V23I3 (Jun/Jul 2021)

ANIMAL

For a long, healthy life!

WELLNESS MENTAL ENRICHMENT… WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

8

WAYS TO

WHY SOME DOGS

BARK

TOO MUCH

– AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

SOCIALIZE YOUR DOG

— WHEN YOU HAVE TO SOCIAL DISTANCE

CAN A

RAW DIET PREVENT FLUTD IN YOUR CAT?

TOP TIPS TO KEEP HER

hydrated EMOTIONAL STRESS HOW TO STAY ON TOP OF IT

HOW

TECHNOLOGY

IS IMPROVING HIS LIFE JUNE/JULY 2021 Display until July 26, 2021

$6.95 USA/Canada

VOLUME 23 ISSUE 3

N U T R IT IO

US SUMM ER

SMOOTHIE BOWLS F O R YO U R DOG!

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

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Animal Wellness

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CONTENTS June/July 2021

Columns 10 MIND, BODY & SPIRIT

Mental enrichment — why it’s so important for your dog

34 Features 34

ummer smoothies you can share S with your dog Smoothies are a delicious and refreshing way to boost nutritional intake. And with a few ingredient tweaks, you can also share them your dog!

40 Emotional stress in dogs — part 1 A close-up look at emotional stress in dogs — and how our own stress contributes to theirs.

56

How technology is improving your pet’s life

68

From pet cams to automated toys, here’s a look at some of the technological tools and devices that enhance the health and happiness of our dogs and cats.

Does your dog bark too much?

Dogs bark for many reasons, but if your own pooch is too “talkative”, it’s important to discover why, and find positive ways to curb his barking behavior.

16 4

Animal Wellness

24 TRAINING TALK 8 ways to socialize your new dog — when you have to social distance

Dogs get bored, frustrated, anxious and depressed due to lack of mental stimulation.

Introduce more variety and fun into your dog’s life using mental enrichment.

How can you introduce your new dog to the world when we can’t freely interact with others? Here are eight suggestions to safely socialize your new dog during the pandemic.

14 LEARNING

28 FELINE HEALTH

CURVE

How to enhance your dog’s learning ability Improving your dog’s well-being through things like bodywork, diet, and quality time enhances her learning ability – and her quality of life!

16 HEALTH WATCH How to keep your dog or cat hydrated

Adequate water intake is essential to good health, particularly during the hot summer months.

Here’s why, along with tips on keeping your dog or cat hydrated.

20 AT HOME Working from home with pets

Over a year into the pandemic, more people are working from home than ever. Here are ways to maintain your productivity while managing your dog or cat’s need for attention.

How a raw diet can prevent FLUTD in your cat

Lower urinary tract disease is one of the most common conditions affecting felines. Ridding your cat of FLUTD may be as simple as switching him to a raw diet.

32 SAFETY FIRST Does your dog love the water?

Your dog may get a big kick out of wading, splashing and swimming in lakes and streams. Read on for some tips to help ensure your aquatic pooch stays safe and healthy.

38 SPOTLIGHT

Which breeds make the best service dogs?

Service dogs play a valuable role in the lives of those with long-term illnesses and disorders.

Here’s a look at the breeds that make the best service dogs.

23 GOOD

44 ALTERNATIVE

LA animal shelters latest to achieve no-kill status

Chiropractic care for canine anxiety

TO HEAR!

APPROACH

We usually think of chiropractic care in terms of relieving pain in our dogs, but it can also have a positive effect on canine anxiety.

54 46 BRIGHT SPOT 50 NEED

TO KNOW

The case against declawing A growing number of countries have banned declawing. Learn why this procedure is so debilitating for cats, and consider some humane alternatives.

54 GOING GREEN

How sustainable is your dog or cat’s lifestyle?

Your four-legged friend’s carbon “pawprint” is probably larger than you think!

Here are 8 ways to make his lifestyle more sustainable.

60 ANIMAL HERO Doug to the Rescue

61 NUTRITION KNOWHOW

62 EMOTIONAL

74 KNOW

Do dogs grieve?

Kitty quirks

WELL-BEING

Gary the Cat

Dogs may not experience grief the same way we do, but their behaviors after a human or animal companion passes indicate they do feel a sense of loss and bereavement.

From the “zoomies” to kneading, our cats engage in some endearing but sometimes puzzling behaviors. Take a look at some common kitty quirks and what they mean.

66 HEALTH ALERT

Holistic vets who work with animal communicators

Foxtail barley — a danger to your dog

This feathery grass looks beautiful, but foxtail barley seeds have tiny barbs can attach to your dog’s coat and burrow into his skin, ears and nose. Find out how you can protect him.

72 HEALING

76 AT THE VET Once dismissed as bogus, animal communication is being taken more seriously by holistic veterinarians, some of who are now working with communicators to enhance patient care.

INSIDE & OUT

Preventing and managing arthritis in your dog or cat

Decoding pet food marketing jargon

Departments 7 Editorial

YOUR CAT

68

48 Newsworthy

79 Marketplace

27 Product picks

53 Let’s get social!

79 Events

31 From the NASC

59 Summer selections 81 Recall roundup 71 To the rescue 82 News report 78 Classifieds

43 Animal Wellness Academy product reviews

Social Media

Tips, contests and more!

AnimalWellnessMagazine

Nutrition videos, recipes and more!

Animal Wellness Magazine

Tips, pet photos, and more!

AnimalWellnessMagazine

Crafts, laughs, and more!

AnimalWellness

Animal Wellness

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ANIMAL

For a long, healthy life!

WELLNESS VOLUME 23 ISSUE 3

EDITORIAL/CREATIVE DEPARTMENT:

Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Managing Editor: Ann Brightman Senior Content Editor: Emily Watson Senior Graphic Designer: Dawn Cumby-Dallin Senior Graphic Designer: Alyssa Dow Graphic Design Intern: Ethan Vorstenbosch Digital Marketing Specialist: Cole McCall Digital Marketing Specialist: Jamie McClure Web Design & Development: Lace Imson Cover Image Courtesy of: OTSphoto

COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Nadia Ali Sally Bahner Suzi Beber, Honouris Causa Ian Billinghurst, BVSc (Hons), BScAgr Dip Ed Bill Bookout Lionel Fabries, DVM Janet Gordon Palm, DVM, CVCP Andrea Gronwald Patricia Herlevi Sara Jordan-Heintz Jennifer Hinders Julie Anne Lee, DCH Ramona Marek Jared Mitchell, DVM, CVMA Erin Mullen Bill Ormston, DVM Laurie Riihimaki Barrie Sands, DVM, CVA, HMCT Myles Shane Gary Tashjian Tonya Wilhelm

ADMINISTRATION & SALES:

President/C.E.O.: Tim Hockley Accounting: Susan Smith Circulation & Office Manager: Libby Sinden Subscription Services/Marketing & Administration Associate: Brittany Silloats

SUBMISSIONS:

ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF:

Please email all editorial material to Ann Brightman, Managing Editor, at ann@redstonemediagroup.com. We welcome previously unpublished articles and color pictures either in jpeg, tif 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.

You can also mail submissions to: Animal Wellness Magazine, 160 Charlotte St., Suite 202, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 2T8.

Please direct other correspondence to info@redstonemediagroup.com.

ADVERTISING SALES

National Sales Manager/Editorial Associate: Kat Shaw, (866) 764-1212 ext. 315 katshaw@redstonemediagroup.com Western Regional Manager: Becky Starr, (866) 764-1212 ext. 221 becky@redstonemediagroup.com Classified Advertising: Libby Sinden, (866) 764-1212 ext 114 classifiedads@animalwellnessmagazine.com

TO SUBSCRIBE:

Subscription price at time of this issue is $24.00 in the U.S. and Canada, including taxes for six issues shipped via surface mail. Subscriptions can be processed by: Website: www.animalwellnessmagazine.com Phone: (866) 764-1212 ext 115 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 Libby at (866) 764-1212 ext 100 and ask for dealer magazine sales, fax us at (705) 742-4596 or e-mail at libby@animalwellnessmagazine.com

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OTSphoto Summer’s on the doorstep, and this little Jack Russell is getting into the groove with some fun at the beach. Along with plenty of outdoor physical activity, mental and emotional health is also important to your best friend’s wellbeing. Turn the page to learn more!

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Animal Wellness Magazine (ISSN 1710-1190) is published six times a year by Redstone Media Group Inc. Publications Mail Agreement #40884047. Entire contents copyright© 2021. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Publication date: May 2021. proudly supporting

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

FROM THE EDITOR

seeing

the world through their

eyes

b

y the time we adopted Sasha, a husky-shepherd mix, she had already spent four months at a shelter.

And that was after SPCA officers rescued her, along with a black Lab and two of her puppies, from a neglectful home where they lived outside. All the animals were suffering from starvation, and the lifeless body of another puppy was nearby.

Their “caregiver” had fallen into a depressed state following his separation, and forgot about the animals. Despite all her past suffering, Sasha was an incredible, smart dog who showed us so much love and wanted only to please. Not surprisingly, she had anxiety, and it helped us immensely to know her backstory. Once we got her into a routine and she knew what to expect, it was pretty smooth sailing.

While Sasha’s situation was extreme, when it comes to tackling behavior issues, it helps to know something about where our dogs and cats are coming from. How do they see and interact with the world? Why do they act the way they do? In this issue, we take a deeper dive into the mental and emotional lives of our four-legged buddies as a way to enhance our understanding of their behavior. For example, we take a comprehensive look at why mental enrichment is so important to your dog’s well-being, and how it can help prevent the behavior problems that stem from boredom, anxiety and frustration. You’ll also discover more about emotional stress in dogs and cats, and how profoundly they can be affected by

our own stress levels. Check out our tips on enhancing your canine’s ability to learn, and find out why some dogs bark all the time, and what to do about it. On the feline front, we look at some endearing but sometimes puzzling kitty behaviors — from head-butting to the “zoomies” — and why our cats engage in these activities.

As we move into the summer months, why not treat your dog to some nutritious and refreshing smoothie bowls (you may even want to sample some of the recipes yourself)! Does your dog love the water? If so, be sure to read our article on how to keep him safe and healthy when he’s splashing and swimming in the lake or at the beach. And although proper hydration is important all year round, it’s especially crucial when the weather is hot and humid.

There’s loads more in this issue to keep you informed and entertained this summer. So kick back with your best friend, and read on!

Wishing you a happy start to the summer season!

Dana Cox Editor-in-Cheif

Visit our facebook page at facebook.com/AnimalWellnessMagazine Animal Wellness

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CONTRIBUTORS Veterinarian Dr. Ian Billinghurst received his Veterinary Science degree (honors) from Sydney University in Australia in 1976, and has been in companion animal practice since then. He founded the BARF diet concept, and has written several books on animal nutrition, including Give Your Dog a Bone and The BARF Diet. He is working on a range of e-books dealing with raw nutrition for dogs and cats. p. 28 Veterinarian Dr. Janet Gordon Palm graduated from Kansas State University in 1981. She has practiced medicine and surgery in an AHAA practice for 29 years. Dr Janet is a Laser Healthcare specialist, Certified Veterinary Chiropractitioner and performs Myofascial release techniques, Cranial Sacral, and Osteopathy. She started her ambulatory business Animobility Integrative Veterinary Services (Animobilityvet.com) in 2010.

Dr. Janet uses the communication principles of respecting body language in all species she works with. She is Fear Free Certified, and a Director of The Paw Project. p. 50 Veterinarian Dr. Jared Mitchell graduated from Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004. In 2010, he opened Mitchell Animal Clinic in Mobile, Alabama, and began incorporating holistic modalities into his practice. Dr. Mitchell is completing certification to become a Certified Veterinary Medical Aromatherapist through the VMAA, and plans to achieve certifications in herbal medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic and more. p. 16

Veterinarian Dr. William Ormston graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. He received certification from the AVCA and began using chiropractic to treat his animal patients. Jubilee Animal Health is a mobile practice in the Dallas Metroplex area where he cares for animals using mostly alternative methods. p. 44

Veterinarian Dr. Barrie Sands received her DVM degree from Ross University in 1991. She achieved her CVA certification from IVAS in 2003, followed by advanced training in food and herbal therapies and homeopathy.

Dr. Sands has been working at the VCA Emergency and Referral Center in San Diego since 1996 in the Emergency Critical Care department, and is head of the Integrative Holistic department (drbarriesands.com). She is a certified trainer for the Institute of HeartMath. Dr. Barrie authored the book The Stupid Things My Human Does; True Stories from the Animal ER. p. 40

Nadia Ali is a freelance writer from London, England, who currently resides in the Caribbean. Her adopted shelter cat, Cici, serves as her inspiration when writing about beloved companion animals. You can follow Nadia on Twitter at @NadiaAwriter. p. 66

Sally E. Bahner specializes in cat-related issues, specifically nutrition, holistic care and behavior. She has offered her services as a feline behavior and care consultant and gives classes on cat care. Sally is the resident cat behavior expert on Tracie Hotchner’s Cat Chat radio program, and a member of the Cat Writers’ Association and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. p. 74 Dr. Suzi Beber has been creating special needs diets for animals for two decades. She founded the University of Guelph’s Smiling Blue Skies® Cancer Fund and Smiling Blue Skies® Fund for Innovative Research. She received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from the University of Guelph/Ontario Veterinary College. The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund received the “Pets + Us” Community Outreach Champion Award. p. 34

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Andrea Gronwald is a certified family dog trainer through Raise with Praise, Inc., owned and operated by Paul Owens, a leading positive dog training expert. She has worked with dogs as a volunteer for two Humane Societies. Andrea and her dog were also part of a volunteer pet therapy program for veterans. She has taught group and private classes, helping people forming happy relationships with their dogs. Andrea is a strong proponent of positive training methods. p. 10 Sara Jordan-Heintz is a newspaper and magazine journalist. Her articles have appeared in Equine Wellness, Antique Trader, Farm Collector and Discover Vintage America, among others. She is a recipient of the Genevieve Mauck Stoufer Outstanding Young Iowa Journalists Award. Sara’s work is regularly published through the USA Today Network. She is the author of the book Going Hollywood: Midwesterners in Movieland. p. 56 Ramona D. Marek, MS Ed, is an award-winning author who writes about animal care, health and behavior, and cats in the arts. She’s also the author of Cats for the GENIUS. Her feline muses are Tsarevich Ivan, a joie de vivre silver tabby Siberian, and Natasha Fatale, a full-time diva dressed as an “anything but plain” brown tabby. You can read more about Ramona and her work at RamonaMarek.com. p. 20

Erin Mullen is a freelance writer and entrepreneur living in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Saint Vincent College and enjoys spending her free time in the outdoors with her boxers, Emma and Elsa. p. 32

Laurie Riihimaki is a full-time freelance writer and editor covering a range of topics from animals and holistic medicine to fitness and personal development. Her theatre background in Boston, London, and New York City have helped her create a fun voice that she utilizes in her writing. When not writing for work, Laurie puts time into developing novels, poetry, and personal essays. And when she isn't writing, she is directing, acting, painting, exploring nature, reading, or spending time with her family and dog. p. 38 Tonya Wilhelm is a dog training and cat care specialist who promotes positive ways to prevent and manage behavior issues. One of the top ten dog trainers in the US, she has helped thousands build happy relationships with their dogs using humane, positive methods. She wrote Proactive Puppy Care; offers dog training classes; provides training and behavior services; and does workshops at pet expos (raisingyourpetsnaturally.com). p. 68

Patricia Herlevi is a lifestyle journalist and animal communicator who practices animal Reiki and other healing modalities for animals and their guardians. She completed a memoir about fostering the family dog which led to her pursuing certification as an animal communicator. p. 76

Myles Shane is a true lover of animals. He had two dogs while growing up in Winnipeg, and now has a dog and a cat. Over the last decade, Myles has been very involved in the media. He has written and produced for film and television and has written for many high quality magazines across North America. p. 62 Jennifer Hinders is a freelance writer, editor and dog lover who lives in Fairfax, Virginia (jhinders.com). p. 24

MIND, BODY & SPIRIT

By Andrea Gronwald

d r ou y r fo t n ta or p im so ’s it – w hy

og

Just like us, dogs can get bored, frustrated, anxious and depressed due to lack of mental stimulation. This article looks at why mental enrichment is so important to your dog, and how you can introduce more variety and fun into his life.

If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s the importance of social contacts and variety in our lives. Staying home and following the same routine day in and day out, with few social interactions, has left many people feeling bored, frustrated, anxious and depressed. Our dogs can feel the same way when they lack social activities, new experiences, an occupation, and the opportunity to engage in normal canine behaviors. In fact, many canine behavior problems are caused by boredom or a lack of mental stimulation. We now know that mental enrichment is just as important for dogs as physical exercise. Research has shown that increased mental activity results in improved mental health and cognitive function in dogs. It builds confidence, releases stress, and strengthens your mutual bond. In short, your dog will live a happier life. Let’s look at some easy ways to incorporate mental enrichment into your dog’s life.

ADD VARIETY TO YOUR WALKS

Dogs are naturally curious and love to explore. Instead of walking around the same block every day, switch it up a bit.

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Take a new route, visit different parks, or hike new trails so your dog can explore new sights, sounds, and scents.

While physical exercise is important, also give him plenty of time to sniff and investigate. This is his way of exploring the world and catching up on the news.

ALLOW SAFE SOCIAL CONTACT

Dogs are social animals and should be given the opportunity to meet people, other dogs, and other animals.

While the pandemic has limited our ability — and by extension our dogs’ — to interact with others, you can still allow your dog to be social on walks, even if from a distance. If and when pandemic restrictions allow, enroll in a group dog training class or give him the opportunity to play with other dogs. When appropriate, take him with you on errands, when you meet friends, or go to a pet-friendly coffee shop. Of course, for this type of mental enrichment your dog needs to be friendly and enjoy social interactions.

Never force him to interact with anyone.

If he shows signs of fear or aggression, work on those issues first.

PROVIDE HIM WITH PLENTY OF TOYS

Give your dog access to a variety of toys, and encourage play. Some dogs enjoy carrying toys around while others like to chew on them. Many like to play tug or fetch with their people. Provide different types of good quality toys made from different materials to see what your dog prefers. Always supervise him with a new toy at first, to make sure it’s safe for her to play with. While dogs can lose interest in their toys over time, this doesn’t mean you need to buy a new toy every week; instead, rotate them to keep them interesting for your dog.

GIVE YOUR DOG A JOB TO DO

Many people think that only working breeds need a job to do, but any dog will benefit from using his brain. Teaching your dog obedience or a new trick, doing agility, nose work and other canine sports are all ways to physically and mentally challenge him. But you don’t need to enroll in a class to give your dog a job. Most dogs love to hunt and dig, and there are many ways to allow them to pursue these activities in a non-destructive way. Searching for food is a form of hunting, and food-searching games provide great entertainment for dogs. If you are concerned about your dog’s weight, use healthy treats such as boiled chicken, or a portion of his regular meal, for these activities. See the next page for some fun games you can play with your dog to satisfy his instincts and provide mental stimulation.

Incorporating mental enrichment into your dog’s life will increase his happiness and well-being. It allows him to engage in natural behaviors, builds confidence, and gives him a feeling of accomplishment. Best of all, it nixes boredom, anxiety and frustration, and that makes life better for both of you!

For a truly enriching

experience,

keep these points in mind hen you introduce your dog to a new +W

mental enrichment game, always start at an easy level and gradually increase the difficulty to avoid frustration.

ental enrichment has to be positive. +M Always consider your dog’s individual preferences and capabilities.

ake sure the activity is appropriate and +M safe for your dog.

hange up the activities. Doing the same +C

enrichment activity all the time is no longer considered enrichment.

reat excitement and scent work often +G

give dogs the urge to use the bathroom.

After lots of mental work, give your dog the opportunity to go outside.

+ B rain work is exhausting. Don’t be surprised if your dog is ready for a nap afterwards.

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Fun ways to keep him busy

1

Do a treat search

hile your dog is paying attention to you, say “find it” and +W toss a treat on the floor. Repeat a few times until your dog understands to look for the treat on the floor.

ext, make the game a bit more challenging. Have your dog +N watch you hide the treat (e.g. behind your foot or an object close by). Say “find it” and give him some time to figure it out. It will help if you look towards the hiding spot instead of looking at the dog. Dogs follow our gaze, while looking at them can actually “freeze” them in place. Repeat a few times until your dog understands.

radually increase the level of difficulty and hide treats in +G

different spots before you ask your dog to “find it.” Now he really has to use his nose. The goal is to hide numerous treats around your house or yard and then have your dog search for them. This is a fabulous game for your dog to play when you are busy or need to leave him home alone (just don’t leave him in the yard by himself).

3

2

Play “peekaboo”

hile you and your dog are in the same room, hide +W

behind a corner or door, then poke your head out, call “peekaboo” and hide again. Your excited tone of voice should prompt her to come looking for you.

