ANIMAL
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Holiday Recipes
A year ’s supp ly of Air-Dr ied Do g Food worth 5K!
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TEACHING YOUR DOG WHAT NOT TO CHEW
HOW AI IS
CHANGING ANIMAL CARE
CUSHING'S & THYROID CONDITIONS
— WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR DOG OR CAT
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TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
FUN FACTS
– WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
ABOUT YOUR CAT’S SENSE OF SMELL
WINTER 2023 Display until Feb. 26th, 2024
Inside!
BEST OF 2023
INNOVATIVE PET PRODUCTS GUIDE
VOLUME 26 ISSUE 1
AnimalWellnessMagazine.com
Columns
CONTENTS Winter 2023
24 CANINE BEHAVIOR
6 ways to change your dog’s behavior
7 fun facts about your cat’s nose — and sense of smell
28 KITTY LIFESTYLE
42 DIGESTIVE
From pulling on the leash to barking too much, our dogs sometimes engage in unwanted behaviors. Here are six ways to change those behaviors for a happy, well-adjusted dog.
How to pick the right litter for your cat
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Features 12 16
Common endocrine diseases in dogs and cats – part 1
F rom Cushing’s to hypothyroidism, several diseases can affect your dog or cat’s endocrine system. Learn about the most common endocrine diseases affecting our animals.
Teach your dog not to chew things she shouldn’t
P uppies and young dogs love to chew on things. Training your new best friend not to chew household items means redirecting her to what she can chew.
holiday recipes you 20 Hcanealthy share with your dog or cat
Include your dog or cat in your holiday celebrations with these festive recipes made from healthy ingredients.
82 Tech-savvy dogs and cats
How technology and AI are changing the way you care for your dog or cat.
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Animal Wellness
40 KNOW YOUR CAT
Gone are the days when clay was about the only litter option — now, you can find litters made from a wide range of materials. Here’s how to pick the right product for your cat.
30 HEART HEALTH Does your dog have heart disease?
Earlier detection, along with an understanding of the role diet, supplements and lifestyle changes play in cardiac health, can help dogs with heart disease live longer.
Did you know your cat orients himself by scent, or that he has a unique nose print? Check out these fun and fascinating facts about the feline nose and its amazing sense of smell.
MATTERS
Understanding pancreatitis in dogs — what you should know
Pancreatitis is a painful disease that impacts your dog’s health and quality of life. Learn to recognize the symptoms, understand the causes — and how it can be treated integratively.
48 NEED TO KNOW
Sleep disorders in dogs Is your dog getting enough sleep? Here’s a look at the various sleep disorders that can affect our canine companions, and some natural ways to treat them.
35 DENTAL
50 MEDICINAL
When your dog or cat needs a tooth extracted
Cordyceps — an adaptogenic mushroom for the adrenal glands
DECISIONS
There are various reasons why your dog or cat may need one or more teeth extracted. Find out what they are, and what the procedure entails.
38 SPOTLIGHT
Teen turns Girl Scout project into non-profit for shelter animals
76
MUSHROOMS
Find out how an adaptogenic mushroom called cordyceps may help your dog or cat’s adrenal glands deal more effectively with stress.
53 BEST OF 2023 INNOVATIVE PET PRODUCTS GUIDE
68 FELINE
76 HEALING
88 SAYING
5 ways to get your cat to take supplements or medications
7 mental enrichment activities to help dogs recover from surgery
Eco-friendly options for your dog or cat’s remains
INSIDE & OUT
HEALTH
Whether your cat is on supplements or medications (or both), getting him to take them can be a huge challenge. Here are five ways to make the task easier and less stressful.
70 ANIMAL HERO Dog-loving resort manager rescues canines in need
GOODBYE
If your dog has just had surgery, physical activity will be off the table for a while. These mental enrichment activities support recovery by preventing boredom, stress, or reinjury.
