ANIMAL
For a long, healthy life!
WELLNESS 10
MUSTHAVE TRAINING TIPS FOR DOG PARENTS!
HOW DOES VAPING IMPACT YOUR DOG’S WELL-BEING?
Find out which ones are harming your fur baby
OVARYSPARING SPAY – a healthier alternative
THE BEST FOODS FOR SKIN ALLERGIES
to traditional spay and neuter
FUN & GAMES FOR spring APRIL/MAY 2019 Display until May 6, 2019
$6.95 USA/Canada
VOLUME 21 ISSUE 2
AnimalWellnessMagazine.com
BONUS INSIDE!
CONTENTS April/May 2019
Columns 14 HEALING
INSIDE & OUT
5 natural allergy solutions for your dog
36
Features 24
6 hidden household toxins –
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protecting your pet
Minimizing your dog or cat’s exposure to harmful chemicals involves more than switching to non-toxic cleaners. Check out these six hidden household toxins, and what you can do about them.
T ake a bite out of canine food allergies with an elimination diet
If your dog is itching, scratching and has GI symptoms such as diarrhea, he may have a food allergy. An elimination diet is one of the best ways to get to the root of the problem.
54
S hould you spay or neuter your dog – or not?
72
Standard spay and neuter surgery can have negative impacts on a dog’s health. So what are some alternative options?
T op 10 dog training tips
When it comes to training your dog, the keys to success are found in following these ten important steps.
93
F leas on your feline?
4
Before you reach for the chemicals, give these more natural flea remedies a try.
Animal Wellness
From acupressure to aloe vera, these holistic therapies take the itch out of your dog’s allergies.
18 NEED TO KNOW Why your dog or cat needs digestive enzymes
Supplementing with digestive enzymes enhances the health and well-being of your animal companion in many crucial ways.
22 LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD
Nail care for dogs and cats
Clipping your dog or cat’s nails isn’t just about protecting your furniture or floors. It’s also important for his health and comfort.
28 FUN & GAMES
Get creative with Dog Parkour! Looking for something new to try this spring? Dog Parkour is a fun and imaginative canine sport that transforms your surroundings into a playground for your dog.
32 HEALTH ALERT Chagas disease and your dog
What is Chagas disease, and should you worry about your dog? It depends on where you live.
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42 TRENDING NOW Activity trackers for dogs
Is your dog “getting her steps in”? Find out by investing in a canine activity tracker!
45 What are the most common health issues in dogs? Find out here.
46 VET Q&A
Does your animal need allergy testing?
Most allergic dogs and cats respond well to a holistic or integrative treatment approach, but some don’t. In these cases, allergy testing and hyposensitization may be the answer.
50 NATURAL REMEDIES
Nix his allergies with adaptogens and alteratives
Keep your allergic dog or cat itch-free with adaptogens and alteratives, two groups of herbs with specific healing properties.
60 IN FOCUS
30 years of doggy daycare
A look at how the dog daycare concept got started, and how it has evolved over the last three decades.
90
14 66 GOING GREEN
90 HEALTHY CHOICES
Top 10 steps to an eco-friendly dog
Is your cat allergic to his litter?
Our canine companions have a heavy carbon footprint. In our efforts to tread more lightly on the earth, we need to include our dogs in the changes we make.
76 HEALTHWATCH How vaping impacts your dog or cat
Top 4 nutrition tips for senior dogs Help your older dog stay healthy and live long by feeding him right and keeping his weight down.
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96 NUTRITION FACTS
The “e-juice” in vape pens contains chemicals that pose a danger to the people – and animals – who are exposed to it.
80 AGING WELL
With the ever-expanding variety of cat litters on the market, your cat may be allergic to some of them. Learn what to watch for, and what to do about it.
Foods that make great cat treats
Your fridge and pantry are a rich source of treats you can share with your cat. Just be sure to make healthy choices.
98 Dogs ease
student exam stress New canine program helps make exam time easier.