+ As soon as she finds you, praise her enthusiastically. radually make the game more challenging. For +G example, hide in a different room, in a closet, or behind a curtain.

+ Finally, hide when your dog is not paying attention to you and call “peekaboo” from your hiding spot.

In this game, your dog uses her ears and nose to find you. It builds confidence as she learns to explore places on her own. Of course, you can play the game in safe areas outside as well. It’s fun, and the whole family can play together.

Use food dispensing toys and puzzle games

The pet industry has recognized the need for mental enrichment and offers a wide range of food dispensing toys that can encourage your dog to use problem-solving skills and work for his food. Popular treat or food dispensing toys include treat balls, Kongs, and slow feeders. You can even find elaborate puzzle toys from beginner to expert levels.

Alternatively, you can create enrichment toys with everyday household products, like the following:

+ P lace small treats in the compartments of a muffin tray and cover them with balls. Your dog will have to use his nose to detect the treats and use problem-solving skills to get to them. This game is easy enough to play with dogs that are new to enrichment games.

+ T urn delivery boxes and empty plastic bottles into a fun

digging box for your dog. Toss a few treats into the box and cover them with empty plastic bottles and/or balls and let the search begin. You can increase the level of difficulty by stacking several boxes together. If your dog is noise-sensitive

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Animal Wellness

Author's dog, Niko, searching for treats in boxes.

and becomes nervous about the noise of the plastic bottles moving in the box, start out with just a few bottles at first. Because the noise is connected to a fun activity and yummy treats, it’s a great way to build a noise-sensitive dog’s confidence over time. If you have an appropriate outdoor space, you can also install a sand box where your dog is allowed to dig for treats and toys.

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13

LEARNING CURVE

enhance

HOW TO

By Emily Watson

your dog’s

learning ability Improving your dog’s well-being through things like bodywork, diet, and quality time enhances her learning ability — and her quality of life!

Do you have the power to make your dog smarter? The short answer is “yes”!

While some breeds such as border collies and German shepherds have a reputation for being the “smartest” canines, the truth is that all dogs are capable of retaining and applying a lot more knowledge than you might think. And we can sharpen their intelligence even further! While using the right training approaches is important, you can also enhance your dog’s learning ability by supporting her body, mind and soul. Let’s take a closer look…

BODY Illness and injury can hinder your pup’s willingness and ability to learn and behave, so keeping her healthy is vitally important. Not only will it make her a more successful student — it’ll make her a happier dog!

Make sure she gets enough exercise

A bored dog is a bad-mannered dog. The easiest fix? Exercise! Not only will daily walks keep your pup fit, they’ll burn off her excess energy so she’ll be less scattered during your training sessions.

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Animal Wellness

Feed her a high quality diet

A well-balanced, biologically appropriate diet will vitalize your dog from the inside out, enhancing everything from her physical health to her attention span.

Certain supplements can also increase her learning ability. Omega-3s, for instance, support cognitive function, behavior and memory in dogs as they age.

Offer her regular bodywork sessions

Bodywork modalities such as massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, Bowen therapy, Reiki, and T-touch help improve your dog’s wellness on a “whole” level. Depending on what type of bodywork you choose, it can help balance your dog’s energy, reduce pain from injuries and muscle tension, induce relaxation, and improve focus — all factors that contribute to an enhanced learning ability.

Use the right training tools

Gentle, size-appropriate tools will protect your pup from harm and encourage her to learn through supportive encouragement

rather than manipulation. Prong collars and choke chains, for instance, should be replaced with harnesses and clickers.

Perform regular health checks

In addition to bi-annual vet appointments, performing regular health checks at home can help ensure your canine companion stays in peak physical condition.

Remember — the healthier she is, the more ready and able she’ll be to absorb what you teach her! Learn how to do an at-home health check at animalwellnessmagazine.com/ home-health-check-dog-cat.

MIND Psychological enrichment plays a key role in your dog’s learning ability. Here are some tactics you can apply to keep her on her mental game!

Buy her some interactive toys

Engage your pup’s mental faculties on a frequent basis by investing in some interactive puzzle toys! You can also turn suppertime into a skill-testing nose work

Visit animalwellnessmagazine.com/dog-better-student for even more ways to boost your dog’s learning ability! game by hiding pieces of kibble around the house or yard for her to sniff out.

Activities like this will keep her brain sharp and teach her that learning can (and should) be fun!

Be consistent

Always use the same cues and hand signals, and make sure the whole family is on board. Dogs learn through repetition, so it’s important to be patient and repeat the same requests until she catches on. And whatever you do, don’t change the rules! If she’s not allowed on the bed, making an exception on “special occasions” will only confuse her.

Give her time to rest

Dogs need down time, too! Prevent physical and mental burnout by designating plenty of time for her to relax throughout the day.

Keep it challenging (but not too challenging)

To keep your pup engaged during training sessions, find the sweet spot between too easy and too difficult. If she’s struggling to learn, ease up. If she’s catching on too quickly and getting bored, up the ante!

Socialize, socialize, socialize!

No matter how old your pup is, continually expose her to different dogs, people, places, sounds, smells, and other stimuli.

Socialization creates positive associations with different experiences so she’ll have less trouble adapting to new environments

and requests. (For more info on how to socialize your dog when we have to social distance, turn to page 24.)

SOUL When it comes to teaching your pup, don’t overlook the importance of her emotional health!

Dogs may not feel the same way we do, but studies have shown that they have the capacity to experience joy, fear, anger, disgust, and even love.1 An animal that feels happy and safe will be much more open to learning than one that’s scared or angry, so take steps to nurture her soul.

Use essential oils

Certain essential oils like lavender, vetiver, and valerian are known to improve focus and promote a sense of calm. Diffuse high quality oils before training sessions or dilute them and rub them into her coat.

behaviors and make training more fun for both of you.

Stick to a routine

Our canine companions thrive on sticking to a routine, so try to establish one that works for both of you — and stick to it! If your schedule is sporadic, try your best to keep feeding, walking, and training times consistent.

Keep her well groomed

Do you feel your best when your hair is matted and you’re covered in dirt?

No — and neither does your dog! Boost her mood and behavior with consistent grooming. Some breeds need more attention in this area than others, but as a general rule of thumb, don’t go more than a week without brushing her coat. Nails trims, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing can be left to once or twice a month.

Spend quality time with her

We all know how tough it can be to carve out time in our busy schedules to just be with our canine companions. But building a better bond with your pup will make her feel more fulfilled and eager to please you!

Choose praise over punishment

Positive reinforcement is starting to reign supreme over punishment-based training methods — and with good reason.

Humane techniques instill positive 1

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/201303/which-emotions-do-dogs-actually-experience

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HEALTH WATCH

HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG OR CAT

Adequate water intake is essential to good health, particularly during the hot summer months. Here’s why, along with tips on keeping your dog or cat hydrated.

D gs Cats

hydrated

By Jared Mitchell, DVM, CVMA

As summer arrives, fresh adventures await our four-legged friends and their human companions. Maintaining proper health is vital to enjoying these grand adventures, and one key component, especially for outdoor enthusiasts, is maintaining adequate hydration. Take a look at why hydration is so important to your dog or cat’s health, and how to help ensure he’s drinking enough water.

WHAT DOES HYDRATION MEAN? When we think of hydration, the first thing that usually comes to mind is water. Good ol’ H2O. Water makes up most of our bodies — and those of our animals — and its role in maintaining good health is unparalleled.

While water is the major contributor to hydration, it doesn’t work alone. As we

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take water into our bodies, it interacts with a number of physiological pathways that incorporate it into everyday functions necessary for maintaining proper cellular health and homeostatic balance in the blood, tissues, and organs.

WHY IS HYDRATION SO IMPORTANT? Water nourishes every cell in the body.

Without proper hydration, the normal everyday functions of the body are impaired. The hydration of cells, for example, is important to the intracellular functions needed to provide cellular respiration, energy, and growth. Without proper hydration, cells would not be able to effectively communicate with one another. As dehydration worsens, neurological imbalances and decreased mental states can occur. Eventually, cells can become diseased and die.

Hydration is also very important for the composition and movement of blood within the body. Red and white blood cells, along with antigens and antibodies, play an optimal role in the immune system. Without proper hydration, the body’s immune system may not function at peak efficiency, more easily opening the door for illnesses to develop.

Did you know? Serum, the liquid part of blood when separated, is comprised of fluid and proteins. It can be used for diagnostic testing, but can be harder to obtain in dehydrated animals and could result in the inability to perform much-needed lab tests.

In well-hydrated animals, blood flows very easily throughout the body. It circulates and nourishes all the organs, keeping them happy and healthy. The reverse is true for dehydrated animals.

Their blood will not flow as easily and becomes very thick and viscous.

It is almost as if the blood stagnates or stalls within the vessels. When this occurs, problems such as blood clots and poor circulation can lead to organ dysfunction.

SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION IN YOUR DOG OR CAT Signs of dehydration can vary based on its severity and any disease process that may be occurring. After exercise, for example, an animal will need to drink enough water to replace what was lost during the activity. When this occurs, the dog or cat’s hydration usually returns to normal with no ongoing losses. However, an animal suffering from an illness such as diarrhea is more likely to become dehydrated because of ongoing fluid losses. In these cases, the dog or cat may need to drink more than the usual amount of water to try

and balance out the ongoing losses and maintain hydration.

Did you know? Sometimes, IV fluids may need to be administered by a veterinarian to help rehydrate an animal.

While a definitive diagnosis of dehydration can be determined based on laboratory tests performed by your veterinarian, there are some common signs you can watch for and ways to help prevent severe dehydration from occurring in your dog or cat.

• When an animal begins to become dehydrated, the body tries to protect the most vital organs such as the brain, heart, lungs, and kidneys.

This in turn leaves the skin and outer organs showing some initial signs of dehydration. As a dog or cat become more dehydrated, his overall appearance will change. He can look unkempt and “sickly.” His coat can

SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION • Dry, sticky gums

• Decreased skin elasticity • Eyes “weak”-looking and appear to be “sunken in” • Dry nose • Decreased urination • Dry and/or decreased feces • Panting • Loss of appetite • Weakness • Internal organ dysfunction or failure in severe cases, then neurologic disturbances leading to eventual coma and death

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ACTION STEPS

EVALUATING HYDRATION WITH SKIN ELASTICITY AND GUM MOISTURE TESTS These are useful tests when checking for dehydration. Just be careful when handling your animal’s mouth, or when “pinching” and “moving” his skin. Even the sweetest of dogs and cats can become agitated and bite if scared or not feeling well. To begin, carefully approach your animal, rub him and reassure him that everything is okay.

TO CHECK THE GUMS:

q Carefully approach your dog or cat, and rub him and reassure him that everything is ok.

w Lift up the lips until you can see the gums. e Note the color of the gums. Are they pale pink, pink, blue or white? Normal color is usually pink to pale pink — any other color warrants veterinary attention.

r Carefully and gently touch his gums. Do they feel moist or dry? Well-hydrated animals should have wet gums.

TO CHECK THE SKIN:

q As you rub down the back of your animal, notice how the skin and hair feel to your touch. Do they feel vibrant and healthy or dry and scaly?

w Next, in the lower neck and shoulder area,* gently lift the skin and release it. As you release, count how long it takes for the skin to return to its normal position. Healthy, well-hydrated skin will “snap” back into place very quickly.

Dehydrated skin will continue to stand.

The time it takes for the skin to return to normal gives some idea of the severity of the dehydration. Most normal skin will return to normal position within a count of two to three, if not sooner. * The author does not use the neck or “scruff” area due to the extra amount of skin here, and the fact that elasticity seems to decrease with age and can give false results.

Your results from these tests should be validated and confirmed by your veterinarian and the proper diagnostic laboratory tests.

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become dry and brittle and his skin loses its normal elasticity.

Testing skin elasticity is a quick assessment for dehydration (see sidebar at left).

• Additionally, the mouth may become dry and sticky. The saliva, which should be wet and stringy, becomes thick and viscous as secretions begin to dry up, and the gums get very dry.

• As dehydration and electrolyte imbalances worsen, animals may exhibit behavioral and neurological signs. They can become restless and agitated.

They may try to seek out any source of liquid, even toxic substances, in an effort to try and rehydrate themselves. As the dehydration continues, the animal will become ataxic, walking with an abnormal and unsteady gait; and as he becomes weaker, he will be unable to stand and mental functions become impaired.

• If dehydration goes unchecked and is not treated, the most severe cases can progress to organ failure, or coma and death.

3 STEPS TO KEEPING HIM HYDRATED During the course of a day, both humans and animals lose a given amount of water through normal physiological functions such as respiration and excretion (urination and defecation).

A homeostatic balance is maintained by replacing what is lost. This can be achieved in numerous ways and includes the intake of water and fluids as well as moisture derived from food.

1

Always provide fresh, clean, pure water, and change it every day. In some cases, particularly with cats, animals may prefer the water to be moving instead of still. To encourage more water intake, invest in a water fountain made for pets.

2

Another important factor is your dog or cat’s food. It should provide not only optimal species-specific nutrition, but also the proper moisture content.

Did

you know? Healthy treats can also help with adding extra moisture to the body, and can include certain fruits such as watermelon and cucumbers.

Remove seeds and rinds first.

3

If you and/or your animal are going to be doing strenuous exercise, or spending extended periods in an environment where dehydration could easily occur, make sure to provide plenty of fresh water. It is equally important to have a plan in place if your animal does become dehydrated, or develops a condition, such a diarrhea or vomiting, that could lead to dehydration. Knowing when to get to the veterinarian, and which clinics are open for emergency care, will save time and stress.

Caught in its earliest stages, dehydration is easy to remedy. By being informed and following the advice in this article, you and your four-legged companion can relax and enjoy the summer together!

AT HOME

Working from

home with pets

D gs Cats

By Ramona Marek

Over a year into the pandemic, more people are working from home than ever before. Maintaining your productivity while managing your dog or cat’s need for attention involves something of a balancing act.

The number of people working from home has risen exponentially over the last year, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many home-based workers also have dogs and cats, and while we value our furry co-workers’ love and companionship during this time of isolation, there’s no denying they also present challenges in the home workspace. They’re known to interrupt telephone calls and Zoom meetings,

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and can disrupt our overall focus on work. If you’ve ever tried working with your cat lying across the keyboard, or your dog pawing at your legs, you know what I mean! Those of us who were accustomed to working from home with our animals before the pandemic have mostly found our groove. For newcomers to the “WFH with pets” gig, it can take some adjustment. Here are a few tips on how to successfully

integrate your dog or cat into your home office and work schedule, and satisfy his need for attention without sacrificing your work prodctivity.

CREATE A ROUTINE For many of us, a daily routine keeps us on track and we feel discombobulated when our schedules get thrown off. The same is true for our dogs and cats. The

recipe for successfully working from home with your four-legged friend starts with having a predictable daily routine.

FOR DOGS: “Dogs love routine. It provides structure for them. If you have to exercise your dog at the same time every day due to your work schedule, that’s fine by him. If you only have time to play with him before or after your workday, that’s okay, too.

This doesn’t mean, however, that schedules have to be set in stone. If you get an early break and have time for an extra play session, by all means do so!" — Teoti Anderson, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP FOR CATS: “Cats are creatures of habit and they tend to thrive better with consistency in their lives. Routine builds confidence and security by making activities like mealtime, playtime, or sleep time familiar and predictable. The stability and security also helps them form stronger bonds with their guardians.” — Lynn Bahr, DVM

CAN HE AMUSE HIMSELF? Time spent with our dogs and cats is time well spent, but we cannot always give them our full attention, especially if we have deadlines to meet or Zoom meetings to attend. It’s important that your animal has acceptable ways to entertain himself that occupy both his body and his mind, especially when you need to focus on work.

“Both cats and dogs can learn to focus on food-stuffed puzzle toys, and appropriate chew or play toys, but they have to be taught,” says Anderson “So many people overlook this training. If you need to work from home and you don't want your animal pestering you for attention, teach him to choose a toy until you're available.”

Down time is important for dogs and cats, too, to avoid overstimulation. With their people at home more, some animals actually prefer less interaction and need a safe, quiet retreat to rest in. You may consider putting your dog or cat’s bed in your office, if it isn't a distraction for you or your animals. For others, a separate room may be preferable.

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The recipe for successfully working from home with your four-legged friend starts with having a predictable daily routine.

Dogs and cats create their own entertainment when bored, which is fun for them but probably not for you.

You don’t want to interrupt a business call because your dog is chewing your favorite shoes or your cat is climbing the curtains. A bored, frustrated animal with pent-up energy needs a positive outlet before he starts engaging in destructive behavior. When you take a break, grab a toy and spark a play session. A playedout animal is a healthy, happy animal.

FOR DOGS: “All dogs need physical cardio exercise, but how much depends on your dog’s age, health and breed(s).

The average pug has different exercise requirements than the average golden retriever. In general, I recommend about 15 minutes of cardio activity a day. Please know this does not mean a walk — a typical walk doesn’t get a dog’s heart rate up enough to qualify for good exercise.

Turning the dog loose in the backyard isn’t going to cut it, either. Most dogs run around, then stop and sniff, then run some more, then stop. A period of vigorous play can help meet your dog’s exercise requirements, and tire him out so you can work when you go back in.”

— Anderson FOR CATS: “Activity is extremely important to every cat’s health and well-being, and it prevents boredom,

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depression, anxiety, conditions like obesity, and many inflammatory diseases. Pet parents should actively play with their cats at least twice a day for a minimum of five to ten minutes.

Active play can include activities that get cats running, jumping, chasing, and pouncing. Other activities that promote physical well-being include clicker training, foraging, climbing opportunities and supervised outdoor time.” — Dr. Bahr

DON’T FORGET MENTAL STIMULATION Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. We know that working in front of a computer for hours at a time, attending endless video meetings, or creating a project is mentally taxing and often leaves us exhausted.

“Mental stimulation and environmental enrichment are important for your dog’s brain health and development. Even old dogs can learn new things! If you want a dog that is easier to live with, engage his brain. Teach him behaviors that make up good manners.

Teach him what he is FOR DOGS:

allowed to chew. If you have a super smart dog, this is critical.” — Anderson “Cats need to keep their brains active too. Lack of mental stimulation can cause boredom, depression and behavior problems. It is vital that we provide our indoor cats with ways to keep their minds and bodies stimulated. Opening windows, scent enrichment, new toys, and cat trees are all ways to engage our cats and keep them active and entertained.” — Dr. Bahr FOR CATS:

Working from home with our dogs and cats may require finessing, but it’s also rewarding. By positively satisfying your animal’s need for attention, you can successfully manage your time and productivity, and focus on work without a furry “assistant” trying to distract you!

Photo courtesy of Ramona Marek© www.ramonamarek.com

PROVIDE ENOUGH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

The author's cat, Ivan, in his role as home office assistant.

Images courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society

GOOD TO HEAR!

LA animal shelters latest to achieve no-kill status Thanks to the hard work and dedication of its animal shelters, leaders and community members, Los Angeles recently became a no-kill metropolis, making it the “City of Angels” in more ways than one.

No-kill shelters are gaining ground everywhere in North America, most recently in Los Angeles, the secondlargest city in the US. In fact, Best Friends Animal Society recently announced that LA’s animal shelters have officially achieved no-kill status.

It’s a spectacular achievement, especially for a city of nearly 40 million residents.

“Our motto is that by working together, we can ‘Save Them All’, and Los Angeles is proof that any community can make it happen,” says Michelle Sathe, public relations manager for Best Friends. When the organization first launched its No-Kill Los Angeles (NKLA) initiative in 2012, only 56% of dogs and cats were making it out of LA city shelters alive. In 2020, thanks to the efforts of Los Angeles

Animal Services, a coalition of animal welfare organizations, compassionate leaders, and a dedicated community, the city sustained a save rate of 90%.

(This percentage is the nationally recognized benchmark for a city or state to be considered “no-kill”, given that approximately 10% of animals who enter shelters have serious problems that warrant humane euthanasia.)

“

“If Los Angeles can do it, any city can.”

“It’s difficult to overstate the enormity of this moment and its place in the history of the no-kill movement,” says Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends.

“NKLA has demonstrated what’s possible when an entire community works together, and if Los Angeles can do it, any city can.”

The no-kill movement doesn’t stop with LA. In fact, Best Friends’ goal is make the entire US a no-kill nation by 2025.

So far, the states of Utah, Washington, Colorado and New York are very close to achieving no-kill status. “Every animal lover can play a part by adopting or fostering, spaying and neutering their existing animals, volunteering, donating, or sharing news about their local shelters and its animals on social media,” Michelle says. Additionally, the Best Friends Pet Lifesaving Dashboard (bestfriends.org/2025-goal) allows you to help save more lives by seeing what the greatest needs are for the shelter system in your own community.

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8 TRAINING TALK

— when you have to social distance

By Jennifer Hinders

Socialization is an important part of a dog’s development. But how can you introduce him to the world when we can’t freely interact with others? Here are eight suggestions to safely socialize your new dog during the pandemic.

