V23I5 (Oct/Nov 2021)

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CONTENTS October/November 2021

Features 10

atural remedies for your N dog or cat’s gut problems

From diarrhea to appetite loss, gut problems are common in dogs and cats. Here are some natural remedies that ease symptoms and help heal the digestive tract.

aggression in dogs 28 F—ood and what to do about it Does your dog growl or snap when you reach for his food bowl? While it stems from a normal canine behavior called resource guarding, food aggression needs attention.

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Diet and diabetes in dogs — is there a connection?

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Poor nutrition contributes to premature aging and degenerative conditions that can lead to diabetes in dogs. An ancestral diet can help prevent and manage this common disease.

Columns 15 SMART CHOICES

Pet food homework: 3 steps to a better bowl

From counting carbs to doing the “adulteration math”, completing your pet food homework helps you select the best food for a “forever dog”.

20 NEED TO KNOW When bad breath in dogs is more than a dental problem

Most bad breath in dogs is caused by periodontal disease — but not always.

Here’s a look at the other causes, along with some holistic remedies for chronic bad breath.

Animal Wellness

22 FELINE HEALTH

IBD in cats — integrative approach to treatment

From diet therapy and natural remedies to pharmaceuticals when needed, an integrative approach is the best way to successfully treat IBD in cats.

26 NUTRITION KNOWHOW

Enhancing your pet’s kibble-based diet

It’s never a bad idea to add some extra nutritional value and variety to kibble-based diets. Here are some foods and meal toppers that will enhance their nutritional impact.

34 IN FOCUS

The basics of canine hydration: what dogs need and why

rates and carriers — C what’s best for your dog or cat?

When buying a crate or carrier, it’s important to make the right decisions when it comes to safety, comfort, size and design. Find out how to make the best choice for your dog or cat.

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Is your dog getting enough water? Here’s what you need to know about canine hydration!

38 THE RAW

56 TREAT TALK

Want to switch your dog or cat to a raw diet?

Raw diets have been fed for decades, but their popularity has risen significantly. If you’re considering switching your own dog or cat to a raw diet, here’s how to go about it.

41 BRIGHT SPOT

Canine concierges

44 FOCUS ON CBD

How CBD can help support your pet’s digestive health

72 EATING WELL

Homemade dog treats

APPROACH

Along with a quality diet and a good overall healthcare program, CBD can be used to add extra support to your dog or cat’s digestive well-being.

A health-conscious dog parent doesn't have to pass on the treats.

Give these tasty and nutritious recipes a try!

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ACUPRESSURE Acupressure as part of an integrative approach to diabetes in pets

Squash…a healthy whole food your dog will love!

We know pumpkin is good for dogs, but so are all the other varieties of squash, from acorn to zucchini and everything in between.

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YOUR CAT

Diabetes is very common in dogs and cats. An integrative approach to treatment is the best option, and acupressure can play an important role.

63 NUTRITION

How to converse with your cat

Cats have a remarkably wide “vocabulary”.

Knowing something about feline vocalizations and body language can help you learn to converse with your own kitty.

FACTS

79 HEALTH

52 HEALING

64 FELINE

How to support your pet’s gut health when they need antibiotics

Your pet’s microbiome

Sleep patterns in cats

INSIDE & OUT A dive into the mechanics of your dog or cat’s microbiome, and why it’s so important to his health and well-being.

Feeding pets real food with active life force ingredients

BEHAVIOR

It’s good to know something about feline sleep patterns and behaviors so you can catch any changes that might signal a health problem in your own kitty.

WATCH

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Departments 7 Editorial 14 From the NASC 32 AW Academy

product reviews

42 Product picks

Social Media

49 Business profile —

Northwest Naturals

50 Newsworthy 61 Get ready for fall 62 Let’s get social!

66 To the rescue 80 Classifieds 81 Marketplace 81 Events 82 Newsworthy

Tips, contests and more!

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Nutrition videos, recipes and more!

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Tips, pet photos, and more!

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Crafts, laughs, and more!

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For a long, healthy life!

WELLNESS VOLUME 23 ISSUE 5

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 Junior Graphic Designer: Ethan Vorstenbosch Digital Marketing Specialist: Carlos Reyes Web Design & Development: Lace Imson

COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Nadia Ali Sally E. Bahner Suzi Beber, Honouris causa Karen Shaw Becker, DVM Ian Billinghurst, BVSc (Hons), BScAgr Dip Ed Katherine Dahlhausen, PhD W. Jean Dodds, DVM Holly Ganz, PhD Bob Goldstein, VMD Andrea Gronwald Jean Hofve, DVM Sara Jordan-Heintz Chris Kilham, Medicine Hunter Ingrid King Angie Krause, DVM, CVA, CCRT Beth Mantis Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT Laurie Riihimaki Robert J. Silver, DVM, MS Amy Snow Tonya Wilhelm Nancy Zidonis

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 This cutie clearly loves the crisp, bright days of fall! In order to fully enjoy life, all dogs and cats need healthy diets that provide them with the nutrients they need to thrive, without the harmful additives found in so many commercial foods. Our annual nutrition issue is full of crucial advice on the best way to feed your best friend!

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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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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: September 2021. proudly supporting

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

FROM THE EDITOR

Fun

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t our house, when dinner finishes, the entertainment begins. Dogs and cats gather in anticipation, knowing that when the humans get up from the table, healthy leftovers are up for grabs. We play “hide and seek”, practice “obedience” skills, and test catching prowess. They patiently wait their turns and it usually ends with lots of laughing, tail-wagging and purring. Rewards might include a tossed green bean, a morsel of leftover fish or chicken, or a baked sweet potato cube. The next night, we do it all over again!

Nutrition has always been key to our companions’ diets and I cringe when I think of what we thought was high quality back in the day — ­ remember those fake burger-like foods full of propylene glycol? (No wonder my childhood dog had skin allergies!) While diet is our number one priority, we are not militant and I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.

Over the years, I’ve served up homemade and commercial raw diets, homemade lightly cooked, air dried, high quality canned and kibble. It depends on the animal’s health, age, lifestyle, whether we’re traveling, and many other factors. I try to “listen” to what each animal’s body tells us (I’ve had dogs who suddenly refused to eat raw as they aged). Our dogs and cats typically live well into their senior years, with no skin or allergy issues.

In this, our annual Nutrition issue, you’ll find answers to some important questions about how to best feed your best friend

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for optimal health and longevity. Start with a look at some natural remedies that can help soothe digestive upsets and support his GI tract. Find out how to choose the best possible diet for your dog or cat by doing some “pet food homework”, and check out some fun and nutritious ways to enhance kibble-based meals. We also provide tips on successfully switching your animal companion to a raw diet, and how CBD can be used to help maintain his digestive health.

This issue also features two articles on diabetes in companion animals — one on how nutrition effects its development and management; and another on how acupressure can become part of an integrative treatment plan for this common disease.

Now that fall’s here, you and your dog are probably spending more time indoors. But that doesn’t mean you should forget about adequate hydration, so we’re including some advice on how to ensure he drinks enough water year round. If you’re planning to do some traveling again, or are just taking your dog or cat to the vet for an autumn health check, read up on how to choose the best crate or carrier for him.

Stay healthy!

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. 46 Veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds received her veterinary degree in 1964 from the Ontario Veterinary College. In 1986, she established Hemopet, the first nonprofit national blood bank program for animals. Dr. Dodds has been a member of many committees on hematology, animal models of human disease and veterinary medicine. She received the Holistic Veterinarian of the Year Award from the AHVMA in 1994. p. 52 Retired veterinarian Dr. Jean Hofve earned her DVM at Colorado State University. She also studied veterinary homeopathy, homotoxicology, Reiki and other holistic modalities. She has researched pet food and feline nutrition for more than two decades, and is an expert on holistic pet health and the commercial pet food industry. Dr. Hofve is an official advisor to AAFCO, and coauthored the books Holistic Cat Care and Paleo Dog. p. 38 Veterinarian Dr. Angie Krause graduated from Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. She incorporates many holistic modalities into her canine and feline practice, has a love for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Physical Medicine, and also offers laser therapy, myofascial release, physical therapy, nutrition, pharmaceuticals and surgery. Dr. Angie has a house call practice called Boulder Holistic Vet (BoulderHolisticVet.com). p. 22 Veterinarian Dr. Judy Morgan graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984. She later earned certification for Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation, and for Acupuncture and Food Therapy from the Chi Institute. Dr. Morgan is certified in acupuncture, food therapy, and chiropractic care. She has authored four books on holistic pet care, and has over 700 educational videos on Facebook and YouTube (drjudymorgan.com). p. 10 Veterinarian Dr. Karen Shaw Becker received her degree from the Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine. She owns/operates Natural Pet Animal Hospital, Feathers Bird Clinic, TheraPaw Rehabilitation and Pain Management Clinic and Covenant Wildlife Rehabilitation in Illinois. She co-authored Real Food for Healthy Pets and hosts a holistic animal wellness website (mercolahealthypets. com). p. 15 Veterinarian Dr Robert Silver graduated in 1982 from Colorado State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and established one of the first integrative vet clinics in the US in Boulder, CO in 1993. Dr. Silver is a nationally recognized expert in veterinary herbal medicine and veterinary CBD and cannabis therapeutics. He published three chapters in Cannabis Therapy in Veterinary Medicine, and his new book, A Guide to Pet CBD and Cannabis, will be out this fall. Dr Silver shares a blog site with two other vets (NurseYourPet.com) and owns the Well-Pet Dispensary (wellpetdispensary.com). p. 44 Nadia Ali is a freelance writer from London, who currently resides in the Caribbean. Her adopted shelter cat, Cici, who has now passed on, still serves as her inspiration to write about beloved companion animals. You can follow Nadia on Twitter at @NadiaAwriter. p. 64

Sally 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. 76

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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. 72

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. 28

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. 26 Ingrid King is a former veterinary hospital manager and author of five cat books, including Buckley’s Story: Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher and Tortitude: The BIG Book of Cats with a BIG Attitude.

Her blog, “The Conscious Cat”, is an award-winning resource for conscious living, health and happiness for cats and their humans (ConsciousCat.com). Ingrid writes for magazines and websites around the world. p. 68

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. 20

Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis are the authors of ACU-HORSE: A Guide to Equine Acupressure, ACU-DOG: A Guide to Canine Acupressure and ACU-CAT: A Guide to Feline Acupressure. They founded Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Resources, offering books, manuals, DVDs, apps, meridian charts and consulting services. For hands-on training courses, contact Tallgrass Canada, Tallgrass USA, Tallgrass UK, or Tallgrass AU. For resources, contact: 505-832-7217, animalacupressure.com, tallgrass@animalacupressure.com. p. 58

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. 56

Natural remedies FOR YO U R D O G O R C AT’S GUT PRO BLEM S

By Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT

From diarrhea to appetite loss, gut problems are common in dogs and cats. Here are some natural remedies that ease symptoms and help heal the digestive tract.

D gs Cats

Gastrointestinal upset, chronic reflux or diarrhea, bloody stools, and inflammatory bowel disease. These are some of the most common gut health problems seen in veterinary offices and on social media sites for dog and cat care. Unfortunately, many animals suffer for months or years with chronic problems while their caregivers become more and more frustrated with the lack of solutions. Whether your dog or cat has occasional or ongoing issues, many natural remedies can help heal his gut and decrease symptoms.

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can include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody or mucoid stools, and weight loss.

SIGNS OF GUT PROBLEMS

What may be harder to diagnose is leaky gut syndrome.

This problem occurs when the cells lining the digestive tract become inflamed and swollen. When these cells swell, the junctions between them open, allowing particles of undigested food, infectious organisms, chemicals, and toxins to enter the bloodstream from the bowels. This can lead to allergies, chronic ear infections, food sensitivities, autoimmune disease, behavior disorders, and chronic inflammation throughout the body.

The gut partners with the immune system. When the gut is unhealthy, the immune system cannot function properly. More obvious signs of gut health disturbance

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to start repairing and rebuilding your dog or cat’s gut to improve his overall health.

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5 WAYS TO BOOST GUT HEALTH

q Probiotics The normal microbiome (microbial population in the gut) consists of both good (beneficial) and bad (pathogenic) bacteria. In a healthy population, the good bacteria far outnumber the bad. Probiotics are the good bacteria that help fight off infection and inflammation. There are different species of probiotics for different species of animal. If your dog or cat does not respond to the probiotic you provide, try a different microbial population that might be more well-suited to his individual needs. Sometimes it requires some trial and error to find just the right combination. Some animals will respond better to soil-based probiotics.

w Prebiotics These are a type of fiber that act as food for the probiotics. The good bacteria would starve and die if they did not have a food source. Prebiotics include chicory, fructooligosaccarides (FOS), oligofructose, inulin, and larch arabinogalactan. Animals consuming plant-based diets rich in natural fibers and nondigestible oligosaccharides may not require additional prebiotics, but those consuming meat-based diets will generally benefit from prebiotics to help normalize their gut microbiome. Prebiotics may be fed to all dogs and cats, but may provide the greatest benefits to seniors, those receiving antibiotics, and animals that are obese or have diabetes.

D ON ’ T FOR G E T A HEA LT HY L I F EST YL E Providing a species-appropriate diet is key to having a healthy gut environment. Feeding highly processed food that contains abundant starchy carbohydrates can lead to gut dysbiosis — an imbalance in the gut microbiome. Be sure to provide high quality proteins along with good fiber sources to feed gut microorganisms.

Exposure to clean soil and grass, along with exercise and play to support mental well-being, will also support a healthy gut microbiome. Bacteria that are potentially good for your dog or cat are everywhere in nature: in the dirt, on plants, and even in the air!

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HE R BAL RE MEDI ES TH AT

S O OT HE THE GU T

• Slippery elm comes from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree. It is a mucilage that forms a protective coating to soothe and lubricate the inflamed lining of the digestive tract. It is an excellent treatment for ulcers, gastritis, enteritis, colitis, and other inflammatory bowel problems. It can help relieve both diarrhea and constipation.

• Aloe vera (the juice from the plant) can improve nutrient absorption because it contains amylase and lipase to help metabolize sugars, starches, and fats more effectively. It also contains acemannan, a polysaccharide that improves intestinal health. Aloe vera can help balance pH levels, decreasing acid reflux, and also acts as a prebiotic to feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut. It stimulates mucus secretions that protect the lining of the digestive tract to help soothe irritation and inflammation.

• Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which acts as a natural cortisol and has effects similar to steroids. It also has significant anti-inflammatory effects. It should not be used for more than two weeks, but can be very helpful during times of gastrointestinal upset and inflammation.

• Ginger is particularly good for treating nausea and vomiting. Given an hour or two prior to transportation, ginger can be very effective at quelling motion sickness. It can also be helpful for animals that experience bloating or cramping after eating.

• Peppermint, spearmint and catnip are all members of the mint family. They are effective at reducing nausea, diarrhea, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.

Catnip may cause mild sedation, helping animals to relax and sleep better.

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Digestive enzymes can be added through supplementation but are also found naturally in foods such as pineapple, papaya, fermented foods, and pancreas. e Digestive enzymes These enzymes are secreted by the salivary glands and the cells lining the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine. They break large molecules of protein (protease), carbohydrates (amylase) and fats (lipase) into small molecules that can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream and utilized by cells in the body. Digestive enzymes can be added through supplementation but are also found naturally in foods such as pineapple, papaya, fermented foods, and pancreas. Animals that may receive the most benefit from digestive enzymes include those suffering with EPI (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency), those with pancreatic damage from chronic pancreatitis, diabetics, and seniors.

r Fecal transplants Animals suffering from chronic diarrhea, antibiotic overuse, and poor diet can benefit from the transplantation of healthy gut contents from a healthy animal. A fecal transplant will provide a more diverse population of probiotics than a supplement can provide.

t Amino acids These can prevent and heal leaky gut, as well as influence the diversity and activity of bacteria found in the gut microbiome.

• Glutamine and N-acetyl cysteine (along with the help of zinc) have been found to help in reducing gut inflammation, restoring intestinal health, and repairing the tight junction integrity of the gut lining. Glutamine deficiency leads to destruction of the cells in the small intestine, mucosal ulcerations, and impaired function of the immune cells in the intestines, resulting in greater susceptibility to infections.

• Threonine is also important to gut barrier integrity.

• Glycine, which is utilized in the small intestine to synthesize the antioxidant glutathione, plays a protective role in intestinal immune and anti-oxidative responses.

If your dog or cat shows persistent or recurring signs of gut problems, be sure to have him checked over by a veterinarian to determine the root cause. Incorporating these natural remedies into his treatment regime will help him feel better again.

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HERBAL HIGHLIGHT

HOW

ashwagandha MODULATES STRESS IN DOGS A centuries-old botanical, ashwagandha can alleviate stress in dogs by supporting balanced behavior and overall well-being.

By Chris Kilham, Medicine Hunter

Herbs have been used in animal care for millennia, and the field of veterinary herbalism is both advanced and widely accepted. One example of an herb that has been in use for centuries is ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). The root of this woody shrub, which is native to India, Africa and the Mediterranean, has been used as a health-promoting agent for over 4,000 years. Ashwagandha root is rich in a class of compounds known as withanolides, and also contains alkaloids, various fatty acids, sterols, chlorogenic acids, and dozens of other compounds.

Ashwaghanda use in humans In humans, ashwagandha root and its extract acts as an adaptogen, promoting non-specific resistance to stress.

Additionally, it has antioxidant, antiinflammatory and anxiolytic properties, and may help improve relaxation and sleep, enhance reproductive health, support cardiovascular function, and act as an immune-modulator.

An effective stress modulator — what the studies show

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An intriguing 2019 study out of Linköping University in Sweden examined stress in dogs and determined

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that the extent to which domesticated dogs experience stress mirrors the stress of their human companions.

The study identified synchronized, long-term stress between humans and dogs. It was discovered that while the innate personalities of dogs appeared to exert little behavioral effect on humans, various human traits, such as neuroticism, openness and conscientiousness, significantly affected canine behavior.

