feeder, be sure do your homework to determine what size, style, material and height is best for you and your cat. The finished product will add a “touch of elegance” to your kitchen, and your cats will look especially elegant (and adorable) while dining upscale!

feline wellness

59

Lily’ ys

leukemia

By Terry Lynn Rader

Lily

was snow white, a sweet 11-month-old kitten found hanging out in my sister’s front yard. She was very skinny and in desperate need of care, but I already had a cat.

Besides, I felt Lily had already chosen her new home and human companion – my great niece, Amanda.

Lily was taken to the vet where she received a vaccine for feline leukemia virus (FeLV), on two separate occasions. She was not tested for the disease, despite the fact she had been living outside for almost a year before Amanda adopted her. The vet did not offer the testing nor explain the repercussions of FeLV to Lily’s family. They went home believing they had done everything necessary for Lily’s health.

Born with FeLV, this affectionate pure white cat only lived three years, but she left behind plenty of happy memories, and taught her family a lot about this serious disease. the skin or bladder, respiratory tract problems, seizures, swollen lymph nodes, skin lesions, fatigue, fever, weight loss, litter box avoidance, poor grooming, recurring bacterial and viral illnesses, anemia, diarrhea and jaundice.

Lily was only three years old when Amanda had to have her euthanized. Her last day was very hard on her devoted family, but they have the consolation of knowing she enjoyed three years in a loving home instead of being left alone in the wild.

Her illness and passing also taught them a lot about FeLV. I asked Amanda to share what she learned from Lily’s short life, and what she loved best about her feline friend.

How did FeLV change Lily?

When Lily began suffering from a variety of ailments, Amanda and her family took her to a second veterinarian who gave her yet another FeLV vaccine, again without testing her. Later, when Lily was unable to hold her food, he suggested testing for FeLV but did not recommend it since she had already been vaccinated.

He finally did the test when they took Lily back to him again, sicker than before. Amanda was surprised and saddened to learn her precious Lily was in the advanced stages of FeLV. She learned too late that kittens from mothers infected with FeLV are born with the disease. Many cats can live with it for two to three years before symptoms appear. These symptoms may include loss of appetite, poor coat condition, infections of

60

feliinee wellness feline

“We didn’t know she had it until she developed cancer symptoms. She wasn’t herself and became less playful. She had a hard time jumping and often didn’t have any balance. She seemed depressed and had no energy. She stopped meowing and purring. She acted as if I was hurting her when I picked her up. All she could do was eat and sleep. Then she stopped eating and cleaning herself. Putting her to sleep was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. But I made the decision so she would be at peace and no longer in any pain.”

What do you want others to know about FeLV? “Become better educated about this contagious disease and what the cat has to go through as well as how expensive it is to treat.

I wish all veterinarians, animal shelters and rescues would recommend and/or offer FeLV testing. Then cats wouldn’t have to suffer and people wouldn’t have to go through all that heartache and financial stress.”

Amanda adds that anyone adopting a cat should ask their veterinarian to test for both FeLV and and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). FIV is in the same retrovirus family as FeLV, and both viruses kill silently and slowly. Amanda’s family learned the hard way that vaccinations will not help a cat that is already infected.

What are your fondest memories of Lily?

“She loved to play hide and seek. She would run up the stairs and peek around the corner to see if I knew where she was, then hide under the bed and grab my foot. Another time, after a rain, it took me a while to get her inside. She was soaking wet, but she let me dry her off with a towel. She was so adorable and purred the whole time. When I was done, she licked my hand as if to thank me. I also loved how she’d come running every time I shook her treat container, and how she would meow and paw at the bag until I gave her one.

“She was my baby. She always made me smile. I looked forward to seeing her every day. She was the sweetest, kindest, most loving and playful cat I’ve ever known. She was more than just a ‘pet’. Lily was my best friend. She will always be in my heart and I will always love and miss her. I wish I could have had more time with her.”

peek

She would run up the stairs and around the corner to see if I knew where she was, then hide under the bed and my foot.

grab

feline wellness

61

Acupressure for nutrient absorption

The act of predation is a key part of the feline digestive process, and without it, your kitty may not absorb nutrients from food as readily as he should.

Offered every four or five days, this acupressure session can help enhance his digestion.

By Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis

Our

sweet

little housecats are also killers. Given the chance, they’ll stalk, attack and devour mice, birds and other small critters. Anatomically, they’re no different than their predatory ancestors, who were charged with keeping ancient Egyptian grain storehouses free of vermin.

The Egyptians gave small cats the big job of rodent control because of their amazing hunting ability in low light. Cats can see the slightest flicker of movement and instantly pounce before any little creatures can skitter away. In short, they have survived on freshly killed prey for centuries. In fact, the feline gastrointestinal system is perfectly designed for ingesting raw meat and breaking it down into bio-absorbable nutrients.

Even today, some felines are gainfully employed as barn cats.

They are expected to annihilate and consume any fast-moving little varmints that dare trespass with the intent of consuming grain or seeking warmth in hay. However, in our society, most domesticated cats live as pampered gentry in our homes.

Predatory drive aids

digestion

As cat parents, most of us would prefer not to replicate or

62

feline wellness

condone the feline hunting instinct. We want to forget that our cats are killers by nature. However, this attitude may make it difficult for our cats’ digestive systems to work as well as their wild counterparts’. It’s actually their predatory drive that begins the digestive process – in other words, feline digestion begins even before the prey is ripped apart and masticated by sharp incisors, premolars and molars!

The cat’s digestive enzymes and stomach acid are actually stimulated by the act of predation, in preparation for the meat and blood to enter his mouth, travel down his esophagus to his stomach, and pass through his entire gastrointestinal system.

Because domestic cats have to skip the predation phase of their digestion, their natural manner of consuming and processing food is compromised right from the start.

Cats are protein-obligate predatory animals. Their bodies function best if they consume high quality proteins with little grain or plant matter. For instance, think of a cat catching a field mouse for his first meal of the day. He usually consumes the entire mouse (minus the liver), including the stomach contents. The quantity of grain

and plant matter in the mouse’s stomach is just about all the cat needs from a nutritional perspective. The mouse’s size provides a good start to the cat’s daily protein requirement.

Very few of us would be comfortable making live rodents available for our cats to kill. And though cats are amazingly adaptable to our way of life, this doesn’t mean we can ignore their nutritional needs if we want them to live long, healthy lives. About the closest we can come to fulfilling a cat’s natural nutritional needs is to feed a raw meat and fish diet – but again, putting a meal in a bowl, no matter how healthy it is, still excludes the predation process and may have an effect on the cat’s digestion and nutrient absorption.

Another factor affecting your cat’s digestion is his age. When he’s young, his body can manage on what you make available for him to eat. As he ages, his digestive system tends to slow down and may not be able to derive the necessary nutrients to maintain a vital body.

Given that we don’t offer live “bait” to our feline companions, and have no way to keep them eternally young, it’s a good idea to support their gastrointestinal tracts however we can. One way to do this is by offering a specific acupressure session (see below), every four or five days, to help enhance the digestive process. The more your cat’s body can readily process his food, the healthier he will be!

Digest this!

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, energetic pathways or channels called meridians run through the body. Along these meridians are pools of energy we can stimulate to influence body function. These pools of energy are acupressure points, also called acupoints.

After years of clinical observation, TCM doctors have identified specific acupoints that aid digestion (see the chart on right). These points enhance the functioning of the entire gastrointestinal tract, thereby helping to break down food substances into bio-absorbable nutrients.

course, cats will be cats and you have to pay attention 5 Of to his behavior. There’s no need to force the acupressure session. Most cats love it, but if yours is squirming, offer a session another day. An acupressure session is a dynamic interaction between you and your cat. He’ll come to understand that you are sharing this modality with him to help him feel his best.

generally enhance your cat’s digestion, put your middle 1To finger on the tip of your pointer finger to make a little tent (see photos opposite).

At a 45° to 90° angle, gently place the soft tip of your pointer finger on an acupoint indicated in the chart. Acupoints are located just beneath the cat’s skin, so press lightly. Cats are very energetically connected; they feel everything. Your other hand can rest gently somewhere on your cat’s body.

Count very slowly to 30 as you gently press an acupoint, then move to the next acupoint and repeat, placing your pointer on the acupoint and counting.

Your cat has two sides and the acupoints are bilateral, too! Once you’ve completed the acupoints on one side, repeat the same procedure on the opposite side.

2 3 4

animal feline wellness

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11 FACTS about cats How well do you really know your kitty? Test your knowledge with this list of fun and fascinating facts about felines.

“Why does my cat blink when he looks at me?” “What does purring mean?” “How does he always manage to wrap me around his little finger the way he does?” These are just a few common questions cat guardians often ask about their feline friends.

One thing we all know for sure is that cats are inscrutable creatures. Even the most diehard cat lovers can’t claim to fully understand their kitties. Recently, Reader’s Digest (readersdigest. ca) compiled a list of interesting facts about cats. See how many you already know – and how many might take you by surprise!

People shake hands; cats bump noses – sometimes. Nose-to-nose greetings between cats are unusual, as it puts both in a vulnerable position. However, cats who know each other well feel safe enough to do this. It helps them confirm visual recognition and gain information about how the other cat is.

Cats can adapt their vocalizations to control your behavior. If they want food, for example, they can make their cries sound more urgent to attract your attention and prompt you to come running.

3

Kitties blink and narrow their eyes when they accidentally make eye contact. To make friends with an unfamiliar cat, blink and look away when you catch his eyes.

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feline wellness

2

4

Cats can dream! They prefer to nap, but if they’re relaxed enough to enter a deeper sleep, they produce the same brainwave patterns we do when we dream. This is why you might see your cat’s whiskers twitch or hear him growl softly when he’s asleep.