“There’s no such thing as too much socialization,” says veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Nicholas Dodman. But in the midst of a pandemic when social distancing has become the norm, how can you socialize a newly adopted puppy or dog? If you’ve recently added a new canine companion to your household, read on for some ideas on how to socialize him while keeping your distance from others.

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SOCIALIZATION IDEAS DURING COVID-19 1. Expose your new dog to different parts of your home ake him into parts of the house he T wouldn’t normally go so he can explore and sniff. For example, take him into the garage. Pick up a rake and pretend to rake leaves, or push the wheelbarrow. The sound of turning wheels or a scraping rake will help your dog learn about the garage.

While he explores, watch for signs of fear or hesitation, and give him a treat to help him adjust and feel that being in the garage is a positive experience.

During the first week after adopting your dog, take him into a new room or area every day so he can be exposed to all the smells, sounds, and sights associated with your home. If he acts afraid, keep sessions short, and remember to start creating positive associations using treats and praises.

"The sound of turning wheels or a scraping rake will help your dog learn about the garage."

2. Dress up as a “stranger” B ecause you can’t go out and socialize with your dog the way you normally would, expose him to “strangers” at home. Have someone in your household dress up in hats, scarves, hoodies or sunglasses. When the family member walks into the room, talk quietly to your dog, reassuring him and giving him rewards. Let him sniff the “stranger” and discover that the person is safe. If your pup is skittish, keep trying this exercise over the coming weeks until he becomes more relaxed.

3. Go for car rides T ake your new dog for rides in the car.

Make the rides short to start with, and

travel to different locations. To begin with, drive through quiet spots. A ride into a busy area will expose your dog to a lot of new sights and sounds such as horns and sirens, squealing brakes, or loud truck engines; these noises can be overwhelming at first, so avoid them if possible. Take your dog near school buildings so he can hear kids playing outside, or to rural areas where he will see and hear cows, horses, and farm machinery. Keep reassuring him, and give him treats so he learns that car rides are a pleasant experience.

4. Create obstacle courses Another way to help socialize your dog is to let him navigate different obstacles in your house or yard. Let him walk on different textures like rugs, wooden floors, a deck or concrete

sidewalk. Guide him on a walk under a table or around the sofa, letting him learn how to adapt to the different obstacles. Never force him to do something, however, as it can make him fearful and sometimes even aggressive.

Always talk in a calm voice, reassuring your dog, and using lots of healthy high-value treats. This will help him feel safe and at ease as he explores.

A nother idea is to take your dog to an empty playground and let him sniff and walk around on the different surfaces. If he seems timid, toss treats on the various surfaces to encourage him to try walking on them.

5. Walk him around your neighborhood T aking your dog on walks around the neighborhood will also help him experience new things. Let him walk on the grass or around a tree. Always

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Why is socialization important for dogs?

In order to become a confident, well-rounded adult, a puppy or young dog needs to learn as soon as possible how to adjust to all kinds of situations, people, and other dogs. If he isn’t properly socialized, he can become fearful, shy, and even aggressive.

Ideally, socialization should begin in the early months of a dog’s life, but you can start as soon as you bring your new dog home from the shelter or rescue, regardless of his age.

7. Prepare your dog for his first vet visit

watch his body language to observe how he’s feeling, and if he acts scared, keep reassuring him in a calm voice.

While maintaining a proper distance, stop and greet a neighbor during the walk. Tell him to sit, and give him treats while you have a short chat with your neighbor. Give him lots of praise as you continue on your walk. Making the walk a positive experience will help your dog learn to enjoy different sights, sounds, and people.

6. Meet other dogs “Dogs enjoy the company of other dogs, and learn from them,” says Dr. Dodman. “They play rough and learn signals from each other.” Invite other dog parents to bring their dogs to your backyard to play with your new canine. You’ll need to socially distance, of course. At first, keep all the dogs on leashes and allow them to sniff one another. Your dog may be hesitant at first, but if the others continue to come over for visits, he will grow more comfortable around others of his kind As your dog grows comfortable with the visits, remove the leashes and allow the dogs to play together. Just be sure to supervise them, and keep play time short to ensure your dog is handling the socialization well.

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Since trips to the veterinarian will be a regular occurrence during your dog’s life, he needs to be prepared for his first visit. Get him used to having his paws handled to help ready him for nail trims. Gently play with your dog’s back, tummy, and tail to prepare him for being examined. Remember to give him lots of praise and treats so he will develope a positive association with this type of handling.

home, so expose him to as many as you can. Play music, ring the doorbell, and allow the microwave to ding while he eats, plays, or even sleeps. If he acts afraid, turn down the music or try again later. Again, provide him with praise and treats to make noises a positive experience.

S ocializing your new puppy or young dog helps him learn about the world around him. Doing this during COVID-19 is certainly challenging, but there are lots of creative ways to accomplish it.

Hopefully, the ideas in this article will inspire you to provide your dog with lots of positive experiences so he can grow into a confident, well-adjusted companion.

8. Expose him to different sounds Your dog needs to adapt to hearing a lot of different sounds, both inside and outside your

Is visiting the dog park a good way to socialize him?

Dog parks can be a good experience for your new dog, but only if you’re sure he’s ready for this experience. Always take a good look at the other dogs in the play area before you enter. Don’t take a pup or young dog inside if the other dogs all look older or seem aggressive. Some dog parks have a space for puppies, and this might be a better choice for your young dog at first. You don’t want him to have a bad experience on his first visit to a dog park, as he could get hurt or become afraid of meeting other dogs.

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AP

PROVED

PRODUCT

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What we love: Every ingredient serves a specific nutritional and/or health purpose.

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What we love: Their fruits and vegetables are sourced locally, with letters of guarantee from all suppliers.

Support his health with quality fish oil Fish oil offers your dog many benefits — it helps keep his coat shiny, his skin healthy, and his joints comfortable. Iceland Pure provides the highest quality pharmaceutical grade fish oil products, sourced from Norway and Iceland. The oils are extracted at very low temperatures to keep the fatty To guarantee freshness, acids intact and rich in nutrients. they bottle only what icelandpure.com they need to deliver in a week’s time.

What we love:

What we love:

Raw feeding for the great outdoors Planning to take your dog camping this summer? Freeze-dried foods made from raw ingredients are a convenient way to ensure he gets healthy nutrition.

Northwest Naturals Freeze Dried Diets are made from whole food ingredients such as beef, chicken, salmon, lamb, and also contain fresh veggies, fruits and herbs.

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New dry food puts meat first These new kibble recipes from Redbarn recreate your dog’s ancestral diet. The first five ingredients are high quality meats, fish, or poultry. Naturally enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, and available with whole grains or grain-free, each serving supports your pup’s digestive, heart, skin and coat health.

redbarn.com

The company donates food, treats and chews to shelters, rescue groups, and other animal-related organizations.

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FELINE HEALTH Most cats, at some point in their lives, develop lower urinary tract disease. From struvite crystals to urethral plugs, these problems are debilitating, costly to treat, and can even be life-threatening. A range of both conventional and holistic therapies can be used to treat and prevent FLUTD, but one of the most effective is to switch your cat to a raw diet.

EVOLUTIONARY NUTRITION

Lower urinary tract disease is one of the most common conditions affecting felines. Ridding your cat of FLUTD may be as simple as switching him to a raw diet.

By Ian Billinghurst, BVSc (Hons), BScAgr Dip Ed

Even cats with a genetic predisposition to form crystals will rarely do so when fed a properly-constructed diet based on evolutionary principles.

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Giving your cat a diet based on the principles of evolutionary nutrition (aka raw), means feeding him the way his species evolved to eat over the last 30 million years or so.

Unfortunately, during the 20th century, the “cleverness” of modern science started turning many inappropriate ingredients into cat food. The result is that a host of health issues, including FLUTD, have surfaced in our cats.

NUTRITION MUST MATCH YOUR CAT’S GENOME Modern industrial cat foods have one basic fault: they fail to match the nutritional requirements of your cat’s genome.

One manifestation of this fault is the development of urinary crystals, particularly in cats that eat dry foods only.

WHAT ABOUT PRESCRIPTION DIETS? Modern prescription diets designed to prevent the formation of struvite crystals are restricted in protein, contain moderate levels of salt to encourage water intake, are low in magnesium and phosphorus, and produce a slightly acidic urine. However, because they are cooked, grain-based, and lacking in the nutrients found in raw whole foods, they continue to produce all the health problems inherent in industrial food.

This contrasts dramatically with a properly-formulated evolutionary program of nutrition for cats, which not only has the characteristics necessary to prevent crystalluria, but promotes all other aspects of feline health.

Apart from being cooked at high temperatures (which destroys nutrient integrity), based on grain, and supplying too much poor quality plant protein, many commercial cat foods contain high levels of crystal-forming material. Additionally, they typically produce alkaline urine, are dehydrating (in dry form), and do not support the protective function of the bladder wall or the healthy development of your cat’s immune system. These nutritional problems, when combined with a genetic tendency to produce crystals, can result in major issues, particularly in male cats in whom urinary tract blockages are not uncommon.

In contrast, real, whole raw food is biologically appropriate for cats; this is the diet that matches your cat’s genome, and that he has evolved to eat. A raw diet ensures optimal (i.e. maximally healthy) functioning, including a healthy urinary tract. Even cats with a genetic predisposition to form crystals will rarely do so when fed a properly-constructed diet based on evolutionary principles.

A PROGRAM OF NUTRITION FOR FLUTD We have been successfully using biologically appropriate raw food diets for cats for many years now as part of a successful clinical program to combat FLUTD. Interestingly, this program is not restricted in phosphorus, magnesium or ammonium (protein); no properly formulated diet for cats should be.

Such restrictions are not necessary because it is the poorlyformulated, cooked, processed, and grain-based industrial foods that are behind the problem of FLUTD. These (dry) foods produce a state of chronic dehydration, an unnecessarily high pH, a less than optimally-performing immune system and a less than healthy lining (epithelium or mucosa) in the urinary tract.

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SUPPLEMENTS FOR CATS WITH LONGTERM FLUTD

HOW A RAW DIET PREVENTS FLUTD

If your cat has had FLUTD for some time, permanent damage may have been done to his lower urinary tract. In this case, supplementation with methionine or ascorbic acid (as urinary acidifiers) plus extra cartilage is an excellent idea, as is the use of supplemental cranberry and distilled water. Be sure to work with a holistic or integrative veterinarian when giving supplements to your cat.

Because raw diets have a biologically appropriate level of moisture (cats are designed to derive most if not all of their water from food) they do not contribute to subclinical dehydration. The cat eating raw food is now consuming much more liquid than one eating dry commercial food. This ensures the urine is not super concentrated. The resulting more voluminous urine dilutes the stone-forming constituents, preventing crystalluria.

OXALATE VS. STRUVITE CRYSTALS Although oxalate crystalluria is becoming more common (mostly because of the over-acidification of some cat foods in an effort to prevent struvite crystalluria), struvite remains the most common type of crystalluria seen in today’s cats. Struvite crystals are composed of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphorus; the conditions required for their formation include alkaline urine with high concentrations of these basic components. Not uncommonly, struvite crystals form in the presence of a urinary tract infection.

The good news is that no matter which crystal type forms, switching to a properlyformulated raw diet (as opposed to grain-based industrial food), results in a normalization of the cat’s metabolism, including the disappearance of urinary crystals.

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When a crystal-forming cat is switched to a properly-formulated raw food diet, we note the following:

Being free of grains, a raw diet has most of its minerals supplied in the form of raw bones (the biologically appropriate form for a cat), resulting in optimal absorption and excretion (in fact a major reduction) of phosphorus and magnesium.

Typically, this diet results in a neutral to slightly acidic urine.

Because a raw diet results in a huge improvement in the overall health of the cat — particularly the immune system and the urinary tract epithelium — urinary tract infections decline or disappear, along with the stimulus for crystal formation.

Finally, because this diet is based on bones, meat, and fresh raw organ material, it contains appreciable levels of: • Cartilage — which contributes to the health of the bladder lining (mucosa) • Extra vitamin C (cats do make their own vitamin C) — vital for immune

system health, maintenance of bladder wall collagen, urinary acidification and antioxidant ability • Vitamin A — essential for immune and mucous membrane health • Essential fatty acids — which offer anti-inflammatory and other health enhancing attributes • Vitamin E, B vitamins, zinc, and all other protective nutrients — present in abundance, and necessary for the health and well-being of the cat, including his immune and urinary systems.

In short, this raw whole food program is highly suitable for the prevention of crystal formation in most cats, including those that have suffered severe and long-term problems with FLUTD. I have received numerous letters and emails over the years from people whose cats were crystal producers. They have all reported that switching their cats to a raw diet (either commercially-produced or homemade) eliminated the problem.

This mirrors my own experiences as a veterinarian in practice for over 40 years; during that time, I have rarely diagnosed or treated crystals in cats that have been raised and maintained on a properlyformulated raw food diet.

From the NASC

“Trust but verify”

when selecting supplements for your dog or cat

Finding answers to some simple questions can make product selection much easier.

By Bill Bookout

Supplements can play a key role in helping your dog or cat live a long, healthy, happy life. This is particularly true when they’re incorporated as an element of whole animal care that also includes a high quality diet, regular exercise, routine veterinary checkups, and a stimulating environment with training and socialization.

Many consumers believe that if a product has made its way to the store shelf, it must come from a reputable and responsible company. But products of questionable quality do sometimes reach store shelves and online marketplaces. It is important that you take a “trust but verify” approach when evaluating animal supplements, and ask these five questions:

» 1 DO PRODUCT CLAIMS SOUND TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?

Outrageous product claims should be an immediate red flag. Supplements are not magic bullets. If a company overtly claims — or even implies — that the product will treat, prevent, mitigate, or cure any disease, they are misleading consumers and breaking the law. This applies to claims on product packaging, as well as marketing materials including the company’s website and social media channels.

» 2 DOES THE PRODUCT HAVE A LOT NUMBER? Lot numbers do not guarantee quality, but they do demonstrate that the manufacturer likely complies with some type of quality manufacturing standards that require product traceability. Lot numbers are also essential in helping manufacturers notify customers in the event of a problem.

» 3 ARE PRODUCT INGREDIENTS AND AMOUNTS CLEARLY LISTED?

You should be able to easily determine the ingredients in a product and exactly how much of each ingredient is contained in one administration.

Ingredients should be listed in descending order by amount, but be aware that large numbers may be misleading. An ingredient with a large number followed by “ppm,” meaning parts per million, actually indicates a dilute concentration of the ingredient.

» 4 IS THERE CONTACT INFORMATION IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?

The label should list the company supplying the product and their contact information. When you call, the company should have a technician or veterinarian on staff who can answer

your questions about the product, and about testing protocols and quality standards the company follows.

» 5 DOES THE PRODUCT HAVE THE NASC QUALITY SEAL? To display the National Animal Supplement Council’s Quality Seal on their products, a supplier must pass a comprehensive third-party manufacturing audit every two years, maintain ongoing compliance with rigorous NASC quality standards, and pass random independent product testing to ensure products meet label claim.

Price is a final consideration. Cheap products are typically cheap for a reason; quality ingredients and responsible manufacturing cost money. That said, don’t spend more than you can afford.

Instead, determine a price range that fits your budget and buy the best quality product you can get for that amount.

To see a listing of companies whose products carry the NASC Quality Seal, visit nasc.cc/members.

Bill Bookout is president and founder of the National Animal Supplement Council. He has more than 30 years’ experience in the animal health industry and holds a bachelor’s degree in physical sciences from the University of Wyoming, and a master’s degree from the Pepperdine University Presidents and Key Executives MBA program.

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SAFETY FIRST

Does your dog

love

water ? the

By Erin Mullen

Most dogs love the water, and now that summer’s here, they get a big kick out of wading, splashing and swimming in lakes and streams. Read on for tips to help ensure your aquatic pooch stays safe and healthy.

If your dog loves splashing and playing in the water during the summer, he’s in good company. While some canines prefer to stay dry, many breeds and their mixes are drawn to paddle and swim in lakes, streams and pools as if they were born to it. Retrievers, Labs, Newfoundlands, and many spaniels are among the top water-loving breeds.

And aquatic dog sports, like dock diving, paddleboarding, and even surfing, are becoming increasingly popular.

Whatever breed/s your water-loving dog may be, and whatever activity he’s involved in, it’s important to consider his safety and well-being both during and after his time in the water. This article covers some key questions to ask before you let him wade into any body of water.

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IS THE WATER WARM ENOUGH? Depending on where you live, water temperatures can remain cold even in the summer. While breeds from colder regions of the world can swim safely in lower temperatures, even they can get too cold if they stay in the water for long periods. Generally speaking, much like the ambient air temperature, if the water is too cold for you, it is too cold for your dog. “If you feel it’s not warm enough for you to go in, then it’s probably not warm enough for most dogs,” says holistic veterinarian Dr. Patrick Mahaney. It is always best to err on the side of caution and keep your dog out of chilly water to prevent hypothermia.

WHAT ARE THE CURRENTS LIKE? Many dogs will dive into whatever body of water is available, including those where swimming might not be safe.

Keep your dog away from any waters where there are strong currents or undertows. Before visiting a potential swimming site with your dog, research it to make sure it’s safe, and pay attention to any signage warning of currents or undercurrents. Be especially wary of rapidly-moving water, and keep your dog ashore.

If the water has any degree of green sheen on the surface or throughout, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) may be present.

IS THERE BACTERIA IN THE WATER? One unfortunate consequence of swimming in natural bodies of water is the possibility of encountering dangerous bacteria. Dr. Mahaney warns against letting your dog drink from or swim in water that’s stagnant or very shallow: “It could potentially harbor infectious organisms such as Leptospirosis, which could cause severe illness and death. Cyanobacteria is another serious danger. “If the water has any degree of green sheen on the surface or throughout, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) may be present,” says Dr. Mahaney. “If your dog ingests even a few sips of this water, he could suffer internal organ damage, neurologic problems, and even death.”

IS THERE DANGEROUS DEBRIS ON THE BOTTOM? Another risk to watch out for is debris in the water. Be sure that the swimming location does not have sharp objects on the bottom, such as broken glass or metal; even sharp rocks or shells can cut a dog’s paw pads. Also ensure that there’s nothing your dog could get caught on, such as a submerged stump. Ideally, you should be able to see the dog’s feet through the water when he’s swimming. Some bodies of water might also be contaminated with floating or submerged trash, or even chemicals that could be harmful if swallowed. Steer your dog well clear of any unclean water.

HOW LONG HAS HE BEEN IN THE WATER?

After the swim

After your dog has finished his fun in the water, you need to attend to his coat, skin, eyes, ears and paws to make sure they’re clean and undamaged.

• Rinse your dog off to remove any algae, contaminants, chlorine, salt, and other substances found in many bodies of water.

• Your dog should be thoroughly dried as well, especially beneath his harness.

• Caring for your dog’s ears after a swim is essential. “The ears are a susceptible place where moisture, darkness, and warmth create a microenvironment that promotes the growth of bacteria and yeast,” says Dr. Mahaney.

“Performing an ear flush with a veterinary-prescribed ear cleaning solution after each swim is an appropriate way to reduce the potential for ear infections, and remove allergens and environmental debris.” Gently drying your dog’s ears will help reduce the chances of infection from residual water.

As we know, many dogs are very committed, all-ornothing creatures that like to play and exercise until they drop. This can pose a danger when it comes to swimming — if your dog enters a large body of water and continues to swim until tired, he may not be able to make it back to land or his starting place in order to rest.

“If you’re swimming in any areas where your dog could be compromised, or if you are going out on a boat and/ or your dog is not an excellent swimmer, have him wear a canine-appropriate floatation device,” Dr. Mahaney says.

By answering the questions presented in this article, you can help ensure your dog’s water activities will be safe as well as fun. It’s also important to check him over and clean him up after his time in the water (see sidebar at right).

Safe swimming!

• Your pup’s paws are paramount when swimming.

He needs to use them to paddle and propel himself through the water. To keep his feet healthy and kicking, be sure they are also rinsed and dried after his time in the water. Bacteria, yeast, and even debris can hide between the toes and around the pads, so it’s important to rinse and then gently dry them.

• During a swim, your dog’s eyes may encounter dirt, algae, or irritants such as chlorine. “When undesirable things get on the tear film, put in some irrigating eye wash, like saline, such as you would use in your own eyes,” advises Dr. Mahaney. “Be sure to just use pure saline solution without any chemicals intended to reduce eye redness.” Depending on the situation, wiping your dog’s eyes gently with a soft towel is another good option. Inspect his eyes and make sure they look healthy, clear, and are not bloodshot. If there is any indication of injury, call your veterinarian to arrange for a physical examination.