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To better understand the impact of ashwagandha root extract on canine stress, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated the adaptogenic effect of ashwagandha root extract in dogs with stress and anxiety. The four-week study involved a total of 24 healthy male and female dogs aged between three and eight years. Half were placed in the control group and given a placebo, while the other half were placed in the ashwagandha group and given 15 mg/kg body weight of ashwagandha root extract daily throughout the study. At the end of the study various assessments were made: • Body condition score improved to an ideal of 4 in the ashwagandha group, but did not change in placebo group.

• Urine cortisol creatine ratio (UCCr) is a screening test for measuring stress and levels of cortisol and creatinine.

A statistically significant (p < 0.001) reduction in UCCr value was observed in the ashwagandha group when compared with the control group.

• The Canine BPI is a psychometric evaluation that allows owners to rate their dogs’ comfort levels and their impact on daily functioning. A significant improvement in scores was observed in dogs in the ashwagandha group compared with the control group.

• C-BARQ is a standardized questionnaire predominantly focused on assessing the frequency and severity of behavioral problems in dogs. In dogs taking ashwagandha, there was a significant improvement in CBARQ scores for sections on excitability, aggression and fear, and anxiety over dogs receiving the placebo.

This study demonstrates that ashwagandha root extract provides a calming and stress-reducing effect in dogs. The supplement was well accepted by the animals, and no adverse events were reported.

Chris Kilham is an author, educator and world traveler who has conducted medicinal plant research and sustainable botanical sourcing in over 45 countries. He has appeared as a guest expert on numerous radio and television programs, speaking about medicine hunting, traditional botanical medicine, sustainability and more. Chris has authored 14 books on medicinal plants, natural products and yoga, including The Five Tibetans: Five Dynamic Exercises for Health, Energy, and Personal Power. He is the founder of Medicine Hunter, Inc., and collaborates with companies such as KSM-66 Ashwagandha to develop and popularize traditional plant-based food and supplement products.

SMART CHOICES

PET FOOD HOMEWORK: By Ka n re Sh aw Be VM ,D er ck

3 STEPS TO A BETTER BOWL

FROM COUNTING CARBS TO DOING THE “ADULTERATION MATH”, COMPLETING YOUR PET FOOD HOMEWORK HELPS YOU SELECT THE BEST FOOD FOR A “FOREVER DOG”.

When Susan completed our Pet Food Homework to learn what she was truly feeding her dog, the results stunned her. Like thousands of others, she had no idea the extent to which her chosen brands delivered biologically inappropriate and overly processed grub that could cut her dog’s life short. It’s important to have complete clarity about your dog’s current food. What follows is a simple method for evaluating his food that yields scores you can use to select the best for a Forever Dog Meal Plan.

GOOD, BETTER, BEST Pet Food Homework allows you to evaluate the food you’re currently feeding, or any new brands of dog food you’re considering. Some ingredients have recurring quality control issues or safety concerns; we call these the Dirty Dozen, and suggest you try to avoid feeding them.

Start by asking yourself: “How truly nutritious and healthpromoting is my dog’s food? What criteria am I using to come to my conclusion? Is there room for improvement given what I can afford?” The answer to that last question is a resounding yes.

Pet Food Math does a great job revealing areas you may want to address to maximize your dog’s nutrient intake and minimize his consumption of unwanted tagalongs; the goal is to feed the freshest, most nutritionally dense food your budget and lifestyle allow.

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The Dirty Dozen includes: • Any type of meal (i.e. “meat meal”, “poultry meal” or “corn gluten meal”) • Menadione (synthetic form of vitamin K) • Peanut hulls (a significant source of mycotoxins) • Dyes and colors (for example Red #40), including caramel • Poultry or animal digest • Animal fat • Propylene glycol • Soybean oil, soy flour, ground soybeans, soybean meal, soybean hulls, soybean mill run • “Oxide” and “sulfate” forms of minerals (for example zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or copper sulfate) • Poultry or beef by-products • BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin (synthetic preservatives) • Sodium selenite (synthetic form of selenium)

STEP 1: COUNT YOUR CARBS Calculating the carbohydrate (starch) content in your dog’s food is a powerful way to determine if the diet is biologically appropriate. Dogs evolved eating a high-moisture diet that contained moderate fat and protein and low carbs — the exact opposite of most kibble. The higher the carb content, the less room there is in the diet for lean meats and healthy fats; high carb diets create metabolic stress and inflammation.

This calculation will also tell you what you're paying for: unnecessary starch is cheaper than more expensive meat.

STEP 2: DO THE ADULTERATION MATH Next, determine the level and intensity of food processing.

Heating ingredients over and over creates microscopic monsters the pet food industry desperately wants to ignore. The scientific community has known for a long time that heating proteins, fats and carbohydrates to high temperatures creates unwanted chemical reactions in food called Maillard Reaction Products (MRPs).

One of the most common types of MRPs produced in pet food are Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs), the result of cooking carbohydrates with proteins. We know this reaction occurs in the manufacture of the vast majority of ultra-processed pet foods, and it negatively impacts a dog’s health in about every imaginable way.

AGEs have been linked to early organ degeneration, allergic and auto-immune reactions, pancreatitis and GI disorders and a host of other chronic, degenerative disorders, as well as premature aging.

The higher the heat, the longer the food is heated, and the more times it’s heated, the more AGEs are produced. Repeated heating diminishes the nutrient composition and increases the amount of AGEs in the food. You can get some idea of the number of thermal (heat) processes your dog’s food has undergone by looking at how the food was manufactured.

• Unprocessed (raw) or fresh, “flash-processed foods”: Fresh, raw, ingredients that are slightly altered for the purpose of preservation with minimal nutrient loss. Examples include grinding, refrigeration, fermenting, freezing, dehydration, vacuum packaging, and pasteurization. These minimally processed foods have one adulteration.

•P rocessed foods: The previous category (flash-processed foods) modified again by an additional heat process, so two adulteration processes take place.

•U ltra-processed foods: Industrial creations that contain ingredients not found in home cooking or grocery stores (corn gluten meal, meat meals, high fructose corn syrup, etc.). They require several processing steps using multiple previouslyprocessed ingredients, with additives to enhance taste, texture, color, and flavor, and are produced via baking, smoking, canning or extrusion. Ultra-processed food has multiple heat adulterations.

The average bag of extruded food contains ingredients that have undergone high-heat processing an average of four times.

In short, fresh, flash-processed foods have been manipulated (adulterated) fewer times and with no to low heat. Why is this so critically important? The enemies of nutrition are time, heat, and oxygen (which causes oxidation, leading to rancidity).

With dog food, heat is the most pervasive offender. Heat negatively impacts the level of nutrients in the food; each time the ingredients are heated, more nutrients are lost.

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HOW TO DO IT Count the number of synthetic nutrients on the food label.

While you’re reading the label or surfing the company’s website, keep your most important food philosophy points in

ADULTERATION MATH RESULTS

mind. Added vitamins and minerals can be found on the ingredient panel after the food ingredients. Each nutrient is separated by a comma, so even though you may not be able to pronounce them, you can count how many are included.

G ood: Previously-processed ingredients blended together, and heat processed once (includes many dehydrated foods).

Better: Raw fresh ingredients blended together and freezedried or high-pressure pasteurized (HPP), as well as raw fresh ingredients blended together and processed with no or low heat (includes many raw meat dehydrated and gently cooked foods).

B est: Raw fresh ingredients blended together and served,

or frozen (no heat process) to be eaten within three months (includes homemade food, and commercial frozen raw food).

STEP 3: DETERMINE SYNTHETIC NUTRITION ADDITIONS Finally, determine the source of nutrition in the food. The number of added vitamins and minerals reflects the deficiencies of vitamins and minerals in the raw ingredients and/or the nutrition that was burned off during intense heat processing. For foods labeled nutritionally complete and balanced, required nutrients come from one of two sources: nutrient-dense food ingredients or synthetics (added lab-made vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids).

The less nutrient-dense the dog food and/or the more heat used to produce it, the more synthetics must be added. The good/better/best scoring on this assessment is the most subjective of the three steps, depending on your personal food philosophy. In our experience, dog parents tend to feel strongly about this subject, one way or the other. Those who don’t really have an opinion point out that we all eat synthetic vitamins and minerals in many of the fortified foods we consume; others take lots of synthetic vitamins and mineral supplements themselves. For these folks, it’s more acceptable for their dogs to derive the bulk of their micronutrients the same way.

The beauty of Pet Food Math is that you get to decide what’s right for you and your pooch, in light of your personal food philosophy. The math is simply a tool to allow you to make informed decisions about your dog’s diet and health.

Adulteration Math is about how many synthetic nutrients must be added back into the product to make it nutritionally adequate. Poorer quality ingredients (usually a food versus feed issue) and fewer nutrient-dense ingredients (always a cost issue) necessarily mean more synthetics.

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G ood: Dog food that contains none of the Dirty Dozen (see page 15) and fewer than 12 synthetic nutrients.

Better: Food that contains none of the Dirty Dozen and

fewer than eight synthetic nutrients, with some added health perks: organic ingredients, some GMO-free ingredients, etc.

B est: Food that contains none of the Dirty Dozen, and

fewer than four synthetic nutrients, with lots of added health perks: human-grade and organic ingredients, GMO-free, wild-caught/free-range/pastured meats, etc. These are the most expensive products, but also the healthiest.

Dog Food Homework provides a frame of reference for you when evaluating brands. These assessment tools help you better understand more about the brands you want to feed (or avoid). They help you make informed, smart decisions for your dog, yourself, your lifestyle and beliefs.

Excerpted from The Forever Dog: Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer by Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Shaw Becker with Kristin Loberg.

Published by Harper Collines. This book was written with one goal: to retrain the collective mindset regarding dog health and lifespan. The physical and emotional well-being of our dogs is shaped by the choices we make for them. We all must choose wisely to raise a Forever Dog. Available worldwide mid-October 2021.

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NEED TO KNOW Most bad breath in dogs is caused by periodontal disease — but that’s not always the case.

Here’s a look at the other causes, along with some holistic remedies for chronic bad breath.

By Laurie Riihimaki

et’s face it, dog breath is not always pleasant. While bad odors are often caused by periodontal disease, that’s not the only potential reason for stinky breath. Other causes range from diet to kidney disease to tumors, so it’s important to notice any changes in your dog’s breath, and have him or her checked over by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

meals can cause a strong mouth odor.

Also, if a dog eats something his body is not familiar with, or has a hard time digesting, bad breath can result. More obvious causes of bad breath is when the dog ingests something he is not supposed to eat such as feces or garbage — luckily, that kind of bad breath is only temporary!

WHAT CAN CAUSE BAD BREATH IN DOGS?

Dr. Robinson adds that other not-soobvious factors could be responsible for the foul odor coming out of your dog’s mouth. One of these is anal gland disease. “While it may seem absurd that a condition affecting a dog’s bottom end can influence his Different dog breeds have different face shapes and sizes, and breath, it is that can affect their susceptibility to developing bad breath. indeed the “Short-nosed dogs tend to have more issues, as the sinuses case,” she are often inflamed and overworked trying to blow off heat says. “Those and so forth,” says veterinarian Dr. Mark Newkirk. “The mucus with impacted drains into the mouth, and can carry infected bacteria. or infected “Dogs that have allergies and lick their skin excessively often anal glands have mouth odor,” he adds. will often lick the area in an Additionally, older dogs are highly susceptible to bad breath attempt to get because they are more likely to have ongoing or chronic health issues like the ones mentioned in the article. relief from the discomfort.

Most dog parents think that bad breath correlates to a dental issue such as gingivitis, which is caused by the growth of plaque from germs and food fragments caught in the dog’s mouth and teeth.

This is certainly a very common problem among canines, and definitely warrants veterinary attention. However, don’t just assume that your dog’s breath odor is coming from a dirty mouth.

Diet According to veterinarian Dr. Laura Robinson, diet is one of the biggest factors when it comes to foul-smelling breath in dogs. Poor quality food is more likely to lead not just to periodontal disease, but also to bad breath on its own. For example, a food containing fish-based

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Anal gland disease

This will inevitably lead to some badsmelling breath.”

Diabetes If the scent wafting out of your dog’s mouth is overly sweet, it can be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. It can be triggered by a stress event such as an infection, surgery, or heart problem. It occurs when the body begins breaking down fat at a rate that’s too rapid for the rest of the body to keep up with.

This triggers the liver to process the fat into a form of fuel called ketones. This

Treating bad breath in dogs must start with addressing the underlying cause.

• If your vet finds no medical problems, a diet change might do the trick. Switching your dog away from a high-grain, lowdigestible diet, and to a high quality whole meat-based diet that includes raw bones, may be the answer.

• To remedy bad breath relating to the GI system, Dr. Newkirk offers a unique solution: a Chinese herbal formula called Yi Guan Jian. “Often, the gut is just ‘out of balance’ holistically,” he says. “The GI system works like dominos. If one aspect is out of balance, the rest of the dominos don’t fall correctly.

Balancing the Upper Burner, as the Chinese call it, restores the proper domino effect. Yi Guan Jian is an example of a formula that accomplishes this.”

• A small amount of apple cider vinegar added to your dog’s water bowl can also help combat bad breath.

• Look for natural dog treats that include herbal ingredients such as peppermint and parsley. These are safe to ingest and work wonders on foul mouth odors.

•D r. Robinson also recommends that all dogs have their teeth brushed daily, starting from a young age and using a dog-specific toothbrush and paste.

results in the blood becoming acidic. Needless to say, if you notice your dog’s breath is smelling very sweet, get him to the vet promptly.

that these masses may not be visible; to get a better look, a veterinarian will often need to insert a small camera into the nostril to check for a growth.

Kidney disease

Infection

If the bad breath is chronic, even when any dental disease has been addressed, other serious issues such as kidney disease should be considered.

“Kidney disease can lead to ‘uraemia’ or a build-up of toxins,” says Dr. Robinson.

“This may lead to oral ulcers as well as halitosis and drooling. Other signs to watch for would include a reduced appetite, increased thirst, and weight loss.”

Another common cause of bad breath, according to Dr. Robinson, is an infection caused by a foreign body in the nose or the back of the throat. “In the summer, grass blades are notorious for causing this issue,” she says.

Oral or nasal tumor Like oral ulcers, an oral or nasal tumor can affect a dog’s breath. It’s important to note

While dental problems are often the source of bad breath in dogs, it’s important not to make that assumption without a veterinary examination. Once you’ve uncovered the root cause of your dog’s stinky breath, and are addressing the problem with your vet’s help, you can take some simple holistic steps (see sidebar above) to help nix the odor.

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IBD

FROM DIET THERAPY AND NATURAL REMEDIES TO PHARMACEUTICALS WHEN NEEDED, AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH IS THE BEST WAY TO SUCCESSFULLY TREAT IBD IN CATS.

FELINE HEALTH

IN

CATS

–A N INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO TREATMENT

By Angie Krause, DVM, CVA, CCRT

Vomiting is a common problem in cats, and one that has previously been labeled as “normal” by many veterinarians.

The truth is, regular vomiting is not normal; in fact, it’s often a sign of a treatable condition called inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A range of treatment options can be used for cats with IBD, including diet, herbal remedies, and natural therapies such as probiotics, acupuncture and even CBD. An integrative approach that includes these modalities, along with pharmaceuticals if the IBD is severe, can effectively treat the disease.

OTHER SIGNS OF IBD It’s important to know that vomiting is not the only symptom of inflammatory bowel disease in cats. Other common signs include diarrhea, nausea, low appetite, and weight loss.

One or all of these symptoms may be present with IBD. For example, some kitties may only suffer from gradual weight loss while others may present with diarrhea only. Start by getting a proper diagnosis from your veterinarian (see sidebar on page 24).

TRY DIET THERAPY FIRST If your kitty has symptoms of IBD, diet therapy can be initiated before, during, or after any diagnostic tests. I

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recommend keeping a diary of any diet changes, along with daily reports of vomiting and stool consistency, if possible.

Here are my further recommendations: • S witch away from kibble. If your cat is eating commercial dry kibble, try switching to canned or raw food. In my patients with occasional vomiting, I see great success with this step alone. If your cat usually has kibble available, consider feeding her three or four meals per day when switching to a canned or raw diet, to keep her satiated.

• F eed a novel protein. I prefer this step if a patient’s symptoms are more severe, or if significant weight loss has occurred over time. Novel proteins are simply meat sources your cat has never eaten before. These may include alligator, duck, venison, lamb, and kangaroo. I recommend feeding only one protein source at a time to have a clear understanding of how your kitty responds to each one.

• C onsider hydrolyzed diets. These diets have the proteins broken down into smaller pieces. Ideally, this means your cat’s body cannot identify (and therefore cannot negatively react) to the protein the way it might normally do. Hydrolyzed diets are very digestible, but often not as tasty as other formulas.

WHEN PHARMACEUTICALS MAY BE NEEDED

NATURAL THERAPIES Non-pharmaceutical therapies can be tried first, or given in addition to conventional medications (see sidebar at right). Consider the following when creating a treatment plan with your integrative or holistic veterinarian:

Vitamin B12 Your cat’s blood levels of vitamin B12 may be low due to her intestinal disease. This vitamin is easy to replace with regular subcutaneous B12 injections (weekly/ monthly) that you can give at home. They can also give your kitty more energy.

Probiotics The bacteria in the intestines of cats with IBD differ from those in cats with healthy guts. Probiotics can help manage and promote good gut flora (bacteria) in your cat, and can be easily sprinkled on her food twice daily. I prefer to alternate between soil-based

Some cats will respond to a diet change alone. However, if your kitty has a severe case of IBD, pharmaceuticals may be needed. Here are a few traditional therapies your veterinarian may recommend, including the pros and the cons of each:

1. Metronidazole is an antibiotic that also has anti-inflammatory properties in the gastrointestinal tract. It can be given instead of, or in addition to, steroids.

P ro - This drug can sometimes manage diarrhea without the use of a steroid, or may lessen the dose of steroid needed.

C on – Its antibiotic properties may have a negative impact on your cat’s gut bacteria.