When cats purr, they’re content – usually. However, a deep purr can also indicate pain.

6

5

Cats can purr continually as they inhale and exhale.

They start doing so at one week old.

Young cats purr in a monotone. Older ones do so in two to three resonant notes.

8

7

Cats appear to retain their kitten vocal signals to communicate with their people. But they use a different repertoire of sounds with other cats.

Felines tolerate heat relatively well. This is because their ancestors were originally desert-living animals. (However, this does not mean they can endure extreme temperatures, such as the interior of a car on a hot summer day.)

0

9

A cat’s pulse ranges between 160 to 240 beats per minute, depending on his age. The younger he is, the faster the heartbeat.

11

Cats may be able to sense earthquakes. The pads of a cat’s feet are very sensitive, and some will behave strangely just before an earthquake hits. Though it’s not a proven theory, some believe cats can detect vibrations of the earth through their feet.

BOOK REVIEWS TIITLE: Cats Behaving Badly AUTHOR: Celia Haddon “M cats have always been friends and now they fight on sight.” “My cat has stopped using the litter “My box.”

“My cat is shredding the upholstery.” These are just some of the problem behaviors that often have b kitty k guardians stumped, upset and exasperated. These issues and many others are addressed in Cats Behaving Badly: Why Cats Do the Naughty Things They Do by cat writer Celia Haddon.

B Celia begins by exploring the history and ancestry of cats, and how nature has hard-wired the feline brain in ways very different to a dog’s. She looks at their hunting and territorial instincts, helps you better understand your cat and why she acts the way she does – and provides solutions to a range of situations and problems, from keeping indoor cats happy to solving hostility between felines and getting rid of urine odors.

This is useful guide for any cat guardian, whether you’re a new kitty “parent” or have had felines all your life.

Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books

TITLE: Cat Daddy AUTHOR: Jackson Galaxy With a shaved head and arms covered in tattoos, Jackson on Galaxy looks more like a biker than a cat lover, but over the last st number of years, he has become renowned as a cat trainer er and the host of Animal Planet’s hit show My Cat From Helll, which is going into a third season.

Now, in his new memoir Cat Daddy: What the World’s Mostt Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love and Coming Clean, Jackson shares his personal story of how he went from being a down-and-out rock musician with multiple addictions, to an animal shelter worker and finally a gifted cat trainer. He gives most of the credit for his transformation to Benny, an “unbondable” feline with as many physical and emotional wounds as his guardian.

Cat Daddy is a heartfelt and down-to-earth tale that also incorporates lots of informative sidebars on cat care advice, including diet, behavior, litter box habits and more.

Publisher: Tarcher/Penguin feline wellness

65

THE SCOOP NEVADA BANS BSL As of the first of October, breed specific legislation (BSL) was banished in the statee of Nevada. Assembly Bill 110 prevents any governing body from enacting any lawss or regulations that declare a dog dangerous or vicious based solely on his breed. prweb.com/releases/NevadaAssemblyBill/110/prweb10777887.htm

STUDYING DIABETES Beiyan Zhou (left), an assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, recently received a $1.54 million grant from The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) to study the role of microRNA in animal diabetes.

VetMed.tamu.edu

LEADING THE WAY Evanger’s Dog and Cat Food Company announces Hi-Bio™, a “Super Food” for dogss combining the benefits of raw/canned food, the convenience of kibble, and the deliciousnesss of real meat. In related news, the company’s new facility is leading the pet food industry in n green building/manufacturing practices.

EvangersDogFood.com

AVOID ANIMAL THEFT According to the AKC, there has been nearly a 30% increase in the number of dog thefts between January and May of 2013 compared with 2012. BluePearl Veterinary Partners recommend the following precautions: • Have your companion microchipped.

• Consider advanced technology such as a GPS tracking enabled collar.

• Never leave your animal unattended outside.

• Keep current photographs of him.

BluePearlVet.com

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SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY A $50,000 grant from the ASPCA will provide scholarship opportunities for students studying animal cruelty investigation at the University of Missouri Extension Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI). The school licenses students as Certified Humane Investigators. leti.missouri. edu/Animal-Cruelty.aspx

LEARN FIRST AID Could you help your dog or cat in a medical emergency? Attend a Walks N’ Wags Pet First Aid course so you can be there in his time of need. An Instructor Certification program is also available. Study in person or via distance learning.

WalksNWags.com

TRAINING TREATS The Honest Kitchen’s new training treats, Quickies™, are made from wild Icelandic line-caught haddock crafted into tiny, bite-sized heart shapes. High in protein, but low in carbs and calories, these treats are perfect for training.

TheHonestKitchen.com

LOVE – THE DRIVING FORCE Thanks to a love for animals, Kemin is in the business of improving their longevity and quality of life. RESOURCES™ is a complete line of supplements that combines innovative, science-based ingredients with traditional herbs and antioxidants.

Kemin.com/Love

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Inside

Information You’ve been learning as much as you can about better nutrition for your dog. But commercial pet food manufacturers can be good at obscuring the truth about their products. Here are the top 10 secrets they don’t want you to know.

By Anthony Bennie

Savvy dog folks are educating themselves about the importance of healthy nutrition for their companions. They’re learning how to look for better quality pet foods, avoid unwanted ingredients, and read labels. But there are still some things about the commercial pet food industry you may not be aware of – things that can affect the quality of the food you’re feeding your best friend, without your even realizing it. What follows is a list of “secrets” that commercial manufacturers don’t want consumers to know about their products. Some, thanks to your own homework, you may already be familiar with…but some you may not.

Secret #1

: Low quality dry food alone is not a “natural” diet for dogs.

Dogs are essentially carnivores, and their systems are designed by nature to digest moist meaty meals in the form of prey. Low quality kibble is dry and hard, and consists of pieces of densely concentrated nutrients with a lot of grain and other fillers. It is

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by definition not “natural” for carnivores to eat unhydrated dry food. And let’s face it: would you want to eat nothing but hard dry food all your life?

Secret #2:

The best dry foods are those with the most and best meat protein and the lowest percentage of carbs – commercial pet food labels, on the other hand, don’t give you this information.

A desirable dry food is one with animal protein making up more than half its calories. Add a low percentage of carbohydrate calories from grains or other plant-based material and you have els are only requ q ired to give a decent dry food! But pet food labels required s”, with tthe hee what is called a “guaranteed analysis”, ss of th he total percentage of protein, regardless the ight ht source. So a “high protein” dog food mig might dien ntss have little or no meat, if ingredients ealls like rice, corn or wheat gluten meals

Raw chicken

provide the bulk of the protein. The percentage of carbohydrates in the food isn’t required on labels at all. So unless you pay close attention and learn to “read between the lines” on pet food labels, you could be buying a food with very high grain carbohydrates and almost no meat protein.

Secret #3: P e t f o o d la b e ls aren’t much help in identifying “good fats”.

Ch ia

Pet foods with fats such as sunflower oil, safflower oil and chicken fat give your pooch healthier skin and a more beautiful coat than diets made with generic animal fat or beef tallow. Important Omega-3 fatty acids, meanwhile, are found in fish oil, flax, chia, algae, krill, hemp and other sources. But pet food manufacturers are only required to disclose the total percentage of fat, not the fatty acid components.

That means foods with low quality fats get a pass. The good news is that premium pet foods that do include one or more of these beneficial fats tend to advertise it, since the manufacturers want you to know they are making a good product.

Secret #4: High quality dry pet foods are worth the

extra money, but you’ll get the most out of them if you hydrate and combine them with a moist diet.

Serving water next to dry food is not hydration. Some dogs hardly even chew kibble, so when a bowl of dry food goes into their stomachs, and then they drink a big bowl of water, it creates a big lump of “predigested” dry food.

You’ve probably seen a dog throw up about an hour after he eats, and the kibble looks almost the same as it did before it went into his belly! This means it is not getting digested well. High quality meat-based kibble can be hydrated for greater digestibility and makes a great base for a mixed moist diet including fresh meats and small amounts of veggies.

Secret #5: The moisture percentages

on low end canned foods are mostly just water – and that’s an expensive way to give extra hydration to your dog.

Millions of people have intuitively turned to mixing canned foods with dry as their way of giving their dog a moist meal, and it can be a great choice for many. But the 78% to 80% moisture percentages on low end canned pet food labels is just a sneaky way of saying “lots of water”. For foods that derive more of their moisture from their meat ingredients, you need to buy premium canned food.

Otherwise, it’s just an unnecessarily expensive way of giving extra hydration to your dog. Another way to add moisture is to turn to the natural gravy products made by some premium pet food companies – these add extra flavor and nutrition to a kibble meal.

Continued on page 70.

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Continued from page 69.

Secret #6: Just because a dry pet

food is “grain free” doesn’t mean it’s a lowcarbohydrate, high-meat carnivore diet.

Grain free is the biggest buzz in the pet food business. At first glance, it does seem a smart approach. But just as the pet food industry has managed to sell us low-meat pet foods with lesser quality fats through the power of branding, marketing and advertising, alternative carbohydrate “fillers” like pea flour and tapioca have created a category of commercial grain free pet foods that do not live up to the promise of a true “carnivore kibble” that the first innovative grain free diets were all about. If a diet has no grain but is loaded with carbs, it’s still not a great food and should be judged holistically by its total ingredients. A true reduced-carb grain free dry pet food should have at least 30% protein. But make sure you see recognizable meat protein ingredients on the label.

Secret #7: Seeing a meat listed first

on a dry pet food label does not guarantee the diet is truly meat-based.