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Summer smoothies YOU CAN SHARE WITH YOUR DOG

Smoothies are a delicious and refreshing way to boost nutritional intake. And with a few ingredient tweaks, you can also share them your dog!

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By Dr. Suzi Beber, Honouris Causa

Smoothies have become a nutritional mainstay for many people. Just toss some fresh fruits, veggies, nut milk, yogurt, or other ingredients into a blender, food processer or Magic Bullet, and voila — you have a flavorful drink that’s packed full of health-boosting vitamins and minerals. But here’s what makes smoothies even better — you can share them with your dog! Each of the following recipes can be

Banana Split 1 banana 1 cup strawberries 1 cup yogurt (e.g. goat, sheep) ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Nutrition notes • Bananas are the perfect treat for dogs. Fresh or frozen, they are packed with vitamins and minerals, including copper, magnesium, manganese, and potassium, vitamins B6 and C. They are also a valuable source of fiber.

• Strawberries provide fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins A and C, and folate. They have a high polyphenol content and their anthocyanin may help support heart health. Their high potassium content is beneficial too. Quercetin, a flavonoid found in strawberries, acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.

• Goat’s milk contains more B1, B2, B6, B12, biotin, folic acid, and pantothenic acid than cow’s milk, and is easier to digest due to the makeup of its protein, also known as casein. Goat’s milk contains a higher percentage of fatty acids than any other milk. Sheep’s milk is naturally homogenized and contains vitamins A, B, B1, B6, B12, C, D and E, along with calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. It has ten essential amino acids, and twice the fat found in cow’s milk, including Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids. Sheep’s milk is also rich in medium chain fatty acids. Its fat globules are small, making them easier to digest.

prepared the same way you’d make your own smoothies (in fact, you and your human family will love them too!). They’re great as meal toppers for your dog, or pour them into ice cube trays, freeze them, then pop them out for refreshing summer treats. You can even use smoothies as a base for making healthy dog biscuits. Remember to use organic ingredients whenever possible.

Berry Blast

1 banana 1 cup mixed berries (e.g. blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries) 1 cup almond milk Splash of pure cranberry juice

Nutrition notes • Blueberries contain two very important eye-healthy carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. They also contain anthocyanins, eye-nourishing phytonutrients that support night vision. Flavonoids, such as rutin, resveratrol and quercetin, are found in blueberries, and may help prevent macular degeneration. Blueberries contain selenium and zinc, which also support vision.

• Almonds contain the entire vitamin E family and are also an excellent source of B vitamins, copper manganese, magnesium, zinc, bioflavonoids, and Omega-3 essential fatty acids.

• Cranberries contain a variety of bioactive components, including the antioxidants proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins, and ellagic acid. Anthocyanins give cranberries their rich red color, and have the strongest antioxidant power of 150 flavonoids tested; they’re even more powerful than vitamin E. Anthocyanins also have an anti-inflammatory action that can help lessen allergic reactions. Proanthocyanidins belong to the bioflavonoid family and help strengthen blood vessels and improve the delivery of oxygen to cell membranes. Ellagic acid has been found to cause apoptosis or “cell death” in cancer cells. Cranberries also contain dietary fiber, manganese, and vitamin K, and are rich in vitamin C and tannins, which help keep bacteria such as E. coli, the most common cause of urinary tract infections, from adhering to the walls of your dog’s urinary tract.

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Soothing Smoothie ½ cup slippery elm 1 tablespoon carob powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground ginger 1½ cups applesauce with no added sugar

Nutrition notes • Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) is one of the greatest remedies for digestive disorders in the plant kingdom. When the bark is mixed with goat’s milk or yogurt, it lines the gut and intestines, protecting the mucous membranes from irritation. Slippery elm contains both tannins and mucilagens, which have both astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also interesting to note that slippery elm is one of the herbs included in the original Essiac formulation, developed to fight cancer.

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

• Apples, especially red apples, are rich in antioxidants. They are heart smart, and studies have shown that a diet rich in red apples helps in our battle against cancer by inhibiting the growth of malignant cells. One red apple is the equivalent of about 1,500 mg of vitamin C. Red apples, along with other colourful fruits and vegetables, contain the phytochemicals, lycopene and anthocyanins. Along with lots of vitamin C, red apples contain calcium, chlorine, fluorine, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, sodium, and sulphur, along with many trace minerals. Red delicious, northern spy, and Ida red apples have more potent disease-fighting antioxidants than other varieties, which is reflected in their higher levels of polyphenol activity.

Great Greenie 1 cup kale 1 cup mixed dark leafy spring greens (e.g. collard, dandelion, spinach, Swiss chard, bok choy) ½ teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon kelp powder ½ teaspoon Chaga mushroom powder 2 cups bone broth

Nutrition notes • Kale is an excellent source of lutein and zeaxanthin. The American Optometric Association says that these special antioxidants act like “internal sunglasses.”

• Kelp is the richest single source of trace minerals. The pituitary, adrenal and thyroid glands benefit from these trace minerals. Kelp supports the immune system, helps regulate blood sugar levels, soothes the gastrointestinal tract, and may alleviate joint pain. Consider dulse, kombu, Nori, wakame, and Irish moss too. Look for sustainably-harvested, sun-dried, OCIA (Organic Crop Improvement Association) standard sea vegetables that have been tested for heavy metals, herbicides, pesticides, PCBs, fuel oil, and other contaminants.

• Chaga mushrooms help boost immunity and overall health. Studies have suggested that Chaga extract promotes the formation of beneficial cytokines. it helps reduce long-term inflammation, and fights bacterial infections and viruses. Chaga also contains an antioxidant called triterpene; studies have demonstrated that this extract may help kill cancer cells. Chagas are wild harvested in Canada, Northern Europe, Russia, Siberia, Korea, and Alaska. In Canada, they are sustainably harvested, meaning only larger Chaga mushrooms are taken, leaving some behind so the host tree will continue to thrive and more mushrooms will grow. They are taken only from living birch trees.

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Carrot Crush

2 cups carrots, chopped 1 cup bone broth (homemade or store bought) 1 teaspoon local honey

1 teaspoon turmeric ½ teaspoon sea salt

Nutrition notes • Carrots have over 100 varieties, from the deepest purple to the brilliant orange we are most accustomed to seeing. They contain pro-vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamins B, C, D, E and K, as well as riboflavin, niacin, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, magnesium, manganese, sulphur, copper, and iodine. Carrots also contain lycopene and lutein, protective phytonutrients that protect the eye from UVB radiation and damage from free radicals.

• Honey is packed with antioxidants and flavonoids. There is substantial evidence that honey, especially New Zealand’s Manuka honey, may be effective against Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which causes stomach ulcers. The UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is an antibacterial property that is phytochemically derived and is found in some strains of Manuka honey. Honeys must be tested for this special antibacterial property. Some honeys are infused with fresh, sustainably-harvested herbs, like wild giant horsetail.

• Turmeric’s deep yellow pigment is the key to its medicinal properties. It provides essential diseasefighting compounds that help neutralize free radicals. Turmeric supports the liver, heart, and lungs. Its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants help provide relief from arthritis and other joint issues.

Herbaceous Herbie ½ cup fresh flat Italian or curly parsley ½ cup fresh mint leaves 1 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves 1 cup applesauce

2 teaspoons horsetail-infused or local honey Splash of unfiltered or first pressed/extra virgin olive oil

Nutrition notes • Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, iron, folate, and numerous minerals. It contains a variety of volatile oils, including myristin, which is thought to inhibit tumor formation, especially in the lungs; and histadine, an amino acid that has also been found to inhibit tumor growth. Parsley is referred to as a chemoprotective food because it may help neutralize a variety of carcinogens, including the benzopyrenes found in cigarette smoke.

• Mint, including wild mint, catmint, spearmint, and peppermint, can be included in your dog’s diet. In combination with ginger, mint has long been considered soothing to the gastrointestinal system.

• Oregano is often referred to as the “cure in the cupboard.” It contains calcium, fiber, iron, manganese, Omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains phytonutrients and the volatile oils, thymol and carvacrol, which inhibit the growth of bacteria. Oregano is packed with antioxidants; even moreso than apples and blueberries.

• Olive oil is a very rich source of vitamins A and E, helping to neutralize cancer-causing free radicals. It is also rich in Omega-9 oleic acid, a mono-saturated fat that helps protect the heart and supports skin health. When you purchase olive oil, ensure the label says “extra virgin,” which means it has come from the first pressing of the olives; it has the most health benefits and the best taste.

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SPOTLIGHT

WHICH Breeds MAKE The

Best

?

SERVICE DOGS

By Laurie Riihimaki

Y

ou already know what a positive impact your dog has on your happiness and well-being. But for people dealing with certain chronic illnesses or conditions, a canine companion in the form of a service dog can improve their quality of life beyond reckoning, and in many cases may even be life-saving. Are there certain breeds that are better suited for service dog work than others? Let’s find out.

WHAT ARE THE TRAITS OF AN IDEAL SERVICE DOG? There is no rule stating what breed of dog best qualifies as a service dog. There are also no clear-cut answers as to which breed is ultimately the best. However, there are certain qualities that make some dogs better suited for service work than others.

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Service dogs play a valuable role in the lives of those with long-term physical, mental, and emotional illnesses and disorders. Here’s a look at the breeds that make the best service dogs.

• It’s vital that the dog is intelligent and intuitive. In order to become a certified service dog, he must be able to perform tasks. That means he must be able to learn and recall his lessons while in service. When it comes to intuition, it’s best to have a dog that is sensitive to cues and can evaluate a situation clearly with little stimulation.

• The dog must have a calm and friendly disposition. Service dogs will be placed in a variety of environments, so they must be capable of focusing on their jobs whether at home or in a crowd, in a quiet or noisy setting. This can be especially important if an individual requires medical attention and the dog is met with ambulance sirens and strangers surrounding his disabled human.

Some dogs may instinctively become possessive, but it’s essential that a service dog lets the professionals do their jobs, just like the service dog does his.

• Service dogs need to be people-pleasers.

These types of dogs are more apt to bond with their people, creating a valuable and important level of trust. Dogs that are attached to the people they’re assisting through a bonded relationship are more apt to recognize the onset of an “episode” or other medical crisis.

…it’s best to have a dog that is sensitive to cues and can evaluate a situation clearly with little stimulation.

6 BREEDS THAT EXCEL AT SERVICE DOG WORK Given the full list of qualities to consider when training a service dog, some breeds stand out from the rest.

Poodles are sociable, which allows them to adapt to different situations and environmentsquite easily.

GOLDEN RETRIEVERS

Good ’ol goldies are known for their friendly demeanor and eagerness to please. This quality, paired with their ability to pick up tricks quickly, make them ideal service dogs.

LABS

Labrador Retrievers are the most common service and therapy dogs. Similar to golden retrievers, these dogs tend to have a cheery disposition and the right smarts for a service dog role.

GERMAN SHEPHERDS

German shepherds are well-known for assisting police officers, but they are also good helpers for people with disabilities. This breed is energetic, eager to learn, attentive, and loyal, making these canines perfect contenders for the role of a service dog.

BEAGLES

Though they are smaller than many traditional service dogs, beagles are quite common because of their intelligence and loyalty.

“Beagles are also dedicated family dogs, making them a great option in family environments,” adds vet tech Amber LaRock.

STANDARD POODLES

Poodles are sociable, which allows them to adapt to different situations and environments quite easily. Their intelligence and attachment to their people are also key qualities for service dog work.

BORDER COLLIES

The border collie is typically eager to please. These dogs also love accepting praise when they do please, making them easy to train as service dogs.

The bottom line is that while some breeds are better suited to be service dogs than others, there is no one “perfect” breed. What matters most is the dog’s ability to learn, his desire to please, and how he reacts to a variety of stimuli. Just as importantly, being able to form a close bond with the disabled person he’s assisting helps him excel at his job.

A canine with the “job title” of a service dog is specifically trained to assist a disabled person, and knows what to do when that person is in crisis.

T his training is always based on the specific needs of the individual to ensure that he or she remains safe. There are several types of service dogs.

• Seeing-eye dogs, among the most familiar of service dogs, are trained to help the blind navigate their world.

• Hearing dogs help their people take notice of sounds they cannot hear, especially those that are key to safety, such as a fire alarm or a moving vehicle.

•M obility dogs are trained to assist people who use wheelchairs, canes, and walkers to help with movement and balance.

• Medical alert dogs cover an array of challenges, all pertaining to physical health.

These canines are specially trained to notice oncoming medical episodes such as seizures, allergic reactions, or low blood sugar, and to signal for help.

S ervice dogs are also used to help people with psychiatric disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and more. Dogs trained for dealing with psychiatric disorders can assist their people during tough mental struggles. For example, someone who experiences panic attacks may benefit from a service dog, as he can provide warmth and comfort during an episode, and be trained to deliver anxiety medication or a phone in order for the individual to dial in to a therapist or medical professional.

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PART 1

By Barrie Sands, DVM, CVA, HMCT

A close-up look at emotional stress in dogs — and how our own stress contributes to theirs.

one of us is a stranger to stress. It affects us on many levels of our lives, and it also affects our dogs. Generally, the human and animal body is influenced by three types of stress: chemical (pesticides, medications, vaccinations, byproducts of normal metabolism), physical (injuries, exercise), and emotional (thoughts, perceptions, experiences). The first of this two-part article will focus on the emotional aspect of stress, and how our own stress affects our dogs. Part 2, which will appear in the next issue (AW Aug-Sept 2021), will offer some helpful healing modalities to alleviate stress in your dog.

WHAT EXACTLY IS STRESS? Stress is defined as a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. It’s the emotion we feel in response to something that occurred outside of ourselves. This feeling or emotion is intimately involved with the basic biological instinct for survival. Physiologically, this is represented by the “fight or flight” mechanism, an elegant built-in biophysiological design that is instantaneous and automatic and involves a precise orchestration of events.

Although this mechanism is designed to protect us, times have changed, and nowadays many real threats have turned into perceived threats, which means most of our fears are coming from internal sources.

THE ANATOMY OF STRESS It helps to understand stress if we understand the anatomical structures that play a part in it. Because the stress response is a primitive survival mechanism, all mammals have it, including

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dogs and humans. Regardless of species, the structures in our bodies that regulate how we respond or react to stress are the same.

The major players in the stress response are: imbic system (or emotional center) in the brain, made ➊ Lup of the thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus and amygdala (see sidebar at right)

➋ ➌ ➍

B rainstem A drenal glands S ympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.

These systems work together to help ensure survival by dilating the pupils to let in light for better eyesight; increasing the heart rate to pump more blood to muscles used for running and fighting; increasing respiration to get more oxygen to the tissues; and inhibiting or shutting down the higher thinking areas of the brain. Moments of survival are not a time to think, ponder, plan, or rationalize — they are a time to act!

This reaction is highly appropriate when needed. However, the fight or flight system was designed to be short-lived. Long-term stress responses have been implicated as the underlying causes of multitudes of health conditions.

HOW THIS RELATES TO DOGS Wild animals use this system innately to hunt, escape or fight a predator, or fight each other in a battle of dominance to establish order and breeding rights. After the “episode”, the animal goes back to resting, sleeping, feeding, or whatever he

Thalamus

Hippocampus Amygdala

Amygdala

In both the human and animal brain, the amygdala is the caretaker and guardian of perceived threats and hypervigilance. It is programmed by recording all the experiences that can hurt you and then activating a cascade of survival reactions when it perceives dangers or threats. The amygdala is associated with protection, fear, aggression, and memory-based pattern recognition, and is the hub for fear-motivated behaviors.

In humans, this programming starts as early as the first trimester when we're still in the womb. This is probably true for our animals as well.

Research from Nature Neuroscience (2016) revealed that neurons towards the front (anterior region) of the amygdala play a role in regulating behaviors tied to negative emotional responses, while neurons in the back (posterior region) of the amygdala respond to positive stimuli. These important findings emphasize the benefits of positive reinforcement as opposed to old-school obedience and behavior modification techniques.

Thalamus

The thalamus acts as the gatekeeper of all sensory information from the outside world, and the amygdala receives the sense of smell first. Since dogs have a sense of smell 40 times stronger than ours, you can see how impactful this can be.

Hippocampus

The hippocampus stores new and old memories, especially those linked to sensory input. The amygdala encodes the emotion and the hippocampus encodes the context; i.e. the memories of people, places, situations, objects, and events. Research conducted by the HeartMath Institute shows that the stronger and more relevant the emotion is to an experience, the stronger the memory is encoded and solidified. This is the basis for PTSD. Animal Wellness

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was doing before the stressful event.

The body resets.

Over the last century, our understanding of the stress mechanisms in humans — and animals — has evolved from anatomical, chemical, and environmental pathways to include energetic interconnectedness influenced by epigenetics and biofield physiology. We’ve realized that all these factors play an interdependent role in how stress shows up in our lives, and those of our dogs. As such, it has become increasingly important to factor in our own stress as a component of our animals’ stress levels and responses.

Although we and our dogs certainly have individual nuances, we share more than you may think and affect each other more than you may realize. “E-motions” are energy in motion. When the conversation moves into energy, frequency, and quantum entanglements*, things can get a little complex, but make it easier to see how our dogs are affected by our own state of being.

Emotional stress is linked to our senses, negative experiences, and self-limiting beliefs.

The strongest senses in a dog are of smell and hearing — but dogs are also receptacles of emotional frequencies.

They mostly learn about and navigate through their world around these parameters. *According to sciencedaily.com, “Quantum entanglement is a… mechanical phenomenon in which the quantum states of two or more objects have to be described with reference to each other, even though the individual objects may be spatially separated.”

This suggests that our emotions, including stress, are energetically “entangled” with those of our dogs, which helps explain why they pick up on our feelings.

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But times have changed for our dogs as well as for us. They have become an integral part of human life and the families they live with. Most dogs don’t need to hunt for food or fight for breeding rights, and they rarely need to defend themselves against predators. In other words, their food is delivered, they sleep in comfy beds, and are sheltered from impending threats.

Like us, dogs need a sense of purpose or self-worth. Subtle psychological attributes like self-worth may be debatable in canines, but if you’ve ever been in the presence of a police dog or other “working” dog, and watched him in action, you can see and feel the pride he takes in doing a good job.

When dogs are not doing what they are hard-wired to do, they will become stressed and divert their energy “sideways”, with destructive tendencies. And when we or our animals feel a lack of self-esteem, it creates uncertainties and limited beliefs, which in our dogs manifest as a fear of separation, being left alone or abandoned.

STRESS HAS BEEN NORMALIZED Unfortunately, the stress mechanism has evolved from a necessary protective tool into a normalized state of everyday life.

This has impacted us, our animals, and our society in profound psychological, emotional, and physical ways.

Stress is the underlying process that drives most disease. The once necessary fight or flight system called upon to protect the physical being is being habitually used by humans in the form of constant mental chatter, worries, and negative, depleting thought processes. Instead of using this mechanism to flee and run from a bear or prey, we flee within into a state of emotional withdrawal, sadness, depression, anxiety, aggression or anger. We lash out at

others with anger, judgments, and hurtful statements. We fidget, tap our fingers, shake our legs, click our pens, twirl our hair, and develop self-defacing nervous habits. We learn to live in survival mode, and become so familiar and accustomed to it that we don’t even recognize the effects it’s having on our physiology and emotional state of being.

Although we may not be aware of it, our dogs are sensing and processing our stress energy, and it shows up as behavior and physiological changes. Dogs will display their stress through aggressive behaviors like growling, barking or biting, or fear behaviors such as hiding, pacing, panting, yawning, chewing (on objects or themselves), and over or under grooming.

Indiscriminate or submissive urination can also be a sign of stress in dogs.

THE LONG TERM EFFECTS OF STRESS If the underlying cause of stress is not addressed and rectified, it will lead to deeper states of disease in both humans and dogs. This is when we see the physiological manifestations. There is an inverse relationship between stress hormones and the immune system.

Meaning, as cortisol levels go up, the immune system weakens.

Some health conditions associated with stress are vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, gastric reflux, loss of appetite, too much appetite, heart conditions, arrhythmias, hormonal conditions affecting the adrenal glands, allergies, asthma, increased bacterial or viral infections, accelerated aging and premature death.

In short, stress is not just a word. It is a phenomenon associated with a multitude of layers, processes and interactions between the body, the mind, the environment, and other beings.

Understanding it can be complex, but the solutions can be simple. The next part of this article will look at various modalities to de-stress your dog, and yourself!

product reviews Straight from the Animal Wellness Academy New Product Showcase, check out some of our hand-picked favorites!

