ANIMAL WELLNESS
For a long, healthy life!
WELLNESS
12 DAYS OF holiday fun
WHY SOME EXPERTS SAY
“DELAY the
for you and your dog!
SPAY”
UNDERSTANDING
DOG TALK
SAVING ANIMAL
HURRICANE VICTIMS
WHAT DO HIS BARKS MEAN?
KENNEL
COUGH
– WHY INTEGRATIVE TREATMENTS ARE BEST
WHAT’S YOUR DOG’S
PLAY STYLE?
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TOYS FOR HER
HARNESSES
Chewy
FULL OF JOIE DE VIVRE, THIS TINY POMERANIAN IS KNOWN THE WORLD OVER FOR HIS PHOTOGENIC QUALITIES – AND HIS SPECIAL BOND WITH CHILDREN.
– WHY THEY’RE ALL THE RAGE
DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018 Display until January 17, 2018
$6.95 USA/Canada
VOLUME 19 ISSUE 6
AnimalWellnessMagazine.com
BONUS INSIDE!
Contents December 2017/January 2018
Features
18 INTERPRETING
DOG BARKS
Do you know what your dog is telling you when he barks? Understanding something about the pitch, frequency and duration of his barks can help interpret what they mean.
22 WHEN CAN SUPPLEMENTS REPLACE MEDICATIONS IN DOGS AND CATS?
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26 CHOOSING THE RIGHT TOYS FOR YOUR DOG
This kindly Pomeranian is recognized worldwide for his striking “foxlike” features, his special connection with children – and his love for the camera!
Conventional meds can be life-saving in a pet emergency. But when it comes to conditions like allergies, arthritis or infections, natural supplements can often be used instead.
Different dogs have different play styles. When buying toys for your dog, think about the kind of play he enjoys most, and look for something that will satisfy that drive.
29 OUTDOOR WINTER
FUN FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG
Spending time outside doesn’t have to stop because it’s cold or snowy. Here are 5 winter activities you can enjoy together, and what you need to consider before setting out.
34 12 DAYS OF DOG-
FRIENDLY HOLIDAY FUN
Looking for ways to celebrate the season with your dog? We take a page from the traditional holiday carol with 12 days of festive ideas.
38 ARE “PET-FRIENDLY”
ICE MELTS REALLY SAFE?
Just because an ice melt claims to be “petfriendly” doesn’t mean it is. Here’s what to be aware of when looking for safe ways to rid your walks of ice and snow.
42 HARNESSES FOR DOGS
Take a look at the “who, why, what and where” of dog harnesses, and how easy they are to use!
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Animal Wellness
46 POM POM CHEWY
50 IS IT OKAY FOR MY DOG TO EAT SEEDS?
72 HOW ACUPRESSURE CAN HELP ABANDONED DOGS
A dog that has been abandoned often has many issues. Along with veterinary care and lots of TLC, this simple acupressure session can help address his well-being.
75 KENNEL COUGH
Many of the culinary seeds we incorporate into our own diets – including flax, chia, pumpkin and sunflower – are also healthy choices for our dogs.
Vaccination doesn’t guarantee your dog won’t get kennel cough. Find out why, and how an integrative approach can combat this contagious respiratory disease.
58 SHOULD WE BE DE-SEXING OUR DOGS?
80 THE NATURAL, INDIGENOUS DOG
Spaying/neutering are generally regarded as necessary for controlling dog populations. But new research indicates these procedures can negatively impact canine health.
64 HOW TO MASSAGE
YOUR DOG
Through massage, you’ll see your dog’s anxious or nervous energy melt away, and tightly held muscles relax.
68 SAVING THE LIVES
OF ANIMAL HURRICANE VICTIMS
Rescue groups mobilized to save dogs, cats and other animals during one of the most devastating hurricane seasons on record.
What did dogs look like before they were domesticated and bred into the many different shapes and sizes we see today?
90 THE OREO CAT
Oreo’s multi-faceted career has ranged from appearing as a comic strip character to taking over social media and becoming an ambassador for pet education.
94 BUYING HEALTH INSURANCE FOR YOUR CAT?
A healthy lifestyle can minimize vet bills, but can’t guarantee your cat will never get sick or injured. Given the high cost of care, buying health insurance for your kitty is a wise idea.
96 WHY CATS SHOULDN’T DRINK MILK
People have been giving milk to their cats for as long as most of us can remember -- but the truth is, it isn’t good for them. Find out why.
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18
Columns
12 Yakkity yak 45 Business profile – Wiggleless
53 Rewind 56 Passages 67 Business profile – Nzymes
78 To the rescue 84
Book reviews
87 Tail end
Departments 8
Editorial
49
Product picks
62
The scoop
70
Animal Wellness resource guide
Tips, contests and more! AnimalWellnessMagazine
85
Marketplace
News, events, and tips! @ AW_magazine
86
Classifieds
93 Cat chat 98 FW book reviews
Social media Tips, pet photos, and more! AnimalWellnessMagazine Crafts, laughs, and more! AnimalWellness
96
December 2017/January 2018
5
12 DAYS of dog-friendly holiday fun By Emily Watson
Looking for ways to celebrate the season with your dog? We take a page from the traditional holiday carol with 12 days of festive ideas.
Our dogs may not care much about holiday music, but they love spending time with us, and that doesn’t change during the festive season. Here are a dozen fun and simple ways you can share the merriment with your dog over the “Twelve Days of Christmas”.
On the
first day….bake some goodies
Holiday baking isn’t just for the two-legged. Popular seasonal ingredients like cinnamon, mint, turkey and cranberries are great for canine health, and make yummy additions to drool-worthy dog treats. Get your pooch involved in the process by making him the official taste tester, and let him clean up whatever ingredients “accidentally” fall to the floor.
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Animal Wellness
Tip: dog-friendly recipes!
Visit animalwellnessmagazine.com/cookbook for 50+
On the
second day…visit a holiday market
Not all dogs love crowds. But if your pooch is a social butterfly, holiday markets are a fun and festive way to spend an afternoon. First make sure the market allows pets, then spend a couple hours checking out all the vendors. The sights and smells will stimulate your dog’s mind and help teach him good behavior in busy environments. Plus, it’ll give you the chance to do some holiday shopping!
On the
third day…throw a pup party
Know friends with dogs? Celebrate the season by hosting a pup party! Ask everyone to bring a toy or accessory and participate in a fun secret Santa just for the dogs. Next, let the canines play
while you and your guests enjoy a few appetizers or a potluck. When all is said and done, everyone will leave happy and satisfied. Plus, you’ll go down in history for throwing the cutest party in town!
Tip: loud ones! If you take your dog to meet Santa,
Some dogs are frightened by strangers, especially
remember that this jolly holiday character isn’t as familiar to him as he is to you. Take it slow and don’t force him to sit on Santa’s lap.
On the
On the
fourth day…take your dog to see Santa
This classic holiday activity is no longer just for kids. Many animal rescues and pet stores have begun holding “meet Santa” events for dogs. Some organizations ask for donations to help support animals in need and promote adoption, while others host the events as a thank you to their customers. Either way, it’ll make for some adorable photos of your pup.
fifth day…fetch a tree
Cutting down your own tree is a beloved family tradition, and it’s even better if your dog can come along with you. Find a tree farm near you and give them a call to confirm that dogs are allowed. Once you’ve retrieved the perfect tree, ask about donating some extra cash for a new tree to be planted, or plant one yourself at home. It’ll benefit the environment and give you and your dog more time to enjoy the crisp winter air. Continued on page 36.
December 2017/January 2018
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