Pet food labels list their ingredients in order of weight before processing – not as they exist in the finished product. For example, to process a pound of fresh whole chicken into a dry kibble mixture, it must be “cooked down” from its natural moist state to about one-seventh of its original weight. Cooking the chicken all the way down to 10% moisture means the actual chicken protein remaining after processing is not 16 ounces, but about 2.3 ounces. So if the final ingredient list reads “chicken, corn, corn gluten meal, rice, etc.”, know that the weight of the chicken has largely “evaporated” and the 2.3 ounces of driedup chicken remaining is dwarfed by the next ingredient (corn), which started out dry and still weighs almost a pound. Yourr

In Ingredients: ngr gredie ediie ed ents: s: C Chicken, hiick hick cken en, ch chicken hiic cken ke en m me meal, eal al, co c corn, o orn r n eg rn, rn eggs, gg gss, o oats, ats, vegtable barley, chicken peas, ve eg gttablle e broth, bro roth, th barl th b ba arrlley ey c ey, ch hic icke ken fa ffat, att,, p eas, ea s, sslamon, lamon lamo la mon mo n,, flax seed, see ed e d, salmon ssa alm mon on oil, oil,, sweet sw weet eet potatoes, ee po p otta atto o oes es, apples, es app e appl ap ess, blueberries, blu bl ue eb ebe be errrie es, green green beans, inulin, bea an a ns, s, carrotsalfalfa, ca arrro r tssal a fa alffa,, inu nu n uliin,, calcium um m ssulfate, ulfa fate fa tte e, potassium... po p pota otta assiiiu um. m.....

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dog will only get 2.3 ounces of chicken in that batch of food, but a lot more cereals and gluten meals. If a moist fresh meat ingredient like “chicken” is listed first on a dry pet food label, the next ingredient should be something like chicken meal, lamb meal, beef meal or any concentrated dry meat protein source.

Otherwise, it’s probably not a true meatbased pet food.

Secret #8: The pet food “life stage and lifestyle shuffle” is more about dollars than diets.

One way manufacturers of commercial pet foods have managed to gain more market share is by creating “customized” foods that are purported to fill very specific needs for certain animals. We are assaulted with the message that we need different foods for every age, size, activity level, lifestyle and even breed of dog. But wild canines eat only two diets throughout their lives: mother’s milk for a short time, then prey. Adolescents eat like grownups and young moms eat like old males.

The “fractioning” of dog diets into life stages came about because lowmeat grain-based dog food did not support the nutritional needs of puppies or pregnant or nursing moms. If all dog diets were truly designed to be high quality carnivore foods, these distinctions would not be necessary. Choose a good food that supports all life stages and only change if you don’t like the results. It’s fine to switch diets to introduce a variety of foods to your dog. But you don’t need to automatically switch just because he turns a certain age.

Secret #9: Organ meats and other “unconventional”

foods are very nutritious, but know their countries of origin and how they’re processed.

Liver, heart, kidney, pancreas, tripe and other organ meats tend to be far more nutritious than plain lean muscle meats. They are rich in animal protein, and full of natural A and B vitamins, minerals and taurine. Treats made from liver, heart and lung can be very healthy and preferable to a high carb “cookie” or biscuit snack. Natural chews from connective tissue such as trachea and tendons can be roasted into a consistency almost as hard as bone, so a dog can get tooth-cleaning and gum-scraping benefits. Just remember to buy only North American-made versions of these products.

Moist and tender treats, meanwhile, are typically loaded with preservatives like propylene glycol (also used in antifreeze), potassium sorbate and various forms of glycerin. Glycerin is not a naturally existing food ingredient. It is a “recovered waste” product from the manufacture of soap or distillation of ethanol fuels. But since it starts as vegetable matter, manufacturers can legally label it as “vegetable glycerin”.

…premium pet foods that do include one or more beneficial fats tend to advertise it, since the manufacturers want you to know they are making a good product.

Secret #10: If you have cats as well as dogs, their food choices should always include canned wet food.

Cats don’t drink a lot of water, and are at high risk for urinary tract problems such as blockages and infections if they are not eating thoroughly hydrated food and “flushing” their systems regularly. Feed them a high quality canned food.

I hope revealing these secrets will help you and your companions on the journey to healthier nutrition. Use them to help guide you through the often confusing world of pet food and treats, formulas and ingredients. Don’t be hoodwinked by marketing that misleads or obscures the facts. Make the best possible decisions for your best friends!

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WARM & FUZZY

s ’ y d n A

story on

By Anne Henders

As I sit at my desk in the shelter’s administrative office, with the phone in one hand and a list of potential volunteers in the other, one of our kennel attendants walks by with a dog. A slow-moving dog – like a sleepwalker, I think as she coaxes him along – a little Schnauzer mix, not much to look at, trudging by resignedly with drooping head and tail. He looks old. The attendant fastens him on the lead outside and comes back in for water.

“What’s up with that one?” I ask when she comes back through.

“He’s not doing well in the kennel,” she says. “I thought he might be better off out here for awhile.”

I nod sympathetically and she turns at the door to the outer office.

“If I get busy and it gets warmer out, could you bring him in?”

“Sure,” I tell her. “No problem.”

Some time later, I remember the little dog and go to the glass door to bring him in. I go outside and approach him, holding out my hand, talking softly. No response. No wag of the tail. His movements are slow as he turns to look my way and trails inside with me at the end of the leash. I take a closer look as the little animal stands patiently in the middle of the office floor.

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He was a depressed and lonely little dog when he arrived at the shelter, but thanks to the author, Andy is now happy and healthy.

A faded collar hangs from his scrawny neck, the weathered S-hook twisted and broken where the ID tag has been removed.

His whole demeanor is pensive, despondent, lackluster. Oddly contained. I sit down on the floor and rub his ears, tell him what a good dog he is. Still no response. He puts his head down on his paws and remains motionless. I look at the gray in his coat. He seems ancient. Finally, after eight or ten minutes, he cautiously moves his chin from his paws to my knee. I continue to pet him and talk to him. I think: This is a nice dog. He doesn’t wag his tail. He won’t even look at me. Why? “What’s the story on this little dog?” I ask the next kennel attendant who walks into the room.

“That’s Andy,” she says. “He’s got some disc problems.”

“He’s an older dog?” I ask, basically to confirm what I’m already sure of.

“No, he’s only about one-and-a-half or two,” she replies, to my amazement.

“He seems pretty unenthusiastic,” I remark incredulously.

“He’s an owner-release,” she says. “His owner didn’t want him

anymore. He’s been having a hard time and he’s depressed. And he’s in some pretty severe pain.”

I look down at the dog. My throat constricts as I think of this little creature losing his home and his world so abruptly and completely. The incongruities I’ve noticed all afternoon suddenly make sense and I feel almost sick to my stomach. What I’ve been observing in this still, sensitive little dog are signs of grief. I think about what it would mean to my own dogs if they suddenly lost everything – me, their home, their routine, their lives – what it would do to them. It’s difficult to define a broken heart and hard to spot it in a dog, unless you know his history.

More of Andy’s pitiful background surfaces before I leave for home. Disc problems? More like abuse problems; when I speak to the vet who has seen him, I hear that in all probability he has been kicked. There’s a problem with his throat, too, possibly from being tugged too hard on a leash or choke chain. When I talk with the staff person who dealt with the owner, she tightens her mouth and shakes her head, then adds her own observations to the growing pile of evidence that this dog’s short life has been hell.

I’ve heard enough. I fill out forms for foster care and get Andy’s meds from our technician. When I drive out of the parking lot, he’s on the seat beside me.

Andy’s been with us two weeks now. He greets me at the door, springing like a loaded jumping jack. He follows me from room to room just like my black retriever, Midnight Blue. Blue runs like a locomotive, but Andy bounds full speed across the yard, right on his heels. Joyfully streaking low to the ground, the little Schnauzer bears no resemblance to the forlorn and beaten ragamuffin I brought home just 14 days ago. His injuries are forgotten; his heart is full. Once again he’s only two years old.

I make a lousy foster parent. I can’t give this loving little animal up to suffer still another loss, adapt to still another home. I was attached to him from the first day I saw him, from the moment I touched him and got no response – that awful day when it wasn’t clear how old he was, whether he would be an invalid for good, whether he would ever respond to anything. And now?

How does it happen n that you can love a dog so much in justt two weeks? As I sit and write, Andy gazes solemnly into my eyes, his front paws on my knees, his tail wagging.

He has found his forever home.

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SOCIAL MEDIA LET’S GET

Social

We’ve been ramping up our social media!

LIKE us on Facebook for a chance to win great prizes in our online contests, receive daily natural health tips, stay up-to-date on current news and events, and join in discussions about animal wellness. facebook.com/AnimalWellnessMagazine On Twitter, we tweet about important news, exciting events, and what’s happening in the animal wellness community. We also like to mix it up sometimes with funny stories and info, as well as great contests! @AW_magazine

We’re also on Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!

ANIMAL WELLNESS

Blogs

Rescues OF THE MONTH We’ve been doing something special on our Facebook page!

Leave us a comment nominating a rescue organization and each month we will make a donation to one of those rescues!

Our Rescue of the Month for July was Boston Terrier Rescue Canada. This network of volunteers is spread throughout Canada and provides transport, medical care, foster homes, adoption, and more for Boston terriers. facebook.com/BostonTerrierRescueCanada August’s Rescue of the Month is Rocky Ridge Refuge. This animal sanctuary is a place where interspecies friendships abound! Check out the Rocky Ridge profile on page 80 and visit them on Facebook to learn all about Crouton the tortoise, Bazinga the miniature horse, the lovable bull terriers Butterbean and Saffron, Cheesecake the Capybara, and more! Facebook.com/ RockyRidgeRefuge Thank you to the wonderful companies who donated to Boston Terrier Rescue Canada and Rocky Ridge Refuge with us!

We’ve created two new blogs as a way to share even more information about animal wellness! Our Rescue Blog features our Animal Wellness Ambassadors, who are working hard to rescue animals. Inspiring stories of animal rescue, adoption, and friendship.