78 ALTERNATIVE APPROACH
TCVM for chronic UTI in dogs and cats
72 HEALTH WATCH
Parvo, distemper, rabies, and kennel cough are the four most common infectious diseases in dogs. An integrative approach to treatment and prevention offers effective protection.
BODYWORK
Why acupressure is an effective way to help a fearful dog
TALK
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Products that support your dog or cat’s dental health
92 ANIMAL
84 TRAINING How to help a reactive dog — without meds
90 ORAL CARE
Check out a selection of products to help enhance at-home dental care for your dog or cat
Why Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is more effective than conventional meds for dogs and cats with chronic UTI.
4 most common infectious diseases in dogs
Losing a beloved dog or cat is the most difficult part of being an animal parent. Exploring ecofriendly options for her remains can help lighten the burden on you and the planet.
Reactive behaviors in dogs include excessive fear and aggression. A combination of training and supplements offers a better solution than medication.
Left untreated, excessive fear in dogs causes emotional suffering and can even become dangerous. Here’s how acupressure can help a fearful dog feel safer and calmer.
98 NEWSWORTHY How dogs & cats impact our health and how we impact theirs
Departments 8 From the Editor
87 In the News
31 Product picks
96 Let's Get Social
37 Business Profile — Dog Med Laser
97 Marketplace
44 Holiday Gift Guide
97 Classifieds
85 Get Ready for Winter
Social Media
Tips, contests and more! AnimalWellnessMagazine
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Tips, pet photos, and more! AnimalWellnessMagazine
Crafts, laughs, and more! AnimalWellness
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HOW TO TEACH YOUR DOG NOT TO CHEW THINGS SHE SHOULDN’T by Tonya Wilhelm
Puppies and young dogs love to chew on things — and that can sometimes include your best shoes or the leg of your dining room table. Training your new best friend not to chew household items means redirecting her to what she can chew.
Our dogs are bundles of joy, but depending on their age and level of training (or lack of same) they can also be whirlwinds of destruction when it comes to our favorite shoes, furniture, and anything else they can sink their teeth into. If your young dog or puppy loves chewing on things he shouldn’t, and you’re looking for successful and positive tips for teaching him not to, keep reading.
And let’s not forget that puppies and young dogs have a surplus of energy that needs an outlet. Chewing can be a way to burn off some of that excess energy.
PUPPIES NEED TO CHEW
It’s important to know your new friend isn’t eating your favorite things out of spite.
If you’ve adopted a puppy, it’s important to understand that he’ll use his mouth to explore his environment, so chewing is a normal behavior. Just like human babies who put everything in their mouths, puppies are trying to learn about the world around them. Also like babies, puppies find relief from chewing when they’re teething; as their adult teeth start coming in, the urge to chew increases. In addition, chewing gives a puppy or young dog a way to self-soothe when bored or anxious.
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Animal Wellness
HINT:
Use cord organizers or protective covers to keep wires and cables out of reach.
DOG-PROOF YOUR HOME The first step in preventing your new dog or pup from chewing household items is to remove temptations and create a safe environment. Dog-proofing your home means identifying potential targets and placing them out of reach. •
Move shoes, remote controls, books, cushions, and any other tempting objects to high or closed spaces your dog can't access.
•
Pay close attention to wires, cords, and cables. These are attractive to dogs who like chewing, but they can also cause severe harm. Use cord organizers or protective covers to keep them out of reach.
SUPERVISE AND CRATE TRAIN YOUR DOG OR PUP Dog and puppy training requires time, patience — and supervision. However, there will be occasions when you won’t be able to supervise her closely, and this is where crate training comes in handy. A crate can serve as a safe space for your dog and prevent her from getting into trouble when you can't watch her. Ensure the crate is a positive and comfortable place for your puppy or dog. Never use a crate HINT: as a form of punishment. A puppy especially should not be out of your sight unless she is are safely confined in a crate or playpen. Block off areas of your home that are off-limits to your new dog or pup, or where you won’t be able to keep an eye on her. Shut the doors to these areas, or use baby gates. When training your pup or young dog, you’re laying the foundation for a wellbehaved adult. If you’re always on hand to watch what he’s doing, you can easily redirect him away from the wrong items and toward an appropriate toy. That’s what the next section is about.