Healing herbs to ease his allergies

Get to the root of leaky gut syndrome

Leaks never bring good news, no matter where you find them. Leaky Gut Syndrome is at the core of many health issues — skin disease, a compromised immune system, food allergies, digestive problems, ear infections and problems stemming from inflammation. Thankfully, many dogs are finding relief with Adored Beast Apothecary’s Leaky Gut Protocol. The products work synergistically to soothe and heal the bowel lining, as well as fight yeast, restore and tighten the separated “leaky” junctions of the GI lining, and boost immune system health. adoredbeast.com

Animal Essentials Seasonal Allergy is formulated from four time-honored herbs: nettle leaf, burdock root, eyebright, and licorice root. It supports a healthy histamine response during occasional bouts of seasonal allergies, which can be caused by pollen, grass and leaf mold, or airborne particulates.

The sweet-tasting, alcohol-free, glycerinbased liquid is easy to administer and is appropriate for dogs and cats of all ages. Available in 1 oz and 2 oz (30 ml and 60 ml) bottles that include a graduated dropper pipette for easy dosing. animalessentials.com

Healthy dogs made simple

All paws on deck!

Kennel Deck is a great choice for raising your dog above undesirable surfaces such as dirt or concrete, which can contribute to disease or bone problems. It provides a sanitary yet comfortable surface for dogs in runs, crates, and more.

Made from high-density plastic resins, Kennel Deck’s unique construction allows for easy drainage and air circulation while maintaining a flat, non-skid surface. You can easily cut it down for smaller areas, or use the clips provided to extend the length and width for larger areas. Lightweight and weatherproof, it also resists mold and bacteria. 888-886-8801 or kenneldeck.com.

Ensuring your dog is healthy and thriving doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, it’s pretty simple with Dynamite’s Canine Foundation Program. Consisting of Dyna Pro and TNT, this daily foundation of nutrients can be added to raw diets and kibble to guarantee your dog is getting what she needs. It’s really that simple!

The Canine Daily Foundation Pack contains: • Canine TNT TM • Dyna Pro 4oz • Sample of Super Premium Dog Food

animalandhumannutrition101.com

Visit AnimalWellnessAcademy.org to save on more high quality products, Animal Wellness 43 and gain 24/7/365 access to the most reliable and trustworthy pet information!

ALTERNATIVE APPROACH

Chiropractic care FOR CANINE ANXIETY

By Bill Ormston, DVM

We usually think of chiropractic care in terms of relieving pain in our dogs, but it can also have a positive effect on canine anxiety.

Anxiety is your dog’s response to stress.

Happiness, on the other hand, is not just a warm puppy, as the old saying goes — but a warm puppy with a normal nervous system. This article looks at how displacements in a dog’s vertebrae can affect his nervous system and contribute to anxiety; and also how chiropractic care can correct the problem.

HOW DOES ANXIETY ARISE FROM VERTEBRAL SUBLUXATIONS? The nervous system controls and coordinates all the organs and structures of your dog’s body. This system is

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protected by the spinal column.

Misalignments or subluxations to the vertebrae in your dog’s spine can irritate particular nerves, affecting their function and that of the structure and organs they control. When subluxations occur to any of the top three vertebrae of the cervical spine, the possible effects range anywhere from nervousness and restlessness to attitude changes and anxiety. Meanwhile, the production of the happy chemicals, serotonin and dopamine, is jeopardized.

There are receptors in the brain called “opioid receptors”, so named because they are easily stimulated by drugs called opioids that affect the brain and make it feel happy. When a dog’s nervous system is out of balance, the opioid receptors

don’t just lie dormant, but become agitated. This causes the body to become “flighty” because it is trying to figure out a means by which to quiet the receptors.

This phenomenon may cause behaviors that look like the flight part of the fightor-flight state.

WHY CHIROPRACTIC? Chiropractors take a natural approach to health by focusing on the source of problems, rather than masking symptoms with medication. A 2012 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine followed 272 human neck pain patients for 12 weeks, and found that those who saw a chiropractor were twice as likely to be pain-free as those who took medication.

Of those who sought chiropractic treatment, 32% became free of pain, while only 13% of those who were treated with medication became pain-free. Similarly,

dogs that are under routine chiropractic care have better balanced nervous systems than those that are not.

STRESS, CORTISOL LEVELS, AND CHIROPRACTIC

HOW CHIROPRACTIC CARE CAN CALM ANXIETY

Stress leads to anxiety. Studies show that when the body is stressed, it goes into survival mode and produces more cortisol. High levels of cortisol are linked not only to anxiety and depression, but also to an increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and poor sleeping habits. Chiropractic care can help reduce cortisol levels, remove toxins from the body, and leave your dog feeling less stressed.

A healthy spine and nervous system helps keep your dog’s energy flow balanced, his immune system strong, and his disease resistance high. Conversely, an unhealthy and unbalanced spine can interfere with the natural flow of energy through the dog’s body, creating blockages and imbalances that may cause physical and emotional fatigue.

Additionally, pain can mimic depression.

The same nervous pathways that are stimulated during depression are also stimulated during pain, especially chronic pain. This chemical lookalike pattern can also be similar to the flighty behavior seen when the brain’s opioid receptors are not being stimulated often enough.

Chiropractic care removes the interference to the nervous system by correcting the misalignment and allowing the body to heal itself. When the nervous system can better communicate with all your dog’s body parts, the opioid receptors are better served. They remain calmer and the dog is happier.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE MAINTAINS HEART NERVE FUNCTION The heart has been found to be important for emotional relationships in a chemical way, not just a Valentine’s Day way. In fact, the heart produces as much, if not more, oxytocin (a hormone for attachment and comfort) than the brain does! This means that maintaining heart nerve function is essential — and is a positive result arising from routine chiropractic care.

STRONGER IMMUNITY ANOTHER BENEFIT According to the Preventative Medicine Institute, those who receive chiropractic adjustments on a regular basis have an immune system that’s up to 200% stronger than those who do not receive this care. Dogs (as well as people) with strong immune systems are less likely to get sick and grumpy and require fewer trips to the veterinarian.

Chronic stress also results in muscle tension and contractions, which in turn lead to uneven pressure on the skeleton.

Since chiropractic adjustments focus on realigning the spine, they ease the stress placed on certain parts of the body, relieving muscle tension and making your dog more comfortable, and therefore happier and less stressed.

Stress and anxiety are common problems these days, not just in us, but in our dogs too. Adding regular chiropractic care to your dog’s wellness regime can help balance him emotionally as well as structurally, leading to a calmer, happier canine.

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BRIGHT SPOT

Gary the Cat

By Ann Brightman

This intrepid kitty accompanies his hu man buddy on all kinds of outdoor adventures.

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“It’s nice to have a lighthearted way to bring a smile to folks, especially these days when the news is pretty depressing,” says James. And as he and Gary gear up for another summer of hiking and kayaking, there are plenty more photos, videos — and smiles — to come!

Trending on social media Gary’s rise to social media stardom wasn’t planned, says James. “I started posting to his Instagram account because there are only so many cat pictures that it's socially acceptable to send to your friends,” he laughs. “Gary sort of took off and now he has a moderately large following.”

In fact, he has nearly 400,000

fgary

After adopting Gary from the Calgary Humane Society six years ago, James and his partner quickly realized that their new friend wasn’t going to be content as an indoor cat. “He kept trying to escape the house,” says James. “We decided if he wanted to be outside, he would have to be on a leash. We started slowly, just sitting together on our front step as he got used to his harness. Eventually, as he got more comfortable, we started going on longer outings — first to the backyard, then to a local park, and eventually on short hikes.”

followers on Instagram, along with almost 250,000 on TikTok (@ greatgramsofgary).

of greatgramso

A shared loved of the outdoors

Given both Gary’s and James’ love of the outdoors, it wasn’t long before they started going on wilderness adventures. “We hike, paddle, and ski together through the Canadian Rockies,” James says. “Gary spends a lot of time riding on my shoulders when we hike or ski. Usually, I walk to the top of our hikes and he walks downhill.” When out on the water, Gary relaxes on the front of James’ kayak in his kitty lifejacket, and enjoys the sunshine. “One of his favorite things to do when we’re out paddling is to take a nap!”

Photos courtesy

You’ve heard about adventure dogs, but what about adventure cats? Meet Gary, fellow feline adventurer to James Eastham. Known as Gary the Cat to his thousands of social media fans, this plucky kitty accompanies his human partner into the great outdoors, where they hike, kayak, and ski together through the spectacular Alberta wilderness.

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NEWSWORTHY

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Animal Wellness

Advertorial

Ethical and sustainable

Brian, guardian and trusted supplier of free-range goat at Tokomaru Bay, New Zealand.

pet food

D

ogs and cats are biologically designed to eat a varied meat-rich diet, and as responsible guardians, we want to know that the foods we give them are ethical and sustainable.

Ethics refers how the animals used in pet foods are treated and raised (e.g. freerange, grass-fed), while sustainability refers to practices that guarantee the future of the company and the animals it uses (e.g. ethical farming, MSC-certified fish, guardianship of the land).

What to look for Any ethical and sustainable company will be proud to share their story. As such, you should be able to get answers to these two critical questions: 1. Where are the company’s ingredients sourced, and how are their animals raised/fish sourced?

2. Where are their foods made? Does the company use their own facilities or do they contract out?

Ethical and sustainable New Zealand sourcing New Zealand has gained a lot of attention over the years thanks to their unwavering dedication to ethical and sustainable farming practices. Rooted

in New Zealand culture, the country’s farmers and fisherman believe wholeheartedly in their role as kaitiaki — being guardians of the land and sea.

The animals are raised with plenty of room to roam, 365 days a year, on rolling pastures of grass, clover, and native grasses. They are never finished in feedlots.

New Zealand’s Freedom Principles — ultimate farming standards Farmed without growth promotants or hormones, ZIWI’s free-range, grass-fed meats and local poultry are ethically raised under New Zealand’s Freedom Principles, while their seafood comes from the world’s top-ranked fisheries.

ZIWI lives by the five Freedom Principles of animal welfare, and only partner with suppliers who also follow these cruelty-free practices: 1. Freedom from hunger and thirst 2. Freedom from discomfort 3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease 4. Freedom to express natural behavior 5. Freedom from fear and distress These five principles reflect ZIWI’s devotion to ultimate farming standards,

and they’re fundamental to farming and fishery practices in New Zealand.

The company never compromises on these strict, world-leading standards to ensure that New Zealand’s resources are protected for future generations.

No compromise needed Dog and cat guardians can enjoy peace of mind with ZIWI, knowing they’re feeding a quality food their animals will love, that are made ethically and sustainably.

“The environmental footprint of grassfed New Zealand beef and lamb is very different to global figures often cited, which are based on grain-fed production.

New Zealand has one of the most efficient livestock farming systems in the world.

Our sheep and cattle grow outside all year round on land that would otherwise be generally unproductive to produce food, using rain that falls from the sky.”

— Beef + Lamb New Zealand “With a diet of rich grass, animals grow strong, healthy, and lean. Compared to being grain-fed, grass-fed meat is lower in saturated fat, and higher in vitamins A and E, conjugated linoleic acid and Omega-3 fatty acids.”

— Silver Fern Farms Ltd. Animal Wellness

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NEED TO KNOW

THE CASE

AGAINST

DECLAWING

By Janet Gordon Palm, DVM, CVCP

A growing number of countries have banned declawing, but there’s still a distance to go before this painful procedure is completely eliminated. Learn why declawing is so debilitating for cats, and consider some humane alternatives.

Scratching is

physiotherapy for cats

Scratching is a normal behavior that offers many health benefits to cats. It’s a form of physiotherapy. Stretching, with the added resistance from claws implanted in a surface, allows for the self-adjustment of any spinal misalignments resulting from day-to-day activities. Like all exercise, physiotherapy also results in parasympathetic endorphin release that aids in digestion, proper organ function, and improved mental capacities.

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Most informed cat lovers know that declawing is one of the worst things we can do to our feline friends.

The procedure is both painful and inhumane, and can cause long-term health and behavioral problems in cats.

Unfortunately, although declawing has been banned in many countries and municipalities, it’s still being done in others. This articles discusses why declawing is so harmful to cats, why some vets are still doing it, and what the alternatives are.

THE DECLAWING PROCEDURE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES The procedure known as declawing (onychectomy) involves the amputation of each digit at the level of the first knuckle, including the nail bed. This amputation involves disarticulation between the second and third phalanges.

The extensor tendon is severed and the remaining bone in the digit is eventually pulled downward by the intact flexor tendon so that the cartilage bone end is now forced to bear weight.

As a result, many cats develop hard, painful callouses called corns, due to constant pressure on the remaining

digital pad. Besides varying amounts of lingering pain, tingling, and numbness, called “phantom pain” (which also occurs in human amputees), the cat also endures physiologic and conformational stresses.

There is no such thing as a humane surgical technique when it comes to declawing. Scalpel, guillotine, and surgical laser all have the same end result by causing conformational abnormalities. Further complications can include irreversible nerve damage, burning (from surgical laser), and bone shards left within the tissue.

Tendonectomies (tenectomy of the deep digital flexor tendon) have been performed as an alternative to declawing, but a study published in JAVMA in 1998 found that incidence of bleeding, lameness, and infection, was similar to that caused by declawing.

Cats are meant to walk on their toes.

Declawing shifts a cat’s body weight back onto the metacarpal pad, which causes stress on the tendons and results in eventual elbow arthritis. Additionally, hyper-flexion of the stifles (knees) stresses the back muscles, resulting in back arthritis as the cat ages. Not one declawed cat escapes this fate if he lives into old age.

The acute and chronic complications of declawing are many and varied:

• Pain • Hemorrhage • Lacerated paw pads • Swelling • Reluctance to bear weight • Neuropraxia (transient motor paralysis) • Radial nerve damage

• Carpal hyper-extension (palmigrade stance, dropped carpus, walking on wrists) • Flexor tendon contracture • Aggression • Idiopathic (stress-induced) cystitis • House soiling • Laser burns

• Lameness

• Increased vocalization

• Infection

Dr. Nicole Martell-Morin’s peer reviewed study in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery revealed significant increases in back pain, biting, and barbering in declawed cats as opposed to controls. Elimination behaviors and aggression were also more common.

In 2001, G. J. Patronek reported in JAVMA that 80% of declawed cats have at least one medical complication post-operatively, and more than a third developed post-surgical behavior problems, including biting and house soiling.

• Abscess • Tissue necrosis • Wound dehiscence • Incomplete healing • Protrusion/necrosis of the second phalanx through the pad • Claw regrowth, known to occur 15+ years post-surgery • Chronic draining tracts • Self-mutilation • Lethargy

Left: Declawed cat's paw, Right: Normal cat's paw.

Human convenience over

feline well-being

The concept of declawing was first presented in the 1960s as a letter to the editor in JAVMA. A rural veterinarian suggested it as a means of preventing cats from scratching furniture, as more and more cats moved into an indoor environment.

Declawing subsequently became prevalent in the 1970s and beyond, often offered as a preventative package with spaying and neutering.

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Declawing banned in many countries

More than 32 countries have banned declawing, along with many cities and municipalities in the US and Canada (including all Banfield and VCA hospitals). Additionally, Dr. Jennifer Conrad and her non-profit educational program, The Paw Project (ThePawProject.Org), along with numerous passionate cat supporters, have a shared goal to make this inhumane procedure extinct, and encourage the veterinary profession to lead with the education needed.

5 MYTHS ABOUT DECLAWING VS. CURRENT INFORMATION At one time, veterinarians thought the benefits of declawing outweighed the risks, but we now know this isn’t true. In fact, there are no benefits to declaw surgery.

Current studies are demonstrating what empathetic critical thinkers have long been suggesting — that the stress and complications arising from declawing are more serious and prevalent than originally thought. Despite this, several myths persist about the supposed benefits of declawing.

Myth #1: “Declawing helps protect immunecompromised people.”

Cats are much more prone to biting when their paws no longer deliver the warnings that used to protect them from unwanted advances. Biting is much more of a threat to those who are immune-suppressed.

The CDC does not advocate declawing cats for this reason. Instead, they suggest avoiding situations where scratching may occur. The National Institutes of Health advise avoiding rough play, while FamilyDr.org warns people not to provoke cats into scratching them.

Myth #2: “Declawing protects children.”

The solution to cat scratches is to teach kids to avoid an interaction that would result in injury. Children should be taught to understand and respect body language, a skill that would benefit their future relationships with all species as well as interpersonal relationships at school.

Providing a cat with appropriate outlets for natural feline behavior in the home, as

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well as offering him a respite from youthful enthusiasm, will also go a long way towards feline/human harmony in the household.

Myth #3: “The cat will lose his home.”

On the contrary, several municipalities that have banned declawing (e.g. LA County Animal Services) found that more cats were surrendered without claws than with. The reasons for surrender were often the very complications caused by the surgery, such as litter box avoidance, and aggression.

Myth #4: “Landlords require declawing.”

This is a case of “educational deficiency.”

Every landlord I have written to has relaxed this requirement when given the facts. In rare cases where a landlord may remain steadfast (a situation I have yet to encounter), I would counsel the family to search for other accommodations, or find a suitable foster home for the cat. Rental situations are temporary in most cases.

Declawing is permanent!

Myth #5: “My cat is fine after being declawed.”

Some cats are more capable of adapting than others, but they all suffer problems after the procedure, even if they’re not obviously evident. The cat’s personality may influence how he adjusts to being declawed. A tendency towards extrovert behavior (a need to move the feet) as opposed to introvert behavior (a need to feel safe or motivated before moving the feet), can explain the different ways in which a cat expresses his emotional needs and pain response. A confident (play/ food) extrovert cat will pursue hunting

and play behaviors in spite of discomfort, since his motivation is hunt/play/food. A less confident (safety/comfort), timid and emotional introvert may display defensive behavior, withdrawal, aggression, and resentment when coping with chronic pain.

Carpeted floors may also minimize the painful impact of jumping from surfaces, thus giving people the false impression that their declawed cats are fine.

HUMANE ALTERNATIVES TO DECLAWING Create a cat-friendly environment in your home with vertical and horizontal scratching posts made of sisal, carpet, and cardboard substrates. Offer areas of respite from interaction with others, a cat “superhighway” that allows access to safety, and an ability to observe the surrounding area without surprise interactions.

Establish routines of interactive play to allow your cat to express his natural tendencies to hunt, catch prey, eat (a meal or treat), groom, and sleep.

Do this at least twice daily.

Keep his nails trimmed, using a clipper designed specifically for cats, or ask your veterinarian to do it.

Use nail caps on his claws — one company that offers them is SoftPaws (SoftPaws.com).

Sticky Paws tape (pioneerpet.com) helps protect furniture from scratching by modifying feline behavior.

Declawing is not only painful and inhumane, it’s also unnecessary. In the words of Maya Angelou, “When we know better, we do better.” Let’s do no more harm to our cats, and stop declawing them!

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Animal Wellness

53

GOING GREEN

sustainable How

By Ann Brightman

is your dog or cat’s lifestyle?

D gs Cats

Your four-legged friend’s carbon “pawprint” is probably larger than you think! Here are 8 ways to make his lifestyle more sustainable.

Sustainability is a hot topic these days. McGill University in Montreal defines it as “meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” When we take steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle, we also need to factor our dogs and cats into the equation, and find ways to reduce their own carbon “pawprint”. What follows are eight tips and suggestions for doing just that!

MAKE SURE HE’S EATING HEALTHY There are many reasons to give your dog or cat a high quality diet made from whole, natural ingredients, and sustainability is one. Many premium pet food companies use ingredients sourced from local or regional producers; some even go a step further and use organic and/or humanelyraised ingredients. These diets also lack the chemical additives and preservatives found in cheap, low-end

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foods — these substances end up in the animal’s waste, and subsequently the environment. A premium diet can even reduce the amount of solid waste your dog or cat excretes.

Although many dogs and all cats require meat in their diets, it’s a fact that meat production, especially beef, uses up a lot of resources and emits high levels of greenhouse gases. You can cut down on the meat in your dog’s diet by limiting beef in favor of more poultry and fish, and adding

some alternative proteins such as cottage cheese or yogurt to his meals.

Properly-balanced plant-based diets for dogs are also available — to learn more about these, see “How to safely feed your dog a plant-based diet” in AW V23I2.

Some pet food companies have implemented sustainable production measures into their operations, and/ or use packaging that’s fully recyclable or made from recycled materials — another bonus for the Earth.

BUY EARTHFRIENDLY PRODUCTS AND ACCESSORIES Whether you’re buying toys, collars, or bedding for your dog or cat, search out products that have sustainability in mind. Try to avoid plastic as much as possible. For example, instead of another cheap plastic toy that your dog will destroy in no time, opt for a more durable product made from hemp, a good choice for eco-conscious animal parents. In fact, hemp is making its way into all kind of pet products, including collars, leashes, garments, and even bowls and beds. You can also find pet accessories made from recycled items such as water bottles.

KEEP HIM LOOKING HIS BEST, NATURALLY When shopping for shampoos, conditioners and other grooming products, read labels carefully, and steer clear of those filled with harsh detergents, artificial fragrances, and other chemicals, which are not only bad for his skin, but end up being washed down the drain and into our water systems. For example, sodium lauryl sulphate, a soap-like chemical compound used in shampoos and other products, is toxic to aquatic life. Look for products made from gentle,

SPAY/NEUTER YOUR DOG OR CAT natural, non-toxic ingredients such as oatmeal, sustainably-harvested coconut oil, herbs, and high quality essential oils.