We also have a Natural Health and Lifestyle Blog on the Animal Wellness website. Our bloggers include AW editorin-chief Dana Cox, as well as AW staff, and guest bloggers.

We’ve already featured tips on integrating dogs with children, and a lion and dog that are best friends. There will be plenty more to come, so check in weekly!

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FREE

AW APP

WHAT’S HAPPENING Walking FOR CANCER

Cancer is one of the most common diseases in dogs and cats.

Preventative care includes routine checkups, a natural diet, an active lifestyle and minimal exposure to toxins, but sometimes cancer emerges no matter what steps we take. Watching your companion go through the disease is heartbreaking, but there are organizations that offer support.

The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Walk is an annual event inspired by heartache and hope. The walk raises money for the Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund and also provides a support network of people whose animals are suffering from cancer. Last year’s walk in Toronto raised over $35,000 and of this writing, the organizers are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year. The event takes place in Toronto at Kew Beach on September 28. Registration begins at 10am and the walk starts at noon. The registration fee is a donation of any amount and 100% of the money raised goes to the research and treatment of canine cancer.

Smiling Blue Skies was inspired by a dog named Blues; he provided companion therapy for his guardian, who has Acute/ Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome. After Blues passed away from lymphoma in 2001, the Smiling Blues Cancer Fund was set up in his memory.

If you can’t attend the Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Walk event, the fund always appreciates donations and volunteers – visit smilingblueskies.com.

SUBMISSIONS FROM OUR READERS Left: Sebastian (from QuenyVillanueva of SavvyBeast Treats).

Below: Samson the charmer is so patient and kind. He is brilliant in personality, smarts and looks.

Above: Ingla, a two-year-old border collie, stops playing with her ball to pose for a picture.

Right: Meet Billy, a very unique looking dog! Here he is exploring in Costa Rica. animal wellness

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On the

By Jean Hofve, DVM

WHY DO PET FOOD

RECALLS

KEEP HAPPENING, AND WHAT’S

BEING DONE

ABOUT IT?

These days

, it seems consumer product recalls are a fact of life. Pet food is no exception. In fact, you may not realize just how common pet food recalls really are. For example, in just the first six months of this year, there were more than two dozen recalls of pet food and treats. Why? Is anything being done about it?

the safety of all animal food and drugs. Each state’s Department of Agriculture also regulates products intended for animal consumption. Once a product is on the market, it can be voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer, either on its own initiative, or at the FDA’s request. However, the FDA cannot force a company to recall a product.

WHO’S RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT?

At the state level, the branch that normally regulates agricultural products also regulates pet foods. For example, every pet food sold in a state is required to be registered with that state. The person(s) responsible for products intended for animal consumption (the “feed control official” or FCO) is also the representative to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). AAFCO publishes definitions, model regulations, and guidelines for pet food ingredients, testing, labels and enforcement, but does not itself have any regulatory authority.

To understand how and why recalls occur, it’s helpful to understand how pet food is regulated. While the pet food industry itself is fond of claiming that it is “highly regulated”, much of this so-called regulation relies on self-monitoring. There is no requirement for “pre-market” approval; that is, a pet food or treat can be produced and put on store shelves, or listed with online retailers, without approval or inspection by any governmental agency. However, the government is definitely interested in pet foods and treats once they are actually being sold.

THE AFTERMATH OF MELAMINE Federally, in the US, the Center for Veterinary Medicine, a branch of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is responsible for

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When we think of pet food recalls, we’re still haunted by the tens of thousands of dogs and cats who were sickened or killed

by melamine-tainted pet food ingredients from China in 2007.

Back then, the US Senate conducted its own investigation into the massive recalls. As a result, the Secretary of the FDA was directed to “establish an early warning and surveillance system to identify adulteration of the pet food supply and outbreaks of illness associated with pet food”. While the entire scope of the legislation – which mandates establishment of a system that includes both reporting and notification – has not yet been fulfilled, two rudimentary reporting networks have been created.

1

“PETNet” is accessible only to a limited number of state and federal government officials.

Continued on page 78.

There is a PERCEPTION that raw meat diets are more often contaminated with salmonella, but that is NOT the case.

Salmonella

and aflatoxin

• The recent rash of recalls due to salmonella contamination is largely due to a zero-tolerance policy implemented by the FDA under FSMA. Salmonella is a common bacteria with many subspecies (serotypes); it’s found everywhere in the environment, but especially in livestock and poultry – particularly those kept in close quarters, such as feedlots, where the bacteria can easily spread.

Reputable pet food manufacturers test for salmonella at multiple stages of production. Even so, it can be missed, and re-contamination may occur if strict cleanliness is not observed. However, if the FDA finds salmonella in a finished product, a voluntary recall will likely be initiated.

There is a perception that raw meat diets are more often contaminated with salmonella, but that is not the case. Raw food is no more likely to contain harmful bacteria than dry pet food – and far fewer raw foods have been recalled. Canned food, however, is unlikely to contain live salmonella or other bacteria due to the way it’s processed.

• Another pet food contaminant that may cause more dry pet food recalls in the near future is aflatoxin, a substance produced by certain molds. At least 100 dogs have died from aflatoxin poisoning in dry dog food that was subsequently recalled. Drought conditions in much of the US are predicted to result in higher-than-usual amounts of mold contamination of corn. The first such recall occurred in February of this year, and more are expected. animal wellness

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Continued from page 77.

2

Consumers can now report problems with a pet food or treat directly to the FDA by calling the Consumer Complaint Coordinator in one of its 19 district offices, or online at the main Safety Reporting Portal (safetyreporting.hhs.gov).

The FDA may either investigate the problem immediately, or address the complaint during its next inspection of the manufacturing facility. This may sound like reasonably prompt action, but in reality, the FDA may only rarely inspect any particular pet food manufacturing plant. In the 2007 Senate hearings, the FDA admitted that it had only inspected about 30% of US pet food manufacturers in the previous three-and-a-half years.

THE CURRENT SITUATION Despite the establishment of these reporting networks, when multiple dry pet foods from a single manufacturing plant were found to be contaminated with salmonella last year, an FDA spokesperson stated: “There is no surveillance network for FDA to rely on to confirm cases of illness or death in pets.” That one incident caused 49 known cases of illness in humans from simply handling the food; it is unknown how many animals were affected.

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was enacted in 2011. This will make the regulation of pet food closer to that of food for humans. Although the FDA still has not written the regulations required by the bill (which were due in 2012), it did manage to publish an overview of how it plans to implement them. The short version is that the FDA will become more proactive, emphasizing the prevention of problems rather than

Jerky treats et al Chicken jerky treats from China made at least 2,200 animals sick and killed 360 dogs and one cat from acute kidney disease. The FDA has issued numerous warnings since 2007. The cause of the problem is unknown. A few lots of products that contained salmonella or illegal antibiotics have been voluntarily recalled, but none for the mystery toxin. Signs of poisoning from jerky treats include increased thirst and urination, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy or weakness. Until the mystery is solved, it’s best to simply avoid jerky treats made in China.

Other products you may want nt to reconsider include commercial bully sticks and similar ar chews. Such products are cooked, but at too low a temperature emperature to kill harmful bacteria. Many such products roducts have been recalled due to salmonella in the past year.

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simply reacting to them. However, the reality seems to be that the burden of problem prevention will be further shifted toward pet food and treat makers.

LET THE BUYER BEWARE This is a case of “you get what you pay for”. Low-cost food contains low-cost ingredients that are moree h likely to be contaminated with harmful bacteria or toxins. Mostt d salmonella- and aflatoxin-related d recalls have involved major and n private label brands produced in mass quantities. You’re better offf buying reputable brands of natural,, super-premium pet foods. Becausee of the aflatoxin threat, grain-free products may be a good option.

Feeding a variety of foods is another way to avoid problems.

Nutrient deficiencies or excesses, as well as contaminants, can occur in any product. An animal eating just one food will get the full brunt of any problems with that product, but if the food is just one of many, the issue will be “diluted.”

Low-cost food contains LOW-COST ingredients that are more likely to be CONTAMINATED with HARMFUL bacteria or toxins.

As individuals, we can’t do a lot to eliminate pet food recalls.

However, we can protect our own companions by staying informed, feeding them the best quality diets we can afford, ensuring the ingredients are domestically sourced, and rotating foods as often as possible.

WHY

Advertorial

RAW FOOD?

By Brett Flahr

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With a natural raw diet, longevity is increased and energy abounds. Animals have the nutrition they need to develop healthier muscles and lean, strong bodies. They can build resistance to disease and allergies. Fleas, ticks and worms are rare, as are skin, ear, teeth and eye problems. Arthritis is reduced. Stool volume decreases because raw food is easily digested; frozen raw food is the freshest and easiest to digest.

Dog odor is a thing of the past. Besides being rewarded with a

healthy, happy companion, you should, over his lifespan, enjoy the financial benefits of fewer veterinary bills.

To maintain a balanced diet, feed a variety of different meats.

Spring Meadows Natural Pet Food in Saskatoon, Canada offers frozen patties in premium, hormone- and antibiotic-free meats, from chicken, beef and lamb to alpaca and rabbit. The patties come in different sizes for all sizes of dog as well as cats. The diets are free of additives and preservatives and may be supplemented with our fresh frozen Veggie Mix. We follow Good Manufacturing Practices as established by the Canadian Association of Raw Pet Food Manufacturers.

Brett Flahr was born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He worked in the printing industry for 20 years before changing direction, and been a pet food producer for the past eight years.

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To the Rescue Rocky Ridge Refuge – Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA089 to Rocky Ridge Refuge

Location: Midway, AR Year established: 2003 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: “I have always been a one woman operation,” says founder Janice Wolf. “I am teaching a good friend the work, so there will be backup and eventual replacement when I can no longer continue. I have also begun a rescue partnership with a woman in Texas and some of my supporters are a huge help with offers to drive around the country.”