TEACH HIM WHAT TO CHEW When training a dog, it’s never about teaching her what not to do, but rather what to do. Start by having more toys on hand than you think you need. Make sure your puppy or dog has immediate and easy access to a variety of fun and interesting
toys. It’s unrealistic to think he’ll go to the next room and into his toy box whenever he has the urge to chew on something. Instead, he’s going to look for the closest thing available, so make sure it’s a toy! It’s a great idea to keep some healthy chews on hand, too. Earth Animal (earthanimal.com) is one company that offers a selection of healthy and tasty chews that are attractive to dogs. Choose good quality toys made from durable, non-toxic materials, and avoid products with detachable parts that could cause choking if ingested.
Start by having more toys on hand than you think you need.
Be timely with your praise and treats, so your HINT: dog associates his actions with the reward.
HINT:
PROVIDE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL STIMULATION
Throughout the day, encourage your dog to chew and play with his toys. It’s not a solitary activity, but rather something you should do with him. Think of it as a bonding and enrichment game.
A tired dog is less likely to try to find her own fun. Ensure she gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation through play, positive training, walks, and puzzle toys. A mentally and physically tired dog or pup is more likely to relax during your downtime, and happily chew on an appropriate bone or toy.
REWARD GOOD BEHAVIOR Positive reinforcement is the cornerstone of effective training. Instead of punishing your dog or pup for chewing, reward him for making the right choices. This is essential, and will encourage him to repeat those desirable behaviors. Whenever he chews on his toys and leaves household items alone, praise him enthusiastically and offer a treat as a reward. Join in when he initiates playing with his toys.
HINT:
Be consistent with your praise and rewards, and ensure everyone in your household follows the same training principles.
Teaching your new puppy or young dog not to chew your things, and only chew his own, will take time and patience. Remember that dogs of all ages learn best through good management, positive reinforcement, and consistency. By following the tips in this article, your new best friend will learn to chew and play with his own toys — and leave your shoes and the TV remote alone.
WHAT TO DO IF SHE CHEWS THE WRONG THING Keep a close eye on your dog or pup, especially during the initial stages of training. If you catch her chewing on an inappropriate item, never shout at or punish her. Just calmly redirect her attention to an appropriate toy or chew. You may need to find ways to make the toy exciting and fun. When your dog goes for it, reward and praise her. Another strategy is to teach her the “drop it” cue. This is a great tool if she grabs something she shouldn’t, and helps you safely retrieve items from her mouth when necessary. Grab a toy and say "get it." When your dog or pup takes it, engage in a little play. Next, keep hold of the toy but stop playing. Hold a tasty treat right to her nose. When she drops the toy, say "yes!" and give her the treat. Repeat. Continue this game until your pup or dog starts to easily drop the toy. Now, introduce your verbal cue by saying “drop it” right before you hold the treat by her nose. Reward and repeat. As your dog starts to learn this new behavior, give her the “drop it” cue before showing her the treat. Practice this game regularly with various toys and objects.
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Animal Wellness
7
KNOW YOUR CAT
fun facts about your cat’s nose
BY NADIA ALI
— and sense of smell
Did you know your cat orients himself by scent, or that he has a unique nose print? Check out these fun and fascinating facts about the feline nose and its amazing sense of smell.
You might not think much about your cat’s nose, except how cute it looks, but did you know it features over 200 million scent receptors? This is just one of many remarkable facts about the feline sense of smell. Read on for seven fun facts about your kitty’s nose and his olfactory powers.