2. Prednisolone is the most common steroid used for IBD in cats. It is a very effective therapy that can be given daily, or every other day.

Pro - Steroids can be extremely effective, and can help resolve your kitty’s vomiting and diarrhea.

C on - Some cats may develop diabetes mellitus while taking steroids. If caught early, it can be reversible.

3. Chlorambucil is used when IBD is extremely severe or does not respond to steroids. It can dampen the body’s immune response to relieve symptoms.

Pro – This drug may give relief to cats that have not responded to other therapies.

C on - In rare cases, it can cause the bone marrow to produce fewer blood cells.

GETTING A DIAGNOSIS FOR FELINE IBD If your cat has any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, your veterinarian will likely recommend a basic medical workup. The first step is to perform comprehensive blood tests and a urinalysis, as follows: 1. C hemistry panel — check liver and kidney function, electrolytes, and protein levels.

2. Complete blood count — measures the levels and types of red and white blood cells.

3. T otal T4 — screens for hyperthyroidism, a disease that can also cause weight loss and vomiting.

4. U rinalysis — evaluates bladder and kidney health.

Your veterinarian may also want to check a fecal sample for parasites and bacterial or viral diseases.

If these initial tests don’t reveal a cause for your cat’s symptoms, the next step is to perform an abdominal ultrasound. This noninvasive test helps visualize the organs in the abdomen. It evaluates the liver, kidneys, pancreas and spleen, and measures the thickness of the intestinal walls. Many cats with inflammatory bowel disease have thickened intestinal walls; if this is found, a blood panel from the Gastrointestinal Laboratory at Texas A&M University is often the next diagnostic step. It evaluates your cat’s ability to absorb nutrients, and the digestive function of the pancreas.

For many cats, the medical tests end here, and a presumptive diagnosis of IBD is made. However, it is best to get a definitive diagnosis. This is done by performing a biopsy of the intestines using endoscopy, and involves using a camera with a small instrument to remove a tiny piece of tissue from your cat’s digestive tract.

probiotics and non-soil-based probiotics. I also like to alternate between single strain formulas and multi strain formulas, to provide a variety of probiotic strains.

help reduce symptoms in cats with IBD.

CBD

Acupuncture can help decrease nausea and increase appetite.

It can help keep your kitty feeling better while maintaining a healthy weight.

Hemp-derived CBD can help decrease inflammation and lessen IBD symptoms. I recommend 2 mg to 4 mg twice daily for an average 10 lb cat. CBD can be given on food, and most cats tolerate the oil with no side effects.

Fecal Transplants This therapy is now being performed by some veterinary internal medicine specialists. The concept is similar to probiotic use, and can help populate the intestines with healthy gut bacteria and thereby reduce inflammation and symptoms.

Herbal Therapies Both Western and traditional Chinese herbal formulas can help decrease inflammation of the intestines and reduce vomiting and diarrhea.

Formulas like Si Miao San, San Ren Tang and Chu Shi Wei Ling Tang can

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Acupuncture

The treatment plan for inflammatory bowel disease will be unique to your cat’s needs, as well as ever-changing.

When it comes to IBD, It’s very important to work with your veterinarian, listen to your kitty, and stay flexible. With vigilance and the right treatment regimen, she should start feeling better soon.

ACUPUNCTURE CAN HELP DECREASE NAUSEA AND INCREASE APPETITE.

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When traditional medicine doesn’t result in the hoped-for outcome, we begin to look elsewhere. As an energetic bodywork therapist and Kinesio Taping practitioner, this is usually when I am contacted by new clients as referrals from friends, other clients, or veterinarians. Some of these cases have included: • Tater, an 11-year-old greyhound, hadn’t been eating, and was lethargic, losing weight, incontinent, and unable to move faster than a walk without staggering and falling • Zena was unable to rise from a lying position without crying out in pain, even from a very young age.

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Perhaps your dog is struggling with postural issues, such as sitting or tracking sideways in the hindquarters.

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surgery, and his range of motion needs to be restored. With proper application, Kinesio Tape assists with rehabilitation by improving circulation, reducing swelling, and increasing proprioception, range of motion and more. All three of the dogs mentioned above have made remarkable improvements in function, form and quality of life.

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Beth is licensed to practice in Oregon and Washington in a variety of modalities, including KinesioTaping.

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While many pet kibbles are improving in quality, it’s never a bad idea to add some extra nutritional value and variety to these foods. If your dog or cat eats a kibble-based diet, here are some foods and meal toppers that will enhance its nutritional impact.

NUTRITION KNOWHOW

By Sara Jordan-Heintz

D gs Cats ot long ago, most kibble-based diets were regarded as the least favorable way to feed your dog or cat. They were lacking in whole meat ingredients, and were full of grains, empty fillers, preservatives, and other less-than-ideal ingredients. The cheaper brands haven’t changed much, but many manufacturers are now taking steps to formulate healthier kibble diets that better meet feline and canine nutritional needs. Whichever kibble-based diet your dog or cat may eat, it never hurts to supplement it with fresh foods or meal toppers. Not only does this add more nutritional value, but it also gives your animal some extra flavor and variety. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Bone broth

Goat’s milk

Many cats and dogs, especially those eating dry foods, don’t drink enough water, so adding hydration to their diets is essential. Bone broth is easy to add at mealtime, and is a good source of protein, the amino acid glycine, and collagen.

Dogs may enjoy eating kale, spinach, carrots, green beans, broccoli, etc. with their kibble. For fruits, consider pieces of apple (minus the seeds and core), blueberries, cranberries, cantaloupe and bananas. Some cats like carrots, peas, broccoli florets, green beans, zucchini, spinach, and winter squash. Be sure to avoid fruits and veggies that are toxic to animals — prime examples are onions, grapes and raisins.

Raw goat’s milk can be beneficial for both cats and dogs. It may be served with the kibble or on its own, and it also freezes well for treats. Goat’s milk can be a good alternative for animals with sensitivity to bovine milk.

Coconut oil

This oil can be used both topically and orally to keep your animal’s coat shiny. As an added bonus, it can reduce inflammation in a cat’s digestive tract. Lauric acid, a saturated fat found in coconut oil, can soothe inflammation all over the body.

Dairy products such as kefir, yogurt and buttermilk, as well as fermented vegetables including sauerkraut, ginger carrots, kimchi and beets, can aid in digestion and help ease the symptoms of chronic diarrhea in cats and dogs.

There are a number of benefits to using meal toppers, says Lindsay Tracy, vice president of business development at Redbarn Pet Products (redbarn.com). “They can brighten an animal’s day when added as texture on top of dry food,” she says, adding that meal toppers offer novel scents and tastes at mealtimes. “Picky pets may find toppers make food more palatable. They can be used to add nutrition to the diet, or a few extra calories if needed.”

“Digestive issues are very prevalent in modern dogs,” say certified pet food nutrition specialist, Holly Montgomery.

“They can be due to stress, environmental toxins, antibiotic treatment, medications and more. In fact, it’s at the point now where I recommend probiotics for every dog.”

“We make several high-meat meal topper options,” adds Jen Beechen, vice president of marketing for ORIJEN® and ACANA® pet foods, produced by Champion Pet Foods (championpetfoods. com). She agrees that just like humans, dogs can get tired of always eating the same diet, and meal toppers add variety.

Natural probiotics

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Sardines

These tiny fish are a great source of taurine and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Taurine is essential for heart health. Try replacing a portion of your dog or cat’s kibble meal with a few sardines, two to three times weekly.

Pumpkin puree

High in soluble fiber, pumpkin puree is a popular goto treatment for cats and dogs experiencing diarrhea or constipation. Adding a bit to their meals can help them have regular bowel movements. It can also help dogs and cats with indigestion or upset stomachs.

IMBALANCES While meal toppers and the other foods covered in this article can be served as often as desired with your dog or cat’s kibble-based meal, it’s important to avoid overfeeding or nutritional imbalances. To ensure you don’t throw off the balance of your animal’s diet, Holly advises trying to keep meal additions to 20% (or less) of your dog or cat’s total diet. “If a person is adding toppers to a ‘complete’ diet, it’s important to ensure the animal is getting enough of that complete diet to get the nutrients they need,” she says.

“Inflammation of skin or joints could benefit from the addition of Omega-3 fatty acids,” adds Holly. “Most kibble diets are very high in Omega-6s, and since Omega-3s and 6s need to be in balance, most animals need Omega-3s added to their diet. I personally like sardines because they are small, short-lived fish that don’t feed on other fish. With the state of our waters, it’s best to choose fish that have a lower likelihood of accumulating toxins.”

Raw or cooked meat

Adding a bit of raw or cooked meat or poultry to your dog or cat’s dry meal will really add a boost of nutrition and taste.

Meat contains iron, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium. It is rich in thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B6, and B12.

Adding glucosamine- and chondroitin-rich toppers like chicken or duck feet can help with joint support, adds Holly.

By A n d

rea

G

ld wa on

r

HY DO SOME DOGS GROWL OR SNAP WHEN YOU REACH FOR THEIR FOOD BOWL? While it stems from a normal canine behavior called resource guarding, food aggression is an issue that needs attention.

J ust like us, dogs want to protect their possessions, including toys, favorite resting spots, their families — and their food.

Indeed, resource guarding is normal canine behavior. It can range from your dog simply showing some resistance when giving up an item, to growling, snapping, or even biting when you reach for his food bowl or get too close to him while he’s eating. If your dog fits the latter category, he’s showing food aggression. Read on to learn more about food aggression in dogs, and the steps you can take to modify it.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT FOOD AGGRESSION I. Manage the behavior Some people accept food guarding as a natural behavior and chose to manage rather than change it. This might be an option if your dog’s guarding is mild and predictable. For example, if he only guards his food bowl, you could simply maintain a

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safe distance while he is eating. However, this is not a feasible option if children or others who are not able to follow strict management procedures live in the household.

A lot of people don’t want to have to worry about moving carefully around their dogs’ food bowls. Luckily, in many cases, the aggressive behavior can be modified by following the steps below. If your dog reacts with strong aggression around food, however, and/or you feel uncomfortable training him or have difficulty reading his body language, seek help from a professional dog trainer or canine behaviorist who will use positive reinforcement methods to modify the behavior.

II. Change the way your dog feels about giving up a food item The goal is to teach your dog that you are not a threat when you approach him while he is eating, but quite the opposite. You want him to learn that when you come near, he will get even better things.

Familiarize yourself with the guarding behaviors your dog displays around his food. Does he start eating faster, or does he become stiff, hover over the food, give you a hard stare, show his teeth, growl or snap? Determine how closely you can approach before he shows those signs. Does he guard or show aggression when you are right next to him or when you are 10’ away?

Set up a situation in which your dog will exhibit guarding behavior; for example, give him a stuffed Kong. Start with a lowvalue food before trying this with something highly desirable like a meaty bone.

• From a distance at which your dog does not display any guarding signs, toss a high-value treat close to his mouth, then step back. Make sure your dog likes the treats better than what he is eating at the time. It is very important that you remain at a distance where your dog feels comfortable with your presence. You do not want to trigger the aggressive behavior.

• Only when your dog remains relaxed as you approach, and eventually looks to you in anticipation of a treat, should you decrease the distance from which you toss the treats.

• After a few repetitions, increase the distance to take some pressure off before you decrease it again.

• Gradually proceed in this manner until you can stand right beside your dog. Signs that he’s responding well are a loose body, an absence of frantic chewing, and a happy anticipation of your approach. This can only be achieved by many repetitions over a period of days, weeks, or even months, depending on the severity of the guarding behavior.

• If you are afraid your dog might charge at you, tether him before presenting him with the food. Ideally, though, throughout this behavior modification protocol, you will proceed so slowly and carefully that you never trigger an aggressive response. If the situation seems unsafe at any time, stop and seek help from a professional trainer or behaviorist.

Now you need to teach your dog to remain relaxed when you reach for an object, such as the stuffed Kong mentioned above.

This is different from walking towards your dog, so you will have to get him used to this as well.

• Once you are able to walk up to and stand right beside your dog while he remains relaxed and acts happy to see you, start Animal Wellness

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Even dogs that don’t fiercely guard their food, toys, or other valued items might be a bit nervous about losing them. Repeatedly taking things away from a dog can turn her into a resource guarder. If she willingly lets you take things away from her, make sure you reward her.

To maintain or increase your dog’s comfort with people being near her food, place a high-value treat into her bowl every now and then while she is eating. She will learn that good things happen when you approach her bowl.

Even young puppies can be resource guarders. If your new puppy shows guarding signs, follow the protocol described in the article. If she does not guard her food, spend some weeks hand-feeding her, holding your hand inside her food bowl while praising and gently touching her. You are teaching her that a hand near her food bowl is a good thing. Also practice taking the food bowl away. Start with an empty bowl. Place a highvalue treat in the bowl, take it away, then return it fairly quickly to avoid teasing her.

It’s also a good idea to teach puppies how to , as described in the article. and

tossing treats when you are just a few steps away from him.

Bend toward the Kong, but not over your dog, drop a treat and straighten up again.

• As before, progress slowly. You may only be able to bend over a few inches at first before your dog starts guarding.

It is better to progress in baby steps than to trigger the aggressive behavior.

• When you reach the point that your dog remains relaxed while you bend over, gradually move your arm and hand closer to the Kong, always rewarding with treats, until you can eventually take it away.

•D on’t rush; practice a little bit every day. If at any point your dog shows even the mildest guarding behavior, go

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back to the point at which he was relaxed and gradually progress from there.

• When you are finally able to take the Kong away, reward him with plenty of yummy treats and then return the Kong.

The goal is for your dog to learn that sharing will get him even better things, and that he will get his treasure back.

Once your dog no longer guards his food or other valuables, you want to maintain the good behavior. At first, practice a couple of times a week by taking food and other items away, always trading for treats and then returning the item, if appropriate. Then continue to practice a couple of times a month.

III. Teach substitute behaviors Teach your dog what you would like him to do instead of guarding his food.

Rather than just grabbing things from him, teach him to “drop it.” Start with something of low value to your dog (e.g. a toy rather than a meaty bone) and use treats of higher value. While he is holding the object, say “drop it” and hold a treat next to his mouth. When he opens his mouth, dropping the object to take the treat, praise him, give him the treat and then return the object to him. Your dog will learn that sharing things with you is well worth it.

Whenever you are dealing with a behavior based on emotions or that has become a habit, it takes time, patience, and training consistency before you will see a change.

Progress gradually and always keep your dog under her stress management threshold. In other words, you never want to trigger the a aggressive behavior. The goal is to create positive association for your dog when you ask her to release her food.

Another substitute behavior to teach your dog is “leave it.” You will be able to ask him to leave things before he grabs them, thus preventing him from guarding. With lots of practice and positive reinforcement, this behavior can be strengthened to the level where your dog will step away from a full food bowl when you ask him to “leave it.”

Left unaddressed, strong resource guarding and food aggression can result in injury to yourself and others in your household. By recognizing the signs and following these suggestions to modify the behavior, you’ll no longer feel the need to avoid your dog when he’s eating!

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product reviews

Step up his learning ability with Omega-3s Did you know that Omega-3 essential fatty acids can make your dog more trainable?

Intelligent Omega™ helps dogs with their training and learning throughout every stage of life.

Made from Atlantic salmon, Intelligent Omega is the ideal way to provide healthy Omega3s along with valuable DHA and EPA attached to phospholipids for better absorption, and peptides that support brain health. The tasty soft chews also support your dog’s heart and eyes — without oil, rancidity, or dangerous levels of heavy metals.

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Cat trees extraordinaire Cats need to scratch in order to keep the muscles and tendons in their paws and legs strong and healthy. To keep your kitty from shredding your sofa, provide him with a durable, good quality cat tree, like one from Armarkat.

Made from sturdy premium materials, their cat trees come in a huge range of designs and sizes. The company even offers scratchers and cat trees just for kittens. “Cat Daddy Approved”

by Jackson Galaxy!

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Purrfect way to de-stress your cat!

Hiding, scratching, fighting, and urine marking are all signs of stress in cats. The bSerene Calming Diffuser is powered by pheromones, and provides an effective, convenient way to ensure your cat is not stressed out at home — all day, every day.

Think of the bSerene Calming Diffuser as an everyday kindness to help make your home more comfortable for your cat, 24/7. Refills pop easily into the diffuser and last 45 days.

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Digestive support for your best friend Animal Essentials Daily Digestive is formulated from four time-honored herbs — ginger, peppermint, fennel seed and chamomile — all wellknown for their soothing effects on the digestive systems of both dogs and cats. This formula helps with occasional gastric distress, and maintains normal digestion and equilibrium in animals that get motion sick. As a bonus, it also freshens breath!

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Visit AnimalWellnessAcademy.org to save on more high quality products, access to the most reliable and trustworthy pet information!

Animal andWellness gain 24/7/365

Straight from the Animal Wellness Academy New Product Showcase,check out some of our

hand-picked favorites!

Keep him hydrated — year round Even though summer’s over, your dog still needs to stay properly hydrated! Petralyte’s electrolyte supplement for dogs is a proprietary formula created by a team of veterinarians. It can boost hydration while delivering a rich load of nutrients. Petralyte is available in a variety of tasty flavors, including chicken, beef or turkey. Simply pour the supplement into your dog’s water for him to receive instant nutritional benefits.

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Dental products with a difference Most dental products for dogs focus on eliminating bad bacteria, but what about support for the good bacteria? TEEF is different from other dental care products on the market — rather than killing as many bacteria as possible, their Protektin42™ strengthens beneficial bacteria while weakening the bad bacteria for a naturally-balanced oral microbiome. The result? A healthier mouth! This product goes beyond treating the symptoms of poor oral hygiene to proactively protecting the long-term, systemic health of your dog.

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Fast relief for itchy ears and skin!

Breathe easy!

Some dogs suffer from uncomfortable skin issues year round. These conditions can be bacterial or fungal in nature, but there’s hope! Banixx Pet Care fights infection and swiftly eradicates these problems. The vet-recommended, non-toxic spray produces rapid results, with no sting or nasty odor. It’s safe around the eyes, effective and affordable, and isn’t sticky or oily.