Types of animal they work with: “I take in a wide variety of animals, both domestic and exotic. While dogs are the primary focus, I have a zebra, water buffalo, capybara and wallaby among the more unusual residents. I specialize in animals needing help due to abuse/neglect, medical problems, or for permanent refuge.”

Fundraising initiatives: “I never thought of asking anyone for funds, but a series of events led to visitors finding their way to my place by the thousands and sometimes leaving donations. I was given a baby Watusi calf, and in 2003 he was certified by Guinness World Records as having the largest horn circumference ever recorded on any animal! That led to media attention and several appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Two years ago, I began my first fundraising project, making and selling Rocky Ridge Refuge calendars.”

Favorite story: “I take in a lot of pregnant dogs and orphan puppies; once the pups are weaned, my capybara, Cheesecake, takes over as chief mom, coach, teacher and friend. She has

fostered seven litters already this year. Another favorite story is how my rescued tortoise, Crouton, chose to move in with a litter of ten great Dane puppies and insisted on never being far from them, even as they grew bigger and rowdier.”

rockyridgerefuge.com

Bandit’s Place Rescue – Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA158 to Bandit’s Place Rescue

Clockwise from top left: Bandit’s Place volunteers; Bandit, the rescue’s namesake; Liz and Leona; Lobo at work.

Location: West Granby/East Hartland, CT Year established: 2006 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: No paid personnel, ten volunteers and one or two foster homes, depending on availability Types of animal they work with: Dogs of all ages, birds and other small animals, as well as special needs animals and those surrendered by people who can no longer keep them.

Fundraising initiatives: “We fundraise only when there is a special need, such as an impending surgery, medical treatment, etc.” says president Liz Bennett. Bandit’s Place will also be at the CT Pet Show on October 19 and 20.

Favorite story: “When it’s time for our special needs animals to go to their new homes, my favorite part is the kiss I get from them before they leave.

They seem to know it’s the beginning of their new lives and they don’t leave unless I get a kiss. It’s uncanny! Sometimes they’re almost at their new family’s car when they suddenly turn around and come back for one last smooch. But it always happens.”

banditsplace.org

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Animal Wellness has supported rescue efforts for almost 15 years and is a proud partner of Best Friends Animal Society. This column honors the work of shelters and rescues across North America.

For their full stories, visit www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

Dogs in Brazil

DARE

– Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA155 to Dogs in Brazil

– Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA144 to DARE

Location: Teresopolis, Rio de Janeiro Year established: February 2013 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: Husband and wife team, with half a dozen volunteers Types of animal they work with: Brazilian street dogs. “We have dogs with mobility issues, one with neuro problems, victims of abuse, senior dogs, two that cannot get on with others, one incontinent dog, one with allergies, and one with renal failure,” says founder Janice Cabral.

Fundraising initiatives: “We are always fundraising. Because we take the sick and vulnerable, vet bills are high. And we are still building kennels after our recent move.”

Favorite story: “We picked Guga up as a really old dog. We didn’t have a cent to spare and nowhere to put him. We got him just days before the disastrous mudslide here. We learned his background from a guy who worked for his owners and saw them throw the dog out years ago. Guga would have died in the mudslide if we hadn’t picked him up when we did. He is now 15 and still plodding around. Such a beautiful old warrior and survivor.”

Location: Jacksonville, FL Year established: 2001 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: About 40 foster homes and many volunteers Types of animal they work with: “All ages of dachshund and dachshund mixes,” says Judy Delbene. “We also rescue special needs dogs.”

Fundraising initiatives: “We do ongoing fundraising to cover vetting costs. All dogs adopted from us are spayed/ neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, heartworm tested and given dentals if needed. DARE will rescue and re-home approximately 150 to 200 doxies this year.”

Favorite story: “Sam came to me blind and paralyzed from IVDD. His family just was not able to care for him. We fell in love, and after six months adopted him. His first mom and dad loved him so much they paid for a cart for him. Sam traveled to dachshund races and rescue events around Florida and Ohio to show people what a great life a special needs dog can have.”

daretorescue.com

dogsinbrazil.com

From top: Rescuing a street dog; lots of TLC helps the dogs heal.

Top left: DARE volunteers.

Bottom right: Rescue doxies wait for their vet check.

Lotsadogs Rescue – Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA132 to Lotsadogs Rescue

Location: Whitby, ON Year established: 2004 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: Two full-time and one part-time staff, two volunteers and seven to ten fosters Types of animal they work with: “All breeds and ages but we prefer to take in the older dogs,” says founder Susan Steiner. “We take a lot of beagles, coonhounds and big black dogs.”

Fundraising initiatives: “We have two fundraisers per year – the 6 Legged Hike in May and Christmas in September in the fall. Now that we have charity status we hope to get monthly pledges.”

Favorite story: “A beagle was surrendered to us because the owner ‘had medical problems’.

We got an application for her from a man who thought she was his; he told me his ex-wife was supposed to take care of her while he was away, but dumped her without telling him. I wasn’t sure it was really his dog, but when he arrived to meet her and called her name, she came running. The howling and singing from both of them made us all cry.”

petfinder.com/shelters/ON258.html

Clockwise from top right: Making a new friend; a reassuring kiss for a senior resident; waiting for his new home! animal wellness

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PASSAGES

honor

Are you planning to your best friend with a special headstone, grave marker or urn? Learn about what’s available, and what you need to know about situating your memorial.

Rover Here lies

By Anabelle Lee Macri

When it’s time to consider those final arrangements, know that there are ways to honor your companion’s memory that can help you cope with your loss. Headstones, grave markers and urns are becoming increasingly popular as a way to remember beloved animal friends. And having the option to customize that tribute is important for many people, because each animal is unique in his personality and significance to us.

A

personal decision

According to Barry Pasternack, the owner of 4everinmyheart.com, an animal memorial website, the selection of a memorial product is a very personal decision. “The bereaved choose what they are attracted to and what they think best represents their lost animals,” says Barry. His company is just one of a growing number of animal memorial businesses that offer a variety of stones and markers in different styles, colors and materials, from river rocks to granite and even marble. Kevin Marcy of

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Dream Land, a pet memorial center, says that river stones are the more natural option for marking an animal’s final resting place, and are the most popular among his own customers.

Grave markers can be custom engraved to memorialize your special companion.

You can even have your stone or marker personalized with an engraving, whether it’s a laser-etched gray-scale image or a full color ceramic porcelain tile. “There is a very strong desire to have a personal epitaph or tribute engraved with the animal’s image,” says Barry.

Cemetery or home burial?

Due to pet cemetery restrictions, the majority of memorials are purchased for use on private properties. Some memorial companies do manufacture products that generally meet pet cemetery criteria.

Nancy McComas of Carved Graphics says she has even created

Photo courtesy of Kimberly Murphy

You

have a 15-year-old dog. He still seems to be doing well and is enjoying life, but you know the day will eventually come when his health will fail and you’ll have to let him go. It’s something no animal parent wants to think about, but planning for your companion’s passing is a necessary part of your mutual loving relationship.

animal memorials for a human cemetery, for people who want their companions buried next to them. Keep in mind, though, that most human cemeteries will not allow animals to be buried there, although Kevin says he has heard of human cemeteries designating a section for animal burial. To be on the safe side, if you decide to use any type of cemetery, contact the location first to review any laws, regulations and guidelines.

The pet cemetery industry requires a casket for burial, but in lieu of that, an urn can be used. Kevin cautions, however, that burying an animal in a cemetery can run up to thousands of dollars (costs you’ll need to cover along with a grave marker include purchasing a plot and having the grave opened and closed). For this reason, most of Kevin’s customers choose home burial. His business assists with home burials to offer guidance, support and advice.

Given homeowner covenants, there could be a problem placing grave markers even on your own property. Typically, people like to spread the ashes or place the remains of a beloved animal in a favorite spot where he spent a lot of time when

alive, but exercise discretion, and keep the tribute private. “You can basically do what you like on your land with regards to memorial placement, but you want to be mindful of community covenants, so it’s best to keep the final resting place of your animal away from areas on your property that would be more openly and widely visible,” advises Kevin.

Choosing cremation?

Many people nowadays are having their animals cremated. This is especially ideal for those who live in apartments or otherwise have no property on which to bury their companions. You can choose from many beautiful and decorative urns of all shapes, sizes and materials, including solid bronze or brass, resin, and even biodegradable ones containing wildflower seeds that will grow as the container disintegrates. For those who wish to have their animal’s urn buried in their casket with them, stipulations must be made with the cemetery and funeral parlor and would A decorative urn for need to be included can become a treas his ashes ured keepsake. in the person’s final arrangements.

Thinking about life without your dog or cat is never easy. But when it comes time to decide how to memorialize him, it’s comforting to realize how many options there are. It’s a little easier to say goodbye when you know you’re honoring him so positively.

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Photo courtesy of Kimberly Murphy

berly Murphy Photo courtesy of Kim

photo or Adding a g e can other ima rsonalize e p r e h furt a marker.

Tea

By Shawn Messonnier, DVM

Green tea isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just an enjoyable beverage. In supplement form, it offers a variety of impressive health qualities your canine companion can benefit from.

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aanimal nima ni im maal w we wellness ell lln nesss

What could be more comforting than a nice cup of tea? Both green

and black tea (Camilla sinensis) is enjoyed by people worldwide, with the largest quantities consumed in Asian nations. While long popular as a beverage, much has also been written about tea’s potential health benefits. And even though our dogs don’t typically drink it, herbal remedies containing tea are often prescribed for both animals and people with a variety of health issues. This article will introduce you to the benefits of this wonderful plant.