ADOPT RATHER THAN BUY If you’re adding another furry family member to your household, head to your local shelter or rescue before going to the pet store. Many pet stores acquire their animals from puppy and kitten mills, which are cruel and inhumane, and in the business of producing as many animals for sale as possible, increasing dog and cat populations and putting even more pressure on the planet’s resources. There are already thousands of homeless dogs and cats at shelters and sanctuaries waiting for loving homes, so you’re sure to find what you’re looking for there!

WALK YOUR DOG INSTEAD OF DRIVING Not all dogs enjoy car rides, but some love them so much they can’t wait to jump aboard. But going for drives just for something to do means your vehicle is releasing extra CO2 into the atmosphere and contributing to climate change. Why not go for more walks instead?

It’s good exercise for you and your dog, and it’s healthier for the planet! And while it’s fun to drive to a trail or park on occasion, try looking for new walking routes closer to home, or explore a different neighbourhood that’s within walking distance.

While there are some health risks to spaying or neutering (e.g. hypothyroidism, weight gain, and certain cancers), there are also health benefits (e.g. it reduces the risk of reproductive and mammary cancers in females). It’s important not to have your puppy or kitten spayed or neutered too early in life, however — having the surgery done around one year of age can help reduce the chances of health problems developing as he/she gets older. If you prefer not to spay or neuter your animal, be sure to prevent him from roaming freely and reproducing.

CLEAN UP AFTER HIM It goes without saying that you should be picking up after your dog when you’re out and about. You can go a step further and use eco-friendly poop bags instead of the usual plastic. Be sure to also dispose of your dog’s waste responsibly — the same applies to kitty litter. For more details on how to do this, refer to the article “Earth-friendly pet waste disposal”in our last issue (AW V23I2).

CHECK OUT HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE Whatever might ail your dog or cat, from allergies to arthritis, think twice before putting him on conventional medications.

What goes in, also comes out, and that means your animal’s waste will carry chemicals from any drugs he’s on, which ultimately end up in our water and soil.

While conventional meds are sometimes necessary, of course, they’re not the only answer. Consult an integrative or holistic veterinarian for some alternative options for your dog or cat’s health problems, whether it’s herbs or essential oils, massage or chiropractic care.

Reducing your dog or cat’s carbon “pawprint” isn’t as hard as you think!

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HOW

technology IS improving YOUR PET’S LIFE

From pet cams to automated toys, here’s a look at some of the technological tools and devices that enhance the health and happiness of our dogs and cats.

By Sara Jordan-Heintz

Technology has become such an integral part of our society that it’s hard to imagine life without it. It’s also making big waves in the pet industry, which offers a growing number of state-of-the-art tools and devices that make life easier, healthier and happier for our dogs and cats — and for us.

Some of these devices, like microchips, have been around for a while; but others, like smart leashes and GPS collars, are newer innovations. Here’s a look at some of the technological creations that are changing and improving life for our dogs and cats.

MICROCHIPS Although they’re nothing new, microchips are tiny tech tools that play a big role in animal well-being by helping reunite lost dogs and cats with their families. Most animals adopted from shelters in the US and Canada get microchipped, and veterinarians can also perform the procedure. The size of a grain of rice, a microchip is painlessly inserted into the skin between an animal’s shoulder blades. The name, contact information, and address of the animal parent is then registered with the manufacturer.

If your animal is lost or stolen, you can contact the manufacturer who will

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D gs Cats

then update that information on your dog or cat’s profile. A lost animal brought into a clinic or shelter is scanned for a microchip so he can be reunited with his people.

Did you know?

Each year, approximately ten million dogs and cats are lost in the United States, and only 15% of dogs and 2% of cats in shelters without microchips or other ID are reunited with their families, according to American Humane.

PET CAMS While nanny cams are most commonly used to monitor children, dog and cat parents also use these cameras to keep an eye on their animals while they’re home alone. Pet cams are especially useful for checking in on sick or anxious animals.

Many people find that being able to see what their four-legged friends are doing brings them reassurance and peace of mind. Some cameras only allow for one-way communication, but others let your dog or cat see and hear you, which can be comforting for those animals who don’t like being left on their own. Some pet cams are even outfitted with a feature that lets you distribute a treat.

Did you know?

Outdoor cameras set up around your property not only “watch” for trespassers, but can also capture video of lost or missing dogs and cats, complete with a time stamp of the footage. This surveillance can then be posted to social media sites to assist in the search for these animals.

GPS COLLAR If you take your dog hiking or camping, and he’s going to be running off-leash, you need to be able to keep tabs on his whereabouts and safety. The same applies to free-roaming cats. A durable, good quality GPS collar fits the bill by allowing you to monitor your animal’s location.

Many collars are waterproof, shockresistant, and have rechargeable batteries. To use a GPS collar, download the app linked to the product for access on your smartphone or other device.

Did you know?

Locator lights fit on collar straps and can add another layer of protection when it comes to keeping an eye on your dog.

They emanate either a solid or blinking light that helps you track your dog at night or in low light conditions.

AUTOMATIC LITTER BOXES No one enjoys scooping and changing cat litter, which is why automatic litter boxes can be such a boon. These devices detect when your cat has used the box and will automatically rake the waste out of the litter and into an enclosed, odor-controlled receptacle that only needs to be emptied out every few days or even less often, depending on the product and how many cats you have.

This means your cat can enjoy clean litter with every visit to his bathroom, reducing the risk of inappropriate elimination outside the box. And you don’t need to worry if you forget to scoop his litter every single day. On the downside, most automatic litter boxes are covered, and not all cats like entering an enclosed space to do their business, so you need to take your feline’s preferences into consideration.

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WHEELCHAIRS AND

prosthetic limbs In the past, amputation or debilitating lameness often meant the end of life for a dog or cat. But all that has changed thanks to the development of wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs that can be custom designed to meet the specific needs of a particular animal, whether he’s an amputee or suffers from a disorder such as hip dysplasia, arthritis, paralysis, or neurological disease. Wheelchairs can be designed with front or rear wheels, depending on the animal’s problem, and are made to take stress off the animal’s chest and legs as he moves.

Prosthetics are another option, and range in price and quality. Always consult a veterinarian before having your dog or cat use a wheelchair or prosthetic.

Mindi points out that many animals live full and happy lives without one or more limbs. “It’s important to note that if a cat or dog loses a leg, most bounce back,” she says.

DRONES AND

companion animals Drones are used by a myriad of entities, ranging from military and government to the backyard hobbyist. And they’re making their way into the companion animal world as well. For example, a non-profit in Minnesota called The Retrievers employs drones for locating missing animals, a trend that will surely catch on with other organizations.

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Did you know?

Some cat litters can provide lifesaving insights into your cat’s health. When his urine comes in contact with this special silica litter, it changes color to indicate if he has high or low urinary pH. Low urinary pH can lead to calcium oxalate (a common cause of kidney stones), while high urinary pH can cause bladder crystal and stone formation. The litter can also detect blood, which points to inflammation, stones, or urinary tract infection.

SMART LEASHES These are a relatively new innovation, and they have both pros and cons. Current products take the form of retractable leashes, which have a variety of safety concerns and are not generally recommended. On the upside, smart leashes boast a range of futuristic features, including night lights, distance and route trackers, timers, emergency alarms, Bluetooth connections, and/or even phone chargers. Hopefully, as time goes on, other forms of smart leash besides the retractable type will be developed.

Did you know?

Bluetooth-enabled smart leashes alert you to incoming calls, texts and emails by causing the handle to vibrate, while the timer can be set to let you know when the walk is finished and it’s time to turn back.

AUTOMATED TOYS Playtime provides both exercise and mental stimulation, and automated toys help fill in the gaps when you’re not available to engage your dog or cat in a game. “I personally like toys that help animals with mental stimulation,” says Mindi Callison, founder of the puppy mill watchdog group Bailing Out Benji.

For example, along with puzzle toys and feeders, you can now buy automatic balls that move on their own and even emit lights and sounds to further pique your animal’s interest. Robotic fish cat toys mimic the look of a fish bowl — with the added allure of flashing lights (and fake fish). For dogs that love fetch, an automatic ball launcher will provide him with hours of fun while saving your throwing arm. Teaching him to return the ball to the launcher so he can activate it himself gives him some extra mental activity.

Did you know?

Automated toys offer several benefits besides exercise and mental stimulation. They can help combat boredom by providing self-entertainment, especially when your dog or cat is alone; they can relieve stress and anxiety; and they may even prevent unwanted weight gain by keeping your companion busy instead of sleeping when you’re not around.

This article only touches the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how technology is improving and enhancing life for our dogs and cats. We’ll surely see even more amazing innovations in the future!

SUMMER

selections Hub for holistic healthcare

From gut health to pain relief, you want the best for your dog or cat. Adored Beast Apothecary is the culmination of decades of experience in holistic healthcare by founder Julie Anne Lee, DCH. The company is dedicated to helping you find high quality natural products to support and heal your adored beast. adoredbeast.com

Mew-raculous stress relief!

Your cat can get stressed out too. Bring relief home with bSerene, a collection of drug-free, pheromone-based calming solutions developed by veterinarians.

Available in a plug-in refillable diffuser that lasts 45 days — versus the typical 30 days of other brands. Also available in a portable (Catnip + Pheromone) spray. bSerenepet.com

Soothing solution for sensitive skin

Skin problems can be more bothersome during warm weather.

Formulated with ingredients of natural origin, ATOP 7® spot-on helps soothe and repair your dog or cat’s allergic skin. Validated by veterinary dermatologists, this new product is easy to use thanks to its practical single-dose format and weekly application. dermoscent.com/en/

Prebiotic dog treats

Looking for top quality treats? Joulie Organics has launched the world’s first USDA-certified organic prebiotic dog treats with functional benefits. The holistically-formulated treats come in three delicious flavors that dogs love, and combine a revolutionary blend of prebiotics shown to support digestive and immune health with nutrient-rich superfoods. joulieorganics.com

Support your cat’s immune system

Summer or winter, NOW® Pets L-Lysine Powder for cats helps support a healthy immune system. This NASCcertified supplement is recommended

by Dr. Barbara Royal, DVM, CVA, founder of the Royal Treatment Veterinary Center. The company formulates their pet supplements with the same quality and detail they put into their human supplements. nowfoods.com/pet-health

Feed him the best

Keep him in peak health this summer! Darwin’s Natural Selections is a premium recipe of free-range meats and organic vegetables, providing complete and balanced nutrition. The diets are free of steroids, antibiotics, and hormones; are formulated by experts; and use only the freshest, highest quality raw ingredients that meet or exceed USDA standards. darwinspet.com Animal Wellness

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Doug ANIMAL HERO

TO THE

RESCUE

Photos courtesy of CuriosityStream

This new docuseries follows animal lover and drone pilot, Doug Thron, as he rescues animals from natural disasters around the world.

Nothing is easy in the aftermath of a natural disaster. There’s often no power, no cell phones, and few public services. People are displaced, often separated from their loved ones with no easy way to make contact. When resources are scarce and too many people are in need, what happens to the animals, both domestic and wild, that are left behind or stranded?

That’s where Doug Thron comes in.

He’s an infrared drone and seaplane pilot/cinematographer who is focused on saving animals and the planet. In 2018, after using his drones to film the devastation caused by the horrific Camp Fire in northern California, Doug joined the efforts to rescue lost animals from the burn zone and reunite them with their families. Driven by a commitment to the environment and his lifelong

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love of animals, he now travels the globe to natural disaster sites, where he uses his talents and technology to help rescue animals. He relies only on the supplies he can carry, including next-gen drone technology outfitted specifically for his mission.

“There always seems to be a natural disaster ravaging some part of the world,” Doug says. “The potential for drones to help rescue animals in those situations, whether wild or domestic, and to help in their recovery, is unlimited.” Doug has been on the scene of numerous natural disasters, from last year’s devastating wildfires in Australia, to coastal towns flattened by hurricanes in the US. Thanks to a new six-part docuseries, aptly titled Doug to the Rescue,

you can now follow along with him every step of the way, from oftendangerous searches and dramatic rescues, to successful reunions with grateful animal parents. The series highlights how technology such as drones can save lives, and how climate change is contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters.

“The emotion when victims of a tragedy get their animals back is incredibly moving,” Doug says. “It gives people a sense of hope to carry on after something so devastating.

I’m enormously grateful to be a part of that.”

Doug to the Rescue will be premiering in June on CuriosityStream (curiositystream.com). For a sneak peak, visit vimeo.com/515298672.

NUTRITION KNOWHOW

Decoding pet food marketing jargon

By Gary Tashjian

Along with attractive graphics, pet food labels usually employ descriptive marketing terms to help sell the product.

For the most part, these terms have no legal meaning. This article looks at popular marketing terms and their intended meanings.

COMMON MARKETING TERMS You’ve likely seen the following terms on your dog or cat’s favorite food, but they have no legal definitions, nor are they regulated by the USDA or AAFCO: • Human Grade: Products that are fit and safe for human consumption, termed “edible” by the USDA. • L ow Glycemic: Food that has a lower impact on blood sugar.

•P remium: Typically means food made with high quality ingredients.

•C ruelty-Free: A product that has not been tested on animals by the manufacturer.

• Free Range: Food made from animals that have access to outdoor spaces.

This term is regulated by the USDA, but these regulations do not provide specifications on the size of the outdoor space.

•H ealthy: Food that is wholesome, complete, and balanced.

•H olistic: Composed primarily of natural ingredients.

•N atural/All-Natural: Food made without artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

•O rganic: Complies with the USDA’s National Organic Program guidelines.

•B iologically Appropriate: Food that’s specifically formulated for a animal’s biology, usually composed of whole ingredients like meat, fish, eggs, and vegetables.

•V et Approved: Implies a statistically sound survey of veterinarians has supported the food.

•C onsciously/Responsibly Sourced: Implies ingredients have a limited or lowered effect on their local ecosystem.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION WITH SPECIFIC DEFINITIONS It’s important to look for nutritional information that does have specific definitions. For instance, AAFCO guarantees, calorie claims, and supplements all have guidelines provided by AAFCO or the FDA. •A AFCO guarantee: AAFCO sets minimum standards for animal nutrition. A product without AAFCO certification may be lacking as the single nutritional source for a dog or cat.

•C alorie information and calculation: To compare a canned food against a dry food, use this calculation: multiply the number for canned food by four to account for the higher water content of canned versus higher-density kibble-type products.

•Q uantity and dry matter basis calculation: It’s up to consumers to do the calculations for determining value when comparison shopping. Foods of different types (e.g. dry kibble and canned food) should be compared on a dry-matter basis. Dry foods contain

about 10% water, while canned foods are typically about 75% water. Here’s how to calculate: check the label for the food’s moisture percentage and subtract it from 100%. What remains is the percentage of dry matter. To find the dry matter percentage of another nutrient, like fat, divide the percentage of fat by the percentage of dry matter.

Gary Tashjian is the owner and founder of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products. Gary spotted the opportunity to help more pets live longer lives with healthier diets and founded Darwin’s Natural Pet Products in 2004, the first raw pet food company in the Pacific Northwest. Over the past 17 years, Darwin’s has served more than 80 million nutritious meals to dogs and cats, helping tens of thousands of pets live healthier lives.

DRUG CLAIMS Despite efforts to curtail drug claims, many pet food products are marketed to treat or prevent disease.

Veterinarians and animal parents should realize that such products have rarely undergone any studies to establish safety or efficacy. Products that state they’re for weight control, joint issues, dental health, or are hypoallergenic should be purchased with caution.

The FDA has provided guidance on these types of drug claims, and their presence can result in a rejection of registration, stop-sale letters, warning letters, and removal of products from the marketplace.

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EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

D O D O GS

By Myles Shane

Dogs may not experience and process grief the same way we do, but the behavioral changes that occur after a human or animal companion passes indicate they do feel a sense of loss and bereavement.

Back in 1969, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross wrote the definitive book about grief, titled On Death and Dying. In it, she speaks about the universality of grief and how it’s a process we all experience when a loved one passes away. One of the key contributions of the book are the five stages of grief: denial, bargaining, anger, depression, and finally acceptance. But what about our dogs — do they grieve? Do they move through a grief process of their own after a human or animal companion dies?

SIGNS OF GRIEF IN DOGS Deena Cooper, a Canadian dog trainer and behavior modification specialist,

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says that dogs, like humans, grieve when a loved one dies. They may not understand the concept of death the way we do, but they perceive that another animal or person is suddenly gone from their lives, and they miss that individual.

“The signs of grieving for both dogs and people can be the same,” Deena says. “Depression is typical, and is characterized by sleep problems, decreased appetite, a decrease in activity and heightened anxiety.

In dogs, these states manifest in behaviors such as panting, pacing, and sometimes the destruction of objects.” Additionally, a grieving dog may withdraw from people and other

animals, exhibit apathetic behavior, have accidents in the home, and try to find their missing companion.

Other indications of canine grief, according to the American Kennel Club, include vocalization such as whining or crying, and excessive clinginess to someone else in the household.

STUDIES INDICATE THAT CANINE GRIEF IS REAL In 1996, a survey conducted by the ASPCA called the Companion Animal Mourning Project found that dogs do indeed grieve for lost loved ones.

The researchers found that 66% of

dogs undergo several behavioral changes after the loss of another canine companion: • 3 6% of dogs exhibited a decrease in appetite, while over 10% wouldn’t eat at all.

•W hile many dogs from the survey slept more than normal, others seemed to suffer from sleeplessness.

Some also started sleeping in different areas of the house.

•A lmost 65% of dogs were either more or less vocal than before the loss.

•T he bereaved dogs often became more clingy and demanding of affection.

According to the American Kennel Club, a more recent study published in the November 2016 edition of Animals found that grieving behaviors in dogs

…the loss of a canine companion can cause behavior changes in the surviving dog, including

social withdrawal, a reluctance to eat, and stress-related vocalizations. can vary depending on the dog. The study also found that it generally takes two to six months for a bereaved dog’s behavior to return to normal.

The AKC reports on a further study that was published in a 2017 edition of Scientific American. Conducted by

Barbara J. King, Professor Emerita of Anthropology at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA, the study indicated that the loss of a canine companion can cause behavior changes in the surviving dog, including social withdrawal, a reluctance to eat, and stress-related vocalizations.

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Anecdotal evidence O F G RIE F IN DOGS

HACHIKO

Perhaps one of the most well-known stories of a canine grief is the epic tale of Hachiko. This Akita Inu dog was born on a farm in 1923 and adopted by Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor of agriculture at the University of Tokyo. The two fell into a daily routine. Each morning, Ueno would pet Hachiko goodbye before boarding the train to work. Hachiko then spent the day at the train station waiting for Ueno to return, while local shopkeepers and station workers watched over him. Their walks to and from the station continued for several years until one day Ueno never came home from work. He had suffered a brain hemorrhage and tragically died.

Of course, Hachiko had no idea what had happened, and every morning for the next nine years, he arrived at the train station searching for his best friend. As time passed, his loyalty earned him the nickname “the faithful dog.” Hachiko passed away in 1935, and a bronze statue was erected outside the Shibuya Station as a tribute to the dog.

“Hachiko is an outstanding example of a dog grieving for a loved one,” says Deena. “In this case, the grief is illustrated by Hachiko’s loyalty, and the fact that he continued looking for his best friend for nine years.”

ASPEN “My dog Aspen is my best friend,” says Kristen Williams. “I’ve had her since she was five weeks old and I was 17. She’s been through it all with me — high school, living in three states, different jobs and relationships.”

But things weren’t always rosy for Kristen and Aspen. When the pup was about ten months old, Kristen’s mother told her she had to find a new home for Aspen. Heartbroken, Kristen posted her on a Facebook page and someone offered to take her. The new family returned her within two days but never said what went wrong. They didn’t even want a refund.

A few days later, someone else wanted her. They loved Aspen instantly and took her that night. A few days later, they called and said they also wouldn’t be able to keep her. Kristen told her mother, “If the next family gives her back, she’s meant to be with us.” The next family came, loved Aspen instantly, and left with her. The next morning, there was a knock on the door and a man stood there with baby Aspen. He said he couldn’t keep her but offered no explanation. Needless to say, Kristen got to keep her dog. “Perhaps Aspen was stressed and showing signs of grief, and the new families felt she’d be better off with Kristen,” says Deena.

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HOW TO HELP A GRIEVING DOG Grief is extremely difficult for us to deal with, and Deena says the same is true for our dogs. Here’s how to help your dog if he’s mourning a companion: •Y ou may perceive that your dog is hiding more than usual and that’s okay.

Allow him to grieve and have some alone time.