Departments 8 From the Editorin-Chief
11 In the news
64 Passages
85 Marketplace
70 Animal Wellness
86 Events
resource guide
57 To the rescue
75 Spring essentials
58 Product picks
79 Let's get social
63 Business profile
84 Classifieds
– Herbs for Life, Inc.
Social Media
87 Must reads 92 Cat chat 95 Purrfect reads
Tips, contests and more! AnimalWellnessMagazine
News, events, and tips! @ AW_magazine
Tips, pet photos, and more! AnimalWellnessMagazine
Crafts, laughs, and more! AnimalWellness
Animal Wellness
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6
HIDDEN HOUSEHOLD
D gs Cats
TOXINS HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PET Minimizing your dog or cat’s exposure to harmful chemicals involves more than switching to non-toxic cleaners. Check out these six hidden household toxins, and what you can do about them.
By Ann Brightman
One of the most important ways to help ensure your dog or cat enjoys a long and healthy life is to minimize his exposure to toxins in the home environment. Using natural cleaners is a great strategy, but it doesn’t end there. Harmful toxins can lurk in many other household products besides cleaners, and these chemicals can have a detrimental effect on both you and your animal companion. Find out what some of these toxins are and where they’re hiding – and how to protect your dog or cat.
1. PHTHALATES What they are: Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastic and vinyl softer and more flexible. They also enhance fragrances in personal care products. Where they’re found: Just about everywhere. Phthalates are found in a wide array of personal care products such as shampoos, soaps, cosmetics and perfumes, as well as household items like vinyl flooring, shower curtains, plastic food containers, and children’s toys. Why they’re bad: Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, and can cause damage to the liver and kidneys as well as the respiratory and reproductive systems in both people and animals.
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Animal Wellness
How to avoid them: Opt for unscented or natural personal care products. Use high quality essential oils instead of artificial fragrances. Store food in glass rather than plastic containers; the same applies if you microwave food. Choose more natural materials for household items such as flooring (remember that your dog or cat is a lot closer to the floor than you are, so his exposure to phthalates will be a lot higher).
2. POLYBROMINATED DIPHENYL ETHERS What they are: PBDEs are a family of brominated hydrocarbons that were long used as flame retardants before being phased out in the US in 2013. Canada is also working towards a ban of these chemicals. Where they’re found: PBDEs can be found in older upholstered furniture, as well as computers, building materials, foam products, etc. Why they’re bad: These chemicals are neurotoxins and endocrine disruptors and can affect the thyroid as well as the reproductive and immune systems. PBDEs have also been linked to cancer.
Essential oils such as cinnamon, thyme and oregano are natural disinfectants that can be used in place of triclosan products – again, be sure to use the highest quality oils.
4. PCBS What they are: Though they haven’t been manufactured since the late 1970s, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were in use for almost 50 years for coolants and lubricants in electrical equipment, as well as in paint and sealing and caulking compounds. Unfortunately, they don’t break down easily and can linger in the environment for a long time, which is why they’re still an issue today. Where they’re found: PCBs have entered the food chain and are now found in fish and some meats. Why they’re bad: Long-term exposure to these chemicals has been associated with various malignancies, including liver, skin, kidney, GI and brain cancers. How to avoid them: When preparing fish and meat for your animal or yourself, remove the skin and fat, which is where toxic chemicals are most likely to accumulate. Buy high quality
How to avoid them: When buying new, look for products that are labelled free of flame retardants – if in doubt, ask the seller or manufacturer. Replace older sofas and pillows that may contain PBDE-containing foams, especially if your animal lies on them a lot. Because these chemicals can shed into the environment, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter for cleaning up around the house.
3. TRICLOSAN What it is: Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent added to many household products. Where it’s found: Not surprisingly, triclosan is used in antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers, and is also found in most dishwashing liquids as well as toothpastes and deodorants. Why it’s bad: Not only can triclosan promote the development of drug-resistant bacteria, but it’s also linked to cancer and can affect muscle and heart function. How to avoid it: Switch to more natural body care products, and wash dishes in a detergent made from simple ingredients. Animal Wellness
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