1
KITTENS CAN IDENTIFY THEIR MOTHERS BY SMELL
The sense of smell is often referred to as the olfactory system. This simply means an ability to inhale and identify scents. It’s a skill kittens are born with, when their eyes are still closed. A newborn kitten’s sense of smell helps him find the scent of his mother and nestle close to drink milk. The scent of the mother is said to remain in the kitten’s memory for up to one year, according to the American Veterinary Association of Animal Behavior.
CAT’S SENSE OF SMELL 2 YOUR IS MUCH BETTER THAN YOURS Thanks to those 200+ million scent receptors on a cat’s nose, our kitties can smell much better than we can, notes Dr. Carly Patterson of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine &
Biomedical Sciences. Cat’s don’t smell as well as dogs, whose noses have far more scent receptors, but recent research has shown cats may be better than dogs at discerning between different smells.
ORIENT THEMSELVES 3 CATS BY SCENT Cats live in a scent-oriented world. Their sense of smell helps them find their way home, guides them to prey, and even detects the gender of another cat just by sniffing urine. It also enables them to smell food and know whether it’s good to eat, or has passed its “best before” date! Cats have very few taste receptors, so if their food has a good smell then it’s time to tuck in.
CAN ALSO SMELL 4 KITTIES WITH THEIR MOUTHS Have you ever seen your cat sitting with her mouth partly open and a faraway look in her eyes? She’s most likely scenting the air with a special organ located in the roof of her mouth. Called the vomeronasal organ, or Jacobson organ, it can detect pheromones in the air, a mixture of cat secretions
The Jacobson organ is like a scent analyzer for odors cats don’t recognize. 40
Animal Wellness
such as urine, saliva, and sweat. Dogs do not possess this ability and are unable to smell pheromones. According to Kai Zhao, associate professor of otolaryngology and author of a recent study at Ohio State University, “it’s like you take a sniff, the air is shooting back there and then is being processed for a much longer time.” This means that instead of air being breathed through the nose and into the respiratory system for analysis, it is taken in by the Jacobson organ instead. Cat Expert Pam Johnson-Bennett adds that this organ is like a scent analyzer for odors cats don’t recognize.
5
Check your cat’s nose
A CAT’S NOSE COLOR DOESN’T ALWAYS MATCH HIS FUR COLOR
It’s been said that the color of a cat’s nose matches his fur — e.g. black cats have black noses, white cats have pink noses, orange cats have orange noses, and gray cats have gray noses. But this isn’t always the case. When studying the developmental genetics of color patterns in cats, researchers from the Department of Genetics at Stanford University School of Medicine found that the cat’s fur (and nose) color and patterns are associated with breed, genetics, and age. Some cats even have freckles on their noses.
Veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker recommends checking your cat’s nose while she’s sleeping. Is her nose dry or wet, cool or warm? Is her mouth closed or slightly open? A cat’s nose leather can also be subject to sunburn or the effects of extreme cold, so make sure it isn’t flaking, chapped, or scabby. Any persistent change in the appearance of your cat’s nose warrants a trip the veterinarian.
Recent research has shown cats may be better than dogs at discerning between different smells.
CAT HAS A 6 EACH UNIQUE NOSE PRINT Just like human fingerprints, each cat’s nose print is unique. Cats have special bumps and ridges on their noses that form this print. The World Animal Foundation estimates there are about 300 to 600 million cats in the world today, so that’s a lot of nose prints! Thanks to advancing technology, there are now apps that can locate a cat using her nose print — you simply upload a photo of your cat’s unique nose print, with the option of adding other details such as breed or color, and the info gets logged into a data finding locator.
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THE SKIN ON A CAT’S NOSE FEELS LIKE LEATHER
If you touch the skin on your kitty’s nose, you’ll find it has a leathery feel. Known as nose leather, also called the rhinarium by scientists, this moist, naked surface around the nostrils helps the cat sense wind direction or sniff her way home or to food. Take time to familiarize yourself with your cat’s unique nose. Knowing something about his nose and sense of smell will help you better understand and care for your kitty. www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com
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