•D eena adds that it’s also important to give your dog extra attention and TLC when he wants it. This quality time is good for you as well, since you’re probably also grieving the loss.

•E nsure your dog is getting adequate exercise, and that he’s eating properly.

If his appetite seems low, tempt him with some healthy treats or toppers.

• I f your dog has lost a canine companion he was close to, you might consider adopting another dog to help him recover from his bereavement. Don’t think of the new dog as a “replacement” for the one that has passed, but as a way to encourage the surviving dog to engage in life again.

•A n alternative to adopting another dog is to arrange play dates with other dogs, or find new activities to do with your dog.

•M ost importantly, just be there for your dog to give him the love and attention he needs to recover from the loss of his close friend, whether human or animal.

As we learn more about canine cognition and behavior, we’re realizing that dogs feel a range of emotions, including grief.

Recognizing the signs of a mourning dog, and helping him move through the process, will help ease your own grief and strengthen your bond of love.

Advertorial

A natural and effective solution for smelly animals

By Lionel Fabries, DVM

Skin health is a top priority for animal parents who want their dogs and cats to look and smell good. The odor our “furry friends” give off may bother us, but solutions exist!

hounds, Dobermans, Labradors, and Newfoundlands.

The reasons behind odor can include:

Sometimes, a malodorous coat is caused by an imbalance of the skin’s microbial flora.

• The accumulation of dirt • An excessive secretion of sebum, the greasy substance essential to protecting the coat • The presence of bacteria and yeast on the skin and coat.

DOES HE JUST NEED A GOOD BATH? Regular bathing with an appropriate shampoo will do the trick, by cleansing the skin and coat, and thus eliminating dirt and bad odors.

more severe skin disorders (skin infections, hormonal disorders, etc.) that need to be identified and addressed as early as possible.

WHEN THE SKIN MICROBIOTA IS DISRUPTED

PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO ELIMINATE BAD ODORS Applying an efficient and practical skincare product such as Essential 6® spot-on (Dermoscent®) can be a good idea. Made of natural ingredients, including plant-extracted essential fatty acids (Omega-6 and Omega-3) and a synergy of well-dosed essential oils, Essential 6® spot-on hydrates, helps reduce dandruff and bad odors, helps regulate sebum levels, and enhances coat shine. Weekly use of this spot-on also extends the time between shampoos!

Not all bacteria are harmful. Far from it! The microbiota found on your animal’s skin contains a vast number of microorganisms that all live together in perfect harmony. However, when a colony of pathogenic bacteria multiplies abnormally, the flora become unbalanced, inducing skin disorders and bad odors.

AGAINST BAD ODORS, THERE ARE SOLUTIONS!

If you’re short on time or unable to bathe your dog or cat, alternatives such as rinsefree cleansing foams can be very practical.

Trying to camouflage bad odors with something sweet-smelling is pointless. It would be uncomfortable for your animal, and wouldn’t address the source of the issue.

COULD THE CULPRIT BE SEBORRHEA?

Good hygiene with adapted products is key!

Just like humans, animals can suffer from seborrhea. When produced in excess, sebum can not only make the skin look greasy but can also cause unpleasant odors.

Natural ingredients such as essential oils, when used properly, can be a great help in regulating overly active sebaceous glands and redressing imbalances of skin microbiota.

Certain breeds of dog are more prone to this disorder than others, including German shepherds, Basset

Of course, it is always advisable to consult your veterinarian, since bad odors can sometimes be a sign of

Dr. Lionel Fabries graduated from Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Toulouse in France in 1981 and completed a veterinary ophthalmology degree in 1982 prior to becoming a visiting scholar in the University of Florida. For over 30 years, he has been practicing medicine and surgery on small animals, mainly in ophthalmology and cardiology. Dr. Fabries has played an active role as a board member in the French Association of Small Animals Veterinarians, and is a member of the European Society of Veterinary Dermatology. In 2003, he and two associates founded LDCA offering a comprehensive range of dermo-cares for companion animals under the brand Dermoscent®.

Bathe your animal regularly! Can’t shampoo your dog or cat? Essential Mousse® is a solution of choice as there is no need to rinse. It cleanses and deodorizes while moisturizing the skin.

R odrigues Hoffmann A. et al. Novel association of Psychrobacter and Pseudomonas with malodour in bloodhound dogs, and the effects of a topical product composed of essential oils and plant-derived essential fatty acids […]” Veterinary Dermatology (Dec. 2018); 29(6) p.465-475. Short Communication NAVDF 2018 in Hawaii.

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HEALTH ALERT

— a danger to your dog This long feathery grass looks beautiful, but foxtail barley seeds have tiny barbs that can attach to your dog’s coat and burrow into his skin, ears and nose. Find out how to protect him.

If you walk or run your dog in rural areas, be aware of a plant called foxtail barley. This tall feathery grass develops seed heads with tiny barbs that can attach themselves to your dog’s coat and work their way into his skin, paw pads, ear canals and nasal cavities. These barbs cause a lot of discomfort, and if they get lodged in deep, surgery may be needed to remove them. Protect your dog by learning how to recognize foxtail barley, and taking steps to prevent contact.

WHAT IS FOXTAIL BARLEY? Foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum) is a native grass found in a range of habitats throughout North America, including pastures and fields as well as ditches, fencerows, and roadsides, and in disturbed moist areas. The plant can grow up to two feet tall and has a long stem with a feathered, bushy top that resembles a foxtail — hence the name. Foxtail grass is common in California, the southern and western United States, Canada and Mexico.

Foxtail barley can germinate in the spring or fall (depending on where you live). After flowering, the grass gets dry and brown, allowing the seed heads to detach easily. The wind can cause the seeds to scatter — as can a dog or other animal brushing up against the plant.

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Foxtail Dog Protector, foxtaildogprotector.com Foxtailfree Hoodies, foxtailfree.com OutFox Field Guard, outfoxfordogs.com

ARMED AND DANGEROUS Foxtail barley seeds are arrowshaped awns, made up of razor-sharp needles. Nature designed them this way so they can plant themselves in the ground and start burrowing beneath the surface to grow.

Unfortunately, they do the same thing if they get on your dog’s skin, or are snuffed up, ingested or land in his ears.

“Because the foxtail is barbed, once it becomes embedded it cannot come out easily,” says Pippa Hutchinson, a clinical companion animal behaviorist.

“Should a dog bite the end off, the rest will remain and work its way up and along an opening such as the nasal or ear canal, or through the skin.”

“The most common foreign body found in the external ear canal of dogs and cats is the grass awn,” concurs Richard G. Harvey, author of Ear Diseases of the Dog and Cat. “In the US, the most common species of plant awn is Hordeum jubatum.”

In 2011, the LA Times reported that the emergency room of an animal hospital in northern California sees

“The most common foreign body found in the external ear canal of dogs and cats is the grass awn. In the US, the most common species of plant awn is Hordeum jubatum.”

60 to 90 cases a month during foxtail seed season. And in many instances, surgery is required to remove foxtail awns. One man noticed that his dog was continually sneezing after a run outdoors. Upon checking, he saw something in the dog’s nostril. He took the dog to his vet, only to learn that a foxtail awn had attached itself to the inside of the animal’s nasal cavity and needed to be surgically removed.

PROTECTING YOUR POOCH

1 2 3

The best way to protect your dog from foxtail barley is to keep him away from long dry grasses (this is also a good idea for protecting against ticks).

Contact your veterinarian or regional agricultural unit and ask if they know of any foxtail barley growing in your area, and/or learn to recognize it yourself. This way, you’ll know which areas to steer clear of when walking or hiking with your dog.

Check your dog’s coat and face after every outing in or near areas of long grass. Immediately remove any visible seeds stuck to his hair, and take him to the vet as soon as possible if he starts sneezing, shaking his head, scratching, rubbing or chewing right after a walk.

The sooner you get veterinary attention for your dog, the easier, less invasive, and less expensive treatment will be.

4

If possible, try to keep your dog’s hair short, particularly around his toes, feet and armpits. That way the seeds are less likely to cling to him, and you’ll have a much better chance of spotting them.

5

Several companies have come to the rescue with products especially designed to protect a dog’s head and face from foxtail awns. Foxtailfree Hoodies and OutFox Field Guard offer lightweight

Is your dog at risk?

Any dog can have a run-in with foxtail barley, but those at particular risk are long-haired dogs as well as sporting, hiking and hunting breeds such as cocker spaniels, pointers, setters, Labrador and golden retrievers.

“If your dog has been running in long grass, where you suspect there may be foxtail grass, watch him for new behaviors such as chewing the paws, shaking the head, sneezing or scratching,” says Pippa. “If you feel the behaviors are excessive, go to the vet and get your dog checked.” This is especially important if your dog’s eyes are watering and/or he is rubbing them.

hoods that cover the dog’s head and face, protecting his ears, eyes, nose and mouth but still allowing him to comfortably breathe, see, sniff and explore. The Foxtail Dog Protector fits protectively over the dog’s ears (the ears are one of the most common sites for foxtail seeds to wind up in).

Though foxtail barley is a pervasive problem, it doesn’t mean you have to give up rambling through the countryside with your dog.

Learning how to recognize it and where it grows, and taking some simple precautions, will help ensure carefree walks.

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g o d

Dogs bark for many reasons,

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? h c u m o to What to do

To help your dog feel more secure when you leave him, start teaching him that it’s okay to be alone for short periods. urchase a few new and safe dog chews, toys you can P fill with food, and a nice calming CD. Let’s admit it. Barking dogs can be annoying, not to mention stressful. And when it's your own dog who’s barking all the time, it can also lead to embarrassment. In some cases, an excessively-barking dog can cause a rift between neighbors and even family members. This article looks at why dogs sometimes bark too much, and what you can do to train this behavior away.

4

COMMON REASONS FOR EXCESSIVE BARKING — AND HOW TO SOLVE THEM

REASON ONE

Separation anxiety or loneliness Dogs are pack animals and seek companionship. When a dog is left alone for extended periods of time, he can become lonely or even suffer from extreme panic if he has separation anxiety.

His barking may even turn to howling. It’s a way to call in his family: “I'm here. I'm alone. Come home.”

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ill a toy with something extra special, turn the CD on, F and give your dog his new treat-filled toy.

T ell him, “I'll be back in a minute.” Then step into another room for a few moments.

I t might take a few trials for your dog to feel comfortable with this new routine. Once he does, extend the time you are in the other room.

S tart changing the room you pop into. During some sessions, step outside. What you are doing is slowly building up the time you are away from your dog, while allowing him to feel safe and secure.

I f your dog has true separation anxiety, please seek the help of your veterinarian and a qualified dog behavior counselor. They will coach you in how to help your dog when your time away is too much for him to bear.

REASON TWO

Attention-seeking or learned behavior Dogs are super smart and can learn what works before we even realize what we are teaching them. Attention-seeking barking starts when a dog learns that barking gets you to do something.

I typically see this behavior stemming from people who want their dogs to bark to go outside. Sure, you may be teaching your dog to let you know when he needs to use the bathroom, but you are also teaching him that barking gets him things.

Personally, I like to teach dogs that being quiet is the road to good things.

What to do

In order to teach your dog that barking for attention does not work, you have to set up the scenario in your favor.

M ake a quick list of all the times your dog barks to get your attention or something else he wants.

A ssuming these are things he can have, such as potty breaks, playtime, or dinner, begin giving him those things before he starts demanding it’s time for them.

For example, if your dog asks to go potty four times a day, take him out eight times a day, about half an hour before he normally asks. If he barks to play, double his play sessions, and once again, play before he normally asks.

N ow that his needs are more than being met, when he asks (because he will at the beginning), just ignore him.

Don't tell him “no,” “lie down,” “leave it,” or anything else. Treat him as if he’s invisible: don't pay attention to him, don't look at him. You can even walk away.

Eventually, he will learn that barking does not get him what he wants.

R emember, you are doubling his activities and providing them before he would normally ask for them.

If you are doing this, and ignoring the barking for attention, the behavior will eventually extinguish.

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WHY DO DOGS BARK? Dogs bark as a way to communicate information. We often discuss canine body language and what a dog is saying through his posture or actions, but barking is also a way for him to express himself. Since barking can seem so in your face, however, it’s often seen as an annoying behavior that overrides the important message your dog is trying to convey.

I often think of barking as the “symptom” of a behavior versus the actual problem. It's not about teaching a dog not to bark; it’s about addressing the reasons behind his barking. What is he trying to say? Once you understand why your dog is barking, and resolve the reason, you will unlock the key to curbing his chatter.

WHAT IF IT’S YOUR NEIGHBOR’S DOG THAT’S BARKING?

Few things are more irritating than being barked at by a neighbor’s dog as soon as you step out your door. If you’re having this problem, however, getting angry will only make things worse. Instead, go next door with a tray of cookies. Politely let the neighbor know that their dog is doing a lot of barking and you just wanted them to be aware. Ask if there is anything you can do to help with the situation. Maybe the dog is barking at you because he’s fearful of people or your lawn mower. Working together is always the neighborly thing to do.

REASON THREE

Alerting

Someone’s here! Something’s not right! Keep in mind that dogs are pack animals, and one of the things they do is alert the pack when there is trouble. A lot of people want to keep this behavior in their dogs. I agree to a point. I feel that a dog can alert us when something is amiss, but then we need to check it out and tell the dog, “It’s fine. No need to worry.”

What to do

T he next time your dog alarm barks, casually go up to him, look at what he’s barking at and tell him your phrase of choice — e.g. “It’s okay,” “Eveything’s all right,” etc. hen ask him to come inside with you or into another T room. You will likely need to use a tasty treat or new chew toy as a lure. e may rush back to the barking area, but just repeat H the process. If needed, snap on a leash to keep him with you. Don’t worry — you aren’t rewarding him for barking; you are rewarding him for coming with you.

REASON FOUR

Fear

Fearful barking is a way for your dog to tell the stimulus (person, dog, scary thing) to back off. It’s also a way for him to tell you he needs backup. If you have a fearful dog, it’s important that you manage his environment to ensure he feels

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safe and secure. In order to teach your dog that the scary thing is not really scary, you need to introduce the stimulus below his fear threshold. In other words, in a way your dog does not see it as a threat.

What to do

The following training process can be used for pretty much any scary stimulus. The key is maintining the correct distance and providing incredibly valuable rewards. If your dog is still exhibiting fear, it’s time to seek the help of a professional.

I f your dog is afraid of men ten feet away, but has no reaction from 20 feet away, then 20 feet is below his threshold and is the distance you will want to maintain between your dog and men.

W hen your dog sees a man 20 feet away, pair the sighting with something good, like a meaty treat. In other words, “man at 20 feet = meaty treat.” This process will desensitize your dog and counter-condition him that men at 20 feet predict good things. ontinue this process until your dog starts to anticipate C that men at 20 feet means a reward. When he reaches this point, your next goal is men at 19 feet, 18 feet, and so on. Slow and steady!

Excessive barking can be an aggravating behavior. Just remember your dog is not trying to be annoying — he’s simply doing his best to convey a message. Don’t try to stop him from communicating.

Instead, listen to him, determine why he’s barking, and tackle the problem with positive training techniques.

TO THE RESCUE

Photos courtesy of Broken Promises Rescue

Broken Promises Rescue

Animal Wellness will donate 25% of each subscription purchased using promo code BPR to Broken Promises Rescue.

Clockwise from left: These pups arrived at BPR to be bottle fed after their mom had mastitis and could no longer nurse; These two cuties were in the same foster home and became the best of friends!; Abbey came to BPR near death from starvation. She was tube fed until she was strong and healthy.

LOCATION: Victoria, BC YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2011 TYPES OF ANIMAL THEY WORK WITH: Broken Promises Rescue (BPR) is an all-species rescue. They will take any animal as long as the resources and a foster home are available. “Mostly we help dogs and cats, but we also have rabbits, rats, and other small animals,” says Director and Founder Pamela Saddler.

NUMBER OF STAFF/VOLUNTEERS/FOSTER HOMES: “We have no paid staff,” says Pamela. “We’re a volunteer-run organization.”

BPR has 15 to 25 active foster homes at any given time.

FUNDRAISING PROJECTS: Here are some of the fundraisers BPR hosts each year (events currently depend on pandemic restrictions): • Auctions — online and live

• Calendar sales

• Dinners/galas

• Garage sales

• Pet photo events

• Bottle drives

• Car washes

• Online “marketplace” sales

• Microchipping clinics

• Dog walks

• Paint nights

• Bingo

• Raffles

• Comedy nights

FAVORITE RESCUE STORY: “On June 15, 2013, we received a call about kittens running around the School Board office in Langford,” says Pamela. “We set a few live traps and were sitting back watching when we heard muffled cat cries. With further inspection, we determined the cries were coming out of the drainpipes.”

Pamela and the BPR team were there for three full days and nights. “We had the fire department come out as well as plumbing companies with scope cameras so we could see and follow the kittens to various locations around the building,” she says.

The media was on the scene, which attracted droves of caring citizens who wanted to help. This posed a challenge, because the excessive chatter only served to push the kittens deeper into the pipes.

After controlling the crowd and digging up and blocking off sections of the pipes, they were able to rescue all of the kittens.

“We got one kitten out the first day, one the second, and one the third,” says Pamela. “It took lots of patience, frustration, tears, and no sleep, but all three were saved. After receiving vet care, they were all adopted out to amazing homes.”

Find them online: brokenpromisesrescue.wordpress.com facebook.com/brokenpromisesrescue

• Tattoo flash days Animal Wellness

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HEALING INSIDE & OUT

Preventing and managing arthritis in your dog or cat D gs Cats

A look at how your animal’s body moves, and why it’s so important to support his joint health and prevent arthritis.

By Julie Anne Lee, DCH

When it comes to arthritis in dogs and cats, solutions for supporting joint health while reducing inflammation and pain are the main points of focus.

Luckily, many wonderful natural therapies can help address joint health and disease. In this article, I want to talk about the scaffolding of orthopedics, as well as the importance of preventing arthritis and providing supportive care for joint health.

How your animal’s body moves How does your dog or cat’s body support his joints, spine, and bones? The answer is a really important part of this

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discussion! Joints, limbs, and muscles are specialized tissues within the body that serve their purpose primarily by contracting. This is accomplished when muscle tissue employs the proteins, actin and myosin, which slide past each other to create movement.

Every muscle has interwoven connective tissue that attaches the muscle fibers and bundles together. If you picture muscles as a large, ornate, stained glass window, the fibers and bundles would be the different-sized colored glass panels. The surrounding and supporting connective tissue would be the lead that surrounds and supports the windows.

This connective tissue is composed

of collagen strands that give it a tremendous ability to withstand pulling or longitudinal strains. It also has limited elasticity, which allows it to stretch while still holding the tissues together.

Without connective tissue holding the muscles together, your dog or cat would lose her strength and the ability to move her bones or support her frame.

Besides controlling movement, the muscles are a major part of the body that, in essence, prevents all the weight from being solely supported by the joints and bones. Unhealthy muscle tissue leads to an increase of wear and tear, resulting in deterioration, inflammation, and arthritis.

In short, the skeletal muscles play a major role in your dog or cat’s health and well-being. So, what are some ways to keep them healthy?

Supporting your dog or cat’s muscles Here are ten of the best nutrients for supporting your animal’s muscles and helping to prevent or improve arthritis.

They can easily be added to your animal’s daily diet. qV itamin C — Unlike humans, dogs and cats make their own vitamin C. However, if your animal’s immune system is at all compromised, then he may this vitamin. The good news is, vitamin C is found in raw meat, as well as vegetables like Swiss chard and spinach. For a cat, a full raw meat diet will provide adequate amounts of vitamin C. w B vitamins — Eggs, lean meats, legumes, nuts, and leafy greens are all high in these vitamins. eV itamin D — And add beef liver, wild salmon, raw milk, and egg yolks to her diet. rV itamin E — I feed my dogs raw soaked almonds as treats, but other foods high in vitamin E include sunflower seeds, spinach, avocados, squash, trout, shrimp, olive oil, hemp seed oil, and broccoli. tO mega-3s and amino acids — Feeding whole fish or phytoplankton are easy ways to up the Omega-3s in your animal’s diet. Phytoplankton are tiny, microscopic plants that form the

Helpful homeopathics Remember, the body needs to move — and then it needs rest to recover after exercise.

My number one favorite modality here is homeopathics. These are my top four choices: • Arnica is the ideal go-to for inflammation and trauma and to facilitate healing.

• Symphytum (also known as knitbone) is literally for injuries to bones, cartilage, and tendons • Ruta is indicated for soreness in bones, joints, tendons, and cartilage.

Can support strains and sprains, bruising, and especially pulled ligament.

• Calendula helps fight inflammation.

base of the food chain in the ocean.