Clean air is as important to health as clean water, for both you and your dog or cat. BioOx is an innovative and natural system that provides your home with clean, healthy air. By harnessing the power of biotech, it actually captures particulates in a specialized all-natural enzyme and microbe solution, rendering contaminants like dust, ammonia, bacteria and viruses harmless.

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banixx.com

AnimalWellnessAcademy.org

The Basics of

CANINE HYDRATION:

By Emily Watson

What Dogs Need and Why

Is your dog getting enough water?

Here’s what you need to know about canine hydration!

You know that life cannot exist without water. But do you know how your dog’s hydration needs differ from your own? Here’s an overview of how water regulation differs in humans and dogs, with a focus on the physiology of canine dehydration and overheating — conditions that can quickly become life-threatening.

WHY WATER MATTERS Providing your dog with constant access to fresh water ensures he never goes thirsty. But its benefits don’t end there! Water also maintains the health of his cells, tissues and organs, supports his metabolism, transports nutrients and waste, regulates his body temperature and lubricates his joints (see Figure 1).

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THE ROLE OF ELECTROLYTES AND NUTRIENTS Water makes up approximately 60% of the weight of healthy, non-obese animals and is divided into different compartments — inside cells (the intracellular compartment) or outside cells (the extracellular compartment). The intracellular compartment is the largest, containing 2/3 of the body’s water. The remaining 1/3 of body water is found in the extracellular compartment.

Plasma (a component of blood) contains water and solutes (e.g. electrolytes, minerals, sugars, proteins, amino acids, enzymes, etc.) that support normal cell function. These substances are often

Electrolyte levels differ in different water compartments. Extracellular fluid has high sodium and chloride and low potassium. The intracellular compartment is high in potassium but not sodium or chloride. Dog drawing (Evans and Miller)

measured as an indicator of whole organism health — and without adequate water, these substances deplete quickly!

Fast fact: Panting is a strategy for heat dissipation that dogs share with other mammals, but not humans. Sweating is uniquely human.

TABLE 1 . NORMAL DAILY MAINTENANCE WATER REQUIREMENTS OF THE DOG . BASED ON A METABOLISM FORMULA OF 132 KCAL*KG0 . 75 . ADAPTED FROM NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE DOG , NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL , BETHESDA , MD , 1995

THE DIFFERENT HYDRATION NEEDS OF DOGS AND HUMANS Panting is a type of rapid breathing that enables heat dissipation through evaporation. Air is warmed and humidified upon intake. Heat is dissipated and water is lost through evaporation when the dog breathes out. Naturally, more vigorous exercise generates more heat. In dogs, this results in panting harder to dissipate more heat — an action that dogs are exceptional at!

In humans, heat dissipation involves profuse sweating with subsequent evaporative cooling, salt loss, and skin flushing.

Dog skin not only lacks sweat glands and a robust network of cutaneous blood vessels (with the exception of their footpads) but also is covered by a layer of hair that provides insulation from the environment.

DEHYDRATION: WHAT ARE THE SIGNS? How can you tell if a dog is dehydrated? Mild dehydration can be characterized by dry mucus membranes and lack of skin elasticity, while moderate dehydration increases heartrate. More intense dehydration reduces performance in exercising dogs, and severe dehydration will impact pulse quality and capillary refill time.

Fast fact: Electrolyte loss and dehydration can ecome life-threatening, with serious clinical b signs including hypotension, hypothermia, weak to absent pulses, cold extremities, and/or altered mental abilities.

SO HOW MUCH WATER DOES YOUR DOG NEED? Normal daily water intake for healthy dogs at maintenance (no excessive physiological demands, no illness, and/or no Animal Wellness

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Study Results

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS A significant number of health conditions can impact fluid and electrolyte balance: • Brachycephalic syndrome (breed-specific heat stress due to inefficient respiration)

• D ogs acclimated to work and the environment were more likely to increase fluid consumption and hydration when provided a flavored oral electrolyte solution (Otto et al., 2017).

• D ogs increase water intake when offered nutrientenriched water (Zanghi and Gardner, 2018).

• O ral pre-exercise hydration strategies for working dogs in hot environments (water, chicken-flavored water, and chicken-flavored electrolyte solution) suggested that electrolyte enrichment may reduce muscle injury and help dogs maintain lower peak temperatures (Niedermeyer et al., 2020).

• A ccess to nutrient-enriched water reduced exercise-induced hyperthermia and improved pulse rate recovery in a population of working dogs (Zanghi et al., 2018).

• Vomiting/diarrhea • Trauma/blood loss • Kidney disease • Endocrine disease Additionally, dehydration in working dogs can be affected by dietary effects on metabolism. For these and other conditions, special consideration is merited, and a veterinarian should be consulted before using products that could affect fluid and electrolyte status.

All dogs need adequate water to survive, and in most cases, water absorption is enhanced with the addition of sugar, amino acids, and electrolytes. While plain water can address hydration needs, evidence suggests that dogs drink more total water when offered an oral electrolyte solution in addition to plain water. Happy hydrating!

Shopping Memo environmental/exercise-induced heat stress) can be found in Table 1. In such conditions, water is lost in urine and feces, and to a much lesser extent, via evaporation from the respiratory tract and footpads. Water loss via the respiratory tract will increase when there is a demand on a dog’s body to dissipate heat through panting. In other words, the harder your dog pants, the more water he needs!

There is no universal scientific consensus on what the daily water needs are in either dogs or humans because there are so many variables beyond the maintenance levels listed in Table 1, including but not limited to: breed, age, ambient temperature, humidity, activity level, body composition, diet, conditioning, and acclimatization.

Fast fact: Providing your dog with constant access t o fresh water is the best way to keep him hydrated.

Electrolytes designed for dogs can also be added to water.

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Petralyte (petralyte.com) is a company that offers an electrolyte supplement for dogs. This proprietary formula was created by a team of veterinarians, and can boost hydration while delivering an array of nutrients. It comes in a variety of flavors, including beef, chicken and turkey. Available in serving-sized sachets, it can be simply added to your dog’s water.

Animal Wellness

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THE RAW APPROACH

WANT TO SWITCH

RAW DIET

YOUR DOG OR CAT TO A

By Jean Hofve, DVM

D gs Cats

R

aw diets have been fed for decades, but their popularity has risen significantly in recent years. If you’re considering switching your own dog or cat to a raw diet, here’s how to go about it.

R

aw meat-based diets for dogs and cats have become increasingly popular over the last number of years. Many animals thrive on these diets and enjoy a variety of benefits — from better dental health and digestion to fewer allergies, improved skin and coat condition, and good weight control. If you’re thinking of switching your own dog or cat to a raw diet, but aren’t sure how to get started, read on.

WHY DO SO MANY VETERINARIANS DISLIKE RAW DIETS? If you have a conventional veterinarian, chances are he or she will discourage you from going the raw route. In fact, the average veterinarian is against raw diets. Their opposition is based on two valid concerns:

1. Raw meat is associated with bacterial contamination. It’s true that all meat is contaminated with bacteria on the surface, and in the case of ground meat, throughout the product.

However, dogs and cats evolved eating raw meat, bacteria and all, and today’s animals still have the same protective gastrointestinal system as their ancestors did.

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Animal Wellness

Solution:

A healthy dog or cat shouldn’t get sick from eating raw meat, although your human family can. As with any meat-based meal you’re preparing for yourself, just remember to thoroughly wash your hands, utensils, bowls, and contact surfaces after handling the raw meat.

2. Switching to raw can cause “diet drift.” Over time, people

tend to forget supplements or may otherwise alter a good recipe, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies in their dogs and cats.

Solution:

If you’re home-preparing your dog or cat’s meals, be sure to follow a balanced recipe and never skip supplements. Alternatively, buy one of the growing number of packaged raw diets — most are formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition.

With these precautions in mind, let’s look at how to get started with a raw diet.

3 STEPS TO GETTING STARTED 1. First, ask yourself if you will use raw food as your dog or cat’s entire diet, feed it a few times a week, or add it as a supplement to his existing diet.

2. Next, decide whether you’re going to use a packaged raw

food (frozen, dehydrated, or freeze-dried) or make it yourself at home. The former is certainly a lot easier and eliminates most of problem #1 above, and all of problem #2.

3. Finally, figure out how much work you want to do yourself.

I initially chopped, steamed, and pureed veggies, and tortured my food processor with raw boneless chicken thighs. Later, I used ground meat and organic baby food.

Putting baby food in the bowl as a base to mix in the necessary supplements and oils, before adding the meat, made the process a lot easier!

WHAT IF IT’S NOT WORKING

?

If your dog or cat eats around the raw meat, or just gives you a dirty look and walks away without eating, you’ll need to be more subtle!

Here are a few things you can try: • Lightly brown the meat and serve it warm.

• Sprinkle a handful of kibble or treats on top of raw food.

• Sprinkle shredded or powdered cheese on top.

HOW TO MAKE THE SWITCH

• Feed by hand.

• If your cat or dog is accustomed to having food available 24/7

• Crush their preferred dry food into crumbs. Make tiny, bite-sized meatballs with the new food, and roll them in the crumbs.

(“free choice”), the first step is to start feeding him his regular food (not the raw diet yet) at timed meals. The total amount of food should meet his daily caloric needs; just divide it by the number of meals you plan to feed. Leave each portion

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d own for 30 to 60 minutes two or three times a day. After the initial shock, your dog or cat will figure out this schedule very quickly! imed feeding will make your animal hungrier at mealtimes, T and therefore more willing to try new foods. It also allows the GI tract to rest between meals, leading to better overall digestion.

Hint:

If you’re not already giving him prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes, now’s the time to start. These aid digestion and prevent unfortunate tummy problems.

•

Once your animal is used to eating timed meals for a week or two, you can start offering a little bit of raw meat. For a cat or small dog, a small chunk or a teaspoon of ground meat is plenty to begin with.

Increase the raw meat gradually. With picky eaters, it may work better to mix it in with their regular food. I usually start with just plain meat, then follow the same process to introduce other ingredients and supplements in a gradual fashion.

•

ADDITIONAL TIPS • Vegetables provide important nutrients and antioxidants. However, dogs and cats cannot break down plant cell walls to get those nutrients, so veggies must be “pre-digested” — i.e. steamed or pureed — to access their full benefits.

• If you choose to make your dog or cat’s food yourself, use a balanced recipe. Recipes formulated by integrative or holistic veterinarians have a better track record than those found online.

• To simplify, use a complete supplement to which you “just add meat.”

• Variety is just as important with raw diets as any other, so try different meats and veggies.

Find a few your dog or cat likes and rotate them.

I f your dog or cat eats the raw meat with his meal, great! In a couple of days, if his stool remains normal, you can start increasing the raw portions — but don’t be in a hurry!

Gradually shift proportions from all old food to new. Take many small steps over time, especially if your dog or cat is older, has GI issues, or ate only dry food before. A slow transition greatly reduces the chance of tummy upset.

A gain, don't push too hard or too fast with the transition. It may take weeks, months — or longer! Most failures are due to giving up too soon. As an example, I had two cats who had equal access to all bowls. One ate the raw food immediately, and with gusto…but it took three years before the other cat took a bite of raw. Some cats are more stubborn than others, but always make sure they eat at least half their ration, whether old food or new; otherwise, they can develop a serious liver disease.

Hint:

When going from an all-dry to raw diet, it may be helpful — especially for cats — to use canned food as an intermediate step. This helps their gut bacteria adjust to the higher protein and moisture that will also be a feature of a raw diet.

After any diet change, it’s important to monitor your dog or cat’s overall energy, health, coat and stool quality.

When it comes to switching your dog or cat to a raw diet, patience and persistence are the keys to success!

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Canine

Concierges

Pet-friendly accommodations are adding canine concierges to greet and welcome their guests.

As we slowly learn to live with COVID-19, more people have started traveling again, often taking their canine companions with them. A current trend among pet-friendly hotels is the addition of canine concierges, in-residence dogs that are “employed” to greet their two-legged and four-legged guests, and make them feel welcome. Let’s meet two of these dogs for a behind-the-scenes look at what they do.

JACK “During the pandemic, we saw an influx of military families and their pets, mostly dogs,” says Lynette Eastman, General Manager of The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club in Honolulu, Hawaii. “While some guests quarantined, we would offer to walk their dogs several times a day. We became close with each family, especially their furry ones. So we thought it was time to have our own dog to fit the personality of the hotel we came to be.”

Jack Alaka’i is ten months old and was born in Hawaii. “We crossed paths with him through a hotel guest who was sharing aloha in the lobby with their litter of puppies,” says Lynette. “When we saw Jack, we fell in love. Like our hotel, he loves people, children, and dogs of any kind and size.

During his daily walks through the hotel, he makes friends with everybody and anybody. He has a lot of energy, so a leash is key. He loves to play fetch on the long lanai in front of his room, as well as visiting guests and napping around the hotel.”

Bowie BOWIE The pandemic also played a role in the arrival of Bowie, canine concierge at the InterContinental New York Barclay. “I always envisioned welcoming a four-legged friend into our family, and finally felt during COVID that the time was right,” says General Manager, Sofia Vandaele. “It was important to me that Bowie was not just a member of my own family, but a member of the entire InterContinental New York Barclay family as well. The addition of Bowie helps us create personal connections with our guests, further rounding out the hotel’s residential nature.” Sofia adds that Bowie provides a warm welcome to guests, along with a sense of ease and comfort.

“Many guests are excited when they first see Bowie,” she continues. “People don’t always expect to see a resident dog when they enter a hotel, especially in a metropolitan setting, so he definitely provides a fun and unexpected delight for everyone!” Sofia explains that Bowie’s main job is to greet and welcome guests, and thanks to his friendly personality, he does an excellent job of it! “In today’s environment, I think he also helps any anxious travelers we might be hosting, as he offers a soothing presence and even a warm body to hug.”

Jack

Lynette adds that Jack has done several photo and video shoots with various media. Many guests will ask for him when they arrive at the hotel because they’ve seen him on the hotel’s social media pages as well at at Jack’s own Instagram page (@jackthehoteldog). “Jack gets really excited when guests say: ‘Oh, this is JACK!’” Animal Wellness

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2021

AP

PROVED

PRODUCT

PICKS

What we love: Made with minimal processing to help preserve the natural goodness of the ingredients.

The tastiest way to brush his teeth Start your pup’s dental routine with Chew-A-Bulls®, Redbarn’s all-natural daily dental treats. With ridges and grooves to reach the nooks and crannies between your dog’s teeth and gums, each treat helps control tartar and plaque build-up. They’re packed with antioxidants such as parsley, and spices like cumin, to support digestion.

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This food is dynamite!

Looking for a kibble dog food that’s both healthy and tasty? Dynamite Super Premium Dog Food is a superior kibble made with fresh, hand-trimmed USDA chicken, and free of common allergens such as corn and wheat. It also contains chicken cartilage, which is rich in natural glucosamine, along with prebiotics and probiotics to aid digestion.

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What we love: These chews are highly digestible and made with limited ingredients.

What we love: They will work with you to create just the right urn for your best friend.

Rest in peace Losing a beloved animal companion is never easy, but memorializing him with a beautiful, natural wood urn can provide some comfort. This exquisite urn made from solid Ambrosia Maple is just one of many unique, handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces from BFF Urns. Check out the company’s ever-expanding collection.

bffurns.com

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For sharp-dressed dogs

What we love:

Looking for affordable luxury accessories for your dog?

Look no further than Puccissimé Pet Couture, which specializes in stunning canine accessories — from leashes to collars to bowties — all made with quality, style, and affordability in mind. Practical and easy to put on, the collection features unique and trendy designs for the ultimate in canine fashion!

The products are 100% handmade in North America using the highest quality materials.

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What we love:

Their bone broth is simmered a full 48 hours to extract collagen and other nutrients for optimal health benefits.

Diarrhea? Here’s help Diarrhea is a common complaint in dogs and cats.

Gut Maintenance Plus™ contains a unique blend of Saccharomyces boulardii, a yeast probiotic shown to resolve diarrhea within five days; and Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS), a prebiotic that activates the immune system, binds to pathogens, and feeds beneficial bacteria.

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What we love:

Also contains a prebiotic bacteriophage cocktail that targets pathogenic strains of E. coli.

Bone broth plus Bone broth is packed with nutrition, and can help support digestive health, as well as joint mobility, skin, hair, nails and even sleep quality. Deb’s Gourmet Pet Broth is made with all organic ingredients, including chicken bone backs and feet sourced from a local farm.

Also contains turmeric for reducing inflammation, and dandelion root for digestion.

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What we love:

Catching cancer early

Research showed that CRA detected 100% of canine cancers four months before dogs showed symptoms.

The key to successfully treating canine cancer is by detecting it early. The Cancer Risk Assessment (CRA) from VDI Laboratory is a blood test that screens apparently healthy dogs for early signs of cancer and evaluates if the dog is in a biological state that promotes the development of neoplasia. Talk to your veterinarian to find out more.

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FOCUS ON CBD Along with a quality diet and a good overall healthcare program, CBD can be used to add extra support to your dog or cat’s digestive well-being.

HOW

BD CAN HELP

SUPPORT YOUR PET’S

O

DIGESTIVE HEALTH

By Robert J. Silver, DVM, MS

ptimal digestive function is crucial to good overall health, not just in humans, but in dogs and cats as well. Diet plays a vital role, of course, but without the digestive system converting food into nutrients, and its influence on most aspects of well-being, including mood, inflammation response, and energy levels, our dogs and cats would not thrive or live long. Here’s how CBD can be used to help support your animals’ digestive health.

THE BOWEL CONTAINS CANNABINOID RECEPTORS You may not realize that the bowel is home to many cannabinoid receptors. They include CB1 receptors that are sensitive to THC, and CB2 receptors that are activated as a target of CBD. Endocannabinoids are produced by your dog or cat’s endocannabinoid system, and play many important roles in maintaining healthy digestion and bowel health.

Both endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids can reduce bowel inflammation and leaky gut, as well as normalize bowel motility and digestive secretions.

