CONTENTS Summer 2022
10 Features 10
ways to help 5 arthritic dogs and cats
From acupuncture to weight control, follow this approach to easing arthritis in your dog or cat.
he right way to teach your 14 Tdog to swim
Teaching your dog to swim is easier than you might think. These four steps help ensure success.
50 70
our guide to Y camping with dogs
Camping is even more enjoyable when you bring your dog along! This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to maximize safety and keep things fun.
Food sensitivities in dogs
A food sensitivity can manifest in several ways but the solution is simple — switch to a better quality diet.
Columns 16 ANIMAL
ACUPRESSURE
Can Tui Na help your dog or cat live longer?
Otherwise known as acupressure-massage, Tui Na is an ancient Chinese modality that can contribute to health and longevity in dogs and cats.
20 SAFETY FIRST
10 pantry items that are poisonous to animals
34 SELF CARE
Dogs decrease stress for cancer patients
22 FELINE
37 NEED TO KNOW
BEHAVIOR
Why cats scratch — it’s only natural
Scratching is an instinctive feline behavior. Find how why your cat does it, and how you can fulfill her needs without sacrificing your furniture.
INSIDE & OUT
Animal Wellness
Following this 5-point holistic healthcare plan will help your senior dog or cat stay well and live longer.
Research shows that dogs can have a hugely positive impact on people battling cancer, both mentally and physically.
Making essential oil blends for your dog
4
A holistic healthcare plan for senior dogs and cats
Toxicology experts identify the top 10 animal poisons commonly found in the household pantry.
24 HEALING
14
30 AGING WELL
From pest repellents to breath fresheners, these fragrant and effective essential oil blends are created especially for dogs.
Intermittent fasting — can it help dogs stay healthier?
In many dogs (though not all), intermittent fasting can offer a variety of health benefits, from maintaining lean body mass to reducing the risk of age-related diseases.
40 GOLDEN YEARS
7 herbs that support your senior dog
Used under the guidance of your veterinarian, these seven herbs address a range of age-related issues in your canine companion.
37 74 WELL
62 FOCUS ON CBD 48 FUN FACTS
3 reasons dogs look like their people Do you look just like your dog? Here are a few reasons why this comical phenomenon occurs.
GROOMED
Nail care for cats
Can CBD help animals with allergies?
CBD on its own may not be that helpful for allergies in animals, but a related supplement is effective at getting the problem under control.
64 LEARNING
54 HEALTH
CURVE
ALERT
Is your dog panting excessively?
All dogs pant, especially when it’s hot out, but excessive panting could be a danger sign. Here’s what you need to know.
58 ALTERNATIVE APPROACH
8 questions to ask yourself when adopting a dog
It’s easy to fall in love with all those shelter dogs and puppies, but before you adopt, ask yourself these questions to ensure a happy experience for everyone involved.
68 FELINE HEALTH
Using homeopathic principles for a healthy animal
Keep your cat cool on hot summer days
When supporting your dog or cat’s health, there are more options available today than ever before. Using homeopathic principles can help you decide what’s best for him.
If your cat’s claws get too long, it can cause problems ranging from injury to infection. Regular nail care keeps her comfortable and helps prevent scratches.
78 MOBILITY MATTERS
Arthritic dogs benefit from athome physical therapy
These simple at-home physical therapy exercises can help your arthritic dog move more easily and comfortably.
22
Extreme heat and humidity can make your cat uncomfortable and may even be lifethreatening. Here are 9 ways to keep him cool on sizzling summer days.
Departments 7 From the Editor
81 Marketplace
29 Business Profile – ZIWI
81 Classifieds
44 Product picks
82 Newsworthy
63 Summer Specialties
Social Media
Tips, contests and more! AnimalWellnessMagazine
Nutrition videos, recipes and more! Animal Wellness Magazine
Tips, pet photos, and more! AnimalWellnessMagazine
Crafts, laughs, and more! AnimalWellness
Animal Wellness
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5
WAYS TO HELP ARTHRITIC DOGS AND CATS by Angie Krause, DVM, CVA, CCRT
From acupuncture to weight control, follow this approach to easing arthritis in your dog or cat.
Arthritis is a common problem in dogs and cats, especially as they age. It can cause significant pain and decrease your animal’s enjoyment of life. Fortunately, there are many ways to help treat and manage arthritis, thereby improving your dog or cat’s health, quality of life, and longevity. Here are five ways to help animals with arthritis.
•
1. WEIGHT CONTROL AND DIET
Consult with your vet. Meet with your veterinarian to help determine your dog or cat’s ideal weight and daily caloric needs. Many animal parents aren’t aware that their dogs and cats are overweight. Involving your veterinarian provides a professional opinion and he/she can also rule out any medical conditions that may be contributing to your animal’s body condition.
•
Don’t restrict calories to the point of muscle wasting. Your dog or cat needs to maintain muscle mass to stabilize and support his joints. This is another great reason to work closely with your veterinarian.