Medicinal

properties

Tea, specifically the leaves, leaf buds and tips of the plant, is commonly used for its antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Green tea is the form most commonly used and designated as herbal or medicinal. The difference between green and black tea is that green tea is dried immediately after harvesting, whereas black tea is dried later, allowing for the formation of theaflavins, therubiginins and tannins.

Green tea contains many plant chemicals with important medicinal properties.

For example, it offers various important flavonoids, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It also contains four principal polyphenol compounds called catechins (epicatechin, EC; epigallocatechin, EGC; epicatechin gallate, ECG; and the principal compound epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG). These four compounds exhibit most of the medicinal effects that are seen clinically. Supplements may contain whole green tea or simply EGCG. It’s been proposed that the lower incidence of certain chronic diseases in Asian countries might result from the large quantities of tea they consume. While this may be somewhat accurate, as Asian societies drink substantially more tea than Western societies, extremely high doses of green tea would have to be consumed due to the poor oral bio-availability of the active polyphenols. Approximately ten cups of green tea per day would be necessary to even begin to approach the therapeutic dose. This is why a supplemental form of green tea is usually prescribed.

EGCG and cancer

Tea supplements are often prescribed for animals needing additional antioxidants, and especially for those with various cancers. In fact, green tea has been demonstrated to work on various enzyme systems to help reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Specifically, EGCG promotes cancer cell death (a process called apoptosis) by interfering biochemically with VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) function. EGCG also inhibits angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth required for cancer cells to grow and spread throughout the body) by interfering biochemically with VEGF. Additionally, EGCG inhibits receptor tyrosine kinase activity, similar to the new chemotherapy drugs (such as Palladia) now being used in both people and animals.

People often ask if supplements can be given with chemotherapy as part of cancer treatment. In general, supplements usually reduce the side effects that may accompany chemotherapy and actually help it kill more cancer. EGCG exhibits synergistic effects with chemotherapy and modifies drug resistance (through inhibition of P-glycoprotein, a cell protein that is associated with chemotherapy resistance and failure of chemotherapy to kill cancer). As an example, EGCG may reduce doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy animal wellness

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More health benefits • Green tea can reduce blood cholesterol levels with a subsequent decrease in atherosclerosis.

• It acts as a “natural” antibiotic; green tea is antibacterial against ethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and various strains, including methicillin-resistant tam antibiotics to increase the killing ability of can be given with beta-lactam is class of antibiotics. this crease the formation of dental lesions • Green tea may decrease such as cavities (it was rumored that Chairman Mao never brushed his teeth, but he didn’t have severe ase due to regularly chewing dental disease green tea leaves).

and increase cancer cell sensitivity (making chemotherapy with this drug more effective) by inhibiting p-glycoprotein.

EGCG may reduce secondary tumors caused by the chemotherapy drug Cisplatin, so supplementing dogs taking chemotherapy may reduce additional cancers that could arise as a result of the chemo (most people don’t realize that a side effect of chemotherapy is more cancer, and supplements such as EGCG may reduce this).

As an anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant, green tea is worth trying on dogs with any inflammatory condition, although it appears most useful as a general antioxidant or as part of an integrative cancer protocol.

Green tea exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and may reduce cancer growth by reducing the inflammation that often proceeds and accompanies cancer.

The best news about green tea is that it is among the safest supplements. To date, there have been no reported side effects.

Individual dogs may of course have reactions to any supplement, but these would be expected to be mild due to the safety profile of green tea (such as vomiting or diarrhea that may resolve with lowering the dosage). Additionally, green tea can be safely given with other supplements and medications, although treating dogs for specific diseases should be done under qualified veterinary supervision.

Green tea is certainly something to consider if your dog has cancer or an inflammatory condition, and it can also serve as an overall antioxidant.

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BOOK REVIEWS TITLE: Beautiful Old Dogs AUTHOR: David Tabatsky Senior dogs have a special quality all their own – their wisdom, soulfulness and tranquil attitude towards life can’t help but have a calming and positive effect on their families.

In Beautiful Old Dogs, editor David Tabatsky and late photographer Garry Gross honor our canine elders with a collection of heartfelt stories and beautiful portraits. highlighted in the book include an empathetic trio of three golden The senior dogs highli retrievers – Huey, Louis and Dewey – who crowded around their guardian to comfort her after her father died; Waffle, whose child guardian loved him so much she decided to “marry” him; and a gentle old golden named John Henry who loved country rambles and car rides.

The book also features a practical resource guide for those wishing to learn more about caring for senior dogs.

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

TITLE: Dogs That Know When Their eir

Owners Are Coming Home

AUTHOR:Rupert Sheldrake If you’ve ever seen a dog waiting at the door long before his favoritee person even turns in the driveway, you’ve seen an example of thee incredible connection animals share with the humans in theirr lives. In Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home, biologist Rupert Sheldrake looks at what animal behavior can teach us about consciousness, science and nature.

With captivating stories and thought-provoking analysis, the author shares insights from 1,500 amazing case studies, including that of a parrot that responds to his guardian’s thoughts from a distance. ce Sheldrake also discusses the latest research on animal navigation, animal premonitions of earthquakes, and much more.

This book will deepen your understanding of animal behavior and encourage you to look at consciousness and communication in a very different way.

Publisher: Three Rivers Press

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BOOK REVIEWS TITLE: The In Sync™ Dog Training

Method

AUTHOR: Alecia Evans, HDT, MA Y Years ago, when Alecia Evans adopted her chocolate Lab, Barney, she resorted to traditional training tools such as choke and prong collars to bring him under control. Not surprisingly, she had little success. One day, after watching Barney cringe after being yanked on his choke collar, Alecia realized there had to be a better way.

The result was the In Sync Training Method, an innovative approach to dog training created by Alecia that teaches you to be an authentic leader to your dog, in a gentle and positive way. While most people think training is all about the dog, Alecia says it’s more about what you need to learn about relating to and communicating with your canine.

By the end of the book, you’ll know the six secrets dogs respect in a true leader, and will enjoy much greater success training your own pooch.

Publisher: walkinsync.com

TITLE: You Lucky Dog! AUTHOR:Kate Kelly Did you know that the dog who played Toto in the original Wizard of Oz was given away by his first guardians for disobedience? Or that at famous canine star Benji started life as a shelter dog?

Tead about these pooches and others in You Lucky Dog!, a celebration of amazing American dogs throughout history. Part One focuses on homeless dogs that survived and thrived – from Rin-TinTin and Sallie the Civil War mascot to Bum, a St. Bernard-spaniel mix who arrived in San Diego as a steamship stowaway in the late 1800s, and became a beloved town character.

Part Two highlights presidential dogs, including Bo Obama, the Bush family’s Scotties, and even George Washington’s poodle. Illustrated with fascinating black and white photographs, this delightful book is testimony to the enduring love Americans have for their canine companions.

Publisher: ACA Publishing

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LEAKY GUT SYNDROME

ALSO CALLED HYPERPERMEABLE BOWEL, THIS CONDITION HAS A STRONG RELATIONSHIP TO THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHRONIC DISEASE

By Robert J. Silver DVM, MS, CVA

Bella was losing weight UNCONTROLLABLY after treatment

for gastritis and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. She had been treated with prednisone, vitamin E and folate for vomiting and diarrhea, but her weight continued to drop.

Among other things, she was suspected to have leaky gut syndrome or hyperpermeable bowel, a disorder that affects digestive function and nutrient absorption.

When we or our dogs eat, we want the digestive system to absorb all the good stuff while keeping out the potentially toxic, antigenic and pathogenic materials. How does the digestive system do this? The answer lies in the four levels of protection provided by the barrier system of the GI mucosal wall:

1. Mucus layer covering the microvilli 2. Tight junctions between epithelial cells 3. GALT-sIgA in the mucus of the glycocalyx 4. Probiotic species The gastrointestinal tract has the greatest amount of surface area exposed to the environment of all three barrier systems in the body. In humans, the skin has less than ten square meters of surface area, whereas the lungs have about 140 square meters.

The human gastrointestinal tract, however, has 320 square meters of surface area exposed to the environment. These surface area relationships are comparable in dogs.

Continued on page 90.

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Continued from page 89.

BREACHING THE BARRIER • The GI mucosal barrier can be disturbed through gastrointestinal tract injury, exposure to toxins, or infection.

Bacterial infections and endotoxins can injure the tight junctions holding intestinal mucosal cells together.

• Bacterial overgrowth secondary to the inappropriate use of H2 blockers and antacids can lead to proximal gut colonization by pathogenic bacteria that are “attracted” to the more alkaline pH. Immuno-suppressed or proteindeficient patients can have decreased sIgA production, which impairs the immuno-protective value of this secretory immunoglobulin. sIgA is embedded in the mucus layer that overlies the mucosal epithelia.

• The liver provides defensive activity both in terms of its phagocytic Kupffer cells, and its enzyme detoxification systems. It has a dual-phase system of detoxification.

Hepatic enzymes decontaminate toxins and metabolic toxic by-products, and help degrade antigens and antigen/ antibody complexes. Kupffer cells play an important role in the GI immune system by removing bacteria, particulate matter and toxins. Compromised barrier function increases the total toxic load on the body by allowing ingested toxins and xenobiotics entry into the systemic circulation, bypassing the portal circulation, thus allowing these foreign substances to enter the body without modification by hepatic detoxification enzymes.

• Prolonged fasting may do more harm than good in patients with challenged immune systems. “Bowel rest” for more than three days has been shown to cause deterioration of the enterocyte population, which can lead to atrophy of the mucosal surface, alterations in bowel permeability and an overall diminution of gastrointestinal immune function.