WHAT CBD CAN DO FOR DIGESTIVE HEALTH •C annabis and THC are well-known to increase appetite — i.e. the “munchies”. CBD can also contribute to improved appetite by supporting a feeling of well-being, and reducing pain and anxiety.

• Cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, CBG and THCV can affect the brain to reduce nausea and vomiting. They can reduce the inflammation in the stomach or elsewhere in the digestive tract that causes nausea or vomiting.

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• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be caused by stress and anxiety which, over time, increase inflammation in the bowel. This is one example of what is meant by the “gut-brain connection”.

Anxiety increases bowel motility, which decreases the time it takes for digested food to move through it, reducing the amount of fluid that can be reabsorbed from the large bowel and creating diarrhea.

• Colitis is a similar problem, as is inflammatory bowel disease or IBD, which is characterized by severe inflammation of the bowel wall, and can be considered a more severe manifestation of IBS. Crohn’s disease in humans responds well to cannabis.

ADMINISTRATION AND DOSAGE My recommendation is to start with a broad spectrum or full spectrum hemp extract containing primarily CBD. Give your dog or cat about 0.25 mg of CBD for each pound of body weight, twice daily, as a safe and possibly effective starting dose.

Try this for two weeks before increasing the dose for better efficacy if you are not satisfied with the results.

Keep in mind that cannabis works best if it is part of a comprehensive program for addressing your dog or cat’s digestive health.

CBD

HOW WORKS IN THE

DIGESTIVE TRACT CBD will activate cannabinoid receptors in the bowel wall, along with other membrane receptors that regulate and normalize bowel function.

Other constituents of a cannabis extract can also activate receptors in the bowel. For example, the terpene b-caryophyllene can directly activate CB2 receptors, thus benefiting bowel function.

This terpene is commonly found in black pepper and cloves. THC can activate receptors both in the brain (which can affect the bowel) and locally in the bowel.

– is there a connection?

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

Poor nutrition contributes to premature aging and degenerative conditions that can lead to the development of diabetes in dogs.

HERE’S WHY, AND HOW AN ANCESTRAL DIET CAN HELP PREVENT AND MANAGE THIS COMMON DISEASE. Our dogs are our “fur babies”. And much like human children, they can develop “sugar diabetes”, clinically known as Type I diabetes mellitus. This article looks at diabetes in dogs, and how diet plays a role in its development and management.

These issues include:

WHAT CAUSES CANINE DIABETES?

• Obesity, resulting in insulin resistance

FAST FACT:

Diabetes results from a problem with insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin is called the hormone of storage. It enables body cells to take nutrients out of the bloodstream to be “stored” or used to produce energy. In this role, insulin enables blood sugar to enter body cells where organelles called mitochondria “burn” sugar to produce energy.

This biochemical process enables cells to survive, grow, repair and carry out their normal functions.

Type I diabetes develops when the pancreas loses its ability to produce insulin; Type II diabetes, also known as “adult onset diabetes”, occurs when insulin no longer functions properly.

So what causes a dog to lose his ability to produce insulin?

Textbooks of veterinary medicine tell us that canine diabetes is “multifactorial” in origin, involving a range of issues that can damage the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas (the pancreatic beta cells).

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• Genetic predisposition to diabetes • Pancreatic infections • Pharmaceutical drug damage • Autoimmune attack on the pancreatic beta cells • Pancreatitis • Insulin-antagonistic diseases, which involve the deregulation of hormones such as glucagon, adrenaline, cortisol and growth hormone — all of which antagonise the actions of insulin.

In many dogs, Type I diabetes results from an autoimmune attack on the pancreas. The body uses the immune system to attack the pancreas and destroy the pancreatic beta cells.

WHAT ABOUT DIET? Most veterinary textbooks ignore diet as a factor in canine diabetes. And yet incorrect diet lies behind each and every one of the health issues leading to diabetes! This brings us to an important area of understanding. The common feature in all the issues leading up to diabetes is that they involve

bodily degeneration and premature aging. Poor diet results in premature aging, which in turn causes a range of health problems that can result in diabetes. This is particularly so when the dog has a genetic predisposition to diabetes.

FAST FACT:

From this understanding, what appears to be a complex condition with many different causes is in fact a disease with one common problem — the lifetime consumption of a faulty diet.

Poor nutrition produces premature aging.

FOUR QUESTIONS TO ASK If diet is such a vital factor in causing diabetes, there are four obvious questions we need to ask: 1. W hich dietary features result in one or more “diabetescausing” factors or diseases?

2. Which would prevent “diabetes-causing” factors or diseases?

3. Which would best enable the management of diabetes, once it has occurred?

4. Is there a diet that would enable the repair or restoration of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas?

The good news is that the answers to these questions are wonderfully straightforward. Animals fed a diet that closely matches the type of diet eaten by their ancestors — their evolutionary program of nutrition, the diet their genes have evolved to require — are least likely to develop diabetes. Furthermore, this diet is not only the best for preventing diabetes, but is also best equipped to manage the disease once it has occurred. It is also the diet most likely to restore insulin production in the pancreas…if that is ever a possibility.

“Diabetes” is a term that has its origins in the

“ never ending flow” seen when siphoning any liquid through a tube. It relates to untreated diabetics who have an insatiable thirst and produce copious quantities of urine.

“Mellitus”

(meaning sweet like honey) derives f rom how diabetes was originally diagnosed. The physician would taste the patient’s urine; if it was sweet like honey or sugar, the diagnosis was clinched.

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CARBOHYDRATES ARE A MAJOR CULPRIT On the flip side, the type of diet most likely to result in diabetes has features that depart from the evolutionary ideal in a number of specific areas. Additionally, the more a lifetime dietary program departs from that ideal, the more likely it is that the disease issues leading to canine diabetes will occur.

The most damaging feature of a diet that predisposes a dog to diabetes is the use of soluble carbohydrates as the principal source of energy. This means any diet based on grains, or carbohydrate-rich foods such as potatoes, is more likely to produce diabetes, as opposed to a diet where fat and proteins supply the bulk of dietary energy.

It works this way. Carbohydrate-heavy diets cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. When these foods are consumed over a lifetime, the resulting continued elevation in blood sugar has a number of unfortunate consequences, as follows: 1. C onstantly high blood glucose results in the need for constantly high insulin production. This places an excessive strain on the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, which can result — ultimately — in the exhaustion and eventual death of the pancreatic beta cells.

ADDITIONAL DIETARY PROBLEMS Further damaging dietary features also contribute to diabetes: • Cooking both destroys some nutrients and makes others unavailable.

•E xcessive levels of Omega-6 oils and low levels of Omega-3s drive inflammation •A lack of protective nutrients such as antioxidants will negatively impact health.

•P oor quality proteins result in a lack of immune competence.

EVOLUTIONARY PROGRAM OF NUTRITION From my perspective as a veterinarian with over 40 years of experience treating dogs with diabetes, the diet that best prevents, treats and manages this disease — and the one most likely to restore health to the pancreas — is the diet dogs evolved to require.

3. C onstantly high blood sugar together with resulting high blood insulin result in massive levels of bodily inflammation.

And inflammation is the major factor driving the whole range of degenerative disease processes that lie behind aging and the development of diabetes.

Diabetes is common in dogs. However, a nutritional approach that avoids poor quality ingredients and soluble carbs, and that most closely mimics the ancestral diet our canines evolved to eat, can help prevent the inflammation and other degenerative health issues that lead to the development of this disease.

FAST FACT:

2. C onstantly high blood sugar results in the production of damaging molecules called “advanced glycosylated end products” or AGEs. These AGEs accelerate the aging process throughout the body, including damage to the immune system.

This evolutionary program of nutrition is, in principle, very simple to prepare and feed. It goes under a number of names such as the “BARF” (Bones and Raw Food) diet, the “raw whole food” diet and so on. This diet uses fats and proteins as its principal energy sources and is based on the use of raw meaty bones, together with organ meats, vegetables and fruit. To this is added a range of other healthy foods such as eggs, fermented foods, kelp and so on. You can find more details about this nutritional program at drianbillinghurst.com.

Poor quality ingredients, high levels of soluble carbohydrates, and cooking that destroys nutrients are the most damaging dietary factors when it comes to the development of diabetes.

Dogs with diabetes have a set of symptoms they share with humans. These include:

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• Enormous thirst

• Fatigue

• Frequent and copious urination

• A decreased resistance to infections

• Insatiable appetite (early in the disease) combined ironically with weight loss

• Poor ability to repair any physical injury.

Left

untreated, diabetes will eventually kill the dog.

BUSINESS PROFILE

Biologically appropriate raw diets are the cornerstone of

Northwest Naturals Backed by 60 years of experience in meat processing, along with a dedication to high quality and pet health, this company’s raw diets and treats for dogs and cats more than make the cut.

R

aw diets increase energy, improve digestion, promote skin and coat health, clean teeth, and help prevent obesity in dogs and cats. With such a long list of benefits, it’s no wonder more people are going the raw route for their animals. Evolving alongside this trend is Northwest Naturals, a raw frozen pet food company located in Portland, Oregon. Established and owned by Morasch Meats, a family-run business that’s been around since 1956, Northwest Naturals knows a thing or two about making high quality raw pet foods.

With a mission to provide wholesome easy-to-feed diets based on biologically appropriate raw principles, the company boasts a variety of raw products for various dog and cat needs and individual preferences. The diets are made from high quality meats and locally-sourced fruits and vegetables, and range from multiple raw recipes available in nuggets, dinner bars, chubs, and freeze-dried forms, to single ingredient

treats for both cats and dogs. Their cat recipes comprise a true carnivore diet, made with 98% meat to meet the biological requirements of these obligate carnivores. Thanks to consumer demand, the company’s latest product is a 15lb bulk case of NWN Nuggets that comes in all recipes, and is aimed at large dog or multi-dog families.

Northwest Naturals prides itself on the quality and nutritional value of its diets. “There are so many pet foods being manufactured without food safety guidelines, and with poor quality ingredients and lack of regulations,” says Patti Salladay, salesperson and marketer for the company. In addition, the processing of commercial pet foods means many nutrients are stripped from the ingredients during manufacturing; Northwest Naturals addresses this problem by using minimal processing to ensure the highest possible nutritional values. For example, they chop their ingredients

using only one grinding process to make sure protein cells are not crushed and overworked.

Along with their dedication to quality, the company is also focused on the well-being of animals in the community, no matter what breed or lifestyle. They’re actively involved in local events in support of emergency vet clinics, as well as various canine and feline organizations across the country.

“We help provide assistance for west coast police K-9 units and service dogs for wounded warriors,” adds Patti.

Northwest Naturals brings raw food and a passion for dog and cat health into perfect harmony. So when asked what she loves most about what she does every day, Patti’s answer is clear: “The most enjoyable part is talking with consumers and learning about the positive difference our products have made on the overall well-being and the quality of their pets’ lives.”

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NEWSWORTHY

NEW SURVEY REVEALS

PET PARENTS ARE ANXIOUS ABOUT “RETURNING TO NORMAL”

According to data from a new survey, “returning to normal” post-pandemic is causing anxiety for many animal parents.

O

ne of the few silver linings of the COVID-19 shutdown was the extra time pet parents were able to spend with their animals. But as restrictions continue to ease across North America and individuals are spending less time at home, pet parents are feeling anxious and unprepared for what returning to “normal” will mean for their four-legged companions.

• Nearly a quarter (24%) of dog parents and 1 in 5 (20%) cat parents said they have spent less time taking their animal(s) to the veterinarian.

On the bright side, the survey — which collected data from 1,041 pet parents — also revealed that 83% of pet parents agree that they have a stronger connection with their animals, 79% believe that their animals seem happier and, among those who worked from home, 82% feel that spending the workday with their animals improved their mood.

According to a recent survey sponsored

by Merck Animal Health, pet parents have a myriad of concerns, from worrying their animals will feel abandoned, to not knowing how to resocialize their dog or cat and forgetting preventative care practices. Some other key findings include:

• 67% of pet parents are concerned that their dog or cat will feel sad and lonely, and 64% claimed they worried their animals will feel abandoned when they’re left home alone.

Preparing animals for more time at home alone, traveling outside the home and returning to pre-pandemic health practices is crucial for their well-being and pet parents’ peace of mind. To make the transition as smooth as possible, veterinarian Dr. Lisa Lippman recommends setting aside some time to reschedule any missed vet appointments, talking to a veterinarian about how to simplify animals’ healthcare needs to fit into increasingly busy schedules, and using smart devices such as wearable activity trackers and pet cams to better understand and monitor animals’ well-being.

• Only 29% of pet parents have practiced leaving their animal(s) alone for longer periods of time.

•T he pandemic decreased the frequency of some activities — 1 in 3 (33%) dog parents said they spent less time at the dog park and 36% said their dog(s) have spent less time interacting with other animals.

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• Pet parents also worry about their own emotional well-being — 62% are upset that they’ll be spending less time with their animals, 63% feel guilty leaving them alone and 50% feel separation anxiety when away from their animals.

merck-animal-health-usa.com

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HEALING INSIDE & OUT

By W. Jean Dodds, DVM

A dive into the mechanics of your dog or cat’s microbiome, and why it’s so important to his health and well-being.

D gs Cats A few years ago, many people had never heard the term “microbiome”. It has since become an important topic in both human and animal health, and we’re learning more about it all the time. This article takes a deeper dive into what the microbiome is, how it works, and why it’s so important to your dog or cat’s health — and your own.

DEFINING THE MICROBIOME Discovered less than 20 years ago, the microbiome is the genetic material of all the microbes — bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses — that live on and inside the animal and human body. Healthy cells are in symbiosis (harmony) within the body, and are kept in this state primarily by the presence of a healthy, balanced microbiome.

Did you know?

T he number of genes within the microbes of the microbiome is 200 times the number present in the mammalian genome.

The composition and function of the gut microbiome is influenced and controlled by optimizing the expression of health-sustaining genes, while suppressing genes that lead to disease. It is also regulated by epigenomic factors beyond the

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genes themselves, along with dietary ingredients that support overall health and, particularly, the so-called “gut-brain axis” (more on this later), in order to optimize brain health and memory. Thus, diet can create both beneficial and harmful effects on the microbiome, and on health and longevity.

We and our dogs and cats depend on our microbiomes to stay alive: they protect us against germs, break down food to release energy, and produce vitamins. An imbalanced microbiome is a major player in all areas of health, including metabolic disorders, autoimmune and motor neuron diseases, autism, and cancer. It is present before birth, impacts maternaloffspring health outcomes, maintains the gut-brain axis, and interacts with the immune system.

Did you know?

E ach individual’s microbiome is genetically unique.

OUR MICROBIOMES ARE BEING CHALLENGED As the Earth’s ecosystems have been disrupted by human activity, more harmful gut bacteria have evolved during our

lifetimes, due to a combination of environmental pollution, and exposure to chemicals, herbicides and antibiotics. Many strains of resistant microbes have emerged, and a third of more than 1,000 common drugs inhibit the growth of healthy human gut bacteria.

UNDERSTANDING THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS The gut-brain axis helps regulate digestion and the movement of food through the gastrointestinal system.

It also regulates cognitive and emotional functions.

However, if the signal coming from the brain is incorrectly messaged or interpreted, the central nervous and enteric (gut) systems become dysregulated. This can alter intestinal motility and increase organ sensitivity, which contributes to the development of bowel disorders including inflammation, damage to the bowel surface, and even inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

The gut-brain axis is also activated by physiological, pathological and emotional stress, which stimulates mucosal mast cells and increases the production of proinflammatory cytokines and other cell mediators.

Did you know?

B oth acute and chronic stress increases intestinal permeability and leads to a “leaky gut”, which allows bacteria, viruses and fungi to enter the gut wall.

SUPPORTING AND MAINTAINING GUT MICROBIOME HEALTH The gut microbiome is the most diverse and abundant, so we need to focus on maintaining its health. We can help do this by providing the following: • Prebiotics — e.g. spirulina from blue-green algae and unprocessed whole foods • Probiotics — from mixed strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria spp, and from foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut.

• Digestive enzymes — protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase • Immune-modulating supplements — e.g. the prebiotic soluble fiber, beta-glucan O ther beneficial supplements that support the microbiome and gut health include: • N-Acetylglucosamine (NAG) — helps IBD symptoms and reduces abdominal pain • Licorice root — a flavonoid-rich extract for gut ulcers, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects • Aloe — used orally for ulcerative colitis and digestion • Glutamine — protects the mucosal lining.

Did you know?

Restoring the microbiome to a healthy state helps resolve bowel imbalances that are expressed clinically as dysbiosis, a condition that contributes to the cognitive a nd memory decline associated with aging and even to depression.

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MICROBIOME RESTORATIVE THERAPY

Understanding the genome is critical to treating, managing and preventing illness, because even with chronic health conditions, cells still have a remarkable ability to repair, regenerate and renew.

Scientists are just beginning to understand how diet affects the deepest level of our cells.

While food ingredients “speak” to the body at the cellular level, many foods we consider healthy may really be sending unhealthy messages to our genes and the genome.

Therefore, we need to be able to preselect foods that promote rather than suppress the optimal gene expression that ends up as dysbiosis.

Examples of the stressors that cause microbial changes include prolonged exposure to antibiotics, diets high in additives and low in fiber, global warming, and environmental pollution. We should choose clean, pure, organic foods to avoid health problems related to pesticides, GMOs, antibiotics, and other manmade hazards that infiltrate our food system.

Recently, emphasis has been placed on providing fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) or microbiome restorative therapy (MBRT) obtained from qualified healthy donors.

Examples of companies that offer this therapy include Microbiome Restorative Therapy from Dr. Margo Roman (microbiomerestorativetherapy.com) and AnimalBiome (animalbiome.com). MBRT introduces a diverse population of healthy natural gut bacteria, and acts via a regulatory T-cell pathway that helps suppress food allergy and intolerances.

BENEFITS OF A BALANCED MICROBIOME The benefits of a balanced microbiome are easy to observe in ourselves and our animals. They include: • A reduction in the severity of eczema and other skin disorders • Improved protein digestion (measurable by absent or reduced intestinal gas) • Alleviation of constipation in seniors, both human and animal.