The most effective and important way to help control the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis is to keep your dog or cat as lean as possible. Extra fatty tissue not only puts more stress on his joints, but it also causes more inflammation. This extra inflammation inevitably leads to more pain and damage to the joints. Here are a few tips to keeping your animal lean: •
eed cats a raw or high quality canned diet. F While many kibble foods are improving, low-end products still have too many carbohydrates and can increase inflammation. In addition to arthritis, overweight kitties are more prone to other inflammatory diseases as well.
•
Add fiber-rich vegetables to a dog’s diet. Veggies like green beans and carrots are high in fiber and can help your dog feel fuller and more satisfied after each meal.
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Animal Wellness
2. ADEQUATE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
3. SUPPLEMENTS FOR JOINT SUPPORT
Movement keeps joints lubricated and the muscles that support them stronger. Keeping your dog or cat active can be simple, easy and fun:
Several supplements can help decrease the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis in dogs and cats:
•
Take your dog for shorter, more frequent walks. It’s tempting to take one long walk at the end of the day, but for some dogs, this may cause them to become sore and less able to participate in walks the next day. If possible, try three short walks throughout the day. If you are walking your cat on a leash, she will often regulate her own pace and distance.
•
Play with your cat before mealtime. Using a stick and string toy for a few minutes before feeding can increase your cat’s daily step count while also satisfying her natural prey drive. It’s a win-win!
•
Promote movement around the house. Just as we benefit from taking more steps every day, dogs and cats can benefit from moving around the house more often. Be creative when setting up routines, especially if you have several levels to your home. Encouraging your dog or cat to move up and down the stairs throughout the day is a great way to keep her active.
•
CBD: Hemp-derived CBD can make a substantial difference in quality of life for animals with arthritis. Be sure to pick a product that has at least 20 milligrams of CBD per 1 milliliter of oil. It’s also important to purchase from a company that can provide a certificate of analysis. This proves that the contents of the oil have therapeutic amounts of CBD and no pesticide or chemical residues. I recommend starting with 1 milligram of CBD per kilogram of body weight twice daily. To calculate your animal’s weight in kilograms, simply divide the number of pounds by 2.2. CBD can be given with or without food.
EXTRA FATTY TISSUE NOT ONLY PUTS MORE STRESS ON HIS JOINTS, BUT IT ALSO CAUSES MORE INFLAMMATION.
Animal Wellness
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•
Glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate: These help promote the healing of cartilage in joints while increasing the amount of healthy fluid to pad the joints. They are even more effective if given before arthritis becomes severe. If you have a breed that is more prone to arthritis, or has sustained an injury early in life, I recommend starting these supplements before signs of arthritis are present.
•
Adequan: This injectable supplement, available by prescription only, acts similarly to an oral glucosamine supplement by promoting the health of joint cartilage and fluid. It is generally faster-acting and has longer-lasting results than its oral counterparts. While it can be a pricey treatment, it is life-changing for some dogs and cats. Your veterinarian can teach you how to do these injections at home to avoid regular veterinary visits.
•
Fish oil: Supplements and diets that are high in Omega fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA, can decrease inflammation and significantly increase mobility in both dogs and cats. Consult your veterinarian for help finding a good Omega fatty acid product and to determine the right therapeutic dose for your animal.
THE ROLE OF NSAIDS While you may want to keep your dog or cat’s medical care as natural as possible, pharmaceutical options should not be overlooked in some instances. Used correctly, therapies like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) can give animals of any age significant relief from pain and suffering. These drugs allow a dog or cat to enjoy activities that were previously painful, which can have a positive impact on his mental health. While I recommend first starting with the therapies discussed in this article for mild to moderate symptoms of arthritis, I encourage you to be open to all possible treatment options. Even small, intermittent doses of NSAIDs can have a dramatic impact on an animal’s quality of life. Note that these medications are not as safe for kitties with concurrent kidney disease. It is also important to remember that NSAIDs need to be prescribed by your veterinarian. Over-the-counter NSAIDs for humans are not safe alternatives for your cat or dog.
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Animal Wellness
4. MASSAGE AND CHIROPRACTIC Manual therapies can be very effective for pain control and help contribute to increased mobility and function in your arthritic animal. Massage can be done at home by family members several times per week, or by a trained veterinary professional. In many states, both veterinarians and chiropractors are trained to give chiropractic manipulation to animals. If you are using a human-trained chiropractor, be sure he or she has completed training specific to cats and dogs.
MANY DOGS AND CATS THAT RECEIVE REGULAR MASSAGE OR CHIROPRACTIC CARE NEED FEWER SUPPLEMENTS AND PHARMACEUTICALS. 5. ACUPUNCTURE This ancient modality can help improve symptoms of arthritis and many other common ailments that affect cats and dogs. Not only is acupuncture well tolerated, it is extremely safe and often effective. Cats can especially benefit from acupuncture, as they may be less willing to take supplements, tolerate massage, or cooperate with medication administration. We are fortunate to have so many modalities to help us support and care for cats and dogs with arthritis. Remember that you are your animal’s best medical advocate. Assemble a team of veterinary professionals who are supportive and patient and know that your animal companion is lucky to be loved and cared for by you!
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