It’s one of the most valuable sources of nutrition on earth and is chock full of essential amino acids. yC alcium — Raw milk and digestible bone (chicken and turkey necks are awesome) are two great sources. uM agnesium — Swiss chard, spinach and almonds are rich in this mineral. iQ uality protein — Chinese medicine promotes feeding what you are trying to support – in this case, that would be muscle meat, heart, etc. oC ollagen — This nutrient supports the connective tissue. Think of the lead glass description above, or look at it as the scaffolding that holds the joints and bones in their supportive positions. Give your animal bone broth — it’s easy and inexpensive to make! Phytoplankton has a plant-based collagen as well. Even cats love it! aN -Dimethylglycine (DMG) — The last thing I would like to talk about is DMG. Any high performance animals (e.g. working dogs or those in agility, flyball, etc.) should be on DMG, but so should all aging dogs and cats. The results of DMG are incredible; it helps with joint pain, muscle fatigue, muscle stiffness, and increases the body’s ability to restore its balance of lactic acid. It’s essential!

Next time you think of orthopedic health or arthritis in terms of your dog or cat, really look at it from a holistic approach, which makes use of the amazing ways nature helps the body stay strong, supportive and fluid.

Julie Anne Lee, DCH, has spent her life learning and teaching others how to provide healthy, holistic care to our adored beasts. Adored Beast Apothecary is the culmination of her decades of experience in the trenches of holistic healthcare, which included opening the first licensed holistic veterinary hospital in Canada.

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KNOW YOUR CAT

The zoomies are also a way for your cat to release pent-up energy.

s” “zoomie e h t m o Fr c at s ing, our d a e g n k to endearin e m o s in ng e n g ag e s puzzli e im t e b u t so m a look s. Take r io v a h be on kitty m m o c at s o m e t n d wh a quirks a an . they me

Kitty

By Sally Bahner

A big part of a cat’s charm is his quirky behavior. Whether he’s “chattering” at birds outside the window, or zooming around the house just before bedtime, your cat likely engages in some mystifying activities. Many of these quirks can be traced to behaviors inherited from his wild feline ancestors. Others are… well, just plain quirky! Let’s look at the most common kitty quirks, and what they mean.

Zoomies. This is one of the most familiar, yet amusing, feline behaviors. It often follows a successful trip to the litter box.

Why? Well, because it feels good! The zoomies are also a way for your cat to release pent-up energy, especially if he has spent most of the day snoozing.

Cats are most active in the twilight and evening hours, so this is often the time they like to engage in the zoomies. You can respond by engaging your kitty in a game of hide-and-seek or by pulling out a favorite toy.

The slow blink is a calm, non-threatening way of communicating and expressing affection.

Head bunting. This is a form of feline greeting. Cats have

scent glands below their jaws, and on their cheeks and foreheads, and it is thought that head bunting is a way to “mark” you as their own. Check around your house: you might see some slightly darkened areas at feline height, often on corners. This is also where your cat has left his mark.

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Bathroom monitor.

If you have a cat, you probably have no privacy in the bathroom.

She knows she has a captive audience as she weaves between your legs for attention. Some cats may also just feel safer being by your side, no matter where in the house you are. Or, if your cat is like our Mollie, she just wants to know what you’re up to!

Kneading. This is a behavior kittens use

Carrying around a special toy. Many cats seem to have a

when they’re nursing, and many cats continue it when they’re adults. They love kneading on soft surfaces (including our legs or stomachs!) and their sweet, blissful expressions show how much they enjoy it; some even seem to go into a trance.

special toy they like to carry around in their mouths. These toys bring out the predator in them, and help satisfy their hunting instincts.

One of our cats, Tekla, had one we called her “tail” toy. Her furtive, almost guttural meowing was a signal to all that her “prey” had been caught! If your cat does the same with a favorite toy of her own, be sure to acknowledge a successful “hunt” with a heap of praise.

Licking, biting plastic. That crinkly plastic bag left on your

kitchen table from a grocery run or takeout meal is full of tempting smells, so there’s no real mystery as to why your cat might be attracted to it. However, he could get caught in the bag’s handle, and ingesting plastic definitely isn’t good for him. Be sure to dispose of plastic bags safely before your cat starts licking or chewing on them. Cats may also be drawn to other plastic non-toy objects, especially if they have an interesting texture or make an attractive sound. Another of our cats, Sofiya, likes to bite on padded mailing envelopes, for example. If your cat often tries to lick or chew on plastic or other inedible objects, pica could be the problem. This issue can be caused by stress, nutritional deficiencies, or boredom, and should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Chattering at birds. Have you ever caught your kitty

riveted to the window, staring at the birds and making funny “aackaack” sounds? The chattering is accompanied by alert, forward-facing ears, wide eyes, and a swishing tail. There are several rather diverse explanations for this behavior. Perhaps it’s an expression of frustration over not being able to reach his prey, and/or a rush of adrenalin. Maybe he’s mimicking bird chirps in order to attract the prey…or mimicking the bite he’d give to the back of the neck once he caught it.

Slow blink. Another form of greeting, the slow blink is a

feline behavior made known by cat behaviorist, Jackson Galaxy, who uses it when he greets cats for the first time. Jackson blinks at them, and they blink back. It’s a calm, non-threatening way of communicating and expressing affection. You may notice it in your own cat as you talk to him and gently stroke him.

Arching back/tiptoe greeting.

When my husband comes home from work, Sofiya greets him by hopping onto the counter and prancing around on tiptoe with her back arched. They have a petting session and then he gives her a treat. This common form of greeting also includes rubbing against the object of affection; of course, you must pet a cat that greets you this way!

Flehmen response. You may have

sometimes seen your cat sniff something, then seem to stare into space with his mouth open and his lips curled. He’s engaging in what’s called the Flehmen response. The vomeronasal or Jacobson’s organ, located in the upper palate of the cat’s mouth, captures odorrich particles. When your cat exhibits this behavior, he’s taking in information, perhaps picking up pheromones from other cats. While amusing to watch, the Flehmen response is an integral part of feline behavior.

You’ve probably observed at least a few of these quirky behaviors in your own cat, Knowing more about why our kitties do what they do just makes them all the more appealing!

Animal Wellness

75

AT THE VET

m m o u C n l i c a a m t i o n rs A STIC VETS WORK W I L O H ITH HOW

By Pat

r i ci a

Her

levi

Once dismissed as bogus, animal communication is starting to be taken more seriously by holistic veterinarians, some of whom are now working with communicators to help enhance patient care.

A

nimal communicators have been around almost as long as holistic veterinarians. But it’s only been more recently that they’ve started working together as a way to enhance care for their clients and patients, respectively.

For those unfamiliar with animal communication, the practice involves telepathic communication with an animal through images, emotions, and sensations that are then interpreted into verbal language for humans to understand. An animal communicator isn’t a medical doctor (or an inexpensive alternative to medical attention!) and she isn’t legally permitted to diagnose or prescribe.

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However, animal communication weds well with holistic veterinary diagnoses and treatments, as well as energy medicine such as Reiki and homeopathy.

It adds another dimension to vet care by giving the animal a chance to have a say in his treatment; often, the animal knows what is best for his own well-being.

TEAM PLAYERS Holistic vets and animal communicators are a natural pairing.

Thanks to their background in working with alternative modalities, holistic vets are more open to working with animal communicators, with the latter acting as interpreters for the animals.

A HOLISTIC VET WORKS WITH ANIMAL COMMUNICATORS Holistic vet Dr. Anna Maria Wolf recognizes the importance of communicating with an animal to see what lies beyond a health or behavioral concern. She cites one case involving a cat with litter box issues. Veterinary medicine is realizing that stress can play a big role in such problems, which were previously given a blanket diagnosis of urinary tract infection. An animal communicator can help get to the bottom of litter box issues by figuring out what might be causing the stress and emotional upset.

Animal communication is trending With several famous animal communicators, such as Anna Breytenbach from South Africa, featured in documentaries, and pet psychics appearing on mainstream TV talk shows, animal communication is trending. Animal guardians of all ages have hired animal communicators to find missing dogs and cats, help with re-homing animals, and for help with behavioral and health problems. You can also learn to communicate telepathically with your own animal thanks to a growing number of affordable and accessible courses and training, many of which are offered online.

“When I tune into an animal, I can locate the area of pain or discomfort.”

The vet seeks to understand both the emotional and physical state of the animal, to choose a remedy that will support healing on both levels.”

“In this case, the client didn’t realize that a neighborhood cat was coming into the yard and triggering behavioral issues in her own cat,” says Dr. Wolf. It was only by having an animal communicator converse with the cat that this information was discovered. “Animal communicators can also help communicate to the animal about things that can help, as well as provide practical suggestions for the guardian.”

AN ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR COLLABORATES WITH VETS

Dr. Wolf has recommended working with animal communicators to her colleagues. “I think a fair number of holistic vets are interested or open to animal communicators being involved with their cases, to help the healing process,” she says. “There’s skepticism among allopathic vets, who I don’t see as being as open or receptive. But even among those I know, there have been situations in which the veterinarian was surprised and couldn’t explain what the communicator said.”

“A veterinarian may want to locate a physical issue when diagnostics are questionable,” Donna says, as an example.

“When I tune into an animal, I can locate the area of pain or discomfort.

Meanwhile, a homeopathic veterinarian can confirm a selected remedy with information communicated from the animal.

Animal communicator and certified classical homeopath, Donna Lozito, has been practicing since 1994 and has successfully collaborated with both holistic and conventional vets. She learned animal communication from her horse, who was ill at the time, has been a guest on Animal Planet, and has made other media appearances.

“…the client didn’t realize that a neighborhood cat was coming into the yard and triggering behavioral issues in her own cat.”

Since dogs and cats don’t speak human language, we’re often left trying to solve mysteries about their behaviors or health concerns. Pairing an animal communicator with a veterinarian can help enhance animal care by answering some of these more puzzling questions. If your vet isn’t open to working with an animal communicator, you can still consult one separately for more insight into your dog or cat’s situation or condition. Either way, incorporating animal communication into your animal’s veterinary care can bring his well-being to a whole new level.

How animal communication can help with end of life care During the end of a dog or cat’s life, an animal communicator can enhance the care the animal is receiving from his vet by providing a connection between the animal and his guardian through an interpretation of the animal’s final thoughts or concerns.

“Animals will have specific information as to how they’re feeling and when it’s time,” says Donna. “They’re sometimes more concerned about their person being ready and how they’ll handle the loss. Animal communication is extremely helpful at these times.”

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CLASSIFIEDS

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Animal Communicators

of treatable medical conditions. The staff and board members of The Pet Fund CAROL SCHULTZ — Animal work constantly to develop resources for Communicator/Intuitive Healing Support. pets and their families to fund critically Interactive, compassionate, practical, needed veterinary care, keeping animals and insightful Consultations and Energy out of shelters and helping pet owners Balancing for all species. Assistance to become skilled at preventative care with emotional, behavioral, physical, end practices. Since medical treatment costs of life, and animals of spirit. Classes & for animals (as for people) are also on the mentoring available. (815) 531-2850 rise, this is an ongoing funding challenge. www.carolschultz.com www.thepetfund.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.

(541) 577-3051, sscott@shirley-scott.com, www.shirley-scott.com

Books & Publications

1000s OF DOG BOOKS, EBOOKS, DVDs AND VIDEO ON DEMAND. Learn just like the Pros. (800) 776-2665; Dogwise.com Holistic Veterinarians

EAST YORK ANIMAL CLINIC HOLISTIC CENTRE — Dr. Paul McCutcheon, Dr. Cindy Kneebone & Dr. Candice Chiu. The MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION — We first and oldest integrative veterinary clinic are a global leader in supporting studies in Ontario with over fifty years of service to find solutions to serious health threats to the community and our collective to animals. Since our founding, we’ve veterinarian experience of 95 years. We invested more than $136 million in 2,780+ provide a variety of diagnostic and studies that have improved the health and therapeutic methods utilizing the latest quality of life for dogs, cats, horses, and research in integrative medicine. Please wildlife around the world. We believe visit our website to explore our services. animals make the world a better place. www.eastyorkanimalclinic.com; Animals are our family members, our eyac@holisticpetvet.com; (416) 757-3569, companions, and our inspiration. Whether 805 O’Connor Drive, Toronto, ON, M4B 2S7 we work on staff, serve as board members, or volunteer as scientific GUELPH ANIMAL HOSPITAL — Offers advisers, each of us strives every day to a full range of conventional veterinary make the world a brighter place for services as well as acupuncture, animals — and those who love them. chiropractic, massage, herbal and www.morrisanimalfoundation.org nutritional. Dr. Rob Butler is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture and is also GREY2K USA — Formed in 2001, trained in Traditional Chinese Herbal GREY2K USA Worldwide is the largest Medicine. Dr. Smolkin is certified in greyhound protection organization in the Animal Chiropractic. By integrating world. As a non-profit entity, we work to conventional and complementary pass stronger greyhound protection laws therapies, treatments can be tailored to and end the cruelty of dog racing on both the individual’s needs and preferences. national and international levels. We Contact Guelph Animal Hospital at also promote the rescue and adoption (519) 836-2781 or www.quelphvet.com of greyhounds across the globe. www.grey2kusa.org Associations

THE PET FUND — Founded in 2003, The Pet Fund is a national nonprofit dedicated to funding veterinary care for those who could not afford it. Animal shelter statistics across the country demonstrated a constant increase in the number of animals dropped off at shelters because

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Animal Wellness

Natural Pet Products

NATIONAL ANIMAL SUPPLEMENT COUNCIL (NASC) — The National Animal Supplement Council is a nonprofit industry group dedicated to protecting and enhancing the health of companion animals and horses

throughout the U.S. When you see the NASC Quality Seal on a product, you can trust it comes from a reputable company that has successfully passed an independent quality audit. Look for the Quality Seal wherever you purchase animal supplements. https://nasc.cc/ WHOLISTIC PET ORGANICS — Producing high-quality products for your pets with USA-sourced ingredients since 1998. You will never find by-products, meals, fillers, synthetics, or GMOs of any kind. If it is not good enough for you, it is not good enough for your pets!

Shop a full line of products for stress & anxiety, digestive support, skin & coat, joint support, immune support, and much more for your dog, cat, or horse. www.wholisticpetorganics.com Schools & Training

HOLISTIC ANIMAL STUDIES — We offer online courses in Canine, Feline, and Equine Massage, kinesiology taping, craniosacral therapy, Reiki, and body alignment. Our courses are approved through numerous National and International Organizations ensuring that you will be provided with the highest quality learning experience. All of our courses are online, have no deadlines and no time limitations! Register now and start learning one of these amazing techniques from any location today! www.holisticanimalstudies.org/ TALLGRASS ANIMAL ACUPRESSURE RESOURCES — The Pioneers in Animal Acupressure Resources since 1990.

Tallgrass has created animal acupressure books, manuals, meridian charts, videos, acupoint apps, and extensive Home-Study and Hands-On workshops to provide animal guardians, trainers, and healthcare practitioners access to the powerful healing modality of Animal Acupressure. www.animalacupressure.com 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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Healing Touch for Animals® Level 1 Online Course On-demand — Online Course

Best Friends National Conference June 23–24, 2021 — Online

What is energy, how does it affect us, and how can we use it to benefit animals and their people?

This course teaches students the human and animal energy systems and how they are different. Students learn how to be present and grounded and to assess the energy system of animals and people through step-bystep instructions provided for each of the 12 techniques.

These techniques are designed to clear, balance, stabilize and strengthen the energy system.

Students watch and learn how the body responds to this energy therapy and how that impacts the health and well-being of animals and people.

This five-hour training includes: • 30 instructional videos • Complete 120-page comprehensive, interactive Level 1 workbook (delivered in a digital format) • Corresponding workbook reading sections noted with each video • Open book knowledge and understanding questionnaire • Electronic certificate of completion Once the Level 1 online course has been completed, you will be eligible to move on to the Level 2 in-person course.

For more information: (303) 470-6572 info@HealingTouchforAnimals.com www.healingtouchforanimals.com

Join us for the first-ever all-virtual Best Friends National Conference. During this event, you’ll connect with animal welfare leaders from across the country, unite with like-minded animal welfare supporters and gain knowledge to save the lives of more homeless pets in your community.

Who should attend? Everyone! Whether you’re the director of a local shelter, a volunteer at an animal organization, an animal control officer, a veterinarian, an adoption counselor, or just someone who wants to learn more about animal welfare, this event is for you.

whenever you want it. Enjoy video lectures from leading industry experts, product manufacturers, integrative veterinarians covering a wide range of regularly updated topics PLUS over 2000 articles, blogs, tips and studies all available at one convenient easy-to-navigate location.

Register today for a seven-day FREE trial membership!

For more information: (866) 764-1212 info@animalwellnessacademy.org https://animalwellnessacademy.org Mr. Spot Dog Camp August 7–11, 2021 — Kingston, ON

For more information: (800) 999-729 info@wpamail.org www.superzoo.org Healing Touch for Animals® Level 1 Course August 20–22, 2021 — Edmonton, AB Introduction to Healing Touch: Friday / 6:00pm – 10:00pm This class is a prerequisite of the Small Animal Class.

Small Animal Class: Saturday / 9:00am – 6:00pm This class is a prerequisite of the Large Animal Class.

Large Animal Class: Sunday / 9:00am – 6:00pm This class is required to apply to become a Healing Touch for Animals® Certified Practitioner. Working with the horses' large energy systems benefits students with greater energetic awareness and a well-rounded experience.

Since this year’s conference is virtual, it’s going to be one of the most accessible and affordable Best Friends conferences to date. There will be new interactive elements that you’re sure to love. Plus, all conference content will be available on-demand after the conference until July 30.

If you've always wanted to try a variety of dog sports, this is the camp for you. Featuring new all-inclusive 6-night accommodation for you and your dog! All meals and a variety of dog sports to try. Come enjoy agility, obedience, rally, lure coursing and more for dogs of every breed, size, and age.

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RECALL ROUNDUP

Possible salmonella contamination Concerns about salmonella lead to a recall of Meow Mix dry foods.

Salmonella is among the most common pathogens Anyone whose cat may have consumed the recalled involved in pet food recalls. The J.M. Smucker Co. product should contact their veterinarian immediately. recently recalled two lots of Meow Mix dry cat food Those who have questions or would like to report due to potential salmonella contamination. While adverse reactions should call 888-569-6728 or visit the company has not received any reports of illness meowmix.com/contact-us. or adverse reactions, they are advising consumers to immediately stop giving these foods to their cats, and dispose of it. The affected 30 lb bags were sold at Walmart stores in Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Retail UPC Best if used Product name Lot code New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, code by date Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Meow Mix® Original Choice Dry Cat Food 2927452099 1081804 9/14/2022 The recalled food is shown in the – 30 lb bag table, along with the relevant lot codes — they can be found by checking the back of the bag at the Meow Mix® Original Choice bottom. No other of the company’s Dry Cat Food 2927452099 1082804 9/15/2022 products have been impacted by – 30 lb bag this recall.

More about salmonella

Salmonella is a bacterium that lies at the root of most food-related illnesses. The infection caused by the bacteria is known as salmonellosis, and in humans can often cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. While most people recover on their own within a week, severe cases may require hospitalization.

Salmonella can also affect cats if they eat a product contaminated with the bacteria. An infected cat may be asymptomatic, but adverse symptoms can also occur, and include fever, lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting. Humans can get salmonella from handling contaminated pet food products, especially if they don’t wash their hands after contact with the food.

Animal Wellness

81

NEWS REPORT

AMERICANS SPENT OVER

$100

BILLION ON THEIR ANIMALS OVER THE PAST YEAR

Dogs, cats and other animals continue providing solace to their humans during the COVID-19 pandemic — and they’re being rewarded with gifts! In fact, the amount of money Americans are spending on pet supplies, food, treats, vet care, and products has increased significantly since the start of 2020, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. Last week, the American Pet Products Association (APPA) announced that the pet industry has reached over $100 billion in annual sales, the highest level in industry history.

“We have reached a critical milestone, generating $103.6 billion in sales,” said Steve King, President and CEO of APPA. “This past year presented a host of challenges that resulted in consumers across the country turning to their pets for comfort and companionship.

Interestingly, the product trends we are seeing in the pet care community mirror those of consumers — a desire for a healthier lifestyle, increased focus on fitness, turning to supplements for improved well-being, and technology playing a larger role in everyday life.”

OTHER TRENDS FROM THIS YEAR’S APPA REPORT:

$8.1 billion

$22.1 billion

was spent on supplies, live animals, and OTC meds, a 15.1% increase from 2019.

82

$42 billion was spent on pet food and treats, a 9.7 % increase.

Animal Wellness

$31.4 billion

was spent on vet care and product sales, a 7.2 % increase.

was spent on services such as grooming, dog walking and boarding ( 21.4 % less than the previous year).

30%

Total retail sales increased by

6.7%

from 2019 to 2020.

47%

of animal parents increased the number of times they purchased online.

Pet specialty and independent retailers experienced solid growth.

of animal parents spent more on their animals in the past year, with only 10% saying they spent less.