Science has learned a lot about the microbiome in recent years, and will discover more in the years to come. In the meantime, using what we know to help support the microbiome in our dogs, cats, and ourselves, can do a lot to improve overall health and well-being.

Balancing the gut microbiome in a healthy manner with selected nutrients and supplements can also help counteract cellular oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can lead to cancer. One proven way this can be accomplished is with so-called “functional foods” that activate the body’s critical Nrf-2 pathway, a master regulator of antioxidant production and cellular protection.

Functional foods include: • Turmeric • Ginger • Green tea • Tomatoes • Berries • Raw honey (not for the very young) • Coconut • Broccoli

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Advertorial

Are superfoods worth the As more dog and cat guardians embrace wellness and healthier eating, we have become more aware of what’s on our plates — and what’s in our animals’ food bowls. As a result, superfoods have become an essential piece of the puzzle when selecting the best diet for our dogs and cats. But how do we know if a superfood is really “super” or just marketing fluff?

The origins of superfoods The word “superfood” is defined as “a food (such as salmon, broccoli, or blueberries) that is rich in compounds (such as antioxidants, fiber, or fatty acids) considered beneficial to a person's health” (Merriam-Webster, 2021).

Perhaps surprisingly, this word actually originated from a marketing campaign.

During World War I, bananas were promoted as being not only cheap, but nutritious, easily digested, and readily available. Their popularity soared after they were endorsed in medical journals by physicians publishing their findings that a banana diet could be used to treat conditions like celiac disease and diabetes. The United Fruit Company promoted these health benefits while the press flaunted headlines about bananas, paving the way for the future of superfoods (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2021).

Today, a new superfood emerges every month, and it’s easy to know why when you see the sales that are associated with foods labelled “superfood”, “superfruit” or “supergrain”. But how can we trust that the superfoods used in pet foods deliver on their promise to be “super”?

Animal-based vs. plant-based superfoods A carnivore’s stomach is full of acid.

This acid is efficient at uncoiling large protein molecules so the body can absorb the amino acids contained inside.

The proper array of amino acids must be absorbed into the liver for additional processing and recognition.

“You are what you absorb, not what you eat.”

— Jodie Gruenstern, DVM, CVA

Whether a superfood is meat-based or plant-based makes a difference in determining the impact it will have on your dog or cat’s health and digestive system. Animal-based superfoods (e.g. organs, seafood oils, etc.) are more digestible than plant-based superfoods (e.g. berries, kale, etc.) due to the way the proteins are broken down within your animal’s digestive system.

“Animal-based protein sources like egg, meat, dairy, and fish contain more essential amino acids than do plant-based protein sources like soybeans or corn gluten meal.”

— Jodie Gruenstern, DVM, CVA

A super solution When selecting your next “super” pet food, look for recipes that feature animal-based superfoods. ZIWI Peak does just that – their patented Z-BOOST™ superfood blend is included in every recipe. With the ultimate nutritional boost, every ZIWI Peak recipe contains a minimum of 10% superfoods — a blend of cold-washed green tripe or poultry heart, whole New Zealand green mussels, and organic kelp.

These Z-BOOST™ superfoods are nature’s powerhouse source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for supporting brain, heart, and joint function, while contributing to skin and coat health.

Whether used as a mouth-watering topper, a nutritious treat, or delicious meal, ZIWI Peak is crafted to deliver peak nutrition in every mouthful.

ziwipets.com Animal Wellness

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TREAT TALK

A health-conscious dog parent doesn't have to pass on the treats.

A growing number of companies are offering biscuits, chews and other treats that are healthy and nutritious as well as tasty. You can also make your own dog treats, and that’s what this article is about.

By Tonya Wilhelm

WHY MAKE YOUR OWN DOG TREATS?

ut the coconut flour, oats, coconut oil, and pureed mix into P a large glass bowl. Combine all ingredients.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

One of the benefits of making your dog’s treats at home is that you can modify the ingredients to meet your his nutritional needs, or cater to his likes and dislikes. Is he not a carrot fan?

Try broccoli. If you can't find fresh pears, try cantaloupe. Sure, the treat may come out a bit differently, but that’s okay. Your dog will likely gobble it up with gusto anyhow!

Creating healthy treats for your dog also ensures top quality control. You choose what ingredients to use and where to get them from, whether it’s the organic section at your grocery store, or at a farmer’s market. Let’s get started!

If you are looking for a no-bake treat for your

pooch, you'll love these tropical bites (and so will he). These delectable goodies will have your kitchen smelling like the tropics. A quick warning: your dog may be begging at your feet while you are creating these bite-sized treats!

sing a teaspoon or teaspoon-sized cookie scoop, roll the U dough into small balls and place on the cookie sheet. hen the tray is full, place in the refrigerator for the treats W to firm up. tore a few of these bites in the refrigerator for a few days S for quick treats; the remainder can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw before serving.

We all like to indulge in a frozen snack once in a while, and the same can be said for our dogs. But j ust because ice cream tastes good doesn't mean it's a healthy choice. In fact, most store-bought ice creams contain harmful ingredients such as sodium benzoate and polysorbate 80. Not to mention they are loaded with sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. The good news is that you can create a healthy, tasty, and fresh dog ice cream right at home. As an extra bonus, you can also dive into this guiltless, refreshing snack yourself!

cups oats cup coconut flour cup coconut oil

ounces watermelon

ounces pineapple

peaches

mango

cup kefir

tablespoon raw honey

banana

teaspoon fresh mint or 1/8 teaspoon dried mint

Allow the ingredients to reach room temperature before starting.

emove the pits from the peaches. Dice the flesh and R place in a large blender or food processor.

Heat the coconut oil over low heat until melted, stirring frequently. Place aside.

emove skin from the banana. Dice and place in the food R processor.

emove the skin and seed from the mango. Place the flesh R in a large blender or food processor.

Add the watermelon and kefir and puree all ingredients.

dd the pineapple, mint, and honey to the food processor.

A Puree all ingredients.

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our mixture into a large glass bowl or single-serve molds P and place in the freezer overnight.

Scoop or scrape out a serving of sorbet for your dog (and/or yourself!). Allowing the sorbet to sit at room temperature for a few minutes makes it easier to serve.

A classic carrot cake is always a hit. This dogfriendly version adds apples and pears for an extra punch of flavor and fiber. And you don't have to worry about wheat allergies, since this recipe uses coconut flour.

cups coconut flour eggs cup carrots apple pear t easpoon grated fresh ginger or 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger Coconut oil, for greasing Coconut flour, for dusting the pan

Preheat oven to 350°F. Shred carrots and place into large blender or food processor. emove and discard seeds and cores from the apple and pear.

R Chop the apple and pear and add to the food processor.

Crack eggs into the food processor and add the ginger.

Puree all ingredients.

Put coconut flour in a large glass mixing bowl.

Add the pureed mix to the flour and combine.

Grease a 9” pan with coconut oil then dust with coconut flour.

Pour the mixture into the pan and spread it out evenly. ake approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes B out clean.

Set aside cake to cool fully. o make the frosting, mix the kefir, chia seeds and honey in T a glass bowl. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until you are ready to frost the cake. nce the cake is completely cooled, spread it with the O kefir frosting.

c up kefir (read ingredient panel prior to purchase to ensure you are using kefit without any harmful ingredients) tablespoons chia seeds

Serve a slice to your dog and watch him enjoy! lice the remaining cake into serving-sized portions and S freeze for up to three months. Thaw before serving.

tablespoons raw honey

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Photo courtesy of Tallgrass Animal Acupressure

ANIMAL ACUPRESSURE

D gs Cats

AS PART OF AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO DIABETES IN PETS

By Amy Snow & Nancy Zidonis

Diabetes is very common in dogs and cats. An integrative approach to treatment is the best option, and acupressure can play an important role.

Diabetes in dogs and cats has reached epidemic proportions. There may not be a cure, but diabetic animals can live long and almost normal lives, thanks to tried and true treatment options offered by holistic veterinarians and complementary therapy providers. This article focuses on how acupressure can be used to address diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats.

HOW DIABETES DEVELOPS Glucose, a form of sugar, is the essential energy source for the body’s cells. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas,

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controls glucose levels in the animal’s bloodstream. Insulin is also needed to transport the glucose from the blood to nourish and provide energy to the body’s cells. If there’s not enough insulin, too much glucose accumulates in the blood, causing hyperglycemia.

When glucose in the blood is elevated, insulin is not functioning properly and thus not transmitting glucose to the cells. The cells become starved while the sugars are flooding the organs, potentially leading to organ damage. Additionally, the glucose overflows into the urine, drawing a large quantity of body fluid, which is why diabetic animals often drink

copious amounts of water and urinate frequently. Excessive urination is a significant telltale signs of diabetes. Other clinical indicators include: • Weight loss (even with increased food consumption)

Fast Facts About Diabetes • D iabetes is a metabolic disease estimated to affect one out of every 200 dogs and cats.

• Loss of appetite • Fatigue or extreme lethargy • Frequent infections • Vomiting • Cataracts/cloudy eyes (often in dogs)

If you notice any of these signs in your dog or cat, it is imperative that you consult your veterinarian immediately.

Once tests determine that your dog or cat is diabetic, coming up with a strategy to support him long-term health is the next step.

• I t can occur at any age, but tends to be more prevalent among animals between seven to ten years old.

• A long with age, other important risk factors for diabetes are obesity, the use of steroid medications, chronic or repeated pancreatitis, gender (females are twice as prone to as males), and genetics.

This is the perfect opportunity to develop an integrative health plan. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for ongoing care while supporting your dog or cat’s wellness program with proper nutrition, appropriate exercise — and the following acupressure sessions.

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Charts courtesy of Tallgrass Animal Acupressure

ACUPRESSURE SESSION FOR A DIABETIC DOG OR CAT

found just lateral to (away from) the dog or cat’s spine between the second and third lumbar vertebrae.

The following acupoints have been used for thousands of years to address conditions like diabetes:

• S pleen 6 (Sp 6) enhances Spleen/Pancreas function in creating nutrient-rich blood and facilitating blood flow, while also benefiting Liver and Kidney chi (life-promoting energy).

Spleen 6 is found above the medial malleolus on the caudal border of the tibia. Trace your fingers above the inside of the animal’s hock and press lightly against the tibia bone.

• B ladder 17 (Bl 17) is the Influential point for blood. This acupoint’s energetic action regulates and invigorates blood. Bladder 17 is located lateral to the seventh thoracic vertebra. That is, feel for this point just off the animal’s spine at the level of the seventh thoracic vertebra.

• B ladder 23 (Bl 23) supports Kidney yin, which is the essential basis of the animal’s cellular health and physical constitution.

This acupoint is directly connected to the Kidney system and can be

• L iver 3 (Liv 3) removes toxins from and invigorates the blood, and benefits metabolic disorders. On dogs and cats, Liver 3 is located between the second and third metatarsal on the hind paws at the junction of the metatarsophalangeal joint. Draw your finger up between the metatarsals until you feel the joint — that’s Liver 3.

After holding the acupoints on both sides of your dog or cat, take a few minutes to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

These acupressure sessions go two ways: you are supporting your animal’s health and well-being and he is offering his deep appreciation and ability to remain with you for many more years to come.

The TCM Approach to Diabetes Acupressure is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Ancient Chinese doctors used acupressure techniques to help manage metabolic and blood conditions and imbalances. According to TCM internal medicine theory, the Spleen/Pancreas organ system is responsible for the health of the blood. Other organ systems such as Liver and Kidney are also involved in metabolic and blood imbalances.

The Spleen/Pancreas system is considered the creators of blood, and the bioavailable nutrients in the blood. While

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the Liver system consistently restores the health and vitality of blood, Kidney supports the substantive yin essence of the blood. These organ systems must function optimally and in concert to maintain a healthy balance of blood to nourish the entire body.

When a cat or dog is experiencing a blood and metabolic imbalance such as diabetes, the TCM approach is to use acupressure points to encourage the body to restore a healthy balanced blood flow.

GET READY FOR

fall

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Get certified in pet first aid Could you care for your animal companion in an emergency?

Founded in 2003 and internationally recognized, Walks ‘N’ Wags Pet First Aid programs are the longest standing in Canada.

Applicable to both dogs and cats, and open to everyone from pet parents to vet techs, these courses are informative and fun! walksnwags.com

A new generation of dog food Maxbone is a scientifically developed line of freeze-dried dog food, made from real ingredients sourced in the US. Contains protein with no hormones or antibiotics. Choose from Glow Up (turkey), Muscle Up (beef) and Boost Up (duck), along with a selection of healthy treats and supplements. maxbone.com

Go all-in for your dog’s health!

ALL-IN is a complete dog supplement powered by one-of-a-kind absorption technology. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, Omegas, and prebiotics – in just the right amounts. And it’s clinically proven to be absorbed by your dog’s body. Go ALL-IN® for health like this! vetericyn.com/allin

Help for leaky gut syndrome Adored Beast Apothecary’s Leaky Gut Protocol addresses the causes of leaky gut syndrome and helps support healing. The products work synergistically to soothe and replenish the bowel lining, fight yeast, restore, strengthen and tighten the separated “leaky” junctions of the GI lining, and boost immune system health. adoredbeast.com Animal Wellness

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Animal Wellness Magazine

NUTRITION FACTS

By Bob Goldstein, VMD

Feeding pets real food with active life force ingredients

D gs Cats

High quality, biologically available, healthful diets for dogs and cats are the best path to optimal health and longevity.

Historically, pet foods were commercially prepared with rendered and rejected meat by-products from the human food industry, sometimes known as the 4 D’s — from dead, dying, diseased, or disabled animals. They also included vitamins, minerals, and low-grade milled grain bits containing a myriad of chemicals, all cooked at excessively high temperatures for sterilization purposes. High carbohydrate ingredients (corn, wheat or processed rice) helped meet AAFCO’s minimum nutritional requirements but lacked vital nutrients such as amino acids needed to promote animal health.

Over-processing and high temperatures damage nutrients

High temperatures diminish the active levels of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, degrade the nutritional quality of the protein and fats, and leads to unnaturally low moisture content. Over-processing breaks down and denatures proteins into amino acid fragments that are difficult to absorb and can lead to food allergies and protein deficiency. This process destroys active nutritional ingredients such as enzymes, which are required for proper digestion and assimilation of food and can destroys delicate vitamins such as A, E, C, and some of the B vitamins.

The health consequences of poor diets Direct links have been clinically validated between poor diet and skin allergies, arthritis, kidney, liver, and

lung disease and even cancer. Following this traditional processed diet, both veterinarians and animal parents saw common and persistent issues of obesity, itching, flaky, inflamed skin, coats that were brittle and coarse, hyperactivity or low energy, digestive issues, and immunerelated problems and conditions. When they began feeding a more natural, less processed diet that was low-carbohydrate and high quality protein they saw their animals’ nagging health issues improve significantly, and often fully resolve.

Preserving nutritional value

Gently-made, air-dried, and low temperature-cooked whole foods made with exceptional raw ingredients preserve nutritional value and vitality.

This results in a nutritionally superior, more biologically available, digestible food that promotes and supports a healthy immune system ­— the primary building block of good health and longevity. Nutrient bioavailability refers to the proportion of nutrients that are not only available in the gut (intestines) but are actually absorbed into the body for use by the organs, cells and tissues.

Because a highly digestible food results in a higher proportion of absorbed nutrients than a less digestible food, digestibility provides one measure of a food’s nutritional value and quality.

Antioxidants and phytonutrients also essential • Antioxidants, often absent in traditional pet foods, are compounds that slow or

prevent oxidation and help prevent the initiation of the inflammatory process.

This inflammatory response is believed responsible for premature aging, organ degeneration and cell death.

• Phytonutrients, also devoid in most commercially available foods, are chemical compounds that are produced by and help in the performance of plants’ metabolic functions. When eaten, they have beneficial effects on an animal’s physiology and metabolism.

Phytonutrients are being clinically proven to positively affect health and well-being, reduce inflammation, slow degenerative disease, and play a critical role in the prevention of cancer.

A low carbohydrate, high protein, diet using sustainably sourced raw ingredients and Global Animal Partnership (GAP-rated) humanely raised proteins, is ultimately a return to the diet that nature designed for dogs and cats, and thus represents their best path to optimal health and longevity.

Dr. Bob Goldstein, VMD, is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. In 1979, he and his wife, Susan Goldstein, co-founded Earth Animal to pioneer a more holistic, humane, and sustainable way to enhance and preserve quality of life for dogs and cats. Dr. Bob has formulated more than 100 nutritional products, natural flea and tick products, condition-specific herbal remedies, treats, and biologically appropriate pet foods for dogs and cats. Following years of nutrition research, Dr. Bob formulated Wisdom Dog Food to provide exceptional nutrition and optimize animal health.

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FELINE BEHAVIOR

SLEEP PATTERNS IN CATS

By Nadia Ali

We already know cats sleep a lot! All the same, it’s good to know something about feline sleep patterns and behaviors so you can catch any changes that might signal a health problem in your own kitty.

A

s cat parents, we are used to seeing our beloved kitties curled up on chairs, sprawled out on carpets, or comfortably squeezed into small spaces — all contentedly snoozing. There is no doubt that cats love sleeping; you might even say it’s their favorite thing to do! Let’s look more closely at feline sleeping patterns and behaviors, and how they might compare to your own kitty’s slumber habits.

HOW MANY HOURS DO CATS SLEEP? It is a fact that cats sleep a lot — really a lot! Most sleep as many as 12 to 16 hours per day, which accounts for half to more than two-thirds of their lives. Older cats tend to sleep even more (see sidebar on page 65) and so do kittens.

Cats are most active at dawn or dusk. Veterinarian Dr. Danielle Bernal explains that while our household cats are largely domesticated, they still have a wild streak in them that prompts them to want to “hunt” during the twilight hours. Hence they’re more alert during those times, and more likely to engage in pre-dawn or pre-bedtime “zoomies”!