• With disrupted barrier function, antigens and pathogens gain entrance into the systemic immune system. They first make contact with dendritic cells that then carry the information from those antigens or pathogens to naïve B and T cells, and “activate” them to be specific for those antigens or pathogens. Following their activation, naïve T and B lymphocytes clone themselves then migrate to the regional mesenteric lymph node. They enter the lymphatics, and from there the venous circulation and systemic blood supply, ultimately migrating back to a specific anatomical region of the GI tract.

barrier mechanisms, there can be no systemic immunological response. Disrupted bowel barrier function, however, will lead to inappropriate increases in antigen and toxin loads and will disrupt detoxification mechanisms, thereby creating increased immune system and liver enzyme mobilization. Over time, this can lead to chronic pathology.

Impaired barrier function can also lead to diseases of the immune system. For instance, when bowel permeability increases, classic hypersensitivity to foods and components of normal gut flora can result. Bacterial endotoxins, cell wall polymers and dietary gluten may cause non-specific activation of pro-inflammatory pathways. Chronic low grade endotoxemia has been shown to contribute to the development of autoimmune disorders. Increased intestinal permeability may be either involved in the course of each disease, or a secondary effect of the hyperpermeability leading to immune activation and hepatic dysfunction, and creating a vicious cycle of disease promotion.

MEASURING INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY The measurement of increased intestinal permeability in animals requires urinary collection with a urinary catheter in place. This makes it more difficult to diagnose without hospitalization. Typically, in the measurement process, different-sized, non-digestible long chain sugars are orally administered and collected in the urine. The ratio of shorter to longer chain sugars defines whether the barrier has been breached. Thus, unless it is being specifically measured, the role of increased intestinal permeability often goes unrecognized.

An emerging methodology of food sensitivity and intolerance testing measures food ingredient-specific IgA and IgM in the patient’s saliva, and serves as a practical, non-invasive screening for increased intestinal permeability. Secretory (mucosal) IgA is lower with a disturbed intestinal barrier mechanism, and this test can help quantitatively measure food-related antibodies directed against IgA and IgM. Preliminary studies suggest this testing methodology yields highly accurate results.

THE 4R’S The hyperpermeable bowel can be treated and managed successfully with a four-part treatment program (“The 4Rs”) that uses diet, herbs and nutraceuticals. Many naturallyoccurring substances can help repair the intestinal mucosal surface, or improve hepatic function when it is overwhelmed by an excessive total toxin load.

THE NEXT STEP – CHRONIC DISEASE When allergens and pathogens are prevented from being absorbed into the systemic circulation by healthy mucosal

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REMOVE pathogens, allergens and toxins. By lowering the “total load” (the body’s burden) of these troublesome substances, the

immune system and liver do not need to work as hard in processing them. This makes more energy available for re-establishing healthy patterns. Removal can be done by elimination from the diet or environment, or with agents such as antimicrobial agents.

REPLACE digestive factors that are inadequate or absent. Inadequate pancreatic or intestinal enzyme production leaves digesta only partially broken down, thus altering the environment in the bowel and providing opportunity for pathology to develop. The beneficial bacteria that produce short chain fatty acids (SCFA) from soluble fiber in the bowel need a narrow range of temperatures and pH, as well as adequate substrate for their activity. When food is only partially digested, the intermediate breakdown products of digesta do not promote healthy microfloral ecology.

REPAIR

the damaged intestinal mucosal barrier. The amino acid l-glutamine reduces bacterial translocation, and increases the protein synthesis of enterocytes, enabling them to increase their rate of self-repair.

Lecithin, and the Omega-3 fatty

acids commonly found in fish oil - EPA and DHA - are also integral to repairing intestinal mucosa damaged from disease, stress, toxins or diet.

Antioxidants reduce damage to intestinal mucosa. Zinc and vitamin B5 are involved in the mucosal repair process. Soluble fiber promotes SCFA production which provides nourishment for damaged colonocytes. Rice protein solids have been found to reduce intestinal secretions and improve re-absorption of water from colonic digesta.

Continued on page 92.

CLINICAL DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH LEAKY GUT SYNDROME AS REPORTED IN HUMAN LITERATURE • Inflammatory and infectious bowel diseases • Chronic inflammatory arthritis • Dermatoses such as acne, psoriasis and dermatitis herpetiformis • Conditions triggered by food allergies or specific food intolerance such as eczema, urticaria and irritable bowel syndrome • Chronic hepatitis • Acute and chronic pancreatitis • Cystic fibrosis • Pancreatic carcinoma

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Continued from page 91.

REINOCULATE

with probiotic cultures and accessory nutrients to create healthy bowel ecology. Endogenous and transient probiotic GI microbial flora are extremely important.

Anaerobes are the most numerous bacteria in the bowel. These beneficial microorganisms compete with potential pathogens for nutrients and attachment sites to the mucosa, thereby inhibiting “bad” bacterial overgrowth.

In Bella’s case, a home-prepared diet made from hypoallergenic ingredients and implementation of the 4R program helped her regain a healthy weight within three months.

PATHOGENESIS OF LEAKY GUT SYNDROME 1. An inflamed gut does not absorb nutrients and foods properly, resulting in fatigue and bloating.

2. The inappropriate leakage of large food particles promotes food allergies and GI symptoms.

3. With compromised detoxification pathways, chemical sensitivities can arise. The leakage of toxins overburdens the liver so the body is less able to handle its everyday burden of chemicals.

4. Disruption of the protective mucosal barrier causes the body to inadequately resist infection from protozoa, bacteria, viruses and yeasts.

5. Intestinal hyperpermeability allows bacteria and yeast to trans-locate from their appropriate organ environment to an inappropriate organ elsewhere in the body where they can set up infection or inflammation.

6. Intestinal hyperpermeability increases the formation of antibodies due to the hypersensitivity of the immune system created by the syndrome. These antibodies can help to set up autoimmune diseases that have been linked to the hyperpermeable bowel.

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CLASSIFIEDS Animal Communicators

Books & Publications

CAMILLE PUKAY – Animal Medical Intuitive, Animal Communicator, Psychic Healing, Body Scans, Medium, Animal Reiki Teacher. “Let me help you re-balance you animal physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.” www.AnimalReikiDevine.com (816) 453-9542 CAROL LYNN ANDERSON (SCHULTZ) – Animal Communicator/Intuitive Healing Support. Interactive, compassionate and insightful Consultations and Guidance for all animal species (including humans). Assistance with emotional, behaviorial, physical, end of life, in spirit, plus lost animals. (815) 531-2850 and SKYPE www.carolschultz.com or www.carol-lynn-anderson.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 (509) 526-5020

Associations CANADIAN ANIMAL MASSAGE & BODYWORKERS ASSOCAITION – A growing group of qualified, complementary practitioners working to maintain the highest standard of Ethical Practice for the benefit of and respect for lives we impact. www.c-amba.org INTERNATIONAL ASS’N OF ANIMAL MASSAGE & BODYWORK/ASS’N OF CANINE WATER THERAPY – Welcome trained practitioners of Animal Massage and Bodywork. The IAAMB/ACWT supports and promotes the practitioners of complementary care for animals through networking, continuing education, website, online referrals, newsletters, insurance, annual educational conferences, lobbying and credentialing of schools. www.IAAMB.org

1000’s OF DOG BOOKS, DVD’S AND TRAINING TOOLS IN STOCK – Ready to ship. Dogwise has what you want!

(800) 776-2665; www.dogwise.com

Chiropractic ANIMAL CHIROPRACTIC – Contact Dr. Pip Penrose for your large and small animal’s chiropractic care at pip@drpip.ca, (519) 276-8800, www.drpip.ca. Caring chiropractic for animals and humans in Stratford and surrounding area.

Distributors/Retailers Wanted AVIDLIFE PET – is now offering a differentiated product line (once available only to veterinarians), directly to pet retailers and distributors. These products have been developed by veterinarians and are backed by clinical science. Contact AvidLifePet.com or call (888) 984-AVID BUDDY BEDS – Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Beds.

Voted “Best Pet Bed” by Pet Age Magazine. Eliminates all painful pressure points. Waterproof liner protects the memory foam. Vet recommended. www.BuddyBeds.com (303) 744-0424 CANINE LIGHT THERAPY – Many veterinarians and therapists offer their clients the healing benefits of photonic energy with our Equine Light Therapy Pads! Contact us to learn more about the advantages of offering them through your practice! According to “Gospel”…Equine Light Therapy/Canine Light Therapy. www.equinelighttherapy.com, questions@equinelighttherapy.com, (615) 293-3025 SOJOURNER FARMS PET PRODUCTS – Our foods offer the superior nutrition of naturally-occurring vitamins, minerals and enzymes that you can’t get from a cooked, processed pellet. No preservatives. Nothing artificial. Just all-natural, human-quality ingredients. Natural food and treats since 1985. Inquires @ www.sojos.com or (612) 343-7262 STOWBEE – Dogs or cats making your bathroom a mess?

Toilet paper storage that’s out of sight? Don’t show it, stow it! Installs in the wall within minutes. Check out www.Stowbee.com

Holistic Veterinarians BEECHMOUNT ANIMAL HOSPITAL - Dr. Kirsten Anderson, DVM. Offering Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Medical Massage, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Cold Laser Therapy. 355 Erb Street W., Waterloo, ON. (519) 888-6590, www.beechmountanhosp.ca EAST YORK ANIMAL CLINIC HOLISTIC CENTRE – Dr. Paul McCutcheon, Dr. Cindy Kneebone & Dr. Anya Yushchenko.