DO CATS EXPERIENCE SLEEP PERIODS LIKE WE DO? All cats experience two sleep periods, according to Dr. Katherine Houpt, director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. One is deep sleep and the other light sleep. How soundly cats sleep depends on several factors, Dr. Houpt notes, such as age, health, their nature, and the way they are fed. During the day, they’ll take several comparatively brief catnaps, alternating between periods of light sleep and wakefulness.

WHEN A CAT’S EYES ARE CLOSED TIGHT AND HIS BODY IS EITHER STRETCHED OUT OR CURLED UP, HE’S IN A STATE OF DEEP SLEEP.

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WHAT DO A CAT’S DIFFERENT SLEEP POSITIONS SIGNIFY? During light sleep, all cats maintain a position that will allow them to easily pounce in an instant. Veterinarian Dr. Debora Lichtenberg says that cats are always on the alert, even when they’re dozing. This is why their catnaps and periods of light sleep last around 15 to 30 minutes per nap. They also continue to hear sounds and are aware of changes in scents in the air.

You’re probably seen your own cat’s ears or whiskers twitching when he’s dozing.

When a cat’s eyes are closed tight and his body is either stretched out or curled up, he’s in a state of deep sleep.

According to Amy Shojai, an animal care and behavior expert, a cat’s body reacts when he moves from light to deep sleep, and he stretches out or rolls to one side. Another tell-tale sign of deep sleep is when a cat starts to suddenly jerk his foot.

Veterinarian Dr. Adrian R. Morrison, who conducted research into feline sleep, found that just before a cat enters REM, a series of leg jerks occur.

DO SENIOR CATS HAVE DIFFERENT SLEEP PATTERNS? Cats are considered seniors when they’re 11 to 14 years of age, while those over 15 are geriatric. These kitties tend to sleep up to 20 hours a day. According to the ASPCA, older cats tend to have different sleep-wake cycles. They don’t sleep well at night, snooze more in the daytime, and tend to be more vocal at night.

Once your kitty is fast asleep, he may cover his head with his paws, curl into a ball or even lie belly-up. This is a big compliment to you, since it signals that your cat feels absolutely, completely, and utterly safe!

IS IT OKAY TO LET MY CAT SLEEP IN MY BED? It’s because he feels safe that your cat doesn’t mind curling up next to you in your bed. According to a 2020 sleep survey conducted by Sleep Advisor, two-thirds of cats sleep with their humans. “The older one curls up at the end of the bed,” said one cat parent. “The younger one sleeps next to my pillow.”

Whether or not your cat should actually be sleeping with you is up for discussion. Some professionals say absolutely. Veterinarian Dr. Lynn Bahr indicates that it’s good for the health and well-being of both the cat and human. Other professionals warn of litter debris, rare parasites and fungal infections, allergies, and disturbed sleep.

WHEN SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT MY CAT’S SLEEPING? Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Nicholas Dodman says that while sleep is important to a cat's health, any changes in normal sleep patterns can signal illness. If your cat is suddenly slumbering a lot more than usual, hiding away in odd places to sleep, or conversely seems unusually restless and unable to sleep, it’s time to call your veterinarian to arrange for a check-up.

Take a look at your cat next time he’s sleeping, and know that while it’s natural for him to sleep a lot, you can learn a lot about him just by observing how long he sleeps, the way he sleeps, and where his favorite napping spots are!

HOW DOES BOREDOM AFFECT SLEEP? Between their bouts of deep sleep and brief catnaps, indoor cats tend to get bored. After all, there are only so many times you can jump on and off the sofa. What do bored cats do? Sleep even more! According to veterinarian Dr. Debra Primovic, it’s important to actively engage your cat in play twice a day. You should also invest in scratching posts, climbing trees, interactive toys, and interesting windows so your cat can watch the outside world.

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Photos courtesy of Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary

TO THE RESCUE

Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary

Animal Wellness will donate 25% of each subscription purchased using promo code FFRS to Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary.

Clockwise from left: Funny Farm takes in animals of every species, from goslings to blind kittens; Laurie cuddles Nemo the goat; Tucker is a canine resident of Funny Farm.

LOCATION: MAYS LANDING, NJ YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2000 TYPES OF ANIMAL THEY WORK WITH: Funny Farm mostly rescues unwanted, neglected and abused animals, and they don’t discriminate when it comes to species! In addition to dogs, cats and horses, they’ve taken in pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, peacocks, donkeys, goats, alpacas, emus, skunks, guinea hens, cockatoos, llamas, cows, doves, quail and a golden pheasant. “We also help out with rescuing wildlife,” says owner and founder Laurie Zaleski.

NUMBER OF STAFF/VOLUNTEERS/FOSTER HOMES: Everyone is a volunteer at Funny Farm Rescue — and anyone can apply to help out! “There are 15 core volunteers and approximately ten additional volunteers daily,” says Laurie. “We also have three foster homes.”

FUNDRAISING PROJECTS: Funny Farm holds several live and online fundraisers throughout the year. Their summer and fall festivals have become quite popular, along with their annual golf tournament, “Kegs for Kittens” and “Stouts for Snouts” events, and online family trivia nights. They also host Summer Critter Camps for kids, which always sell out in record time.

FAVORITE RESCUE STORY: “Chucky was a German shepherd that had a condition called megaesophagus, meaning his esophagus was too large for his body,” says Laurie. “It was impossible for food to reach his stomach if he ate on all fours.” Because of his condition, veterinarians recommended

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Laurie Zaleski shares the inspiring and often harrowing story of her rescue adventures in FUNNY FARM: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals , available February 22, 2022.

that Chucky be put to sleep as a one-month-old puppy — but Laurie wanted to give him a chance at life.

Though she knew nothing about his condition, Laurie welcomed Chucky to with loving arms — and a great deal of hope. “He changed my life,” she says. “He taught me never to give up and to enjoy each day.”

Chucky’s team of vets predicted he would survive for a maximum of six months, even with his specially-built highchair. But against all odds, he lived to be over five years old. “Today, we have two other megaesophagus dogs, Jesse and Tucker, who both live incredible, drug-free lives at the Funny Farm,” says Laurie.

Find Funny Farm Rescue and Sanctuary online: funnyfarmrescue.org facebook.com/FunnyFarmRescue

Looking for a top-

BROOKS BROTH TAKES BONE BROTH FOR DOGS TO THE

NEXT LEVEL Bone broth is all the rage these days, and no wonder! Just take a look at its nutritional benefits: bone broth is one of top recommended foods for supporting digestive health, and also supports joint mobility, skin, hair, nails and even sleep quality. Let’s zero in on Brooks Broth, an awesome product that takes bone broth to the next level, thanks to its founders, Brooks and Vicki Haden, and their friend Deb Lester.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

In the spring of 2019, Vicki was hit by a car while crossing the street, and required surgery and months of recovery. Knowing the nutritional benefits of bone broth, Deb brought Vicki some chicken bone broth to help with her healing journey.

Impressed by its healing benefits, Brooks was inspired to take bone broth a step further. As a creative chef, he began adding various spices to the broth, and using chicken bones from a local farm in Idaho called McIntyre Family Farms.

Before long he had perfected his recipe and Brooks Broth was born. Their company, UpCountry Gourmet Products, LLC, started out with chicken bone and

veggie broth for humans, but within a year they added a broth for animals and named it Deb’s Gourmet Pet Broth.

The company takes pride in using local, organic ingredients for its products.

“Our broth contains 100% natural, locally-farmed ingredients, with no preservatives,” says Vicki, Director of Marketing. “The spices we add, from upcountry Maui (Hawaii), South Carolina and Chicago bring out the wonderful flavors, unlike anything on the market. The broth is simmered for 48 hours, which provides maximum benefits by extracting collagen and other nutrients. Each jar of Deb’s Gourmet Pet Broth contains almost 30 mg of calcium. These nutrients are delivered in most part from chicken bone backs and feet for bone development growth and shiny coats. Our broth has proved to reduce and, in most cases, eliminate skin allergies. We also include turmeric for reducing inflammation and help with injury healing, as well as dandelion root to aid in digestion and reducing gas.”

notch chicken bone broth your dog will love? Look no further than this leading edge company, which not only makes amazing bone broth products, but also gives back by supporting therapy programs for young people.

GIVING BACK

Along with creating delicious, healthpacked chicken bone and veggie broths for people, and their chicken bone broth recipe for animals, Brooks, Vicki and Deb also place a lot of priority on giving back.

“We are passionate about giving back to wilderness therapy programs in the US that specialize in outdoor therapy for teens and young adults who struggle with depression and suicide. Five percent of every dollar received from our sales goes to help fund a wilderness therapy program. We started supporting Open Sky Wilderness Therapy in Durango, Colorado because they saved the life of a teen who is part of the Brooks Broth family.”

If you’re looking for a quality, nutritious chicken bone broth for your dog (and yourself!) look no further than Brooks Broth and Deb’s Gourmet Pet Broth.

You’ll start seeing the benefits in no time!

To learn more, visit brooksbroth.com.

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CRATES AND

CARRIERS

— WHAT’S DCatsgs BEST FOR YOUR DOG OR CAT?

By Ingrid King

When buying a crate or carrier, there’s no shortage of products to select from.

But it’s important to make the right decisions when it comes to safety, comfort, size and design. Find out how to make the best choice for your dog or cat.

ANIMALS SHOULDN’T BE LOOSE IN THE CAR You should never transport a cat or dog in a vehicle without some form of restraint, whether it’s a carrier for cats, or a crate or seatbelt for dogs. A loose animal can be very distracting to the driver, and may even jump into your lap and cause an accident. Cats and small dogs can get under the gas or brake pedal or impede your vision by climbing on the dashboard. Not to mention, a dog or cat allowed to remain loose in the car is at risk of serious injury or even death in the event of a crash.

The good news is that carriers and crates come in a wide array of shapes and sizes, and many are now designed with both safety and comfort in mind. Let’s take a look at what’s available.

CARRIER STYLES AND MATERIALS • Hard plastic carriers generally allow animals more room to stand, turn around and stretch while still feeling secure.

Some have two entries, one in the front and one on top.

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• Soft-sided carriers are made from firm but flexible material.

They feature mesh “windows” and usually have two or more openings. They may not be as sturdy or supportive as hardsided carriers.

• Backpack carriers are a more recent entry into the carrier market. Made from either hard plastic or soft material, they generally feature a window for the cat to look out of.

Backpack carriers are designed for transport on foot, but some, including the Jackson Galaxy carrier, are convertible and can also be used as regular carriers.

• Rolling carriers feature retractable handles just like a piece of luggage, and can be a good option if you travel frequently or have difficulty lifting a regular carrier.

• Expandable carriers can be converted into larger crates and are a good option if you’re traveling and planning to stay in hotels.

Photo courtesy of Jackson Galaxy

Whether it’s a trip to the vet, a move to another state, or a natural disaster requiring evacuation, your dog or cat will occasionally need to travel in a crate or carrier. For optimal safety and comfort, it’s important to purchase the right product for your companion. Here’s what to consider when making a selection.

TIP:

By leaving your animal’s carrier out at home, with some bedding and toys inside, you’ll help him create a positive association with it, making travel and transport less stressful.

CONSIDER THIS TOO • •

S ize matters. A carrier should be large enough for your dog or cat to be able to sit and turn around in comfortably.

T he carrier should be well ventilated, but for extremely nervous animals, covering it with a light blanket or towel may help them feel more secure.

TIP: If you’re planning to fly with your dog or cat, make sure the carrier meets regulations for in-cabin travel.

Regulations may vary from one airline to another.

• If your dog or cat tends to get car sick, or urinates or

Photo courtesy of Sleepypod

defecates when in the carrier, cover the bottom of the carrier with a removable towel and/or pee pad.

• Cardboard carriers are meant only for temporary transport.

They’re usually extremely narrow, and thus uncomfortable for the animal. The closures on these carriers are not secure, and some animals will chew through the cardboard.

FEATURES TO LOOK FOR Will it be easy to use? One of the most important features of a carrier is how easy it will be to get your animal in or out of it. Veterinarians love carriers that open at the top, especially for cats, because it makes vet visits less stressful for everyone; exams can often be conducted without the cat even having to leave the comfort of the carrier.

Mikel Delgado, PhD, a feline behavior expert and postdoctoral fellow at the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis, loves the Sleepypod (sleepypod.com) for its safety and versatility. “It’s a cute cozy bed, and it’s very easy to get my cat into it and secure it for a vet visit,” he says.

His veterinarian, Dr. Wendy Salaguinto, agrees. “We love

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Photo courtesy of Sleepypod

CRATES FOR LARGER DOGS

that the top of the carrier can unzip fully, allowing us simple, open access to our patients. Reaching into the depths of a carrier or ‘dumping’ a cat from the carrier is stressful for the cat and dangerous for our team.”

Are the doors and closures sturdy and secure? Make sure the carrier has high quality locking mechanisms. Are zippers strong and do they glide easily? Be wary of Velcro closures; some animals may be able to open them. Do the carrier doors lock smoothly and securely?

T IP: Loud noises can add to an animal’s stress when in a carrier, so choose locking mechanisms that don’t make a loud snapping noise when operated.

Will it keep your animal safe in the event of an impact?

Whether you’re taking your dog or cat in the car or on a flight, safety should be your most important consideration. Most carriers are advertised as “safe for travel,” but only a very small fraction have actually been crash tested.

In 2015, the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) performed an independent study of carriers that claim “testing,” “crash testing,” or “crash protection” in their marketing materials. The organization teamed up with Subaru of America and worked with a NASA engineer to create specifically designed crash test pets of different sizes and weights to fit different carriers. They used the Federal Vehicle Safety Standard crash conditions for child safety seat testing as a basis for their own testing. The top performing carriers from the study were the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed with PPRS Handilock, and the PetEgo Jet Set Forma Frame Carrier with ISOFIX Latch Connection (available through Amazon).

By taking all the factors outlined in this article into consideration, you can ensure you choose just the right carrier or crate for your dog or cat. You’ll optimize his comfort and safety — and your peace of mind.

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All dogs should have a crate (or a carrier if they’re small).

Crate training is an important part of raising a pup. Done properly, a crate can become your dog’s safe haven, which means he’ll be much less stressed about being in it when you’re transporting or traveling with him. Just keep in mind that a crate should never be used to confine your dog for hours on end while you’re at work or elsewhere. Not only is this unhealthy and inhumane, but it could also prompt your dog to regard his crate as something negative.

As with carriers, be sure to consider size, safety and materials when buying a crate.

1.

C rate materials include durable plastic or wire. If you go for a plastic crate, be sure it has adequate ventilation and a leak-proof bottom. Wire crates are obviously well-ventilated, but the 360° visibility might not be the best choice for nervous or easily-stressed dogs. The privacy of a plastic crate might be better for these animals.

2.

3.

he crate should be large enough for your dog to T stand up in without having to duck his head, and for him to stretch out comfortably when lying down.

D og crates (and carriers, for that matter) should be secured with a seatbelt or other fastening when in the car. Even a sturdy, well-made crate can get knocked forward if you have to suddenly put the brakes on, and will jostle and perhaps even injure your dog. It’s also a good idea to remove your dog’s collar when he’s in his crate, so he doesn’t get it caught on something.

HEALT HIER HARNESSES

are a cut above

Check out these practical “works of art” and other accessories from Puccissimé Pet Couture.

A few weeks into puppy class, Alix McNeill’s trainer recommended she try a prong collar for her beagle mix, Daisy.

“The harness is part of a matching set so Daisy always looks so put-together when we go out!”

“I was a bit shocked and heartbroken,” explains Alix. “Yes, Daisy was pulling when we walked, but there was no way I was going to use one of those devices.”

A self-professed fashionista, Alix did her homework when it came to quality, too.

“Honestly, I’m so done with fast fashion,” admits the pet mom. “All the accessories from Puccissimé are super high quality, made here in North America, and with a price tag I can afford.”

Instead, Alix changed trainers, hit the internet and found a unique no-pull harness that has proved the perfect solution for Daisy’s needs. Created by Puccissimé Pet Couture, the no-pull, no-mat harness was originally inspired by a Norwegian dog harness designed for canines trained for jogging, cycling and pulling sleds. The lightweight accessory ticks all the boxes for Alix.

“It’s easy to put on, gentle on Daisy, works amazing, and I love the fashionforward designs,” says Alix, an account executive.

While Puccissimé is best-known for its unique one-click, easy-wear harness, the company offers a variety of luxury fashion items for small and mediumsized dogs. From leashes and collars to bowties and flowers, the handcrafted pieces in their collections are considered works of art by pet parents.

The company is the brainchild of Ahoo Entesarian, who relocated to the UK from Canada in 2016 to study fashion design. Working alone at home, Ahoo decided to adopt a dog to keep her company. When Raisin, a toy poodle, came into her life, she knew she had found her passion.

“Raisin was a puller and her hair was constantly matted from wearing

common harnesses,” says Ahoo. “I decided to design one myself that’s not only easy-to-wear and practical, but trendy and pretty too!”

After friends commissioned her to create handmade harnesses and matching sets for their own dogs, the business was born.

Moving back to Vancouver, Canada, Ahoo made a commitment to keep her collections 100% made in North America.

The products are crafted using the highest quality leather, 100% cotton, and heavy-duty metal hardware mostly made in Canada and the U.S. Loyal customers appreciate that the practical collections follow current trends, so they can update accessories as budget allows.

“Sometimes when we’re out walking, it’s like we’re on the red carpet,” Alix says with a grin. “People stop and ask me what Daisy is ‘wearing’. Then I show them how the harness works and they’re blown away. I love that!”

To learn more, visit puccissime.com.

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EATING WELL

Squash...

A HEALTHY WHOLE FOOD YOUR DOG WILL

love!

By Dr. Suzi Beber, Honour is cau

sa

dogs, We know pumpkin is good for of es but so are all the other varieti ni and squash, from acorn to zucchi everything in between.

Visit any roadside stand or farm market in the fall, and you’re bound to see mounds of colorful squash (including pumpkins!) for sale. Squash come in a wide range of both summer and winter varieties, from the more common butternut, acorn and spaghetti squash to papaya pear, crookneck, sugar pie, and many others. When it comes to squash and dogs, pumpkin reigns supreme, but there are so many others varieties to try, and your dog can reap the harvest of their nutritional benefits along with your human family!

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ONE OF THE OLDEST KNOWN CROPS The cultivation of squash dates back at least 10,000 years in Mexico. Hard squash shells were used as both containers and utensils; later, the seeds and flesh became an integral part of pre-Columbian diets in both North and South America. Squash and pumpkins were roasted and boiled, and the flesh was conserved in syrup. The young shoots, leaves, flowers and seeds never went to waste.

Early settlers used squash as a winter staple, combining the flesh with animal fat, honey, and syrup. One of the earliest recipes sounds delicious: pumpkins were hollowed out and filled with apples, sugar and spice, and a splash of milk. The stem was put back on, and the pumpkin was baked.

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS ABOUND Squash has an amazing mineral profile, containing calcium, copper, iron,

FAST FAC TS

ABOUT SQUASH • Even though pumpkin and summer and winter squash have been regarded as different species, all squash belong to the genus Cucurbita or the family Cucurbitaceae.

• The word “squash” comes from the Narragansett Native American word askutasquash, which means “eaten raw or uncooked.”

magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and more. It provides anti-inflammatory properties and has a great antioxidant profile. Squash also goes to the top of the list when it comes to the lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene found in the skin; add the essential Omega-3 fatty acids in the seeds, and your dog can benefit from the whole fruit. Squash’s unique polysaccharide composition and water-soluble fiber offer even more benefits, since the pectin helps balance blood sugar levels and supports heart health. Squash is also rich in vitamins A, B6, C, E and K.

PUMPKIN — “MEDICINE IN A CAN” We can’t forget the ever-popular pumpkin, one of the world’s healthiest foods and often referred

VS. WINTER SQUASH

SUMMER

Summer squash is harvested during the warm weather months and is best if not stored for a long time.

Examples: zucchini, cousa, pattypan, crookneck

Winter squash is harvested in the fall and has a much harder rind, making it perfect for longer storage and taking us through the winter months.

Examples: pumpkin, butternut, spaghetti, acorn

to as “medicine in a can.” According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, pumpkin has a cooling, thermal nature, helping to relieve damp conditions, including dysentery, eczema, and edema. Pumpkin supports the spleen and the pancreas, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes the discharge of mucus from the lungs, bronchi and throat.

Pumpkin is great for diarrhea, but more amazingly, it’s just as good for constipation. Each cup of pumpkin contains 7 g of soluble fiber. It helps to coat and soothe a dog’s irritated GI tract, and is an excellent source of potassium, which is so critical when valuable electrolytes are lost due to diarrhea.

Did you know it’s very easy to grow your own squash? All you need is 3’ to 4’ of space around the plant, and away you “grow”!

See recipes on page 74.

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Recipes Double Baked Barkscotti

Zucchini and Tomato Pup Flan

Ingredients

Ingredients

Instructions

Instructions

4 cups whole ground flour of your choice — e.g. spelt, oat, red fife 1 cup coconut flour 1 tablespoon Saigon cinnamon 1 can (398 ml) organic pumpkin pureé (choose a nonGMO product, with a BPA-free liner) or make fresh pureé from a squash of your choice — e.g. butternut 2 cups yogurt — e.g. goat, water buffalo

Try to choose organic ingredients whenever possible.

Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Turn out onto a lightly floured board or counter. Knead gently, then divide the dough into small pieces and roll out to the thickness of a big crayon. Cut on the diagonal and spread out on the cookie sheet. Bake 30 minutes, then turn oven down to 250°F and bake for one hour. Remove cookie sheet from oven and cool completely. Store in an open container or cookie jar. This recipe can easily be halved and extra dough stored in the freezer for future use.

Squash Pureé Choose smaller squash to prepare this recipe for easy handling and safety — knives can be wicked when squash is slippery. Preheat oven to 400°F. Rinse your squash and cut in half. Scoop out the seeds, which you can use later, along with the stringy stuff. Lightly grease a cookie sheet or cover with parchment paper, and place the halves of the squash face down. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. You can test for doneness by piercing the skin of the squash with a fork or skewer. Scoop out the flesh and, using a food processor or blender, whirl away for three to five minutes. You will have lots of pureé to use fresh, or to freeze for future use, for your dog and the rest of your family.

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4 cups diced zucchini, with skin (3 medium-sized zucchini will do the trick.)

14 fl uid oz/398 ml can of organic, diced tomatoes, or fresh tomatoes of your choice ½ cup fresh packed herbs — e.g. parsley, oregano 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes 4 whole eggs (no shell) 3 tablespoons first pressed/extra virgin olive oil

Try to use organic ingredients. Baste a 9”x12” Pyrex or flan dish, or other pan of your choice, with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients in your dish or pan and bake for 30 minutes. Look for golden edges. Cool and serve. This recipe is easy to store in its baking dish, or transfer to a Ziploc bag or other container of your choice.

This dish can be served with a meal of raw or cooked meat, or as a topper for dog food. If you’re good, perhaps your dog will let you share this flan — it makes a great topper for noodles! For a firmer texture, whisk in 1 cup of a whole flour of your choice, along with all other ingredients — the baking time remains the same.

Easy Peasy Pumpkin Seeds Purchase certified organic, raw pumpkin seeds. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two months. Preheat oven to 175°F. Place seeds on a cookie sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

Cool and sprinkle on your dog’s food before serving.

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Understanding the Safe Quality Food Initiative

IS IT A REQUIREMENT IN THE PET FOOD/TREAT INDUSTRY? SQF certification is not a requirement in the pet product industry. This certification means a company is highly dedicated to safety and quality. When working to achieve SQF certification, those in the pet food industry are still held to the same high certification standards as the human food companies.

IF IT IS NOT A REQUIREMENT, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A PET FOOD MANUFACTURER HAVING CERTIFICATION?

Since 1994, the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Initiative has been addressing food safety and quality requirements. Their programs are recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GSFI) to certify high standards of food safety and quality for food manufacturer and production companies across all industry sectors.

We sat down with Redbarn Pet Products’ Quality Assurance Manager, Jennifer Hood, to learn more.

WHAT IS SQF? SQF is a food safety certification program that promotes a culture which emphasizes the necessary steps to not only ensure the distribution of safe food, but the elements necessary to ensure that a manufacturing plant is producing their products in the safest ways possible.

IS SQF CERTIFICATION RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY OR INTERNATIONALLY? SQF certification recognizes food safety and quality worldwide. For example, Redbarn has received certification at

two different facilities: one in the United States and one in Paraguay.

WHAT GOES INTO GETTING CERTIFICATION? SQF certification requires a shift in culture at an organization. In order to achieve certification, a multidisciplinary team must embrace SQF culture and elements. It is up to that team to ensure all program requirements are not only met, but are continuously verified and validated. All changes must be made, as necessary, to ensure that only the safest food is distributed.

WHAT STEPS DOES A MANUFACTURER NEED TO TAKE TO KEEP CERTIFICATION ONCE IT IS ACHIEVED? A manufacturer must continuously live up to the SQF food safety culture and requirements to keep their certification. This means the organization must be willing to embrace and make all changes when they recognize that one is required.

Although certification is not currently required to distribute to all customers, certification is required to distribute to some. It does seem that the pet product industry is moving in the direction of making certification a requirement. One of the benefits of a pet product manufacturer achieving SQF certification is having that outside certifying body verify that the company is living a food safety culture. Another benefit of certification, especially for the customers, is it shows that a company is dedicated to the safety and quality of their products.

ABOUT REDBARN PET PRODUCTS Redbarn Pet Products (Redbarn.com), a leading manufacturer of premium pet food, treats, and chews, has been awarded SQF Food Safety Code for Manufacturing certification by the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Initiative at their facilities in both Kansas and Paraguay. By passing the rigorous SQF Program, they continue to prove their commitment to manufacturing only the most safe, nutritious, and highest quality pet products, just as they have over the last 25 years.

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KNOW YOUR CAT

How to

e s r e v n Co With Your Cat

By Sally

E. Ba h n

er

CATS HAVE A REMARKABLY WIDE “VOCABULARY.” KNOWING SOMETHING ABOUT FELINE VOCALIZATIONS AND BODY LANGUAGE CAN HELP YOU LEARN TO CONVERSE WITH YOUR OWN KITTY.

W

hen you work at home with your cats, as I do, talking with them is second

nature. Their chirps, meeps, meows, and trills all take on special meanings, as do the subtleties of their body language — the ear and tail flicks, arched backs, head butts. Pay attention to your cat’s vocalizations and body language, and you’ll soon learn how to understand what she’s saying — and even to converse with her!

ct: of cat owners published in Animals found FasAt Fasurvey that 87.2% of cat parents reported talking to their kitties at least once a day. (“Only” once a day?)

HOW TO TALK WITH YOUR CAT ACKNOWLEDGE WHAT SHE IS “SAYING” The trick to conversing with your cat is to acknowledge what she is “saying.” The more you respond to her, the more she’ll respond to you; cats also learn which vocalizations get the most response. The fun is in the interpretation.

You can talk to your cat in human terms. I find I ask mine a regular set of questions: “Do you know how much I love you? Do you see the squirrels and chippies out there? You want some chow-chow?

Where’s your sister?” I usually get a slow blink or chirp as an answer.

I also ask questions in response to their vocalizations. Much of their chatter seems to be punctuated with a question mark.

Sofiya has the tiniest meow. I ask her,“What do you want, Miss Meep?” Mollie, on the back of the sofa, used to chirp and squirm and reach out to me. “What do you want, goober girl?” I would ask. (“Silly mom,” the answer seemed to be. “Pet me!”) Tekla and I would have intimate conversations on the kitchen counter, her

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favorite place to hang out. She would always greet me with a bright “Gneow!” to which I responded, “Really? Tell me more,” and we would go back and forth as she paced the counter.

LEARN TO UNDERSTAND DIFFERENT CAT VOCALIZATIONS • A conversational meow is at a normal volume, varying in pitch and pattern.

• Demanding meows are loud and persistent.

• Meows signaling distress are more drawn out.

• Trills are high-pitched vocalizations that usually indicate happiness and expectation.

t Fact: FasMama cats trill at their kittens to get them to pay attention or to follow her.

• One of my favorite vocalizations is the chattering sound cats make when observing birds. Its meaning is up for debate — it’s either caused by excitement or frustration, or is the sound a cat makes when it’s ready to kill its prey.

By becoming aware of your cat’s voice, you’ll be able to figure out if she wants dinner or is getting reading to vomit!

TRYING MIMICKING HER “SPEECH” In addition to responding to your cats by talking to them, try mimicking their “speech”. When Mollie rubbed up against my legs and said, “Mrreow?” I said “Mrreow!” back to her, echoing what she was “saying.” It may sound like baby talk, but cats respond to sounds at a higher register, so use a higher-pitched voice. Do use your cat’s name — even if she’s sleeping, you’ll

Research Shows That see a little flick of the tail or the twitch of an ear. If you have multiple cats, you’ll also learn to recognize who is doing the talking. As with humans, their voices are all different.

CATS “TALK” TO US MORE Interestingly, studies show that cats “talk” to humans more than to each other. They may chatter at the birds or growl when a delivery truck comes up the driveway, but for the most part their vocalizations are reserved for humans.

In interacting with each other, their “conversation” consists more of rubbing, grooming, and butt checking. Watch their body language — eyes, ears, and tail — and you can learn how cats relate to each other (and to us!). Ears that are perked up indicate friendliness; if they’re laid back it signals uncertainty.

An upright tail says she’s happy, while a tail held low shows fear, and a “wagging” tail indicates uncertainty. Dilated pupils also indicate fear, while half-closed eyes show contentment.

Of course, some cats are more vocal than others — Siamese and Orientals are among the chattiest breeds — but even the most reserved feline will engage with you if you acknowledge and converse with her!

Cats Mimic Our Voices too

Believe it or not, cats can pick up on our voices and learn to mimic them. “Cats can imitate nuances in their owners’ voices, such as melody patterns, in order to be able to communicate better,” says Susanne Schötz, Reader in Phonetics at Lund University's Centre for Languages and Literature in Sweden. She recorded and analyzed cat vocalizations for her book, The Secret Language of Cats, and also studied how cats change the shape of their mouths to make different sounds. Schötz was surprised to find how much variety there is between different cats, and even within the same cat.

Fast Fact:

Schötz says the tone of cats’ voices rises when they are happy and declines when they’re upset or in distress.

Schötz has documented her studies through Project MEOWSIC, Melody in Human-Cat Communication (http://vr.humlab.lu.se/projects/meowsic/). She started her research by observing her own cats, then branched out to conduct studies that collected audio and video data from 70 household cats. As a phoneticist, Schötz also charted the different vowel and consonant sounds made by cats.

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HEALTH WATCH

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR PET’S GUT HEALTH WHEN THEY NEED

ANTIBIOTICS D gs Cats

By Katherine Dahlhausen, PhD and Holly Ganz, PhD

A course of antibiotics can upset the balance of your cat or dog’s gut microbiome.

Here’s how to support their gut health both during and after antibiotic treatment.

Although you can’t see them, trillions of bacteria and other microbes live in and on your cat or dog, and play a critical role in nearly every aspect of their health. Although the vast majority of these microbes are beneficial, sometimes “harmful” ones, called pathogens, can lead to an infection. Your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics to treat an infection caused by a pathogen, which can be lifesaving in some cases.

Unfortunately, antibiotics don’t just kill the bacteria causing the infection; they also harm your animal’s beneficial gut bacteria too. Many of these bacteria reside in the gut microbiome, a community of bacteria and other microbes that live in the digestive tract. A healthy and balanced gut microbiome is important for digestion, nutrient absorption, immune system function, and many other aspects of your animal’s health. Antibiotics can disturb the balance of this community, which can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and other common side effects.

Here are some simple ways you can support your cat or dog’s gut health during and after antibiotic treatment, to help mitigate any side effects and support their recovery.

DURING ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT

Give your cat or dog a yeastbased probiotic Most standard probiotics are bacteriabased, and therefore susceptible to being killed by antibiotics. Yeast isn’t bacterial, so antibiotics can’t kill it. Saccharomyces boulardii, a type of yeast, is a common beneficial microbe in your animal’s gut microbial community. Studies have shown that giving S. boulardii during antibiotic treatment reduces digestive issues.

Encourage eating A loss of appetite is a common side effect of antibiotics. When this is the case, we recommend adding warm, low-sodium, beef, chicken, or bone broth (without spices) to your cat or dog’s food to make it more palatable.

AFTER ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT

Give your animal a prebiotic supplement Prebiotics, such as psyllium husk powder or inulin, are fiber supplements that gut bacteria are able to digest. Prebiotics promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your cat or dog’s digestive tract and help the gut microbiome rebuild after disturbances caused by antibiotic treatment.

Test your cat or dog’s microbiome Microbiome testing is an easy way to determine if and what imbalances are present in your animal’s microbiome, and/or if they are missing important beneficial bacteria following antibiotic treatment. These tests often offer suggestions, such as diet recommendations, to help specific bacteria in the gut flourish.

Ongoing bacterial imbalances can sometimes lead to chronic inflammation in your cat or dog’s body, and have been linked to several health conditions that may be preventable if caught early. If a microbiome test identifies a severe bacterial imbalance, and your animal has chronic digestive issues (such as diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, etc), they may benefit from other microbiome restoration therapies.

Katherine Dahlhausen, PhD, is a science writer for AnimalBiome. She was mentored by Holly Ganz during the beginning of her PhD at the University of California Davis and helped with the very beginning of the KittyBiome project.

Katherine has worked on a wide variety of microbiome-related projects to date.

Holly Ganz is Chief Science Officer and co-founder of AnimalBiome. She has translated her academic research into solutions for pets by assessing thousands of microbiomes to reveal common imbalances, and by providing better approaches to maintain and restore gut health, including Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via oral capsules.

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NEWSWORTHY

What are the most popular dog breeds?

A look at the most popular dog breeds in Canada and the US, and how the pandemic puppy movement has influenced the list.

Mixed breeds for the win!

For the second year in a row, mixed breed dogs top the “most popular” list across North America. Rover.com surveyed 500 dog parents in Canada and 1,000 in the United States to compile their annual report, and the results were clear — mixed breeds and Doodles are the official breeds of the pandemic puppy movement.

• Doodle mixes were this year’s most popular canines in Canada, with Goldendoodles jumping from #7 to #4 and Labradoodles rising from #14 to #7.

Here are some highlights from the report, which elicited some compelling findings about North American dog parents:

• The pandemic puppy phenomenon is real! 67% of US dog parents said they welcomed a dog into their families over the past year.

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• The majority (62%) of Canadian dog parents said that breed was very important to them when considering a new dog.

Most popular dog breeds in the US

Most popular dog breeds in Canada

1. Mixed breed 2. Labrador Retriever 3. Golden Retriever 4. German Shepherd 5. Goldendoodle 6. Chihuahua 7. Siberian Husky 8. Yorkshire Terrier 9. American Pitbull Terrier 10. Australian Shepherd

1. Mixed breed 2. Labrador Retriever 3. Golden Retriever 4. Goldendoodle 5. German Shepherd 6. French Bulldog 7. Labradoodle 8. Chihuahua 9. Siberian Husky 10. Australian Shepherd

Animal Wellness

• The same is true in Canada, where 43% of respondents said they got a new dog.

• 42% of Canadian respondents adopted their new canines from shelters, and the majority (63%) got dogs that were under a year old.

• Both US and Canadian dog parents reported that they tend to gravitate toward people with similar dogs; 74% of those in the US connect with people with the same breeds as they have, while 56% of Canadians said the same.

• Over half of American dog parents join a club or attend a meet-up related to their dog’s breed, and nearly twothirds share their love of dogs by sporting canine-centric apparel or decor related to their breed of choice.

• When selecting a breed, the biggest consideration for most North American dog parents it whether it’s “family friendly”.

• Other key factors when getting a dog included: how snuggly the breed is, how intelligent he is, and how well he gets along with other animals.