We provide a wide variety of integrative diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Please visit our website to explore our services. www.holisticpetvet.com eyac@holisticpetvet.com (416) 757-3569, 805 O’Connor Drive, Toronto, ON, M4B 2S7 ESSEX ANIMAL HOSPITAL, REHAB & K9 FITNESS CENTRE – Dr. Janice Huntingford practices integrative medicine for optimal pet health. Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Physical Rehab, Therapy pool and underwater treadmill, Alternative Medicine, Chinese Herbs, Holistic Consults. Please visit our website and facebook page. (519) 776-7325 Essex, ON. essexanimalhospital@cogeco.net www.essexanimalhospital.ca

GUELPH ANIMAL HOSPITAL – Offers a full range of conventional veterinary services as well as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, herbal and nutritional. Dr. Rob Butler is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture and is also trained in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. Dr. Smolkin is certified in Animal Chiropractic. By integrating conventional and complementary therapies, treatments can be tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences.

Contact Guelph Animal Hospital at (519) 836-2781 or www.quelphvet.com

Natural Product Retailers PETS GO NATURAL – Safe toys, eco-friendly beds and collars, natural vitamins and supplements, natural, organic and grain-free food. Feel good about what you buy your pet. Go natural! www.petsgonatural.com

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

Rescues & Shelters GREY2K USA Education Fund – National greyhound protection group working to end dog racing nationwide.

Join our team, support us and buy fun dog-themed gifts at GREY2KUSA.org

Schools & Training ANIMAL SPIRIT NETWORK (ASN) – Is the premier school for Animal Communication training, offering a Professional Mastery Program as well as a Personal Enrichment Program.

Our courses are taught by experts in this growing field and provide rich hands-on, comprehensive skills training for professional animal communicators and anyone passionate about deepening their bond with animals and nature. Learn more at www.animalspiritnetwork.com or info@animalspiritnetwork.com INTEGRATED TOUCH THERAPY, INC. – Has taught animal massage to thousands of students from all over the world for over 17 years. Offering intensive, hands-on workshops.

Free Brochure: (800) 251-0007 wshaw1@bright.net www.integratedtouchtherapy.com PETMASSAGE TRAINING AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE – On-site workshops for canine massage and PetMassage WaterWork. Vocational training to work in vet offices, dog day cares, agility events, and with private clients. Curricula for children’s canine massage programs. Workshops approved for CEs for MT’s and RVT’s. www.petmassage. com, info@petmassage.com, (800) 779-1001 WALKS ‘N’ WAGS PET FIRST AID – National Leaders in Pet First Aid Certification Courses for dogs and cats. Learn preventative skills and practice emergency bandaging with live wiggly pets. Distance Learning also available. www.walksnwags.com or (800) 298-1152

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EVENTS Best Friends Animal Society’s 2012 No More Homeless Pets® National Conference - October 10-13, 2013 – Jacksonville, FL Whether you have been rescuing animals for years or are just starting out, there are workshop sessions especially for you. Topics range from animal behavior to marketing, fundraising and more.

Make new connections with like-minded animal lovers who want to work together to save animals in your community.

Be inspired by nationally recognized leaders of the no-kill movement, who will share their in-depth knowledge, ideas and experience.

Please join us for the 2012 No More Homeless Pets National Conference, where hope, hearts and minds come together to save lives.

For more information: (435) 644-2001 x4478 conferences@bestfriends.org conference.bestfriends.org Northern California Pet Expo October 19, 2013 – Santa Rosa, CA Fabulous Prize Giveaways & Fun for both the Two-Legged AND Four-Legged!

Dozens of Rescue Groups and a Mega-Adoption Event, Discounted Vaccinations, Micro-chipping and Heartworm & Flea Preventatives, Free Nail Trims, Agility Demonstrations, Live Entertainment, Obedience Demonstrations, Author Readings/Book Signings . The Latest & Greatest Pet Products!

Learn About Pet Care, Volunteerism, Grooming, Pet Behavior & Training, Traveling with your Pet, How You Can Make a Difference, Different Types of Pets/Breeds, Veterinarian FAQ, Fun Activities for You & Your Pet And MUCH MORE! For more information: (800) 977-3609 www.northerncaliforniapetexpo.com

Level 1 Reiki and are interested in deepening their personal healing path with Reiki and animals. This class focuses on the more advanced meditative and esoteric uses of Reiki. Most Reiki II classes focus on Reiki for people, but Kathleen’s class is unique in its emphasis on Reiki for both humans and animals.

For more information: Kathleen Prasad Animal Reiki Source (415) 420-9783 info@animalreikisource.com www.animalreikisource.com Caninology Canine Body Worker Certification Course Part A November 5-8, 2013 – Petaluma, CA In this certification course you will not only learn the massage and bodywork techniques but will learn how to assess the conformation and analyze the gaits.

Included is stretching, follow up exercise and range of motion exercises. The first part of the course (4 days) will concentrate on the front end of the dog (head, neck, shoulder and forelimb) and will be supported by appropriate lectures and hands on practicals. Students take both Part A and B for certification.

For more information: (707) 884-9963 equinologyoffice@gmail.com www.equinology.com/info/course.asp?courseid=87 Caninology Canine Body Worker Certification Course Part B November 10-13, 2013 – Petaluma, CA In this certification course you will not only learn the massage and bodywork techniques but will learn how to assess the conformation and analyze the gaits. Included is stretching, follow up exercise and range of motion exercises. The second part of the course will concentrate on the hind end of the dog (trunk, lower back, rump and hindlimb) and will be supported by appropriate lectures and hands on practicals. Students take both Part A and B for certification.

Learn About Pet Care, Volunteerism, Grooming, Pet Behavior & Training, Traveling with your Pet, How You Can Make a Difference, Different Types of Pets/Breeds, Veterinarian FAQ, Fun Activities for You & Your Pet And MUCH MORE! For more information: (800) 977-3609 www.atlantapetexpo.com PAWS Dog and Cat Adoptions November 17, 2013 - Philadelphia, PA Meet adoptable PAWS animals, learn how to get involved!

Event runs from 11:00 AM – 3 PM EST at Cottman Petsmart at 7422 Bustleton Avenue.

To learn more information about the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society’s upcoming events, visit our website.

For more information: (267) 385-3800 adoptions@phillypaws.org www.acctphilly.org Milwaukee Pet Expo November 23, 2013 – West Allis, WI You will find tons of exhibitors and demonstrations as well as free nail trims. There will be prize giveaways and live entertainment. You can adopt from one of the many Rescue groups and also learn about pet care, volunteerism, grooming, training and much more!

Be sure to check out other Amazing Pet Expo events all year around at www.amazingpetexpos.com For more information: (800) 977-3609 www.milwaukeepetexpo.com

For more information: (707) 884-9963 equinologyoffice@gmail.com www.equinology.com/info/course. asp?courseid=88

St. Louis Pet Expo October 26, 2013 – St. Charles, MO You will find tons of exhibitors and demonstrations as well as free nail trims. There will be prize giveaways and live entertainment. You can adopt from one of the many Rescue groups and also learn about pet care, volunteerism, grooming, training and much more!

Be sure to check out other Amazing Pet Expo events all year around at www.amazingpetexpos.com For more information: (800) 977-3609 www.stlpetexpo.com Reiki II & Animal Reiki Training: Advanced Techniques November 2-3, 2013 – Santa Rosa, CA Held at BrightHaven Holistic Animal Retreat in Santa Rosa, California, this class is for people who have completed

Atlanta Pet Expo November 16, 2013 – Duluth, GA Fabulous Prize Giveaways & Fun for both the Two-Legged AND Four-Legged!

Dozens of Rescue Groups and a Mega-Adoption Event, Discounted Vaccinations, Micro-chipping and Heartworm & Flea Preventatives, Free Nail Trims, Agility Demonstrations, Live Entertainment, Obedience Demonstrations, Author Readings/Book Signings.

The Latest & Greatest Pet Products!

Email your event to: info@animalwellnessmagazine.com

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TAIL END

By Christine Boyd

Three years ago, my husband Adam and I were brand new parents to a feisty yellow Lab puppy, a Marley-like dog we called Maggie. Though we were just 26 and still sleeping till noon (on Saturdays), we were old enough to know a thing or two about dogs. After all, we’d both grown up with dogs. As kids, we’d had five between the two of us, which totaled up to quite a lot of dog-years of experience.

But when a wart-like bump popped up on Maggie’s front paw, we were concerned, having never seen anything like it before.

We dug into our dog parenting books and decided it fit the description of a histiocytoma, a benign skin tumor. Sure enough, later that week, the veterinarian confirmed the diagnosis, telling us that Maggie’s histiocytoma was in all likelihood harmless and would resolve on its own. Then he congratulated us for sniffing out the problem ourselves. “Good job!” we told ourselves. We were, in fact, pretty capable dog parents.

Before Maggie’s histiocytoma healed, however, I found something else concerning: a new little bulge in the center of her belly. I’d devotedly rubbed her stomach thousands of times and had never before seen this round and distended knot about the size of a dime. I asked Adam to have a look at it and he agreed – it was worrisome. When I mentioned she’d also had diarrhea earlier in the day, we decided it could be urgent.

Since it was late and the vet’s office was closed, I called my dad for help. He wasn’t a vet, but he was a doctor, and I figured he might have a clue what was wrong.

“It could be a hernia,” he told me.

“Is that serious?” I asked.

“It can be, and it can require surgery to repair.” That said, he told me it probably wasn’t an emergency and his advice was to give Maggie two biscuits and call the vet in the morning.

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Maggie made it through the night, but we weren’t taking any chances and had her at the vet’s office before it opened the following morning. As we told the vet we were concerned she had a hernia, he stroked Maggie’s ears gently to comfort her and then rolled her onto her side to examine her belly, palpating the pink, sensitive-looking tissue.

He paused for quite some time. I don’t think he knew how to tell us what she had; he’d probably never had to tell a family this before.

Finally, he calmly explained to us, “This is a belly button.

Maggie has an ‘outie’.”

I have no idea how we failed to notice before that Maggie had an “outie”. Maybe it had just popped out, or maybe it had suddenly grown and become newly obvious. Or maybe we still had a lot to learn about dogs.

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